July 2020

from the Grants Pass Seventh-day Adventist Church

Pastor: Charles Byrd Newsletter Editor: Melissa Derfler [email protected] OPEN DOORS Were you present for the “reopening” of the Grants Pass Seventh-day Adventist Church on June 13? If you were, you 70. For twelve weeks, Sabbath rather than the “regular” soup kitchen. undoubtedly noticed some changes. services were only available online. Bible studies continued, only online. You were greeted at the door by He wanted to know, “What brought Church business was conducted via volunteers wearing masks. You were you back to church today?” Was it Zoom meetings and will be for a while. “checked in” and quickly led to an to participate in worship music? The The church office provided access assigned seat. (Did you remember congregation did not sing together, to such items as Sabbath School to sign up online?) You probably per current reopening guidelines. Was it to receive hugs? That was quarterlies and tithe envelopes. A noticed that every other pew drop-off location remains available at remained empty, to maintain physical also a disappointment. Were you surprised to learn that deacons would the church for tithes and offerings. distancing (“Angel Seating”). From For the most current information your assigned seat, members and usher you out of the sanctuary after about Sabbath services, Sabbath guests from different households the service? Pastor Byrd noted that School classes, and various meetings were distanced. Pencils, hymnals, whatever the reason for returning to and Bible studies during the week, tithe envelopes, and Bibles were not church, God is “happy you are here.” please visit our website, www. directly available in the pew racks. The church should be about coming grantspasschurch.com. You may have observed these things to be with the Father. Our presence ~Jennifer Burkes as a reminder that our world is not with the Father is a “gift.” safe. Safety, in this world surrounded He advised those listening to, “Let by sin, is a “calculated risk.” God be God.” He is in control of this In this issue... current situation. He is “big enough Pastor Charles Byrd spoke that Open Doors Sabbath on where we are indeed to work it all out.” In this world that 1 has spiraled out of control, where 2 The Good News About Fresh Herbs “Safe and Sound.” He noted that it was Announcements; Prayer Ministry a calculated risk to reopen the church are we truly safe and sound? “The 3 doors. In the decision to return to only time you will be safe and sound 4 Because You Prayed; Kid’s Corner is when you’re in the arms of the church, “We choose to take a certain 5 The Train of Modern Spiritualism amount of risk.” The Father made a Father, and when you recognize who Exercise for Health & Longevity He is—Love.” Are you taking shelter 7 calculated risk with man when He 8 Family Portraits: Carrie Hise “chose to let us choose sin and death.” in the Father’s arms? The doors to the church may have 9 July 2020 Church Calendar Not every case of COVID-19 results in Thoughts & Prayers death, but every case of sin does. been closed, but the heart of the 10 GP SDA School Graduations “For twelve weeks, I’ve had to church was not. Ministries such as 11 preach to an empty room,” Pastor Dorcas continued to provide limited 12 Pastor’s Page: Wanting Heaven! Byrd said to a congregation of about services following CDC guidelines. Brown bag lunches were provided, herbs are oil soluble, they are best absorbed when eaten with foods containing healthy, natural oils as found in olives and avocados. Researchers at Ohio State University paid about a dozen people to eat salads with or without avocado, one of the healthiest sources of fat, and then measured the amount of carotenoids that made it into everyone’s bloodstream. Those eating a The Good News About Fresh Herbs salad including half an avocado absorbed about 10 times more carotenoids than If you wanted a summer garden, it and even natural metabolic processes those eating the fat-free salad. is probably too late. But it is not too in our bodies. Free radical damage can Although herbs with the highest late to grow some culinary herbs. One lead to the onset of various diseases, as antioxidant activity belonged to the oregano of the nice things about growing your well as premature aging and cognitive family, other herbs such as rosemary, basil, own herbs is that you don’t need a lot impairment. thyme, cilantro, dill and parsley are also high of space. If you don’t have room for A USDA study compared the in antioxidants. All can be purchased at local even a small plot, you can grow them antioxidant activity of 39 commonly nurseries here in Grants Pass, or most can successfully in small pots and keep them used herbs grown in the same location be easily started from seeds. on a balcony, deck or even a window sill. and conditions. On a per gram fresh Rosemary, a perennial herb that The most popular food flavorings weight basis, oregano and other herbs grows well in southern Oregon, has in America are sugar, salt, ketchup ranked even higher in antioxidant activity been found to enhance memory. Even and mustard, and the closest thing than fruits and vegetables, Oregano was the aroma of rosemary has this memory resembling an herb on most plates is a found to have 42 times more antioxidant boosting effect. A study on rosemary sprig of