October 8, 1998
World Edition
The Speed of the Spirit Papua New Guinea has the fastest-growing concentration of Adventists in the South Pacific Division LETTERS
Religion in China also suffers from a pronounced lack of Still Go” (Aug. 13) greatly appeals to Chinese history being a serious hobby youth. I think that the church’s biggest this 71-year-old heart, as I believe it of mine, and having recently lived in struggle is to make itself relevant to will to many younger Adventists walk- China, Rex D. the people of this giant nation. ing the road less traveled. Edwards’ “The Soul And how appropriate that a photo- of a Giant” (Aug. —Nathan McNeill graph of the landing place at Pitcairn 13 World Edition) PASCO, WASHINGTON Island was used. That tiny dot of land fascinated me. I will always be remembered as the pio- believe that histori- neer missionary base for gospel giving cally Christianity Suppose that some of our pioneers had by Adventists in the vast Pacific has had trouble contacted Hong Xiuquan early in his Ocean. Having just returned from a rooting itself in China because of two career and introduced him to a fuller research trip through Fiji, where I major events. gospel, as Aquila and Priscilla did with spoke to more than 30 Pitcairners who While the concessions awarded to Apollos? Could it be that the Taiping have immigrated to that country from Western powers during the Opium movement might have reached much the island, I can report that the love of Wars (from the 1840s through the or all of Asia with Christianity? God’s truth still burns in Pitcairner 1860s) allowed Western missionaries hearts. previously denied access to China, the —Val Periman Internet users wishing to know humiliation suffered by the Chinese SILOAM SPRINGS, ARKANSAS more about Pitcairn and its future may did not make Western ideas endearing. go to www.puc.edu/Library/Pitcairn The Taiping Rebellion was most likely the bloodiest civil war in history. O Jerusalem —Herbert Ford, DIRECTOR In the 1850s a young man named Hong Thanks for William Johnsson’s “O PITCAIRN ISLANDS STUDY CENTER Xiuquan started an enormous peasant Jerusalem” and Jonathan Gallagher’s revolt in southern China and eventually “Church Scholars Examine Biblical set up what he called the Heavenly Essentials in Jerusalem” (both Aug. 13) The Gift of Salvation Kingdom of Great Peace in the ancient on the Jerusalem Bible Conference. I am so overjoyed with the message of capital of Nanjing. Hong led a cult Being there was a high point of my life. George W. Reid’s “Wow! What a based on Christian teachings and The fellowship with Spirit-filled, Bible- Gift!” (Aug. 13). My church has a believed himself to be Jesus’ younger believing teachers from around the Bible study group studying salvation brother. When the rebellion was finally world was a foretaste of heaven. Thank and grace. The Holy Spirit has crushed in 1864, an estimated 20 mil- you to the General Conference, the impressed us with this same great lion people had died, and Christianity Biblical Research Institute, and the truth. The understanding of this work had suffered a serious blow to its image. Adventist Theological Society for of sanctification has produced dra- Although Christianity in China sponsoring and organizing this wonder- matic conversions and renewed joy. enjoys new freedom, it still faces major ful experience. As a young adult, I am excited to challenges. With the recent advent of be living in a time of new (or redis- the Socialist free market economy, —Ed Christian covered) light. The Holy Spirit is China has witnessed the rise of a KUTZTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA ready to pour out His blessing and fire wealthy and nonpolitical class. This as we embrace Christ’s grace. class wants nothing to do with religion or anything else that might hinder They Still Go —Jennifer R. Loveridge them from getting ahead. The church Roy Adams’ excellent editorial “They JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
2 (1338) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 Money Matters What Have We Missed? It was with some apprehension that I Regarding Roy Adams’ “A Deeper read “Money Matters” (Faith Alive! Courage” (July 23 AnchorPoints Aug. 13). I was delighted that Calvin Edition). So many of us in the bloom Rock mentioned that “church treasurer of youth bought the myth that we responsibilities do not include divulging must do and have in order to be. COVER STORY information regarding individual perfor- Without realizing the potential conse- mance.” However, I was appalled that a quences, we committed our futures to 8 The Speed of the Spirit In Papua New Guinea the Lord respected church leader would encour- busyness and the accumulation of is doing great things. And so are age pastors to inspect church treasury things. By midlife we are so weighted His people. records to find out who is giving tithe by stuff and activity that we can BY SARAH E. COLEMAN faithfully. scarcely stir the water. Forget making I had hoped “tithe policing” was a waves or even tentatively rocking the ARTICLES relic of the past. Our church cannot boat; we have become poor followers afford this practice for at least three rea- of the Galilean Prophet who didn’t 14 She Hates Me, sons. First, since our church depends on have a hole or a nest to call His own, and I Can Prove It the free will gifts of members to sustain but who flattened waves and walked Sometimes we think we know more than we know. it financially, institutional policy must on the water. BY DENISE RUTLEDGE respect the anonymity of charitable We wanted security. We wanted contributions. Second, our churches adventure. We wanted money. 16 The Long Ago Meets need to foster an open, trusting, mature Strange reasoning. We wanted secu- the Here and Now atmosphere that is destroyed by a “Big rity and money so we could experience We can’t always see the way God Brother’s watching you” approach. great adventures for God, but money works, but we can see the results. BY GARY PATTERSON Third, and most important, how we and security became our gods. We give to Him is a matter of conscience should have allowed God to do great 22 Fourscore . . . by Reason and confidence, to be shared only by things in us, for us, and through us, of Strength Him and us. and thus experience real adventure. Individuals who didn’t know when More generally, while there is clear What have we missed? it was time to quit. biblical support for admonition of God must look down on us and BY ROBERT G. WEARNER struggling believers, there is no role for shake His head as we struggle 25 Experiencing God “sin policing.” If we search the giving through these midlife years dealing An invitation to linger in His records to find out who is not giving with the results of decisions and atti- presence. enough tithe, what will be next? tudes we made or acquired in the BY BARBARA FOLKENBERG Sneaking into church members’ back- almost-forgotten past. But God does yards to look through the window and have a deal for us: take Him at face DEPARTMENTS see who’s doing what? Frankly, in this value and see what He will still do in 2 Letters end-time we have much more impor- us, for us, and through us. For this we tant things to do in preparation for don’t have to wait until retirement. 7 Give & Take His return. And for those of you just starting out: 13 Bible Questions Answered consider the lilies. 18 World News & Perspectives —Mark Reeves 28 Children’s Corner NEW YORK, NEW YORK —Merlin Nichols CHETWYND, BRITISH COLUMBIA, 29 Bulletin Board CANADA Gun Control Position? 30 Faith Alive! As a newly baptized member, I’m won- 31 Reflections dering about the Adventist Church’s position on gun control. EDITORIALS ALDWELL
5 Like a Rock C —Leonard Urrea, Sr. YNN
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, 6 Knowledge Is Not Enough L
CALIFORNIA BY ON THE COVER: IN PAPUA NEW
GUINEA A PASTOR BAPTIZES ANOTH- PHOTO The church has taken no official position
ER CONVERT IN THE WATERS OF THE VER O on gun control.—Editors. KIA RIVER. C
ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 (1339) 3 “Behold, I come quickly . . .”
Our mission is to uplift Jesus Christ through stories of His matchless love, news of His present workings, help for knowing Him better, and hope in His soon return. The Adventist Review (ISSN 0161-1119), published since 1849, is the general paper of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It is published by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and is printed 40 times a year each Thursday except the first Thursday of each month by the Review and Herald® Publishing Association. Periodicals postage paid at Hagerstown, MD 21740. Copyright © 1998, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Publishing Board: Robert S. Folkenberg, chair; Phil Follett, vice- chair; Lowell Cooper; William G. Johnsson; A. C. McClure; Dorothy Watts; Ted N. C. Wilson; Martin Ytreberg; Robert Nixon, legal advisor
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PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Vol. 175, No. 41
4 (1340) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 EDITORIAL Like a Rock WILLIAM G. JOHNSSON
everal years ago the makers of Chevrolet trucks set spirit grows faint—like a rock. When the church stinks and out to project an image of toughness and reliabil- leaders slip—like a rock. ity, and “Like a rock” became the slogan of workers That’s how I try to live. I have given up trying to solve and advertisers alike. Would that every problem and answer every question, these words characterized every given up trying to make everyone happy. I SAdventist! don’t have all the answers, but I have In these strange and bewildering times, enough answers. I know the church is far moral values and Christian ideals are crum- from God’s ideal, but I also know that it is bling and collapsing before our eyes. The phi- the apple of God’s eye. losophy of the age teaches that everything is I go back to the rock. Back to the rock relative, that truth is in the mind of the of Scripture. Back to the rock of prayer. ISC D beholder. With the media pandering ever Back to the solid Rock.
HOTO more to the baser instincts of human nature, I claim the promise: “Nothing is appar- © P society has become inured to acts of brutality, ently more helpless, yet really more invinci-
HOTO lust, greed, and perversion. ble, than the soul that feels its nothingness P As I write, the president of the United and relies wholly on the merits of the States has just addressed the nation in an extraordinary Saviour” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 182). “first.” He has confessed to an intimate relationship with And that is my ideal and prayer for the Adventist Review. White House intern Monica Lewinsky and to having misled One paper for this amazing, wonderful, weird, frustrating, mar- Americans for more than seven months as to what hap- velous world movement? Who do we think we’re kidding? pened. It is a sad and sorry spectacle; with millions of others But God loves that word “impossible.” I cling to the Rock. I feel for the first lady, daughter Chelsea, and aides of the Plenty of people tell us how we should go about our mission. president who spent months publicly defending him. Some want us to report on every scandal or rumor that blows The president has shrunk; so has the presidency. This by. “Why didn’t we read about this in the Review?” they charge. image—the grim-faced Clinton confessing to the cameras— Well, the Review isn’t into scandal. If something bad hap- seems to capture our times. No heroes anymore. Celebrities, pens that impacts the church nationally or internationally yes; heroes, no. (example: Waco), you’ll hear from us. We’ll share the facts Is there anyone who stands like a rock today? Anyone of and try to give a balanced picture. whom it could be said: “A man shall be as an hiding place Nor do we major in issues. We take up issues from time to from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of time, but we let others make them their focus. water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary Not even news and information. We carry these, but they land” (Isa. 32:2)? aren’t our forte. Besides, in today’s computer age, more and Like a rock—surely this is God’s call to every Christian more people want—and get—their news today. Like a rock—surely this is His challenge to every way faster than we can deliver. Adventist as we expect Jesus’ soon return. Like a rock— Our focus is the Rock. surely this is the ideal to hold out to our young people. Not We believe that time is short; Jesus trying to ape the world, or fun, or fantasy, but like a rock. is coming soon. The twin errors of The ideal is impossible in our own strength. But we know Sunday sacredness and soul immortality One who is strong, One who invites us to hide in Him. Jesus is are becoming critical issues in front of the solid Rock, the Rock of Ages (1 Cor. 10:4), and He is our our eyes, just as our spiritual fore- safety and our strength. “The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! bears predicted. Exalted be God my Savior!” (Ps. 18:46, NIV). We want to be like a rock. When temptation batters us—like a rock. When doubts We want to be like the gnaw at our vitals—like a rock. When friends fail and the Rock.
ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 (1341) 5 EDITORIAL Knowledge Is MYRNA TETZ Not Enough
t’s a sign of the times. A fulfillment of prophecy. Daniel States, the problem would be solved. Which made me think. If predicts, “Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge information is all we need to convince us of the soon coming shall be increased” (Dan. 12:4). Seventh-day Adventists of Jesus (and to change us), we have it. We’ve charted the have long understood this as a course of prophecy for years; and, if prediction that in the last days placed end to end, those charts might I“knowledge concerning the truths reach from New York to Hong Kong. contained in these prophecies will be According to the And, corporately, we’ve done increased” and also “as pointing to well. Our use of knowledge to the stupendous advances of science charts, the shop broadcast Pentecost ’98 in Africa and general knowledge.” 1 NET ’98 worldwide is truly amaz- Take for example the increase in ing. Technical acumen to produce knowledge about methods of warfare may close soon. Pentecost ’98 in Africa with more and their implementation. The than 16,000 baptisms testifies to a Washington Post reported that the good use of knowledge. United States government has “explored ways of planting com- So if knowledge is all we need, we have it. We must ask, puter viruses or ‘logic bombs’ in foreign networks to sow confu- “Is there something more?” sion and disruption. It has considered manipulating cyberspace There’s a heavenly Merchantman laden with riches5 who to disable an enemy air defense network without firing a shot, wishes to sell eyesalve because “the churches need to have shut off power and phone service in major cities, feed false their eyes anointed . . . that they may see the many opportu- information about troop locations into an adversary’s comput- nities all about them to minister.” 6 He has gold for sale, too, ers and morph video images onto foreign television stations.” 2 because “the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself One can hardly read about the increase of knowledge just through love” (Gal. 5:6, NIV). Then we notice white clothes in the area of warfare and not remember that at the end of on the rack and, if worn, we would carry “the sweet fragrance World War II many people declared the atom bomb so dead- of Christ’s righteousness.” 7 ly everyone would live in peace and safety forever because We consider the merchandise and decide we’d like the nothing worse could be envisioned, much less manufactured. eyesalve and the gold, and ask the Merchantman the cost. There’s no drought of knowledge for Seventh-day Advent- “The eyesalve is free,” He says, “and I paid the price for the ists, either. Even though the fulfillment of the specific time gold when I died for you.” We lay the white garments on the prophecies ending in 1798 and 1844 has passed and we are counter and ask the price. He wraps the white clothes around now in a waiting period, Seventh-day Adventists have not lost us, draws us close to Him, and says, “My beloved child, I lived their zest for identifying additional prophetic interpretations. a sinless life so that your sinfulness will not count against you. We nodded our heads in an “I told you so” mode as, in There is no cost to you.” the early nineties, Pope John Paul and former U.S. president So there is something more. And by the Ronald Reagan agreed to fight the common enemy identi- way, according to the charts the shop may be fied as Communism in what Time magazine called “The closing soon. Holy Alliance.” 3 1 The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. Recently the pope issued an encyclical with a call to 4, p. 879. “rediscover Sunday” with “a meaning and importance which 2 Washington Post, July 8, 1998, p. 1. go beyond the distinctly Christian point of view.” 4 The 3 “The Holy Alliance,” Time, Feb. 24, 1992, p. 28. Adventist response is a thumbs-up emphatic yes. We knew 4 In Adventist Review, Aug. 27, 1998, p. 5. this would happen. 5 Ellen G. White, in Review and Herald, In the August 20 edition of the Adventist Review Gary July 23, 1889. 6 ———, Testimonies for the Church, Hopkins and Bailey Gillespie suggest that if information was all vol. 6, p. 294. we needed to curb the abuse of drugs and alcohol in the United 7 Ibid., vol. 8, p. 195.
6 (1342) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 ADVENTIST LIFE My husband and I had recently returned from Quebec, Canada, where we had been studying French. We were staying at my mom’s house REWS
while fund-raising for a missionary C term in Benin. One day as we were Y ERR getting ready to go out shopping for T the afternoon, I asked my mom, in BY French, if she was ready. “Prêt [pro- TION nounced preh]?” I said. LLUSTRA GI&VE Without hesitation my mom I quickly bowed her head and folded her hands, ready to have a word of prayer! —Michelle St. Claire, Benin, West Africa
Many traveling Adventists can relate to language-learning misunderstandings. If you have a humorous mission experience to share, please send it to Misunderstandings at the Give & Take address below.
GOOD VERSUS EVIL THE CHURCH UNDER TAKE FIRE? This still frame, taken from the German TV film Copkiller (RTL READERS’ EXCHANGE Television C), shows a In this feature Adventists request corre- NET ’96 poster as it spondence on a specific topic. appeared onscreen. Praise God for providing us with YOUTH TALK: I am a theology stu- more powerful weapons dent at Romanian Adventist College, (Eph. 6:11-18). Submitted by Christian B. Schaffler, and I like to work with youth (15-25 Communication years old). I want to specialize in this Department, German-Swiss domain. I want to correspond with Conference. persons from the U.S.A. or Canada who are currently working in youth ministry. Thank you very much! —Georgescu Tiberius, com. Cocorastii Mislii, sat HERALD’S TRUMPET Goruna, cod 2179, jud. Prahova, Romania Hey, kids! Herald’s trumpet is once again hidden somewhere in this magazine. CHURCH PLANTING: We are a fam- In our last contest (Sept. NAD Edition) our three ily in the central part of southern New winners were: Kevin Plebanek, from Godfrey, Illinois; Miljoy Zealand planting a church in a town of Gallego, from Arcadia, California; and Dorita Snyder, from Manchester, 5,000 that has minimal church pres- Kentucky. Kevin, Miljoy, and Dorita received Lisa and the Drainpipe Prayer, by ence. We are looking to correspond via Mary Louise DeMott. e-mail with other laypersons involved Where was the trumpet? In the photo on page 26. in small-town church planting. If you can find the trumpet this time, send a postcard telling us where you —Kim, Jenny, Jessica, and Jayden Heck; e-mail: [email protected]. found it to: Herald’s Trumpet at the Give & Take address on this page. The prize is Bible Word Search & Sort, by Anita Marshall. Have fun! CHINESE ADOPTEES: We would like to correspond with other Adventist WE NEED YOU families who have adopted children from China. Send Give & Take submissions to . . . Give & Take, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904; Fax: 301-680-6638; E-mail: [email protected]. Please —Ralph, Francie, and Thacia Stirling, 414 SW. Seventh Street, College Place, WA 99324; e-mail include phone number. Submissions will not be returned. [email protected].
ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 (1343) 7 COVER STORY
The Speed of the Spirit Church growth explodes in Papua New Guinea.
BY SARAH E. COLEMAN with Major Contributors: Lynn Caldwell, Robert Folkenberg
APUA NEW GUINEA, ONE OF THE
world’s most undeveloped tropical islands,
has inspired awe for centuries. From its Manado
exotic birds, fish, and vegetation to its Jayapura Kavieng ajene Bula Kaimana Wewak volcanic islands, snow-covered moun- Hoskins andang PAPUA NDONESIA NEW GUINEA tains, and larger-than-life mosquitoes, Papua New Guinea can Merauke P Daru Port Moresby Kupang scarcely be rivaled for fascinating features. Slightly larger than
Darwin California and nestled in the South Pacific just north of
Wyndham Daly Waters CK Australia, Papua New Guinea is home to more than 4.3 Derby Cairns TO S AL million inhabitants who speak at least 836 different lan- 500 Km Townsville 500 Mi. IGIT © D guages and dialects. With so much variety, we must first Alice Springs Rockhampton HOTO P understand Papua New Guinea’s culture before examining A USTRALIA Brisbane ACKGROUND
any religious movement in this nation. B
8(1344) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 Independent and Unique in 1975, Papua New Guinea now The independent state of Papua exists as a self-governing member of New Guinea covers the eastern half the British Commonwealth, with the of the island of New Guinea, while British monarch as its head of state. the western half, Irian Jaya, belongs Papua New Guinea contains more to Indonesia. Discovered around than 700 unique people groups. 1512 and declared fully independent Approximately 42 percent of its 4 mil-
DYNAMIC DUO: General Conference president Robert Folkenberg and Papua New Guinea’s gover- nor-general Sir Silas Atopare present a message to a Sabbath morning audience of more than 50,000 people.
CIRCLE OF BELIEVERS: Baptismal candidates line up in columns that form the edge of a large semicircle. Each column proceeds forward toward a baptizing pastor.
lion inhabitants are under the age of 15, presenting a mixed challenge and opportunity for developers and mis- sionaries. Although its official lan- guage is English, tok pisin (Melanesian Pidgin) is often spoken as well. However, among the approximately 86 percent of the population that lives in rural areas, regional dialects are more frequently employed. Religious growth in Papua New Guinea is booming. According to 1993 research,1 about three fifths of the coun-
try’s citizens are Protestant, with the ALDWELL C CK majority of these Lutheran. Approxi- TO YNN S mately one third of the population is L BY AL Roman Catholic; other major religions IGIT ARE
© D include the Baha’i, Anglican, and ani- mist. While spirit worship still persists TICLE AR HOTO P in many areas, the work of God presses THIS
forward. IN TRUTH MARCHING ON: Many women participated in camp meeting through women’s min- ACKGROUND HOTOS
B istries marching groups. Like most groups, these women sported matching uniforms. P
ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 (1345) 9 these dates are nothing more than A Leader Foretold long-forgotten squares on a rumpled wall calendar. To the believers in Governor-general Sir Silas Atopare has not always been famous. Papua New Guinea, however, this Born into a non-Adventist family in 1950, Atopare first came into contact with week marked a spiritual high that may Christianity through his father, who sold sup- continue for months or even years. plies to missionaries of all denominations. As a And for 1,700 newly baptized mem- boy Atopare longed to attend the local Adventist bers of the Adventist Church, this mission school, but was enrolled at first in a date was the birthday of their public Catholic school. However, after Atopare miracu- commitment to Christ. lously survived a near-death experience while This year’s Eastern Highlands swimming in a local river, his parents let him Simbu Mission Keiya camp meeting, attend the Adventist school. the first unionwide camp meeting since In adulthood Atopare gained a seat in 1989, presented a prime example of Parliament in 1977 and lost it in 1982. gospel growth in Papua New Guinea. Troubled, with no plain career path and running Approximately 50,000 attendees gath- out of money, Atopare met with an Adventist ered just beyond the Kia River, near minister. Pastor Kala began to pray for Atopare, the city of Goroka, for the meetings. then stopped in the middle of his prayer and finished with no explanation. People arrived from all corners of the Afterward Pastor Kala said, “God just told me that you’re going to be the seventh island and in all fashions of transporta- governor-general of Papua New Guinea. You will be elected in 1997.” tion. Many arrived days or even weeks Eight years later, after several prestigious jobs, Atopare did not belong beforehand to attend several premeet- to a particular political party, nor was he a member of Parliament. On elec- ing presentations and secure camping tion day, November 15, 1997, he wasn’t even on the ballot. By noon, how- locations. Some traveled on foot for ever, Atopare’s name had appeared on the list. And at 3:00 that afternoon two or three days to reach the site, Parliament officials called to tell him he’d been elected the seventh gover- while others paid to ride in public nor-general of Papua New Guinea—just as the pastor had prophesied. motor vehicles for many miles. Still Pastor Kala, then in his early nineties, was flown in and prayed for Atopare others spent as much as one fourth of at his swearing-in ceremony soon afterward. their year’s earnings to hire airplanes for In this picture Atopare shares his incredible story with Elder Folkenberg. passage across difficult territory. Hundreds camped by rural airstrips for weeks, waiting for a missionary pilot to A Tradition of Growth Papua New Guinea is one of the most give them a ride. Attendance also grew Seventh-day Adventist pastors and dynamic and fastest-growing regions of with the arrival of thousands of Goroka laypersons are joyfully reaping the the church in the South Pacific Adventist Church members as well as results of years of cultivation among Division. This figure is further curious visitors from other tribes or the Papua New Guinea nationals.The enhanced by another factor. “Hand denominations. Total camp meeting Adventist Church entered Papua New churches,” a phenomenon unique to attendance rivaled and probably Guinea in 1908 with the arrival of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, exceeded that of a full General S. W. Carr and his wife, and Peni bring attendance even higher. Hand Conference session Sabbath service. (Beni) Tavodi, a Fijian teacher. churches are simply branch Sabbath According to the Seventh-day Adventist schools that have grown and multiplied Encyclopedia, the government had without being assimilated into the divided the entire Papuan territory church-district organizational structure. between the Methodists, the According to Papua New Guinea Anglicans, and the London Missionary Union president Wilson Stephen, a Society, leaving no room for new recent survey indicates that there are denominations. Carr eventually suc- more than 2,500 of these hand church- ceeded in leasing 130 acres of land for es in Papua New Guinea, many with his ministry near Port Moresby. The more than 100 members. Add this to work continued with the establishment the recognized churches, and it’s easy to of other schools and institutions. see why church membership has grown Today, with more than 250,000 faster than record-keeping can follow. Sabbath school members (approximately WATERS OF BAPTISM: Another individual, 170,000 official church members) and Seven Unforgettable Days one of 1,700 that day, takes his stand for more than 712 recognized churches, July 4-11, 1998. To most people Christ.
