June 19, 1966 R OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH EVI EW General Conference Session and Herald BULLETIN NUMBER 2
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R. H. Pierson, elected president of the Gen- eral Conference for the ensuing quadrennium. Elder Pierson, who succeeds retiring president R. R. Figuhr, has headed the large Trans- Africa Division for the past eight years. See statement on page 3 and sermon on page 22.
Vol. 143 No. 26 cers. The soft radiance of happy memory rested on their faces as they recalled their own days of valiant leadership in the long procession of the faithful who have helped proclaim the Advent message around the world since 1844. How appropriate then was the opening song announced by Theodore Carcich, vice-president of the General Conference for North America, "Lead On, 0 King Eternal." The hope and aspiration it ex- presses have long been inscribed on every believing heart; and no one needed a songbook. Vice-President F. L. Peterson read Luke By M. TIPPETT 21:25-36, the words of Jesus not long before He said farewell to His disciples. The familiar words surely must have Thursday-Friday, June 16, 17 the Hymnsingers of Glendale, California, gripped the attention of this great throng led by E. Lorne Jones, and made up of with new meaning: "Watch ye therefore, As the fiftieth session of the General the King's Heralds, Del Delker, and Mrs. and pray always, that ye may be accounted Conference opened in great surges of Maurita Phillips, sang "He's Coming worthy to escape all these things that shall praise to God at Cobo Hall in Detroit Soon Again, I Know," and "Come Unto come to pass, and to stand before the Son tonight, with swarming thousands of be- Me." The smooth tones of Prof. Norman of man." lievers mingling with delegates from every Krogstad's baritone horn in a special ar- R. State in the Union and from 189 coun- General Conference Secretary W. rangement of "Jesus, the Very Thought Beach offered a moving prayer of praise tries around the globe, I thought to myself of Thee" afforded a change in mood from that Isaac Watts 's great hymn of exulta- to God for what great things He has done the vocal ensembles. in this past quadrennium, and pleaded tion had come into its prophetic ftilfill- Those who attend these great gather- ment: that unity and humility might mark the ings of the church are fortunate to hear triumphant progress of His people as "We'll crowd His gates with thankful some of the well-known singing groups they move on to the conclusion of the songs, from our more populous church areas. task given them to finish. High as the heavens our voices raise: The southern California ministers' chorus Then came what was one of the special And earth, with her ten thouSand under E. Lorne Jones is one of these. music features of the entire evening, when tongues, Their two numbers, "In God Is My Salva- the laymen's choir under Frank L. Foote Shall fill His courts with highest praise." tion" and "Allelujah, Sing to Jesus" were of Battle Creek, against a brilliant back- one of the high lights of this first song From the metropolitan areas of the ground of trumpet fanfare sang, "A service. world's great continents they have come, Mighty Fortress Is Our God." That it in- At eight o'clock, the upper balconies of and from farthest mission outpost. Repre- spired everyone needed no demonstration. Cobo Hall were beginning to fill as the senting more than 700 languages of earth, Taking an offering for session expenses General Conference officers and invited from an audience the size of this one in they are here from the cathedral cities of guest speakers took their places on the Europe and the rural crossroads of Amer- less that five minutes is a tribute to the platform. Office secretaries responsible for ica, from the lands of David Livingstone preplanning organization that goes into recording the proceedings, public-relations preparations for a General Conference. and William Carey, of Adoniram Judson staff members, REVIEW AND HERALD report- and Hudson Taylor. How inspiring to This was accomplished by C. L. Torrey, ers and editors, and the session photog- General Conference treasurer. hear them singing under the enthusiastic raphers occupied tables in front of the leadership of Sunny Liu, singing evange- Expressions of gratification and appre- rostrum. Seated in chairs in front of the ciation were made by R. R. Figuhr, Gen- list for the North Pacific Union, with Dr. delegates on the main floor were dozens Warren Becker of Andrews University at eral Conference president, for the facili- of veteran workers, present by special in- ties of Cobo Hall, for the courtesy of the console of the great Rodgers pipe vitation of the General Conference offi- organ and organist Van Knauss of Faith Detroit city officials, and for the coopera- for Today at the piano. tion of the newspapers in giving the ses- And what were they singing?. Already sion publicity. He noted that the popula- you have guessed it. None other than the tion of metropolitan Detroit is about same songs that have kept bright the Ad- Partial Report of 1.6 million, and that is the current esti- vent hope through 12 decades of watchful mate of baptized believers professing the waiting for our Lord to come. Nominating Committee Advent faith. Remarks of welcome were made by At the first General Conference in At the afternoon business session, Jere D. Smith, president of the Lake 1863, twenty delegates from a half dozen Friday, June 17, the nominating com- Union Conference, host to this fiftieth States, along with a handful of believers, mittee brought in its first report. The session, and by N. C. Wilson, president of sang from that first Advent Hymnal f name of R. H. Pierson, president of the Michigan Conference. This is the "Soon He comes! With clouds de- the Trans-Africa Division, was sub- mitted to the delegates to serve as presi. thirtieth of the regular sessions of the scending; General Conference held in Michigan, All His saints entombed arise. dent of the General Conference for the ensuing quadrennium. The nom- most of them in Battle Creek. Two The redeemed in anthems blendirig were held in Lansing. Besides these, five Shouts of victory through the skies " ination was approved unanimously. A picture of the new president ap- special sessions were held in this State. This Thursday evening 100 years far- pears on the front cover of this Bulle- Dr. Henry Brown, Director of the De- ther on, 8,000 voices were singing the tin. troit Historical Museum, represented same theme: "The Golden Morning Is At the third meeting of the session Mayor Jerome P. Cavanagh in an address Fast Approaching" and "We Are Near- Friday afternoon, June 17, the name of welcome on behalf of the city of De- ing Home." of Walter R. Beach also was presented troit. He particularly urged all delegates The music committee for this session, for secretary of the General Confer- in their free hours to visit the cultural headed by Charles Keymer and W yne ence. Elder Beach was re-elected attractions for which the city is noted. He Hooper, spent many months planning for unanimously. explained that the inability of Mayor special music for the scores of meet ngs Cavanagh to be present was due to cere- that will be held. At this opening ser ice, monies attending his election as presi-
The REVIEW AND HERALD 15 published by the Se.renth-day Adventist Church and is printed every Thursday by the Review and Herald Publishing Association at Takoma Park, Washington, D.C. 20012, U.S.A. Second-class postage paid at Washington, D.C. Copyright © 1966 by Review and Herald Publishing Association. Vol. 143, No. 26. 2 [181 REVIEW AND HERALD, June 19, 1966 dent of the American Association of May- President Figuhr's address [published ors. in full in Bulletin No. 1] needs no sum- The theme song of the 1962 General Statement by mary here, but the accession of nearly a Conference, "We Have This Hope," was R. H. Pierson half million members in the last four so popular that it was adopted again for years should give pause for rejoicing that this one, and it was sung most effectively Upon Being fleeted President of the Ge the advance has been so great; on the by the combined ministers' chorus and erat Conference - other hand it should stimulate solemn re- laymen's choir, then by these groups and Brother. Chairman, Elder Figuhr, flection on its significance as a sign that the congregation together. delegateS assembled here in this great time must surely be waning. Soon thou- A message from the Honorable Les- conference this afternoon: I hardly sands will be converted in a day, the ter B. Pearson, Prime Minister of Canada, knoW'what to say. The very thought of great controversy will come to its con- was read by J. W. Bothe, president of the accepting the solemn responsibility .- A summation and the general session of the Canadian Union Conference. It praised makes me„ tremble. Never has a man redeemed will be held in a world com- the work of Seventh-day Adventists and stood where I Stand just now, who has plete in Him who is our salvation. their fine spirit as citizens of the Com- heeded your prayers and your support It was with regret, therefore, that the monwealth. more than I do. With God's help and delegates heard the announcement of A touching message of hope and confi- with the cooperation of the very fine Elder Figuhr's retirement followed his dence and good wishes from members in _leadera scattered around the world, - formal report. His three quadrenniums of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics I'll do my best. My faith and confidence ranking leadership have been 12 years of came from the church in Moscow. in this message, its ultimate and early consistent advancement for the cause of Elder Figuhr suggested that a message triumph;Was never stronger than it is 1.7 truth. Some of us learned to love and ap- of loyalty and assurance of prayer be sent today. preciate his quiet strength in classroom to President L. B. Johnson and his asso- 'With yon L wish to rededicate my - days, and others have evaluated his faith- ciates, for wisdom and direction in these ;life ba the finishing of the work in ful and loyal service through long years of stressful times. The suggestion received a this generation. My heart is too full s , association with him in the Philippines, popular response. to say any more just at this time, in South America, and in the homeland. The actual business of the conference but I appeal to everyone in this great His retirement puts a grave burden on the got under way with the seating of dele- auelitOrium to unite your hearts, your nominating committee that will be formed gates. As each group was called, the mem- hands; and your prayers for a great before this report appears. President bers of it stood in their appointed places forward movement of the cause of Figuhr's final counsel will find a loyal on the floor. Outside of North America, God. Pray :for nai4. response: "It is in the middle of the road the division sending the largest delega- where constructive work is done." tion was Inter-America, with 168. The It is Friday morning now, and after smallest was the Middle East Division, writing from my notes since 3:00 A.M. I with 12. What wonderful stories of prog- took a cab from the hotel to hurry to our ress and providence, of trial and triumph, conference like this is no holiday, for the office, hoping to find a secretary who might of mischance and miracle, these delegates long hours of deliberation are exhausting. have time to get this script ready for the will have to tell as the conference swings Before Elder Figuhr began his quad- TWX Teletype relay to Washington this into full stride. How that first General rennial report, he spoke feelingly of the afternoon. The cab driver was in a chat- Conference of the early church in Jeru- passing of two stalwart workers whose ting mood. He looked at the scores of salem would rejoice to see this day. A leadership in the world affairs of the delegates on their way to the morning de- total of 1,415 delegates were seated. church was outstanding. One of these was votional meeting and remarked how much The appointment of standing commit- former General Conference President he envied them the privilege of walking. tees was done in due order, and tomor- C. H. Watson, and the other the long- He berated himself for choosing such a row the machinery of organization will time editor of the REVIEW AND HERALD, "confining" occupation as his. begin its appointed tasks. Those who work F. D. Nichol. He mentioned the esteem Late to breakfast, I was almost alone in on these committees find that a great and affection in which both were held. (Continued on page 29)
This air view shows the Arena (circular building at right), Cobo Hall (in foreground with ramp kid- ing to parking lot on top), and a part of Detroit 's sky line. The Arena seats about 11,500.
