MissionYOUTH & ADULT 2014 • QUARTER 4 • INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION

www.AdventistMission.org Contents

On the Cover: Lurline James, principal of the Seventh-day Adventist Basic School in Trench Town, Jamaica, is a beacon of hope for children and parents.

2 Introduction 20 The Bar That Became a Church | Nov 29

BELIZE JAMAICA 4 The 67th Book of the Bible | Oct 4 22 Trench Town Teacher | Dec 6 6 The Preacher Man | Oct 11 24 Something Magnificent | Dec 13 8 This Is My Last Beer | Oct 18 28 Hunger Is a Wicked Thing | Dec 20 10 The Throwaway Baby, Part 1 | Oct 25 12 The Throwaway Baby, Part 2 | Nov 1 RESOURCES 14 So Much to Share | Nov 8 30 Thirteenth Sabbath Program | Dec 27 16 An Unexpected Journey | Nov 15 31 Resources 18 In What Do You Believe? | Nov 22 32 Map

= stories of special interest to teens

Your Offerings at Work

Thanks to your generous Thirteenth Sabbath Offering, many special projects have been completed around the world. Pictured here is the new Timothy S. Greaves Hall Residence Hall at the University of the Southern

Inter-American Division Inter-American Caribbean (formerly Caribbean Union College),

ission located in Port-of-, Trinidad. This dormitory was

M © 2014 General Conference of inaugurated during a special ceremony on Oct. 20, Seventh-day Adventists® • All rights reserved 2013. Your Thirteenth Sabbath Offering helped provide 12501 Old Columbia Pike, dventist

A Silver Spring, MD 20904-6601 chapels for two new dormitories at the university. 800.648.5824 • www.AdventistMission.org 2 Dear Sabbath School Leader,

This quarter we are focusing on the the church members are young people, very active and fast-growing Inter- evangelism is high on the priority list. American Division (IAD). This However, in this small country there are division of the world church is made very few large auditoriums. One of the up of the countries of , Thirteenth Sabbath Offering projects is the four northernmost countries of to build a large auditorium on a choice South America, and the islands of the piece of land in the capital city of Caribbean. There are nearly 12,000 . The other project in is Seventh-day Adventist churches a much-needed youth camp, where the within IAD, and 3,714,790 members. young people can go for recreation as With a division wide population well as evangelistic training. of 284,351,000, that’s a ratio of 1 In Jamaica, members have been Adventist for every 76.55 people.* ministering and restoring dignity to We have some amazing stories for you some of the neediest people in Kingston this quarter, coming from the beautiful through the Good Samaritan Inn. You northeastern coastal country of Belize won’t want to miss the stories we have and from the lovely island of Jamaica. In near the end of the quarter describing Belize, where more than 70 percent of what is taking place there. Their Thirteenth Sabbath Offering project is * Statistics are taken from the 2014 Seventh-day Adventist to expand the Good Samaritan Inn to Yearbook online, http://www.adventistyearbook.org/ provide a maternal health/wellness clinic ViewAdmField.aspx?AdmFieldID=IAD. and a dental clinic. May the Lord bless and inspire you as you share these stories and invite people to give liberally to support our brothers Opportunities and sisters in their mission outreach in The Thirteenth Sabbath Offering the Inter-American Division! this quarter will help to: Wishing you God’s richest blessings!  build an evangelistic center in Gina Wahlen, Editor Belmopan, Belize  provide a youth camp in northern Belize PS: Did you know that you don’t have to wait until the end of the quarter to give  establish a maternal health-care center toward the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering and dental clinic at the Good Samaritan projects? You can give anytime by going Inn, Jamaica to the Make a Gift section on our secure  Children’s Project: provide a dental chair website at giving.adventistmission.org and reserved for children in the new dental choosing “13th Sabbath Offering” from clinic at the Good Samaritan Inn.

the “Fund” pull-down menu. www.AdventistMission.org

3 The 67th Book of the Bible

BELIZE | October 4 Arlene

a while. When I returned to , I remarried. About that time my son was kidnapped and murdered. A Desperate Need grew up in the Adventist home of my At that point I realized how desperately Igrandparents. Since my parents were I needed God in my life. Somehow I busy—my father was a policeman, mother always had Adventist people around me, a nurse—they allowed my grandmother and some were bold enough to tell me, to take care of me. I remember having “You are lost. You need to come back morning devotions with my grandparents home.” But having this happen to my and my grandfather holding my face in his son was a real wake-up call. I thought of strong hands and praying for me. myself as the prodigal daughter who went As a teen I moved back with my away to a far country and needed to come parents, and that’s where the shift in my back home. I learned that whatever is out life began. My father wasn’t an Adventist. there isn’t satisfying. On Sabbath he thought I should stay When I began working as a librarian home and clean the house, and we ate at the University of Belize, there was a pork regularly. club called Advent Fellowship, but it From there my life continued downhill. wasn’t active or vibrant. Then about

Inter-American Division Inter-American I married a pharmacist who was a cocaine three years ago two students arrived on

ission addict. We had two children. Later he campus, and I noticed that something M died in a traffic accident. was different about them, there was some Searching for something better in life, I kind of pleasant aura about them. I kept dventist A ended up in the U.S. state of Kentucky for watching them week after week. They put 4 up posters and passed out flyers inviting asked me if I wanted Bible studies, and I people to come to the Advent Fellowship agreed. Being a librarian, I always want to meetings. They invited me and texted know more about what I don’t know, so reminders, but I didn’t attend. But they they told me about the book of Revelation were so consistent. I was impressed with and arranged for a Bible worker to study BELIZE their time management and organization. with me. He was punctual and prepared. I could ask questions, and he could answer. Who Are These People? I couldn’t wait for the teacher to come! It I wondered, Who are these people? They was so timely. were in their late teens and 20s, but weren’t your typical students. The way they Coming Home talked and conducted themselves, their After six months I was baptized—all manners—it wasn’t just run of the mill. because of this Advent Fellowship, and One day their advertisements caught the witness of those conducting the my eye, and I decided to attend. The studies and fellowship. Their lifestyle, topic was on entertainment—music and their orderliness, their manners—I saw dancing. I learned about the artists I had them in action. They were the 67th book seen in the media, the artists whose music of the Bible for me. They were strategic, my family danced to, and it opened my all over campus. Advent Fellowship eyes to a totally different world. I learned definitely made a big inroad into my life. about the negative effects of this type of Now God is my rock, my foundation; He entertainment; it was as if blinders fell is my everything. from my eyes. I am part of the university I wanted more; I was hungry! They administration, and I want to influence the students and the administration through my conduct and character, just as the Advent Fellowship people did for me. Fast Facts I had come to a point in my life where I realized how much I needed God. I  Belize has a diverse society with many had seen how my grandparents handled cultures and languages, but its official language is English. India is the seventh- crises—they would take everything largest country in area and has one sixth to God in prayer. I remembered my of the world’s population, more than a grandfather praying for me, and it was just billion people. Only China has a higher a matter of me turning around and coming population. back home. I really feel that I have come  From 1862 to 1973 the country was back home. called “British .”India has I am home, and now my job is to 10,000 large cities, including 50 with a population of more than a million bring others home. After my baptism people. Yet many still live in the my aunt called me and said, “If you country’s more than 600,000 towns have returned home, I will return home, and villages. too.” My grandparents provided the seed  Belize is the birthplace of chewing gum. foundation, and now I want to bring the others home.  www.AdventistMission.org 5 BELIZE | October 11 The Preacher Man

