Issue 1 2021

A Journal for Seventh-day Adventists in Military and Public Service FLEETING FREEDOMS

By Mario E. Ceballos, D.Min, BCC Director/Endorser, World Service Organization–General Conference

he theme for this issue of For these events inspired members to be God and Country is Religious more united in prayers via electronic T Liberty. I encourage you to means but have severely limited in- closely examine the main articles, person interaction. reading them carefully and prayerfully. The United States of America, a As we move closer and closer to country colonized in part by people the end of time, we see signs of “the looking for a place to exercise their end of the world.”1 We know that religion, had a rocky beginning. we will lose our freedom to worship French Protestants known as the God. We don’t exactly know how “Huguenots” who settled close to this will happen, but it will happen. Jacksonville, Florida, were massacred. Today, many of our churches are The Spanish commander said of either closed or meeting under them in a report to the King of Spain strict regulations set by local and that he “had hanged the settlers state governments. We have lost for ‘scattering the odious Lutheran some of our liberty to worship as doctrine in these Provinces.’”2 a congregation. That is due to not Throughout history, many of only government mandates but the major atrocities, massacres, mainly due to the pandemic known and wars have been in the name of as COVID-19. In some churches religion. They have been a violation

Table of 2 Perspective 4 An Uncomfortable Truth About Contents Religious Freedom 12 From the Counselor’s Desk 14 It’s All in the Story 18 When Testing Strengthens Convictions 22 Create Your WSO Profile Today 24 NAD Director’s Thoughts 26 Freedom Is Not Free 2 PERSPECTIVE

THROUGHOUT HISTORY, MANY OF THE MAJOR ATROCITIES, MASSACRES, AND WARS HAVE BEEN IN THE NAME OF RELIGION.

of people’s religious liberty. In This freedom further includes the right ancient times, Christians were fed to change one’s religion, as well as to to the beasts to be killed and eaten respectfully invite others to do so.”5 in the Roman Coliseum. A modern We can see that many of our beliefs case in point is the holocaust in are impacted. Often we are asked Germany.3 Today, minority religious not to share our beliefs in different communities are under attack, some most recently in Iraq.4 settings. That goes against our Many believe that what we position that says, “and to disseminate are seeing in the world today is religious views by public preaching, or unprecedented in our lifetime. Even through the media.”6 though similar to in times past, these I pray that the articles in this events are just the beginning. They are magazine will help you prepare for the affecting our freedom to worship and times in which we live. Soon and very practice our beliefs as a community. soon, we will see our Lord descending Think about it! When was the last from the clouds of Heaven. I want to time you had communion? In my be there, and it is my desire that you local church, we have not been able to partake for over a year. The same also will be there. Until then. has happened to many other religious

practices that have been impacted by 1 the condition of the world today. Matthew 24:3 (KJV) The position of our church on 2 https://www.history.com/topics/united-states-constitution/ religious freedom is: freedom-of-religion “As loyal citizens, Adventists believe 3 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Holocaust they have the right to freedom of religion, 4 https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-48333923 subject to the equal rights of others. 5 https://www.adventist.org/articles/religious-freedom- This implies the freedom to meet for 1/#:~:text=Religious%20Freedom%20For%20more%20 instruction and worship, to worship on than%20a%20century%20Seventh-day,Adventist%20 the seventh day of the week (Saturday), Church%20has%20a%20presence%20in%20209%20 and to disseminate religious views by countries. public preaching, or through the media. 6 Ibid.

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3 AN UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH ABOUT RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

By Bettina Krause, Associate Director, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty, General Conference

4 t was at a meeting in Washington, many different faith traditions and D.C. last year that I began to nationalities. Hindus, Muslims, Iquestion my understanding of Sikhs, and Christians from other religious freedom. denominations. We exchange My years in law school in Australia reports on challenges facing our own had taught me to look at religious communities in various parts of the freedom through the lens of legal world and often work together on theory—as a fundamental human shared advocacy efforts. right, shaped by international and On the day in question, as we met constitutional law. My years as an via Zoom, a representative from Adventist Church member meant a Hindu advocacy organization I also saw religious liberty in terms gave a report on the tremendous of biblical prophecy and traditional discrimination faced by Hindus in Adventist ideas about the separation of parts of Muslim-majority Pakistan. He church and state. spoke of the hardship they faced—the Later, when I began work in the ostracism from their communities, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty the economic hardship, their status as department at the world church second-class citizens. headquarters in Maryland, I began to Ironically, the very next person write articles about religious freedom to give a report was someone who as an individual right—a right we spoke eloquently about the plight assert to protect our ability to keep of Muslims within parts of Hindu- the Sabbath, to be free of religiously majority India! He reported that some motivated discrimination, to gather Muslims were being scapegoated for for worship, and to share our faith COVID-19—blamed for its spread freely with others. and denied access to medical care. But at a gathering of human rights And this is a pattern that’s repeated advocates in Washington last year, the world over. A persecuted group I began to suspect there was more in one context is the persecutor in to religious freedom than I had another. In fact, when we look around previously thought. the world, we see there are no faith or ethnic groups that have a monopoly THE PERSECUTION PARADOX on religiously motivated persecution. Many Muslim-majority countries, My work in Washington for such as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, are the Adventist Church means I rightly accused of repressing religious regularly meet with advocates from minorities. And yet, on the other