parley for eye appeal. But, if we activity than apples, and 4 times more at Northumbria University in England would add some culinary herbs to some than blueberries. found that just exposure to rosemary can our main dishes we would increase their A salad enhancement study was boost memory. The researchers found nutritional value substantially. done at the Universitia di Urbino in that students working in a room that Researchers with the U.S. Department Italy. With the understanding that it’s contained the aroma of rosemary - in of Agriculture have found that herbs, in the antioxidants that give fruits and the form of an essential oil - achieved addition to making food tastier, are an vegetables their anticancer, antiviral, and between five and seven percent better abundant source of antioxidants and anti-inflammation properties, scientists results in memory tests. could provide potential health benefits experimented with adding different fresh The ancient Greeks claimed that when supplementing a balanced diet. herbs to salads and measuring their rosemary “comforts the brain,…sharpens Herbs have higher antioxidant activity resultant total antioxidant content. They understanding, restores lost memory, by weight than fruits and vegetables, found that adding just a single sprig of [and] awakens the mind”. Greek scholars including garlic. fresh herbs (the weight of 3 paper clips wound rosemary sprigs in their hair The abundance of antioxidants help worth of thyme, sage or marjoram- when studying for exams to help them neutralize the damaging effects of free -a kissing cousin of oregano) literally remember what they learned. radicals in our bodies. Free radicals are doubles the antioxidant power of a bowl When harvesting herbs in your own dangerous electrically charged atoms of salad. It’s almost like eating two salads garden or herb pots, the ideal time for and molecules that can destroy cells. for the price of one! The researchers continued on next page They are produced by environmental conclude: “We stress the need to introduce and internal pollutants such as cigarette aromatic herbs as a seasoning supplement smoking, herbicides, excessive exercise, in the diet of every age group.” stress, radiation, car exhaust fumes Since many antioxidants found in

2 Prayer

The Women’s Study Group is meeting each Ministry Tuesday at 2 pm in the Junior / Earliteen Room. We are currently finishing up the book Early Writings “The Scriptures and will begin a new study admonish us to using Pastor Marvin Clark’s ‘pray without study from prayer meeting ceasing.’ This does many years ago on End not mean that we Time Events. If you are are to spend all of interested in joining this new study, please contact our time on our Donna Griffith. knees in formal prayer. It does mean that we Lomacang (weekly sermons) must live and serve our Lord in / Doug Batchelor (weekly 8 the atmosphere of prayer.” sermons) and I am sure there Dr. Hurd broke his leg and “We have come to serious are many more. is in Regency Room 11. He would love visitors! times. Events in our world Although it is important Although you can’t go in- call upon every follower of to know the times, it is more side, window visits can be Christ to be totally in earnest important to know the God of arranged. in our relationship with God. the times. And that is where To strengthen this relationship prayer and Bible promises and satisfy our emotional and come in. So here are two of Good News About Fresh Herbs, cont. from page 2 spiritual needs, we must learn my favorite Bible promises picking is in the morning after the dew the power of prayer.” from the book of Isaiah: “Fear has dried but before the sun gets hot. Very serious words taken not, for I am with you; Be not This helps ensure the best flavor and from the book Prayer by Ellen dismayed, for I am your God. storage quality. Freshly picked herbs can White. The times we are living I will strengthen you, Yes, I be stored in an open or a perforated plastic bag in your refrigerator crisper are far more serious then any will help you. I will uphold you drawer for a few days. of us realize. The forces behind with My righteous right hand.” A tossed salad of dark green or red the scenes are organizing for Is. 41:10 and another, “Fear tipped lettuce, tomatoes, celery, olives, the final events foretold in the not, for I have redeemed you; I avocado, grated beets and carrots, a Bible and Spirit of Prophecy. have called you by your name; sprig of parsley, basil or oregano and Are you watching? Are you You are Mine. When you pass some lemon juice, and you have a most awake to what is taking place? through the waters, I will be healthful yet tasty antipasto. Or for I try to keep aware of events with you; And through the weight watchers, it could be a light meal in itself -- packed full of phytochemicals, that could have an impact on us rivers, they shall not overflow vitamins, minerals and fiber; yet low in as God’s people. Just a few of you. When you walk through calories, bad fats and free oils. the Adventist videos I watch on the fire you shall not be burned, “God has caused to grow out of the YouTube to keep aware of what Nor shall the flames scorch you ground herbs for the use of man, and if is happening are: : for I am the Lord your God. Is. we understand the nature of these roots ‘What’s Up Prof? (A continuing 43:1-2. No matter what the and herbs, and make a right use of them, series with 1 – 17 videos so future holds we have nothing there would not be a necessity of running for the doctor so frequently, and people far) / The Grand Deception: A to fear if we remember how He would be in much better health than they Plan for Global Unity - Amazing has led and protected us in the are today.