I IS MCI in Rochester [New York]. We have rented an old house for one hundred and seventy-five dollars a year. We have In Praise of Providence the press in the house. . . . We have bought two old bedsteads for twenty-five cents each. My husband brought me MORNING SERMON, FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1966, 8:30 A.M. home six old chairs, no two of them alike, for which he paid one dollar, and soon By W. E. MURRAY he presented me with four more old chairs Vice-President I, of the General Conference without any seating, for which he paid sixty-two cents. . . . Butter is so high that we do not purchase it, neither can we Since our last meeting in world confer- said, "Believe the works: that ye may afford potatoes. We use [fruit] sauce in ence the rich blessings of God have been know, and believe, that the Father is in the place of butter, and turnips for pota- poured out in abundance on the Advent me, and I in him." The works of God are toes. . . . We are willing to endure priva- Movement around the world. In the past a stimulus to belief; yes, more, they are tions if the work of God can be ad- vanced." four years 270,612 new members have a firm basis for belief, for faith. "By grace been baptized. World events of thegreat- are ye saved through faith." Therefore, a Among the few tools they had to work est importance have taken place in quick contemplation and study of God's works with "were a bradawl, a straightedge and succession in the past quadrennium. As- give us the essential element for our sal- a penknife. Brother Loughborough, with tounding scientific discoveries have dome vation. the awl, would perforate the backs [of to light, and mechanical inventions of far- Praise is the ultimate expression of loy- the signatures] for stitching; the sisters reaching influence have been made since alty to God. Praise presupposes evalua- would stitch them; and then I, with the 1962. Rapid has been the development of tion. Evaluation is based on examination straightedge and penknife, would trim the history, and our age is a time of fast- and study. When we study the workings rough edges on the top, front, and bot- moving fulfillment of prophecies. In it all of divinity our experience is enriched tom. We blistered our hands in the opera- we have abundant reason to thank and and we grow in the knowledge of God. tion, and often the tracts in form were praise our God. I It is my purpose this morning to call not half so true and square as the doc- "I will extol thee, my God, 0 king; our attention to some of the workings of trines they taught." and I will bless thy name for ever nnd God in the Advent Movement in the As we focus our attention on those ex- ever. Every day will I bless thee; and I time of the pioneers. Let us meditate to- periences of more than a hundred years will praise thy name for ever and ever. gether and receive a strengthening of our ago, we now see clearly the wonderful Great is the Lord, and greatly to, be faith. Let us learn the way of salvation working of God. From few means He praised; and his greatness is unsearch- more perfectly through a knowledge and brings a grand and glorious fruitage. able. One generation shall praise thy understanding of His works. Evangelism works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious Publish the Word There is a golden thread firmly woven in the fabric of our early history. It per- honour of thy majesty, and of thy won- Today, 6,000 strong, the literature evan- vades the thinking of the pioneer min- drous works. And men shall speak of the gelist army tramps dusty roads and rings isters. It was the rule they lived by. Their might of thy terrible acts: and I will de- doorbells in our great cities, distributing daily lives revolved around it as if held dare thy greatness. They shall abundatly1- books to the peoples of the world. The on course by some magnetic force. This utter the memory of thy great goodn ss, presses of 44 publishing houses print movement was born in an atmosphere of and shall sing of thy righteousness" Ps. books and periodicals in 228 languages, preaching the second coming of our Lord. 145:1-7). which are read by thousands of people The message was "to preach unto them This text teaches us the reality of God's clear across the vast territorial reaches of that dwell on the earth, and to every na- providences, the workings of divinity I in the world. There are 2,000 employees in tion, and kindred, and tongue, and peo- the affairs of men. At times in the proVi- this vast publishing complex. As we con- ple." The spirit of almost every page of dential procedure of God, the workings template this wonderful evangelizing our history is to give the message, preach are with and in and through humanity. work this morning, we truly can say, it, teach it, live it. We are told some facts about the proVi- "What hath God wrought!" dential acts of God. One generation Ior The marvelous working of God's prov- The lives of White, Bates, Cornell, age shall praise His workings to another. idence played an interesting role in the Loughborough, Smith, Andrews, and The wonderfulness of the acts of God beginnings of this effective means for plac- many, many others, too numerous to will be declared, or publicized. The inter- ing the truth of God before the millions. name here, are a living exemplification of vention of God in history is said to be James White chopped cordwood, mowed this timeless principle of the kingdom. wonderful, full of wonder. Might and hay with a scythe, and worked as a rail- The pioneers traveled from town to town, power will characterize the divine intdr- road section hand to get together funds church to church, and from State to State ventions in human history. to print his first periodicals. He wrote in untiring effort, preaching the message. The Bible makes repeated reference to and edited the manuscripts. When the They have given us a lasting example of the important subject of the providence printer finished the job, this earnest serv- Christian service in their loving devo- of God in the history of His people. The ant of God carried the publications to his tion and activity. leading of God in the Exodus movement home and there spread these papers out The pages of the REVIEW of pioneer is referred to a good number of time's. on the living room floor, gathering a days give evidence of a constant crusade His people were admonished to keep group of believers around to kneel in of evangelism. Notes of progress are plen- clearly in their minds this unique hiS- prayer asking God to accompany these tifully recorded. Announcements of meet- torical experience. It was to be a per- pages as they were sent out. ings, moving of evangelistic meeting tents, petual reminder of the love of God, His Much of James White's writing was all find their place in the pages of the power, His patience, His justice, in their done as he traveled from place to place REVIEW of those days. In the numbers of redemption from slavery. It was to gen- preaching the message of the soon com- 1872 there appears regularly a column erate faith in their hearts, to challenge ing of the Lord. At midday it was neces- headed "Progress of the Cause" and fol- them to loyalty to God, to be a pattern sary to feed his horse, and while his horse lowing are lengthy reports of the sermons of relationship between them and God. ate and rested, Elder White wrote articles of the ministers, the sale of books, and God's written Bible truth is a witness and Sabbath school lessons, using his the report of evangelism from one side of to His nature and character. Nature tellS lunch basket or the top of his hat as a the country to the other. of the same truths. But God's working field desk. The appearance in the REVIEW of ar- in a very real degree are to be a lesso Out of the soil of self-denial and hard ticles on the doctrines and beliefs would book for all ages, so that His servants an work grew the publishing work of the lead us to the opinion that this periodical others may become profoundly acquainte Advent Church. From a letter of Mrs. was used in efforts to convert unbeliev- with our God. When other methods failed White dated April 16, 1852, we glean the ers to the gospel. to influence the people to believe, Jesus following: " 'We are just getting settled God worked in a mighty way in those
4 [20] REVIEW AND HERALD, June 19, 1966 early times. The providences of God as Finance quarters for the teacher. Twelve pu- pils were present on the opening day, they are searched out from time to time No church institution can successfully and soon the enrollment rose to 25. So will certainly be told to the glory and carry on its work in our times without a goes the story of the beginning of Chris- honor of God from generation to genera- plan of finance. In fact, experience teaches tion. us that it is really basic to have a finan- tian education among Seventh-day Ad- ventists. This was the acorn which has Organization cial system with a good degree of per- now grown to be a great oak, with 368,- fection. The image of the Christian Order is heaven's first law. The apos- 264 students in all the denomination's church is one of world dimensions, and tle admonishes: "Let all things be done educational institutions. experience has proved that the larger the decently and in order." The majority of Some opposed the concept that had area covered by the finance of the church, pioneer believers in the Advent Move- grown to a profound conviction on the the more essential it is to have a well- ment came from other communions. Some part of a majority of the leaders, that the thought-out plan and policy. Gospel en- of them were disfellowshiped, and some church should have a school for the edu- terprises and institutions scattered all over underwent a sort of moral persecution. cation of ministers and workers to pro- the world without a well-defined finan- This all seemed to leave a disagreeable mulgate the message of the church. cial policy would be exposed to constant impression in the memory of their expe- Writes George I. Butler, then General misunderstanding and confusion and rience in the former churches, and the Conference president, in the REVIEW of probably ultimate ruin and failure. chief blame was placed on organization. June 18, 1872: "Some will think time is Our pioneers, the ones with administra- Many of them had a robust prejudice too short to attend to such matters. But, tive foresight, soon perceived that the against ecclesiastical organization. if I mistake not, many of those who will church must have a financial system. Re- For some years the Adventist people raise this objection will not think time curring regular expenses, they under- had no regular organization, but the early too short to lay up the 'almighty dollar' stood, could be met only by a constantly leaders soon began to recognize that there for a rainy day. . . . Time is too short to recurring income. A regular work could is no substitute for organization. As we go on as we are now going." not depend on irregular giving on the read the articles in our periodicals we He again wrote in the REVIEW of July part of the church. are impressed with the intensity of feel- 30, 1872: "Where are teachers to come One of the first systems of finance pro- ing on the part of some against being from to do all this? . .. Whenever a neces- posed, and for a time used with relative bound, as it were, by organization. sity exists for the supply of any given success, was called Systematic Benevo- The first serious steps toward an organ- want in God's cause, He will provide lence, or affectionately known as "Sister izational structure were taken in 1861 in means for such supply, when we do all Betsy." In the REVIEW of February 3, response to an address of James White. on our part. A school is necessary for the 1859, it is described as follows: Nine ministers held a meeting to seek proper advancement of His work. There- "1. Let each brother from eighteen light on the subject and were asked to fore we believe He will provide." to sixty years of age lay by him in store on publish the results of their study in the From these beginnings grew the system the first day of each week from five to REVIEW. It was then that the framework of education now fostered by Seventh- of representative church government was twenty-five cents. Each sister from eighteen to sixty day Adventists around the circle of the set up. The administrative framework of "2. wide world. The original concept of a years of age lay by her in store on the our church government has been devel- school to educate workers grew finally to first day of each week from two to ten oped through the years as the expansion include every child and young person of cents. of our work has required. the church. The Spirit of Prophecy writ- We can be thankful for the Christian "3. Also, let each brother and sister lay by him or her in store on the first day ings gave an all-embracing goal for the principles of our administration, the plan church in education: "All the youth of each week from one to five cents on whereby every church member takes part should be permitted to have the blessings each and every one hundred dollars of in the affairs of the church through the and privileges of an education at our property they possess." principle of representation. Our adminis- schools, that they may be inspired to be- Each church was also to appoint a col- trative system has outlined procedures on come laborers together with God."