ADVENT December 1997

How Do You Ret a Your Faith when You Don't Get the Answers You Want? HEART TO HEART

The Greater Reward

and her chest tightened; like a flash of Herbert Lockyer, in his book All the lightning, she made her decision. Miracles of the Bible, indicates that the "If I could only touch His cloak, I original translation is "Go into peace." will be healed." Could Jesus have been saying, "Now Adrenaline flowed. For her, necessity that you have touched me, enter into respected no law. Gathering every ounce the peace that I came to impart to all of strength in her weakened body, she those who trust in me?" surged toward him and, in a flash, Glancing casually at this encounter, touched the edge of his cloak. the emphasis appears to be on physical Immediately, she was healed. healing. But centering on John 14:27, it She attempted a quick retreat, but appears that God's peace is the greater suddenly the procession halted. Daring reward of a touch of faith: "Peace I leave to glance around, she realized that Jesus with you; my peace I give you. I do not had also stopped. give to you as the world gives. Do not "Who touched my clothes?" queried let your hearts be troubled, and do not the Master. be afraid." God does not always promise Impetuous Peter scolded, "Master, immediate healing, but He does promise you see the people crowding against peace. you, and yet you ask, 'Who touched me?'" Glancing casually at this But Jesus persisted, "Someone tepping out of the darkened touched me; I know that power has encounter, the emphasis house, she grabbed onto an over- gone out from me." Shanging branch in an attempt to Shaking with fear, she realized her appears to be on physical steady her feet as her glance swept the only recourse was to acknowledge her oncoming crowd. Today the throng was action and beg for mercy. Immediately, healing. But it appears that unusually large. The people seemed to she fell at Jesus' feet and, in the presence be milling around one person. Her gaze of all the people, told why she had God's peace is the greater became more intense as she strained to touched Him and how she had been understand the nature of this crowd. instantly healed. reward of a touch of faith. Then her ears caught the name Jesus. Would Jesus denounce her and "Oh," she thought, "this is the Jesus, expose her to almost certain punish- Peace on Earth will be the theme of the teacher, the healer that I have been ment? With bated breath she waited. many this Christmas season. As we join hearing about." How her heart pound- "Daughter," He addressed her, "your the throng in celebrating the birth of ed. He was now her only hope. faith has healed you. Go in peace." Jesus, can we, once again, listen to His She suffered from an ailment that invitation to reach out and touch Him drained her physically, emotionally, and Entering Peace in faith? He invites us to take hold of socially. By the Mosaic laws (Leviticus There was a progression to the healing Him and accept the peace that He has 15:25-27), she was unclean, not to be process that Jesus used. Endearingly to offer. "These things I have spoken touched or to touch anyone. What pain addressing this outcast as daughter unto you, that in me you might have and isolation she suffered. For 12 years instantly raised her status level, allowing peace. In this world you shall have tribu- she had heard the words "I am sorry" as her to realize her worth in Him. He lation, but be of good cheer, I have over- she visited doctor after doctor, seeking then affirmed her faith. It was her faith come the world." John 16:33 relief. that drew the healing power from Him. Our wish for each of you is to accept The desire to be healed overwhelmed He had given her no guarantee that she Jesus' peace within your heart, that you her. This could be her only chance. The would be physically healed. Yet her faith will be able to realize His abundant crowd quickly engulfed her, yet no one superseded the expectation of physical blessing this holiday season. ■ cried "Unclean!" Only a few feet away healing. Then, after she was healed, He stood Jesus. Her throated constricted bade her, "Go in peace." by Orville and Jean Parchment

2 December 1997 Messenger

HEALTH & HEALING FEATURE

Does God Change His Mind?

Mr. Oliveira," the doctor said,"the results are positive. You have a very rare type of

leukemia.You need to start treatment immediately because you have no more than

10 days to live."

My husband and I could hardly believe what we were hearing. have the opportunity to witness the miracle that God had per- The day before had been Sabbath; after arriving home from formed in his life, and how impressed people were with his church, my husband noticed abnormal symptoms that took experience. him to the hospital. After the necessary tests were done, the How would I now give him the news I had just received results were there: he was about to die. from his doctor? I had to, though, and I picked up the phone. Before initiating treatment, we took time to pray and put My voice was matter-of-fact, but I was distraught. Why was my husband's life in God's hands. All of the church was united God allowing all this to happen again? Where did His miracle in prayer on his behalf some of the members were fasting as go? Had God changed His mind? well. Yes, this was a big issue for God to take over, and we all My husband's return was made in very critical circum- were sure He would lead the way. stances. I had to fly to bring him back to our home in In five days, though, my husband was literally dying. His Toronto, and he went straight to the hospital from the airport. body was rejecting the medication, and he was not responding Death was imminent, unless God intervened. to the treatment. I was told to expect anything to happen And He did once more. A month after the first phase of because the doctors had done all they could. I had to talk to treatment, the tests show he is in remission again. The bone my husband and tell him what was going on. Death was immi- marrow transplant from his sister is going to happen soon, but nent, and some arrangements had to be made. We talked about there are risks. The future is uncertain. In fact, as the saying our two young children and what it would be like if the worst goes, "We don't know what the future holds, but we know happened. Who holds the future." That night we passed through the "valley of the shadow of Waiting on the Lord is not a new experience for me. In fact, death." My husband was delirious. Breathing was made possi- I already felt His presence in my life when I lost my mother ble by an oxygen mask, and the doctors were assisting him and brother in a car accident at age 13. God not only spared closely. The hours passed slowly compared to our agony. When my life but sustained me through the years with His loving morning came, he had calmed down. In the early dawn, he care — in the same way He is doing at this time. His Holy asked me to read in the Bible one of the miracles of Jesus — Spirit reminds me continuously of His promises in the Bible, the touch of faith that was enough to heal the woman. Finally, most of which I memorized as a young child on my mother's he prayed for himself He asked God to make him well for His lap during our devotional time at home. sake if he wanted to, and he asked Jesus to intercede on his God never promised His children a rose-colored life. Jesus behalf by giving him relief from his pain. said we would have trouble in this world, but we should be of It did not take too long, and he began to feel better. His good cheer because He had overcome. Isaiah 43:2 says, "When face had a peaceful expression as he experienced God's healing you pass through deep waters it will not submerge you." See? It power in his spirit and body. The treatment went through with is not saying that we will not cross troubling waters, but that no major complications, and after it was completed, he submit- our troubles will not overwhelm us. ted to another round of tests. The results were the best: "It Paul adds a jewel of trust by assuring that "all things work seems as though you were never ill before. Your bone marrow is together for the good of those who love God." Romans 8:28 just perfect," the doctor said. When looking at things through our human eyes, we are A few months ago, a year after this experience, the tele- tempted to doubt. But it is in the midst of our trials that we phone rang early in the morning. have to acknowledge as Job did that our Redeemer lives. "Mrs. Oliveira," the doctor said, "I am sorry to be the bear- God does not change His mind. As the heavens are higher er of the unpleasant news that the last test your husband had than the earth, His thoughts are far above ours, and unless we shows a relapse. We have to be careful and reinitiate the treat- forget the way He led us in the past, we should not worry ment as soon as possible." about the future. I could hardly believe what I was hearing. My husband was May we all find the strength of the Lord as we meditate in on holiday with our children and was enjoying himself very His compassionate love for His children and taste of His good- much. Many times he wrote me telling how happy he was to ness. "Happy are those who trust Him completely." Psalm 34:8 by Eloise Oliveira

December 1997 Messenger 3

Two Relationships Lost ...for a Time

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4 December 1997 Messenger HEALTH & HEALING FEATURE

It has been 19 years since our daughter, Shannon, died from leukemia at the age of and started down the street with him. two years 9 months, but I still feel her loss. While the grief and pain of our separation At that moment there was a huge crash behind me, as a car veered off the were often excruciating and nearly unbearable, for several years I also felt separated street and plowed through the window from God. It was as though I had lost two vital relationships at the same time. of the store where Ryan had been stand- ing seconds before. We found out later When Shannon was diagnosed with a and horrible sense of loss were natural. that the driver had had a heart attack. rare form of leukemia, she was only We heard from so many people who It was at that moment that I felt the given a two percent chance of survival. said that we were an inspiration because presence of God and knew that He was It's amazing how you cling to that two of our faith. I felt guilty, because I didn't telling me, "Carolyn, I do love you with percent. I never allowed myself to think really feel the way they imagined. all my heart." God had not taken me that she would die; as long as I had her During Shannon's illness, the people at beyond the point that I could bear — with me, everything was bearable. After church had been very supportive, but He had intervened and saved my son's each visit to the doctor, my husband and toward the end of Shannon's life, I think life. It was then that I accepted the fact I were swept up and down by our emo- that they didn't know how to relate to that Shannon's death didn't happen in tions. When the news was good, we us. It would have been so helpful to order to punish me or that God simply were ecstatic; when the news was bad, it have someone stop by and offer physical didn't care. That's when the anger really felt as though we were hearing a death contact and a chance for us to acknowl- left and I allowed God back in my life. I sentence all over again. edge and verbalize what was happening. was able to clearly understand that even- When Shannon died, I desperately tually He was going to bring Shannon Unwavering Faith needed to talk to another person who back to me, and that when we reached Throughout this period, my faith was truly understood the extent of my loss heaven we would realize that nothing on very strong. I talked often to God and — someone who had experienced the this earth was too difficult to bear com- felt very close to Him. God was also loss of a child. pared with the joys of heaven. very real to Shannon. We continually read Bible stories to her, and she loved Unexpected Rediscovery God Didn't Leave Jesus as if He was part of our family. Just over a year later, our son, Ryan, was Looking back, I can see how God car- Some say that children are too young to born. Having another child to love was ried us through the period of Shannon's have a relationship with God. This is so wonderful and he was very precious to illness. He helped us endure and cope, untrue. Seeing how real He was to us, but it didn't take away the sense of and I don't know how we would ever Shannon was such a comfort to me. loss. I led out in children's Sabbath have survived — individually or as a During part of this time, I met regu- School and taught Ryan about Jesus, family — without Him. larly with a group of women from while my personal relationship with Sometimes we hear people say, church. We studied ABC's of Prayer, and God was very shallow. "Something good is going to come out I claimed those promises and believed It was another four years after of this illness or death." No. Bad things them. But I can see now that I didn't go Shannon died before I reached a turning happen because Satan exists in this deep enough; when I prayed "Thy will point. On that day, I was shopping with world right now. There is no answer for be done," I didn't want to mention Ryan and stopped to explore some sale "why"; we're living in this imperfect Shannon's possible death or give God bins that were on the sidewalk in front world, and bad things happen. that option. of a shoe store. Ryan was always very We must remember that while God patient when we shopped, but this day, never meant for us to experience death Devastating Loss after being there a short while, he and the resulting sense of sadness and When she died, I felt betrayed by God tugged on my hand and said that he loss, it is temporary. There are no words and extremely angry: "Why did you give wanted to go home. I told him that I to express my gratitude to God that He me this child and then take her away? was almost ready, and he went back to has made it possible that one day each Why do I have to go through this horri- stand by the shoe bin on the sidewalk. of us will be reunited with our precious ble agony?" I felt that God had left me, But a few minutes later he again came ones again. May that day be soon. ■ and I couldn't connect with Him. to me and insisted that he didn't feel Unfortunately, I didn't understand well and wanted to go home. His by Carolyn Willis, the grieving process or that my anger behavior was so unusual that I gave in as told to Shelley Nolan

December 1997 Messenger 5 HEALTH & HEALING FEATURE How Do You Say Good-bye?