Francis

work at the Central Bank as a security one time when all her children were there. I officer. At work they call me the I hadn’t seen my mother so happy in all “Preacher Man” because I like to share her life. There was a lot of drinking going my faith, although I haven’t always been on, and I was the barbecue cook. When close to God. we left for home about 6:00 p.m., neither I’m the third out of eight children. My my wife nor I realized how intoxicated I grandmother, a Seventh-day Adventist, was. Miraculously we made it home alive, was the only Christian in the home. When in spite of traveling over a very narrow, I was a child, she took me to church. I winding, and mountainous road. didn’t realize it, but she was preparing me for something great. How Did I Get Here? When I grew up, I joined At 1:00 a.m. I awoke. Looking around, the army, and I met my future I realized that I was home. wife through her brother-in- Everyone was in bed. I couldn’t law. I was 22, and she was 16. God was remember leaving my mother’s We married three years later house. I awakened my wife and asked her what had happened.

Inter-American Division Inter-American and now have four beautiful instructing She started crying and said,

ission children.

M me through Over the years we have had “I’ll never ride with you again! family get-togethers at my His Word. You’re a terrible driver—you dventist A mother’s house. I remember almost killed us!” My son tried 6 reassuring me: “Dad, everything was fine. a year. I tried reading the Bible, but didn’t The only problem was that you were going understand it very well, so on Sabbath 85 to 95 mph, and before overtaking you afternoons they would explain things and didn’t give enough room.” share many Scripture passages with me.

Quickly I put on my shoes and went That night standing in the basketball BELIZE outside to check the car. It was OK. Then bleachers, all the Bible verses the man had I walked to some nearby bleachers at a taught me came back to my mind: 1 John basketball court and started crying. “What 1:9—“If we confess our sins, He is faithful have I done?” I asked aloud. “I could have and just to forgive us . . . “; Galatians lost my family.” 2:20—“I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I . . .”; Romans Drastic Change Needed 8:28—“All things work together for good Looking up, I wondered what to do. I to those who love God . . .”; and more. knew about God and that He was able to save, but I hadn’t understood my need Instruction Through God’s Word of Him until that moment. “What can I I recognized that God was instructing do?” I asked Him. “You spared my life for me through His Word—He was giving some reason.” I realized I needed to make me something to hold on to for support. I a drastic change in my life. began praying every night, inviting Him Years earlier, before joining the army, I into my life and asking Him for help. I had lived with my uncle and helped him learned that it is when we cry out for help plant marijuana in the mountains. One that we realize He can help us. In addition day a man came to the door and invited us to praying I started getting up early to to his church. I thought I should try it, so spend time reading God’s Word. I stopped planting marijuana. My life took a U-turn. Reading the The man, who was an elder at the Bible, I learned so many things—it Adventist church, took me under his contains the mind of God and explains wings. I stayed with him and his wife for the state of man. Its doctrines are holy, prefects binding, and histories true. Read it to be wise, to be safe, and practice it to be holy. Mission Post I reconnected with the Adventist Church and was baptized. My wife also  The Inter-American Division (IAD) has more than 3.7 million members, an gave her life to Christ. I’m so happy and average of one Adventist for every 76.55 encouraged by the people whom I’ve people. This is the highest ratio of any met in the Adventist Church. It’s very division in the world church. important to know the joy of salvation  Adventists in IAD are active lay so that we can share that joy with others. evangelists. Every member helps by God loves and forgives us; we then return sharing God’s love with others. that love and forgiveness to others. It’s like someone sharing a piece of pie with you—if you don’t taste it, you don’t know how good it is.  www.AdventistMission.org 7 This Is My Last Beer BELIZE | October 18 Jervis and Yvonne

’m a pastor on the their traditions and beliefs Ibeautiful island of San of the Rastafarian life Pedro. This island is It wasn’t the first they had come to know one of the most popular time my church invite and love. They came to destinations in Belize, Belize to pursue a life and its inhabitants had been denied. of enjoyment, singing consist mostly of and playing music. They foreigners who come to dedicated their lives to retire or party hard! It’s my job as pastor making cool, Caribbean island music. to spread the gospel and teach others They, along with a group of Jamaicans, of our wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus planned to meet with a Belizean reggae Christ. With clubs, parties, and other promoter to take their music to the next secular programs going on daily, some level and serve the world with the vibes of may not be interested to hear the Word, the reggae they loved. but the story of Jervis and Yvonne shows I met Jervis and Yvonne at Robin’s me how God is working here.

Inter-American Division Inter-American Kitchen, a local restaurant that serves

ission Jammin’ Reggae Artists great food. “Brother Harvey,” an M Jervis and Yvonne migrated from the Adventist, is the owner of the place. He sandy beaches of Jamaica to Belize. As befriended Jervis and Yvonne, who enjoy dventist A reggae artists, they were deeply rooted in eating at his restaurant. 8 After speaking with the couple for a while, I felt impressed to invite them to church. They humbly denied. It wasn’t the first time my church invite had been denied, but I thought, They are BELIZE Rastafarians—the odds of them giving their lives to God is probably less likely than other non-believers. OK, Last Beer One day as Brother Harvey and I approached Robin’s Kitchen, we met Yvonne. After we spoke for a while, she went next door to get Jervis, who was in the bar having his favorite—a Belizean Belikin beer. Feeling impressed by the Holy Spirit again, I invited them to church. To my joy, Jervis responded, “OK, Pastor, this is my last beer. I will come to On the beautiful island of San Pedro, church.” God is so powerful! Belize, one of the Seventh-day On Sabbath morning, in walked Jervis Adventist churches is located right on the beach. and Yvonne. They were eager to learn, and so we started Bible studies. They also wanted to live a healthy lifestyle and years of living together. They began decided to give up all harmful substances singing a different tune—a gospel tune. and eat a natural vegetarian diet. They are married, baptized, and dedicated After much Bible study and regular to working for the Lord through their church attendance Jervis and Yvette music ministry. decided to give their hearts to the Lord. “I love my church, and I’m ready They decided to get married after many to sing,” says Yvonne. “I have peace of mind, and I keep studying our [Adventist] message.” “I’m very happy now,” Jervis adds. “I need to be strong and confident. I’m Fast Facts very happy for Brother Harvey and other  San Pedro is a beautiful island located off members too—they keep me strong.” the coast of Belize. Jervis is especially happy to be playing  Most of the people in San Pedro are very music for the Lord now. Both he and secular. Yvonne are active in evangelism. “Music  The island has the largest concentration pulls people together,” he says. “It’s the of visitor accommodations in Belize and medium to bring them in.”  its diving facilities are some of the best in the country. Story by Pastor Nadir Ruiz, pastor of the New Horizon Seventh-day Adventist Church in San Pedro, Belize. www.AdventistMission.org 9 The Throwaway Baby, Part 1 BELIZE | October 25 Jeremy photo: BigStock.com

convinced. Once the nurses left, she looked into the garbage and saw the cloth moving. When she lifted it, there was her baby, still breathing. Taking a clean cloth, she wrapped up t’s not time for this baby to be born, the “fetus,” put him in her pocket, and Ithought the mother as she hurried to went home to be greeted by her many the hospital to deliver her tenth child. children. “Where’s the baby?” they asked. Only five months into this pregnancy, The mother unwrapped the “fetus,” and she was surprised to feel the familiar labor there he was, still breathing. pains. When the baby was delivered, Stolen Property the doctor said, “Ma’am, you have nine Before long, however, the police came. children waiting for you at home. You did She had stolen hospital property, they not deliver another baby— informed her— the you had an undeveloped “fetus!” “If you don’t fetus that didn’t survive. return it,” they said, The doctor put the fetus The police officers “we’ll take you to court.” in a cloth and threw it in were called in order “This is my child!” the garbage. said the mother, refusing “Where is my baby?” to ensure that to hand her baby over to

