10 20
INSPIRATION & INFORMATION FOR NORTH AMERICA
INCLUDED
Adventist Journey
Contents 04 Feature 13 Perspective Planting “Seeds for Life” for Instacart Life Lessons Citizens of the Navajo Nation
08 NAD Update 14 NAD News Briefs In New York, ACS Receives First Weekly Delivery of Food Pallets
My Journey
This is a special edition of Adventist Journey—we have put together an online-only magazine for October. You can click the links provided on stories and be transported there directly. We also have a new video highlighting all the Adventists featured on this month’s cover. One last thing: click here to let us know what types of content you value most in the magazine.
Visit vimeo.com/nadadventist/ajcompilation1 for glimpses into these Adventist journeys; and turn to page 10 for the interview "A Blind Musician Shares His Faith Journey." 10 Interview inside photo by Pieter Damsteegt Cover photos by Dan Weber, Mylon Medley, and Pieter Damsteegt; Cover photos by Dan Weber, Mylon Medley, and Pieter Damsteegt;
Dear Reader: The publication in your hands represents the collaborative efforts of the ADVENTIST JOURNEY North American Division and Adventist World magazine, which follows Adventist Journey Editor Kimberly Luste Maran (after page 16). Please enjoy both magazines! Senior Editorial Assistant Georgia Damsteegt
Art Direction & Design Types & Symbols Adventist Journey (ISSN 1557-5519) is the journal of the North American Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The Northern Asia-Pacific Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Consultants G. Earl Knight, Mark Johnson, Dave Weigley, Adventists is the publisher. It is printed monthly by the Pacific Press® Publishing Association. Copyright Maurice Valentine, Gary Thurber, John Freedman, © 2020. Send address changes to your local conference membership clerk. Contact information should be available through your local church. Ricardo Graham, Ron C. Smith, Larry Moore Executive Editor, Adventist World Bill Knott PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Vol. 3, No. 10. October 2020. Adventist Journey Publication Board G. Alexander Bryant (chair), Kimberly Luste Maran (secretary), Kyoshin Ahn, Curtis Randolph Robinson, Tony Anobile, Paul Brantley, Alvin M. Kibble, Arne Nielson, Gordon Pifher, Bonita J. Shields, Kenneth Denslow, Daniel Weber, Julio Muñoz, Karnik Doukmetzian, legal advisor Scripture References Unless otherwise noted, all Bible references are taken from the The Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Email: [email protected] | Web site: nadadventist.org
10 / 20 ADVENTIST 03 FEATURE
Transitioning from Distance Learning, Planting “SEEDS FOR LIFE” FOR CITIZENS OF THE NAVAJO NATION
he Navajo people have been leaders, more than 9,300 positive disproportionality affected cases and more than 71,000 nega- by the deadly novel corona- tive cases have been reported. There Students and teachers of virus since the first case was have also been 472 deaths. Holbrook Indian School join confirmed on the tribal land The Navajo Nation is the largest hands as they sing and pray on March 17, 2020. In late spring tribe in the U.S. Its territory spans during a gathering this past Tthe Navajo Nation had the most New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. school year. Josef Kissinger/ Holbrook Indian School. confirmed cases of the coronavirus Approximately 170,000 people per capita in the United States. As live within the borders of the of mid-August, after rigorous testing Navajo tribal land, which holds facilitated by the Navajo Nation rural and remote communities lo- FEATURE
cated off road systems. One third of its residents don’t have run- ning water or electricity in their homes. Many also lack access to broadband or strong cellular service. Further, Navajo Nation is considered a food desert. Only 13 grocery stores can be found in the vast territory, creating a severe deficiency of fresh produce and whole foods. Mylon Medley spoke to Pedro Ojeda, principal of Holbrook Indian School, an Adventist boarding school in a border town of the Navajo Na- tion, and Nancy Crosby, Native Minis- tries director for the Pacific Union A teacher of Holbrook Indian School assists students with map reading as Conference, who also works for part of Holbrook’s “Outdoor School.” the Nevada-Utah Conference. Both Josef Kissinger/Holbrook Indian School. discussed the realities of serving this marginalized nation within a nation.
