Mission Volume 7 • Number 3

FROM THE OFFICE OF ADVENTIST MISSION VOLUME 7 • NUMBER 3

Return to Palau Melissa meets the man who killed her missionary family when she was 10 years old.

PLUS 4 The 10-Kilometer Church Plant 6 Not Too Much Masala 10 The Man with the Golden Tooth 30 #FollowHim EDITORIAL

erhaps you’ve heard the story her grandparents, Drs. Itamar and Melissa’s life story is featured of the missionary family that Ruth DePaiva, came to take her to on page 16 of this magazine. It’s Pwas murdered in Palau in the United States, she told them one of the most courageous sto- 2003 and of their 10-year-old that she wanted to return to Palau ries of grace that I’ve ever read, daughter, Melissa, who was the one day. and it’s an honor for Mission 360° sole survivor. Through the years, Melissa never to share it with you. Although Melissa knew that lost this desire. In 2018, fifteen years she couldn’t stay on the island after leaving Palau, she made the after the deaths of her loved ones, journey back with her grandparents Laurie Falvo, she was still sad to leave. When and her husband by her side. Editor

Melissa Gibson with her grandmother, Ruth DePaiva, who has taught her so much about forgiveness.

2 From the Office of Adventist Mission CONTENTS

Chairman: G. T. Ng

Editor in Chief: Gary Krause

Editor: Laurie Falvo The 10-Kilometer Church Plant Contributing Editors: Cheryl Doss, Kayla 4 Ewert, Rick Kajiura, Elbert Kuhn, Andrew McChesney, Hensley Moorooven, Teen Nielsen, Ricky Oliveras, Karen J. Porter, 6 Not Too Much Masala Claude Richli, Jeff Scoggins, Gerson Santos, Earley Simon, Karen Suvankham, John Thomas, Homer Trecartin, David Trim The Mystery Book Editorial Advisors: Petras Bahadur, Paolo 8 Benini, Edison Choque, Jose Cortes Jr., Daniel Duda, Richard Elofer, Kleber Gonçalves, Johnson Jacob, MinHo Joo, Zakari Kassoule, The Man with the Golden Tooth Wayne Krause, Samuel Lumwe, Silas 10 Muabsa, Paul Muasya, Umesh Nag, Denis Sand, Clifmond Shameerudeen, Wesley Szamko, Samuel Telemaque, Doug Venn, 12 Living Vertically Amy Whitsett, Gregory Whitsett, Dmitry Zubkov

Design: 316 Creative 14 Paying It Forward Production and Digital Media: Donna Rodill

Mission 360° is a quarterly magazine produced and copyrighted ©2019 by the General 16 Return to Palau Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®. All rights reserved. The contents may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. 22 Ministering on the Mount of Olives 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904-6601, USA 24 Game Changers Telephone: (301) 680-6005 Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected]. 12 Ways to Serve Your City 26 VOLUME 7, NUMBER 3

Adventist® and Seventh-day Adventist® are 28 Breaking My Title the registered trademarks of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®.

Unless otherwise noted, Bible verses are 30 #FollowHim quoted from the King James Version.

3 ECUADOR

began attending church regularly, and as her faith grew, she prayed The 10-Kilometer that Miguel would join her. Initially, he showed no interest, but after a few months, as a birthday gift, he Church Plant agreed to join her for one Sabbath only. “My first impression was that n Quito, Ecuador’s capital city, a and lab work,” Carolina adds. “But I didn’t know anybody, but every- 10-kilometer race was just what it was going to cost around three body knew me,” Miguel says. “I felt Ian Adventist youth group need- thousand dollars, and we didn’t an immense love.” ed to help them plant a church! have the money.” Miguel wanted to learn more, The idea originated in the home Every Wednesday, the friends so he and Noemi asked for Bible of Carolina, where friends regularly went jogging as a group activity. studies at home. Eventually, they Ricky Oliveras, met for fellowship. Carolina, the One week, as they prepared for gave their hearts to Jesus and Office of leader of the church planting proj- their weekly run, Carolina’s mother were baptized. Their bakery is now Adventist ect, says, “We wanted to do more suggested that they use their ac- closed on Saturdays, but business Mission than just meet together and grow tivity as a way to raise funds. “You has doubled on Sundays! from each other’s experiences. So, could have a race,” she said, “and “It’s a radical change,” Miguel we decided to plant a church in an charge a small registration fee.” says. “We used to have a lot of unentered part of our city.” The group loved the idea and got problems, but now it’s different. The group’s initial attempt to busy planning. We study together, go to church, share Jesus didn’t go well. “We On the day of the race, more sing, and pray to God.” knocked on people’s doors and than 950 people participated, pro- Miguel and Noemi’s family is asked whether they wanted to viding enough money to conduct just one example of those who study the Bible with us,” Carolina the health fair and rent a church have come to know Jesus, and says. “It was a bad idea! They said, building! The health fair and oth- they’re excited to share what ‘No, we don’t even know you. Who er outreach activities resulted in they’ve learned. are you? What do you want?’” new friendships and new faces “We have a small group that The friends met again to in church on Sabbath mornings. meets in our house once a week,” pray about how best to connect Next to the church is a bakery Noemi says. “Our goal as a family with the people. “We decided to owned by Noemi and Miguel. is to share God’s Word so others do a survey to determine their Sometimes during the week can know Him too.” needs,” says Maria, a member of people from the church bought About 10 people have so far the church planting team. “We dis- things from their store, and one been baptized as a result of the covered that many of them were day Noemi asked them about young people’s effort, and the experiencing health problems.” the church. They invited her to church members pray that their “We wanted to host a health study the Bible with them the next efforts will continue to spread God’s fair with free medical consultations Sabbath, and Noemi accepted. She love throughout the community.

1 2

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“I can see a difference in many of each other in heaven,” adds the people’s lives, Maria says. “Before Anavelen, another member of they used to live without purpose, the church-planting team. without knowing what’s going to Your donations have made happen tomorrow. Now they have it possible for Global Mission to the hope that Jesus is coming again, help this church plant. Thank you and they’re sharing that.” for supporting church planting “Our dream is that this church projects like this one in major will grow and that we’ll all see cities of the world. 4

1 More than 950 people participated in the 10-kilometer race.

2 The youth group meeting in the home of Carolina, the leader of the church planting team.

3 When Miguel and Noemi decided to close their bakery on Sabbaths, God blessed them by doubling their sales on Sundays!

4 Maria, one of the church planters who conducted a survey to determine the community’s needs.

5 Carolina leads a weekly Bible study in Miguel and Noemi’s home.

6 Church planting couple Anavelen and Sebastian help children at the church plant learn about Jesus.

Please support Global Mission to reach those who don’t know Jesus.

Ways to give

Online To make a secure donation quickly, visit Global-Mission.org/giving.