holding him. Shelley chose not to, and tempted with forsaking my faith, the Dallin's Story that was right for her. I took him to a Holy Spirit brings these verses to my "dressing room" across the hall. Here he mind: "Though he slay me, yet will I Something had gone terribly wrong. was weighed, and I obtained prints of trust in him" (Job 13:15), and "Lord, to Ultrasound measurements and blood his hands and feet. I held my son, whom shall we go? Thou halt the words tests of our unborn baby would deter- dressed him, and told him about his big of eternal life" (John 6:68). mine a condition which we could not brother, Garrett, and of how God loved imagine. We were expecting our third him. Although we believe that "the dead child (our first was miscarried), a sibling know not anything" (Ecclesiastes 9:5), Warren's Story for our son, Garrett. Early examinations talking to him provided closure for me. at 41/2 months showed the baby was I took photos of Dallin to Shelley for Warren and his wife awaited the birth lacking in growth. Maternal fatigue and her own way of saying goodbye. of their daughter; their young son await- placental limits were considered. The The chaplaincy and social work ed a sister. All appeared well until the baby continued to lose ground. Four departments of a hospital are invaluable. ninth month of the pregnancy. Pre-birth weeks behind in growth, it became Chaplains are sensitive to varying belief tests confirmed she was a Trisomy 18 serious. systems and faith expressions. Social baby. Lethal. Irreversible. Survival at best The compassionate physician who workers assess needs and provide would be one year of age. The 18th took our case informed us of dire news. resources for grieving. We consider our chromosome set which is part of our Our little one was a triploidy. By God's lives enriched by knowing our very genetic structure normally has two chro- wonderful genetic design, we receive 23 capable social worker, and she observed mosomes; their baby had three, and her chromosomes from each parent for a our faith in this crisis. heart was severely malformed. total of 46 chromosomes. Our baby Communication which Shelley and I Warren (not his real name) grew up received an extra set of chromosomes, to developed through the years became our in a Seventh-day Adventist home where give him a total of 69. This anomaly is most valuable tool. It is like preparing stoicism rather than the compassion of caused by two sperm fertilizing the egg for the great time of trouble. To survive Christ prevailed. Iecsons about life and at the same time, or an egg produced it we must develop a relationship with loving that he learned from his father with 46 chromosomes being fertilized. It Jesus Christ daily over time. Communi- were "men don't cry" and "got to be is so rare, that from 1991 to 1996, only cation and relationship prepared us for strong." Little did he know how his life four cases were reported worldwide. this crisis. We let friends, family, and would be conditioned by that example. Severely malformed, our son's organs our pastoral couple, Ed and Audrey Warren did not enjoy a close rela- were compromised, and he was dispro- Teranski, minister to us. We needed to tionship with his God. He recounts his portionate. He would not survive eight talk about Dallin, as we still do today, bargain with God in the delivery room. months gestation. If a triploidy survives because we grieve and his memory must "Lord, if this baby lives, I'll come back birth, it succumbs within two hours. remain. to church. If it dies, you'll never see me They very rarely survive the first When needed, we view the photos again." trimester, as miscarriage occurs. Shelley and memorabilia. His grandmother Delivery was too traumatic for their carried him for 26 weeks. made a beautiful card for him. The urn baby's little heart, and she expired. In Our friend, Colin Griffiths, suggested which we designed and made rests on their private hospital room, the young we prepare for the inevitable loss. We our fireplace mantle. This honors him as parents held their lifeless infant. Warren bought a baby blanket, receiving blan- a family member. cried as never before in his life. It shook ket, gown, knit cap, and miniature Jesus said "I am the resurrection and him severely. Would this emotional teddy bear. We spread them out and the life" (John 11:25). That is what awakening crumble the stony wall talked about how we would dress baby, keeps Shelley going, to hold Dallin for around his heart? and of his meaning to us. eternity. For me, this issue is a little Upon leaving the hospital, Warren Dallin Anthony Lewis was stillborn more complex. Life events do shake my says that he "closed up and went into a on October 16, 1996, weighing 345 faith, especially when harm comes to an cave." Childhood messages haunted grams (12.3 ounces). Nurses wrapped infant or toddler. Then I must really him. "Put it behind you, it's over, it's Dallin and put him in a natal cart. wrestle with God. Yet, I can trust Jesus finished," he told himself. But it was not Shelley and I wept and talked about Christ to take care of Dallin. When over for a mother who had lost the child

6 December 1997 Messenger she carried inside her. "She would ask me 'Doesn't it bother Supporting Families Experiencing Neonatal Loss you? Don't you want to talk about your baby?"' Warren said. "I told her 'Why Being recently involved with two families experiencing neonatal loss, cry about something you can't change, it I recommend the following guidelines for effective support: won't bring the baby back' I wouldn't put my arms around her and love her. I 1. Minister to the whole family would shut her down." Warren and his wife separated after a Be available after the parent or parents visit doctors or go for tests. By talking, year of this, and suffered a traumatic they can process news they may have received. Siblings also suffer loss and divorce. This crisis caused him to enter a need support. Grandparents have lost a grandchild, and their own child is support group for parents experiencing suffering. Be practical. Bring a meal to them; care for their children or pets neonatal loss. This was the turning while they rest; housesit during the memorial service, as thieves often victimize point. He saw others cry, and he learned the bereaved. that he could grieve again as he did 2. Primarily, be a listener rather than advisor when he held his daughter. The personal growth that God granted Warren led An anticipated joyous experience turned into tragedy. Let the bereaved talk as him back to the church of his child- they wish. Be honest about the situation. Cliches such as "I understand how hood, the Seventh-day Adventist church. you feel" and "I share your pain" trivialize their pain and reality. Avoid state- This has been, according to Warren, "a ments such as "You have to be brave" and "You'll get over this" or "Don't cry, great healing experience to return and you can always have another child." Although meant to encourage, they find strength." In response to this wit- inhibit grieving and can be grossly insensitive. It is most helpful to simply say ness, three immediate family members "I'm sorry" or "This is hard. This does not make sense." have returned to the same church. Today, Warren's emotions are healed. 3. Consider tough issues in a nonjudgmental way He has "read the books," and learned Neonatal loss brings questions of faith into focus. Where is God in all of this? that he feared being weak and not in Why did God allow this to happen? What about termination of the pregnan- control. In his isolation, he refused to cy? Let your reactions show you are a safe person to share difficult questions comfort his wife, leaving her alienated. or decisions with. Exercise patience, for answers will come slowly or not at all. "Communicate — don't discount Exude compassion, as these are issues affecting real people, rather than theo- each other's feelings," Warren advises, logical concepts to be generalized in a Bible study group. hoping others will benefit from his pain. "Don't be a big macho man. Don't make 4. Use scripture wisely the same mistakes I did. Don't bash The Bible is full of incredible, meaningful promises. However, quoting them yourself down . . . see why it happened." prematurely can limit the ability to grieve. Parents, trying to be "good" Although his life is now filled with Christians, have interpreted Paul's words advising us not to "grieve like the joy and assurance, misconceptions rest of men who have no hope" (1 Thess. 4:13, NIV) as meaning they should regarding the ordeal arise in the minds not feel the normal emotions of grief. of well-meaning people. Warren sees how careless words wound his little son, 5. Be self-aware and how his son argues with people who Sometimes our own emotions obstruct what we can do for others. While tell him that he does not have a sister supporting these families, I had the challenge of parenting my critically-ill because she was stillborn. He is assertive daughter. I could not let this hinder my ministry. To accomplish this, I in informing them, "I have a sister! She needed someone with whom I could debrief. In addition, keeping a prayer died at birth!" Warren then comforts journal is very useful and encouraging. him with the words "Jesus will bring her to us again." ■ by Colin Griffiths, Pastor of the Open Door Seventh-day Adventist Church in Abbotsford, B.C.

by Anthony W. Lewis

December 1997 Messenger 7 When Your Faith Is s

•b liii tiro src (SI

A patient in his early 50s was rushed into the emergency room. He had just suffered a massive heart attack. Immediately, his anxious wife and children requested their pastor to hold a prayer vigil in the church during the patient's surgery. For the next few days he appeared to be rallying fine, when suddenly the unexpected happened — another severe heart attack. As the chaplain on call, I stood by in support and brought progress reports from the surgery room as often as possible. Again, the church and the family in the waiting room entered into earnest intercessory prayer.The next few hours for the family were intense, yet those who prayed believed God would perform a miracle of healing.The surgeon finally emerged, but not with news they were expect- ing. Sadly, their loved one had died.The family were in shock, disbelief, crying. A son was devastated. "Where was God?" he exploded to the pastor who was present. "You said prayer and faith would heal my father; now he's dead. You explain to me why this happened. It's difficult for me to believe in God any more."

What happens to your faith and mine ual, I mean our faith relationship with unfairness and injustice as he perceived God and the sources of strength, guid- them (explosive anger). when we experience crisis? As ance, and comfort He provides for our Further, his grief reactions were an Christians, how do we struggle with human needs. Knowing how we grieve unconscious way of yearning and search- shaken or shattered faith in the face can give us a better understanding of ing to recover a missing relationship. As our faith journey, our feelings about others going through death loss, he also of major loss? How can we retain or God, and how to use our spiritual was protesting permanent separation. regain our faith under the destabiliz- resources as a way to reintegrate our No longer would he feel, look at, touch, spiritual life. hear, or interact with the father of his ing effects of grief? youth. Reactions to Loss These questions challenge me, as I'm Some questions have answers, some sure they do you, in real life. We all Now let's look briefly again at the son's do not, he discovered. In reality, help know how it feels to lose someone we explosive comments. What is he really often comes in the opportunity to pose love or something we value. And we are saying about God, his faith, and his the questions, not necessarily in receiv- also aware of the tests to our faith that grief? ing answers. In his book When Bad come through various kinds of losses. His way of coping with loss was Things Happen to Good People, Harold The approach I take in this article questioning. He needed to talk out his Kushner suggests that in questioning, it's comes out of my experience as a chap- shock, conflicted feelings, and beliefs. not so much that we desire explanation, lain with grief work. A holistic view of This meant addressing the disappointing but consolation. grief incorporates all dimensions of our outcome (death), his shaken belief sys- I hope we can view a kindlier side to lives, including the spiritual. By spirit- tem (prayer and healing), and the the son's strong complaints aimed at the

8 December 1997 Messenger HEALTH & HEALING FEATURE

pastor and God. After all, the Psalms are Notice how the death of your beloved faith, or soul darkness? Or, more accu- filled with laments and woes — leaves a part of you missing. You feel less rately, do they represent us all who grap- Christians wondering why, at times, than a whole person. You experience ple with the raw wounds and deep pain God appears silent or inactive, or when shock, sadness, hurt, emptiness, loneli- of loss? Too often, I've noticed, we con- they feel abandoned by God or angry ness, fear, and helplessness, along with fuse what are normal grief reactions for with Him. In spite of these initial reac- confusion, disorganization, and a sense loss of faith. tions, the psalmist always ended with of falling apart. The surviving partner Many grievers express how personal trust in and praise to God (Psalm says, "It doesn't seem to me life is worth feelings of human loss and separation 56:3,4). Based on factors such as the living! I don't know how I can go on sometimes cross over mistakenly toward son's religious background and support alone!" God — and more mistakenly, from God systems, and similar grief dramas I've Out of her grief and faith crisis when toward them. While some Christians let observed, I'm inclined to believe that she was left widowed, one woman wrote tragedy and life crisis weaken their faith, over time his grief would be healed and in Meditations fir the Widowed that the often this setback is only temporary. his faith restored. result was "total emptiness that replaced Such is the confusing nature of grief. my once meaningful existence." She Like binoculars out of focus, we too Grief Is Normal adds, "The barren terrain of loss became can find clearer vision of reality by refo- What is grief? Simply, it is the normal the testing ground of my faith." Inter- cusing our spiritual binoculars (faith) response to any loss. Without doubt, the estingly, it is reported that 90 percent of with spiritual helps available to us — most shattering experience of loss we people initially feel this way — a void favorite Scripture promises, short devo- face is the death of a loved one — created by death. tionals, journals of our feelings, nature parent, partner, sibling, friend. Other A few weeks after my father's death, walks, inspiring music, or fellowship losses or "little deaths" (Kubler Ross) can my godly mother shared with me her with supportive Christians. also catapult us into a major life crisis — own "barren terrain of loss." Everyone be it a divorce, miscarriage or stillbirth, knew mom as a Christian of incredible The Aim Is Healing faith and strong hope. At the time, I severe injury or illness, or some other Does grief mean, however, that we must was surprised by her feelings, but no experience that alters our life, leaving us continually live with hurting emotions. more. For more than 60 years my par- wondering what life is all about. No! The aim of grief is healing. By lean- ents were together. They were as one. For example, here are two interlock- ing into the pain, rather than avoiding After Dad's death, Mom had the chil- ing circles. it, the intensity and frequency of our dren's love and support, as well the pain will lessen. Therefore, we need to extended family. But we could not find ways to successfully work through replace Dad. Living without him took the grief process. meaning and purpose from her life. At Psychologist J. William Worden her age, the will and desire to go on identifies four tasks by which we can seemed too hard. A year later she died. manage our "grief work." I've added an "Most of us are not prepared for life They represent an intimate relationship important and complementary fifth to hurt so much," says Judy Tatelbaum — such as a husband and wife. task, the spiritual. in Courage to Grow, Courage to Grieve. (Personalize your own relationship.) Both A task, he reminds us, is something "We are afraid we will never recover are integrated as one. Life's enjoyment we can do about our suffering. We can from life's adversities." and meaning is tied to the existence of exercise healthy, personal choices and the other. options to soften the sorrow and deepen Don't Confuse Grief Now erase one circle. the experience of faith. By these tasks with Loss of Faith you can measure your progress of heal- What can we learn from the examples ing. One caution: each person has above as the bereaved struggled in the his/her unique grief pattern, style of face of shakeable loss to preserve the grief, and time-pace. "Respect your own light of their Christian faith? Does their healing rhythm," says Kathleen Fischer experience resemble despair, hollow (When Grief Won't Go Away, CareNotes).