WHEN WE LOOK AROUND THE WORLD, WE SEE THERE ARE NO FAITH OR ETHNIC GROUPS THAT HAVE A MONOPOLY ON RELIGIOUSLY MOTIVATED PERSECUTION. 5 THIS HUMAN IMPULSE TOWARD INTOLERANCE AND PERSECUTION IS CLEARLY DRIVEN BY SOMETHING FAR DEEPER THAN SIMPLY WHETHER SOMEONE BELONGS TO A PARTICULAR RELIGION OR CULTURE. hand, in places such as China and genocide, where many thousands Myanmar, it is Muslim minorities who of Tutsis and Hutus were brutally suffer intense persecution. murdered, it was an Adventist Similarly, Christians in many Church leader who was the very first countries experience terrible clergyman to be convicted of genocide persecution and are often the target in the International Criminal Tribunal of brutal attacks. I think of the Coptic for Rwanda. The tribunal found that Christians in Egypt whose places he personally drove armed Hutu of worship have been bombed and attackers to various places where who struggle under discriminatory Tutsis had taken refuge—including an laws. And yet, some Coptic leaders Adventist church where he was pastor. have, in turn, been behind efforts to He ordered the removal of its roof so marginalize other religious minorities that Tutsis could no longer use it as in Egypt. a shelter. They were all then slain in What’s happening here? This cold blood. And this Adventist pastor human impulse toward intolerance was not alone. Members of other and persecution is clearly driven by faith traditions were also convicted of something far deeper than simply similar crimes. whether someone belongs to a What could drive such intense particular religion or culture. hatred that overrides even one’s deeply As I sat in the meeting and held religious convictions? considered this paradox, I was struck History, psychology, and social by another disturbing question. If science teach us there is one common intolerance crosses all boundaries of denominator that links every religion and nationality, were there mass atrocity or large-scale circumstances where I, too, could be persecution, regardless of where tempted to deprive others of their it takes place in the world or rights and freedoms? Where I could the immediate circumstances become the oppressor? that drive it. And that Being an Adventist Church member common denominator is doesn’t automatically exempt me dehumanization. from distorted thinking about other Intolerance and groups in society. Consider the fact oppression can that following the 1994 Rwandan only take 6 place when we dehumanize others in laws, constitutions, and litigation. It’s our minds. If we suspend empathy. If about much more than our biblical we stop thinking of certain people, understanding of end time events or or “categories” of people, as living, our unique perspective on church- breathing, feeling human beings. state relations. These are all important If we close our minds to feelings facets of religious freedom, but of shared humanity. If we refuse to they are not its beating heart. They allow ourselves to acknowledge our don’t explain why we, as a church, common identity as children of God, passionately defend the right of others dearly loved by Him. to believe very differently to ourselves. Genocide may be an extreme One of my favorite passages in example of the power of the Psalms is Psalm 139. Here the dehumanization, but I believe forces Psalmist paints a vivid picture of God’s fueling dehumanization are present connection with His created beings. and active everywhere—in our We see in the first few verses of the communities, our churches, on our chapter a description of the intimate cable network news, and in our social and unshakeable connection between media feeds. God and the writer. He says: “You know when I sit down and when I rise RELIGIOUS FREEDOM up” and “you discern my thoughts from far away.” Then, starting in AS AN ANTIDOTE I’ve come to appreciate that our church’s understanding of religious freedom is grounded on far more than just a notion of legal rights—about

7 verse 13 we gain an insight into why 1. Labeling this connection exists. “For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit On a recent episode of Global me together in my mother’s womb. Affairs Today, a television program I praise you, for I am fearfully and our department produces on Hope wonderfully made.” Channel (hopetv.org), we interviewed As Adventists, who hold to a belief two experts in the sociology and law in the literal Creator God, we know of hate crimes, and their message was these beautiful words are much clear: an essential ingredient of every more than mere poetic license. This crime that targets a member of a is a description of human origins minority group is “labeling.” that undergirds a reality about who Why? Because labeling people and we really are. There’s something groups allows us to simplify the way profound in the fact that the God of we represent them in our minds. In the Universe said at the beginning of one sense labels are useful and often earth’s history, “Let us make man in benign. They’re a shorthand form of our image.” It points to the stamp of categorization that helps us convey the divine in every person, no matter information efficiently. But labeling how smudged or damaged by sin that can also be very dangerous. In using stamp becomes. labels for people, we unconsciously And this is the lens through which ascribe to them a monolithic identity. We begin to think about them in Scripture calls us to see others: to one-dimensional terms. We create acknowledge the essence of humanity caricatures and stereotypes. in every person, as someone endowed It’s a useful exercise to think about by their Creator with both freedom the labels we often use in the way we and infinite worth. think or talk about others. “Liberal,” This is the truth, also, that lies at “conservative,” “progressive,” the center of our Adventist conception “traditional,” “Black,” “White,” of religious liberty. “Hispanic,” or any other ethnic, racial, Religious freedom, at its heart, is or social group or subgroup. Other a very simple concept indeed. It is broad social labels are “homeless,” simply the recognition of someone “drug addict,” “working class,” else’s humanity. “unemployed,” and the list goes on and on. MORE THAN A RIGHT Labels are convenient but they’re never neutral and so must be used While the core principle at the with care. They carry baggage. They heart of religious freedom is simple, suggest that if a person belongs to its implications for us as Christ’s one of these groups, they have certain followers are massive. Religious essential, immutable characteristics freedom becomes transformed from a or tendencies. Labels “right” to a “responsibility.” And that obscure a person’s responsibility starts with guarding individuality and their our minds against forces that distort own unique personal our thinking and stunt our empathy story. Labels are, in a for others. word, dehumanizing. What are some of these forces? 8 RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, AT ITS HEART, IS A VERY SIMPLE CONCEPT INDEED. IT IS SIMPLY THE RECOGNITION OF SOMEONE ELSE’S HUMANITY.