Inter-American Division Inter-American the mother kept asking, this crazy woman the police.

ission but the answer was always “If this ‘fetus’ dies M the same: “You had an wouldn’t steal the under your care,” they undeveloped fetus.” responded, “you will go dventist fetus again. A But the mother wasn’t to jail for murder.” 10 they give it to him anyway, or he would Mission Post die. She prayed as she watched them put the unscreened blood into the fetus. The  The Belize Union of Churches Mission was first organized in 1929. doctor assured the mother that the fetus

would not survive past midnight. At 6:00 BELIZE  There are 85 Adventist churches in Belize, with a membership of 39,518. a.m. the “fetus” was still alive. With a country population of 334,000, By this time the doctor was amazed. that’s a ratio of 1 Adventist to every 8.45 He had never seen anything like this. So people in Belize. now he had another idea: “Let’s get in  There are 21 Adventist primary schools, contact with Jamaica and arrange with three Adventist academies, an Adventist them to take him to one of their hospitals junior college, and a clinic in Belize. to see how long this ‘fetus’ can live.” The mother refused. “My child is not a guinea Refusing to be intimidated, she told them, pig or a lab rat!” “Then I will have to do my jailtime.” Stealing Hospital Property? A directive was then sent to all The police officers were called in order government clinics in the area, forbidding to ensure that this crazy woman wouldn’t them to accept the “fetus” or mother steal the fetus again. Determined to take for treatment. But God did not forget her baby home, the woman came up with this desperate mother nor her premature a plan—she would go to another ward infant. As she prayed, God impressed this of the hospital, create a big commotion, mother with what she should do. and when the officers were distracted, she The baby was so tiny that his little would grab her baby and run. The plan mouth wasn’t large enough to nurse worked, and she hurried home. Not far from his mother, so she put some of her behind, however, were the police officers. milk into a small doll bottle to feed him. Once again they threatened her with Because no incubator was available, she stealing hospital property, but she stayed carefully placed him in the sun each day. her ground. The baby strengthened and grew. A year later the “fetus” still lived. But once more he became ill, and there was Begging for Help no choice but to return to the hospital, One day, however, the baby became very where once again she met the same doctor ill, and the mother had to bring him back and the same staff. to the hospital, where she met the same Looking at the child, the doctor made doctor and nurses. They were all perplexed, his dire predictions: “This baby will be because the “fetus” was still alive. Getting blind and crippled by the age of 2. He will on her knees, the mother pleaded with the be mentally disabled and will die at the doctor, begging him to help her baby. age of 5.” He desperately needed a blood The mother took her treasure home transfusion, but the hospital had only one and prayed.  unit of blood available, and it had not been screened. The mother asked that To be continued www.AdventistMission.org 11 The Throw-Away Baby, Part 2 BELIZE | November 1 Jeremy

he “fetus” kept me. Although I was Tgrowing and became supposed to die many stronger each day. When As I diligently studied times, God preserved he was 6 years old, that my Bible, the Lord my life for this time. “fetus” walked into a captured me. Amazingly, however, Seventh-day Adventist in spite of my miraculous primary school, not with delivery, Satan almost a cane, as the doctor won my soul. predicted, because he wasn’t blind; not in a wheelchair, as the doctor had warned, Poor Upbringing because he could walk. He walked in I’ve faced many discouragements in my and he did well in every subject. He life. Our father did not support us, and continued his education at an Adventist we grew up very poor. I was told that I

Inter-American Division Inter-American academy and then went on to an would never amount to anything, that

ission Adventist university, where he studied to I was the worst person. I know about M become a pastor. hardship. My siblings and I had to share That “fetus” is a part of God’s master one school bag between three to four of dventist A plan for the end-time. That “fetus” is us. We received secondhand uniforms. 12 Often we would go to school hungry because we hadn’t eaten for days. The Fast Facts Lord kept us, but it required discipline.

 The population of Belize is young, with BELIZE Growing up in the south side of Belize a median age of 21.8. City, kids tend to stray like sheep. And as a young man, I went astray. I was out  Belize is a Central American country, located between and in the world, playing the devil’s music. I , bordering the Caribbean Sea. know a lot about the music of the street, because at a young age I was exposed to it.  Belize is the site of several historical Mayan city states. The Mayan ruins are I Needed to Change a popular tourist attraction. You may wonder, How is it that this young man with such a powerful birth story—why was he even out there? It’s the result of taking my eyes off Jesus. It’s Captured As I diligently studied my Bible, the the result of thinking that being young Lord captured me, and I made a change. means to have fun with the world. It’s the It was amazing. I found that the closer result of following bad company. But the you get to Jesus, the more He opens your Lord brought me back through a series spiritual understanding to the spiritual of chastisements, but He chastised me warfare that’s going on all around us. We in love. There were some things I did wrestle against spiritual wickedness in that were wrong, and the Lord began high places. I would be afraid to go in a calling my attention to those things and club now. I know the music would have convicting me that I needed to change. the influence of demons. One of the those things was music. I God brought miracles in my life, and used to play at clubs. On Sabbath morning He is still doing miracles for me and I would be at church, and as the sun set, I others. My dream is to see millions saved would be at the club. From church to club in the kingdom of God. By His grace, on the same day. And I would meet other I have been able to lead out in many friends from church there too. But I praise evangelistic meetings and have had the the Lord because those same kids that I joy of seeing hundreds of people baptized would meet at the club later came out through this outreach. I believe that many from that scene, as I did, and we formed a young people and older people, if we come special ministry to propagate our message: together, can hasten the coming of Jesus. This music will lead the masses to eternal My mother, who I love so much, ruin. I have reached this conclusion always reminds me, “Never forget that because of my experiences and what I saw you were a throwaway baby. Never at the clubs. I wouldn’t recommend it to forget that you belong to God. He anybody. To anybody who is out there, I preserved you, and you are here to bring would say, “Come home!” Him glory.”  www.AdventistMission.org 13 BELIZE | November 8 So Much to Share

Tyson photo: BigStock.com

yson and his older brother lived with One of the youth leaders saw the young Ttheir parents in Belize City. Both men and invited them in. They stayed brothers were very involved in sports and for the rest of the meeting and enjoyed other activities at their high school. it. Another youth leader invited them to Their mother had grown up as a return the following week. Seventh-day Adventist, and she and Tyson and his brother went home and her family had served in the church told their mother about the meeting, for many years. As she grew older, asking to return the following week. She however, she fell in love and married agreed but reminded them of the football a man that was not an Adventist, and game they had at school on Tuesdays. she drifted away from her faith. The young men decided to go to the One evening as Tyson and his brother youth meeting instead, and learned that were walking home from school, they the meetings were held every Tuesday happened to pass by an Adventist church. evening. On that evening Adventist They observed a group of young people young people from all over Belize City socializing and having fun at the church. meet in their local churches to study the The following week they passed the same Bible, play games, participate in cooking way, and again they saw the youth singing classes and other life skills sessions. Each and studying the Bible. Tyson became member is encouraged to bring a visitor curious and said to his brother, “Let’s go to the meetings. This gives the members