December 1997 Messenger 9 For Christians, Psalm 23 provides 1.Words of comfort — human Tasks of Healing the ideal model for support in "the val- sympathy expressed and God's ley of darkness." The direction is down word shared Task One before it is up. In the valley, there's no 2.Strength through prayer Accept the reality of your loss. Part detailed grief road map — each step is 3. Companionship support of acceptance is to realize reunion is new landscape. There are slips and falls, For this article, I decided to ask the impossible or a particular loss is sometimes reverses. There's darkness, Sabbath School class I attend for their permanent. fear, uncertainty. But it's in the valley opinion on the following question: where we find healing. It's there we find Task Two "When you had a major crisis in your our Source of strength and support and Give yourself permission to experi- life and your faith was weak and failing, encouragement to go forward. The Lord ence and express your feelings. "You what helped you to cope?" Not surpris- says, "I am with you." He companions must feel to heal." The sooner and ingly, the answers, expressed in their alongside us, each step of our pain and more intensely you grieve, the own words, matched all three of Jesus' progress. sooner you heal. faith-builders. But the assuring words "I am with Recently, I was invited by the Task Three you" contain a dual application: the bereavement support committee of a Adjust to a new environment or cir- presence of the Divine Lord and His church in Metro Toronto to facilitate a cumstance. Continual resistance to human representatives. We who are grief support seminar. I was amazed at change blocks progress. Adjust, or wounded are also called to be healers the extent and depth of recent relation- you promote your own helplessness. and companions in grief with others in ship losses experienced among the their valley of darkness. And we our- Task Four church family. In each story was dis- Withdraw energy from past rela- selves need human comforters assuring closed the unique struggle and healing tionships (saying "goodbye") and us we'll make it. in his/her valley of darkness. In a gentle re-invest energy into new relation- As our human brother, Jesus also and profound way, I was privileged to ships or activities. faced His valley of darkness — the gar- enter upon "sacred ground" with com- den of Gethsemane. In His crisis, His panions in grief and loss whose faith and Task Five faith turned naturally to His Father. In courage that day strengthened mine. Search for meaning and hope fol- torture of soul, when He was "distressed When the meeting ended, we joined in lowing the loss. Rebuild your faith and troubled" He asked for the Father's the song I Need The Prayers (adapted and religious outlook that had been support — either take away the "cup of from the SDA Hymnal). ■ challenged or damaged by loss. For suffering" or strengthen Him to drink some, this spiritual task is a time for it. Next, He called upon His closest growth: deepening faith, closer rela- friends to be with Him in suffering by I Need the Prayers tionship with God, reinforced sup- their presence and supportive prayers. I need support of those I love port and strength, accepting God's In Desire of Ages, Ellen G. White While travelling through life's loss ways of working in your world and refers to three resources that strength- and grief personal life. ened the Savior's faith in crisis: That I might strength and hope receive, 1.He had a "yearning desire to hear And live with Jesus every day. words of comfort" (p.687). Chorus Divine and Human Support 2. He "longed to know they I want my friends to pray for me, [the disciples] were praying for To bear my hurting heart above Nothing really prepares us for the rough Him" (p.687). And intervene as Christ to me. terrain of grief. The journey varies, often 3.He "longed for companionship" I need support of those I love. up to two to four years in duration. (p.690). Someone has said, "Grief is a social [relational] event." We need one anoth- These three faith-builders are prescrip- by Howard Homenchuk, er. We can't go it alone, even though tions for God's people who minister and chaplain at North York some try. We don't heal in isolation but who are ministered to in crisis times: Branson Hospital with supportive relationships.

10 December 1997 Messenger NEW MEMBER PROFILE And Those Who Sow Will Also Reap

Allen Baird Allen Baird's grandmother, Lena Stoik, about the possibility of going to Three toward Adventism. In spite of work had for years brought Allen and his Angels' Broadcasting next summer and away from the area, Craig attended mother, Diane, to church services at the working as a volunteer with them dur- many of the Net 96 meetings shown in Onoway church. Allen had watched and ing vacation, learning all he can from a the Onoway SDA Church. By the end listened. Then came the Net 96 meet- hands-on experience in Adventist of the series, Craig indicated that he ings. They all attended night by night, media. would like to start preparing for baptism. then discovered that Craig began bap- they could watch it on tismal studies with a neighbor's satellite John Blake, the local system at the home pastor. The pastor was they were caretaking very impressed with across the street. They Greg's sincerity and his switched to watching inquiring mind. Week the programs at the by week they studied a neighbor's home, as special baptismal series the Onoway church is prepared by Blake. a 45-minute drive Finally, Craig was bap- from their home in tized this summer in Barrhead. the Onoway church By the close of the with both Adams fami- meetings, Allen indi- lies present. Craig's cated that he would own mother also like to be baptized. attended, and seemed Studies began in to be deeply moved. Allen's own home with Craig is now becoming all of the family involved with the attending. So far, Allen Allen Baird and Craig Purdy made their decision for baptism during Net 96 Onoway church and is is the only one to take and after further studies were baptized this summer at the Onoway SDA a member of the young the step of baptism, but Church in Alberta adult class, where he is his mother and younger an excellent participant. brother also attend Craig shares his per- church quite regularly with Allen and sonal testimony: "I used to live a life Grandma. Allen is also a member of the Craig Purdy which was far from anything Christian. young adult Sabbath School class. Craig Purdy lived down the road from I was very foolish then. Then I got Allen says that as he began attending two Adventist families, the Wayne mixed in with a good crowd and got a the Net 96 meetings, what he had Adams and the Roger Adams. Their taste of the Adventist church. Everything learned through the years took on new friendship built up over many months, seemed right about the whole crew. meaning and made more sense, and pre- including many Sabbath afternoons they Since then, I have spent a lot of time senter Mark Finley helped make the spent together. Craig also worked with with the Lord and the church, and on topics clearer to him. the Adams families in their lumber the 21st of June, finally I was baptized. I Allen is in Grade 12. He is very sawmill. look forward to spending eternity with interested in the field of electronics, Great discussions took place on spiri- the Lord." ■ especially in video production and com- tual matters. Craig is a deep thinker,

puters. He has already prepared a small and he asked many penetrating ques- by John Blake, Pastor of video animation production utilizing a tions, especially in long discussions with the Onoway SDA Church, hockey model he built at school and has Roger Adams. Craig began to attend Alberta worked with a cable company in local church with his friend, James Adams. field production. Allen is dreaming Slowly Craig's thinking began to move

December 1997 Messenger 11 So Much to Do, So Little Time

o much to do and so little time!" drive vehicle — as well as my breakfast Those were the words of ADRA — as Bill Graham, ADRA Rwanda pro- S Rwanda director David Peters, as gram director, maneuvered down a dirt we drove from the airport to where I road which had deep ditches running would be staying for the next few days. through it. People we passed on the road As we chatted en route to my accom- were covered by the dust that we left modations, I couldn't help but notice behind, as it had not rained for months the evidences of tribal war. Buildings and everything was very dry. By the time were burnt down and destroyed. The we got to the bottom of the hill, I was Parliament building showed huge holes already exhausted from being jolted from cannon shots. I stayed in a house from all angles. I was told that it was that once belonged to an Adventist man impossible to drive on these roads dur- whose wife and children were killed ing the rainy season. An alternative before his very own eyes right in their route to the house was not much better, Men work on a foundation for one of the 700 houses at ADRA's housing project in the Muvumba Commune living room. It was a scary feeling, even since the bridge was broken more often though the gate was kept locked with a than not. night watchman and two watch dogs on As we got dose to the ADRA build- guard every night. ing, a security guard, all dressed in his During my first evening, I learned green ADRA uniform, opened the gate that 107 Tutsi refugees had been killed and saluted as we drove though. We by the Hums northwest of Kigali right stopped at the office to send some next to the Zaire border the night before. e-mail messages. After several attempts, By 6 p.m., all was dark and quiet. Shops I finally got logged onto CompuServe. had closed and people were cooking Seventeen messages were waiting, and supper, as evidenced by smoke filtering after receiving five of those messages, I into the air. It was difficult to believe got kicked out and disconnected. I didn't that such a beautiful paradise country is realize how expensive it was just to be going through such political turmoil. able to communicate!

Jolting Roads Returning Rwandans Local women make bricks and lay them out to dry and E-Mail Connections Find Housing Shortage Very early the next morning, I had to Next, we picked up Amiao, the local hold on to the sides of the four-wheel project director, who drove us to the

12 December 1997 Messenger by Nola Pal Associate Director, Finance ADRA Canada

housing project site, which is about Extra Benefit three hours northeast of Kigali next to of Improved Sanitation the Ugandan boarder. Since 1959, many At the project site, almost everyone was Rwandans lived outside the country as involved. The social assistant of refugees because of war. By late 1996, Muvumba Commune had educated the almost all had returned, but this caused beneficiaries, and they were very excited a shortage of houses. Because of this, participants in this program. The many people are living in tents made of children carried water in plastic water plastic sheeting and thatch. The containers for brick making. The Canadian International Development women were making bricks and laying Agency (CIDA), through ADRA them out to dry. The men assisted pro- Canada, has provided funds to build at ject staff with construction and digging least 700 houses for these returnees in latrines for sanitation. According to the Muvumba Commune. My mission local authorities, this project will benefit A house is ready for its roof to be put on was to do an evaluation and send a more than 5,000 people who before this report to CIDA. project were living in conditions which We drove through several security exposed them to extremely high health checkpoints, which had soldiers with risks. Some of the families had already huge guns over their shoulders stopping moved in as soon as the roofing was on, and questioning the drivers as to where even before the windows and doors were they were going and what they had in installed. For many, this was their very their vehicles. When they saw the first home. ADRA sign on the side of our vehicle, As I visited the project site, the assis- they waved us by. I was impressed that tant community director came to meet ADRA is known to be one of the top me. He expressed heartfelt gratitude on five local non-government organizations behalf of all the beneficiaries in that (NGOs) doing charity work for the peo- community. He couldn't stop praising ple of Rwanda. The drive through the ADRA for the efficient and diligent mountains was slow but most beautiful work they were doing. He then pleaded and picturesque. It was amazing how the with me to take back to the people of A finished home with the doors and windows installed mountainside was cultivated with Canada their appreciation for assisting banana trees, with homes nestled right them in settling back to normal lives. to the top. Since this project began, ADRA Rwanda has vastly improved its image with the government. They would like to thank all of you, the many ADRA donors, who make these programs pos- sible. You have inspired hope and a renewed confidence in the future of many Rwandans. Your unselfish generosity in recognition of the many needs is God-centered and greatly appreciated. ■

A panoramic view of the residential area of Kigali, Rwanda

December 1997 Messenger 13 by Lynn Neumann McDowell, CUC College Relations

School Year Starts on All-Time Spiritual High "We've never had participation like this before. Never!" says Bobie Basaraba, a junior education major and student pastor of worship ministries. "This year there's definitely a more spiritual atmosphere on campus. It's really taken off!"