-” -Letter 35, 1890. {Medical Discoveries (this one will really past. ~Donna Griffith Ministry 230.3} ~ John Mauro open your eyes!) / Pastor John 3 Prayer Ministry All Because You Prayed “Call upon me and I will show the harder they fall!! Using Moses’ you great and mighty things ye words at the Red Sea, “Stand back know not of.” Jer. 33:3 and see what the Lord will provide.” IT’S A MIRACLE AND ALL BECAUSE Make no mistake, God would not YOU PRAYED!!! have been successful in impressing I got a phone call from Joan people to give extra if we had not a couple people have given their Peterson yesterday with the exciting been praying. It is united prayer stimulus checks to the school, but we news that God has answered that gives God evidence to show still have a long ways to go. Ask God our prayers in a mighty way for the onlooking universes and both how much He will provide you above our church. Our budget is now good and bad angels that He is your normal giving to meet this totally caught up and the various abiding by the rules of engagement need. I see Miracle #2 on the horizon departments were even able to get of His war against evil. His degree of for our school. Join the excitement their budgeted amounts. We had involvement is directly proportionate by being part of God’s miracle for been in the red $18,458 and now we to the intensity of desire on our our school. Miracles 3, 4 and 5 are are in the black! The departments part. Prayer indicates our intensity of starting slow, but that’s okay. Rome do not get any funds unless we are desire. wasn’t built in a day. totally caught up with our budget as PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL One day soon we will be able to all the funds are needed just to make BLESSINGS FLOW! Be sure to kneel get together and throw a big multi- ends meet. Let’s keep praying and and thank God right now for granting miracle celebration party!! Until giving so we can keep current. God our request. Without slowing our then, may the Lord richly bless you must have big plans for our church giving for church budget, let us now abundantly more than you could ever and that’s why Satan is keeping us all focus on praying for our school ask or think. ~Gloria Wilson shut down - but the bigger they are, indebtedness of $30,000+. I know

We want to thank all the dedicated Dear Church Family, members who continued giving us a special Thank you for your prayers, calls and many Sabbath service, playing to an empty messages of love and support. Your caring sanctuary while we were stuck at home. The made the load lighter and the days brighter. song service, children’s story, special music In His Love, and sermons made us feel as if we were there The Family of Glen Chinn: Sandra, Guy, Sonya, with you. We’re looking forward to the day Nolan, Jesse and Weldon when we can ALL be back to normal. God’s blessing to all. - Edd and Elsie Cape.

Jesus Teaches About Prayer “So I say unto you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Luke 11:9

Word Bank lock friend knock pray ask bread bed door find seek 4 In 1850, Ellen White had a vision of the deceptions of lays the foundation of spiritualism, the latter creates a bond spiritualism, by which Satan, she saw, would deceive of sympathy with Rome. The Protestants of the the world. At this time, spiritualism had just arisen and will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf it was small, with few mediums. But Ellen White was to grasp the hand of spiritualism; they will reach over the shown its rapid progress and how the whole world would abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the be deceived. She wrote of her vision in the book Early influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in Writings, on pages 88-89, and repeated on pgs 262-263. the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience.” “A train of cars was shown me, going with the speed “As spiritualism more closely imitates the nominal of lightning. The angel bade me look carefully. I fixed my Christianity of the day, it has greater power to deceive eyes upon the train. It seemed that the whole world was and ensnare. Satan himself is converted, after the modern on board, that there could not be one left. Said the angel, order of things. He will appear as an angel of light. Through “They are binding in bundles ready to burn.” Then he the agency of spiritualism, miracles will be wrought, the showed me the conductor, who appeared like a stately, fair sick will be healed, and many undeniable wonders will be person, whom all the passengers looked performed. And up to and reverenced. I was perplexed as the spirits will and asked my attending angel who it was. profess faith in the He said, “It is Satan. He is the conductor in Bible, and manifest the form of an angel of light. He has taken respect for the the world captive. They are given over institutions of the to strong delusions, to believe a lie, that church, their work they may be