Inter-American Division Inter-American and take a closer look.” the opportunity to fellowship with each

ission other and the chance to reach other M An Invitation youth for Jesus. Reluctantly his brother agreed, so the Tyson was invited to Sabbath School dventist A two went to the door and peaked in. by one of the youth at the meeting. From 14 that day on, he and his brother attended in Hong Kong. His mother is still serving Sabbath School regularly, and it wasn’t the Lord faithfully, and his father attends long before their mother was attending church regularly. Sabbath School and church with them. This came about in part because of

Following Bible studies, Tyson and his dedicated youth leaders who took the time BELIZE brother were baptized, choosing to give up to shepherd and nurture the youth, and the excitement and friends of the world because of young people who were willing for Jesus. to accept the call of God to reach out to After graduating from high school their peers and bring them into His fold. Tyson believed that God was calling him to pastoral ministry, so he went to Seventy Percent of the Church the intending to study at In Belize approximately 70 percent of an Adventist university, but found costs Adventist church members are youth. prohibitive. Tyson ended up studying at For the past several decades the Belize an Adventist university in the Philippines Union Conference has organized youth where he completed his theological rallies for the young people in their studies and pastoral training. territory, but have faced the continual Returning to his home country, Tyson challenge of trying to find space that will worked as a pastor of several churches. accommodate them. Today Tyson is married, and he and his “It’s always been a challenge to find wife are currently serving as missionaries a place in Belize that has the facilities to cater to so many young people,” says Pastor Leslie Gillet, Belize Union youth director. “Back in the 1980s we began talking about the need for a facility. This youth camp/evangelism center is important because it will give the young people a sense of purpose. Most of the young people who come to church in Belize come looking for a purpose. We come because we sense there is more to our lives than just living. Having a facility like this will give the youth of Belize a sense of belonging and a place to learn and recreate together. “There is so much in Belize that we can share with the rest of the world. We just hope that many of our brothers and sisters from the rest of the world will get to know Belize and share with us.” Part of your Thirteenth Sabbath Offering More than 70 percent of Adventists in this quarter will help build a youth camp/ Belize are young people. evangelism center in Belize.  www.AdventistMission.org 15 An Unexpected Journey BELIZE | November 15 Jerome

’m the second of twins—born 20 to lift up the pole. My dad’s workers would Iminutes after my brother. I grew up in then climb the poles and install everything the village of Burrell Boom. The village to make them functional. After a few years got its name because years ago logs were the crew wanted more money and started brought down the river from the Caya stealing from my dad. district in the west and were held here by The Fall a big boom. Then my twin brother and I started My grandfather was a pastor, so my dad climbing poles for our dad. It’s very hard grew up in the Adventist Church, but later and dangerous work. One day as I was he left it. My mom raised us as Adventists, climbing, the safety strap was biting into and when I was 13 or 14, I was baptized. my leg. I put my weight on it and fell We traveled eight miles to church each 40 feet onto a rock, landed on my back, week. As the years passed by, my father and went unconscious. When I awoke, I built a house nearer to the church. tried moving but wasn’t able to from the My dad was into trucking. When we waist down. My brother went to get help,

Inter-American Division Inter-American were old enough, we started driving for and after a long, arduous journey to the

ission him. Later he went into business with hospital, we finally arrived. The doctor put M Belize Electric Limited. He was responsible a big needle in my foot, but I didn’t feel a for planting large electric poles. It was hard thing. They said I would never walk again. dventist A work to dig down six feet, then use a loader I was 21. 16 But the faith I was Raising Awareness raised with brought me I also wanted to raise hope. I felt so calm and But the faith I was awareness of disabilities, peaceful. As my mother so I partnered with stood at my bedside raised with brought Care Belize, an BELIZE crying, I told her, “Don’t me hope. organization that worry, Mom. I’ll be OK.” works with individuals I always remember that with disabilities and little moment. It matters how your their families. I planned to bike across parents raise you. God allowed me to Belize—a 90-mile trip. A business from handle this crisis and go through it, heard about my plans and not stressing out, but having faith that sponsored materials for me to build something good would come out of it another bike, as the first one I had made and that I would be OK. was very heavy. I trained on the heavy Building a Bike one, then made the actual 90-mile trip For the first few years after the accident on the new aluminum-frame bike. I did I was in and out of the hospital. One the ride in just three days! day while on the Internet at home I Since that first trip I have made found a picture of a hand-pedaled bike. numerous bicycle trips across Belize, over Downloading the picture, I saved up some all of the major highways of our country. money to buy materials, and then built my My message is: Don’t look at someone own bike. When the bike was ready, even who has a disability as if they aren’t able I was surprised by how everything worked to do anything. With God, if you put so perfectly. No one knew what it was. As your mind to it, you can do anything He I rode places, everyone was waving at me, wants you to do!  and I felt positive and happy. One day two American couples were riding their bicycles. They had biked a Fast Facts long distance and were trying to find a place to stay. Someone met them on the  Belize has a land area of 8,867 square road and told them it wasn’t safe in the miles (22,966 sq. km.), and 320 miles city, so they stayed close to where we live. (516 km) of coastline. I went to a nearby shop, and they saw  Belize is a parliamentary democracy with my bright-yellow bike and started taking the British Commonwealth. The country pictures. They came back in the evening is divided into six districts: Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek and and took more pictures, telling me that Toledo. they would send them to me by email.  Tourism is the largest revenue generator They sent the pictures to others as well, in Belize, although the country does and soon I was contacted by Channel 7 export some agricultural products, Belize for an interview. That gave me the including bananas, cacao, citrus, sugar, opportunity to tell my story and share my fish, cultured shrimp and lumber. faith with the entire country! www.AdventistMission.org 17 In What Do You Believe? BELIZE | November 22 Ricardo

hen I was 27 years old, God that he wanted to drink with me. Wchanged my life. I was an alcoholic, When we reached the area near my took acid, smoked two packs of cigarettes father’s house, the young man and I sat a day, and was out on the streets. But then down at the edge of the road. I opened the the Lord stepped in. bottle and drank some rum, then handed It was a Saturday night while I was it to him. The stranger said, “No,” set the in a bar drinking with a policeman bottle on the ground, and immediately and two other guys. The night was asked, “What is your faith?” clear, and the moon was shining “I don’t understand what you are brightly. When I looked out the door asking,” I replied. of that bar, I saw a “In what do you young man calling me believe?” he persisted. from outside. I went Because my parents out and asked what Let’s promise that were Seventh-day