In addition to the unusually high participation in the 11 the quiet, intimate island in time with soft light, a book for already-established campus ministries, new student and faculty writing prayer requests, and copies of the Bible and Steps to initiatives are setting a spiritual tone that is making a tangible Christ. She is emotional as she tells of earnest prayers she has difference in the campus. Here are some of the new highlights. been blessed to witness: "It is a small time, but it is important."

Prayer Retreat and Vigil, Sept. 19-20 Student Prayer Warriors Special guests Carrol and John Shewmake and Philip Touched by the interest, secret gifts, and prayers of their Baptiste helped kick off the 24-hour campus min- professors last year through TNT, a group of students istries event. After a packed vespers program on headed by Wendy Gilliland (education 2, Friday evening, exhausted speaker Philip Calgary, Alta.) is huddling around campus Baptiste finally had to concede humanity at in on-the-spot prayer for and with CUC's 1:30 a.m. and send home about 50 students teachers. who had lingered to talk with him. Chapel Church Week in Spiritual Emphasis (WISE), An experiment that began late last year, this Sept. 22-27 year's regular student-led Sabbath worship ser- "If WISE was like this all the time, we vice in the chapel is packed to capacity for the wouldn't need the attendance requirement!" innovative services that highlight student was the comment of many students. Moving musical, dramatic, and speaking talent. WISE to the beginning of the semester "There is incredible drama and mime talent helped send the message that spiritual things on this campus!" observes Bobie Basaraba, the come first, and speaker Dedrick Blue of natural contact person for the eager individu- Buffalo, New York, held students spellbound als who want to share their talents in the spiri- as he exhorted them to live with Jesus. tual atmosphere created with the leadership of Members of the College Heights Church Tina Tilstra (1997 religion graduate) and Ian community were much moved as scores of students in the Lund (biology 4, College Heights, Alta.). packed sanctuary and foyer stood with Blue affirming their commitment. Power Hour "It was a life-changing week," says Basaraba of the student Students, it seems, can't get too much of praising and praying reports she's received. "God brought Pastor Blue here." together. Encouraged by another student to use his musical tal- ent, Jeremy Roque (music 1, Armstrong, B.C.), heads up a New Open-Door Policy for the Chapel relaxed, enthusiastically-received time of Christ-centred jam- Following WISE, Teachers 'N' Touch (TNT), a group that pro- ming, prayer, and testimony on Sabbath afternoons. vides professors with student names for their special prayer and "There's so much happening!" says Roque, citing (in addi- encouragement, launched "Time Out with God" from 10 to tion to the established groups) the informal, student-led Bible 11 a.m. daily in the chapel. studies and prayer meetings that have evolved as students share Estera Stefanovic, who is the first student services program their interest in spiritual things. "If people think there's nothing coordinator (see "A Day in the Life"), recognises the need for a happening here, it's because they don't want to know. This is quiet place away from the dorm and distractions where stu- my first year, but I hear this year is the best ever spiritually." dents can come and talk, pray, or just be in a spiritual atmos- "It's definitely different this year," says Gilliland, who is also phere during their hectic week. involved in the Power Hour and College Heights community/ Stefanovic or another faculty member will be there to create CUC bridging activities. "We're off to a great start!" ■

14 December 1997 Messenger Faculty Colloquium Focuses on Campus Spirituality, Discovers Home-College Partnership The Valuegenesis study uncovered some Adventists exhibited the "rich and grow- issue of behavioral standards. Gillespie exciting news and some real challenges ing faith" (based on indicators such as pointed out that schools which focus on about the spiritual experience of young regular Bible study, prayer, and involve- the spirituality of students are producing Adventists. To help faculty grapple with ment in activities to help others) that more kids with high faith maturity than their role in nurturing mature faith in the study designers were hoping to find. those that focus on behavioral standards. the next generation, one of Valuegenesis' The good news is that there was a In view of these findings, the faculty chief architects, Bailey Gillespie of the close correlation between those who discussed ways to enhance a supportive John Hancock Centre for Youth attended an Adventist college (approxi- Christian atmosphere where students Ministry at La Sierra University, was the mately 30 percent of Adventist youth) can 1) experience dynamic Christianity featured speaker and facilitator at the and those who experienced the open and 2) find an environment that CUC faculty/staff retreat in August. questioning environment linked to a encourages them and supports their "There is a high correlation between rich and growing faith. The other excit- quest for understanding as they freely experiencing an environment where ing finding of the faith maturity ask the tough, sometimes unsettling, there is freedom to question (fundamen- segment of the study was that young questions that ultimately lead to a rich tal values and beliefs) and a rich and people who had experienced frequent and growing personal faith. growing faith," Gillespie noted. home worships that were meaningful to Finding ways to encourage questions Unfortunately, the study found, a them in content and through participa- and spiritual dialogue is not always easy, majority of young Adventists are not tion were also more likely to experience but an important and heartening first experiencing this environment. While rich and growing faith. step was taken in becoming aware of the virtually all of the young Adventists in The right answers, it turns out, can- important role of a Christian college the study knew all of the fundamental not simply be dispensed like medicine environment where no question — doctrines of the church from at least 12 to students. Closely tied to the ability to spiritual or otherwise — is wrong. ■ years of age, only 22 percent of young openly question spiritual things is the

Faculty/Board Retreat Focuses on Core Values and Goals for the Next 5 to 10 Years On the weekend of September 19-21 in vision statements. The faculty will also implement it before joint meeting of the Red Deer, Alta., the CUC faculty and draft mission, vision, and core values faculty and board for their inclusion in board embarked on an unprecedented statements and prioritise them for dis- deliberations on the mission, vision, core process to chart the course of Canadian cussion with the board. The board will values, and ends policies. University College with measurable then approve the statements that it con- goals and results. siders best express the mission, vision, O Draft the initial outline of the "We knew we had to begin the and core values of Canada's Adventist above four elements. By January, 1998, process of strategic planning," says act- college. a final draft of the strategic plan is to be ing president Ken Fox, "a planning and in place, and the CUC board will adopt visioning process that will allow the col- Review and revise the "ends poli- a final plan, including details of the lege board to give thought to where they cies" (goals and objectives of CUC financial support required from the want this college to go in the next five regarding its graduates, its students, church for different levels of enrolment. to ten years." the church, parents, potential stu- Fox was pleased with the progress dents, the surrounding community, O Approve a timetable for accom- made on the six goals of the meeting government, advanced education and plishing and implementing the above and the adoption of a timetable for industry). Already in place are master strategic plan. In the spring of 1998, completing them. They are as follows: plans for academics, the physical cam- the SDA Church in Canada is to con- pus, spirituality, and a three-year finan- vene an Adventist education summit O Review the mission and the mission cial plan. (kindergarten to post-secondary) on the statement of CUC, and develop a question of whether there is still a vision more concise vision statement. Develop a clear understanding of for Christian education in Canada and what the owners of CUC (Canadian the will among its members to see it • Identify the core values of CUC Adventists) want from their college. continue. After this summit, there will that are in addition to the values of The SDA Church in Canada is to devel- be a meeting of the CUC constituency the Adventist church. The board began op a strategy for implementing a survey to debate these fundamental issues. ■ the process by drafting mission and that will be developed by CUC and

December 1997 Messenger 15

A Day in the Life Estera Stefanovic, Student Services Program Coordinator

"Dorm Mom," as Estera Stefanovic became known almost immediately this year, is new on the staff of CUC, but she's no

stranger to students. Last year when birthday cakes and cards started showing up mysteriously at the rooms of dorm resi- lton dents, student detectives eventually traced the homemade cakes and pastries to Stefanovic. "She's awesome!" says Jeremy

Knowlton (education 3, Langley, B.C.). "She baked all those cakes when she wasn't even getting paid!" Know This year, thanks to a one-year endowment from a donor for the new position, she is being paid to do the work she Jeremy loves: being a friend who looks after the small and not-so-small things that cheer and help students. Already she's set a

record: not a single student has returned home this year! As usual, a few were determined to leave in September, but after by to

Dorm Mom got ahold of them, they decided to stay. How does she do it? There may be some clues in her daybook. ho P 6:00 Bake kiflica (Yugoslavian pastry) for two students with birthdays, pack gift bags with Scripture-inscribed journals and birthday cards 7:00 Shower, make breakfast for husband (Ranko) 8:00 Check list of things to do — add visit to plant services about washer and dryer for single student mom 8:30 Arrive in office at PAA, find a homesick student waiting to talk 9:20 Call local carpet store to see about remnant sale (still trying to find carpet to cover broken tile at CUC office) 9:30 Set up "Time Out with God" in chapel, make sure there are several copies of Steps to Christ 10:00 Welcome a timid student who appears to want to talk during "Time Out" 11:15 Collect boots, coats, and potatoes for student use, take to Lakeview Hall storage Noon Grab an apple and head for appointment with student at office 1:30 Swing by plant services to inquire about a washer and dryer on the way to shopping for fruit to make welcome basket for a visitor's room; arrange and make sure room is inviting; leave note inviting visitor to supper at Stefanovic home 2:15 Visit dorm — lots of joking 3:00 Confer with Dene Shipowick (counsellor) about a student who needs tutoring at the new student success centre 3:20 Go home to prepare food (lots of food) for Friday "home night" at college dorm, check with daughter (Zeljka) about which dorm residents have guitars 4:30 Back to dorm to check on a sick student, bring cough drops, chat 5:00 Make supper, welcome guest 7:00 Back to office for student appointment; note — have my friend in Toronto visit student's ailing father 9:00 Plan Thanksgiving dinner at Stefanovic home for 40 to 60 students — whoever's staying on campus; note — ask Donna Hodgins in cafeteria where can I get tables 10:00 Time to sleep, but first a few notes for tomorrow . . . ■

Enrolment that will be up and running before the 20th Anniversary of CUC Singers 317 students are calling CUC their end of the semester at the student com- To celebrate, Wendoline Pazitka-Munroe school this fall, up two from last year. puter lab in the administration building. is planning a huge weekend party for all The biggest major is education (64 stu- past choir members on March 13 and College Days dents declared) followed by biology (47) 14. To confirm your attendance and and religious studies (38). All provinces Nearly 200 high school seniors accepted receive music (yes, you will be expected except Prince Edward Island are repre- the invitation to a jam-packed three days to sing), write to her at 31 Dickens sented, and 24 students call the United on campus in September. A total of Lane, Lacombe, AB T4L 1S3 or e-mail States home, with another 15 from $4,450 in scholarships was presented to rmunroe@telusplanetnet. other countries. recipients Chera Lee Von Gunten, Leah Martindale, Stephanie Stewart, Russell Medical School Acceptances $75,000 Donation Hay, Cheryl Rosenberger, Winsley Bert Ganson, who leases CUC's farm Pearson, Soo Young Song, Rebecca This fall Loma Linda University School land, presented Carolyn Osmond, vice Brouwer, Delight Johnson, Charolet of Medicine registered the following president for college finance, with a Schwartz, Kazuyoshi Kamizato, Jayd CUC graduates: Karen Abbey, David cheque earmarked for the student com- Reimche, Sasha Sparks, Jonathan Cadogan, Trevor Cadogan, Bradley puter lab. His gift has translated into 22 Oslund, Gizelle Correces, and Melanie Oetman. John Branko was also accepted cutting-edge (Pentium II) computers Odell. by and is attending McGill University. ■

16 December 1997 Messenger

YOUTH LIVE

Grandview Students' Opinions: Write On!

he 9 a.m. bell rings at Grandview Adventist "Sabbath, for sure," declares one young person. Academy in Mount Hope, Ontario.The principal "And issues that are of interest to people our age," leads out in devotions, ending with prayer. Now it's adds another. time for English! The Grade 9 and 10 students are prepar- Soon the list has been decided upon."We will write ing to do some creative writing.This time the purpose is about Sabbath, Christian schools, entertainment, fashion, different — their writing will be put into print! The and dating." Below are the opinions and viewpoints of the students are discussing which subjects to include. Grandview Grade 9 and 10 class of 1997/98:

Sabbath inment all right to a certain point. 'Personak, going terta En Ever been invited to a party, game, et cetera? to places of secular entertainment is acceptable as long as placesyotire not You want to go . . . but then you remember I think entertainment is alcohol. the atmosphere to influence you.with Unacceptabledrugs and . . . the 20th is a Sabbath. What do you say? a We have to remember that there's a good allowingwould include stripfind clubs it difficult and parties to enjoy good, deanto listen entertainment. to or what reason why we don't go. God made that day God for us to give our mind a rest. sometimesver, I think that our choice of what music are good. What's rest? Sleep? Do you think God Howeto do on a Saturday night should, bemake M harmony us physically with whatfit made the Sabbath to be boring? God's not wantsCertain us videos to do. wouldDoing bethings acceptable. that Entertainment should also be boring. Take a rest from the stuff that weighs in moderation not too much partying or listening to music. you down — your math exam, a bully, your English teacher. Forget that. Think about God and all the awesome stuff He does for you. Fellowship with believers. Take a walk Talk about God. Dating is something that teenagers should take seriously. You have to choose your dating partner wisely and be mature about dating. You should be able to talk to your partner about whatever you feel uncomfort- everyday life, we are talking able with, to avoid him/her going too far. selvesWhen and we thetalk examples about fashion, especially at church and in our You should set your own limits and be the house about we straight with your date. Don't let dating Everywhere you come between you and God, because that Clothes the way we dress, catty our- shoukl of God, go, you you should set be by dressed doing veryso. %Olen modestly. you go into partner won't be with you forever, but God not shouk be too revealng.not show too will. much skin.