Call Call 800-648-5824. 6 Mail a check In the United States: Global Mission, General Conference 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904-6601

In Canada: Global Mission SDA Church in Canada 1148 King Street East Oshawa, ON L1H 1H8

5 A COUNTRY IN THE 10/ 40 WINDOW

1 Andi taking a mud bath during monsoon season.

2 Bimola, who started as my student grader and became family.

3 Suban taking a much-needed break on a hike. Not Too 4 Andi playing on my kitchen floor while I cooked, always doing Much Masala something to make me laugh.

y whole heart feels warm. When we pile into the car, the beetle. He’s shouting, “Miss, green Editor’s note: This author Like the sun is shining di- boys’ voices climb above each oth- color. Green color for you!” My served as a Mrectly on it while I’m lying er while each tries to update me heart is bursting at the seams. volunteer at a on the beach. It feels so happy, it on his life. Eventually, we decide mission school could burst like a balloon with too to play Suban’s favorite song, “My The girls are piled all around in the 10/40 much air in it, except instead of Heart Will Go On.” I watch the me on the surrounding bunks. Window. She air, it’s full of love.” These childlike boys’ goofy antics as they sing Eunice turns on her flashlight, was initially words are all I have to explain along, and I think I must be the shining it directly in my face. an elementary teacher and what I feel when memories of most blessed girl in the world. “Eunice, I’m blind.” dormitory moments with my students wash This fact is confirmed when, “Miss, sorry. I want to see your dean for boys over me like soft waves. upon arrival, I discover the boys face when you tell the story. I feel ages 7 to 11. Moments like these: have cleaned my home. Word so interesting in your face.” Many of them I’m returning to the school spreads quickly that I’m back, and I share the story of Tamar were orphans after being away for two weeks. more boys rush into my dining in Genesis, speaking of her pain whom she As I ride in the taxi, the motion room. We spend the next hour and how her father-in-law was affectionately refers to as “her from navigating the curvy roads laughing and catching up. so unfair to her. It sparks a lively boys.” Later, combined with the strong smell of They tell me about a recent discussion about how being a after earning a betel nut the men on either side of soccer match in the city, and I strong woman for God is one of teaching degree me are chewing is enough to make pretend to be fascinated. I tell the best things we can be. The from Southern me feel sick. I look desperately for them about my shopping expe- beauty, strength, and kindness of Adventist the village sign that is my cue to riences, and they comment, “Girls these girls are so palpable, I can University, she taught high get out of the vehicle. From there, are like this only, going out and feel it in my heart. school classes I’ll catch a ride to the mission putting style.” The banter lasts to many of the school, which is even deeper in until the girls shout my name As I finish this article, Muthu same students. the jungle. I wonder who will pick from the adjacent hill, and I head sits next to me. He’s been read- For the security me up, secretly hoping it will be over to greet them. On the walk, ing over my shoulder. He says, of the project, one of “my boys.” my heart feels full, and the stars “Miss, when writing, don’t add all names have Finally, the taxi driver unties glow brighter than usual in the too much masala.” Masala, the been changed. my bags from his roof, tosses them night sky. local seasoning, adds taste to curry into my outstretched arms, and dishes. To my Muthu, who always disappears in a cloud of exhaust. I’m sitting with Bimola while comes up with creative ways to It’s then that I spot the campus we grade papers. Suddenly she say everything, my recounting of vehicle that’s been waiting for me. looks up at me and says, “Miss, these memories might sound like One of my boys, Suban, is driving. I aim to do your job someday. I’m overexpressing the way I feel. But he’s not the only person in the Helping the students reach their But I’m not adding too much. This car. Five other boys are smiling, goals and loving them lots. If I fullness, this glowing, is the kind of waving, and clamoring out. Within could be like you, I’d thank God so love Jesus gave me. And when the moments, a small gang surrounds much.” I feel so humbled, and my kids are around me, the warmth is me. Muthu is pulling off my back- whole heart hurts with warmth. greater than anything I’ve felt on pack. Songayai is grabbing the bags earth. Why did He choose to bless from my hands. And Naoton is Little Andi is running across me with them? Who else will God asking, “What did you bring me, the yard with his ever-toothless give me to love? How much more Miss?” grin, holding up his latest catch—a glow can I feel?

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Would you like to help make a positive impact in the lives of others? If so, please consider being a volunteer missionary through Adventist Volunteer Service which facilitates church members’ volunteer missionary service around the world. Volunteers ages 18 to 80 may serve as pastors, teachers, medical professionals, computer technicians, orphanage workers, farmers, and more. To learn more, visit AdventistVolunteers.org.

7 MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA UNION MISSION

The MYSTERY BOOK

ourteen-year-old Anahita* believed, I pled for forgiveness, and Anahita told her parents that was bored one day and went I told Him that I wanted to follow she wanted to study the Bible in a Fto the bookshelf in her fa- Him.” Anahita realized that she’d safe country, and they applied for ther’s library to find something to never known God’s true character. refugee status in the very country read. As she searched through the “I thought God was someone who she had asked God to move them books, one in particular attracted would become angry and punish to. Less than a year later, they Melanie her attention. It had a cross on me if I sinned. Now, I knew that were living there! Wixwat, the it. When she asked her father He was loving and kind.” Anahita and her parents now daughter of what it was, he told her it was Anahita couldn’t sleep that attend an Adventist church, and missionary a Bible. night, and in the early morning Anahita attends a youth Bible parents, grew up in India. She is a Anahita was surprised. She hours she began to talk with God. study class led by a Global Mission news writer for didn’t know much about the Bible. “There are so many things in the pioneer who is working specifical- the Middle East But she did know that the leader Bible that I can’t understand, and ly with refugees from the country and North Africa of the very conservative country in because I live in this country, I she left behind. Union Mission which they lived wouldn’t approve won’t be able to get anyone to Please pray that God will grant in Beirut, of their owning one. “Where did help me,” she lamented. She asked miracles that will allow His work Lebanon. you get it? she asked hesitantly. Him to help her and her family to flourish in the Middle East and Anahita discovered that about move to a place that allowed North Africa and that He will pro- a year before a stranger had people to study His Word freely. vide a way for all those who are handed the book to her mother She even mentioned a specific seeking Him to find Him. at a nearby park. “I didn’t think country where she thought she’d too much about it,” her mother like to live. * Name has been changed. told her. “I set it on the shelf and eventually forgot it was there.” Anahita curled up with the mysterious book and began reading a chapter in the Old Tes- tament. But she didn’t get very far because the words were difficult to understand. She was tired, so she went to bed. The next morning after a re- Pioneers in the 10/40 Window freshing sleep, she tried to read Global Mission supports thousands of local missionaries, called the Bible again. This time, she pioneers, in starting new groups of believers in the Middle started with the book of John East and other areas of the 10/40 Window where there is no and continued through the book Adventist presence. Their ministry wouldn’t be possible with- of Revelation. She read nonstop out your donations and prayers. Thank you for your support! for five hours! Anahita couldn’t comprehend To donate, please visit Global-Mission.org/giving, and select many things that she read, but “Pioneers in the 10/40 Window.” what she did understand deeply touched her heart. “I read many amazing things To see what’s happening in mission in the Middle East and about God that day,” she said. “I North Africa Union Mission, visit m360.tv/middleeast.