Give us an overview of Hol- Distance learning is ineffective brook Indian School. Ojeda: This is a boarding school for the students. Some students for students grades 1 through 12. We have 11 teachers on our main are dealing with a stressful campus, and one in Chinle, which is one of five agencies, or regional home life. . . . Some [are] saying areas, that make up the Navajo Nation. We’re the only school like they do not want to be home this operated within the North American Division. We aim to be a and would rather be at school. safe haven for children; that’s why we start with first grade. break. We sent students packets from some students saying they We typically have up to 80 with lesson plans each week. do not want to be home and would students. Since the school has Twelve of our students did not have rather be at school. We did not been around for nearly 75 years, computers or adequate Internet receive work from one of our top students come to us by word of access, so we purchased tablets students, but we know her family mouth. Tuition is $14,000, but fam- and Internet hot spots for them. does not have a permanent place ilies have to pay only $85. The rest Considering the learning styles of to live. They bounce around from is covered by our generous donors. our students and the extraneous relative to relative across the reser- situations created by the pandemic, vation and the state of Arizona. How did students perform after we drastically reduced the amount Distance learning is ineffective schools were forced to conduct of material they would’ve learned for our students. They need to be distance learning as a result of in person to 25 percent, of which, physically in school. Our coun- the COVID-19 pandemic? on average, students completed 10 selors reached out to students Ojeda: The students have not percent. Some students did nothing. regularly, and our elementary been on campus since March 13, Some are dealing with a stressful teachers tried to contact their which was right before our spring home life. Teachers heard stories students daily.
10 / 20 ADVENTIST 05 FEATURE
What adjustments will be made for the fall 2020 semester? Ojeda: We started distance instruction that included materi- als that helped us get to know the student on August 10 and officially reopened the campus on August 17. We hope to be able to keep students on campus through De- cember 4. Students who leave for weekends will need to be isolated upon return. For housing, we limit students to one per room unless they are related and have already been in contact with each other. We have classes outside as often as possible. When Nancy Crosby, right, assists a community member with a box of fresh produce at the indoors, students wear masks or "Seeds for Life" community garden. face shields and stay six feet away Photo courtesy of Nancy Crosby. from others when possible.
When did you begin your work Have any of your members contracted COVID-19? with the Navajo? Crosby: We have only two couples in our church who are married. The Crosby: Six years ago my hus- husband of one of those couples died because of COVID-19. That was a hard band was called to serve as pas- blow for the church and me. He and his wife showed such commitment spir- tor for the Seventh-day Adventist itually and financially to the church. A piece of history and stability is now church in Page, Arizona, a border gone. I haven’t seen his wife since his passing. town of the Navajo Nation. The church was formed in 2012 as Describe your community outreach with the Navajo. a result of a Thirteenth Sabbath Crosby: In 2017 the local government granted my husband’s request to Offering with the goal of min- turn a spare parking lot into a greenhouse in hopes of starting a Seeds for istering to the Navajo. We also Life community garden. An endowment from the Pacific Union Conference serve missions on the reserva- for creative evangelism helped us with initial funding. Then a woman in her tion in the Chinle, Window Rock, mid-80s gave us a check for $3,000, which was all of her savings. The garden and Kayenta agencies. We have has been 100 percent supported by donors. anywhere from 12 to 50 people The community garden has broccoli, cauliflower, kale, romaine lettuce, who regularly attend the church tomatoes, onions, spinach, and beets, as well as a variety of herbs, including in Page, and about 35 members cilantro, basil, and parsley. We charge only a small fee for the produce. in Kayenta. I became Native Ministries direc- How have you been able to adapt your ministry in relation tor for the Pacific Union Conference to your garden? in 2016. It’s a volunteer position. Crosby: We typically host a two-week summer day camp with up to 15 Through my work for the union, I kids. This year we had seven kids, and everything was outdoors. We spent a became familiar with the Navajo lot of time in the garden. One father asked if I could home-school his daugh- Mission ministry of the Neva- ters since they had such fun tending to the garden. da-Utah Conference. As I got more The city manager and his wife have also taken an interest. They want to involved in its mission, I officially help us expand the garden. The garden has opened so many opportunities for joined the conference part-time us. If we didn’t have it, we don’t know what we would do during this time. 2018. Even though we live in Ari- zona, we’re only nine miles away Mylon Medley is an assistant director of communication for the North from the Utah border. American Division.