—Tes- lector for these funds. all administrative levels. In the adminis- timonies, vol. 6, p. 197. trative areas of field activities the com- We may find this plan interesting and A Bible-centered Program mittees on the ground have a first re- entertaining, but in reality God was lead- sponsibility in the conduct of the work. ing in a direction for the upbuilding of This concept has been one of the most In matters in which there is universal the church. God's leading and guidance meaningful goals of our education en- concern, the general administration rep- at times is given only a little at a time. deavor. Another principle that has proved resented by our divisions and the Gen- How thankful we can be today for the of inestimable value is that our educa- eral Conference takes over. guiding of those days. tion is Bible-centered. Another is that the The exalted principle of Christian In time the tithing plan was adopted teachers in our denominational schools unity is the guiding principle on all lev- as the policy of the church, revolutioniz- shall be members of the Seventh-day Ad- els. Administration by committee has ing as it were the whole concept of mod- ventist Church. Still another is the prin- proved of great and lasting value. The ern church support. Adventists have been ciple of an education of mind, heart, and principle of elections at the end of given enthusiastic promoters of the tithing sys- hand. May Heaven grant that these tem for church support, and many de- periods of service in administrative posts great principles lead on and on, ever nominations are adopting, or have has many advantages of great importance. more efficiently and gloriously. There are no life tenures in the Advent- adopted, this grand Bible principle of As we review the history of our schools stewardship. I venture the opinion that ist organization. we perceive clearly the work of the hand the example of Seventh-day Adventists Questions of doctrine and principles of God. The support of our schools has in tithe giving has been an important of church fellowship are subjects for been a problem for our church; to train General Conference consideration and element in influencing other churches to teachers has cost time and money, but it approval. Great care is exercised to con- adopt this system. has all been, and continues to be, a mar- As we are gathered here today from all sider world matters only when world velous blessing. That blessing is showered representatives are present in the admin- parts of the world, let us rejoice that upon the peoples of the homelands of the istrative bodies. It is the studied opinion through the guidance of God and the world and extends out across the seas to of those in position to know that the Ad- Word of His truth we have been led into peoples everywhere. Our schools have edu- paths in the administra- ventist Church government has outstand- such successful cated our ministers and workers scattered ing value as a model, and some represent- tion of His work on earth. throughout the world, and they are one of the greatest, if not the greatest, visible atives of other church bodies have openly Christian Education expressed admiration for our way of ad- human resource of the church. ministration. "On June 3, 1872, G. H. Bell . . . September 15, 1874, was a notable day Here again we must express our thanks opened a school under the auspices of the for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, to a heavenly Providence for His marvel- General Conference Committee." It met perhaps unnoticed by the busy world and ous work among us. As we bring into in an old frame building in Battle Creek, possibly little known as such at the time focus the history of the past 115 years, Michigan. Classes were held in the sec- by even some Adventist believers, but we can truly thank God and take courage. ond story while the first story was living now recognized by the church as epoch-
REVIEW AND HERALD, June 19, 1966 [211 5 marking. On that day J. N. Andrews, the tial men, through his personal practice have passed, medical experience and sci- youngest of the early pioneers, became brought to the little flock of those days a entific research have proved the worth of the first foreign missionary when he sailed consciousness of the inconsistency of the these basic health principles, and num- for Switzerland. He was appointed by the use of intoxicating drinks and tobacco. bers of people not of our faith proclaim General Conference in August of the While yet unconverted and a seaman, he the blessings of Adventist health teaching. same year, and became the forerunner of resolved to have nothing to do with them. To God be the glory! Providence has a long line of appointees to lands a oss He states, "In this work of reform I found worked marvelously in behalf of the Ad- the sea steadily streaming toward dest na- myself entirely alone, and exposed to the vent message. tions of Christian service. jeering remarks of those with whom I Andrews was a notable Bible student afterward became associated.... Yet after The Spirit of Prophecy and an accomplished preacher. One Spe- all their comments, . . . they were con- The prophetic gift manifested in the cial area of his studies was the Sabbath, strained to admit that my course was per- person of Ellen G. White was of inesti- and on this theme he authored a bOok fectly safe." By 1843 Bates had also dis- mable value in all the activities of the that has been respected and treasured continued the use of flesh foods for a pioneers. She was ever an example of through the years. more healthful diet. He was held in high Christian living and experience. Her esteem as a living example of a man able counsels have guided in the complex A Message for the World and strong in his new-found faith and program of the church in all its phases. The time was ripe for the believers to practice. Her 54 books have been printed in many begin on the great world mission foretold God has given this people significant languages of the world and in the major for the movement in the prophecy of guidance on the question of health. These European languages, and most of them Revelation 14. The words were: "To principles have assumed a greater and have had numerous printings. Her speak- every nation, and kindred, and tongue, greater importance as the years have ing and preaching have been, and will and people." Providence had made come and gone. The acceptance of these continue to be, an inspiration to our known this purpose in the first cent ry principles by those not of our faith is a ever-increasing number of ministers. Her of our era, and now the people ho recommendation of special value. As sci- inspired counsels and instructions have would preach the judgment-hour mess ge ence and medicine confirm the value of guided the grandest enterprises of the had arrived on the scene of action. Here our health principles, we can now see the church. The influence of this gift will the meaningful forces of Omnipotence working of Providence in bestowing these continue to guide and inspire the work, converge in a united action with human- great teachings on this people. We are not worldwide in outreach, begun by her and ity for the fulfillment of God's grand pur- embarrassed by having our laymen and the other faithful pioneers, till the end pose of redemption. Heaven must have clergy using tobacco and alcoholic bev- of time. been astir with interest as this messenger erages, in a time when these habits are We pay tribute at the close of this serv- of the blessed hope of the soon-coming even being condemned by those not re- ice to the pioneers of the Advent Move- Lord embarked on the ship bound for ligiously inclined. ment. We thank them for their example Europe. Besides, it will never be known how of faithful Christian living and devoted The church had probably not been greatly blessed the members of our Christian service when the going was dif- really ready to take up world outreach in church have been in their faithful observ- ficult. We admire and respect their self- times before, for it was necessary for he ance of right principles of living. From denial in the beginnings of our history. believers to come to a common conclu- these beliefs a system of health institu- We are profoundly grateful for the or- sion as to beliefs. It was needful also that tions which belt the globe stand as a testi- ganizational principles they worked out the believers should have a responsible mony to the greatness of these standards. through the study of God's Word and the organization and a system of finance that These institutions and their respective counsels of the Spirit of Prophecy, in field could sponsor a world work. No church medical and nursing staffs are held in experience and by the grace of God. We is ready for an enduring missions program the highest confidence and esteem by the thank them for the heritage of faith and which has not reached a solid position in peoples of many nations. The efficient, belief that they have left us. We pay our the homeland as to common beliefs, solid sympathetic medical and nursing care is respects to all our faithful ministers, organization, and a sound system of the marvel of thousands of patients workers, and laymen of the past whose finance. around the circle of the globe. This ex- labors of love and tears and prayers have "One generation shall praise thy works ample of service to the sick of the world built up the Advent Movement to its to another" as the work of world evange- is becoming a high recommendation not present stage of strength and develop- lism is carried on by the Advent Moire- only for professional attainment but for ment. ment. As we study from time to time 4ti-1 e our religious beliefs. May God keep us all in the love of the history of our church in lands afar, th re We began to teach these standards of third angel's message. May each one con- will ever be appearing aspects that Will health in good degree when the medical tinue, by self-denial and sanctified zeal, challenge us to greater efforts. Providences profession was not so willing to admit to build up Christ's kingdom! May the will continue to shine out from the past their validity. We were ridiculed and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us workings of the great God of heaven in classed as extremists. But