8 9 THE RUSSIAN FAR EAST

at Babienco, and silently passed it to the next soldier to read. Each The Man with the man did the same until everyone had read the note. Suddenly, a man who appeared to be in charge handed Babienco his GOLDEN TOOTH things and told him that he could go because they were looking for n 1920, the General Conference enough to preach the sermon on someone else. sent a Canadian minister by Sabbath and hold their meeting. At that moment, the com- Ithe name of T. T. Babienco to The train chugged slowly across missar came in. He was furious China to supervise the Adventist the frozen landscape, and it was to learn that the soldiers had let Russian-speaking churches and already dark when it stopped at Babienco go. During the heated scattered believers in Manchuria the Soviet border. Within minutes, discussion that followed, Babienco Born in Russia, and Eastern Russia.1 Babienco Babienco noticed a commotion waited calmly, praying for divine Galina Stele arrived in Harbin with his wife and realized that a commissar and help. Finally, the commissar agreed is the research and two children and started a patrol of soldiers had entered to release him on the condition and evaluation enthusiastically working among the car in which he sat. The com- that he provide the address of manager of the Office the segment of the Russian pop- missar was dressed in a fur hat where he would be spending the of Archives, ulation that had flooded Harbin, and a greatcoat and had a golden night. His Bible was confiscated. Statistics, and Manchuria, and its surrounding crown on one of his front teeth. He Later that evening, the train Research. areas after the Russian revolution announced that they were looking finally rumbled into Vladivo- and civil war. for an American spy, and soon his stok. Babienco and Brother Paul Babienco was a prominent eyes fell upon Babienco. quickly made their way to the leader and had many blessed ex- “Papers!” he ordered. Babi- church, where they would stay in periences during his ministry in enco handed the commissar his a guest room. The church guard that region, including one occasion documents and prayed silently had dinner waiting for them, and when he had to cross the border as the commissar reviewed them. when he heard their story, he was with the Soviet state to visit an “Bring your things, and follow the concerned that the commissar Adventist church in the city of soldiers,” he ordered. knew where they were staying. Vladivostok.2 The congregation Babienco gathered his belong- That night Babienco could had some 200 members, and the ings and followed the soldiers to hardly sleep. He kept thinking building sometimes served as a an empty boxcar standing on a about that piece of paper. What meeting point for Babienco and reserved railway. It was in such was written on it? Who had put the area pastors. cars that people were often inter- it there? Suddenly, he heard loud In view of the news that the rogated and shot without a court knocking at the door. It was the border could soon be closed by investigation if it was decided that soldiers! They had come to arrest the Soviet state, Babienco trav- they were dangerous for the state. him and Brother Paul. eled to meet with these pastors When Babienco entered the The guard knew some of the to discuss church work in their car, a soldier emptied the contents men, and he invited them to region. Traveling with him was an of his pockets and suitcase onto his room. The group talked and assistant he called Brother Paul. a table. As the soldier did so, laughed together for some time, The two men boarded a train Babienco noticed a small piece and then suddenly, as if they had on a cold winter day, wearing of paper that he didn’t recognize. forgotten why they came, the sol- heavy coats to shield them from Has someone put it on the table diers disappeared into the night. the bone-chilling winds of Vlad- to accuse me of something? he The next day, Babienco and ivostok. To protect the safety of wondered. Brother Paul had their meetings their mission, they sat in separate One of the soldiers unfolded at the church and returned home cars and planned to stay only long the paper, read it, looked intently without further incident. The

10 T. T. Babienco The commissar with his wife, Anna, and had recognized daughters, Helen and Lida. that Babienco had peace in his heart that he didn’t have. contents of that piece of paper old piece of paper, torn apart but The commissar had recognized remained a mystery for several glued to the inside cover. Babienco that Babienco had peace in his years. immediately recognized it: it was heart that he didn’t have. He Before Babienco left China for the note he had seen on the table. wanted this peace to be his so a new mission field, he received As Babienco read the paper, much that he started studying permission to visit Vladivostok he remembered that he had made Babienco’s confiscated Bible and and went to say good-bye to the notes during one of his per- attending the Adventist church, the church members. While he sonal devotions. He must have where he was soon converted. preached on Sabbath, he noticed placed it in one of the pockets On that day, the mystery of a man sit down by the door with of the heavy coat he wore on the small piece of paper was his wife. After the service, the man the train, and because he rarely solved for Babienco. His expe- approached Babienco to shake wore the coat, he had forgotten rience reveals the long-lasting his hand. “Do you recognize me?” all about it. consequences of one Christian he asked. On the note, the following life fully dedicated to God. What “No, I’m sorry, I don’t,” replied words were written: about us? Do we live as if this Babienco. “But you do look vaguely • Read the Bible daily were our last day on earth? familiar.” • Pray always “Maybe it’s because I no longer • Live as if it is your last day on 1 See Galina Stele and Aleksey Oparin’s have my golden tooth,” the man the earth story “The Chinese Railway and the replied. Babienco was stunned • Always be ready to meet your Gospel” about Pastor T. T. Babienco as he remembered the man who Lord working in China in the 1920s in Mission had brought him to the boxcar for The man told Babienco that 360° 6, no. 4 (2018), 20, 21. interrogation. when the soldiers had failed to “I had it removed before my return with Babienco the night 2 This story was told to Aleksey Oparin by baptism,” the man explained. “It he stayed in Vladivostok, he had Babienco’s daughter Lida B. Mann, who was a symbolic way for me to say wanted to go to the church and was born in Harbin in 1921. He published good-bye to my former life.” shoot him. But he had been so it in his book about Adventist pioneers, “Your baptism?” asked Babien- affected by the words on that note Pobedivshie vremya (Winners of the co. “How did this happen?” that he couldn’t follow through Time), which is posted in the Russian The former commissar told with his plan. language at http://soteria.ru/s3696/16/. Babienco that he hadn’t been able to forget how calm Babienco had been at the moment of his possible death at the Soviet border, and he also couldn’t forget what Read more about Babienco in the new Encyclopedia of was written on the small piece Seventh-day Adventists (ESDA), upcoming in 2020. To of paper. “That little note helped changed my life,” he said. learn more about the ESDA, please email encyclopedia@ “What note?” asked Babienco. gc.adventist.org, go to adventistarchives.org/encyclopedia, or The man opened the back cover of his Bible. There was a small, follow ESDA on Twitter @EncyclopediaSDA.

11 CHILE

LIVING VERTICALLY 1

f you met Ana Maria today, you see how she was doing. Although might have a hard time believing Ana Maria never answered her “Channi's Ithat not long ago, this vibrant phone, Channi didn’t give up. She woman was so stressed and de- prayed earnestly for Ana Maria notes were pressed that she spent most of and sent her many messages. her time in bed. One day, when Ana Maria was Laurie Falvo, Before Ana Maria became ill, feeling a little better, she decided so loving and Office of she had joined a class to learn to look at her messages. “I couldn’t Adventist healthy cooking at a Life Hope believe how many I had from encouraging. Mission Center, or urban center of in- Channi,” she said. “They were so fluence, in Santiago, Chile. The loving and encouraging. As I read As I read them, class was taught by a One Year in them, I felt like the most important Mission volunteer named Channi. woman in the world!” The two women became friends, Channi’s persistent care deeply I felt like the and when Channi moved to a touched Ana Maria. The next time new Life Hope Center to teach, Channi called her, she answered most important she invited Ana Maria to attend her phone. She decided to go the class there. But Ana Maria to a cooking class and enjoyed didn’t come. her experience at the center so woman in the Channi was concerned about much that she signed up for two Ana Maria and often called her to language classes and a Bible class! world!”