2. Unthinking allegiance to let the trolley run its course or do you our own group act and save five people, but doom the person on the other track? There’s a classic thought It’s not a simple case of arithmetic— experiment in psychology called the saving five people at the expense of trolley conundrum. It goes like this: one. According to scientists, there are There is a trolley, or railcar, at the top a myriad of factors that play into how of a steep hill. Its braking system has we make that decision. failed, and it’s rolling out of control For instance, if the lone person down a steep hill heading for five standing at the end of the second track people who are standing on the track. is a family member it’s highly unlikely But you are standing midway down the hill next to a lever. If you pull that lever, the trolley will divert onto another track where there’s only one person standing, who will be killed instead. So, what do you do? Do you

9 RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, AS OUR CHURCH UNDERSTANDS IT AND DEFENDS IT, HAS UNCOMFORTABLE IMPLICATIONS FOR EACH ONE OF US. that we’ll divert the runaway trolley. 3. Fear or threat Likewise, we’ll value friends above strangers. We’ll place a higher value Finally, the factor that so often on members of our own subgroup, or lights the fuse of violence between tribe, or religion, or community, and groups in society is a sense of the list of variables goes on. imminent threat. We don’t need to The power of the trolley look far for an example of this. My experiment is to show us the office in Washington D.C. is directly uncomfortable reality that we do not across the road from the U.S. Capitol value all human life equally. building. I wasn’t there on January 6 Psychologist Henri Tajfel was the when rioters stormed the building, originator of so-called social identity but I watched events unfold online. theory, which suggests that each of us What made these images even more gains a tremendous sense of who we are distressing to me was the pervasive based on our group membership. With presence of Christian emblems and that sense of belonging comes a natural signs. Christian nationalism within tendency to exaggerate our differences some parts of with those outside our group. This American public results in an “in-group” (us) and “out- life is alive and groups” (them). In its extreme form, well. This is the in-group bias and allegiance can fuel idea that to be a dangerous social forces that result, true patriot—to be ultimately, in violence such as occurred a true American— in Germany with the Jews, in Rwanda one must also between the Hutus and Tutsis and, be a Christian. in the former Yugoslavia between the Further, Christian Bosnians and Serbs. nationalism fears It’s good to regularly check-in that its influence with ourselves and consider our own in America’s personal in-group biases, whether public square is flowing from our social class, being diluted by ethnicity or nationality, educational rising pluralism background, or any other social and secularism. loyalty. Could our allegiances be But just replace distorting our thinking and preventing the word us from seeing some people through “Christian” in the eyes of Jesus? that scenario with 10 the name of any majority religion— a life commitment. It’s a spiritual Hindu, Muslim, or another other discipline, a mandate to view every faith tradition that has historically single person we meet and interact dominated public life in their nation— with through a lens that is simply not and the same dynamic exists. natural for us. It’s a way of thinking What is true at the political level that goes against our selfish grain. It often holds true within the social requires us to look inside ourselves fabric of our communities and and unearth some potentially relationships. Fear of “categories” disturbing biases and prejudices. It of people—seeing them as a cultural requires us to take a few moments in other people’s shoes—especially or economic threat to our own “in- if they’re the shoes of a person with group”—distorts our thinking and whom we have deep disagreements prevents us from seeing others as or who is outside our cultural or fellow children of God. religious in-group. It requires us to acknowledge the humanity of every THE UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH person, someone worthy of dignity, respect, and freedom. This is not easy. Religious freedom, as our church I pray we as a church and as understands it and defends it, has individual members will continue to uncomfortable implications for each do all we can to bear witness to the one of us. Creator God, the One who formed The uncomfortable truth about every man, woman and child in His religious freedom is that it’s not own image, and whose love for them primarily a set of ideas; it’s actually has no limits.

11 From the Counselor’s Desk EXTENDING RELIGIOUS LIBERTY TO ALL By CH (LTC) Dan Bray, U. S. Army, Retired, MS, MDiv. Counseling Psychologist U.S. Army, Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, Texas

When I hear or see the words religious liberty, my mind immediately goes back many years to when I would listen to offering appeals at church to promote the church journal titled Liberty. I did not clearly grasp the concept of what it means to truly have freedom in the way I practice or do not practice a form of religion or spirituality. Now, I seem to take a different perspective toward the subject. This viewpoint impacts my personal life, my work interactions, and the way I view others who may believe differently than me.

First, as an individual, I am certainly aware of other people who do not believe the same way I do. In spite of those differences, though, religious liberty gives us both the right or authority to choose certain paths of behavior. One real temptation is to consider the behaviors of others as “being worthy” in my mind. If or when that happens, I may tend to treat and regard them with an inferior attitude than 12 God allowed Adam and Eve the opportunity to make choices. Of course, with every choice comes the consequences as well.