as the years all! the islands of the sea, in the dark and in- accessible places of earth, and even unto "the uttermost part of the earth." The Trail of the Serpent As representatives of the church to this world conference, we have every reasOn While waiting in a drugstore for a friend I looked over the array of story and to rejoice in the history of the past, for picture magazines displayed near the entrance. More than one hundred periodicals God has been in the program of world were there. As I looked I thought of the millions of readers across the nation who development. By faith we look forward are being poisoned by the serpents that lurk among the gaudy flowers of literature. I to increasing success till the earth shall saw the trail of the serpent in nearly every magazine I glanced through in that drug- be "lightened with his glory." store. There are a few good magazines, of course, but the majority today are doing in- Health Principles calculable harm. These are made attractive and fascinating, and the very strength of Seventh-day Adventists have ben their spell should be warning enough that there is danger in their contents. Immor- richly blessed by divine Providence in ality has struck its poison fang into many a reader's mind while the eye has been having a system of health principles. Early feasting on a salacious story. in our history a firm stand was taken Perhaps you have heard of the man in India who while searching for a book in against the use of alcoholic beverages and his library felt a slight pain in his finger, like the prick of a needle. He took little no- the use of tobacco by both clergy a A tice of it, but soon his finger and arm began to swell, and in a short time he died. A laity. Tea and coffee were discarded, a d small but very deadly serpent was afterward discovered among the books. a vegetarian diet was strongly reco Among the cheap yet attractive magazines of today are the deadly little serpents mended for all. Emphasis was placed On waiting to strike. Beware of the poison in popular literature! Watch out for the exercise, rest, and regular habits. serpent's trail! "Be sober, be vigilant." ERNEST LLOYD Joseph Bates, one of the most influen-
6 [22] REVIEW AND HERALD, June 19, 1966 thodox Christians, the Church of Rome now has addressed itself to a long-range achievement of Christian reunion. In re- cent years (1962-1965) the Vatican Coun- cil fathers have started the long course The General Conference toward complete reunion by the polestar of a completely new respect for other faiths. Secretary's Report Certainly, ecumenicity moves relent- lessly toward an all-embracing religious union. Only a short time ago, how un- By W. R. BEACH thinkable! This recalls strangely what Ellen G. White discerned for the last days in the unfolding pages of prophecy. The summons to a world mission today are on the march, experiencing an un- Nearly 100 years ago Seventh-day Advent- involves awesome but challenging respon- precedented upsurge. The educated ists, on the basis of the Prophetic Word, sibility. This is a time marked with fer- Hindu no longer reacts passively or de- announced a coming union of churches ment and change. To say that the age is fensively to the Christian message. By and eventually monolithic church- revolutionary has become a truism. Re- systematic revision, the Hindu sacred inspired intolerance. Some churchmen percussions run like a chain reaction writings are being made intelligible to said this was a mischievous Adventist through the political, economic, social, the masses. Buddhists are expanding and phantasm, a sort of bogeyman set up to and religious structures. Age-old patterns adapting their program, setting Buddhist frighten Christians. Today, union of a are besmeared and confused. Such a time doctrine erstwhile to Christian terminol- sort is here, and the remainder could be requires Issachar men with "understand- ogy and hymnody. Already building big- on the way. ing of the times, to know what Israel ger shrines, Shintoism in the next decade Such, among others, are today's "new ought to do" (1 Chron. 12:32). hopes to restore ancient splendors of an- facts." Obviously, the Advent message Let us be mindful, at the start, of cer- cestor worship. Islam, revitalized and and the church of the remnant were tai- tain new facts in the situation of the more united—at least on the surface— lored for such a time. This is our day. world and the Seventh-day Adventist mis- hobbles toward Pan-Islam for Asia and sion today. Africa. The Movement for the Time There is, first, the birth of what we Mankind's woefully misplaced loyalties must call a single world civilization. At this time of change and uncertainty, Every part of the world, even to the Seventh-day Adventists can be sure. In most remote villages, is being drawn irre- the prophetic picture unveiled by the an- sistibly into the current of a global gel of the Revelation (Rev. 14:6-12), the civilization dominated by the science apostle beheld the proclamation of an and technology of the West. The outward "everlasting gospel" to "every nation, and signs are obvious in modern techniques kindred, and tongue, and people." He of production, transport, communication, saw a movement rise, spread to all na- and government. To a certain degree, tions, announce the "hour" of God's the same problems, the same philosophies, judgment, and call men to worship Him tend to become universal. Human rights, that "made heaven and earth"—words security, health, and happiness for all quoted from the fourth commandment of citizens, a linear conception of history re- God's law. placing the non-Christian cyclical proc- The angel described to the prophet the ess—all these have become part and par- kind of people who would give heed to cel of a single world civilization. this gospel message: "Here are they that A notable result of this single world civ- keep the commandments of God, and the ilization is the change in the world cul- faith of Jesus." Thus at this time, Sev- tural tide. The great period of Christian W. R. Beach enth-day Adventists can charge into the expansion in the nineteenth and early fog of doubt and uncertainty with a posi- twentieth centuries coincided with, and constitute the fourth new factor in to- tive, saving message. They can summon was intimately tied to, the expansion of day's situation and confront the world all men to worship God—Creator and the Western world into all parts of the mission with perhaps the greatest chal- Redeemer. And "Behold, he cometh" pro- earth. That movement of expansion, in lenge. Godless social, political, and eco- vides the setting of urgency. the main, has been halted or reversed, nomic concepts are accepted by large The Advent message identifies itself or more generally stabilized. This fact segments of humanity. For more than with men's needs today. It is "present creates a new situation. World mission 100 years many scientists and some theo- truth" (2 Peter 1:12). There is ever a con- no longer can or should be associated with logians and educators have moved con- temporary relevance of the divine mes- a foreign, expanding cultural or political sistently toward religious nihilism. sage. Concern for relevance must be con- power. More recently a type of godless Chris- stant but must not become excessive, lest Then, the fast-changing world situation tianity is nurtured in the writings of the it betray into unfaithfulness. The has fostered the creation of new sovereign so-called demythologizers. A respectable church's message must provide answers to states without an equating dissolution of writer and citizen of today's world has the questions people ask; however, in the existing ones. On the eve of World War I, proclaimed, "God is dead. But let this effort to adjust and adapt our teaching 63 countries were independent, as their bring no note of sadness—He is also no we must beware lest the "everlasting gos- status would be evaluated by current cri- longer necessary. Man has discovered pel" be replaced by human theories or a teria. On the eve of World War II, 71 wonder drugs and social security." In clever religious cure-all. The deformation countries were independent: Today, 124 some traditional citadels of Christendom, of the third and fourth centuries came states are generally accepted as independ- great Gothic cathedrals have become because the purpose was to make Chris- ent. They represent 93 per cent of the mute witnesses to a lost faith. The end tianity indigenous and relevant at all earth's surface and 98.5 per cent of the result, at the best, is a secularist ap- costs. Official Christianity adopted ele- world's population. Lands with something proach to life and world problems; at ments of pagan philosophy in order to less than complete independence have the worst, a total Christian abdication. make itself acceptable to the intelligent- today less than 50 million people. This Finally, we note today what Archbishop sia. proliferation of fiercely independent units Temple called "a great new fact of our Likewise, the church adopted and bap- has greatly modified the context of a era," the existence of an ecumenical fam- tized some of the customs prevalent in world mission. ily of churches. He was referring to the the Greek mystery religions. Even the day Let us note, too, the rebirth of the non- World Council of Churches, which came dedicated to the sun replaced the crux Christian religions. These ancient faiths into existence in 1948. That was only the of divine worship: a recognition of the and some modern twisted counterparts beginning. Along with Protestant and Or- Creator's authority in the seventh-day REVIEW AND HERALD, June 19, 1966 [23] 7 Sabbath and obedience to Him. This ligion, economics, government, or cul- through the General Conference budgets deformation brought the medieval dark- ture. Thus we can work and be received approximately 40 million dollars yearly. ness of Christianity. Only the proclama- without prejudice. We wear the garb of This, of course, is only a fraction of the tion of the "everlasting gospel" in the divine revelation and carry with us the total funds provided locally and region- setting of the judgment hour would ties- atmosphere, not of this land or of ally throughout the world through church cue the Christian cause from the grips of some other land, not of this culture or and institutional budgets. The glorious apostasy and a mistaken view of the Chris- of any other culture, but of heavenly thought is that these activities have re- tian mission. Beginning with the six- places. We go to all men with God's sulted in souls saved for the kingdom of teenth century reformation, the tem le message for all men. God. The year 1965 topped all records. of truth had to be rebuilt in view of t to There is one field; it is the world. The The total baptisms and additions by pro- last phase of God's cause on earth. evangelistic appeal and the missionary fession of faith were 125,322; and as of Let me include an additional word on undertaking are one and the same thing. December 31, 1965, the baptized mem- the great new fact of ecumenism. Cer- The love of Christ directs Adventists to bership of the world church stood at tainly the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the man across the street and the man 1,578,504. encompassing as it does peoples in 99 across the seas simultaneously. Every Thrilling Comparisons per cent of earth's population, must be church, every field, every land, every ecumenical in outlook and promote true section of the world field, must be at the In this area of membership some thrill- Christian unity. This church is universal, same time a field of mission and a home ing comparisons should be made. South- with doors open to all men, regardless of base. This is a world missionary church, ern Asia, after 20 years of heroic effort, color, origin, or race. Such unity is based not just a church with missions