12 One day, Ana Maria shared with Channi that she hadn’t been The Lo Prado Life Hope Center is located in Santiago, sleeping well because of her depression and stress. Channi prayed the capital city of Chile. Its ministry, overseen by Pastor with Ana Maria about the problem Abraham Cabezas, is supported by several One Year in and invited her to start praying too. Ana Maria prays every day Mission volunteers and the members and staff of the now, sharing her struggles with local Seventh-day Adventist church and school. Jesus and seeking His help. She says she not only sleeps well now but feels a peace that she’s never known. Life Hope Centers Ana Maria is grateful for the Adventist Mission supports wholistic mission to the ministry of the Life Hope Cen- cities. This includes a rapidly growing number of Life ter and the One Year in Mission volunteers who serve there. And Hope Centers or urban centers of influence, that serve she no longer spends her days as platforms for putting Christ’s method of ministry into sleeping. “I feel like a different person,” she says. “I’ve learned practice. The centers provide an ideal opportunity for that God is with me and that He’s Total Member Involvement in outreach that suits each guiding my life. I’m so happy now!” person’s spiritual gifts and passions. To learn more about Life Hope Centers, please visit MissionToTheCities.org.

1 Ana Maria smiles a lot now. To watch more videos about Life Hope Cen- 2 Ana Maria with One Year in ters, visit m360.tv/uci. Mission volunteers Juno, Channi, and Claudy.

13 LEBANON

Paying It Forward

he first sound Fatima and Relief Agency, but she went “When we visit families, the heard was a high-pitched to the Learning Center to see people open their hearts and their Twhine directly above the whether they could give her a job. minds because they know we’re schoolhouse where she worked Later that day, the community Syrians just like them,” she said. as a teacher. She paused from her mobilizer called Fatima. “We don’t “We’re all in the same situation.” lesson and looked around at her need a teacher,” she said, “but we Nagi Khalil, the country direc- Michael students as they tried to identify do need another community tor for ADRA Lebanon, knows the Rohm is a the strange noise. It seemed to mobilizer—someone to help value of Syrians helping Syrians. communications be growing louder. And then the connect the refugee children with “After years of war and hardship, specialist for bomb hit. education and support. Would the refugee population is not al- ADRA . “A helicopter was dropping you be willing to work with us as ways open-minded to those who bombs on the school,” Fatima a volunteer?” come knocking on their doors,” he recalled. “Everyone just ran away.” Fatima needed money, but explained. “They’re more receptive For two years, Fatima, her she also wanted to feel useful, to the message of education when husband, and their young son, serve others, and engage with her it comes from a fellow Syrian.” Ibrahim, endured the hardships of refugee community. She accept- Spreading that message of war. When it was no longer safe to ed the volunteer position, and in education is exactly what the go to school, Fatima stayed home. time, she became a paid ADRA ADRA Learning Center is about. In When it was no longer safe to stay employee. a country where refugees make up home, the family gathered a few belongings and fled for the border of Lebanon. Although there was peace in Lebanon, life was hard for the little family. They were thrilled to welcome a baby girl to their home, The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is the global but the blessing of a newborn humanitarian organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. daughter didn’t dispel the realities Through an international network, ADRA delivers relief and develop- of poverty in a foreign country. ment assistance to individuals in more than 130 countries—regardless Fatima needed a job to support of their ethnicity, political affiliation, or religious association. her husband’s meager income as By partnering with communities, organizations, and governments, a handyman. Work opportunities ADRA can improve the quality of life of millions through nine impact seemed out of reach, but Fatima areas: social justice; disaster response; economic growth; children’s prayed. needs; gender equity; community health; water, sanitation, and One day, a neighbor came to hygiene issues; hunger and nutrition; and livelihoods and agriculture. her door with an idea. “You tell Thank you for supporting ADRA through your World Budget us you were a teacher in Syria,” Offerings! the neighbor said. “Come register your name at the ADRA Learning Center to see if they need help.” Fatima had never heard of To watch ADRA mission stories, visit ADRA, the Adventist Development m360.tv/adra.

14 a quarter of the population, public shines. Her work is to visit the families and see children, they schools can be overcrowded and households and explain the value feel like my children. I want to do unwelcoming to Syrian children. of the Learning Center to families everything I can for them. I feel like The French curriculum is new and in a language they can understand. I’m a messenger from the center challenging, the teacher-to-student Though the need is great and to these families.” ratio is unfavorable to individual- the refugee population is large, The more Fatima invests in ized learning, and there are few Fatima continues to rise early, kiss her work, the more she wants to tutors outside of class. The ADRA her family goodbye, and take a taxi invest. She sees the difference in Learning Center provides language to the narrow, four-story ADRA her community—more refugee learning support, small class sizes, building. She still greets the chil- kids in school and more families and one-on-one tutoring. dren on their way to the Learning valuing education—but she sees But many refugee families are Center, and she still makes her a difference in herself, too. resistant to the idea of sending rounds to the refugee households “I’ve made good friends, and I their child away from home, or in the neighborhood. spend my time doing useful things they think the child should be “I feel very good about my instead of just staying home,” she working to provide for the fam- work with ADRA as a community said with a smile. “When I go to ily instead. This is where Fatima mobilizer,” she said. “When I visit work, I feel happy.”

15 THE REPUBLIC OF PALAU

Return to PALAU Melissa Gibson meets the man who killed her family when she was a 10-year-old missionary girl.

n December 23, 2003, I received a call from the Gen- Oeral Conference informing me that a missionary family had 1 been murdered on the island of Palau. Only a 10-year-old girl had L. Ann Hamel survived. I was asked to go and DePaiva, accepted a call to serve of the holiday filled the DePaiva is a part of the provide care for her and support as missionaries in the Republic of home. The tree had been put up International for the local church community. Palau, an island country located early, and now there were presents Service I flew from Michigan, United in the western Pacific Ocean. under it, not just for Melissa and Employee (missionary) States, on Christmas morning, The family adjusted quickly to her older brother, Larisson, but Support Team praying throughout the long their new life. They made friends also for the student missionaries. of the General journey that Melissa would ex- easily and became part of the local Margareth began preparing food Conference. perience the healing presence of community. well ahead of time for the many She has a PhD Jesus. Although I was trained to Ruimar was responsible for co- guests who would join them for in psychology treat the impact of trauma, I had ordinating the Adventist work on the holiday. Their home smelled of and a doctor of never before encountered trauma the island, and Margareth taught freshly baked bread and pastries, ministry degree in formational of this magnitude, particularly in at the academy. They both played and their refrigerator was full of counseling. one so young. My prayer was that a very nurturing role in the lives wonderful Brazilian food. Having served God would protect Melissa from of the student missionaries who Ruimar had been away at as a missionary the impact of all that she had worked at the school and often in- meetings in Guam. He was an and experienced experienced. vited them to their home. Melissa accomplished pianist and enjoyed personal When I landed in Palau, I was remembers that her mother loved playing, so after a meal together, traumatic loss, she has taken to meet Melissa at the Koror to cook and host large groups of his playing filled the home with gained a greater Seventh-day Adventist Church, people from the church. beautiful Christmas music. Melissa sensitivity and the church that her father had pa- Their home was outside the remembers her mother playing a understanding of stored. She was a beautiful child— city on the road leading to the board game with her and Larisson how to support petite with dark brown hair and academy. The only other house before they had to go to bed. The missionaries in fine facial features. Although she close by belonged to the principal, following day would be Ruimar crisis. She and was quiet, her demeanor didn’t but it was being remodeled, so no and Margareth’s 15th wedding her husband, Loren, live in reflect what she had experienced one lived in it. Each day, numerous anniversary. Melissa smiles as Berrien Springs, in the previous few days. construction workers passed by she recalls telling her parents Michigan. the DePaivas’ home on their way that she would sleep with them New home in the to work on the structure. as an anniversary present. She Pacific Melissa loved Christmas, and fondly remembers her parents Back in June 2002, Melissa’s on the evening of December 21, tucking her into their bed and her parents, Ruimar and Margareth the sights, sounds, and smells father singing her to sleep. He then