Christian Schools - riting can be boring if is some A Christian school is a place where you can get a good b Its not too excit education to learn more about God. You can also make Creating w o do. thing that you have t friends for life. ing to write a compsitiono for just writingthe to What are the advantages and disadvantages of a church teacher to read. But whenthoughts you are to people school? A church school may not offer all the courses, communicate your own facilities, technology, sports, and other things that appeal your age, you become highly motivated.want to In to youth today. A Christian atmosphere and caring teach- et started, you ers may not seem important right now, but I think the fact, once you g long-term benefits make it worthwhile. "rite-w on. •

December 1997 Messenger 17 of Canadian Adventist members and churches in action

■ MARITIMES Hestia House Reaching into the Hestia House is a refuge for women and children who Community through Health are physically and mentally abused by their husbands and fathers. The Saint John SDA Church has signed EWSIAk The annual Fredericton exhibi- up to lend support to this worthy cause. We provide, kEALTN EDUCATION tion was an interesting spot this for one woman and her children per month, enough year. The Fredericton SDA groceries and other needed items to help them sustain Church (with help from Zealand themselves as they leave Hestia House in search of a and Harvey church members) better life. sponsored a health education This is a project that all of the church has become booth, under the direction of involved in. Each Sabbath, church members bring in Judy Lowe. The booth focused nonperishable food items, which are collected by a on health education, of course, couple of children at the time the morning offerings and was an excellent way to meet are received. As we are not allowed to actually meet the many people in the community women coming out of the safe house, we try to put and encourage healthful living. into the food boxes a copy of the book Steps to Christ, The booth offered an opportuni- praying that they will find a better life. So far, we have ty to receive a personalized com- helped out at least one family per month for the last Judy Lowe supervises the health education puter printout of your "health two years through this program. We pray that this will booth while participants fill out health-age age" as opposed to your chrono- be a way to help others to know and love Christ. ■ questionnaires logical age (the two are not always the same); vegetarian cooking classes and ■ ONTARIO Breathe-Free seminars were promoted as well. ■ New Treasurer Joins Conference Halifax Community Services The Ontario conference welcomes Looking to Expand Ebenezer Agboka as its new treasur- er. He succeeds Nelson Tabingo, A group of business and community leaders are work- who has accepted a similar position ing with the director of the Adventist community with the Central California confer- services program in Halifax, Mel Boutilier, to plan a ence. Agboka is no stranger to the major fundraising dinner and auction in January. Ontario conference, as he served as 411f The food and furniture banks are seen as a major the internal auditor and associate Ebenezer Agboka mission outreach of the Halifax SDA Church. The treasurer in Ontario for more than five years. food bank alone serves an average of 230 families every Prior to this appointment, Agboka was an auditor week, while the furniture bank serves at least 60 fami- with the General Conference Auditing Services for lies each week. The food bank is currently housed in a Canada. Agboka has more than 15 years of experience 12x16-foot building, which means that clients are in financial administration, auditing within the govern- often at the mercy of the elements for hours as they ment and the Adventist church. He is a certified public await services. Also, space is needed in order for volun- accountant, has an MBA in accounting and general teers to minister to clients individually. The furniture management, and is fluent in English and French. ■ and food banks urgently need to expand in response to growing community needs. A major goal is to obtain Courage to Grieve the resources to accommodate both the food and fur- niture banks in a large building that will shelter clients and Courage to Grow from bad weather. This summer, the Apple Creek SDA Church bereave- If you would like more information on this major ment support group conducted its first seminar. The undertaking or have suggestions to share, please con- program was led by Howard Homenchuk, chaplain at tact Mel Boutilier at 902/477-3394 or the furniture North York Branson Hospital. The venture was spear- bank at 902/453-2498. ■ headed by Vilma Wiltshire, first elder of the Apple

18 December 1997 Messenger NEWS

Creek church and chairperson of the bereavement Joy of Faith Bible Revival support group. She expressed her delight as almost 50 people, young and old, participated in the seminar, On October 4, six happy, excited, and dedicated peo- which was titled Courage to Grieve and Courage to ple were baptized at the Apple Creek SDA Church at Grow. the conclusion of the Joy of Faith Bible Revival. Evangelist Don McPhaull, from the Kingsborough Temple SDA Church in Brooklyn, New York, preached powerful, spirit-filled messages during the revival, and many members as well as visitors experi- enced a refreshing that they had not encountered before. Visitors traveled from as far as Mississauga, Oshawa, and Markham to hear well-illustrated Bible- based messages. McPhaull's knowledge of the Bible, as well as his wealth of evangelistic experience, helped to make some unpalatable subjects digestible. One young person remarked, "I like his style of preaching because he makes the Bible interesting." Chaplain Howard Homenchuk with participants at Apple A packed church of more than 700 members and Creek SDA Church's first bereavement support seminar visitors sang joyfully as they witnessed the six new The topics covered included the spiral of grief, liv- members being baptized by Pastor Halsey Peat, the ing through grief, finding meaning in life after losing a associate pastor at Apple Creek. As well, several people loved one, and sharing your grief and easing your loss. responded to the appeal for baptism. Attendees came from as far as Ajax in the east and The pastors and members of Apple Creek have Mississauga in the west to attend the program at Apple scores of interests to follow up and prepare for bap- Creek in the north. Several people expressed gratitude tism. More baptisms are planned for each month as a ■ for the seminar and stated their desire to be a part of result of the responses from the revival event. the group as it continues in the future. Anyone who by Errol Lawrence, senior pastor of wishes to be a part of this group is invited to contact the Apple Creek church Vilma Wiltshire at the Apple Creek SDA Church. ■ by Errol Lawrence, senior pastor of the Apple Creek church

Tent Series Survives and Flourishes On August 23, an evangelistic series held in a tent in Toronto culminated in the baptism of more than 100 individuals. The event was witnessed by more than 1,500 church members and friends. The speaker was Redverse Philbert, from St. Lucia, and the series was co-hosted by the Downsview, Toronto Central, Mt. Olive, and Maranatha churches. Numerous events revealed God's control over these meetings: protection of the evange- list in a head-on car crash, the closure of an adjoining noisy nightclub, protection of the P.A. equipment from Back row (L to R): evangelist Don McPhaull, senior pastor Erroll Lawrence, associ- thieves, and miraculous police intervention. ■ ate pastor Halsey Peat; front row (L to R): Seymour McPherson, Elvin McPherson, Pamella James, Michelle Buchoon, Adenieki Heslop, and Norman Ferrier

Changing Traditions at the Smyrna Church Gossip. The ears perk up. The telephone receiver is grasped more securely. Breathing becomes heavy. Rationalization . . . should I listen or not? Giving in, just to hear the latest tidbits. She said in a voice drenched with excitement, "I'm

December 1997 Messenger 19 NEWS

not one to gossip, but have you heard about Smyrna? One hundred and ninety-nine women came from They've turned the Sabbath School and divine services B.C., Alberta, and the United States in great anticipa- around. Of course, some people were highly upset; tion of spending time with God, to pray and get to they hate changes." know His will for their lives, and making friends and renewing old friendships by sharing each other's sor- rows and triumphs.

Members of a Registration on Friday was organized, pleasant, and prayer group at came with a hug from the B.C. women's ministries the Smyrna leader, Ruth Lennox. All through the lodge, the won- church met ders of creation were evident with beautiful arrange- regularly in a ments of flowers, trees, shrubs, paintings, babbling park on Sunday water, and a croaking frog. The lodge truly looked like mornings to a garden lovingly put together by the caring hands and pray and take artistic touch of the women's ministries committee. a walk The food prepared by Elsie Kwiram and her staff was very good, especially the Sunday brunch. The Bible text chosen for the event was Hebrews She continued, while I listened in awe. "That's not 4:16 — "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne all. They've organized a singles connection club. Of of grace." — and the theme song was The Beautiful course, one man felt he would be mobbed by all those Garden of Prayer. women. And they had a prayer group meeting in the Juanita Kretchmar, the main speaker for the week- park on Sundays. You know me, I've got to have my end, shared experiences from her personal life as she beauty sleep, so they'll have to go without me." illustrated how by love God patiently waits for us to On and on she droned. "Like I said, I'm not one to welcome Him into our lives; how the Holy Spirit will gossip, but I just had to tell you!" change us and show us God's will for our lives if we Let me see, I said to myself, as I pressed the switch ask for His presence; that we must confess our sins, hook and dialed. "Hello, Lynda, I just heard ...." asking the Lord for forgiveness and then thanking Him Yes, at the Smyrna SDA Church in Toronto, the for that forgiveness; that we can be free from our bur- worship service now starts at 9:30 a.m., and Sabbath dens if we but bring them to the foot of the cross; and School is at 11:30 a.m. that "only by love is love awakened." "It's working," reports Alynda Dandy, communica- The Sabbath and Sunday early morning worships tion secretary. The members are fresh, and the children were led by Karen Scott, who showed us the endless aren't restless for the worship service. As well, Sabbath love of God through the life of Mary Magdalene, fol- School is much better attended. Pastor Baptiste is espe- lowed by wonderful singing and testimonies from cially pleased with the 15 to 20 new or nonbaptized women showing God's leading in their times of strug- people attending his pastor's class. gle. A special musical number, Jesus Doesn't Care What You've heard of music in the park; well, this sum- You've Done Before, touched everyone. mer members formed a prayer group that met at 7:30 The Sabbath sermon by Juanita Kretchmar was a.m. on Sunday mornings in a different park (Now titled God Will Make a Way. She encouraged all to fol- that colder weather has come, they meet in homes.) low God's leading and to step out in faith, trusting the They spent one hour praying for each other and half Lord for all our needs. Saturday evening, Juanita led us an hour walking in the park. What a boost of encour- through an encounter with God in prayer. It was truly agement from the Lord this was for participants. • a spiritual time, a time to commune with our Creator. We closed the evening by praying in small groups, claiming the many promises from the Bible. • BRITISH COLUMBIA Comments after the event included: Women Hold "Exactly what I needed." "Pushed me just outside my comfort zone so I can Retreat grow spiritually." "A Garden of Prayer" was "A real spiritual uplift and release." the theme for the British "The reassurance of God's forgiveness and freeing Columbia conference from guilt is what I needed." women's ministries retreat Many thanks to Ruth Lennox and her committee held in Hope, B.C., in for a wonderful weekend. • September. by JoAnne Boonstra