in all the counted 491 members in 1915. Today on oneness in Christ as the head of a new world. Spicer College (the division training cen- humanity. Seventh-day Adventists believe ter) counts approximately one student in Christian unity. But Christian unity Organized to Meet the Challenge for one church member 50 years ago. In does not require a union of churches, nor 1965 more than 3,000 were baptized Organizationally, the Advent Move- does such church union necessarily pro- into church fellowship. That baptismal duce Christian unity. Church groups can ment meets the challenge of the new day. total for one year is equal to the Sev- be caught up in the ecumenical mo'e- The structural framework of this church enth-day Adventist membership total in ment yet differ deeply in motive arid provides for a self-supporting, self-gov- Southern Asia as late as 1930. spirit; while Christian groups not mutu- erning and self-extending church in all In the Far Eastern Division 55,753 bap- lands. The whole is responsible for every ally involved in union can be one in tisms are reported for the quadrennium, part; the weaker units find assistance in Christ through faith and conscientious which is almost 12,000 beyond the pre- cooperation. associating themselves with the whole; the vious four-year period. The net gain in stronger gather inspiration in the same membership of 40,698 equals the total di- It was this basic oneness that the Mas- association. All build up the house of vision membership in 1948. The work in ter set down as a sign of the true Chris- God and extend His work, counsel with behalf of Moslems in Indonesia culmi- tian cause. In fact, union without unity one another through a general leader- nated in more than 500 baptisms in 1965. could only breed disunity. Actual unity ship, which itself is the sum total and ex- Three hundred twenty-five new churches is expressed in terms of communication pression of the component parts. These were added, which fact means a new channels, in avenues of genuine interac- fundamentals are the large basis of nor- church was organized in the Far East, tion between people or things that are malcy in our organization. on the average, every four and one-half important to them where it counts. It is The foreshadowing of an emergency days. based on fellowship and does not come or crisis should not be a determining fac- In Trans-Africa 100,000 accessions by by removing organizational differences, tor. Without thought of crisis or of the baptism were recorded—the largest num- which reflect the clear-cut convictions forced departure of overseas workers, the ber ever added during a quadrennium of dedicated Christians on doctrines, leadership of the church will be ap- for any division field; while Inter-Amer- methods, and goals. pointed as the natural projection of our ica under the division's "Into New Re- To win people to Christ and to ad- world conception. Qualifications for this gions" plan entered 21 new areas. The vance God's cause must always be more leadership will not be the special gifts of number of Centurion Evangelists (min- important than method or organization. a race or a people. isters who baptize 100 or more a year) The Christian church is strongest when In pursuance of these principles na- increased from 16 in 1962 to 56 in 1965. Christians work toward common goals, tional leadership personnel has increased In Mozambique, East Africa, the South- unconfined, uncramped, and in har- dramatically. Experience teaches us, how- ern European Division had its most mony with the beliefs and purposes s- ever, that the work of God is best fostered progressive field of the quadrennium. De- poused. In this sense, Seventh-day Ad- in any section of the world by a cos- spite harassment, constant danger, and re- ventists have a mind to he conscientious mopolitan working force. Such a setup stricted liberties, the work went forward cooperators and promoters of true Chris- brings into action gifts sufficiently varied in a surprising way. It took 22 years to tian unity. And such unity will enha+ to counterbalance weaknesses and to en- win the first 200 members in Mozam- the moral prestige of the Christian cause hance qualities, and it constitutes the bique, while more than 2,000 were bap- in the world. constant reminder of a movement em- tized during the past two years. At the We believe, again, the organization bracing all peoples. Then the normal end of 1965, Mozambique reported 5,646 and strategy of the church of the remnant play of circumstances, the carrying out of baptized church members and 13,814 in meet perfectly the challenges of a world the fundamental principles, will bring the Sabbath schools Thus the member- mission under present conditions. At the into specific positions of leadership on ship in Mozambique doubled during the time of the end God lifted the scales every level the men and women whose quadrennium. from the eyes of His men. In response to preparation, whose spiritual, moral, and Institutional workers in West Africa, the prophetic call a people set out upOn mental powers, whose experience, author- though carrying a heavy load in medi- a world task. We are that people. The ity, and ability to get the work done, in- cal and educational work, have engaged work was scheduled to begin in 1844. Arid dicate that they are the best qualified for regularly in public evangelism. Several it did. We can address ourselves to 411 these positions. And onlookers will con- physicians have proved themselves to be faiths, to all religious bodies, to all na- tinue to marvel while the cause of God very effective evangelists and have been tional entities, to all races, to all men. advances triumphantly to the four corners instrumental in preparing many for bap- We follow a universal Master to the ends of the earth tism; and two teachers at the Bekwai of His domain to convert men, not to • Immense strides have been made to- school in Ghana, though carrying a full Protestantism, nor to any special brand of ward the ultimate goal. The achieve- teaching load, have conducted evangelis- Christianity; we bring them to the wor- ments must cheer our hearts. Seventh-day tic campaigns in nearby villages. They ship of God through the "everlasting pls. Adventists do not worship at the shrine have raised up churches, and then with pel. ' of bigness and success; we cannot be un- private funds augmented by gifts from This means that in every section of the mindful, however, of the evidences of new believers, have built and completely world field we preserve ourselves front God's leading and blessing. Industrious equipped church edifices. ecclesiastical commitments and affilia- earning and sacrifice on the part of In Germany, the torch of evangelism tions, from regional philosophies of e- God's people today make available burns brightly. At the close of World
8 [241 REVIEW AND HERALD, June 19, 1966 War II, a minister started a brass band medical clinics. Serving 34 landing church's sponsoring this plan is a part of in his church. He was a skillful trombonist strips, it has carried 3,000 ministers, doc- its contribution to the physical fitness of and soon had a band ready for evangelis- tors, teachers, and nurses on urgent mis- the Jordan nation at a time when clear tic concerts. Success attended this brass- sions of mercy. minds and healthy citizens are needed." band evangelism, and shortly courses to The Fernando Stahl now has been sup- A young man who attended in Teheran, train trombonists were organized in plemented by two additional aircraft. Iran, said, "Isn't it strange! For 25 years every conference. At large gatherings and Not since the days of F. H. Stahl has my religion has not been able to help me conventions the brass bands took a lead- the work of Seventh-day Adventists re- lift the smallest burden off my shoulders. ing part. At the end of 1965, Germany ceived so much public acclaim in that Then I came here and in one night my had 40 brass bands in 40 churches and area. The work on the stations and the heaviest burden is rolled away." Never 500 skilled trombonists. medical launches has been greatly en- before in the Middle East has our church Typical is the church of Herten. During hanced, while groups of people, for many been the object of such glowing public the yearly evangelistic campaign the band years lost and isolated in the forbidding acceptance and acclaim—a fact that can gave concerts in four local city centers jungle, are now regularly visited. The augur decisively for the future. weekly to invite the listeners to attend aircraft Ricardo Hayden recently con- In another area of interest, 1965 the meetings. Loud-speakers were used to veyed 150 candidates for baptism in the marked the seventy-fifth anniversary of reach wider areas. Each evening the swollen streams of the mighty Amazon. the arrival of the Seventh-day Adventist hall, with 300 seats, was filled to the Meanwhile eight new launches and three missionary vessel Pitcairn in the South doors. new mobile clinics have gone into service. Seas. That boat, built with the dimes and Many and marvelous are the ways God Every village and hamlet must have the dollars of Sabbath school members in has devised to reach earth's teeming mil- opportunity to see the light and under- North America, set sail for the South lions with a message to make men whole. stand God's messages. Pacific, October 20, 1890. Thus began a The full picture will be portrayed as Then, in the past quadrennium the great adventure for God. Adventism has completely as possible by General Con- practical Five-Day Plan to Stop Smoking now spread from Pitcairn in the east to ference leaders and presidents of world has captivated the attention of the church New Guinea in the west—some 7,000 divisions. Their reports will marshal a and needy people. Institutions and civic miles thrilling array of facts and figures to centers in many lands have opened their Through the years, mission boats have show that indeed our lines have gone doors to Seventh-day Adventist physicians plowed the waves in the wake of the out to the ends of the earth. Activities and evangelists to hold the Five-Day Plan Pitcairn and beyond. As a result, more old and new are being brought into focus. for the benefit of the community. than 38,000 Polynesians and Melanesians Remarkable among the newer activities Throughout the world approximately are now baptized members of the Sev- has been the more extensive systematic 1,200 sessions have been conducted. enth-day Adventist Church. Membership use of denominationally owned air- In Brazil a woman aged 140 was bap- accessions during the past quadrennium planes. Ellen G. White reminded this tized as the result of a first contact with in the South Pacific equaled the member- people that the invention of rapid travel the church through the Five-Day Plan. ship built up in the island field over the facilities came to extend the work of God Her testimony was that 100 years of slav- first 50 years following the arrival of the and hasten the great day of the Lord. ery had been terminated by a five-day Pitcairn. Several fields, under the guidance of the clinic. In the Middle East Division the New Territories General Conference Committee, have un- Five-Day Plan really has revolutionized dertaken to use wisely and safely a utility- the public relations of the Seventh-day Every division has worked steadily to type airplane Adventist Church. Fruitful contacts with enter new territories and to extend the educational, medical, political, and judi- magic circle of Seventh-day Adventist la- Airplane Evangelism ciary leaders have been established. bors. New local and union organizations This quadrennium saw the arrival of The first session was held in Amman, have been completed; new institutions our first plane in New Guinea. It was the capital of Jordan. The new spacious have been established, while those of named the Andrew Stewart, after a vet- auditorium of the Adventist Girls' School longer standing have been expanded and eran island missionary now retired and was packed with participants day after consolidated. Considerable attention has blind. Planes piloted by workers who serve day. The two daily newspapers took note been given around the world to the ex- at the same time as district leaders now of the experiment and reported it graphi- pansion of church facilities and evange- cover two areas in New Guinea. The use cally. Ali-Jihad, semiofficial organ of the listic centers. of the missionary airplane has made it Jordan Government, wrote: "The This world program involves minis- possible to penetrate remote areas that previously could be reached only by fol- lowing difficult foot trails. Regions 11 days' walk from the home base are now FROM HOME BASE TO FRONT LINE reached after a flight of 40 minutes. 