16 2 3 returned to finish a project before shame and remorse for what with a nursing degree from South- coming to bed himself. happened in their country. The western Adventist University, and president’s public apology. The Michael graduated with a theology The attack queen, a member of the Koror degree. A few weeks after their As the family slept that Seventh-day Adventist Church, wedding, they moved to Berrien night, an intruder entered their attending the national funeral. Springs, Michigan, where he attend- home through the kitchen ed Andrews Theological Seminary window around three o’clock in Life back in the and she worked as a nurse. the morning. He was one of the United States construction workers who had Understanding the importance Heart changes in been working on the principal’s of giving Melissa a sense of home prison house. Melissa awoke to find both and belonging, her paternal grand- A few months before Melissa parents out of bed and heard a parents, Itamar and Ruth DePaiva, and Michael’s wedding, I had the terrible noise in the hallway. brought her back to Michigan, Unit- privilege of meeting Pastor Tiago During the next few minutes, ed States, where she and her family Cunha and his wife, Claudia, in the man murdered Melissa’s par- had lived before going to Palau. Thailand during a cross-cultural ents and brother and then tied Her mother’s parents, Pastor missionary training event. Origi- her up and put her in his trunk. José and Marina Ottoni, came nally from Portugal, Pastor Cunha He told her that she was now his from Brazil and stayed for several was serving as the senior pastor property and drove away with months to be with her. Melissa of the Koror Seventh-day Adven- her. The following day, he left understood that she couldn’t tist Church in Palau. Soon after her alone in the house while he continue living in Palau, but she beginning his ministry there, he went to work. But that evening, hadn’t wanted to leave her home had felt impressed to participate beginning to fear discovery, he there. She said that one day she in the church’s prison ministry took her to a remote part of the would return. program, which had been started island, strangled her, and threw A year and a half later, the by Melissa's father. her into a ravine. DePaivas moved to Texas, where Not long after entering the News of the event reverberat- Melissa graduated from grade prison, Pastor Cunha met Justin, ed around the world: The murder school, then academy, and then the man who had murdered of a missionary family. Three college. In July 2016, she married the DePaiva family. Justin was a caskets. The people of Palau’s Michael Gibson. She graduated hardened criminal serving three

17 4 5

18 life sentences without parole. for many years. It was decided by saw Melissa on the side of the Nonetheless, it was clear that God that he and I would accompany road and brought her home to was working in his heart. Fifteen them on the trip to provide the give her something to eat and years earlier, Ruth DePaiva had physical and emotional support drink. On hearing her story, they visited him in prison. “Because they would need. took her to the police and the of Jesus, I want you to know that hospital. Within a short time, news we forgive you,” she told him. “We A journey to healing of Melissa’s survival reached the want to see you in heaven one The journey back to Palau queen, and she came immedi- day with our son, daughter-in- began in late November 2018. ately to her bedside, providing a law, and grandson.” Ruth’s words The first stop was Guam, for the loving, protective presence until played over and over in Justin’s Adventist community there had her grandmother arrived. mind during the subsequent years, been strongly impacted by what and the Holy Spirit used them had happened in Palau. While Reconnecting with to penetrate his heart. Melissa’s there, Melissa, Ruth, and I partic- the past grandparents prayed for Justin ipated in a seminar on the power The queen and other close through the years and provided of forgiveness and God’s ability friends had carefully planned him with Christian literature. He to heal. Many church members meetings and events for Melissa read those books, and they helped were touched by the testimonies to attend that would be meaningful change his life. Melissa and Ruth shared. As Ruth to her. One of the meetings they At the meetings in Thailand, talked about the freedom that she planned was with the president, Pastor Cunha told me that he and her family had experienced Tommy Remengesau, who had had studied the Bible with Justin because they had chosen to for- spoken at her family’s funeral. He and heard his confession and re- give Justin, one woman stood up told Melissa that her life and return pentance for what he had done and said, “This kind of forgiveness to Palau were the greatest sermon that fateful night. “He’ll be ready seems impossible to most people. ever preached in his country on for baptism soon,” he said. Later, How does one learn to forgive the the power of forgiveness and the when the baptism took place, I way you have forgiven?” healing power of God’s grace. was able to personally convey the Ruth responded, “It’s impossi- The queen showed Melissa news to Melissa. ble from a human perspective. The and Michael around the island and Knowing that Melissa want- goal is not to ‘try’ to forgive but to brought them to her home. She ed to return to Palau, in 2018 I open one’s heart to the indwelling also took them to the place where arranged for Pastor Cunha and presence of God’s Spirit and allow Melissa had been strangled and his family to travel to Michigan Him to forgive through you.” thrown into a ravine. Back in 2003, to meet Melissa and her husband the queen had commemorated and to begin to plan their trip. Royal welcome in the miracle of Melissa’s survival Pastor Cunha shared with Me- Palau by planting two coconut trees to lissa that her return was important On Sunday evening, we trav- mark the spot where she had been to the people of Palau. He said that eled from Guam to Palau, where found. Melissa said that it was Justin’s baptism had awakened, in Melissa was greeted at the airport very meaningful to her to have the the hearts of many people, mem- by a group of people whom her queen take her there; to see the ories of what had taken place on family had grown to love during beautiful, tall, coconut trees that their island. Melissa would return their months on the island. As she had planted; and to share the as a missionary, not just as a visitor. they placed fresh flower leis experience with Michael. She and Michael would do a week around Melissa’s neck, tears came Melissa’s heart was moved as of prayer at the church where Me- to her eyes. she reconnected with so many lissa’s father had pastored. Among those who had come to of the people and places that she Itamar and Ruth DePaiva greet her was Queen Bilung Gloria loved. But she also encountered also planned to make the trip. Salii, who had organized the recep- people and places that stirred mem- Now in their 80s, they had just tion. Back in 2003, she had provided ories of the tragic events of the past. returned from mission service Melissa with loving support at the Melissa went back into the in Taiwan. Ruth was recovering moment she needed it most. home where her family had lived from a hip fracture and facing a After being tossed into the and died. She was last there as a second surgery to address painful ravine and left for dead, Melissa 10-year-old child. She entered the complications from the initial one. had regained consciousness and home now as a young woman with This created concern about her crawled out. Weakened by all that her husband by her side. Although pace of recovery and her ability had happened and the lack of food there were tears, her heart was also to travel. My husband, Loren, had and water, she was too faint to filled with gratitude for all that God been Ruth and Itamar’s physician stand. An elderly couple driving had done for her and the fact that