10 (1346) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 Beyond the sheer numerical power well. Song services filled the air with Pieces of the Whole of the gathering, this year’s camp meet- music. Local and division leaders, From camp meeting bustle to ing was also a wonder to behold in per- including Ray Coombe, communica- everyday life, Christ’s work is evident son. The central meeting place, locat- tion secretary of the South Pacific across Papua New Guinea. Elder ed in a natural grassy bowl surrounded Division, ministered to the people. Folkenberg’s weeklong trip (July 6- by smaller hills, provided a hub for 13) to Papua New Guinea led him all activities. Mary Lane Anderson to discover and document the describes her first sight of a meeting amazing progress the gospel has in an e-mail newsletter: Approximately made in this country. “Suddenly spread out before us Papua New Guinea’s government was a mass of colored umbrellas like one third of provides overwhelming approval for a sea in the bright sunshine, all Adventist activities. The two high- across the bowl, up all the sides of est-ranking officials in the country, the hills in front of the stage, and Papua New governor-general Sir Silas Atopare then another huge gathering on the and prime minister Bill Skate, are downside of the road, where all the Guinea’s both members of the Adventist children were gathered . . . no rows, Church. On July 9 Elder and Mrs. no benches, no roof, just people parliament is Folkenberg met with Sir Silas and crowded together, sitting on the Lady Atopare in their official resi- ground in the dark shade of their dence. In a statement to the news umbrellas.” Seventh-day media, Mr. Atopare said, “Adventists She notes that despite the size of play a major role in the development the gathering, the huge audience lis- Adventist, of Papua New Guinea. Wherever tened quietly to each speaker. Adventists prosper, health and happi- The general smoothness with including the ness become part of the community which meetings progressed flowed lifestyle.” “I commend all churches to through camp life as well. Since pas- bring the message of Jesus Christ to tors are a rare commodity in Papua speaker of Papua New Guinea.” Mr. Atopare New Guinea (one for every 3,000 later presented his testimony of faith members), laypersons coordinated the house. during the final church service at nearly every facet of the event. camp meeting, stating, “I am a These volunteers installed tempo- Seventh-day Adventist and will rary facilities, including water taps for Camp meeting was truly a feast for the always be a Seventh-day Adventist drinking, makeshift outhouses, garbage senses as well as the soul. until Jesus comes.” pits, electricity for light and amplifica- To conclude the week’s events and as Approximately one third of Papua tion, and several thatched huts for vis- part of a weeklong Papua New Guinea New Guinea’s parliament is Seventh- itors and security. tour, General Conference president day Adventist, including the speaker Aside from these conveniences, Robert Folkenberg preached on Sabbath of the house, John Pundari. Elder camp meeting guests were responsible morning. Afterward, in a thrilling finale, Folkenberg attended a special meeting for their own shelter and food. A 1,700 new converts were baptized in the with these individuals and other offi- menagerie of tents, tarp homes, Kia River. Elder Folkenberg watched the cials. Several other prominent figures clotheslines, grass huts, cooking fires, baptism from a rope bridge near the also embrace the church. In fact, in and open-air campsites blanketed the river’s shore and reported, “The candi- the city of Goroka so many residents surrounding area. A string of 20 or 30 dates spread over such a large area that are Adventist that most businesspeople camping-supply stores and food shops there was no single place from which I close their shops on Saturdays! sprouted along the road to camp meet- could see all the baptism.” What a glori- Elder Folkenberg also visited ing. Those who wished to bathe found ous sight! Hundreds of white-clad bap- Waitope, a Global Mission site in the their way to the Kia River for a quick tismal candidates walked by columns interior of Papua New Guinea. Six dip in its shallow waters. into the center of the river and awaited months ago Pastor Samson Ase arrived The meetings featured a broad vari- their turn for baptism. Nearly every in Waitope determined to plant a new ety of speakers and music. Multiple available pastor helped with the effort. congregation. Now there are at least choirs, dressed in matching uniforms, This monumental event provided an 31 people attending Sabbath services, graced the banana-tree-decorated stage. unforgettable close to a powerful week three of whom were recently baptized. Women’s ministries marching troupes, and a fitting representation of church The Waitope congregation is in the drum-and-bagpipe marching bands, and growth* in Papua New Guinea. process of constructing a new house of Pathfinder Clubs held exhibitions as worship—their first real building since
ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 (1347) 11 Adventists rejoice in the knowledge Tidal Wave Update that some populations (Eastern Highlands) are at least 98 percent On July 17, 1998, a series of three massive tidal waves rocked the northern Christian, attention must still be coast of Papua New Guinea, near the village of Aitaope, killing approximately focused on the unreached masses. Tens 1,600 people. Among the victims were 27 Adventists from two local churches. of thousands still search for freedom Relief organizations such as Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) from demons and fear. These must not have been working steadily to provide aid for destitute survivors. ADRA’s largest be forgotten even while the church concentration has been on providing medical support and fresh drinking water to enjoys the joy of the journey. the disaster’s victims, including the approximately 8,000 now-homeless individuals In the words of another victor: “He along the coast. This is “the worst single disaster to hit Papua New Guinea,” says who began a good work in you will Warren Scale, ADRA manager for disaster response and overseas development in carry it on to completion” (Phil. 1:6, Australia. “The situation is far worse than anything that has been reported.” NIV). This journey will be over soon- Providentially, ADRA volunteers had just finished a drought-relief project else- er than we imagine. God’s Spirit has where in Papua New Guinea when the disaster happened. They have since been entered Papua New Guinea in a moved to the tidal wave site to provide added support for survivors. mighty way.2 ■ “My heart goes out to them at this sad time,” says Robert Folkenberg, General Conference president. Let us continue in prayer and support of the * Both new souls and new lives entered God’s presence at camp meeting: seven healthy Papua New Guinea tidal wave victims. babies were born (for the first time) during the week as well! the church began meeting. As with and were once again impressed with 1 Encyclopedia Britannica (1993), vol. 25, pp. many churches in Papua New Guinea, the hospitality and generosity of the 270-274. progress has halted temporarily because believers in Papua New Guinea. 2 Other information taken from Culturgram of a lack of funds for completion. Smiling faces. Barefoot pastors. Open- ’97: Independent State of Papua New Guinea (Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University, 1996). The staff and students of Omoura, a air churches. White-robed figures entering pastoral training facility, welcomed the the baptismal waters with excitement and Folkenbergs with open arms. Omoura energy. Primitive dress mingled with provides a practical program for pastors Pathfinder uniforms. Hymns sung in who will work in the remotest areas of tribal dialects. Sarah Coleman is a junior Papua New Guinea. Elder and Mrs. What a paradox Papua New Guinea at Walla Walla College. She David Bryce lead this institution. has become! Christian truth now takes wrote this article during her According to their curriculum, stu- a place of honor in this formerly summer internship with the dents (1) spend one year at Omoura, entirely animistic culture. Although Adventist Review. (2) work in the field for one or two years, (3) return for another year of education at Omoura, (4) go back to the field for another year, and (5) con- clude their training with a third year of education at Omoura. During the three years they attend classes at the Omoura campus, each student also pastors a church within four hours’ walking distance from the campus. The Folkenbergs then traveled to Kora, a remote mountaintop Global Mission target village. A fly-in medical program currently serves Kora’s needs. Adventist Aviation transports physi- cians and nurses to this location and leaves them there for one to two weeks. Immediate goals include providing a potable water supply, vaccinating the children in the area, and overall health care. Just before leaving Papua New Guinea, the Folkenbergs paid a quick visit to Pacific Adventist University
12 (1348) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 BIBLE QUESTIONS ANSWERED The Real Sin-bearer ANGEL MANUEL RODRÍGUEZ
eviticus 16:22 says that the goat for Azazel In the study of the Scriptures we should not only take into “shall bear all their iniquities upon him” consideration the use of specific words but also the combination (RSV); and Isaiah 53:12 describes the promised of a few words to communicate an idea that one of those words Saviour with the words by itself could not express. The phrase “He bore the sin of “to bear sin/iniquity” appears to be a Lmany.” Does that not make the legal expression used to indicate that goat for Azazel a symbol of Christ? Ancient tradition the person bearing sin is legally guilty, It’s sometimes useful to examine responsible for the sin committed, and the historical origin of theological interprets the goat liable to punishment (see Ex. 28:43; ideas. This is one of those cases. Lev. 19:8; 20:17). Sometimes God is An ancient Christian tradition the subject of the phrase (God bears interprets the goat for Azazel as repre- for Azazel as the sin of His people), meaning that senting Christ or an aspect of His He assumes responsibility for it and work. For instance, Justin Martyr (c. representing Christ. forgives the repentant sinner (Num. 100-165) interpreted it as a symbol of 14:18; Ps. 25:18). the second coming of Christ; In the context of the sanctuary, Tertullian (c. 160-220) saw in it a reference to the human sinners are described as bearing sin (Lev. 5:1, 2, 5, 6), and it nature of Christ and His humiliation; and for Cyril of was in that state that they brought their sacrifices to the Lord. Alexandria (d. 444) the scapegoat was Christ ascending to They were responsible for their own sins and liable to divine heaven, loaded with our sins. Interestingly, Origen (c. 185- punishment. They could be delivered from that condition 254) equated the scapegoat with Azazel, whom he took to be a through a sacrifice. The priest used the sacrifice to make fallen angel. Obviously, there was no harmony in the early atonement, and the individual was forgiven (verses 6, 10). Sin Christian interpretation of the scapegoat, and views presented was transferred to the sacrificial victim, and it died in his or were mostly of a speculative nature, lacking exegetical analysis. her place. This is exactly what Christ did for us (Isa. 53:4, 12). During the Reformation the ritual of the scapegoat was There is a peculiarity of this phrase that we must notice. used in the formulation of the doctrine of the atonement, It is practically never used to express the idea of carrying sin and that continues to be the case among some Protestants. from one place to another. “To bear sin” means to be or However, today scholars tend to believe that Azazel was a become responsible for sin and liable to punishment. This is demonic figure in the Old Testament, making it more diffi- what we call the absolute use of the phrase. The only excep- cult to interpret the ritual under discussion as a type of tion to this usage is found in Leviticus 16:22, where it is fol- Christ’s atoning work. lowed by a clause of destination. In that case it means “to The application of the symbol of the scapegoat to Christ carry sin,” not “to bear sin” (NIV: “The goat will carry on is commonly based on two arguments. The first is the use itself all their sins to a solitary place”). The goat is not bearing of the phrase “to bear sin,” which also applied to Jesus. the sin of the people vicariously, but simply carrying it to the The second is taken from Hebrews 13:12, where it is indi- wilderness; returning it to Azazel, the originator of sin and cated that Jesus “suffered outside the gate in order to sanc- uncleanness. This use of the phrase is not the same as we tify the people through his own blood” (RSV). It is then found in the daily services of the sanctuary, and it does not pointed out that the scapegoat was taken outside the point to Christ as the one who bore our sin as our substitute. Israelite camp. This last argument is not persuasive in that there is no symbolic correspondence between Christ offer- Angel Manuel Rodríguez is an associate director of ing His blood outside the city as a sacrifice and the scape- the Biblical Research Institute of the General goat that was sent alive to the wilderness. Besides, contex- Conference. tually Hebrews is dealing with the regular sin offering and not with the goat for Azazel.
ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 (1349) 13 LIFESTYLE
SheShe HatesHates Me,Me, andand II CanCan ProveProve ItIt Lessons in reconciliation
BY DENISE RUTLEDGE
HAT DOES IT!” I STORMED. “I’M NOT A mentality rooted in love! Scripture sets the standard by going to take this any longer!” Once again a which we must measure all the thoughts that enter our church member’s words had wounded my heart. minds. Paul calls us to meditate on “whatever things are Initially I had hoped she meant no harm, but true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, now I felt sure that she hated me. whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, what- THow could a sister in Christ choose to dislike me? I wondered ever things are of good report” (Phil. 4:8). This kind of to myself. We’re both a part of God’s family! I couldn’t see mind-set keeps us standing in the middle of the fiercest merit in anything she said. I knew my attitude was wrong, battle zone we have ever faced: the inner battle between but my emotions swirled around me, and I felt powerless to Christ and Satan. change my negative perspective. But our Saviour promises our success with heartwarming facts. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I Imagination Is Fertile Ground who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now Despite all the “evidence” we collect against him or her, live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved it’s all too easy to misjudge another person’s intent. Why are me and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). “Knowing this, we so often wrong? On its own, our imagination is fertile that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of ground. When Satan adds his subtle allusions, we automati- sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be cally see the worst in others. By our very nature our imagi- slaves of sin” (Rom. 6:6). nations are finely tuned to Satan’s insinuations. We can With such strong promises to bolster us, why do negative resist him only so long before we weigh the evidence and thoughts concerning other people still flood our minds? We believe that our “attacker” is found wanting. must recognize two things that hinder our fight: Retaining a positive attitude is a tough battle to fight, but 1. The “old man” is dead by faith, not by feelings. we’re not left without a Helper. When we are born into a Although emotions may run high, we can walk by faith and new life through Christ, He gives us a new mind as well. not by sight, believing that Christ will give us victory. Paul describes this new mind in 1 Corinthians 13: 2. Satan still exists. He does not die at conversion; he merely “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love seeks to harass us all the more with insinuation and lies. does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave Although these struggles continue to plague us, we still rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no have the opportunity to choose Christ. When a negative evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; thought enters our minds concerning another person, we bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures can either consent to it or recognize its source—the evil all things. Love never fails” (verses 4-8).* one—and throw it from our minds. Too often we consent to
14 (1350) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 COMPOSITE AL IGIT / D ISC D HOTO © P HOTOS P his schemes, causing the prevalent dis- Christ” comes in to clearer focus. We turns our weakness into His strength. cord and lack of forgiveness we see may have a perfect right to be angry, “I can’t believe she said that!” today. We cherish the ill will of the but did Christ show His anger at Once again I find myself in conflict. “old man” instead of exchanging it for Calvary? If He had the right to be What my friend said was truly mali- the love that “is not provoked,” that angry with His tormentors, why didn’t cious. She meant to damage my repu- “thinks no evil,” that keeps no He demonstrate it? Christ’s total self- tation. But I still have the same accounting of past wrongs. lessness took no offense at their choice: walk in the Spirit or walk in cruelty. Instead He looked down the the “old man.” I am a new creation in The Source of Our Thought Life corridor of time, felt the agony of His Christ. Will I yield my injured feelings The ability to recognize the source enemies as they experienced the sec- to the cross or selfishly hold on to of our thoughts may be one of the ond death, and prayed that they would them? Will I claim my right to liberty most precious gifts of the Holy Spirit. turn from their misguided course. He from all the chains of self or retain my Many conflicts would fail to germinate longed that the death He already tasted right to resentment for the wrong if we recognized the source of our for them could be applied to them. done to me? Will I walk in my new thought life and made the decision to life in Christ or in the old life of sin? harbor only Spirit-generated thoughts. All Resentment Must Be Buried What will I do? What will you Our heavenly Father desires that we After the closing scenes of Calvary do? ■ walk in the Spirit and deny the flesh, are pondered, it becomes obvious stopping Satan’s power to destroy the that all resentment toward others * All Bible references in this article are from the New King James Version. church of Christ. must be buried not in our mind, but “Spirit-generated thoughts” sound in the cleansing flow of Calvary. wonderful, however, until we are faced Obtaining Christ’s selflessness with a true antagonist. The person in becomes the yearning of our soul. Denise Rutledge was living in question is obviously a wolf in a Longing to reflect His love floods Dominica, in the British sheep’s costume. We are justified in our over us. Can we do it? “I can do all West Indies, when she wrote anger . . . or are we? things through Christ” (Phil. 4:13). this article. At this point crucifixion “with Through embracing Calvary, Christ
ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 (1351) 15 STORY
MOSCOW The Long Ago Meets t
After waiting nearly 100 years, a Russian community learns about the Sabbath.
BY GARY PATTERSON
OY TERRETTA WAS NEITHER TRAINED Vladivostok, at the southeastern tip of Russia? nor experienced as an evangelist. He had come Coming to the end of his term of mission service in 1996, to Russia in 1991 to oversee the establishment Roy began to entertain the notion that prior to a permanent of a new publishing house adjacent to the return to North America, perhaps he could go preach in the R Seventh-day Adventist seminary at Zaoksky. village where his grandfather, Silvester Evdokimovich With the passage of time we are prone to forget how star- Terretta, had lived at the turn of the century. Bolshoi tling was the opportunity to establish either a seminary or a Kamen—where Roy found himself in May of 1997—did not publishing house in a setting where for more than 70 years even exist when Silvester left his home village in 1913. It is religion was officially either banned or burdened with heavy not only a new city but a closed city as well, having been restrictions. To possess even a typewriter was to risk being established as a base for building Soviet nuclear submarines. considered a subversive, an act sometimes viewed by Russian Nonetheless, it is the area where the Terretta family had rel- authorities as treasonous. A seminary and printing press? atives, and Roy was determined to preach there. Unimaginable! Terretta’s ancestors had emigrated from Russia to the United “Those early days of setting up the press,” Roy remembers, States many years earlier. And now, as the Zaoksky press began “were so involved and busy that there was no time even to to operate more and more adequately with the skill of the local think of doing evangelistic preach- workers he had trained, Roy began to ing.” Roy’s ministry was in literature Your Mission Offering at Work feel the pull of family ties more than evangelism, and the challenges of 80 years old to travel to the other end setting up a printing press in a land Now aiding the growing work in Russia of the country—some seven time where the technology was barely (Euro-Asia Division) is the Thirteenth Sabbath zones and thousands of kilometers available—and only newly legal— Offering for the second quarter of 1998. From away—and preach the gospel. was all the challenge he could man- North America alone $207,060 is being sent age. from the June 27 offering to assist in providing Divine Intervention church buildings and houses of worship for our A woman named Alexandra also Family Ties brothers and sisters in Russia, who until the had lived near the same village at So why would a biology major beginning of this decade were prohibited by the the turn of the century (although she with a master’s degree from government from owning church property. never met Silvester Terretta as far as William and Mary College in A new church building next to the division we know). A devout young woman, Virginia and an M.B.A. in inter- office in Moscow is nearing completion, and she attended meetings conducted by national marketing from Duke according to Lee Huff, division president, 150 some charismatic Christians who University be preaching at an new churches are either under construction or urged her to pray for the gift of the evangelistic meeting in the closed soon will be. Holy Spirit. Earnestly she prayed for city of Bolshoi Kamen, near God’s guidance in her spiritual quest,
16 (1352) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 the Here and Now
Norwegian Sea
. K. North Sea Bering Sea NORWAY
SWEDEN
GERMANY
Baltic Sea FINLAND
ESTONIA LATVIA POLAND LITHUANIA
BYELARUS MOSCOW Sea of Okhotsk
ROMANIA UKRAINE
Black Sea
TURKEY BOLSHOI KAMEN GEORGIA CHINA ARMENIA Sea of Japan KAZAKHSTAN AZERBAIJAN JAPAN MONGOLIA Caspian NORTH KOREA Sea UZBEKISTAN BOLSHOI KAMEN TURKMENISTAN SOUTH KOREA
KYRGYZSTAN
TAJIKISTAN CHINA IRAN Russia Yellow Sea Miles 800 0 AFGHANISTAN
and one day, to her amazement, she A Bridge to the Present who hath been his counsellor?” (Rom. saw the room filled with bright light as Nearly a century later Alexandra’s 11:33, 34). she prayed. A hand appeared and granddaughter stood face-to-face with We sometimes assume that unless wrote on the wall in blazing letters of Silvester’s grandson at the close of his Seventh-day Adventists are present— fire. But the words faded, and she was first lecture and told him the oft-repeated unless we have missionaries or churches unable to read them or remember what story of her grandmother’s vision. (Who or institutions or programs going—that had been written. could have dreamed that God’s provi- God is not active in a particular loca- Eagerly Alexandra continued in dence would bring them to this tion. But for 100 years the vision lived. prayer until sometime about a week moment?) And following the recitation And now the grandchildren of later when the room again filled with of the legend, Alexandra’s granddaughter Alexandra and Silvester—who probably light and a heavenly messenger asked, “Do you know of a people that never even met—share a common faith. appeared to her. “What is the meaning keep the commandments of God and of the words of fire?” she asked. worship on the seventh day?” Epilogue: Roy Terretta and his wife “If you love Me,” came the Resisting the urge to provide more returned to the United States to be close words of the Messenger, “keep My information than she and her friends in to his aging mother-in-law. Because of commandments.” attendance could comprehend in one Roy’s national heritage and his Russian Obtaining a Bible from a friend, moment, Roy wisely responded, “Just experiences, the Lord has given Roy a Alexandra began a search that led her keep coming to all the meetings. You’ll burden for the estimated 500,000 to to the Ten Commandments. And to find the church you’re looking for.” 750,000 immigrants from the former her surprise, she discovered the fourth To make a long story short—and Soviet bloc who live in North America commandment enjoining the keeping after all, we are talking about a story following the collapse of Communism. of the Sabbath on the seventh day of that stretches nearly 100 years—at the Roy believes that a combination of lit- the week. end of that series of meetings erature and public evangelism (in As she began her search to find a Alexandra’s granddaughter and her Russian) will make a deep impact on the church that kept the Sabbath of husband, along with 145 of their Russian-speaking people who have settled Scripture, Alexandra relayed to her friends and family, were baptized and in some of North America’s large cities: family and friends the vision she had joined the Seventh-day Adventist New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and TESIA
AR experienced and inquired where she church in Bolshoi Kamen. San Francisco. ■
© C might find people who kept the seventh “O the depth of the riches both of Gary Patterson is a general day as the Sabbath. To her dismay, no the wisdom and knowledge of God! field secretary for the Office RAPHIC
G one knew of such a church, and the how unsearchable are his judgments, of Mission Awareness at the ongoing quest became a legend in her and his ways past finding out! For who
USSIA General Conference. R family and village. hath known the mind of the Lord? or
ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 (1353) 17 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES Miracles in Macao New school energizes new growth
BY SAMMY LEE, PASTOR AND ENGLISH TEACHER AT SAM YUK SCHOOL, MACAO
he Macao Seventh-day at the end of 1999, just two years after Adventist College, courageously accepted Adventist Church had been the handover of Hong Kong by the the challenging appointment as principal in a stupor for more than British government on July 1, 1997. of the new Macao Sam Yuk School. two decades. Political tur- But witnessing the miracles that the God performed one miracle after moil on this small island off Lord has performed and is still per- another to open the way for the build- Tthe eastern China coast resulted in the forming for His church in Macao, we ing of a new school in this city of gam- 1967 closing of the Adventist Church’s blers. The first miracle came in the only educational institution on the form of a piece of land measuring island—Macao Sam Yuk School. 180,000 square feet, granted by the The school had been an effective Macao government to the church to witness in a strategic territory, and its build the new school campus. There closing was a major setback to the are 47 denominations in Macao, but church’s work. Macao, the “Monte only the Seventh-day Adventist Carlo of the Orient” and a stepping- Church and the Catholic Church stone to mainland China, has always have been granted a piece of land by been an important city. More than the government. 400 years of Portuguese rule over this The second miracle was the waiv- enclave, which has a population of ing of land reclamation costs, which YOUNG BELIEVERS: As a result of the school, about 500,000 (95 percent of whom 25 new believers joined the church last year. amounted to about US$800,000. The are Chinese), has left a unique blend next miracle was the waiving of the of Western and Eastern cultures stamped can be certain that He is building a requirement to build an asphalt road on the land and life of its people. lighthouse of truth here. from the main road to the front of the Macao was the first European After almost 60 years of strenuous school, plus a parking lot to accommo- colony of the Western nations in the efforts by our pioneers, Macao has yield- date 40 cars. These were all completed Asia-Pacific region, and it will be the ed only about 100 souls from among the at government expense. last to be returned to the People’s local population. These were mainly The Chan Shun Foundation and Republic of China. This will happen students of the Macao Adventist numerous church members from School, locally called the Sam Yuk School (Sam Yuk, in Chinese, trans- lates into the three principles of Adventist education: mind, body, and spirit). When the school closed during the political turmoil in 1967, the church membership started to dwin- dle, and our church in Macao barely survived into the early 1990s. It was then that our leaders in the Hong Kong-Macao Conference decided to build up the church again by resur- recting the defunct school. Handel Luke, a veteran missionary and educa- tor who spent more than 45 years of GRAND OPENING: Government officials joined LIGHTHOUSE: The new Sam Yuk School pro- active service in various positions, church leaders for the opening of Sam Yuk vides a major Christian witness in Macao. including president of Hong Kong School in 1997.