I should. And, I know I absolutely people, “you just seem to be as calm as cannot do that if I really believe in possible.” But, little do people realize religious freedom for all people. that like the duck on the water, my This idea of religious liberty, I “legs are quickly churning underneath believe, goes back to the Garden of the surface” just to remain afloat. Eden. God allowed Adam and Eve Thirdly, the way I view others has the opportunity to make choices. Of proven to be a key component for course, with every choice comes the me over the years. Inwardly while I consequences as well. still may take exception to the choices Secondly, the people with whom that others make, those choices do I interact on a daily basis deserve not cause them as an individual to be to experience religious liberty. less worthy in the sight of God. And Sometimes I encounter a counseling if God views others that way, then I, case in which the patients are living too, ought to have the same genuine a lifestyle that is contrary to mine. A compassion and empathy. colleague once gave me some sound It is not my mission to cause others advice on how to work with other to like me. But I can affirm choices people. She said, “Just continue that others may make even when those the therapy process no matter how choices do not make any sense to me. differently you may feel from the That, I believe, is one of the major patient.” One of the therapy goals I objectives of religious liberty. We aim to achieve with each patient is ought to reflect our own God-inspired to somehow demonstrate a Christ- journey to others and at the same like approach to them. It could be time freely allow others to express something as simple as word choice or their opinions as well. This will work voice volume. Clinic associates have when both sides truly practice this commented to me that no matter the self-awareness without compromising situation in working with difficult either ourselves or others. 13 IT’S ALL IN THE STORY By LT Jason Dedeker, U.S. Navy, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, 3rd Medical Battalion with Deena Bartel-Wagner, Editor, Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries

ennessee is a long way from medicine, but registered for classes Okinawa, Japan. Although flight with the intent of earning a history Tpaths between the two locations degree and one day going into are well-established, Lieutenant Jason teaching or law.” Dedeker’s passage between the two The tug towards medicine grew was anything but direct. stronger though. “My application to “I was born and raised in southeast medical school wasn’t coming from a Tennessee,” says Jason. “Surrounded typical pre-med student,” says Jason. by parents, aunts, uncles, and I had taken pre-med courses, but it cousins, my family was like a village was God’s direction in making the who joined together to raise me. final choice for that field.” Our family enjoyed spending time With medical school comes high together camping, playing softball, tuition. “I began to look at options and other outdoor activities.” to cover my costs because I’d rather Jason’s other pursuits included owe time. There were several playing the cello, being a choir possibilities, and when I learned member, and participating in about the opportunity of military musical theater. “When I began my service, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to university studies, I chose to attend go that route,” says Jason. “However, Southern Adventist University in my grandfather served in Vietnam, Collegedale, Tennessee, which just a friend served as a nurse in Desert happened to be near my home,” Storm, and a cousin was serving as says Jason. “I had thought about a Marine. They gave me good input 14 U.S. Navy Lieutenant Jason Dedeker, a psychiatrist with 3rd Medical Battalion (Med. Bn.), 3rd Marine Logistics Group (MLG), and native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, removes a simulated casualty’s uniform to render medical treatment at the Medical Skills Training Center, Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, October 29, 2020. Sailors with 3rd Med. Bn. participated in an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force training evolution to practice their combat lifesaving skills in an expeditionary environment. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Force’s comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. IT’S ALL IN THE STORY (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan Harvey)