19 she would see her parents and spite of all that happened, He has apologize to them for what he had brother again one day. provided for her and protected her done. He expressed his love for physically and emotionally from our Savior and his desire to live Restoration in the long-term impact of these faithfully to His calling in this life. sharing traumatic events. Ruth spoke next. She recalled Before arriving in Palau, Me- On our last Sabbath afternoon their meeting 15 years earlier. She lissa wasn’t sure how much she in Palau, Melissa participated in was thankful for his acceptance wanted to share concerning her a special session about how God of Jesus and encouraged him to painful childhood experience. is particularly close to those who continue studying the Bible and However, each evening as she suffer. As she shared some of her growing in his relationship with experienced the love and sup- story, many in the congregation the Lord. Itamar spoke next. As a port of the people, she began to were inspired by God’s grace in true pastor, he encouraged Justin share more and more of her story. Melissa’s life and how He has in his walk with God. One evening, after Michael had used her and her grandparents Then Melissa spoke. She had preached a sermon about trust, to inspire others to faith. not planned to speak before we Melissa shared that she was not entered. With tears streaming alone that day while locked up in Meeting the down her face, she said, “Justin, Justin’s house. Like Daniel in the murderer we are all the same in God’s sight. lions’ den or the three Hebrews in God’s grace is a powerful force We are no better than you are. the fiery furnace, Jesus was with to heal and restore what is lost We are all in need of God’s saving her. She said she felt His presence, and broken. It’s been two years grace in our lives. I want to see and it brought her peace and calm. since Justin gave his heart to Jesus you in heaven one day with my When asked how she rec- in full surrender and was baptized. parents and my brother.” onciled His presence in light of Since then, he has shared his tes- That day, we were witnesses all that happened to her and her timony freely with all those in the to the power of the Holy Spirit to family, Melissa acknowledged that prison who would listen. His life is transform a life that the enemy this is one of the most difficult a testimony to the saving power of of our souls had claimed as his questions there is for any Christian the cross. He has been instrumen- own. Although Justin will spend to answer. While we live in a world tal in leading two other prisoners the rest of his life in prison, he is where sin and death reign, and into a saving relationship with a free man. He is a witness to the there is an ongoing battle between Jesus, and he built the baptismal power of the gospel to all of us. the forces of good and evil, she tank in the prison that was used Melissa spoke a profound truth said there are three possible an- for their baptisms. that evening, not just to Justin but swers to that question. Even though Justin wrote let- to each of us. It’s easy to see that First, God allows it in order to ters of apology to Melissa and her Justin needs a Savior and marvel bring some greater good out of grandparents prior to his baptism, that God can transform and save it for us. Second, He allows it to he hoped that one day he would someone like him. It’s easy to see bring some greater good out of be able apologize in person and our sins as not so bad. Melissa it for someone else. Third, things to thank them for their books and recognized, however, that we are happen for reasons beyond our prayers. Prior to arriving in Palau, all sinners in God’s sight. We are understanding. In our finiteness as Melissa didn’t want to visit Justin in all equally in need of a savior. human beings, we can’t know why prison. When she arrived, however, God’s ability to save us is just as things like this happen, but we can a desire began to grow in her heart miraculous as His ability to save trust that God has a plan for us, to visit the man whom God had Justin. All heaven rejoices when nonetheless. She shared from her transformed. After the Sabbath any one of us comes to Jesus. We own personal experience that in afternoon session, a small group can praise Him for His marvelous of us made our way to the prison. gift of salvation and willingness Entering the room that had to live and die for Justin, Melissa, been set aside for our meeting and each one of us. Your weekly mission offerings with Justin was almost a surreal experience. The man who had Adapted with permission from Ann Hamel’s and World Budget Offerings murdered her family stood behind original story, “Return to Palau.” To read the table with his hands folded help support the ministry of the full version, visit adventistmission.org/ behind his back. He spoke first. He return-to-palau-a-journey-of-healing-and- more than 400 missionary expressed his profound remorse for restoration. families. Thank you! his actions. He expressed his desire to see Ruimar, Margareth, and To watch Pastor Ted Wilson's interview with Larisson in heaven and personally Melissa, visit revivalformission.tv.

20 8

1 Ten-year-old Melissa in 2004.

2 The DePaiva family in 1998.

3 Melissa and Michael Gibson, July 3, 2016.

4 Melissa with the granddaughter of a friend in Palau.

5 Melissa with her grandfather, Itamar DePaiva.

6 In the queen’s home. Front row, from left, Itamar and Ruth DePaiva, the queen, and Melissa and Michael Gibson. Back row, from left, Ann and Loren Hamel.

7 Melissa having fun with her husband.

8 Melissa and the president of Palau.

9 Visiting the Palau Aquarium. 9

21 COLOMBIA

Ministering on the Mount of Olives

n the mountains high above the Adventist small group follows members, plus a few dozen vis- Bogotá, the capital city of Co- Christ’s method* to connect with itors. Toward the end of 2018, Ilombia, a small group of believers the community. They started almost 20 additional people, some meets each Sabbath. Up here the by getting to know people and of whom were youth, were study- air is very cold, and many in this making friends. Luis Mario, the ing the Bible regularly, with several neighborhood live in poverty. The group leader, lives nearby. He more planning to be baptized. Kayla Ewert, group is planting a church, wanting understands the people and is Office of to offer hope in a community that able to minister to their needs. Hope for the Adventist experiences hardship. Often, the believers go door to Hopeless Mission Many residents make the door, offering food and clothing God has used this commit- long trip to Bogotá every day for when they’re able. “Working with ted group of believers to bring work, and people move frequently, the community is the best thing,” hope to this mountain commu- traveling wherever they can find he says. “The people are needing nity. Luis Mario tells the story employment. Others salvage what God and they listen. They are of Alex,† a young man who was they can, usually scraps of cloth to thirsty for the Word of God.” going through a tough time. The sell. Many women work as house- This project, known as Monte believers were visiting Alex and keepers or nannies for wealthier de los Olivos (Mount of Olives), his family when Alex shared that families in the city. was started by 5 Adventists in he planned to kill himself that Given this constant state of 2016; in 2017, the group grew with very night. Motivated to act, the change and high level of need, the addition of 12 new baptized small group prayed earnestly with