damned. This agent, the next will be accepted as a highest in order to him, is the engineer, and other of his agents manifestation of divine power.” GC 588 are employed in different offices as he may need them, and Speaking of apostate , the various they are all going with lightning speed to perdition.” organizations which constitute Babylon, she writes, “As I asked the angel if there were none left. He bade me the teachings of spiritualism are accepted by the churches, look in an opposite direction, and I saw a little company the restraint upon the carnal heart is removed, and the traveling a narrow pathway. All seemed to be firmly united, profession of religion will become a cloak to conceal the bound together by the truth, in bundles, or companies. Said basest iniquity. A belief in spiritual manifestations opens the angel, “The third angel is binding, or sealing, them in the door to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, and bundles for the heavenly garner.” This little company looked thus the influence of evil spirits will be felt in the churches.” careworn, as if they had passed through severe trials and GC 603-604 (italics supplied) conflicts. And it appeared as if the sun had just risen from Satan, we are told, will make “the world believe that behind a cloud and shone upon their countenances, causing the Bible is a mere fiction, or at least a book suited to the them to look triumphant, as if their victories were nearly won.” infancy of the race, but now to be lightly regarded, or cast Many think of spiritualism as a dark art with Ouija boards aside as obsolete. And to take the place of the word of God shadowy séances. But Satan is far too clever to confine he holds out spiritual manifestations. Here is a channel his deceptions to things that Christians will immediately wholly under his control; by this means he can make the recognize as belonging to him. How will he work in the last world believe what he will.” GC 557 (italics supplied) days? Revelation 16:13, 14 speaks of “three unclean spirits What is a “spiritual manifestation”? According to like frogs coming out of the mouth of the beast, and out vocabulary.com, “if something spiritual becomes real, it is of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are spirits of said to be a manifestation.” So here we see that Satan will demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the cause people to experience things that seem real to them, earth and of the whole world, to gather them together to and they will accept these manifestations instead of the the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” truth. “…when brought face to face with manifestations We are told that “through the two great errors, the which they cannot but regard as supernatural, they will be immortality of the soul and Sunday sacredness, Satan will deceived, and will be led to accept them continued on page 6 bring the people under his deceptions. While the former 5 as the great power of God.” GC 553 of life, with which the Spirit of God has nothing to do. There Notice that in order to do this, he must first get people are also false dreams, as well as false visions, which are to set aside the word of God. We noted in the first article inspired by the spirit of Satan.” 1T 569 of this series, that for Sarah Young, who authored the 5. Healings Jesus Calling books, that the Bible was “not enough”, and Satan pretends to be “the great medical missionary”. she yearned for “more”; and the mystic “listeners” who MM 88 “God’s word declares that Satan will work miracles. authored the God Calling books expressed gratitude for the He will make people sick, and then will suddenly remove revelations they received when so many others had to be from them his satanic power. They will then be regarded “content” with “guidance from the Bible”, etc. as healed. These works of apparent healing will bring What kind of “supernatural manifestations” might we as Seventh-day Adventists to the test.” 2SM 53 “The apostles Christians encounter? of nearly all forms of spiritism claim to have the power to 1. Mystical books cure the diseased…And there are not a few, even in this New Age books like Kellogg’s Living Temple, which contain Christian age, who go to these healers, instead of trusing patheistic theories, lead to theories that do away with the in the power of the living God and the skill of well-qualified atonement. Regarding this book, Ellen White wrote, “We Chrisitan physicians.” EV 606 A desperate mother who is need not the mysticism that is in this book. Those who told of the wonderful cures of one of these satanic healers entertain these sophistries will soon find themselves in a “trusts her dear one to his charge, placing it as verily in position where the enemy can talk with them, and lead the hand of Satan as if he were standing by her side. In them away from God.” 1 SM 202 “Be not deceived”, she many instances the future life of the child is controlled by a wrote, “many will depart from the faith, giving heed to satanic power, which it seems impossible to break.” Ibid seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. We have now before 6. Miracles us the alpha of this danger. The omega will be of a most “’He doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come startling nature.” ibid 197 “In the book Living Temple there down from heaven on the earth by the means of those miracles is presented the alpha of deadly heresies. The omega will which he had power to do.’ Rev 13:13. No mere impostures are follow, and will be received by those who are not willing to here foretold. Men are deceived by the miracles which Satan’s heed the warning God has given.” ibid 200 “In Living Temple agents have power to do, not which they pretend to do.” GC 553 the assertion is made that God is in the flower, in the leaf, in the sinner. But God does not live in the sinner. The Word 7. Impersonation of the dead of God declares that He abides only in the hearts of those “Many will be confronted by the spirits of devils who love Him and do righteousness. God does not abide in personating beloved relatives or friends and declaring the the heart of the sinner; it is the enemy who abides there.” most dangerous heresies. These visitants will appeal to our tenderest sympathies and will work miracles to sustain E G White, Sermons and Talks, vol 1, p 343 “The theory that God is an essence pervading all nature is one of Satan’s most their pretensions. We must be prepared to withstand them subtle devices. It misrepresents God and is a dishonor to with the Bible truth that the dead know not anything and His greatness and majesty…If God is an essence pervading that they who thus appear are the spirits of devils.” GC 560 all nature, then He dwells in all men; and in order to attain holiness, man has only to develop the power that is within him. These theories, followed to their logical conclusion, sweep away the whole Christian economy. They do away with the necessity for the atonement and make man his own savior.” 8T 291 2. False forms of prayer Contemplative prayer is to spiritual formation what speaking in tongues is to Pentacostalism. Contemplative prayer is rooted in Catholic mysticism. Spiritual formation is a Roman Catholic teaching based on the supernatural revelations of Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. One of these writers, Thomas Merton, wrote that the Christian of tomorrow will be a mystic, someone who had experienced something. This, of course, opens the way for “spiritual manifestations.” With God’s help, we will not be deceived by ANY of 3. Speaking in tongues Satan’s delusions! We will compare everything with the “Some of these persons have exercises which they call Word of God. “… God will have a people upon the earth to gifts and say that the Lord has placed them in the church. maintain the Bible, and the Bible only, as the standard of all They have an unmeaning gibberish which they call the doctrines and the basis of all reforms”. GC 595 “It is the first unknown tongue, which is unknown not only by man but and highest duty of every rational being to learn from the by the Lord and all heaven.” 1T 412 “They give themselves Scriptures what is truth, and then to walk in the light and up to wild, ecstatic feelings and make unintelligible sounds encourage others to follow his example. We should day by which they call the gift of tongues, and a certain class seem day study the Bible diligently, weighing every thought and to be charmed with these strange manifestations….God’s comparing scripture with scripture. With divine help, we spirit is not in this work….They have another spirit.” Ibid 414 are to form our opinions for ourselves as we are to answer 4. Visions and dreams for ourselves before God”. Ibid 598 ~Melissa Derfler “The multitude of dreams arise from the common things 6 Exercise for Health & Longevity From the beginning, man was and feel better primary means of staying in shape for made to be physically active. “The ●Improved muscle tone and elasticity many busy individuals. Lord God took the man and put him of blood vessels; weak, flabby tissue Benefits of Walking: in the Garden of Eden to work it transformed into strong, firm tissue Aerobic Fitness for Heart and Lungs and take care of it.” Genesis 2:15 It ●Reduced stiffness in joints Weight Loss and Control seems that after the Fall, the need Bones Strengthened Regular exercise is highly effective for exercise, and exercise itself grew Decreased Risk of Osteoporosis in combating degenerative diseases. more intense. “By the sweat of Decreased Stress and Depression Like any other potent therapeutic your brow you will eat your food…” Increased Mental Alertness Genesis 3:19. agent, exercise must be taken in “Action is a law of our being. Every proper dosage for each individual. Running organ of the body has its appointed Otherwise ineffective or damaging Running continues to be one of the work, upon the performance of which results may occur. Scientific studies most popular forms of staying fit. its development and strength depend. in exercise physiology in the past Cycling The normal action of all the organs several years have brought to light An excellent cardiovascular gives strength and vigor, while the specific requirements and guidelines conditioner as well as an effective tendency of disuse is toward decay for initiating an effective and safe way to control weight and is an ideal and death…..Those whose habits are program. aerobic activity. sedentary should, when and weather ●Joint Preparation and Stretching: Swimming will permit, exercise in the open Prepare your muscles and joints with Excellent for weight control, air every day, summer or winter. simple