about the pros and cons and that but first attended the five-week helped me make my decision. The Officer Development School Navy was the first service branch I (ODS) in Rhode Island. There came across and it seemed to be the he’d learn about the Navy’s history, best fit from what I knew at the time.” traditions, and customs, leadership During medical school, students development, and military etiquette. are introduced to all areas so they He’d also learn about God’s opening can eventually choose a specialty. doors that seemed closed. “When I started med school at Loma “At ODS, typically you aren’t Linda, I thought I wanted to go into allowed off base during most of the five pediatrics,” says Jason. “During my weeks of training. My faith is important different rotations, though, I found to me and so I requested permission to myself staying behind and asking attend church,” says Jason. “Wherever the patients about their life stories. you are, God has resources to help History is really just the story of and I was the only person allowed off people, and the stories of the patients base in those five weeks.” fascinated me.” A professor’s teaching Spending most of his life piqued Jason’s interest in psychiatry surrounded by Adventist communities, and encouraged him to think about he’d had great experiences with choosing it as his specialty. church. “I went to the same church After graduation, Jason moved for the first 22 years of my life,” says across the country from California to Jason. “I worked in children’s ministry Portsmouth, Virginia, for residency, and became a member of the church 15 says Jason. “One of my friends who is a Buddhist said to me during a particularly difficult day, ‘Peace. Be Still. There are good things about today.’ That took me back for a moment and I said to myself, ‘Wait. I’m supposed to be the one who is at peace.’ His words helped me stop and re-examine my reactions to what was happening in me and around me.” EXPERIENCE OKINAWA Hard work and long hours paid off. Jason completed his time in Portsmouth and it was time to move on. “When I learned I had orders to Okinawa, I did have questions,” Jason with his dog Sandie (short for Sandra Day O’Connor). admits Jason. “I wanted to stay in the Southeast, and there was the board when I was 19. In both Rhode uncertainty of being outside of the Island and Virginia, I found church United States long-term. And then families who welcomed me in and COVID became an issue. Upon my made me feel at home. Finding that arrival on Okinawa, I was quarantined instant community in a brand new in my apartment for two weeks. Fortunately, my military sponsor place made me more aware of how family was very supportive during that global our denomination truly is.” time and helped ease the transition.” Again, church family became TRAINING AND GROWTH important. “My dad made contact Following ODS, Jason began with a pastor here in Okinawa his advanced medical training who connected with me, and I at the Naval Medical Center in had friends in common with a few Portsmouth, Virginia. The following church members,” says Jason. “The years stretched Jason and exposed separation from family and spending him to different experiences, my first Christmas away from them lifestyles, and people. “The Navy makes me look forward to when has provided me with opportunities we’ll be together for eternity. I’ve to meet new people and to engage wondered if this is one of the lessons in conversations I might never have God is trying to instill in me.” had,” says Jason. “Many of my close military friends are not Christians, CLINICS, CONSULTATIONS, but I’ve learned numerous spiritual AND STORIES lessons, such as humility and A routine in his job sets a rhythm gratitude, from them.” for the week. There are daily clinics Residency tests both physical and where patients are seen, medications mental strength with long hours and are dispensed, and psychotherapy little sleep. “Time off is rare and sessions are held. Meetings with it’s easy to fall into complaining,” commanding officers, and exercise and 16 Left: Jason stands near the Good Samaritan statue on the campus of Loma Linda University. Right: Jason’s commissioning service took place during the graduation weekend at Loma Linda University. training routines add to the schedule. staying in touch with community, and “So much of psychiatry’s history more with his patients. stems from the military and war,” says Jason. “Although they aren’t I’LL FOLLOW HIS LEAD always perfect, we have good “My professional life hasn’t gone treatments for depression, anxiety, exactly to my plan,” says Jason. “God substance abuse, alcohol, and post- said, ‘Go to medical school.’ Then traumatic stress.” He said, ‘I need you in the Navy.’ Meeting with his patients is a And then He led me to Okinawa. meaningful part of his daily routine. I know that by listening for God’s Listening to people’s stories today direction, He’ll point me in the way is the same as what attracted Jason He wants me to go.” to psychiatry in medical school. He As he listened for God’s leading, continues to listen, reflect, and learn Jason depended on prayer and the history of individuals. “People counsel from family and friends to meet me for the first time and tell me deeply personal, traumatic, and confirm his convictions. “If you are hurtful things they’ve experienced. considering the military or medicine, Often, they’ve never told anyone you need to know what you are else,” says Jason. “It’s humbling to getting into. You should also be clear have people place so much trust in on what you want to do with your you. These stories can be difficult to life,” says Jason. “Take counsel from listen to, but I rely on God and my people you trust. Most importantly training to guide me in my response you need to be open to God’s leading and reaction.” and listen for His voice.” Finding ways to share hope through Listening to God’s voice allows the practicality of the health message Jason to write his story. Along the is important to Jason. He’s taken way, he’ll take time to hear the stories opportunities to share the importance of others and share with them how of regular sleep and exercise, the they can find hope and healing in dangers of alcohol and tobacco, their lives. 17 Deployed with the Signal Corps to South Korea, Rick performed his daily duties in this radio van.

WHEN TESTING Strengthens Convictions

By Rick Esterline, E-6, U.S. Army, Veteran, with Deena Bartel-Wagner, Editor, Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries—General Conference

grew up in a Christian home,” says During his childhood, Rick Rick Esterline. “My father and listened to the stories his father told Igrandfather were Nazarene pastors. of his World War II experiences. “He Spiritual matters were individual fought in the Battle of the Bulge and choices and by the time I was 12 was taken prisoner by the Germans,” I decided to be baptized.” says Rick. “Later, Dad and a buddy 18 Rick believed the die was cast and Christianity would no longer have a hold on his life.

named Richard escaped captivity.” These stories made an impression on a young boy. When Rick turned 18 years old, he sought adventure and a different life. “I decided to leave Christianity behind and do my own thing,” says Rick. “At five feet ten inches tall and weighing only 115 pounds, I had no leanings to be a warrior. The teachings of the Nazarene Church include the belief that we work for peace. Individuals are allowed to follow their conscience, even though the denomination When he turned 18, Rick enlisted in the United States promotes non-combatancy. In spite of Army and did his boot camp training in Fort Ord, California. these convictions, I decided to enlist.” Rick believed the die was cast and Christianity would no longer have a hold on his life. “When Dad asked Fort Ord, California, Rick signed up me why I wanted to join the military, for the Signal Corps. His reasoning I told him I wanted to grow up,” says hearkened back to his spiritual Rick. “All my life I’d heard the church grounding. “I thought if I joined teachings on abstinence from drinking the Signal Corps I wouldn’t have to and smoking. That was something actively look a guy in the face kill else I wanted to test. In the final days him,” says Rick. before I reported for duty, I bought a Being taught to obey at home, Rick pack of cigarettes and smoked some. did well in the Army. He received That didn’t turn out as I expected. the honor of being chosen as Soldier Instead of enjoying the experience, I of the Month for the 7th Infantry couldn’t understand why people chose Division while deployed to South to smoke.” Korea with the Signal Corps. While basking in this accomplishment, an Boot Camp and The Signal Corps opportunity presented itself that After completing boot camp at Rick believed was too good to pass 19 Those spiritual lessons learned during childhood lay dormant, but the Spirit continually worked in Rick’s life.