18 (1354) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES around the world gave gifts that made In addition to the above groups, a the school possible. Sabbath school class is conducted in With everybody working hard under Mandarin by Lynn Lee at the Macao the leadership of Handel Luke, the church in Fai Chi Kei. new campus was finally inaugurated in The latest miracle that happened at a grand opening ceremony in April Macao Sam Yuk Middle School was 1997, attended by the governor of the enrollment of more than 57 Macao and other dignitaries as well as Filipino children, who, with their representatives of our world church. teachers, now comprise our new Under the supervision of Luke, who English section of the Sam Yuk also functions as the pastor of the Kindergarten and Primary School. The greater Macao area, three separate con- resurrection of Macao Sam Yuk School gregations now worship in Macao. The has indeed made a difference in soul- Taipa company, led by Simon Xu, wor- INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY: In the old winning achievements here. In 1997 ships in the Cantonese language at the Macao church, services are conducted in the Macao church recorded the bap- newly dedicated Youth Gospel the English and Indonesian languages. tism of 25 souls, the highest total Activity Center, built with money prayer meetings. At the old Macao among the churches in Hong Kong- received from the Thirteenth Sabbath church English-language and Macao Conference. Offering overflow in 1996. Indonesian services are conducted every With December 1999 approaching With the arrival of vice principal Sunday afternoon for former members and the return of Macao to the Joseph Lo from the United States, the of the Indonesian Baptist Church. People’s Republic of China, the youth center is now a busy place for Three of these persons were recently prospect of evangelistic outreach to Bible studies, choir and band practice, baptized and joined the Macao the 1.2 billion people of China is Pathfinder programs, and midweek Seventh-day Adventist Church. beyond imagination.
NEWSBREAK
Gospel Outreach Continues wasn’t safe. But we encountered no problems and enjoyed in Indonesia Despite Riots the experience very much. Right now we still have the free- dom to preach in the country, so now is the time to take ngoing civil unrest and rioting in Indonesia have advantage of the opportunity.”—Adventist News Network. O not prevented successful gospel outreach programs, according to church workers. Texas, North Carolina Receive “Riots erupted in Medan three months ago,” said ACS Relief Assistance Jonathan Kuntaraf, an associate director for the General Conference Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Adventist Community Services (ACS) mobilized Department. “Many churches have been burned across emergency teams in response to flash floods in Del Rio, the country, and we were advised that our safety could Texas, and to the daylong destruction caused by not be assured.” However, Kuntaraf, together with his Hurricane Bonnie on the East Coast. wife, Kathleen, an associate director for the GC Health On Sunday, August 23, a flash flood in Del Rio, and Temperance Department, and Ben Sanidad, an Texas, caused by Tropical Storm Charley. The storm Adventist doctor from Cleveland, Ohio, traveled to killed 16 persons, and as many as 20 are still reported Indonesia and held a number of health and gospel out- missing as of presstime. reach programs July 30-August 15. On Tuesday, August 25, Joe Watts, ACS director for The civil unrest did not prevent a high attendance at Texas, took needed supplies to Del Rio for distribution to the meetings, with more than 1,300 present each those affected. Through mobile units, ACS volunteers evening. At the conclusion of the program, 258 chose to distributed blankets, grocery items, water, cleaning sup- be baptized and join the Adventist Church. plies, clothing, and other needed items. Volunteers from “This is the highest baptism in the history of Medan,” the two Adventist congregations in Del Rio assisted vic- reported Sabar Pinem, president of the Adventist tims along with ACS leaders from several parts of Texas. Church in north Sumatra. More than two thirds of the town was under water “We were pleased to be able to work in Medan,” says during the worst part of the flooding, causing severe Kuntaraf. “Many discouraged us before we went, saying it damage to the town’s water distribution system and leav-
ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 (1355) 19 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES The Pain of Prosperity
BY ROGER HUNTER, TEACHER, STANBOROUGH SCHOOL, WATFORD, ENGLAND
o not,” says the Lord in Matthew 6:19, “store up for paradox when, as Daniels puts it, “[we have] better bath- yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust rooms, more mobile telephones, and rising share ownership.” Ddestroy” (NIV). Considering the state of Western Daniels’ comments carry important lessons for all of us. capitalism, the advice has never been so timely. First, he points out that we never compare ourselves with We are all aware of the meltdown in the markets of those worse off than ourselves, but with those much the East and of the spectacular and dangerous implosion wealthier—thus inducing envy, anxiety, and in some of the Russian economy. Even the relatively healthy cases, depression. Second, says Daniels, “our greater businesses of Western Europe and wealth gives us more to lose.” the United States are fearing for their NEWS COMMENTARY “Prosperity,” he says, “is temporary.” futures. This, of course, was pointed out years However, it was a fascinating article by Dr. Anthony ago by God Himself. And as more and more worldly people Daniels in the September 13 Sunday Telegraph that particu- “discover” the emptiness of material things, we might ask larly caught my attention. Daniels, a medical practitioner, ourselves: Are we a church proclaiming this message clearly pointed out that in Britain more and more people are taking and loudly to people trapped in unhappiness and materialis- antidepressants, obviously implying that the nation is feeling tic frustration? more unhappy. In fact, one in 30 men and one in 12 women Or are we once again allowing secular commentators to are now prescribed these drugs annually. This is surely a preach our message?
NEWSBREAK
ing the town without clean drinking water. As floodwa- reports George Mwansa, communication director for ters receded, rescuers continued the search for victims. the Eastern Africa Division. About 400 homes were damaged. “Webby Mukoma was executive secretary when I The Second Harvest Food Bank in Raleigh, North was president of the Adventist Church in Zambia,” Carolina, also asked ACS to assist them in operating a says Pardon Mwansa, associate director of the General food warehouse in Raleigh, in the aftermath of hurri- Conference Stewardship Department. “I knew him cane Bonnie. ACS and Second Harvest are both mem- very well, and his death is a real shock. He was a very bers of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in devout church leader, a happy, smiling man who was Disasters (NVOAD). totally committed to the faith. A brilliant student, “Our hearts go out to those who have been affected, he had the courage to face very difficult situations. and our volunteers stand ready to assist those who need The church in Zambia has lost a wonderful and our help,” says John Gavin, national executive director valued leader.” for ACS. Mukoma is survived by his wife, Ellen, and seven children.—Adventist News Network. Zambian Church Leader Killed in Accident Northern Europe Pathfinders Hold Camporee Webby Mukoma, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Zambia, died September 1 in a car Some 1,750 Pathfinders from 20 nations in northern accident. Mukoma was traveling from home to work Europe, Egypt, Albania, Lithuania, Hungary, and Iceland when his car was involved in a head-on collision. He gathered for a camporee in Oslo, Norway, July 27 to died some two hours later from internal injuries. August 5. Born in 1953, Mukoma became an Adventist pastor The theme of the camporee was “Log on Jesus.” In in 1977 and worked as a literature evangelist, publish- addition to recreational activities, the Pathfinders raised ing director, school chaplain, Bible teacher, district pas- money to help refugees in Sudan. In all, US$17,000 was tor, conference president, and union secretary before raised, reports Ole Kendel, Trans-European Division becoming president of the Zambia Union Mission, youth director.
20 (1356) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES
Test Your Global A. Buddhism C. Animism Mission IQ B. Islam D. Presbyterianism 1. Butembo is in an African 3. An employer’s concern for an absent employee led to nation that changed its name after a new congregation in Garakurthi, in southeastern India. independence and changed it back Noticing that Mallesham had been away from the carpenter again. Global Mission evangelism shop for several days, Nagaraju went to his village. Finding resulted in the baptism of 400 persons. A group of his employee dejected because of personal difficulties, Adventist women there had built a church costing Nagaraju talked to him about Jesus and His promises. Bible US$13,000. Crusades by laypeople and ministers led to studies followed, with the whole village invited. Sixty-two these new converts. Butembo is west of the chain of deep were baptized. This village and eight others where work lakes that trace the western branch of the Great Rift was begun in 1998 are located in the Indian state of which Valley, near the equator. In which African country did Hyderabad is the capital. What state is it? this fruitful evangelism occur? A. Uttar Pradesh C. Andhra Pradesh A. Kenya C. Burundi B. Madhya Pradesh D. Tamil Nadu B. Uganda D. Congo Answers: 2. Upper Volta is the former name of Burkina Faso, a 1. D. Congo, until recently Zaire. landlocked country tucked among Mali, Benin, and other 2. B. Islam. Throughout North Africa and the sub- West African nations. In the past months Global Mission Sahara most of the population are Muslims. evangelists have worked in nine of its provincial capitals. 3. C. Andhra Pradesh (population 76 million). Its ratio Two of them are predominantly Catholic and Assemblies of Adventists to population is 1:889. Other regions of India of God populations. The other seven have predominantly have ratios of 1:14,000—a Global Mission challenge. what religious affiliation? —Compiled by Don Yost of the General Conference Global Mission Office.