1958-1965 Mainly as a result of airplane evange- C C E lism, 900 people in one district are pre- te C paring for baptism. C • Home Bases .Fro. S In Malawi, Trans-Africa, a Flying Doc- z z F a3 F tor Service, based at old Malamulo, has been inaugurated. The station medical 1958 1959 1960 1961 director pilots the aircraft to 21 landing Australasia 42 32 74 41 36 77 26 24 50 43 27 70 Northern Europe . 19 18 37 13 21 34 20 33 53 23 16 39 strips in the surrounding area. In South South America 16 2 18 8 .._ 8 22 22 23 23 America the use of planes based at Pu- Southern Africa . 13 21 34 20 13 33 22 3 25 9 9 Southern Europe 24 21 45 13 16 29 24 13 37 11 14 25 callpa, Peru, has permitted a better pene- North America 152 123 275 152 128 280 156 147 303 145 118 263 tration of the interior jungle regions of the Upper Amazon. F. H. Stahl, the TOTALS 266 217 483 247 214 461 270 220 490 254 175 429 pioneer of that area, traveled 35 days by horseback from Lima, Peru, to the Pu- 1962 1963 1964 1965 Fernando callpa jungle. Now the aircraft Australasia 30 19 49 44 30 74 37 35 72 51 28 79 Stahl makes the trip in two hours and 30 Central Europe 4 4 4 4 6 6 Far East 12 12 10 10 3 3 minutes. From Pucallpa, faithful workers Northern Europe 15 15 30 14 10 24 17 4 21 14 14 paddled a canoe to Unini Mission Station South America 34 10 44 28 28 37 37 24 15 39 Southern Europe 10 22 32 24 11 35 22 17 39 15 30 45 in ten days and ten nights of perilous Trans-Africa 3 12 15 14 7 21 12 8 2 11 10 21 travel. Today this station is serviced by a North America 115 164 279 178 143 321 153 139 292 163 153 316 one-hour-and-20-minute flight. TOTALS 207 242 449 318 201 519 292 203 495 287 236 523 In two years of operation the Fer- Nationals returning to nando Stahl saved more than 70 lives by homeland after training rapid transport of emergency cases to in North America 14 26 24 26 REVIEW AND HERALD, June 19, 1966 [25] 9 tern, educators, physicians, dentists, nurses, the Spirit with power. We thank God for claim the gospel in all the world will yet publishers, communications experts, insti- their service and their presence still, for be discovered and adopted. This move- tutional workers. Our salaried personnel their counsel and words of cheer. ment is not static; it is on the march. now numbering 62,038 and the member- We note with sadness, however, the The shock waves of world change may ship and institutions they lead are cdm- vacant places. During the past four years make shambles of outdated plans and mitted to the main task of preparing a 639 faithful workers have fallen at their squeaking procedures. In the meanwhile, people for the coming of the Lord Jesus posts of duty and await the call of the proper lines of organization will be ad- Christ. Led by the Spirit in a coordinated Master at the resurrection morn. Two justed and extended; new and specialized program of evangelism, a rhythm of overseas workers, Mrs. Ruby Nelson leaders will be called and sent into the progress that has brought the Seventh-day (U.S.A.) and Brian Dunn (Australia), vineyard. Adventist Church to a worldwide presence fell by murderous hands in the line of We must ever remain awake to our re- is being maintained with unabated vigor. duty. All, like their predecessors down sponsibility to enlarge our sphere of la- Many fields afar are now able to as- through the centuries, "fought a good bor. "Forward!" is ever our marching sume an appreciable share of responsi- fight," they "finished their course." In the order. We must continue to advance bility for their home base and the world faith of the apostles, henceforth is laid steadily in this dramatic and changing outreach. More and more workers are pro- up for them a "crown of righteousness." world to God's unchanged purpose and ceeding from all divisions to all divisidns. Their names and their deeds have been the church's glorious destiny. We will do This, in fact, is a present-day phen m- appropriately recorded, and we do honor this undeterred, however fascinating the enon on the Christian scene. Gener lly them and their families today. allurement. With vision, ability, and speaking, western European lands and Much could and will be added to fill awareness of God's presence we shall con- the North American continent have been in the picture that we have sketched in tinue a victorious march across the the main bases for missionary outreach. this report. Tried and honored plans streets and across the seas until on the By 1911, one third of all evangelical mis- must be further developed. Many of the fire-flushed sea of glass the church militant sionaries were from North America. By thousand ways God has in reserve to pro- shall become the church triumphant. 1925 it was approximately one half, and in 1960 the percentage had jumped , to slightly more than 70 per cent. 1 But in this world missionary church the trend has been, and rightly, in the- opposite direction. At the beginning prac- The Nominating Committee tically all overseas workers were sent frdm North America. During the past quad- (Voted at close of the morning sermon hour, 9:45 A.m., June 17.) rennium, every world division reporting at this conference contributed funds and/ Australasia Leach, E. L. Marley, A. V. McClure, F. R. Millard, R. H. Nightingale, or workers for both the home base and J. B. Keith, A. R. Mitchell, R. E. the work abroad. Of the 1,104 new work- R. L. Reynolds, Eric Ristau, H. Pengilley, W. R. L. Scragg, D. Sib- Schmidt, W. H. Shephard, J. D. ers sent to the front line from 1962 to ley, R. W. Taylor. 1965, 495 were from overseas divisions. Smith, E. R. Walde, Samuel Weis, This was approximately 45 per cent of the Central Europe Neal C. Wilson, N. C. Wilson. total. E. Denkert, K. F. Noltze, H. Northern Europe Such is the partial picture of the Ad- Vogel. Odd Jordal, Theo. Kristensen, Alf vent Movement today. The delegates ,at Far East this session represent the forces of- organ- Lohne, V. N. Olsen, 0. A. Peltonen, izations that have made the success lof F. M. Arrogante, A. M. Bartlett, F. J. Voorthuis, C. D. Watson. H. W. Bedwell, G. J. Bertochini, this quadrennium possible We welcoine South America you from so many lands. We join, I am E. A. Capobres, W. T. Clark, G. C. sure, in praying that the blessing of God Ekvall, E. G. Kim, C. B. Miller, Osvaldo R. Azevedo, Lourenzo will be upon His people everywhere, par- V. M. Montalban, T. C. Murdoch, Baum, Rodolpho Belz, D. R. Christ- ticularly in the great China Division and P. L. Tambuanan, W. L. Wilcox, man, S, Genske, S. Kumpel, Werner the U.S.S.R. The Seventh-day Adventist C. A. Williams, T. Yamagata. Mayr, Elbio Pereyra, Adelio Rocco, D. Peixoto Da Silva, W. Streithorst, hearts there experience the longings and Inter-America hopes of Seventh-day Adventists every- D. K. Sullivan, Moises Tenorio, where. Alfredo Aeschlimann, I. B. Ben- Arturo Weishein. son, Jose Carpentero, F. Fernandez, We remember, too, the lands of stress Southern Asia and overt fighting, particularly in Africa S. L. Gadsby, Fred Hernandez, R. L. and Southeast Asia. The loss in Burma of Hoyte, R. L. Jacobs, A. H. Linzau, M. E. Cherian, 0. W. Lange, our fine Rangoon Hospital and many G. E. Maxson, I. M. Nation, A. Ray W. F. Storz. Norcliffe, E. J. Parchment, Ner Jean schools through the government's nation- Southern Europe alization program is a severe blow. The Pierre, A. H. Riffel, Efrain Rivera, eventual withdrawal of overseas person- H. S. Walters. S. Agnello, A. Codejon, A. Cosen- dai, E. Ferreira, P. Lanares, F. La- nel from Burma seems to be inevitable. Middle East However, God's program continues vanchy, A. Lorencin, C. Monnier, apace, and Burma achieved an increase Clifford Luddington, Manoug 0. Sladek, J. Zurcher. Nazirian. in membership during this quadrennium Trans-Africa of 50 per cent. The greetings that conic North America to us from these and all lands witness ria S. W. Beardsell, A. H. Brandt, the unalterable unity and fellowship of G. T. Anderson, G. N. Banks, D. I. Bazarra, R. E. Clifford, P. H. the Advent Movement. We thank and F. W. Bieber, R. R. Bietz, J. W. Coetzee, N. L. Doss, G. E. Game, praise God for this. Bothe, C. E. Bradford, W. L. Cheat- T. M. Kok°, P. M. Mabena, J. H. ham, J. L. Dittberner, A. J. Escobar, Mambala, P. Ndinge, S. D. Otieno, A Special Welcome L. C. Evans, W. A. Fagal, W. W. F. G. Reid, I. E. Schultz, S. Sebu- Fordham, W. J. Hackett, R. L. jisho, A. W. Staples, H. W. Steven- All of you have been welcomed to this Hammill, R. T. Hudson, D. W. son, F. G. Thomas, F. H. Thomas, conference, but we extend a very special Hunter, I. H, Ihrig, C. Klam, B. E. P. G. Werner. welcome to the group of veteran workers among us. These are honored guests, and The committee chose the followi ng officers: R. R. Bietz, chairman; have been invited to sit with us in con- F. R. Millard, vice-chairman; Richard Hammill, secretary; C. E. Bradford ference. Some of these workers were and Alfredo Aeschlimann, associate secretaries. preaching the message when many of us were but youth and children. Their preaching was in the demonstration df 10 [26] REVIEW AND HERALD, June 19, 1966 great impact upon peoples everywhere. Thank God we have this glorious hope which will become a reality when Mat- thew 24:14 has been fulfilled: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached The Treasurer's Report in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" —and the end must be very near. We By C. L. TORREY must, therefore, redouble our efforts and our dedication to God and arise as a people to finish His work. The giving and gathering of funds for "In those days came John the Baptist, There is uncertainty in the world to- the cause has indeed been a privilege and preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, day, "men's hearts failing them for fear, a blessing, and God marks well those who and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of and for looking after those things which have been and are faithful and honest heaven is at hand. For this is he that are coming on the earth" (Luke 21:26). in the paying of their tithe and the giving was spoken of by the prophet Esaias say- The world is indeed in turmoil. From of their offerings and the gathering in of ing, The voice of one crying in the wil- a human point of view, annihilation of funds for the extension of His work. derness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, the human race is assured. Any hope We thank God for our faithful, self- make his paths straight" (Matt. 3:1-3). which they might have had has now taken sacrificing people. The following is a rec- When John spoke these words, Israel wings and flown away. The future is dark ord of their exploits and achievements had been waiting many centuries for the and dismal. Death stalks abroad. There during the past four years. coming of the Messiah. Thousands of is no place to hide. Surely they need the people had come to hear John's message same hope and the same definite message Tithe that is ours, the hope that Jesus is com- and were baptized. It was a definite mes- The tithe reported