Inter-American Division Inter-American he wanted. He said he Adventists, I replied, “I

ission wanted to speak to me, we’re going to church really believe that the M but not there. I followed on Sabbath. [seventh-day] Sabbath is him with a bottle of rum the Lord’s day.” dventist A in my hand, thinking The young man 18 immediately stood up and said, “That people coming to the foot of the cross and is my faith too. Let’s promise that we’re being baptized. going to church on Sabbath.” I agreed, I know that the devil has not been and he shook my hand. He walked pleased with my transformation. During backward about 10 yards (nine meters) one year I presented seven evangelistic BELIZE and then vanished. I never saw him again. series. At that time, I lost many family members in accidents. Over the course A Transformation of 18 months I lost my father, sister, two The following Sabbath I went to church brothers, and two nephews—all were hoping to see the stranger again, but he killed in accidents. never appeared. Nevertheless my life was A few people said to me, “Why don’t changed. I never drank, smoked, or did you stop doing these meetings? Your drugs again, and that was almost 40 years family members are dying!” But I told ago. Now I believe that it was an angel them, “No, I won’t stop, even if Satan who was transformed into a human being. continues doing this, I will continue to I tell everyone my angel story. Personally, preach.” That helped me to become even I know it happened. I have spoken to many stronger in my faith. people who drink a lot as I once did. I tell I’m not a pastor, although I serve as them about how God changed my life, and head elder in my church. For many years I tell them that if God could do this for me, managed a company that made wicker and He can also do it for them. rattan furniture, and now I work with an A few years after my transformation, insurance company. Additionally I have a I returned to the village where this farm where we grow coconuts, avocadoes, happened and presented a series of mangoes, turnips, plums, breadfruit, evangelistic meetings. People knew me for oranges, and limes, and I have what I was in the past, but during the two- and cedar trees from which we harvest week meetings, 12 souls gave their lives to wood. I also have a wonderful wife and Christ. It was such a blessing. They could four grown children. The Lord has blessed see the change in my life. me abundantly, and whatever He gives me Working for the Lord I want to use it for His honor and glory. I’m amazed at what the Lord has done When Christ comes, I have a lot of with my life. Even though I didn’t have questions for my Jesus. Nevertheless, what much of an education (because I had to I really want to know is—who was the stop going to school at age 12), the Lord angel that appeared to l was.  has allowed me to work for Him. I’ve been able to translate a lot of religious literature from English into Spanish. By His grace I "It is the work of angels to come close to have formed 10 church groups; eight have become officially organized churches. God the tried, the suffering, the tempted. They labor has given me the privilege of presenting untiringly in behalf of those for whom Christ died.” numerous evangelistic meetings and Bible —­ Acts of the Apostles, p. 153.

studies, resulting in more than 1,000 www.AdventistMission.org

19 The Bar That Became a Church

BELIZE | November 29 Victor photo: BigStock.com

he village of Cotton in Jesus, we would like TTree is located to invite you to visit between mile markers I’m going to take down our church this coming 42 and 44 in the Cayo Sabbath.” district of Belize. With that sign, and we’re no Adventist presence going to use this place Which Day? in the area, Ricardo “Sabbath? You wanted to reach the to praise God’s name! mean on Sunday?” village’s 1,580 people Victor wasn’t sure he with the good news of understood correctly. the three angels’ messages. “No,” the two assured In November 2012 he and a friend were him. “We worship together on the seventh going door to door, reaching out to the day, Saturday, because according to the people, assessing their needs, and offering Bible, it is the Lord’s day.” Bible studies. While walking along the Victor was interested in learning street, the two Adventists met Victor. more, so on the next Sabbath he was at

Inter-American Division Inter-American “Good evening, sir. We’re from the the Seventh-day Adventist church in

ission Seventh-day Adventist church, and we’re St. Matthew’s Village, seven miles from M doing a survey. Do you believe in Jesus Cotton Tree. He kept coming to the Christ?” Victor indicated that he did, so church week after week. It was there that dventist A the two continued. “Well, if you believe he decided to recommit his life to Christ 20 “This used to be a bar and dance hall,” Mission Post he told the group, “but I’m going to take down that sign, and we’re going to use this  Belize and Jamaica are part of the Inter- place to praise God’s name!” American Division (IAD). The IAD is made up of 42 countries and has more The building is now divided into two BELIZE than 3.7 million Adventists—more than separate areas—both providing food for any other division of the world church. life. On one side is Victor’s new business, a grocery shop, and on the other side is  In Belize, 1 of every 8 people the worship hall where the Bread of Life is are Seventh-day Adventists. shared each Sabbath.  Many Adventists in IAD are active lay Seventh-day Adventists in Belize, evangelists. especially the younger members, are very active in sharing their faith. Part of this  The country of Belize has a population of 334,000, with a ratio of 1 Adventist quarter’s Thirteenth Sabbath Offering to every 8.45 people. will help fund a youth camp and and evangelistic center. Please plan to give generously to help support and nurture our brothers and sisters in this small Central and was baptized. American country.  One challenge he faced, however, was his business. Victor was the owner of the local bar and dance hall in Cotton Tree. After his decision to follow Jesus, Victor closed his business, but he didn’t close his influence in Cotton Tree! photo: Thinkstock.com Pitching His Tent Wanting his friends and neighbors to hear the wonderful Bible truths that he had discovered, Victor helped launch a two-week series of evangelistic meetings just three weeks after his baptism. The meetings were held in a tent pitched right beside his former bar. After the series 28 more people from Cotton Tree were baptized—two of whom were women who were especially happy that Victor had closed the bar, as their husbands had been frequent patrons of the place. Since the newly baptized group needed Cotton Tree village, with a population of 1,580, is home to people from many a church home in their own village, ethnic groups, including Creoles, Victor offered part of his building as a , Maya, , East Indians, place for worship. Asians, and Caucasians. www.AdventistMission.org 21 Trench Town Teacher JAMAICA | December 6 Lurline

between the ages of 14 to 25. . . . They have no respect for anything. They have no purpose . . . no projection for their lives. There is nothing that they have to live for.”* “This Is Your Job” But Lurline James is changing that— rench Town, an inner-city ghetto of one young student and family member Kingston, Jamaica, is well-known for T at a time. Lurline is the principal of the its reggae roots, poverty, and crime. Home Seventh-day Adventist Basic School in of reggae artist Bob Marley, the place was Trench Town. Located at the Trench immortalized in his songs “Trench Town” Town Adventist church, the school started and “No Woman No Cry.” in 1997 as an outgrowth of a Vacation Children growing up in Trench Bible School. Town often awaken at night to the “Actually, the Lord led me here,” Lurline sound of gunshots coming from warring says. “I just wanted to help at the VBS, neighborhood gangs. Sometimes houses but the [Belize Mission] education director are deliberately torched. During the told me they wanted to start a school, day, young people often have difficulty and invited me to come. I told her, ‘No.’ I concentrating at school. Most are hungry, already had a job teaching in a good school, and it is not uncommon for residents to recognized by the Jamaican government.” die from starvation. But when Lurline went home and “Trench Town is very scary,” says Robert started thinking about the possibility of having an Adventist school in Trench