22 Alex and shared Bible promises and dental care. There are also Colombia as they reach people with him. He decided not to go seminars on natural remedies and for Christ. Consider supporting through with his plan then, and mental health. Global Mission pioneers who are the group continued to encourage actively engaged in this effort and him regularly. Looking Toward the are constantly finding new ways Alex was still dealing with the Future to demonstrate God’s love and trauma he had sustained during When the small group was compassion for His children. military service, and he was angry first started, all they had were a lot. Waves of depression sought metal chairs, which were very cold * “Christ’s method alone will give true to pull him under. But something and uncomfortable. Visitors had a success in reaching the people. The about the hope offered spoke to hard time focusing on the spiritual Saviour mingled with men as one who him, and he eventually decided message. Later, the group grate- desired their good. He showed His to be baptized. In the couple of fully accepted funds to purchase sympathy for them, ministered to their years since, his outlook on life plastic chairs and an audiovisual needs, and won their confidence. Then has improved. The depression has system, and they noticed that He bade them, ‘Follow Me’” (Ellen G. subsided, and he’s able to focus visitors were more engaged and White’s The Ministry of Healing, p. 143). on his Savior. Although he and his brought more visitors. wife are separated, they often take Luis Mario wants to be able to † Name changed their adorable toddler to church reach even more people by start- on Sabbath. ing a center of influence where Every few months, the district “we could put into practice the pastor, Jairo Rodriguez, helps ar- beliefs and sayings of Sister Ellen Support church range health fairs and evangelistic White.” The group dreams of a planting in Colombia! meetings. Pastor Jairo explains, space where they can offer health Give to “New Projects in Colombia (Fund “The people aren’t going to hear classes more regularly, along with #6440CO).” About $25,000 is still needed to the spiritual message if you don’t hydrotherapy and clay and herbal fully fund these 29 Global Mission pioneers. take care of their physical needs treatments to improve the physical first. . . . So, we tend to people’s and mental health of the commu- pain and their needs, and then nity. This facility would also serve Ways to Give we’re able to tend to their spiritual as a distribution center for food Mail: Global Mission, General Conference needs.” and clothing to those in need. 12501 Old Columbia Pike At the health fairs, commu- Please pray for this church Silver Spring, MD 20904-6601 nity members can get haircuts, plant and many others through- massages, and basic medical out the beautiful country of Online: Global-Mission.org/giving Phone: 800-648-5824

To watch video stories about pioneers, visit m360.tv/pioneer.

23 ZAMBIA

GAME CHANGERS 1

21-year-old Brazilian theology student going through Ahis darkest time, living a life that up until that point had been pretty mediocre, I was almost convinced that atheism or some From Brazil, form of nihilism would be the Daniel Braun only reasonable way to make the serves as most of the air I had left in my an assistant lungs. This was me before leaving boys’ dean at Longburn school for one semester to serve as Adventist a missionary in Zambia—a country College in located on the African continent, New Zealand. a country I knew nothing about Previously, he except for the great safaris and, of served as a course, the famous Victoria Falls. Bible worker in Shame on me. Zambia. Three other student missionaries from Brazil went with me: Lucas, Guilherme, and Victor. Although we came from different backgrounds, all of us were going through a pe- riod of hurting in our lives. After our flight landed, we took a bus to travel the last thousand kilometers to our final destination, a village outside the city of Chipa- ta, the home of Mwami Adventist Hospital. 2

24 1 With Zambian youth during an 3 outreach. 2 Praying for Mr. Piri, one of the two men with leprosy. 3 A guitar was a surprisingly uncommon instrument in Zambia. Every youngster was keen to learn!

Awaiting us was no electricity, no running water, no shower, no nothing. Two surreal moments are forever engraved in my memory. We were assistants of the local pastor, preaching on Sabbaths, visiting people in the villages, and with the help of a translator, sharing and singing the gospel; a gospel that up until that point had never been a reality in my life. One Sabbath, my friends and I were invited to visit a woman who was demon possessed. All the complex theological concepts I had learned in my college classes seemed inadequate for an occasion that asked for one thing only: the exaltation of Jesus’ name. We sang praises and read portions of scripture while listen- ing to screams from the devasting darkness that had turned her existence into endless night. In awe, we watched the power of Jesus silence the chaos within her and leave her in peace. The second experience happened in one of the hospital rooms on a Sabbath afternoon. Anyone who’s read the Bible When they learned that some is familiar with its stories about missionaries had come to visit people with leprosy, but seeing them and sing a few songs, they this disease face-to-face is com- smiled, and I had to hold back pletely different. my tears. As my friends and I walked After singing and praying with into the room, the atmosphere the men, I realized that although If you’re interested in being a volunteer, felt heavy. In front of us were two they were physically diseased, I please visit AdventistVolunteers.org. older men, both of whom had needed healing. My experience been abandoned by their families in Africa taught me that although for eight years. They never had God doesn’t need my help, He still visitors. Both of their hands were wants me and that Christ works in gone as well as their vision. They me, through me, and despite me. Hear from other had no toes and no company Finally, I learned that if I’m not living volunteers at except for an old radio. Day by to make someone else’s existence m360.tv/avs. day, waiting for death, these men less painful and their burdens were experiencing hell. lighter, then I’m not living at all.

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27 PHILIPPINES

Breaking My Title

rowing up, I listened to Eric B. Hare’s cassette tapes Gwith my little sister before we went to bed. I heard wild stories of how God interacted in people’s lives and stories of what From Colorado, it would be like to be a missionary. United States, I would lie in bed and wish that Madison my family had the opportunity to Kamarad is be missionaries somewhere across earning a degree in international the globe. rescue and relief That dream never died. In at Union College, college, I began earning a degree 1 Nebraska. in international rescue and relief She serves as with an emphasis on community a volunteer development and a minor in social Upon arrival, my serving heart population, build relationships, medical work. My dream was to work for believed that I was going to con- and show people you care.” assistant at the Pagudpud mission-minded organizations. vert every person I met and heal That’s when I realized that I Adventist But how could I feel so strongly every sickness I encountered. It had put myself in a box and lim- Wellness about this passion when I had didn’t take me long to realize that ited myself to my title. Center in the never tagged along on a single I wasn’t really needed at the clinic. My student missionary family Philippines. mission trip? You see, the clinic is fully staffed and I started getting more involved Several of my friends had de- and could function easily without in the community. During the cided to take a year off from their me. The first month, I really strug- winter, we began teaching fourth- studies to serve God in a foreign gled with what my purpose was. grade English at a nearby school. land. Was He calling me too? I reached out to Andrew We set up a booth on market Over time, I found myself signing Saunders, a great mentor of days to offer people free blood up to be a medical assistant in mine, and asked him why I was pressure and blood sugar tests. On Pagudpud, Philippines. in the Philippines if they didn’t Thursday and Sabbath evenings, necessarily need my help. “Some- we hosted Vacation Bible School times we need to be humbled (VBS) programs in three locations. and realize the world can go on A few of us gave ukulele, piano, without us and that we need to and violin lessons to the kids that step back and learn,” he replied. are not offered music programs I had imagined that my mission in school. We visited the villagers year was my year to be a super- in the village of Nagsango to give hero. I later understood that my them free blood pressure tests If you’re interested in being a volunteer, visit service is what I made it. “What and fresh fruit and to pray with AdventistVolunteers.org. do you think Jesus would do in them. We held a fundraiser to your position?” Saunders asked. purchase a much-needed van for Watch video stories about AVS volunteers “I personally believe He would the clinic, and, with God’s help, at m360.tv/avs! have you be humble, learn as raised more than $10,000 for the much as you can from the local down payment.

28 I had registered to be a medical assistant, but God knew I was capable of doing and being much more. He taught me not to limit my service to the definition of my title and freed me to help others in a variety of ways. Whatever title you have, please don’t limit yourself to your label. Let God use you in the most surprising ways.