States, Rick decided to leave the military and return to civilian life. He found employment and began a new life in San Jose, California. Although he thought he was done with military service, within a year Rick felt a desire to return. Eventually, he re- Rick earned the honor of being chosen Soldier of the enlisted and was sent to Fort Gordon, Month for the 7th Infantry Division. home of the Signal Corps. This decision led to events that Rick could never have predicted.

up. “I learned I could volunteer for I’m Not Sure I’m Ready Officer Candidate School,” says Rick. One evening while Rick was “However, I didn’t study things out as working, he turned the radio on completely as I should have.” and the only station he could tune Assigned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in featured a speaker by the name Rick learned unsettling news. “I’d of Herbert W. Armstrong. “He was been assigned to the artillery track talking about those who speak peace, and this bothered me deeply. I went but act out in violence,” says Rick. to my superiors and said I wanted to That message jumpstarted Rick’s return to the Signal Corps,” says Rick. thought processes. “I was told that I couldn’t make the A second event worked even more change and that I would become a on his heart. Those spiritual lessons field officer.” However, as Providence learned during childhood lay dormant, would have it, Rick’s request was but the Spirit continually worked in honored within a couple of months Rick’s life. and he volunteered for assignment to “Opening my trunk after being posts in Vietnam and Korea. rear-ended in a car accident, I noticed When he returned to the United some of Mr. Armstrong’s unread

20 magazines in the trunk of my car,” make sure I never speak about spiritual says Rick. “The topic on the cover things during class.” about the Sabbath piqued my interest Eventually Rick’s convictions led and I felt the need to study about to examinations by psychiatrists, the history of the Sabbath. The appearing before panels of officers to overwhelming feeling that I wasn’t answer hypothetical questions, and ready for Christ’s return weighed more. “Following an interview with the heavily on me.” school commander, the decision was As he studied deeper, Rick decided made to move me from the classroom he needed to find a Sabbath-keeping into an office position away from the church. “I located the name of an students,” says Rick. “Within a year Adventist church in the Yellow Pages and called them,” says Rick. “When I received an honorable discharge, someone answered the phone, I asked transitioning into civilian life in 1973.” if I needed an initiation to attend Saturday services or if I could just come What’s the Next Plan? to the next service.” Unsure of his next career path, Rick That week Rick attended his trained to be a tractor trailer operator first Sabbath service. “There was a and drove trucks for a year. “Then I baptism and as part of the service worked as a manager of a health food Bible studies were offered to anyone store,” says Rick. “My Bible study who was interested,” says Rick. “Dr. continued and I felt that I was being and Mrs. Rice provided me with a called into pastoral ministry.” recorder, projector and filmstrip During this time, Rick also met his lessons, which led to me accepting future wife, Marsha. As they discussed the Adventist message.” plans for their life together, they made the decision that Rick would follow The Testing Continues in the pastoral steps of his father and Meanwhile, Rick faced pressure grandfather. The only difference at work as an instructor in the Signal was that Rick would be a Seventh- School. Adjustments were made to day Adventist pastor. Immediately accommodate his Sabbath observance. following their wedding reception, However, his speaking with soldiers the newlyweds headed to Southern during the intermissions about biblical Adventist University in Collegedale matters was not well received by everyone. His unwillingness to use Tennessee, where Rick began his foul language or tell shady stories ministerial training. Through the drew special attention to his religious ensuing years, Rick has served in a convictions. When questioned by his number of positions in ministry. superiors he responded, “I wanted to Although Rick believed he’d go take advantage of the free time I had his own way and leave Christianity between the classes I taught so I always behind, it turned out that God’s way carry my Bible into the classroom and proved more appealing, even in times read it during the breaks we have, but I of testing.

21 CREATE YOUR PERSONAL PROFILE in the World Service Organization Database

VICE ORG ER AN S IZ D A L T R IO O N W The World Service Organization (WSO) is part of the Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries

O F S T Department. The WSO is the church entity that S S EV TI EN EN TH-DAY ADV supports Adventists who serve their communities, militaries, and local, regional, and national governments. In order to support you, we need to know who you are and what you do. We have created a system to collect this information and store it securely. Now, we need you to create your profile.

WHO SHOULD CREATE A PROFILE Any Adventist who serves in:  a national military or defence force (This includes Active Duty, Reserves, and National Guard, and State Defense Forces.)  law enforcement personnel (City, County, State/Provincial/Federal)  firefighers (City, County, State/Provincial/Federal)  Search and Rescue/EMTs/First Responders  Corrections (State/Provincial or Federal)  Government (City, County, State/Provincial, or Federal)  Military veterans

CREATE YOUR PERSONAL PROFILE AT PORTAL. WORLDSERVICEORGANIZATION.ORG. Once you log in, choose the Adventist In Uniform/ Government Registration platform. You’ll be asked to provide your name and contact information, government service information, and church relationship. Be sure to complete the section on subscriptions to the For God and Country magazine, occasional email updates and texts from the World Service Organization. Complete the information and click submit.