NEWSBREAK
Islamic Relations Seminar Meets This Month Conference since 1990, replaces Adventists with Muslim friends, family, or business Laurence Downing, associates will receive special training and inspiration at who resigned in July. the Islamic Relations Seminar commencing October 12- ✔ Rhonda Karr, 17 at the George King Institute in Hagerstown, Maryland. Iowa-Missouri Conducted by the North American Division, the Conference assistant workshop will help participants to better understand, F. Martin Rhonda Karr treasurer, was recently Ytreberg worship with, and lead a small group of “true believers.” elected conference Cost of the six days is $200, including food, lodging, treasurer. Karr is the first female treasurer for the confer- and materials. For more information, call (301) 680-6416. ence and one of only two female local conference trea- surers in North America. News Notes She replaces Neil Brady, who became treasurer for the Georgia-Cumberland Academy in Calhoun, Georgia. ✔ CompuServe Users. You can access the Adventist ✔ Correction. The North American Division regis- Review online each week within 48 hours of presstime tration limit for the Discover the Power Pathfinder cam- and several days before the magazine reaches your home. poree is 15,000, not the number indicated in the The Review is available free of charge in the Adventist September 10 Newsbreak. Online Forum on CompuServe (GO SDA). If you have e-mail, you can also contact the Review What’s Upcoming staff online. Send letters, prayer requests, and subscrip- tion requests to [email protected]. Oct. 4-10 Health Emphasis Week ✔ F. Martin Ytreberg, General Conference under- Oct. 10 Sabbath School Guest Day treasurer, was recently appointed vice president for Oct. 10 Community Relations Day finance of Adventist Risk Management, Inc., effective Oct. 17 Spirit of Prophecy Day November 1. Ytreberg, who has served at the General
ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 (1357) 21 HERITAGE
Fourscore . . . by Reason of Strength
BY ROBERT G. WEARNER
“The righteous flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a last-day church, senior citizens have also been faithful ser- cedar in Lebanon. vants, serving as long as God gave them health and They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the strength. These are some of their stories. courts of our God. In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full Robert Leo Odom of sap, showing that the Lord is upright” (Ps. 92:12-14, NRSV). Pastor-evangelist, overseas missionary, editor, and author, Robert Leo Odom didn’t stop working for the Master even HE AGELESS GOD WHO INHABITS after he reached his eternity seems to have a special fondness for His eightieth birthday. eldest servants. In His Word and through His During the later gifting, He assures them that their aging process years of his career has not changed His estimate of them. Through he dedicated his THis grace, at whatever age, they may still produce fruit. time and energies God’s Word reminds us that “by their fruits ye shall know to evangelization of them.” The consistent, unswerving examples of mature the Jews, including believers through the centuries of faith provide us with 21 years as editor of inspiring models of how we may also grow old with grace Israelite magazine, a and usefulness. journal now pub- It is not often remembered that many of the great person- lished under the alities of Scripture accomplished great things for God when title of Shabbat past the age of 80. Abraham and Sarah left their city and Shalom. culture, traveled hundreds of miles, conceived a child, and Odom had to lay ISC
settled a new land at an age when most peers were settling down his editorial D down for extended peace and quiet. Moses, Aaron, and role at 82 because of increasing blindness, but failing eyesight HOTO
Miriam were called to leadership when all were more than didn’t stop him from working. His wife, Martha, herself an © P 80. Joshua and Caleb fought and subdued the enemies of accomplished author, assisted him as secretary, doing research HOTO God’s people until late in life. Simeon and Anna gave rever- for him and taking dictation. Three of Odom’s later books P ent witness to the infant Messiah after a lifetime of waiting dealt with the experience of the people he so loved: Israel’s for His appearance. Prophetic Puzzle, Israel’s Angel Extraordinary, and Israel’s Pre- ACKGROUIND
It should be no surprise, then, to discover that in God’s existent Messiah. B
22 (1358) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 In his eighty-ninth year a final vol- of a now-booming meat analogue busi- funds for hospital construction. ume came off the press, titled Is Your ness, including such products as soy Hongkong Adventist Hospital, an Soul Immortal? This useful small book cheese, vegeburgers, and vegetarian hot eight-story 150-bed facility, had dealt with the many theories about dogs. Miller’s soy milk research literally recently been opened when the what happens to human beings at death saved the lives of thousands of babies in Longways arrived in 1974. He raised and emphasized the biblical doctrine of China and many other lands. funds for the construction of the 12- the resurrection of the righteous. At age 90 Miller became a consul- story La Rue Villa behind the hospital tant to the World Health Organization that served as space for mission offices Harry Willis Miller and the Food and Agriculture and apartments. The man known as the “China Organization of the United Nations, Longway also raised funds for doctor” to thousands of Seventh-day and was internationally esteemed for expansion efforts at Tsuen Wan Adventists around the world wore his continuing service to children and Adventist Hospital in the New many hats during almost 80 years of the poor all around the globe. Territories. Moneys he solicited helped serving his church, including thyroid build an additional 10-story complex surgeon, soybean product pioneer, and Ezra Leon Longway that provided a nurses’ residence and church and hospital administrator. Few names in the history of administrative offices for a school of When Harry Miller celebrated his Adventist missions in Asia are as well nursing. Classrooms and a chapel were eightieth birthday in 1959, he accept- known as that of Ezra Longway. After also added through his efforts. ed a call from the Far Eastern Division decades of dedicated service in China On return trips to the United States to go to Hong Kong to establish med- and other Asian posts as a pastor- he and Florence crisscrossed the coun- ical work. try, gathering funds to upgrade East Accompanied by Ezra L. Longway Asia hospitals. Their efforts have (see next column) and Robert M. blessed uncounted thousands who first Milne, themselves veteran China mis- became aware of Seventh-day sionaries, he laid plans for hospital Adventism through the “entering construction. Together they raised wedge” of health evangelism. more than $15 million through public solicitation. All three men lived to see Josephine Cunnington Edwards two modern hospitals constructed in When she turned 80 in August the region: the 118-bed Tsuen Wan 1984, Josephine Cunnington Adventist Hospital in the New Edwards gave no sign that she was Territories, and the 150-bed Hongkong looking for an easy chair. According Adventist Hospital on the island. Even to her son, Bob, longtime member of with his strenuous schedule of fund- the Voice of Prophecy’s King’s raising, Dr. Miller continued seeing Heralds Quartet, she continued to patients at both facilities. write, visit camp meetings, hold Well past his eightieth birthday, the evangelist, departmental director, and Weeks of Prayer in schools, and fill doctor continued his research on soy- church administrator, he returned to many appointments in North beans, his lifelong special project. His Hong Kong at age 80 along with his America and overseas. pioneering work led to the development wife, Florence. For another 12 years Nicknamed “Whirlwind” by her Longway made two great contribu- tions to Adventist work in the region: translating Spirit of Prophecy books into Chinese, and raising funds for hospital construction. Longway’s expertise in the Chinese language enabled him to translate more than 25 Spirit of Prophecy vol- umes from English to Mandarin. Several of these were completed after Longway turned 80, including such devotional books as Maranatha, The Upward Look, and Reflecting Christ. Along with R. M. Milne and Dr. H. W. Miller, Ezra Longway is remembered for his solicitation of
ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 (1359) 23 friends, Mrs. Edwards loved the junior- Four years later, in 1991, “Grandma quilts, and study the Bible. She trans- age boys and girls, whom she held Whitney,” as she was affectionately lated for them and assisted them in spellbound while recounting thrilling known, ascended the mountain in an filling out their applications for tales of her mission service in Africa. Army Chinook helicopter, again with United States residency. Thousands more relished her stories in her congressman. In the presence of She is also credited by many as the the more than 30 books she authored. Hulda’s family and friends at the driving force in the establishment of In her eightieth year she moved to 12,000-foot Trail Camp, he read Public the Milton Spanish church, now a Milton-Freewater, Oregon, and signed Law 101-512, officially naming a near- flourishing congregation of 200 people. up to teach a class in creative writing by mountain “Crooks Peak.” at a local community college. In 1989, But Crooks did not limit herself to he stories of active, contribut- when she was 85 years of age, the Mount Whitney. At 81 she joined a ing Adventist octogenarians Review and Herald Publishing hiking group and in 10 years climbed an Tcontinue to unfold. That yet Association reprinted a number of her incredible 90 peaks. At 91 she climbed unbuilt hall of fame for those who books, delighting a whole new genera- Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak. served past age 80 includes such illus- tion of readers with the Christ-cen- At every opportunity she preached trious names as evangelists H.M.S. tered stories of this dynamic woman. the gospel of health in what she called Richards, Sr., and John L. Shuler, True to form, Mrs. Edwards contin- “high-altitude evangelism.” She credited longtime Bible instructor Mary ued taking camp meeting appoint- her long life to her Adventist faith, as Walsh, musician Henry de Fluiter, ments until a few weeks before her well as to exercise, a vegetarian diet, and entrepreneur and philanthropist death in 1993, just 10 days short of her and a spirit of gratitude to God. O. D. McKee. eighty-ninth birthday. Often we read or hear of persons Bernice Starr Larrabee whose friends announce that they Hulda Hoehn Crooks Nurse, educator, missionary, and have gone “over the hill” at their for- Health educator and mountain church planter, Bernice Larrabee tieth or fiftieth birthday celebration. climber, Hulda Crooks came to interna- breezed by her eightieth birthday in Even allowing for the teasing, this still tional prominence after she turned 80. 1981 with barely a pause. From her seems to imply that their best years At an age when many consider less- home in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, she have passed and that they have begun challenging pursuits, she became famous led out in a ministry to one of the most a slow decline. But both Scripture and for climbing Mount Whitney, a 14,495- neglected groups church history show foot peak in southern California. She in the region. us that even the first scaled this highest mountain in the A lifetime of years after 80 may be continental United States in 1962, when ministry among abundantly fruitful. she was 66 years old. When the intrepid Hispanic people Even past fourscore gave her a special we may still be green focus in what and full of sap. some call the As one who has also “retirement now turned 80, I years.” As a gather great inspira- young adult she tion from these wor- and her husband, thy champions of Harry, had served truth, most of whom as missionaries in I knew personally, Central America, who now rest from where she mas- their labors, When I tered the Spanish language and devel- gave myself to Jesus as a child and oped a passion for working with the when I was ordained to the gospel poor. When her companion was killed in ministry in my youth, I vowed to serve climber turned 80 in 1976, she stood at a plane crash, she came back to the the Master full-time all the days of my the summit for the fourteenth time. States to rear her three children. In life. That pledge is still good and will At age 90 she challenged U.S. con- midlife she returned to the mission field be as long as God gives me strength. ■ gressman Jerry Lewis to accompany her to serve in Peru, Nicaragua, and Puerto to the top. He accepted the challenge, Rico. Robert Wearner is a pastor and they walked up together on her With this rich background in work- and author living in twenty-second ascent, with full media ing with Hispanics, Bernice Larrabee Ooltewah, Tennessee. coverage. At 91 she made her twenty- set about to teach migrant laborers and third and final climb to the top. their families how to can food, make
24 (1360) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 DEVOTIONAL
Experiencing God
BY BARBARA FOLKENBERG
The following is the condensa- tion of a message presented at the Annual Council of the General Conference in San José, Costa Rica, in October 1996.