stretching. muscular function, and flexibility. Walking is preferable…..The lungs ●Warm-up: Allows the heart rate to are forced into healthy action, since it gradually increase to accommodate Gardening is impossible to walk briskly without increased blood flow. The benefits of gardening are many! In addition to exercise, there is also inflating them. Such exercise would ●Aerobic Exercise: Most in many cases be better for health free Vitamin D from the sun, fresh air, beneficial program for developing tranquility, relaxation, a time to touch than medicine” Ellen G. White, The cardiovascular fitness. Ministry of Healing, pgs 237, 240. nature closely, and food from the ●Cool Down: Walk slowly to harvest. Studies reveal that digging, BENEFITS OF EXCERISE: decrease your heart rate. planting, and harvesting relieve the ●Increased air flow through nasal ●Post Stretching: Repeat stretches stresses of everyday living. passages (a blessing for hay fever performed in the preparation Benefits of Gardening: sufferers) especially stretching leg muscles Heart Muscles Strengthened ●Lowered resting heart rate and Lowered Cholesterol blood pressure SPECIFIC EXERCISES Digestion Aided ●Increased circulation and oxygen Walking Decreased Appetite intake, thus better nourishment of Nearly everyone agrees that exercise Relieved Tension & Stress nerves and body tissue is good for you, but few people Improved Posture ●Lowered cholesterol and lipids realize that walking is one of the most Increased Endurance (fats) in the blood efficient forms of exercise and one God linked exercise with lifestyle ●Better appetite control, as the that you can safely continue through and nutrition. Movement creates brain “appestat” operates more the later years of life. Because it is positive changes in physical, mental, effectively so simple and fits into virtually any and emotional states. We are thankful lifestyle, walking has become the for the mental and physical blessing ●Unwanted fat burned, so you look 7 of movement! ~Bill Pirelli Christianity and in particular. rental Carrie Carrie had started smoking at car Hise made her about the age of 11 or 12 and agency as way into the world remembers taking her first drink a counter agent on June 20, 1960, so at 12 years of age. Smoking at and after moving to it was just a short time school got her into trouble and her National Car Rental she ago that she celebrated a mother thought a move to Paradise, worked her way up to senior special birthday (you can do the California, would help. It didn’t. management as the Regional math). She was born to a young By the time Carrie was 16, she was Training Manager. For the next teenager in Stockton, California, and drinking every day and she ran away couple of years she traveled placed for adoption when she was from home, vowing that she would almost constantly around the U.S., six months old. Unfortunately, by never go back to a Seventh-day training other managers and teaching the time she was two years old her Adventist church! several management courses. During parents had divorced. Carried ended up in a group home that time she practically lived out of Carrie and her mother moved to in Redding, California, and managed hotels and airplanes. After a move Sonora, California, and even though to graduate from high school with to Colorado she was able to use her at the time her mother was not an straight A’s. She eventually earned creative ability to design training Adventist, when Carrie began second an AA degree in Liberal Arts. But programs that made her one of the grade her mother enrolled her in the when she left Stepping Stones (the most sought after trainers in the little Adventist school where Carrie group home program) she dove into company. spent the rest of her elementary the party scene with everything that In the meantime her husband, years. At the age of ten she decided included and the only thing that Tom, was on his way to becoming a to be baptized. She was involved in mattered to her was having “fun”. millionaire as an entrepreneur. They church activities, singing in the choir, She thought that moving to began building their “dream house”, and participating in Pathfinders. She Phoenix, Arizona, to live with her sparing no expenses. A cancer also recalls many happy times spent mother again might be a good diagnosis that eventually took Tom’s during the summer at Camp Wawona change for her, but the partying just life ended their relationship of 16 in beautiful Yosemite National Park. got worse. Tiring of the desert and years, but not before Tom made his It sounds like an almost ideal life for cactus, she moved back to California million, which was left to Carrie. a child, but as is sometimes the case, where she met her future husband Carrie felt the need for a little time appearances were not always what in a bar. After they married, they to herself after Tom died so she went they seemed. Carrie’s mother had pursued their separate careers while on a two week “spiritual journey”, been baptized but she was leading a still heavily involved in the party traveling across the U.S. to try and far different life privately than what lifestyle and almost around-the-clock figure things out. When she returned she was publicly, and Carrie became drinking. to work she discovered that her job confused and disillusioned with Carrie started working at a