22 Tell Us Your Story

In the days before digital photos, We are seeking stories printed snapshots of people’s about Adventists serving in stories were kept in photo albums. uniform. This is includes all Those photos were the visual military–Active Duty, Guard evidence of events, emotions, or Reserve, and veterans, law convictions, and legacies. enforcement, firefighters, At the World Service Organization, EMTs, First Responders, we believe your story of service is Search and Rescue, and others important. We want to tell it in the who serve their community, pages of For God and Country. state, province, or nation.

To share your story, contact the For God and Country editor at [email protected].

YOUR LEGACY NEEDS TO BE SHARED WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND THE CHURCH-AT-LARGE.

23 NAD UPDATES NAD Director’s Thoughts WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET

I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord. Psalm 27:13 -14, Amplified Bible

n the early years of computer programing, the acronym WYSIWYG became popular. It stands for “What You See Is What You Get.” I Before my parents left after enrolling me at Pine Forge Academy, they dropped my bags at North Hall. My father, a man of few words, then said his departing words to me, “You will find whatever you are looking for. Look for the best choices and do the right thing every day. If you do not, you will come home to disgrace.” Later in life, I stumbled upon quotes that echoed what my father had said. Kabir, a Hindu poet, wrote, “Lift the veil that obscures the heart, and there you will find what you are looking for.” Bryant McGill wrote, “You will find what you are looking for, so look for something beautiful.” The Psalmist has a more profound suggestion for self-care and perspective management. He/she believed that his/her eyes would see the goodness of God in their lifetime. What protected him/her from despair was the belief that goodness was coming, if not already present. Great expectations yield a greater harvest than mediocrity can dream of. Believe in good! Expect good. Wait with anticipation. Look with lenses tinted with optimism, and be prepared to embrace and project the realization of the goodness you seek. The COVID-19 pandemic has enveloped us in a cloud of insecurity, isolation,

24 disruption, disease, and death. Could there be a silver lining to this dark cloud that has loomed over us for more than a year? Science has delivered several vaccines in record time. Technology has allowed students to continue learning. Most work is being done remotely. Commerce has moved to the digital space. Zoom and other virtual meeting platforms have facilitated corporate worship, fellowship, celebrations, and even dating. During a pandemic, we are not alone. As you serve God and country, in whatever role you fill, ameliorate your inevitable moments of depletion and despair with the everlasting hope that something good is happening or will soon occur. Another way to shift your focus from your trials to your triumphs is in the old hymn written by Johnson Oatman, Jr.

“Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings; ev’ry doubt will fly, And you will be singing as the days go by. Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings see what God has done. Count your blessings. Name them one by one. Count your many blessings see what God has done.”

May your life and work be filled with the expectation that beauty and joy will become apparent in your experience because God is with you. And in the worst of cases, find comfort that He is coming again, maybe even while we are in the land of the living.

25 NAD UPDATES FREEDOM IS NOT FREEDOM By Washington Johnson II, Assistant Director, Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries, North American Division of Seventh- day Adventists, Captain (CHC) United States Navy Chaplain Corps

States Department of Veteran Affairs, 20 Veterans chose death by suicide daily, accounting for 13.5 percent of all suicides in the United States. Freedom comes with a cost. In April 2019, the U.S. had a homeless population of over 630,000, with 67,000 identified veterans. This n a world growing more represents 1 in 10 veterans making unpredictable and increasingly up America’s homeless population. Idangerous, the roles of the men and Freedom comes with a cost. Some women serving in our armed forces service members have even made the are becoming more crucial to our ultimate sacrifice. Freedom comes national defense. Whether you are with a cost, and we should honor all active duty, reserve, or guard member, who served! your commitment, dedication, and One of my assignments as a United States Navy chaplain was to devotion to duty have not gone provide burial and spiritual care for unnoticed. Veterans and service service members and their families members, you and your families, have at Arlington National Cemetery. contributed to the many freedoms Conducting more than 200 funerals, that we all enjoy as a nation. But I learned that every deceased service freedom is not free and has come member had a unique story. Whether with a cost that cannot always be they retired after 20 years, enlisted measured. Service members who have after high school, came from a experienced combat, physical and metropolitan city, or a rural farm in moral injury in places like Vietnam, the Midwest, they helped to make Iraq, and Afghanistan are predisposed up an ever-expanding mosaic of to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder service reaching back to the American (PTSD). Freedom comes with a cost. Revolution and are worthy of the According to the 2018 United highest honor.