1 Two of my friends at church, both of whom are named Aya.

2 I taught the fourth-graders English while they taught me the true meaning of love and joy.

3 Our student missionary family. Top to bottom, left to right: Micah Chaiprakorb, Ryan Haakenson, Marcus Tann, Brandon Korompis, Sheldon Ramos, Chantelle Bravatti, me, Megan Correces, Jacob Enjati, Michelle Sabangan, Madison Oliver, Jade Bautista, and April Faylogna, our host. 2

29 hat does it mean to you to follow Jesus? How would you tell someone about it? #FollowHim W For the first time, Adventist Mission held a contest for youth 18 years old and under, and we asked them these questions. To Kayla Ewert, Office of enter the #FollowHim contest, each young person made a short film Adventist Mission about what they believe it means to follow Jesus every day. Watch all five winning films at AdventistMission.org/followhim!

MEET THE WINNERS

1ST PLACE | ENGLAND M360˚: What message do you hope people will take NIDHI, 18 from your film? Nidhi: I hope people are inspired to live the life they Prize: Canon M100 Mirrorless Camera want in the way God intends them to do. with Lens. Bonus Prize: Nidhi’s mentor of choice, M360˚: How do you plan to use your media skills for Chisola Chitambala, will receive a one-year God in the future? online learning subscription to Masterclass. Nidhi: I want to create and capture genuine content that will benefit others who watch it. I want people to Mission 360˚ (M360˚): What attracted you to film- observe God’s goodness in the lives of other people making? through the content I create.

Nidhi: I was introduced to filmmaking a year ago, M360˚: The contest theme was #FollowHim. What during my media lesson at school. It was fascinating to would you say to other young people who want to see how directors captured a story and displayed that follow Jesus? in the form of a moving image. Being able to study an aspect of filmmaking enabled me to realise that Nidhi: I strongly believe that if you want to do any- producing meaningful content could inspire others thing, you must do it properly. It’s the same when it to fulfill their God-given purpose in life. comes to following Christ. When we as young people decide to follow Christ, it should be a genuine choice M360˚: What does your film mean to you? that we make. Following Christ means accepting him as your personal Saviour and yearning for that Nidhi: My film is a reflection of Christ in my life. It’s lifestyle change. It’s not an easy choice to make, but a reminder to me that my life should be a Christ-led with constant prayer and devotion, with God all things life and I should use every single moment of it to are possible. It means taking a bold decision, which influence and inspire those around me. will last you a lifetime of His great blessings.

2ND PLACE | CALIFORNIA, USA experiencing the final product of something you’ve been working hard on. Filmmaking is the only thing YAKOV, 14 where the joy of experiencing a finished product is equal to the joy of creating it. Prize: LitraPro Bi-Color Light M360˚: What does your film mean to you?

M360˚: What attracted you to filmmaking? Yakov: It gives recognition to the students of Calexico Mission School and specifically the challenges they Yakov: There is no better feeling to me than have to go through to get to school every day.

30 M360˚: What message do you hope people will take documentary-esque video. I look forward to seeing from your film? what else God has planned for me in the future.

Yakov: Whenever you feel like you can’t deal with M360˚: The contest theme was #FollowHim. What the challenges you’re facing, remember God has a would you say to other young people who want to plan for you and all you need to do is put your trust follow Jesus? in Him and keep pushing forward. Yakov: Life can get tough sometimes. It can seem bleak, M360˚: How do you plan to use your media skills for and you may not know what you’re gonna do to get God in the future? out of whatever horrible circumstances you may be in. But you don’t need to do anything but trust in the Yakov: In a few months, I will travel to Indonesia Lord and follow Him. He knows what’s best for you, and for a mission trip and will record the whole trip in a only He knows where the path He has for you ends up.

3RD PRIZE | WASHINGTON, USA Tavimbanashe: I want everyone to realize that mission is a vital part of the Christian life. So many TAVIMBANASHE, 17 times, we as Christians get carried away living for ourselves, and we forget that there is a world out Prize: Langly Simple Camera Bag there for us to reach. When we reach out to others, we will grow closer to Jesus. Mission benefits both the missionary and the people who are being M360˚: What attracted you to filmmaking? served.

Tavimbanashe: My siblings and I inherited M360˚: How do you plan to use your media skills for the love of videography and photography from God in the future? my dad, who has been an amateur in the field ever since we were born. I especially love filmmaking be- Tavimbanashe: I have a dream of using social media cause it opens the opportunity to share a moment in as a platform to share God’s love with the world. time or a story with others and make it long lasting. M360˚: The contest theme was #FollowHim. What M360˚: What does your film mean to you? would you say to other young people who want to follow Jesus? Tavimbanashe: My younger siblings and I didn’t have fancy equipment with which to make this film. This Tavimbanashe: God gave us a wonderful gift in His turned out to be a good thing because it challenged us to Word, and the Bible reveals to us what He is really be creative and to improvise and work closely together as like. While Jesus was on earth, He lived a life of a team. This film will forever mean a lot to me because, service to others; He was a missionary. As a young through it, I learned that God can use anything for His glory. person who wants to follow Jesus, ask Him to take your life and use it for His glory. Jesus will give you M360˚: What message do you hope people will take the strength to follow in His footsteps and live a life from your film? of service just like He did.

HONORABLE MENTIONS Prize: Joby GorillaPod 3K Flexible Mini-Tripod with Ball Head Kit Caleb Haakenson, winner of the 2018 “My Story, My Mission” student film contest, will share a story about his prize trip with Adven- Bashir, 11 Andrew, 17 tist Mission producers later this year. Look from Senegal from Missouri, for it in an upcoming issue of Mission 360˚! USA

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Help Send Global Mission Pioneers! Millions of people around the world still don’t know Jesus. Global Mission sends pioneers to unentered areas to start new groups of believers. Pioneers are local people who already speak the language and understand the culture. Using Christ’s method of ministry, they strive to meet people’s needs and bid them to follow Jesus.

ETHIOPIA MONGOLIA The Family I Found And A Child Will Lead Them

hen Solomon (back row, far left) left his village to go to his is our church’s last meeting,” a member of a Christian Wanother town to work on a government farm, he felt “Tchurch sadly told the other 20 or so adults gathered in the very homesick and lonely. One day, he saw a man on the room after the service one Sunday. Discouraged that attendance street who wore a big smile. The man was a Global Mission had drastically decreased, they were about to close their church pioneer and introduced himself as Berhanu (back row, far permanently. right). Solomon was happy to discover that they were from But Bumchin, an Adventist eighth-grader visiting the church, the same village! led a Bible study to encourage them. With renewed vigor, the When Berhanu invited him to join a small group meeting, small congregation continued meeting together as Bumchin Solomon eagerly accepted. At the meeting, Berhanu shared and an Adventist pastor he invited gave them regular Bible about his experience with God’s love. The family atmosphere presentations. and Berhanu’s messages filled a hole in Solomon’s heart, and Soon the church’s membership grew to 27, and by the end of he’s since become a member of the congregation. the year, they unanimously voted to become an Adventist church! Through Berhanu’s efforts, the work of hundreds of Years later, Bumchin (pictured) is now a Global Mission Global Mission pioneers around the world, and your faithful pioneer planting churches around Mongolia. Please pray for him support, many people in the 10/40 Window are joining and the people in Mongolia who come to know Jesus through God’s family. pioneers like him.

Global Mission pioneers need your help in order THREE WAYS TO GIVE to share the Advent message with people who Mail: Global Mission, General Conference haven’t heard it. 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6601 Online: Global-Mission.org/giving Phone: 800-648-5824

General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists • 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904