continued on page 10 8 longer. She made the decision that reluctant but decided that she could Thoughts & Prayers she would have two drinks the next go once. In July of 2015, she walked Catherine Bell Dennis Kamberg morning and that would be the last through the doors of our church and BLBN Sharon Karen time. She did exactly that and then felt like she had come home. Stan Bishop Steve King Cathy Bovee Delbert & Alice Lewis called her housemate and told him After a year of Bible studies and Joyce Casper Jerry & Zola Lewis to get all the liquor out of the house her rebaptism, she began to notice Mildred Chaney Darlene Loewen Larry Day Henry Martin before she returned. Once she had some others, who were newly Artur & Tulia De Cathy McGinnis made the decision to get rid of all baptized, quietly disappear. That Carvalho Marvin McKillip Patty Esquivel Rita McMullen her alcohol she got down on her got her to thinking about the years Todd & Connie Frye Molly Mourning knees, for the first time in 50 years, that she had spent in the business Tom Fuller Our School Dennis Gallegos Chuck Painter and surrendered herself to God. She world and how every successful Beth Greer Melvin Partin prayed the Step 3 prayer which starts program had mentors for their new Ingrid Gruenheid Jessica Rae off with: God, I offer myself to thee employees. The Lord inspired her Betty Hamblin Ron Rau David Hamblin Israel Rush to build with me and do with me as thoughts and gave her an idea to Joney & Dahnn Lance Schmidt Thou wilt. She joined AA and became do something similar for mentoring Haning Mel Smith Harry Hansen Joy Stewart involved in the different programs new believers. She presented a Butch & Pam Helwig Yvonne Tooley and started sponsoring others. (At plan to the church board and in Fran Holder Rinann Uteg Virginia Hume Ethel Watts this point, she has recently celebrated 2018 “Growing and Going” was Gary Jones 17 years of sobriety, and counting.) implemented. It pairs up newly A big part of AA is realizing baptized members with more Family Portraits, cont. from page 8 that one is powerless to change seasoned members who spend a had been abolished in a corporate themselves and accepting the need year together in a mentor/mentee take-over. Deciding that she was not to turn one’s life over to a “Higher relationship. The idea is for the going to stay with the company any Power”. Carrie had no problem with long-time members to help new longer she quit her job and poured that as she had never doubted that members learn and grow, becoming her energy into finishing the house there is a God. The problem that she involved and committed, and then that she and Tom had begun. With had with it was that she thought it to “go”, possibly becoming mentors the stress of the loss of her husband was just too easy. She thought that themselves one day. and her job, her alcoholism became even there must be something more that One of Carrie’s interests is in worse and she managed to blow through she needed to do or find and she healthy vegan cooking and she has her million in two and a half years. thought she should explore other forms been working on developing some Once again she went on a “spiritual of religion or other types of “God”. But raw, vegan cheesecakes. She also journey”, this one lasting about God had a different plan for her. enjoys the outdoors, swimming, a month. A friend of hers who She decided to go visit a friend music, especially playing the piano, had been into the party lifestyle who lived in Medford and she ended and art; drawing and painting (she is with her decided to make a drastic up moving there, landing a job as taking watercolor classes). change in his life and went to a a seasonal Christmas employee As Carrie looks back on her journey detox program. After he finished with Harry & David, and eventually so far she sees that the path she has the program he started going to working her way up to a position in taken has had many twists and turns Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and he corporate sales. On a weekend trip in it, but it steadily kept leading her told Carrie that she needed to get to the coast, another friend asked her back to God. She especially feels that “The Big Book” (the 12 step program to attend church with her. It turned her memories of her early experience of AA) and read it. She took the out to be an Adventist church and with Adventist education were book with her on her second spiritual the sermon was on Jeremiah 29:13; of vital importance in making her journey and after partying all night “You will seek me and find me when decision to come back to the church. she would read the book during the you seek me with all your heart.” No, Carrie’s journey has definitely not day. After reading it through once That verse stayed with Carrie and she been an easy one but she says she she decided that she needed to contemplated what it would mean would not change a thing, because read it again. It was on the second for her life. who she is today is a result of the reading that she suddenly realized Trying out different churches, she many experiences that she has had that she was an alcoholic. That was encouraged by a friend to along the way and God using them to

thought also made her realize that visit our Grants Pass church. She was work out His will for her life.