26 But be assured today that victory will be won on the side of good.

As a nation that is 244 years old, During my expeditionary training, I we have experienced our share of wars also learned the importance of wearing resulting in deaths, casualties, and protective gear in a war zone (a.k.a. external displacement. According to Battle Rattle)—gas masks, boots, history, President Woodrow Wilson, goggles, and a bullet-proof vest. There in his optimism, referred to World was not a day when the Battle Rattle War I as the “War to end all Wars.” was not required. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The Apostle Paul reminds us in World War II, a war in which my Ephesians 6:11-12 how to engage in father served, followed 23 years later, this world’s spiritual warfare. He tells and we have had many subsequent us to “Put on the whole armor of God” wars since that time. because we are not dealing with an Presently our troops are in enemy here on earth that we can see or Afghanistan as the result of the get our hands on. We are dealing with deliberate terrorist acts of 9/11 that the darkness of spiritual beings who claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 were once in heaven and are now using citizens and forever changed our world. their authority and power in an attempt Because of these attacks, our to rule this world. Everyone on earth country has become the global leader is involved in this cosmic showdown, in defeating terrorism. In January whether they are veterans or civilians. 2013, I had the honor of being a part There is no escaping this war, and of this global mission to end terrorism there are only two sides in the conflict, with a year-long deployment to good and evil. Djibouti, Africa, with the United But be assured today that victory States Navy. Djibouti is strategically will be won on the side of good. The located in the Horn of Africa. It Word of God validates this fact in is a key United States partner on many scriptural passages. Isaiah 2:4 national security, regional stability, is one such place where the prophet and humanitarian aid in the region. In paints the final scene of God’s planning for my mobilization, I went conquest with a broad brush and a through three weeks of extensive, salient message that is most relevant rigorous expeditionary training along today: “ He shall judge between the with other service members. nations, And rebuke many people; During the classroom and field They shall beat their swords into training, our military instructors plowshares, And their spears into stressed the importance of being pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift situationally aware of our surroundings. up sword against nation, Neither shall In warfare, the enemy is always ready they learn war anymore.” to attack—without a moment’s notice. I look forward to that glorious day!

27 ONLINE GIVING

The World Service Organization provides Online Giving for the return of tithes, offerings, and charitable contributions. Giving tithe and offerings online is easy and secure.

TO GIVE ONLINE WHY GIVE? 1. Go to AdventistsInUniform.org. Seventh-day Adventist military members and chaplains are 2. Select the Online Giving link. encouraged to support World 3. Create a new account or log in to Service Organization and Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries as their “local your Adventist Giving account. conference.” These organizations 4. Enter the amounts you wish provide pastoral care and religious to contribute. materials for their spiritual well- being. Also support your base 5. Provide your payment chapel program. Military members information. for countries outside the North A receipt for tax-exempt American Division are encouraged contributions will be issued. to contact their conference/union/ For future offerings you can access division ACM leadership for further the online giving in your Adventist guidance on how to return their Giving account. tithes and offerings.

28 NAD MILITARY CHURCH Your Church Membership

Are you are assigned overseas for six months or longer in some type of official government or military- related service for Canada or the United States (active duty in the armed forces, civilian employee, teacher, AAFES worker, contractor, or family member)? Then you are eligible to join the NAD Military Church. To request a transfer of your membership, contact the World Service Organization at the Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries—North American Division Office.

Mail is received at: Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries C/O North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists 9705 Patuxent Woods Drive Columbia, MD 21046

For membership transfers, please include the following information: . names of each family member who will be included in the transfer . each person’s date of birth . the name and address of the church where your membership is currently held

Your NAD Military Church staff and board look forward to serving you! 29 It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows.

Galatians 5:13-15, The Message

30 Executive Editor: Layout and Design: Mario E. Ceballos Emily Harding D.Min., BCC HardingDesign Editor: Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries Deena Bartel-Wagner Mario Ceballos, Director/Endorser [email protected]

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY is published by the World Service Organization (WSO), a chapter of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries (ACM). It is mailed free of charge to Seventh-day Adventists who are involved in military and public service. Digital copies can be downloaded from AdventistsInUniform.org.

To be added to the mailing list, e-mail the editor or call 301-680-6785. Comments and/or articles are welcome and should be sent to the editor at [email protected]. Include your full name, complete mailing address, telephone, e-mail address, and current digital photos with all submissions. Items submitted by mail will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped return envelope. CONTACT US: Adventist World Headquarters National Service Organization/ACM, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, U.S.A. Phone: 301-680-6785; e-mail [email protected]; URL: http:// AdventistsInUniform.org. The National Service Organization is the official military-relations office of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Its primary mission is to provide pastoral care and religious resources to support the spiritual well-being of Seventh- day Adventist military-related personnel. Unless otherwise credited, all photos © BigStock 2021. Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Adventist® and Seventh-day Adventist® are the registered trademarks of the General Conference Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists®.

CORRESPONDENTS South Pacific Division (SPD) Darius Jankiewicz ACM Director East-Central Africa Division (ECD) [email protected] Magulilo Mwakalonge, ACM Director [email protected] Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID) Busi Khumalo, ACM Director Euro-Asia Division (ESD) [email protected] | Skype: handybusi Oleg Goncharov, ACM Director [email protected] Southern Asia Division (SUD) Ramesh Jadhav, ACM Director Inter-European Division (EUD) [email protected] Marius Munteanu, ACM Director [email protected] Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) Wendall Mandolang, ACM Director Inter-American Division (IAD) [email protected] Hiram Ruiz, ACM Director [email protected] Trans-European Division (TED) Patrick Johnson, ACM Director North American Division (NAD) [email protected] Paul S. Anderson, ACM Director [email protected] West-Central Africa Division (WAD) N. John Enang, ACM Director Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) [email protected] or Ron Clouzet, ACM Director [email protected] [email protected]

South American Division (SAD) Seventh-day Adventist SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST MEDICAL CADET CORPS ADNTIT RIC CR Bruno Raso, ACM Director [email protected]

31 God does not control our minds without our consent; but every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. – Ministry of Healing, p. 93

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