for the past four ing again, that He is coming soon. sage and their hearts were warmed with years, 1962 through 1965, amounted to Just before Jesus left His disciples to re- expectation and hope. The Messiah was $289,925,378.18, as compared with $223,- turn to His Father, He commanded them coming to redeem His people. It was not 845,402.51 for the previous four years. saying: "Go ye into all the world, and only a hope but a "blessed hope." This is a gain of $66,079,976.67 Jesus the Messiah did come. Those As early as 1858, or 14 years after the whose hearts were truly sincere greeted Disappointment, a class was formed in His coming with great joy and accepted Battle Creek, Michigan, presided over by Him as the promised Messiah. He lived J. N. Andrews, to study the Scriptures His life, fulfilled His assignment and for light on the financial support of the work, was crucified, resurrected, and as- ministry. Material on systematic giving cended to His Father. was prepared and published in the We now await His coming the sec- REVIEW AND HERALD in 1859. ond time to redeem His people. We have Later the tithing principle was adopted waited now for two thousand years and at the General Conference session in 1878. multitudes are looking forward long- The tithing plan has proved a great ingly to His coming. In this life we blessing through the years in the rapid must endure trouble, sorrow, heartaches, spread of the message around the world. and disappointment, but we have the It is interesting to note that since blessed promise that Jesus is coming 1863, the year the General Conference again to put an end to all these things was organized, our people have paid into that trouble us and make us afraid. The the Lord's treasury $1,149,805,995.72 in message and the promise is definite and tithe. sure. C. L. Torrey "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gaz- Missions Offerings ing up into heaven? this same Jesus, preach the gospel to every creature" which is taken up from you into heaven, (Mark 16:15). The faithfulness of our people through- shall so come in like manner as ye have As a result of this command and ap- out the world in the giving of their funds seen him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11). peal from our Saviour, the remnant to God for His work has been an inspira- "Let not your heart be troubled: ye church is continuing to spread the gospel tion and encouragement to us all. It is a believe in God, believe also in me. In my throughout the earth. We as a people pleasure to report that the missions offer- Father's house are many mansions: if it are working in 200 countries. Literature ings for the past four years amounted to were not so, I would have told you. I go is being printed in 260 languages, and $77,323,371.47, as compared with $64,- to prepare a place for you. And if I go our church membership, which stood at 438,652.44 during the previous quadren- and prepare a place for you, I will come 3,500 when the General Conference was nium—a gain of $12,844,719.03. again, and receive you unto myself; that organized in 1863, has increased to 1,578,- This is a positive testimony to the love where I am, there ye may be also" (John 504 as of December 31, 1965, with 2,248,- and loyalty of the men and women of 14:1-3). 955 Sabbath school members, and tens the Advent Movement who in a multitude "For the Lord himself shall descend of thousands in baptismal classes await- of ways have made possible the growth from heaven with a shout, with the voice ing the time when they may become of the work in the years that have gone. of the archangel, and with the trump of members of our church. It also is a splendid tribute to our lead- God: and the dead in Christ shall rise The prophecy found in Acts 2:17— ers and their associates and to our people first: then we which are alive and remain "And it shall come to pass in the last for what has been accomplished. shall be caught up together with them in days, saith God, I will pour out of my This is illustrated by the following ex- the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: Spirit upon all flesh"—is being fulfilled perience. The leaders representing a num- and so shall we ever be with the Lord" before our very eyes. There has never ber of non-Adventist churches were meet- (1 Thess. 4:16, 17). been a time when the work of God has ing in council for the purpose of working These and other texts have stirred my gone forward with such rapidity and so out a policy to present to their people heart for more than 50 years. When I was encouragingly as now. The Spirit of God to encourage them to pay tithe and give a boy, two ministers came to our town is being poured out upon many peoples larger freewill offerings. Each speaker re- and preached the message. About ten in many lands. This is the glorious hour ferred to what the Adventists were giv- minutes of each sermon were devoted to for the church of God. Tens of thousands ing and expressed the opinion that the assuring the audience that Jesus was com- of people are being baptized annually members of his own church should be ing again, using the signs of His coming and the membership is increasing stead- educated to pay tithe; that if they did, as proof, and a number joined the church. ily. multiplied millions of dollars would come Yes, the world is longing to hear the The definite message that Jesus is com- into their treasury. good news, because it is definite and sure. ing again and coming soon has made a They also mentioned the large amount
REVIEW AND HERALD, June 19, 1966 [27] 11 of freewill offerings contributed by the sions divisions. This plan is "in harmony continuously upon the hearts of those Adventists. They even had figures to show with the divine principle set forth in the connected with the General Conference, the per capita giving, and they marveled Bible and the writings of the Spirit of and the interest of these dedicated work- that so few people, comparatively speak- Prophecy that all should share in the ers who have given so much for the ing, had accomplished so much. They re- responsibility of supporting the world- cause must be protected at all times. ferred to our worldwide missions pro- wide work." The amount received during We are living in uncertain times fi- gram and noted the number of countries the quadrennium was $42,868,776.52. nancially and politically. We never know in which we are working. Said they: This plan has proved a wonderful when a depression or a political up- "Their educational institutions,] hos- blessing in the expansion of our -work heaval may come to decrease the income pitals, clinics, treatment rooms, and throughout the world. Every conference of the General Conference, thus affect- publishing houses belt the globe. The officer in North America is strongly be- ing our work even to the ends of the membership of the Adventist Church is hind the program. We feel grateful to earth. Therefore, working capital must growing rapidly because of the dedication God for leaders who believe, with the be available. I am happy to report that of its workers and its laity." General Conference, that the work is one the full amount of the authorized work- Another minister made a graph to show in all the world. Their objective is to ing capital of the General Conference is the giving of his denomination Icom- finish the task in all the earth. in hand, amounting to $10,672,647.92. pared with the giving of Seventh-day Ad- The portion of the tithe of the con- You will be interested in a copy of the ventists. Said the minister: "You will no- ferences and missions of the world field, report of the treasurer of the General tice the giving of our denominatiOn is including the tithe percentage receipts Conference for the year ending May 1, represented by a horizontal line. Our giv- referred to above, and miscellaneous tithe 1866-100 years ago. Those were the days ing has been just about the same for income to the General Conference during of small beginnings. The pioneers had years, but note, if you will, the giv- the past quadrennium has amounted to little of this world's goods. They counted ing of Adventists. The Adventists] are $75,228,475.52. This added to the mis- every penny and they made tremendous represented by this line which shows a sions offerings totaling $77,323,371.47 and sacrifices that the cause of truth might constant increase year by year, and points other income makes a grand total of $159,- prosper. Notice the following: ever upward. Why, my fellow ministers, 210,138.32 for our world work, or an increase over the previous four-year pe- Amount on hand at the time of the cannot our people do the same? Why last report; May 12, 1865 $1,739.43 do not our people pay their tithe and riod of $34,000,649.05. Received during the year 1,751.22 freewill offerings as do the Adventists?" Appropriations Total $3,490.65 The other delegates- shook their heads, Amount paid out since the time of From year to year appropriations have the last report is as follows: but we know the answer. It is because we To J. N. Loughborough . . $265.06 have the promise of the coming of ] the been voted at Autumn Councils for our To M. F,. Cornell 406.97 Lord,ord, and that promise is definite Ian d world work. These appropriations have To P. C. Rodman 249.21 To J. N. Andrews 537.05 sure. continued to increase as God has opened For Telegraph Dispatch 1.98 1,460.27 This promise is kept ever bright and the way into new fields. It is interesting shining by the fact that signs all around to note that the total appropriations to Balance in Treasury, May 1st, 1866 $2,030.38 us point to the soon coming of our Sav- the world field for 1936, 30 years ago, 0. A. Blake, the undertreasurer, will iour. This is the answer to the question of amounted to $3,117,270.19, while the ap- read to you the Balance Sheet and Oper- the men who sat around the council propriations for 1966 totaled $39,445,- ating Statement for the year ending De- table and asked why their people didn't 732.37, or an increase of $36,328,462.18. cember 31, 1965. We are inserting here- give as do the Adventists. As a result of these increased appropria- under in summary form the operating My brethren and sisters, what those tions, making possible the employment statement for that year: men said is true, and we commend you of more workers, combined with the work of the Holy Spirit upon the hearts Income: for your faithfulness and loyalty to the Tithe $12,847,504.44 cause you love, but I believe, in view) of of men and women in many lands, the Missions Offerings 21,007,881.66 the nearness of the coming of the Ldrd, membership since 1936 has increased by Miscellaneous 1,748,787.23 we should and must increase our giving 1,140,365. Total Income $35,604,173.33 As I have said many times, I wonder Expenses so that our work may be more rapidly Operating $ 2,139,362.60 expanded and finished. Then Jesus Will what the pioneers would say if they could Appropriations 29,131,155.29 see the growth of the work, the baptized come. What a glorious event to contem- Total Expenses $31,270,517.89 plate! believers from all lands, and read the The greatest single offering for missions reports of the millions of dollars con- Income Exceeded Expenses $ 4,333,655.44 comes through the avenue of the Sabbath tributed by our people annually for the support of the work in the world field. The income over expenses was, of school. During the four-year period rep- course, used for appropriations to the resented by this report, $30,168,409132 The General Conference is sincerely grateful to our members for their deep world field. It is interesting to note that has been contributed in North Amer- the net gain here shown was approxi- ica and $7,890,860.24 in overseas divi- and abiding interest in the program of the church and in the finishing of the mately equal to the appropriations to sions, making a total of $38,059,269.56, the world