20 December 1997 Messenger NEWS

Creative Evangelism in Kelowna The God of Creation Do you know what happened in Kelowna in The seminar started and ended in the realm of science. September? A few people had a dream: to spread a Introducing attendees to the God of the Bible through message of hope; to remind people that we have a God creation versus evolution, Veith ended by introducing in heaven who created the heavens, the earth, and the them to the God who cares for our well-being and seas; and to encourage them with the message of God's health. Veith is the author of the health book Diet and soon coming. Health, which is published by the prestigious Stuttgart The hall where the Kelowna evangelistic series was Scientific Publishers in Germany. held seats 857 people, and on opening night nearly His scientific credentials in this field are impressive. Walter Veith every seat was filled. They came to hear Walter Veith, In his own country of South Africa he is one of few a zoologist and an expert in the field of evolution, scientists to be awarded a Royal Society of London creation, and nutrition, who is also well-known for his Grant for furthering the education of his students in powerful messages about the fulfilment of end-time his fields of expertise. He was the only scientist to be prophecies and the three angels' messages. granted this award in his field, and only four others in South Africa have been honored in this way. What a Positive Response difference it makes to hear firsthand scientific research proving that it is time to bring our lifestyles into har- Veith's lectures on evolution and creation received so mony with God's requirements. People were enthused many positive reviews that we have listed some of them to make lifestyle changes, particularly since Veith not here. Even scientists, including geologists, admitted only outlines the problems surrounding modern ani- that the evidence favored creation. mal products, but also provides detailed information "You have given Christianity a place in the world of on how to implement a new lifestyle program. His the intelligent. Praise the Lord!" sense of humor makes it easier for people to digest the "Exceptional, entertaining, exciting, encouraging, information (no pun intended). enlightening and eternally satisfying." More than 60 names were collected for follow-up "I thought the lecture was absolutely excellent! It with local pastors. Many thanks go to the local was very informative, and I learned a lot that I had Seventh-day Adventist churches in Kelowna for their never heard of before. It wasn't boring at all. You did a wonderful support and for the financial support pro- great job!" vided by the British Columbia conference. ■ "Excellent! We have heard many creation speakers (good and bad), but none have been as entertaining and well presented! We are praying for you and your ministry!" Additional Materials Available "I thought your lecture was incredible. I believe in God, but you just put more faith in me. Thank you." Videos of the series, as well as books that "I appreciated the way you presented your thoughts complement the video programs, are available and ideas. They were intellectual and interesting. You from Amazing Discoveries. The material is were able to present the truth of God's love in a non- delineated in such clear lines and written in condemning fashion." such an easy style that they are excellent to use for encouragement and Bible studies. In "First time in 20+ years as a Christian that the old particular, our youth can benefit from the and new testaments blended into one picture for me. clear evidence presented in these books, show- Thank you very much." ing that the Bible truths of creation and the "Thank you for helping me understand the contro- special messages of Adventism are relevant to versy in my heart, having been raised as a Catholic." our lives. "Excellent information. Easy for me to understand, To order the videos or books, receive a free not knowing much about the Bible." catalogue for a complete list of products, or "Incredible information. I can't believe I've been in subscribe to our free quarterly newsletter, the dark for so long. Keep going. You are great!" Faith-on-the-Line, please write or call us at: "Where are all the Christians? Why are they not Amazing Discoveries, P.O. Box 189, 7101C- here listening to this seminar?" 120th Street, Delta, BC V4E 2A9, phone "Thank you for the honesty you have brought to 604/572-9457, or fax 604/599-9949. my life." Amazing Discoveries is a Seventh-day "I have really enjoyed this seminar! It is changing Adventist-based non-profit organization. my life!" "Thanks for waking me up."

December 1997 Messenger 21 NEWS

■ ALBERTA ■ SDA CHURCH IN CANADA Federation of Independent Schools in Canada Holds Summit The board of directors of the Federation of Independent Schools in Canada (FISC) met for its 17th annual general meeting in September at the Ontario Alliance of Christian Schools headquarters in Ancaster, Ont. In addition to the usual exchange of ideas and experiences, the group discussed the Newfoundland and Quebec challenges to the Constitution. A considerable amount of time was also People in numerous Alberta churches have been active in spent in defining public accountability for independent health/temperance events this year, with approximately 20 pro- schools. grams such as Breathe-Free, nutrition, New Start, and stress. Founded in 1980, FISC has grown to represent Shown is a small Calgary stress seminar group in discussion with more than 200,000 students in independent schools, coordinator Shirley Thorp. ■ including Adventist schools, across Canada. The mem- bership of FISC is composed of provincial and national independent school associations. It exists to support and encourage member associations and federations in ■ MANITOBA/ the promotion and enhancement of the rightful place SASKATCHEWAN and responsibility of independent schools in our demo- cratic and diverse society, and to represent their inter- Saskatoon Holds ests and concerns at the national level. Stress Seminar for Community FISC is an essential voice for independent/private schools in Canada. Every one of our members has been Many people today are irritable, keyed-up, and stressed extremely busy this year with matters of urgency with- after a day of strain and tension in a new, demanding in their own spheres of concern, some related to environment. Some have suicidal tendencies and often provincial politics, some to funding issues, some to find the river or the rope a convenient outlet for their legal matters, and some to issues of integrity for reli- emotions. Because of the desperate need for instruction gious schools. We have good reasons to be grateful that on how to manage stress effectively, in September the there is one federation that takes note of all these Saskatoon Central Church presented the seminar Don't focused concerns and keeps an eye on federal and Eat the Soup as Hot as They Cook It. The community national issues that may affect us less directly but no program was led by Cameron Johnston, a certified less emphatically. ■ seminar leader from Kelowna, B.C. by Mike Lekic, director of education This seminar is made up of 12 modules which sig- for the SDA Church in Canada nificantly improve stress management skills. The 35- page participant workbook contains chapters such as What Is Stress?, Major Modern Stressors, Beware of Poison in the Soup, The 7 Stages to Burnout, First Degree Burnout, The Stress Test, and Personality and Stress. There was a good response from the community as they met for the three-hour session in the down- town public library. On response cards, many partici- pants indicated their desire for additional instruction on the many aspects of healthful living. Pastor Brian Hawes, who coordinated the event, plans to follow up this stress seminar with further outreach seminars to meet the needs of the community. ■ by Christine Brucks

Educational administrators from independent schools across Canad meet regularly to address common issues at the national level

22 December 1997 Messenger NEWS

■ NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION

Discover the Power Camporee Thousands of INTERNATIONAL Pathfinders are plan- IDEAL CHRISTMAS GIFT CAMPOREE ning to attend the next 50' THE GENESIS CONFLICT - By Prof. Walter Veith - camporee, to be held in A powerful expose of the truth concerning the evolution- Oshkosh, Wisconsin, from creation question, the origin of life, archaeology and the August 10 to 14, 1999. Since the year validity of the Bible, and economic and environmental marks Pathfindering's 50th year of exis- concerns affecting our planet. Enjoy the clear and logical presentation of these popular and vital issues. Includes tence, the camporee promises to be even more special over 30 photos. $8.95 than usual. The logo for the event symbolizes the camporee's TRUTH MATTERS - By Prof. Walter Veith - TRUTH An authoritative book on the complete advent message. Christian theme. With Christ's Spirit, Pathfinders can MATTERS A clear and thorough presentation of the issues of Biblical soar above the world's temptations and into a power- prophecy, end-time issues, the second coming, the three filled life with Jesus. angels' messages, life after death, the new age movement, Brochures with information about the event are the sanctuary message, political and ecumenical movements pertinent to our day, the validity of Ellen G. available from your local conference office or church. White and much more. Over 400 pages. $19.99 Although the camporee can accept 17,000 applications TRUTH MATTERS SET - Contains both books The Genesis Conflict (including 2,000 international registrants), special and Truth Matters $27.99 incentives will make tickets disappear quickly. The first 2,000 paid registrants of 1997 will receive an extra To order, call or write to: benefit: for every seven early registrants per club, the AMAZING DISCOVERIES camporee will include a free Pathfinder ticket (ages 9 PO Box 189 to 16) for a plane ride in the Oshkosh area. 7 1010 - 1 20th Street For more information about this event, see Discover Delta, BC V4E 2A9 the Power's WWW home page at http://www.andrews. Tel: 604-572-9457 edu/CYE. You may also contact your conference youth Fax: 604-599-9949 department or call AdventSource at 800/320-0525. ■

Canadian Adventist Messenger -0( These are the themes selected Issue Deadline Theme for upcoming issues of the February/98 November 24/97 successful aging Messenger. Is your church doing March January 2 education anything interesting in these April February 2 church and member hospitality areas? Then please let us know. If May March 2 community services/ADRA you have ideas for feature articles, June April 6 church in-reach programs please contact the editor, Shelley July May 4 women's ministries Nolan, at 905/433-0011 ext. 112. If August June 1 kids' views of God and church you have smaller news articles, be September July 2 Canadians in world missions sure to submit them to your local October August 3 prayer conference well in advance of the

November September 1 sister union feature — Ukraine deadlines so that the conference December October 1 big city evangelism has time to review and forward January/99 November 2 innovations in Sabbath School your articles to us. And remember, February/99 December 1 multicultural ministries we love receiving photos!