she would not be able to drink any 10 ~Ginny Frost Grants Pass SDA School Graduations

Please join us in honoring the following eighth- “How is your family special to you? grade graduates (pictured above, left to right): “They do fun things and help me come to school Kayla Cousland, Peyton Oliver, Hosanna Roth- here.” Bone, and Tyla Strong. As you know, we were “What are you looking forward to doing in 1st not able to provide an in-person graduation grade?” ceremony. The in-person service would have “More science.” been held on June 4. Due to current COVID-19 “What do you want to be when you grow up? “ pandemic restrictions, a creative approach “A scientist.” was used to provide families with a graduation ceremony. Separate parts of the graduation (Isaiah Wells) ceremony were filmed with one student in the “What is something you learned in kindergarten?” school building at a time. These segments were “I learned how to write my name.” then combined so that an entire graduation “What will you miss most about kindergarten?” ceremony can be viewed. “Math and playing in the gym and the playground.” Mrs. Tanya Oliver interviewed the two “What was your favorite field trip?” kindergarten graduates, Max Grove and Isaiah “The Fire Station. I liked to go into the fire truck.” Wells. Their in-person graduation ceremony would “Who are your friends in kindergarten and what do have been held on June 3. you like about them?” “Max. He is playful.” (Max Grove) “Who is your teacher and what do you like about “What is something you learned in her?” kindergarten?“ “Mrs. Oliver. She is a good teacher.” “Math, how to make friends and learning how “How is your mom and your family special to you?” to read.” “They love me and helped me in kindergarten.” “What will you miss most about kindergarten?” “What are you looking forward to doing in 1st “My friends and Mrs. Oliver.” grade?” “What was your favorite field trip?” “I want to learn to read.” “Rock Museum. The rocks were pretty.” “What do you want to be when you grow up?” “Who are your friends in kindergarten and what “A police officer.” do you like about them?” “Paxton, He is fast and makes up good ideas. Please contact the school if you would like to view Isaiah is nice!” a video produced by August Hunicke of our 8th Grade “Who is your teacher and what do you Virtual Graduation team. The school also has the like about her?” addresses of all the graduates for anyone wishing to “Mrs. Oliver. She send cards. is nice and waits Congratulations, graduates! for me to stop

wiggling.”

1111 Wanting Heaven! The Only Way On Sunday, Karen and I got back work which Christ has enjoined upon from Lake Tahoe. We had a vacation us – to engage, to the extent of our and happiness would be a wonderful with all three of our boys and six of ability, in helping and the blessing blessing! our seven grandchildren. It was really those who need the help we can give And what I’m sharing with you right nice to be together again. But as nice them. Strength comes by exercise; now is not simply a “if we do this now, as it was, all it really accomplished activity is the very condition of life. we’ll get that then,” type of thing. You was making me want to go home, to Those who endeavor to maintain see, “The spirit of Christ’s self-sacrificing go to my heavenly home. [their] Christian life by passively love is the spirit that pervades heaven Did you know that Jesus has accepting the blessings that come and is the very essence of its bliss. This already told us when that will be? He through the means of grace, and is the spirit that Christ’s followers will has! In Matthew 24:14, He told us doing nothing for Christ, are simply possess, the work that they will do.” when He would return: SC 77.2 when “this gospel of Living other the kingdom shall be centric lives is preached in all the what makes world for a witness heaven, well, unto all nations.” Just heaven. It is the think, if we get out very essence of there and preach and its bliss! So I’m teach the good news, calling on all when we’ve lived our our members witness to the whole to intentionally world, He will come participate in back and take us to getting the Gospel our heavenly home. Word out there. That is our God-given We may do our responsibility. part by helping “The church of Christ those who are is God’s appointed working in other agency for the lands with our salvation of men. Its prayers and our mission is to carry the means. We can gospel to the world. also actively share And the obligation rests upon all trying to live by eating without the gospel with our families, friends Christians. Everyone, to the extent of working.” SC 80.3 or neighbors right here at home. This his talent and opportunity, is to fulfill Another reason for us to engage is how we’ll prepare for heaven. I’m the Saviour’s commission.” SC 81.2 with Christ in the work of saving wanting heaven! And I hope you are This is not just an activity for the others is what it does for our own too. ~Pastor Charles Byrd really talented people in church character. “The spirit of unselfish either. It is for everyone! And there labor for others gives depth, stability, are reasons why God gave each of us and Christlike loveliness to the c this shared responsibility. This is how character, and brings peace and “The love of Christ, revealed to us, makes us God grows us in grace. happiness to its possessor.” SC 80.2 debtors to all who know Him not. God has given “The only way to grow in grace is While we’re waiting for us light, not for ourselves alone, but to shed upon to be disinterestedly doing the very Jesus to come, a12 good dose of peace them.” SC 81.2 9