Inter-American Division Inter-American Taylor, a police sergeant who has worked Town, she says that the Lord told her,

ission in this area of Kingston for more than M 20 years. “It’s very scary with the kind of “This is your job.” weapons they’re firing now—especially * From an interview in the documentary, “Trench Town,” dventist directed by James Ewart, http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/ A the youth who are firing them. They’re trench-town-forgotten-land/ 22 Valuable Opportunities for the students. “They are smart,” says Catering to Trench Town’s youngest, Lurline proudly. “We got first place in the the Adventist Basic School offers a Scotia spelling bee!” The students also safe environment, socialization, and earned a bronze medal from the Jamaica education for children ages 2 to 6. The Cultural Development Commission at the school has grown from 23 students in cultural festival where they performed on 1997 to 104 in 2014. their recorders. Lurline doesn’t regret leaving her As home to Usain Bolt, the fastest man former job to come to Trench Town. “We in the world and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, have such an opportunity to impact the one of the world’s fastest women, Jamaica children,” she says. “We come with a is a land that admires the fleet-footed. JAMAICA Christian background, and the parents The Trench Town students have been really appreciate the principles and delighted to win many medals for their standards that we have here.” fast running abilities. She remembers when a parent of one of While watching the transformation of the students died, and the child came to the students into happier and confident school very fearful. “When someone dies, children is very rewarding, Lurline also the children are afraid that they will come considers the regular prayer breakfasts she back and haunt them,” Lurline explains. and her staff provide for the parents to be “I tell them, ‘When you’re dead, you’re an integral part of their ministry to the dead. They’re not coming back until Jesus Trench Town community. “The parents returns.’ ” When the children hear this, come, and we have the chance to visit and they are no longer afraid. pray with them. They always appreciate it.” Winning Awards The school also provides lunches for the children each day. “Nutrition is one of The Adventist school provides high- the greatest needs here,” Lurline explains. quality education and other opportunities “Even though we provide a good solid meal, the children don’t have a proper breakfast, and we have to find something Fast Facts to give them [before lunch].”  Jamaica is an island nation in the Nevertheless, when students leave the Caribbean Sea. It is 145 miles (234 km) Adventist school, they have more than a in length and 50 miles (80 km) in width full stomach. They have a mind eager to at its widest point. Today, the country is learn more, and a heart full of the hope a popular tourist destination and it has a native population of 2.8 million people. and love of Jesus. The Trench Town Seventh-day  Throughout most of its history, Jamaica Adventist Church subsidizes three- has been known for its sugar production. fourths of the children’s school fees,  Unemployment is high in Jamaica and as and provides a soup kitchen for the a result, the country has high crime rates community every Tuesday. The and violence related to drug trafficking. churchyard is always full of people.  www.AdventistMission.org 23 JAMAICA | December 13 Something Magnificent Cecil Foster with Kerry-Ann Gray

he shiny BMW slowly driving to God, and learn what He wanted us to Tthrough the slums of Kingston, do. After a two-hour prayer session, we Jamaica looked strangely out of place on decided that we needed to do something the crowded, dirty roads. Those on the to help the less fortunate. Later, in talking street eyed the driver with suspicion as he with the East Jamaica Conference, we approached them, offering them a ride to learned that they were thinking about the a free lunch. same thing.” From there plans began for “Most of the homeless people didn’t the Good Samaritan Inn, providing a place want to come into the car because to minister to the people living in the they didn’t trust me,” says Cecil Foster, inner-city ghettos. president of the East Jamaica Conference Free Lunches chapter of the Adventist-laymen’s Services On December 23, 1997, when the ASI and Industries (ASI). “Nearly all of them team distributed their first free lunches, wanted to walk, so I gave them directions there were leftovers. “On the first day, we of where they could go to get their free had more than half of the lunches left,” lunch.” Other members of the ASI team says Cecil. “We were out on the street, were up at Market Square, inviting as with nothing but benches and chairs— many homeless people as possible to come and lunches.” and receive free food. But the team didn’t give up. On the

Inter-American Division Inter-American A few weeks earlier, Cecil and his second week they went again and were able

ission newly elected ASI team met together to to give away more food. On the third week M determine priorities for the coming year. there were even more people coming, so “We had a morning session where we went the team stopped advertising. The program dventist A away early, at 5:00 a.m., just to pray, listen grew from 50 to 100 lunches per week, then 24 150 to 200. The Good group of companies in Samaritan Inn now serves Jamaica. “We became more than 900 lunches It gives you this warm, a part of it because Mr. per week, adding up to Foster had a part in it. nearly 47,000 free lunches this really nice feeling As his assistant, I tend to every year. that you are able to hear a lot of his thoughts. “It was mind-boggling be part of something He has a passion to help to see,” Cecil exclaims. the less fortunate. We “Can you imagine how so magnificent. desired to come on board this mushroomed?!” and help. It’s not just the fact that he has money Rapid Growth JAMAICA Since its beginnings to do it—he believes in of serving lunches on the street, the it very much. Several of us [staff] came Good Samaritan Inn has become a well- down to assist. It gives you this warm, this known landmark in the community. An really nice feeling that you are able to be old factory warehouse, located directly part of something so magnificent. You are behind the Heroes Seventh-day Adventist touching people’s lives. It’s a privilege to Church in Kingston, was purchased and be part of something like this.” renovated to better serve the needs of Part of this quarter’s Thirteenth the inner-city communities. The services Sabbath Offering will go to create a spe- now offered at the “Inn” include separate cial maternity clinic and wellness center men’s and women’s bathing facilities, free at the Inn, and a dental clinic, providing haircuts, provisions for daily washing and services for both children and adults.  drying of laundry, distribution of shoes and clothing, regular health clinics and health fairs, back- to-school help for students, Christmas treats for the young and the elderly, and an expansion of meal Mission Post services to three days per week. Since  The Jamaica Union Conference was 2012 a 30-bed women’s overnight facility organized in 1944 as the British West has been available at the Inn, giving Indies Union Mission. It was renamed in 1959 as the West Indies Union emergency help to women and children in Conference. In 2010 the territory was crisis situations. divided and renamed. “We have partnered with some corpora-  There are 658 Seventh-day Adventist tions as well to help make this happen,” churches in Jamaica, and a membership explains Cecil, “a commercial bank, the of 274,353. With the country’s Jamaican stock market, and others.” population at 2,712,000, that’s a ratio of 1 Adventist for every 9.88 people. A Passion  The Adventist Church in Jamaica has 7 Kerry-Ann Gray, assistant to Cecil academies, 1 university, 1 hospital, and Foster, comments on the influence he has 2 health clinics. had on her and other staff at his FosRich www.AdventistMission.org 25 Hunger Is a Wicked Thing JAMAICA | December 20 The Good Samaritan Inn

unger is a wicked thing,” says Joy, a to be a heavy drinker, but since coming Hclient at the Good Samaritan Inn to the Inn he has experienced a real in Kingston, Jamaica. “There are a lot transformation in his life. He no longer of hungry and angry people—when they drinks, and now works as a security guard are hungry, they are angry.” But since at the Inn under the direction of Vermont coming to the Good Samaritan Inn, Joy Murray, the Inn’s manager. and her two children feel much better. “Elder Murray is a very nice person, “There’s great food here, and we’re very and Sister Moore is a very nice lady who grateful for it. We always look forward to does the registration. Without them, I coming here.” In addition to the food, don’t know how we could exist. They can Joy appreciates how the Inn has helped communicate with our level of people, with her daughter’s school fees, new and if we can communicate, we can have shoes, and a backpack for a more peaceful society.” her son. “I’m very, very A Metamorphosis grateful and thankful . . . Beulett Carol Hunter, an really blessed.” This place has ASI member who serves