December 1997 Messenger 23 ANNOUNCEMENTS

Chena Hosking and Tim Gifford B.C., Muriel (Vernon) Tooley of Works of Abbotsford, B.C.; broth- • Announcements were married May 30, 1997, in Kettle Falls, Wash., Maureen ers Marvin Oelke of Red Deer, Saint John, N.B., and are making (Leonard) Wheeler of Kettle Falls. Alta., and Ted Oelke of Olds. Contacting OSU students: If you their home in Saint John, N.B. Ruth (Peter) Fritz of Black Creek. know of any SDA students at Chena is the daughter of Douglas B.C., and Dr. James (Elaine) Helen Leda Taschuk was born Oregon State University in and Carolyn Hosking of Pennfield, McGee of Angwin, Calif.; two sis- Jan. 27, 1926, in Lislanka, Ukraine, Corvallis, Ore., please contact us to N.B., and Tim is the son of Wayne ters and one brother; 14 grandchil- and died Aug. 16, 1997, in let us know their name(s) and Gifford of Miramichi and Mary dren, 25 great-grandchildren, and Vancouver, B.C. Surviving: husband address(es) so we can contact them Gifford of Moncton, N.B. one great-great-grandchild. George; children Richard (Carol) and include them in our local cam- Taschuk of Vernon, B.C., Sharon of pus ministry. Write to Robert Natalie LeBlanc and James Margaret Melba Edmonson was Brewster, Wash., Rose (Gary) Benjamin at 109 NW 35th Street, Hosking were married June 8, born Mar. 13, 1913, in Rochester, Holder of Brewster, and Roy of Corvallis, OR 97333-4942. Phone 1997, in Moncton, N.B., and are N.Y., and died Sept. 6, 1997, in Pasadena, Calif.; brother Peter 541/752-1866, E-mail BENRW037 making their home in Lacombe, Sumerland, B.C. Surviving: hus- (Bernice) Kaplan of Hayfork, Calif.; @bus.orst.edu. (12/97) Alta. Natalie is the daughter of band Glen Dale of Summerland; seven grandchildren and one great- Donald and Gloria LeBlanc of brother Douglas of Washington; grandchild. "A time for compassion" is the Scoudouc, N.B., and James is the stepsons William (Maxine) of theme for the 11th annual confer- son of Ronald and Pauline Hosking Coquitlam, B.C., Robert (Sheila) of Catherine Tranter-Bowes was ence of the North American of Abbotsford, B.C. Langley, B.C., and Gordon of born Apr. 15, 1923, in Victoria, Association of Community Service Calgary. Alta. B.C., and died July 29, 1997, in Directors to be held in Calgary, Anne Nicholson and Wesley Victoria. Surviving: daughters Alta., May 12-16, 1998. Anyone Ratcliff were married June 29, Dr. George Arthur Graham was Cathy Higgins, Carren Tyler, and interested in compassionate min- 1997, in Surrey, B.C., and are mak- born Nov. 2, 1909, and died Sept. Cynthia Simpson; eight grandchil- istry is welcome to attend. For a ing their home in Bella Coola, B.C. 12, 1997. He was a former profes- dren and one great-grandson. registration packet, phone Rhonda Anne is the daughter of Kathy and sor at Canadian University College. Whitney, NAACSD Treasurer, at Herman Nicholson, and Wes is the Surviving: wife Edna Graham of Joseph Weis was born Oct. 25, 503/775-6741. son of Judith and Glen Ratcliff. Lacombe, Alta.; children Ron of 1915, in Leader, Saskatchwan, and Red Deer, Alta., Terence (Britha) of died Aug. 12, 1997, in Mills River, Michelle Allison Szabo and College Heights, Alta., Fay (Ken) N.C. Surviving: wife Helen of Mills Mark Edward Okimi were married Lindsay of Prince George, B.C., River; children Lorne, Lucille, and • Births on Aug. 10, 1997, in Effingham, Patricia of Red Deer, Alta., Barry Randal; and three grandchildren. Ont., and will be making their (Peggy) of Phoenix, Ariz.; and step- was Brianna Lynn Dauphinee home in Smithville, Ont. Michelle children Patrick (Rhonda) born Aug. 8, 1997, to Gregory and is the daughter of Mild and Susan McDonald of Casper, Wyo., and Holly (Boutilier) Dauphinee of Szabo, and Mark is the son of Carl Michaelan (Dave) Bowers of • Advertising Tantallon, N.S. and Sharon Okimi. Chattanooga, Tenn. Policies Shea Leah Marie Dorion was Herta Kuhn was born Dec. 10, born June 25, 1997, to Jamie and PROCESS: Roxanne Dorion of Bloomfield. • Birthdays 1913, in Berdiansk, Russia, and • All advertising should be died Aug. 30, 1997, in Salmon N.B. submitted with local confer- Alex Befus, of Killiam, Alta., cele- Arm, B.C. Herta taught church ence approval. Thomas William Blair Mann was brated his 90th birthday on Sept. 3, school in Oliver and Rutland, B.C. • Payment must accompany She also served as a nurse at North born Apr. 21, 1997, to Blair and 1997. your ad, or it will not be pub- York Branson Hospital. She was Mary (Boland) Mann of Courtice, lished. Ont. predeceased by her first husband, • The Messenger assumes no Raymond, and her second husband, responsibility for typographi- Pastor Ben Kuhn. Surviving: son Adam David Marciszewski was • Obituaries cal errors, nor liability for the Gene; two daughters-in-law; and born June 20, 1997, to Andrzej and advertisements. Acceptance Marzena Marciszewski of Riverview, Correction: Stella Simcock was born four grandchildren. of ads does not constitute N.B. May 13, 1911, in Waterloo, Que., endorsement of the prod- and died Aug. 6, 1997, in Oshawa, Lydia (Klatt) Mandzuk was born ucts or services by the SDA Ont. Oct. 3, 1920, in Esk, Sask., and Church in Canada. died July 28, 1997, in Canora, Sask. RATES: ■ Weddings Anna Elsie Bohnke was born Oct. Surviving: husband Nick of Veregin, Classified advertising - $18 17, 1918, in Earl Grey, Sask., and Sask.; daughters Donna (Ted) for 50 words or less; 30 cents Nova Atwood and Jared Browne died July 5, 1997, in Hope, B.C. Howard of Edmonton, Alta., Judy for each additional word. were married May 18, 1997, in Oak She was predeceased by her first (Marcel) St. Germain of Garland, Display advertising (camera Park, N.S., and are making their husband John Albert Taylor and her Man., Ruth (Frank) DeCrom of ready) - $18 per column home in Kentville, N.S. Nova is the second husband Gus Bohnke. Langley, B.C., and Debbie (Peter) inch. For larger display ads, daughter of Marice and Edward Surviving: children Bev Lacey of Mandzuk-Bugera of Kamsack, please contact the Messenger Atwood of Barrington, N.S., and Abbotsford, B.C., Lorraine (Dale) Sask.; sisters Esther (Jack) Thorp of for a rate sheet. Jared is the son of Margaret and Edwards of Ucluelet, B.C., and Ron Oliver, B.C., Erna Seaton of Discounts - 10 percent dis- Allan Browne of Hillsborough, N.B. (Gaye) Aylor of Ladner, B.C.; sister Terrace, B.C., and Doreen Moss of count for three or more con- Elizabeth Augustine of Chilliwack, Moses Lake, Wash.; brothers Harry secutive insertions without Lisa Heisler and Robert B.C.; 10 grandchildren and 11 (Annemarie) Klatt and William copy changes. Deininger were married July 27, great-grandchildren. (Delores) Klatt, both of Oliver; and 1997, in St. Thomas, Ont., and are 10 grandchildren. making their home in Farmington, Andrew Edlund Broar was born N.M. Lisa is the daughter of Terry Feb. 15, 1905, in Asele, Sweden, Martha Thomina (Olsen) Feb. issue: Nov.24 and Lorene Heisler of St. Thomas, and died May 21, 1997, in Moxham was born Oct. 10, 1904, Mar. issue: Jan. 2 Ont., and Robert is the son of Al Penticton, B.C. Surviving: daugh- in Hubbard, Ore., and died June 5, Apr. issue: Feb. 2 and Marilyn Deininger of Walnut, ters Ruth of Springfield, Mont., 1997, in Sherwood Park, Alta. Calif. Esther (Steve) Szabo of Oliver, B.C., Surviving: daughter Rose (Byron) and Violet of Okanagan Falls, B.C.; Aaserude of Sherwood Park; two Grace Doiron and Ben Dick were 10 grandchildren, seven great- grandchildren and five great-grand- married Sept. 13, 1997, in grandchildren, and two great-great- children. • Advertisements Miramichi, N.B., and are making grandchildren. their home in Miramichi. Grace is Regina Alvina (Oelke) Sayler .English teacher needed for a the daughter of Dorothy and John Orpha McGee Davidson was was born Apr. 24, 1905, in Emery, SDA high school in Mexico. Doiron of Chatham, N.B., and Ben born Aug. 24, 1904, in Beausejour, S.D., and died Aug. 7, 1997, in Applicants must be single with no is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Man., and died Aug. 11, 1997, in Olds, Alta. Surviving: sisters Mary dependents. Fluency in Spanish not Dick of Miramichi. Abbotsford, B.C. Surviving: chil- Dick of Kelowna, B.C., Dorothy required. Contact Pastor Isias dren Joyce (George) Egolf of Surrey, Fisher of Olds, and Magdalena Tineo-Valenzuela, Seccion De

24 December 1997 Messenger Noreste, Pedro Martinez #2054, Attention all snowbirds: Going Senior couples Christmas special: CANADIAN ADVENTIST Fracc. Florida CP 64810, south for the winter? Travel with Come join us for an "old-fashioned" Monterrey NL Mexico. Phone (8) British Columbia RV Rental and Christmas or New Year with a 5-day MESSENGER 359-39-00 ext. 24, or fax (8) 358- stay in style and comfort. Call us tour of the Queen Charlotte 83-62. (12/97) for more info and rates at 604/852- Islands. Victorian-style home. November 1997 Vol. 66 No.10 0292, web page www.rapidnet.net/ Hiking or boat tour (depending on John M. Belanger: Life insurance, -bcrv. (12/97) the weather). Eagles, whales, dol- Managing Editor — Shelley Nolan [email protected] RIFs, annuities, RRSPs, burial fund, phins, and more. Bring your sweet- Production Assistant — Joan Tanasiychuk group insurance and tax-free invest- Serious Adventist poets sought heart for a second honeymoon or [email protected] ments. Phone 306/665-6097. (12/97) for anthology and theological reflec- just the trip of a lifetime. Lighthouse Circulation Coordinator — Nicole Jordan tion. For further information, con- Bed & Breakfast & Art Salon. Call [email protected] Wish to share my home with tact Dr. A. Josef Greig, Department 250/637-2300 to book. (12/97) woman pensioner between the ages of Religion, Andrews University, 1148 King Street East of 65 and 78. Five minute drive to Berrien Springs, MI 49104. E-mail New Florida retirement com- Oshawa, Ontario LI H 1H8 town of Summerland. Twenty-five [email protected]. (12/97) munity next to Adventist church, phone 905/433-0011 fax 905/433.0982 minute drive to Penticton SDA hospital, nursing care. Grand Church. Write to Luella Eckert, For sale in South River, Ont.: Horizons features panoramic view, The Canadian Adventist Messenger — the RR #1, Site 31, Comp. 17, House, bungalow, 3 bedrooms, peaceful setting. Home and land official magazine of the Seventh-day Summerland, B.C. VOH 1ZO. attached 2-car garage. Lot with from $70s. Located in "city of pure Adventist Church in Canada — is published Phone 250/494-5115. (12/97) mobile home, 3 bedrooms. On two water," Zephyrhills. Rural commu- 12 times per year. Free to SDACC members. adjoining lots. Few minutes to nity with all the conveniences. Annual foreign subscription price: US$10.00. House for sale in SW Saskat- church. Sold together or separately. Custom-built homes. For informa- Printed by Maracle Press Limited. Second chewan. 11/2 storey, 3 bedrooms, gas Phone 705/386-0697 for further tion, phone 813/782-1866, or write class mail registration number 0912. ISSN information. (12/97) Grand Horizons, PO Box 1887, 0702-5084. Indexed in the Seventh-day furnace, main floor laundry, all Adventist Periodical Index. Member of the rooms good-sized, 100 amp service, Zephyrhills, FL 33539-1887. (1/98) Associated Church Press. Notice to contribu- detached garage, large treed lot, Southern Adventist University tors:All unsolicited material for publication municipal water, small quiet village. is seeking a communication teacher Position available: construction must be submitted through your local con- $6000 (not a misprint). Need mis- for undergraduate courses in speech. manager. A new home construc- ference. sionary-minded people to help re- Candidates must have a Ph.D. with tion and land development company establish the Adventist work. Call emphasis in speech/journalism/ located in central Okanagan requires SDA CHURCH IN CANADA 519/679-4249. (12/97) public relations or related fields. an experienced construction 1148 King Street East Position calls for involvement in manager. Responsibilities will include Oshawa, ON Ll H 1H8 Retiring? Then spoil yourself in an extra curricular activities which may coordinating the building of various phone 905/433-0011 fax 905/433-0982 apartment or garden court room in include advising, club sponsorship, single and multi-family projects, Florida. Twenty minutes from publications, radio station relation- preparation of subtrade schedules President — Orville Parchment [email protected] Orlando. SDA church on grounds ship. Send applications with sug- and overseeing project managers. Secretary — Claude Sabot and 13 local churches nearby. gested references and vita to Dr. Previous experience running multiple [email protected] Conference owned. For information Pam Harris, PO Box 370, projects, budgeting, estimating and Treasurer — Don Upson packet, please call 800/729-8017 or Collegedale, TN 37315. E-mail familiarity with computer systems [email protected] 407/862-2646. You'll be glad you [email protected]. (12/97) would be an asset. Coming projects Under Treasurer — Brian Christenson did! (1/98) include building a lakefront resort [email protected] Lifestyle Center of America is a hotel and golf community. If you Associate Treasurer — Clareleen Ivany Holy Land, Jordan, Egypt: Come new world-class preventive care are interested in this challenging [email protected] career opportunity, please submit Communication/ASI — Ralph Janes visit the lands of the Bible. Feb. 10 provider operated by Seventh-day [email protected] to 25, 1998. A deluxe 16-day spe- Adventists in southern Oklahoma. your resume to Acorn Developments Coordinated Ministries — John Howard cial package. Return trip airfare Our physician-supervised residential Ltd., attention Sherwin Goerlitz, [email protected] from Vancouver/Calgary/ lifestyle programs use proven meth- 360-2300 Carrington Road, Education — Mike Lekic Edmonton/Toronto-TelAviv-Cairo. ods that can help prevent or reverse Westbank, B.C. V4T 2N6. (1/98) [email protected] Hotel accommodation, meals, heart disease, diabetes, hyperten- escorted tours in deluxe a/c motor- sion, excess weight and smoking. Adventist Singles Ministries CONFERENCES coach, English-speaking guides in Call 405/993-2327 for a free International Outreach — Israel and Egypt, and much, much brochure. (1/98) Belize, Central America, where we Alberta: Dale Kongorski, president; Bill more. Starts from $2,886 including join Maranatha in building one of Spangler, Messenger correspondent; 37541 Position available: Hwy #2, Red Deer County, AB T4E 1131, phone tax. For further information, call Loma Linda the fifteen needed churches for this 403/342-5044 Paul Matthew 403/782-7196. University is seeking to fill a pro- rapidly growing Adventist popula- British Columbia: Reo Ganson, president; (12/97) grammer/analyst position. Requires tion. Masons, electrician, plumber, Ken Wiebe, Messenger correspondent; Box a B.S. degree in computer science. cooks, and willing helpers are need- 1000, Abbotsford, BC V2S 4P5, phone Prison ministries pen pal pro- Experience with Oracle and/or SCT ed. For information, call Lorraine 604/853-5451 gram offers you a wonderful Banner preferred. Send resume to Hansen 704/697-2409, E-mail lorr Manitoba/Saskatchewan: Dan Jackson, opportunity to share our faith with John Wical, 11139 Anderson Street, [email protected], or call Doris president and Messenger correspondent; prisoners. Do you have the time to Room 115, Loma Linda, CA Durrell at 209/583-1259. (12/97) 1004 Victoria Avenue, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0Z8, write to an inmate once a month? 92350. Fax 909/824-4879, E-mail phone 306/244-9700 [email protected] Maritime: Robert Lehmann, president and We have a long list of inmates wait- . (12/97) Why wait for heaven? Looking Messenger correspondent; 121 Salisbury ing to receive a letter from a caring for a peaceful retirement village? We Road, Moncton, NB El E 1A6, phone Adventist. Your home address is Missionaries needed in Korea: offer homes, duplexes, and apart- 506/857/8722 kept confidential as all mail is chan- SDA native English-speaking volun- ments in a peaceful, safe Adventist Newfoundland: Dave Crook, president and neled through the post office box in teers; singles or couples (without environment in the country. You Messenger correspondent; Box 2520 Mount Nepean. Also, you can use apen children) who are college graduates will be able to develop lasting friend- Pearl, NF Al N 4M7, phone 709/745-4051 name if you wish. Share the love of with bachelor's degrees or higher to ships. Call Delbert Gilman in Harrah, Ontario: Derrick Nichols, president; Dirk Jesus with an inmate today! Honey teach conversational English and Okla., at 405/454-2431. (1/98) Zinner, Messenger correspondent; 1110 King Hope, PO Box 29005, Barrhaven, Street East, Oshawa, ON Ll H 7M1, phone Bible for one year or more at the 905/571-1022 Nepean, ON K2J 4A9. (12/97) SDA Language Institutes of Korea Quebec: Nikon Amorim, president and (teaching experience not necessary, Messenger correspondent; 940 Ch. Chambly, Physician needed to replace retir- we train you). Volunteer missionar- 45 Successful computer Longueuil, QC J4H 3M3, phone 514/651-5222 ing general practitioner in central ies are approved by the General dating exclusively for Alberta. Skills in minor surgery and Conference. Benefits include: SDAs since 1974 obstetrics recommended. Anesthetics round-trip ticket, housing, utilities, ADVENTIST CONTACT an asset. Close to Canadian insurance and stipend. For more University College. Reply to information, contact Ray James, 40 P.O. Box 5419 Mainstreet Medical Services, 4929- Pleasant, Sutter Creek, CA 95685. Takoma Park, MD 20913-0419 50 Avenue, Lacombe, AB T4L E-mail [email protected], phone 301/589-0440 1K3, or fax 403/782-4240. (2/98) 209/267-0416, fax 209/267-0342. February issue: November 24 March issue: January 2 April issue: February 2 senger Asks How do you retain your faith when you don't get the answer you want from God?