TANDING AT THE ticket counter at an I find my deepest airport a few summers joy just sitting in
ago, I heard the horri- God’s presence
ble words addressed to with His Word. And there I find Sme: “Your passport has expired.” strength for every
COMPOSITE Turned away. Rejected. I could see AL emergency. IGIT the valid one in my top drawer at / D OCK T S home, but home was more than one AL IGIT hour away. © D O T HO P
ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 (1361) 25 A phone call to my neighbor, a long scriptures, compare versions, ask ques- Mount of Blessing, p. 84). wait, and I was able to board the tions, and search for answers in my plane at the last minute. However, I many resource books. I treasure being I Interact With the Word had discovered the importance of a in God’s very presence through His Not only do I pray for guidance as I passport the hard way. It verifies one’s Word. And I am so blessed having the begin to read the Word, but I choose citizenship. writings of the Spirit of Prophecy in to respond as soon as the Holy Spirit And I got to thinking about my my computer. I am only in heaven’s impresses me with a message I need. heavenly citizenship. What are the kindergarten, but my joy in study con- In the wide margin beside the verse I credentials that would prove I have it? tinues to grow. write my commitment, praise, or Ellen G. White lists them as love, Years ago I read that the time and intercession. For me, study, prayer, and peace, and joy (see My Life Today, p. praise are intermingled. What a pre- 14). So I ask myself: Is my heavenly cious joyful sense of closeness and passport current? communion with my best Friend! Here are a few examples: Joy—In the Word Jeremiah 15:16 says: “Your words It’s hard for me to imagine how were found, and I ate them, and Your Christ on His way to Gethsemane word was to me the joy and rejoicing could have talked with His disciples of my heart; for I am called by Your (and to us) of His joy! But listen to name, O Lord God of hosts” COMPOSITE Him: “These things have I spoken (NKJV). I wrote in the margin, AL IGIT unto you that my joy might remain in “Lord, Your words give me joy. I : D
you, and that your joy might be full” thank and praise You. May they ring HOTO (John 15:11). David, a fugitive for 20 in my ears all day.” P years, testified that “in [God’s] presence place of prayer are sacred because Lamentations 3:57 says: “You drew is fulness of joy” (Ps. 16:11). God is there. But how do we find near on the day I called on You, and This suggests that the closer my time? We have said it so many times: said, ‘Do not fear!’” (NKJV). So I walk with God, the greater my joy. “To “I would really like to, but I have no wrote in my Bible margin: “O Lord. comprehend and enjoy God is the time.” That thought often came to me You have pleaded the case of my soul. highest exercise of the powers of man,” as a mother of three children, the wife My fear is for my friend Mary; I plead says Ellen White (Our High Calling, p. of a pastor-evangelist, and a church for her, Lord. I love her so much. Oh, 61). For me, it is impossible to worry school teacher. draw her to You.” and enjoy God. I find joy in His pres- Jesus, however, can empathize with Ezekiel 6:9 says: “I was crushed by ence in so many ways, and one of our press of duties. From dawn to dusk their adulterous heart which has them—a major one—is through the crowds thronged Him and spies trailed departed from Me” (NKJV). My nota- study of His Word. Him. But morning by morning His tion reads, “O Lord, may I never break When I was about 12, my grandpar- Father wakened His ear to hear (Isa. Your dear heart!” ents visited us in the beautiful island of 50:4) so He could be strengthened for And near Philippians 1:6 (“Being Trinidad. Sitting beside me on the the duties of each new day. I am sure confident of this very thing, that He porch, my grandmother showed me her He longs to give us His strength, His who has begun a good work in you Bible, brittle with age, and with almost courage, and His joy before our own will complete it until the day of Jesus no margins from having been rebound frenzied day begins. Christ” [NKJV]) I wrote, “Lord, I so many times. Her colorful underlin- My dedicated spot is my desk, sur- praise You for what You have begun in ing attracted me. She explained what rounded by my books. I love every me. Complete it, Lord, I pray. Protect the colors meant to her. Promises she minute there in His presence. I often me from myself.” underlined in blue, like the sky. experience what Ellen White describes Most Bibles do not have wide mar- Counsels and warnings were red. And when she says: “If you will prayerfully gins. So you could just write the date doctrinal verses were green, like the study the Word of God, light will flash in the margin and your response in a grass. into your mind. God works with every notebook with date and reference. I enjoy underlining that way today. diligent student” (Counsels to Parents For months after one of our over- and Teachers, p. 456). My Prayer Book’s Bulging seas moves, every time I knelt I would I believe God waits eagerly for So often when people ask me to be distinctly impressed to pray for a me to accept His loving invitation pray for them or for a family member, deeper study life. My study methods on every page. I read that “He I would lose the note I made of the and my joy in study grew dramatically. would have us understand how request or just simply forget about it I am far from being a Bible scholar, but earnestly and tenderly His heart in spite of my good intentions. But I love to choose a topic, find relevant yearns over us” (Thoughts From the while driving alone last October I
26 (1362) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 thought, Why not use a book with blank husband would be late getting home Other times, they seem dark and pages, and have a page for each person to from a church board meeting, so she mysterious. write their prayer request? I could include and the children went to bed. But regardless, I can still be joyful name, address, phone number, birthday, Suddenly she awoke out of sound sleep in His presence! and most important, the specific prayer with the strong repeated impression: We walk together, my Lord and I, request. Pray for your husband—now! Falling on and talk. I’ve since done exactly that. On her knees by the bed, she prayed that most pages I have pictures of the per- God would protect him, though she Shadows of night overtake the son for whom I’m praying. I try to keep had no idea of any special problem or dusk. Four weary men trudge silently in touch, and I rejoice with them over crisis. A little later she heard the door up the rugged mountain path. Their answered prayers. My prayer book is open and his footsteps approaching. leader turns aside and pours out His bulging. He had been driving on a highway soul for strength for Himself and for Here’s a sample of the kind of strug- with a wide landscaped median when His disciples; for a manifestation of gles—and victories—I’ve had the His divinity so His disciples may be privilege of sharing: comforted at Calvary. 1. Dan was to be married. Then Suddenly the three gaze at Him, in his work for a tree company he enshrouded with heavenly light. fell 60 feet and was taken uncon- The Saviour His face shines like the sun. They scious to the hospital with a broken see Moses and Elijah comforting back and many other broken bones. their Master. They hear a voice, The doctor reported, however, that wants to minister “This is My beloved Son, in whom miraculously every bone was in per- I am well pleased.” fect alignment. Several weeks prior through us to those And when they lift their eyes, to the wedding both Dan and his they see “no man, save Jesus only.” fiancée were baptized, and on the in the valley. Jesus, their companion and friend; day of the wedding he was able to Jesus, their pattern and guide. walk down the aisle to meet his The three men on the mountain bride. I have no doubt it was an with Jesus rejoiced, eager to tarry on answer to united prayer, and I was the heights, forgetting the needs of glad to have had a part in it. the car began to vibrate so severely the valley below. 2. A friend of mine, John that he could scarcely keep it on the Down in the valley, struggling with McGovern, was driving to work at an road. He pulled off the road, but had failure, unable to fill the needs of a Adventist Book Center when he no idea what to do next. father and his demon-possessed son, passed a parked car in which he Because of the rolling hills, nine men were discouraged at their noticed two woman visiting in the approaching headlights could not be defeat, jealous of the three colleagues front seat. A quarter mile down the seen, but he heard a car approaching on the mountain. road he was strongly impressed to turn very fast. He saw lights for a moment. Jesus leaves the glory of the moun- around and go back. By that time, Then just as suddenly they disap- tain and responds to the call of the however, one woman had left. After peared, traveling in the wrong direc- valley, to the misery and degradation introducing himself to the one still in tion. Had he not been off the road, a below, to the needs of your children the vehicle, he discovered she was head-on collision would have been vir- and mine. interested in religious things. Again he tually inevitable. He had no more My Saviour still longs to commune received a strong impression, this time problems with the car. with us on our mountaintop. But He to ask if she would like to study the On their knees they praised God for also wants to minister through us to Bible with a friend of his—me. His providence. those in the valley. I believe that as we She agreed. Edie and I became commune with Him and rejoice in friends, and she was later baptized. There’s Work in the Valley Him, as we talk of Him and live for Because of serious family problems, she I want to walk with God, as Enoch Him, unconsciously we will become was not safe at home. So for a while did. Not reluctantly, but keeping pace more and more like Him, emanating she and her two daughters stayed in with His opening providences. His love, His peace, and His joy. ■ our home. Many years later we still keep in touch. We are so thankful Sometimes His providences lead me Barbara Folkenberg is a John followed the impressions God in sunny paths; retired teacher, missionary, gave him. Other times, through shadows. and pastor’s wife. She lives 3. Nellie, a pastor’s wife in New Sometimes it’s easy to recognize in Silver Spring, Maryland. York and a friend of mine, knew her them as all wise and wonderful;
ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 (1363) 27 Symbols can be as complicated as you want them to be. You can see the Symbols of Statue of Liberty and think, That’s a symbol of the United States. Or you can think about the Revolutionary War Freedom and independence, freedom and friendship, liberty and justice for all. And so on and so on. God often uses symbols to teach us. ROSY TETZ In the Old Testament, sacrifices were a symbol. When the people offered a lamb as a sacrifice to God, it was sup- ave you ever been to The Statue of Liberty has been posed to help them learn. It was a hor- New York City? There is standing in New York Harbor for more rible thing to have to kill a lamb. It lots to see and do. One than 100 years. It was a gift to the made them stop and think how horri- place that most visitors United States from the people of ble sin was. want to see is the Statue France. It honors the friendship that But the sacrifice was also a symbol Hof Liberty. It is a very famous tourist grew between the two countries during of hope. The lamb was a symbol of the attraction. the war for independence. Redeemer. The people could look for- Even if you haven’t actually visited The Statue of Liberty is more ward to the day when God would send the Statue of Liberty yet, I’m sure than just a statue—it’s a symbol. It is His Son to take the punishment for you’ve seen pictures of it—a tall green a symbol of friendship between coun- sin. Jesus was the Lamb of God. lady holding up a torch. She’s green tries. And its name tells you that it is We don’t need to offer sacrifices because she’s made out of copper, and a symbol of liberty or freedom. For anymore. Jesus has already died for our copper turns green when it is out in many people who came to the sins. But we still have symbols. The the weather for a while. United States in a boat, the Statue cross is a symbol of freedom. When- of Liberty was the first thing they ever we see a cross, we remember that saw of their new country. It promised Jesus has saved us. “We have freedom them that this was a place they now because Christ made us free” would have freedom. (Galatians 5:1, ICB).