Inter-American Division Inter-American “What I like about the as a policy analyst and Inn,” says Lloyd, “is that it become a home, a ission researcher for the Ministry M isn’t only for the meal— family, a rescue.” of Education in Jamaica, it’s about the uplifting of has been involved with dventist A people’s lives.” Lloyd used the Good Samaritan Inn 26 say anything, except for cursings.” Fast Facts Ms. Hunter attributes the amazing changes to better nutrition, health talks,  In 2014 the population of Jamaica is 2.8 and devotional presentations. “What we million people. want to do,” she says, “is to let them see  More than 1 million tourists visit that life isn’t just sitting in a ghetto or Jamaica every year. a slum. That they can achieve, despite  Jamaica has eight native snake species, their circumstances. We want to open but none are venomous. their minds, so that they are no longer contented to be where they are. We want  Jamaica produces many talented athletes, especially in track and field to open heaven to them.” where athletes such as Usain Bolt, JAMAICA Yohan Blake and Shelly-Ann Fraser- A New Start Pryce have excelled. Nema and her mother first came to the Inn when Nema was in high school. “Once you walk through the gates, you since its beginnings. “I came on board can leave your problems, because in when they were in just a little shed. There here it’s a new start!” says Nema. “It’s were persons from lower socioeconomic a place of worship, peace, and a place groups. Some were on the streets. You had to get help—education, clothes, books, children with social problems, learning anything that you need.” disabilities—people were just hopeless. Nema is now pursuing a Bachelor of And they were dirty, very dirty and smelly. Science in Nursing at the University But then we established bathrooms so of the West Indies in Kingston. “The they could get showers, then a place to Inn has been so much of an influence clean their clothes. We gave them hygiene on my education,” she says. “I had to tips. When they first came, the people stop because of the school fees. When were very boisterous. Food was here, so I thought I’d have to drop out for good, everybody rushed for food. They never [the Inn] actually got me back in school had any training or discipline. again. . . . This place has become a home, “But over the years, we could see the a family, a rescue—such a good place! change in how they dressed and in their Before I came here, I was really shy, but hygiene. For the children, we would coming here allows you to come out of sometimes bring in the Pathfinder Clubs your shell. You get to talk to people, talk to do devotions and to talk individually to God, and learn what He can do for you. with them. My life has been impacted a lot by the “Talk about a metamorphosis—I can Inn. I don’t think I would have progressed attest to that! We are now seeing people this far in education, or spiritually, if it who are much cleaner, healthier, who wasn’t for the Good Samaritan Inn.” can converse freely. And they are active You can help support the Good participants in the devotionals. They love Samaritan Inn by giving generously to sing. They want to participate. This is to this quarter’s Thirteenth Sabbath coming from a level where they wouldn’t Offering. Thank you. www.AdventistMission.org 27 28

Adventist Mission Inter-American Division We will firstmeetLarrybelle and Jefferson Thirteenth Sabbath Offeringprojects. share morespecifically aboutthisquarter’s the leadersinBelizeandJamaica whowill American Division. is workingthroughpeople intheInter- Town Teacher” wehaveseenhowGod the “ThrowawayBaby”to“Trench and sistersinBelizeJamaica.From we’ve heardstoriesfromourbrothers Narrator: Duringthispastquarter, and thenonthecurrentquarter. website. Clickon“Resources,”“ResourcesforLeaders,” “ThirteenthSabbathProjects,” download themapatwww.AdventistMission.org. Photosalsoareavailableonthe (Scan themaponbackpageofquarterlyandprojectitontoascreen,or Props: AmapoftheInter-American DivisionwithBelizeandJamaicahighlighted. the materialthattheydonothavetoreadeverythingfromscript.] [Note: participantsdonotneedtomemorizetheirparts,buttheyshouldbefamiliarenoughwith Participants: Fivespeakers—anarratorandfourspeakers—onewoman,threemen. Today wearegoingto “meet” someof        Thirteenth SabbathProgram Congregational Song Closing Prayer Closing Song Welcome Program Offering Prayer Superintendent orSabbathSchoolteacher “A LastingGift” The Seventh-dayAdventistHymnal,No.572 “Give ofYour BesttotheMaster,” The Seventh-dayAdventistHymnal,No.132 “O Come,AllYe Faithful,” part ofthechurch theyreallyare. so theyrealize howmuchofanimportant family. We want tokeeptheyouthactive unusual tohave912children inone in Belizehavemanychildren. It’s not of ourmembersareyouth. Mostfamilies young church—approximately two-thirds Here inBelizewehaveaveryactiveand Speaker 1[Awoman—“Larrybelle”]: Spencer, bothyouthleadersinBelize. Speaker 2 [A man—“Jefferson”]: Our impact a youth camp in Belize will have goal is to have activities that are Bible- on the many young people there. Now based and also community-based, so that we would like to hear from Pastor Dennis as they grow, young people can see that Slusher, the president of the Belize Union the church makes a community, and the of Churches Mission. community makes a church. Speaker 3 [A man—“Pastor Slusher]: Speaker 1: In Belize we have five Here in Belize, we definitely believe different church “zones,” and many local in evangelism, and we give many youth activities take place in these zones. opportunities for the youth to participate. But once a year we have a special meeting We need a permanent place for our young where youth from across the country people—a place to bring them, train them, attend and enjoy classes and activities. and give them hands on experience. Many times we have to go form church to church, Speaker 2: The challenge we face is that teaching them how to work for others. If there is nowhere in the country that can we can have a permanent place of our own, accommodate all of the youth who would we can do even more for our young people. like to attend. But with a camp of our Training them how to do missionary own, we would have the space, it would be less costly, and more young people would work—that is one of our main objectives. be impacted for the Lord. Narrator: And what about the other Speaker 1: We like to offer classes based mission project—the evangelistic on improving life skills, as well as spiritual auditorium in the capitol city of Belmopan? life. Some examples include canoeing, construction, massage, cake decorating, Speaker 3: Having a large auditorium mechanics, electrical, and classes for will be of great benefit to our members improving abilities for those with and community. We want to offer disabilities—using what you have for God. more training for our adult members, and also have a place for large Speaker 2: One of our presenters was evangelistic meetings. Jerome Flores, a member who is paralyzed We already have a choice piece of land from his waist down but has bicycled to build this auditorium, but if we don’t across the country, using his arms to use it, the government will take it away, propel his special bike. so we’re looking forward to building this auditorium soon! Speaker 1: Many of the setbacks our youth in Belize face involve finances. If Narrator: Thank you, Pastor Slusher. assistance is given focusing on the young Now we will travel over to the island people, such as the camp, it will definitely of Jamaica, where we will hear from make a difference. It will be something Pastor Carl Cunningham. Pastor they can call their own. Cunningham works at the East Jamaica Conference as the director of Narrator: Thank you, Larrybelle and Sabbath School, Personal Ministries, Jefferson, for sharing with us about the and Adventist Community Services. www.AdventistMission.org 29 30