This is interesting question and one not desire, and I believe He promises to give beginning we had no faith. Is it that our based on whether I get the right answers us peace even in the storms of life. faith lives only when our prayers are to my prayers or not but rather based on answered the way we want? This is not Clayton Stanwick the kind of God I have come to believe having faith in God. Calgary Alberta that He is. I am convinced that the only way to I believe God is a personal, loving know that God loves me is to know In James 4:3 we read, "Ye ask, and Him, to communicate with Him as Father who knows every detail of my receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye life, including my thoughts and motives, much as I can and as often as I can. It is may consume it upon your lusts." Often only in this situation that my faith will and that He is always present with me in it seems that we ask God to fulfill our grow strong in knowing that God loves every circumstance of my life even wants rather than our needs. It is certain me and knows my needs. Whether He though there are times when I may not that with such an attitude, we cannot answers the way I had expected Him to sense His presence. His greatest desire is receive what we've been asking for. It or not, I know that in the end it is all for me to spend eternity with Him, and also happens that even if we're being for my good. He will do everything possible to make honest and sincere in our requests, we Leonid Matveev that happen. But He will never force still don't receive the answers we expect- Himself upon me nor take away my ed. Oshawa, Ontario freedom of choice. How do we react in such situations? I eventually come to the point where I When I don't get the answers I It is important not to forget that we are thought I would get from God, I simply individuals with limited comprehension, tire of asking the questions and find trust that He knows what is best and am which only revolves around our little myself content to rest in His unfailing then at peace. For me, faith is not based world. God knows everything and fore- love. What my soul wants is His peace, on getting prayer results but on knowing sees the results of all our actions. He not necessarily His explanations. the One who hears and responds to doesn't only know the present but also I heard in a recent sermon that every prayer in His own time and in His what will happen in the heart of the "When God cannot be understood, it is own way. individual who receives what he or she of great comfort to realize that God Sometimes when I don't get the wants. God knows if the requests will be knows and understands you." I have answers I had expected, I realize that good or bad for the person. always taken consolation in the fact that God may want me to learn some lesson We can remember the time that God God knows and understands me. He or see things from a different perspec- didn't do what Paul had asked for, even sees dearly into every nook and cranny tive, and I might say to God, "I'm not when what Paul was asking was impor- of my personality, including my all-too- sure why this is happening, but please tant for his health (3 Cor.12:8-9). In squeaky weaknesses. Before Him, I am help me to stay open to your leading Gethsemane, Jesus also received a nega- fully known and still completely loved. and learn what you would like me to tive answer to His request, even when I have this stubborn determination learn from this experience." He was agreeing to die. that no matter how confused in life I I know that His ways are not always Are we better than Paul and Jesus? may get, I will always keep hanging onto my ways and that He always see the "big Often, even if we sincerely pray, what the fact that He exists . . . He really does picture," whereas I often see only what we're asking for might not be good . . . He is there. Deep, deep down in the lies immediately before me. I can trust a according to God's plan. In any case, we depths of what counts in my life, I God who I know has my best interest at should not conclude that God forgets all know He is real. In this world, that one heart. about us; instead, we should be happy sure truth is enough for me. I have been in extreme situations of to know that there is Someone far This approach may never satisfy the trial, when I was not sure what the out- greater than us who is protecting us. inquiring human mind, but coming to come would be nor whether my requests Maybe we're not yet ready to receive God as a little child brings great healing were even in line with His will. In those what we ask for. When we fully realize to the aching heart. I am far from per- situations, I could only ask for His that our God refused his Son what he fect in approaching God in this manner, peace, and He always gave me peace had asked for so that we could be saved but I am glad to say that I have, at many when I would plead for it and be open and have eternal life, we cannot say that times in my life, tasted and seen that the and honest with Him. our faith is lost. If we lose our faith Lord is good. Being at peace with God in all the because our requests have not been Sheila Baker difficult situations of life is my greatest granted, it might mean that in the Calgary, Alberta

26 December 1997 Messenger Each month the Messenger poses a question to readers, inquiring about your experiences and viewpoints.

February issue (deadline — November 24) Tell us about a person who has been influential in your spiritual experience. March issue (deadline — January 2) How have modifications in presentation helped to make church programs more meaningful for you or others around you?

Faith is an attitude, a belief in some- negative situations to deal with? No, it the right way, He leads me. And in the thing or someone, a trust, as in a child. means that God has no plans to harm meantime, while I am waiting for His When a child falls down or hurts him- or hurt me, but only to give me the direction, I can have peace in my heart self, he runs to his parent; he does not support and help I need on my life's because I know He is in control. His go off in a corner and say, "I don't want journey, if I will trust Him completely resolutions always exceed my expecta- anything more to do with you. You in all areas of my life. tions, and it is wonderful, humbling, didn't protect me. You let me get hurt!" Many time as I look back at all that and exciting to wait and watch for God No, the first place the child wants to go has happened since I made my initial to work out the details. His solution is is to the loving arms of his parent to be request to God to "fix a problem," I always much better and/or less painful comforted and loved, even though the realize that either I was not ready — or than I anticipated. The greatest reward is hurt may stay for some time. even willing — for His solution, or that the wonderful freedom I can have in Jesus tells us that we must become something or someone else had to be knowing that I have done God's will in like little children in our trust of our ready as well. I also have learned that God's way. heavenly Father, if we would enter the God's timing is always the best and His My prayer is that I will always choose kingdom. So the choice is mine. Will I solutions are always better than I asked to completely trust my loving heavenly trust my heavenly Father and claim the or hoped for initially. I also know that Father, Jesus who died and rose again many promises in the Bible that rein- He has given me the strength to wait that I might have eternal life, and to force my trust and give me encourage- (Isaiah 40:28-31) and has not tempted daily invite the Holy Spirit to fill me ment, or will I, intentionally or by me above what I am able to bear and use me each day to glorify God. default, decide that Satan really does (1 Corinthians 10:13) when I allow His Dorothy Jones have my best interest at heart? Holy Spirit to fill me and dwell in me Willowdak, Ontario When we become adults, for some day by day. reason or other we seem to feel that if In Isaiah 59:2, we are told that it is we cannot control what happens to us, our sin that separates us from God. The it is God's fault. And this is exactly what action is ours, not Satan would have us believe: that all our His. So if I am not problems are because God does not real- at peace in my Heritage Green Senior Centre 351 Isaac Brock Drive ly love us. Jesus told us that "in this heart, there is a rea- Stoney Creek, ON world, you will have many trials and son. The sooner I tribulations, but be of good cheer, I have talk the problem 905/573-3511 overcome the world." over with the Lord, • Senior citizen apartments But what about the other side of the confessing any fault • 1 & 2 bedrooms coin, when God seems to be silent in of mine which may • Rent geared to income response to my requests for help and have contributed to • Park-like setting direction? In Psalm 32:8, we are the problem — • Located on bus route promised that "He will instruct us and intentionally or • SDA church, retirement home and teach us in the way which we should go, unintentionally — nursing home on site He will guide us with His eye." And in and ask Him for Psalm 33:18 and 19, we are promised, wisdom, compas- Heritage Green Retirement Home "Behold the eye of the Lord is upon sion, and power to Quiet, comfortable, relaxing, Christian home. Located them that fear [or respect] him, upon relate to the prob- in a beautiful country setting, spacious, private and them that hope in his mercy, to deliver lem in His Spirit, shared accommodations. One affordable monthly rate their soul from death, and to keep them the sooner my peace includes your suite with own washroom, nurses call alive in famine." Jeremiah 29:11 (NN) returns and He system, individual heat control, tastefully prepared tells us, "Tor I know the plans I have gives me the direc- meals, housekeeping, laundry and the various ameni- for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to tion or action I ties and programs. 24 hour nursing assistance. prosper you and not to harm you, plans need to take. Not Phone or write for an appointment or personal tour. to give you hope and a future.'" necessarily right 351 Isaac Brock Dr., Stoney Creek, ON L8J 1Y1 Does He really do this? I believe He away, but at the 905/573-3796 does. Does it mean I do not have any right time and in

December 1997 Messenger 27 Rejoice in the spirit of Christmas, which is peace; the miracle of Christmas, which is hope; and the heart of Christmas, which is love.

Seasons rectings - from the Lor.f

Of) lilt-