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28 (1364) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 pastor in 1925 in Brazil. He then studied medi- Earl; and six grandchildren. cine at Porto Alegre College of Medicine and in PRATT, R. W.—d. Aug. 5, 1998, 1944 founded the Good Samaritan Clinic. He Centerville, Ohio. He served as a pastor and was a youth leader and conference president. In evangelist and then taught at Union Springs the Santa Catarina capital he founded the Academy and Adelphian Academy, where he Siegfried Hoffmann School. He is survived by was also the principal many years. He was later his wife of 65 years, Lucia; three children; five dean of students at Kettering College of Medical grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Arts. He is survived by his wife, Lois; two daugh- JUST, Avolt—b. Oct. 4, 1909, Morrison, ters, Karen Grimes and Darlene Alvarado; and Okla.; d. July 17, 1997, Ardmore, Okla. He two grandchildren. served as a literature evangelist, singing evange- PUPO, Emmanuel A.—89, b. Cuba; d. Feb. list, and teacher. He is survived by his wife, 18, 1998, Orlando, Fla. As a pastor, he helped Margaret; one son, Bo; three daughters, Peggy establish more than 15 churches during his min- West, Phyllis Schaefer, and Pearline Sickler; one istry in Cuba, and was instrumental in starting brother, Jack; and one sister, Pauline Wilson. three new churches in the United States. He is At Rest KAMBLE, Daniel A.—b. Mar. 23, 1943; d. survived by his wife, Gloria; two sons, Victor and Apr. 16, 1998, India. He served as a press man- Alfredo; one daughter, Gloria M. Becker; 10 BABSHAW, Juanita Marie—b. Aug. 25, ager and later as a teacher in Lasalgaon, India. In grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. 1941, Stoneham, Mass.; d. Feb. 20, 1998, 1986 he accepted a pastoral call to Miraj, where RISTAU, Eric—b. Dec. 22, 1914, Denver, Melbourne, Fla. She served 34 years in elemen- he was ordained. From 1992 to 1995 he served as Colo.; d. July 1, 1998. He served as a literature tary education in California, Arizona, South church ministries director of the Maharashtra evangelist in Colorado before becoming publish- Dakota, and Florida. She is survived by her hus- section, Bombay. In 1995 he went to pastor the ing director of the Colorado Conference and band, Jack George Babshaw; two sons, Jack Marathi church at Aundh, where he served until later the Potomac Conference. He served in the George, Jr., and John Roy; two daughters, Janene his death. Through all of his work he was also an Philippines, at the Review and Herald Laree and Julie Marie; and parents, Ernest and active evangelist. He is survived by his wife, Publishing Association, and then as publishing Mary Cecelia Roy. Grace; one son, Vivek; one daughter, Vinita; and director of the Southern Union until he retired BENTZINGER, Oliver H.—b. Jan. 15, two grandchildren. in 1980. He is survived by his wife, Pat; one 1913, St. Louis, Mo.; d. May 2, 1998, Apopka, LEE, Willie S., Sr.—b. May 29, 1915, daughter, Arlene; three grandchildren; and two Fla. He served as a pastor and evangelist for 36 Dothan, Ala.; d. July 9, 1998, Glendale, Calif. great-grandchildren. years in Oklahoma, Missouri, Colorado, Texas, He served as a pastor and evangelist in TURNER, Jack—b. May 17, 1913, and Florida. He is survived by his wife, Myrtle; Oklahoma, Florida, Louisiana, and New York. Chicago, Ill.; d. Nov. 13, 1997, Camarillo, Calif. three sons, Herbert, Ron, and Danny; two He was an administrator in the Pacific and He served in the denomination for 37 years as a daughters, Betty Villemain and Judy Robb; 13 Central union conferences, and president of teacher and administrator in the printing field. grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Central States Conference from 1966 to 1971. He worked in California, New York, Trinidad, FRANCISCO, Sylvester O.—b. Nov. 3, Lee was active in the work of integration in the and Africa. He was also a World War II veteran. 1920, Burton, Kans.; d. July 6, 1998, Riverside, Seventh-day Adventist Church in North He is survived by his wife, Naomi. Calif. He served as a pastor, chaplain, and Bible America, particularly in the Pacific Union. He is VACQUER, Isacio Matthew—b. Sept. 21, teacher in the Southeastern California survived by his wife, Hilda; one son, Willie S. 1902, Cuba; d. Aug. 8, 1998, Loma Linda, Calif. Conference for 22 years; he also served as a Lee, Jr.; two daughters, Althea Kennedy and He served in Chile, Argentina, Peru, and chaplain in Europe for six years and in Idaho for Brenda Alexander; and seven grandchildren. Ecuador in the South American Division. For seven years. As a U.S. marine in World War II, MILLS, ElRita—b. Oct. 27, 1919, Wilson, seven years he was the manager of the East he and a Catholic marine donated four months’ N.C.; d. May 11, 1998, Chattanooga, Tenn. For Coast transportation office of the General salary to begin the Seventh-day Adventist 40 years she served with her husband, R. C. Mills, Conference, and before retiring in 1970 he was mission on American Samoa. He is survived by in treasury and administrative work in the United the West Coast transportation agent. He is sur- his wife, Margie; two sons, Kelly and Patrick; States and five countries overseas. She also vived by his wife, Marie; two daughters, and one brother, LaMont. worked as a secretary in a conference and a divi- Gwendolyn Privetera and Sylvia; two grandsons; HALL, Josie Ilene—b. June 28, 1906, Plant sion and as a purchasing agent for a college. She and two great-grandchildren. City, Fla.; d. Mar. 30, 1998, Apopka, Fla. She is survived by her husband; three sons, Sid, Bob, VASKO, John G.—86, b. Dupont, Pa.; d. worked as a secretary at the Florida Conference and Charles; and one daughter, Susan VanCleve. June 2, 1998, Lynchburg, Va. He served as a lit- and later was director of medical records at MULL, Zella Orders—age 85; d. Feb. 22, erature evangelist for 32 years in the Potomac Florida Hospital, Orlando. She helped set up 1998, Candler, N.C. She served with her hus- Conference. He is survived by his wife, Pauline; medical libraries at Adventist hospitals in the band, Stearl R. Mull, who was assistant publish- one son; and one grandson. Caribbean and East Asia. She was a member and ing secretary for 18 years in the Carolina, WAGNER, Elizabeth K.—b. June 15, 1914, former president of the American Medical Georgia-Cumberland, and Ohio conferences. Allentown, Pa.; d. Apr. 13, 1998, Loma Linda, Records Association. She is survived by two daughters, Elgiva M. Calif. She served as a nurse at New England HILDE, Charlotte J.—b. Sept. 3, 1922, Sykes and Iris Mae Westcott; four grandchildren; Memorial Hospital and White Memorial Dallas, Tex.; d. June 9, 1998, San Diego, Calif. and five great-grandchildren. Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif. She worked as a nurse at the Washington PEEKE, William Earl—b. Apr. 1, 1923, WILLETT, Fern L.—b. Apr. 1, 1909; d. June Sanitarium and Hospital, Takoma Park, Mobile, Ala.; d. June 7, 1998, Seymour, Tenn. 28, 1998, Kettering, Ohio. She served for more Maryland, and later at Loma Linda Community He served as a pastor in the Virginia, Alabama- than 40 years with her husband, E. F. Willett, who Hospital, California. She is survived by her hus- Mississippi, and Florida conferences. He also held treasury and auditing positions in the band, Reuben; one son, Lynn; one daughter, served as Sabbath school and personal ministries Potomac, Ohio, Michigan, and Columbia Union Karen Wells; 10 grandchildren; and seven great- director in the Alabama-Mississippi and conferences. She was a nurse at Washington grandchildren. Kentucky-Tennessee conferences and the Sanitarium and Hospital for many years. She is HOFFMANN, Siegfried—b. 1903, Cologne Atlantic and Mid-America union conferences survived by two sons, Edward and Robert; four on Rhine, Germany; d. Apr. 2, 1998, Gramado, before retiring in 1985. He is survived by his grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. He began work as a wife, Ina; two sons, John William and Robert
ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 (1365) 29 F AITH ALIVE! The Benefit CALVIN B. ROCK of the Doubt
colleague of mine, who for many years suf- know that this is God’s church. I believe in the doctrines and fered severe depression, recently committed try to be faithful in all my obligations. But I don’t under- suicide. Her funeral was held in the church Istand why there is always tension about who believes what. where she had been a There are several reasons. One is devoted member. The that many, if not most, people who Apastor spoke as if we can hope to join the church are individuals of meet her again in heaven. How can Most people who strong belief. Were they satisfied to we hope to be reunited with some- believe like others, they would not be one who has committed suicide? join the church are Seventh-day Adventists in the first One of the most helpful insights place. It is not odd that such people into the nature and causes of suicide individuals of take strong positions, not only with was provided by the French sociolo- regard to Adventism’s relationship gist Emile Durkheim (1858-1917). with the rest of Christianity, but He ascribed to suicide three basic strong belief. regarding individual issues within the characteristics: altruistic suicide (tak- church itself. ing one’s life for the sake of the group or according to group Another is the widely differing educational and social back- norms of like conduct); egoistic suicide (taking one’s life grounds of members. The level of education is particularly signifi- because of the absence of emotional attachments or friend- cant in that it pervasively influences the way one interprets and ship basis at a point of severe personal crisis); and anomic reacts to both God’s commands and the church’s guidelines. suicide (taking one’s life because of a lack of controlling Of course, the position that is always harmful is the assump- standards of behavior). tion that one’s opinion is the only possible right one and not Since human life is God’s sovereign gift, suicide, by this and subject to modification. This posture, usually accompanied by every other label, is always tragic. No matter how unfortunate the disposition to condemn and even persecute those whose its circumstances, life is the extension of a divine principle and views are different, is particularly detrimental. therefore sacred. Other primary reasons are the tendency of some to find and It may be argued that some acts of altruistic suicide (i.e., maintain extremes of issues and ideas; the disposition of some taking a death blow intended for another or killing one’s self to apply counsel of Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy with- for the cause, as did Sampson) are justifiable. However, out regard to time and place; and the habit of others to carica- Christian faith and doctrine clearly condemn all other altruistic ture the church and its leadership in the categories of a single suicides and, I believe, any others “voluntarily done.” typology (i.e., Rev. 3:14-19) without regard to other significant The words “voluntarily done” are critical. Suicide is not models (i.e., Isa. 58:12-14). always a failure of courage. Suicide sometimes results when Since our lengthening stay in time guarantees increasing one’s reason has been so impaired by disease, medication, disparities of age, culture, and education, differences of opinion or injury to the mechanisms of the brain that the individual are inevitable. is no longer rational. The act is “involuntary” or done Our need is for the strength to uphold faithfully all recog- when one is rationally disabled. Does God hold individuals nized tests of fellowship, for the magnanimity to accept gra- responsible for acts committed under such circumstances? ciously differences in those teachings that are not—and the I think not. spiritual insight to know the difference. God judges all acts by the motive that prompted them; and since rational motivation cannot be ascribed to acts committed Calvin B. Rock is a general vice president of the under the circumstances mentioned above (especially those not Seventh-day Adventist Church. He holds doctoral of one’s own making), there are some suicide victims for whom degrees in ministry and Christian ethics. we may indeed hold the hope of eternal life.
30 (1366) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 REFLECTIONS Life Applications at BY MARIALYCE F. GIBSON Dunns River Falls
his past summer I was one of the chaperons for My right foot searched to find a groove in the rock above, the eighth-grade students from Dupont Park but they were all too slippery. Feeling that I would surely slip Seventh-day Adventist School in Washington, and fall backward, I had to make a decision. Should I con- D.C., on their class trip to Jamaica. centrate on how much farther to the top, or look down over During our stay we the rough areas I had already Ttraveled to many beautiful places, but climbed? one in particular I will never forget. My legs began to tremble. My We approached the 600-foot Dunns focus became distorted. I wondered River Falls, admired its beauty, and how I could possibly complete the then wondered how we would climb climb. The people following me the slippery, craggy, moss-covered were waiting for me to reach the rocks. Our guide instructed us regard- next level. I was ready to give up, ing the special footwear that was and then I heard the voice of the necessary in order to make the steep guide. He was standing above me climb. He assured us that if we fol- and directing me to place my foot lowed his instructions, we would to the right of the rock. With a make it safely to the top. By holding new desire to keep going, I placed hands, our group was to form a my foot on the rock the guide had human chain that would give each of indicated. It was abrasive enough us assistance as we climbed to this that I could ascend and not slip. I waterfall. encouraged the others following Early on I could see the necessity me to keep to the right. It was of following the guide’s instructions. I important to concentrate not on had to grab hold of the person in where I had come from, but on front of me, who helped me over where I was going. The guide was rough and sometimes very slippery rocks. At times the rocks there to assist me, and if I obeyed his instructions, I would, gave way to the cavernous depths. The person in front alerted in turn, be able to help others. me, and I, in turn, alerted the person following. Sometimes the water was so strong that it would gush into my face, temporarily o it is in life. We must follow our Guide, the Lord Jesus obstructing my view. As the trail grew higher and higher, I was Christ. We must not let the rocks of life eclipse our tempted to look back. Sview of the heavenly Father. They will be slippery; After climbing for a while, we reached what some they may reach to scary depths. Sometimes we will not want thought was the top. Oh, that was easy; no challenge, I to go on, but we must focus on the Guide and continue the thought. However, the guide informed us we were only one climb of life. He knows the best route to take. We can hear fourth of the way. As I trudged on, I was not feeling as exu- His voice as we read Scripture and commune with Him in berant as before, because I did not know how much farther prayer. We must listen and obey. He has been over the same it was to the top. I kept telling myself, “Do not give up; you slippery rocks too. We can trust Him with the direction. must make it; keep your eyes on the guide and help those Praise God for our Guide. ■ around you.”
ISC We reached a plateau and were greatly relieved. As we D Marialyce F. Gibson is an administrative office sec- looked up, however, we discovered that the next climb was HOTO retary in the Office of Human Relations at the the most challenging of the entire trek. My heart sank, and I © P North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists became fearful.
HOTO in Silver Spring, Maryland. P “No need to stop now,” I told myself. “You must keep going.”
ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 8, 1998 (1367) 31