Adventist Mission Inter-American Division background isrecordedaccurately. Many address, phone,andanythingabouttheir system. Shemakessurethattheirname, larger itbecameimportantforabetter of information.Astheclientelegrew her doingphysical,laboriousgathering the data-trackingsystem.Itbeganwith Inn isSisterMoore,whoworkswith Samaritan part ofthesuccessGood interested inwhatishappeningattheInn. General ofJamaica,butisstillvery time. HehassincebecometheGovernor- at theJamaicaUnionConference guidance ofPastorPatrickAllen,whowas of thecommunity. Thiswasunderthe plants thatwouldfacilitatetheneeds recognized theneedforchurchandsocial Samaritan Inn.Theconferenceandunion the propertywaspurchasedforGood I waspastoringinthecommunitywhen Speaker 4(Man—“PastorCunningham”): Samaritan InnManagementCommittee. He isalsothechairmanofGood will befeatured.Specialprojectsinclude: Next quartertheNorthAmericanDivision     Someone whohasplayedanintegral children atCamp Polaris. CHILDREN’S PROJECT: bedsforthe Micronesia mission. Gymnasiums forschoolsinthe / Virginia throughHarvestTime inAppalachia. Reaching thousandsofpeople inWest in Alaska. Bathhouses andrestroomsforCampPolaris Future Thirteenth SabbathProjects generously forourspecialmissionoffering. sisters inBelizeandJamaica.Pleasegive opportunity tohelpourbrothersand Narrator: Thankyou,Nowisour able toofferdentalservicesourclients. dentist, butwe’rehappythatsoonwe’llbe average personcan’t affordtogoa And dentalcareisverycostlyhere—the appreciate theirworthashumanbeings. maternal wellnessclinicwillhelpclients that thereisnofurtherplacetogo.The who thinkthattheyareontheedgeand who arelivinginhopelessness,people hearts, minds,andsouls. Hopefully soonerorlaterwe’llreachtheir Christ—it’s notjustaboutfeedingpeople. bottom lineisaboutdoingtheministryof to understandwhomweareserving.The come. Thisisimportantbecausewewant them in,sothatwecanseehowoftenthey they arehomeless.SisterMoorechecks have noaddress,soshejustindicatesthat We offerawholisticministrytopeople MissionYOUTH & ADULT

EDITORIAL

Gina Wahlen Editor Karla Bucklew Editorial Assistant Hans Olson Projects Manager Emily Harding Layout Editor A happy young man being baptized in Jamaica. OFFICE OF ADVENTIST MISSION Thank you for supporting mission in the Gary Krause Director Inter-American Division! Rick Kajiura Communication Director Nancy Kyte Marketing Director Delbert Pearman Planning Director Leader’s Resources Rick McEdwards Study Centers Director COMMUNICATION Laurie Falvo Projects Manager For more information on the culture and history of Belize Gina Wahlen Mission Editor and Jamaica, look in the travel section of a local library or Hans Olson Projects Manager online. Some helpful websites include: http://ambergriscaye. Ricky Oliveras Video Producer com/pages/town/factsbze.html and http://jis.gov.jm/ Earley Simon Video Producer information/jamaican-history/ Visit our website at www.AdventistMission.org for additional Website: www.AdventistMission.org photos, recipes, language pages, and other activities that you can use to enhance your mission program. Go to www. Mission (ISSN 0190-4108) is produced and AdventistMission.org. Click on “Resources” in the pop-up menu. copyrighted © 2014 by the Office of Adventist Go to fourth quarter and select the activity you want. Mission, General Conference of Seventh-day Mission 360 DVD is a free video that presents stories from Adventists®, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, U.S.A. the featured countries as well as the worldwide mission of the Adventist Church. Ask your Sabbath School superintendent to Printed in U.S.A. make you a copy of it. Or go online at www.AdventistMission.org Fourth Quarter 2014 to download the DVD. Volume 103, Number 4 ADVENTIST® and SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST® are the registered trademarks of the General MISCELLANEOUS Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®. Embassies and Tourism Offices sometimes can provide Text credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New interesting information on their country. In North America, International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, contact: 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. The Embassy of Belize, 2535 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, All rights reserved worldwide. Washington, D.C. 20008. Permission is granted to reproduce material Phone: (202) 332-9636; website: www.embassyofbelize.org. from this quarterly for use in local Sabbath The Embassy of Jamaica, 1520 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Schools and children’s ministries programs. Washington, D.C. 20036. Phone: (202) 452-0660; website: www. Permission to reproduce any portion of embassyofjamaica.org. this material for sale, publication in another periodical, or other commercial use must Please remind members also that the ongoing work of the be authorized in writing by the editor at the world church depends on the weekly Sabbath School mission above address. offerings. On the twelfth Sabbath report on mission giving during For subscription inquiries, e-mail Steve Hanson the quarter. Explain that one fourth of the Thirteenth Sabbath at [email protected] or call 1-800-456-3991 Offering is dedicated to the special projects featured this quarter. or 1-301-393-3280. Annual subscription rates The remaining three fourths goes into the World Mission Fund per edition: domestic, US$7.50; international, www.AdventistMission.org with the weekly mission offerings. US$14.50. 31 Inter-American Division

U. S. A. ATLANTIC OCEAN

MEXICO Havana THE BAHAMAS TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

Mexico City CAYMAN ISLANDS DOM. REP. BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS HAITI ANGUILLA 2 JAMAICA PUERTO RICO ORGANIZATION CHURCHES COMPANIES MEMBERSHIP POPULATION 3 ANTIQUA AND BARBUDA Inter-American 1 0 141 VIRGIN ISLANDS BELIZE 4 ST. KITTS AND NEVIS Atlantic Caribbean 79 13 31,596 446,000 1 Belize 85 40 39,971 334,000 DOMINICA Caribbean 598 123 227,354 3,753,000 HONDURAS MARTINIQUE Central Mexican 215 212 76,227 39,422,562 GUATEMALA ST. LUCIA Chiapas Mexican 898 1,801 187,908 4,679,445 ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Cuban 310 153 34,018 11,258,000 EL SALVADOR NETHERLANDS BARBADOS ARUBA Dominican 720 455 294,814 10,260,000 ANTILLES GRENADA East Venezuela 501 276 138,487 14,860,275 El Salvador 700 243 210,996 6,307,000 TRINIDAD French Antilles-Guiana 147 24 30,534 1,073,000 AND TOBAGO COSTA RICA Caracas Guatemala 824 215 248,228 15,428,000 Haitian 539 521 407,349 10,421,000 Honduras 446 220 265,373 8,555,000 Georgetown Inter-Oceanic Mexican1,273 1,139 185,486 29,346,470 VENEZUELA Jamaica 665 56 278,213 2,712,000 Bogota GUYANA Paramaribo North Colombian 790 608 164,010 20,099,718 PACIFIC North Mexican 575 444 138,886 38,705,362 Puerto Rican 301 21 34,971 3,640,000 SURINAMEFRENCH South Central American 785 386 299,974 14,606,000 OCEAN GUIANA South Colombian 679 332 149,741 27,928,282 COLOMBIA Southeast Mexican 442 536 92,838 5,420,161 Venezuela-Antilles 555 268 149,140 15,095,725

Total: 12,128 8,086 3,686,255 284,351,000 ECUADOR Statistics as of December 2013 BRAZIL PERU PROJECTS 1 Evangelistic Center, Belmopan, Belize 2 Youth Camp in Northern Belize 3 Medical/Dental Clinic, Kingston, Jamaica 4 Children’s Project: Dental chair reserved for children at new clinic in Jamaica