field for 1936. or an increase of $7,096,792.73 over the task which lies ahead. Their devotion to previous quadrennium. the cause is clearly demonstrated in the Sustentation Fund The Ingathering program, in whiCh gifts that they make to the church. our members go to their friends and The General Conference Constitution The sustentation plan has been a great neighbors for offerings, is also a and Bylaws require the treasurer to set blessing to our workers. Through this large source of income. During the past up and maintain a working capital re- plan the workers are assured of support four years $32,643,566.15 was reported by serve sufficient to safeguard the interest when because of age or infirmity they our loyal and faithful people for oiir of the cause. Our work is now so large are no longer able to work. This plan world work. This is an increase over the and so far flung that the General Con- provides that conferences and institu- previous four-year period of $4,211,311.87. ference must keep an adequate operat- tions throughout the world field set aside Of this amount, $22,685,996.14 came fro' ing capital reserve on hand to protect a percentage of their income for this pur- North America and $9,957,570.01 w our work and workers at all times pose. All divisions have now made pro- gathered in overseas divisions. against unforeseen contingencies that vision for the care of the aged and in- may arise. firm workers in their fields. Tithe Percentage From North America We all remember the emergency prior The total receipts for the past quad- to World War II when the General Con- rennium amounted to $25,984,159.36 and Another important resource of the ference had to withdraw its foreign mis- the expense was $21,360,049.19. The sus- General Conference is the percentage of sionaries from Japan and place them tentation reserve, according to the Gen- tithe. For many years the conferences its elsewhere. The General Conference also eral Conference policy, is sufficient for North America have appropriated a per- had to move all our missionaries from two years. centage of their tithe to the Genera China in 1940 and again in 1948. This As of December 31, 1965, there were Conference for the world budget to aid i cost large sums of money. However, the 2,854 beneficiaries on the fund in the supporting the ministry in the mi welfare of your sons and daughters rests North American Division. 12 [28] REVIEW AND HERALD, June 19, 1966 Million Dollar Offering to the General Conference in 1951 by would give of their means as never be- Clyde and Mary Harris. fore. There would be re-enacted the ex- One of the high lights of the 1962 Gen- The president and general manager, perience of the great Nestorian move- eral Conference session was the Million C. J. Nagele, has served this organiza- ment when men's hearts and lives were Dollar Offering for World Evangelism. tion since the General Conference took aflame for God. This offering as reported by the leaders it over, and under his able management Though this report deals largely with of the world field amounted to $1,217,- the work has continued to expand and money, still it is not money alone that 903.35. It was a real inspiration as we prosper. will finish this task. God has a thousand listened to the leaders of field after field The following up-to-date information ways of finishing His work. He expects come forward to the speaker's desk and from Elder Nagele will be of interest to us to contribute of our funds for the ex- give their reports of the funds received our people; tension of His cause, and He accepts our for this offering. Now another offering "We are in our fifteenth year of oper- sacrifices and blesses us in so doing. How- has been taken during these past few ating the Harris Pine Mills industry. ever, we must not put our dependence weeks in all parts of the world field. Sales for the past four years since the upon money, but rather upon God. The amounts received are to be reported last General Conference session have We need greater faith for the task be- tomorrow. I am sure we will all look for- amounted to $53,083,094, and for the fore us, for the time is coming—indeed ward to the report that will be brought past year alone $15,240,000. Sales gains it has come to some countries already to us by our leaders, and we feel sure for the quadrennium amounted to $15,- —when our money will be worthless and that it will be the largest offering ever re- 463,943. There are now 14 plants and we shall deeply regret our inactivity and ceived for world evangelism. distribution centers from coast to coast. our withholding from God the funds we With these additional funds we can be Many of these have been located near might have contributed for the salvation assured of many more souls won to the educational institutions, integrating the of souls; but it will be too late. Let it message. efforts of this large and successful de- not be said of any of us that we have International Insurance Company nominationally-owned industry with the hoarded our money in worldly banks or and needs of the institutions. More than 1,000 in real estate or other investments, but General Conference Insurance Agencies students each year find work in some de- rather may it be said of us, "Thou hast gree in one of the Harris Pine Mills been faithful." In April of 1936 the General Confer- branches to assist them in meeting their ence authorized the organization of the school expenses. In the past four-year pe- Conclusion International Insurance Company of riod $1,994,000 has been paid to our It is with deep and sincere gratitude Maryland. The company and its agen- academies and colleges for these students, that I take this occasion on behalf of the cies have been managed by a board of 11 and these figures continue to grow." General Conference to thank our loyal directors. The International Insurance The idea of sacrifice cannot be too members for their faithfulness in paying Company and the agency is an integral strongly emphasized, for it has been their tithe and for their gifts which have part of the General Conference organi- through self-denial and sacrifice in a resulted in carrying the gospel into many zation. thousand ways since the days of the early lands of earth, thus hastening the finish- The company and agency was started pioneers that the cause of truth has pros- ing of the task and the return of our with an operating capital of $25,000 as pered and swung rapidly on its marvel- Lord. an appropriation from the General Con- ous advance around the earth. I believe that the greatest period of ference Corporation. The forming of a Sacrifice lies at the foundation of the soul winning is just before us and that fire insurance company, while beginning gospel plan. It has the approval of both we shall soon see what we have hoped small, has developed and made steady Christ's teachings and His example. It for so long—the outpouring of the Spirit growth through the years. The company was in earnest toil and sacrifice that the of God in all its fullness with the result writes insurance on denominational pioneers of this movement launched the that multitudes will take their stand for property only. work. Should our people lose the spirit the truth and will join the members of Since the incorporation of the com- of sacrifice, just at that time will our the remnant church of God on its march pany, the agency has received $20,801,- work lose its power. to the kingdom. In this waiting time we 018.11 in premiums. The total premium If our people were to have the spirit must press the battle to the gates and income for the year 1965 amounted to of the pioneers, what a change would with great earnestness prepare the world $2,736,868.88. come in among us. There would be will- for the great day of His coming. Signs The total consolidated assets as of De- ing hands on every side. More of our all about us clearly show that the end is cember 31, 1965, amounted to $5,407,- people would gladly give up some of the right upon us, that Jesus is coming soon 930.85, with liabilities of $581,599.36. comforts they enjoy here on this earth and that He is even at the door. The The total amount of insurance risk as of and would give themselves more fully to message is definite and sure and soon we the above date was $562,995,560 and in- the finishing of God's work. They would shall "behold his glory." [See next four cluded $57,599,525 of business with over- he seen going from home to home with pages of financial tables that accompany seas divisions. Of this amount of risk the literature, and giving Bible studies. They treasurer's report.] International Insurance Company car- ried $127,887,142 as net insurance. Dur- ing the period since the company began Choir made up of ministers who sang the Ministerial Association meeting, directed by Charles Keymer. to function, the net worth increased from $25,000 to $4,826,331.49. At the same time we believe that the policyholders have saved at least $4,780,000. A total of $5,305.804.70 has been paid out in losses since 1936. The company is under the supervision and regular in- spection and auditing of the Insurance Commissioner's Office of the State of Maryland, as well as being audited an- nually by the General Conference audi- tors. J. W. Peeke and his staff of loyal as- sociates have worked untiringly to build up this important phase of the Lord's work. Harris Pine Mills The Harris Pine Mills continues its successful operation. I think most of our people know that this plant was given
REVIEW AND HERALD, June 19, 1966 General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
BALANCE SHEET DECEMBER 31, 1965
ASSETS
CURRENT Cash and Banks $ 7,075,426.22 Investments, Net (Exhibit 1) 25,788,780.77 $32,864,206.99
Amount required to cover Accounts Payable, Trust Funds, other Liabilities and Reserves $23,849,935.14 Portion of Cash and Investments remaining for Operating Capital 9,014,271.85 $32,864,206.99
Accounts Receivable $ 1,311,988.96 Notes and Mortgages Receivable 129,290,97 Inventories, Prepaid Items and Deposits 217,096.14 1,658,376.07 Total Assets $34,522,583.06
LIABILITIES
CURRENT Accounts Payable $ 7,105,906.36 Trust Funds 3,042,195.33 Deferred Items 34,603.84 Accrued Accounts Payable 513,896.21 Total Liabilities $10,696,601.74
NET WORTH REGULAR Operating Capital Balance, 1-1-65 $10,460,706.95 Add: Increase for year 1965 211,940.97 Operating Capital Balance, 12-31-65 $10,672,647.92
RESERVES On Hand, 12-31-65 13,153,333.40 Total Net Worth, 12-31-65 $23,825,981.32 Total Liabilites and Net Worth, 12-31-65 $34,522,583.06
14 [30] REVIEW AND HERALD, June 19, 1966 General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
COMPARATIVE CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
Years 1962 to 1965
ASSETS
1962 1963 1964 1965 Cash and Banks $ 4,476,917.30 $ 5,786,986.63 $ 5,034,321.82 $ 7,075,426.22 Investments, net 26,736,377.07 19,708,373.96 24,110,777.89 25,788,780.77 Accounts Receivable 1,395,043.51 1,625,806.93 1,424,954.46 1,311,988.96 Notes Receivable and Mortgages ____ 138,670.26 110,120.50 98,041.07 129,290.97 Accrued Interest Receivable 161,397.01 148,081.38 Supplies, Prepaid Items, Deposits ____ 217,199.79 248,111.81 389,899.80 217,096.14
Total Assets $33,125,604.94 $27,627,481.21 $31,057,995.04 $34,522,583.06
LIABILITIES
Accounts Payable $ 5,851,824.85 $ 6,923,354.77 $ 8,000,896.51 $ 7,105,906.36 Trust Funds 12,349,367.11 2,709,308.25 3,608,373.24 3,042,195.33 Deferred Items 26,843.79 937,004.28 29,931.17 34,603.84 Accrued Accounts Payable 513,896.21
Total Liabilities $18,228,035.75 $10,569,667.30 $11,639,200.92 $10,696,601.74
NET WORTH
Operating Capital $ 7,810,977.85 $ 8,574,497.79 $10,460,706.95 $10,672,647.92 Reserves 7,086,591.34 8,483,316.12 8,958,087.17 13,153,333.40
Total Net Worth $14,897,569.19 $17,057,813.91 $19,418,794.12 $23,825,981.32
Total Liabilities and Net Worth $33,125,604.94 $27,627,481.21 $31,057,995.04 $34,522,583.06