06 ADVENTIST www.nadadventist.org CHRISTIAN TELEVISION FOR URBAN AUDIENCES
Reaching inner-city residents with the gospel of Jesus Christ and practical tools for living.
URBAN REPORT Powerful testimonies and valuable resources for spiritual growth and practical Christianity.
CREATIVE COOKING Delicious and nutritious vegan dishes you are sure to love!
SALVATION IN SYMBOLS AND SIGNS Thoughtful study of the important themes and symbols of Daniel and Revelation.
10 / 20(618) 627-4651 | D2DNetwork.tv ADVENTIST 07 NAD UPDATE
give away, and some centers unable to open because of a lack of food. In New York City, ACS With this backdrop we began speaking with City Harvest about Receives First Weekly working with us to meet the observed need. Initially we hoped Delivery of Pallets of to get food for a couple of our most active food pantries. But as we continued the discussion, it Food From New Partner appeared there might be an oppor- tunity for us to receive more. We BY W. DERRICK LEA shared the level of challenges we were facing and sent a listing of all Over the years, Adventist Community Services (ACS) food pantries have the pantries we had been operat- assisted countless people in North America. The food insecurity situation ing in New York City. When City has become especially dire during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is just one Harvest saw the magnitude of our story of the extraordinary ways ACS has helped tens of thousands of people. operation and the number of peo- Prayers and partnerships continue across the division.—Editors. ple we were assisting each week, they told us the topic would need to be presented to their board. arly on a summer Monday ACS has approximately 100 This led to the current offer of 12 I drove up to work with the pantries operating in New York’s pallets of food delivered to one Adventist Community Ser- five boroughs, and they distribute location each Monday between the vices (ACS) teams from the food two to three times each week. hours of 9:00 a.m. and noon. ENortheastern and Greater New York This work has led those suffering conferences. This day had been in through COVID-19 to flock to the At the Warehouse the planning for about two months, food pantries at a level we have I got up that Monday at 4:00 a.m. when ACS (local, conference, union never seen, with thousands of people to ensure that I’d arrive before City conference, and division leaders) taking advantage of these services Harvest arrived at our ACS ware- began discussing our need for every day the ACS pantries are open. house in the Bronx. I drove past our food with City Harvest, one of the The use of these pantries had led to center at 8:00 a.m. to see the large region’s largest food banks. our ACS teams running out of food to bay door open and Walter Harris,
On July 13, 2020, the City Harvest truck with 12 pallets of food delivers goods to an Adventist Community Services warehouse in the Bronx, New York. Courtesy of Adventist Community Services
08 ADVENTIST www.nadadventist.org NAD NEWSNAD UPDATE BRIEFS
warehouse manager, already on site, moving pallets around to en- sure enough space for the delivery. I parked and walked inside, noticing all the packages that surrounded the warehouse. Prod- ucts from American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), United Methodist Committee on Relief, etc., that had been donated during previous events and now sat prepositioned, ACS workers unload produce from the City Harvest truck that delivered 12 pallets of food awaiting the next disaster. Harris on July 13. Courtesy of Adventist Community Services and I talked about how things were going in the city, and he “This delivery means a lot,” said Community Help spoke of the reception our ACS Augustave, ACS director for the “Because of the situation we are centers were getting from both the Northeastern Conference. “Not living in now, many people have lost private and governmental sector. only to our conference, but to the their jobs and have no resources at The New York Voluntary Organi- Greater New York Conference as all. When we do something like this, zations Active in Disaster (VOAD) well. Several of the food distribu- providing the resources like this, the president had reached out to ACS, tion agencies at the churches have food, which is a primary need, we are asking if we would assist with had to recently buy their own food making a difference in their lives,” receiving goods from FEMA—that because they have not been grant- said Biazotto, ACS director for Great- is, some of what’s temporarily ed approval to receive deliveries by er New York Conference. “We always housed in our warehouse. Space is a various food banks, such as United need to consider if we’re making a premium in the city, and the VOAD Way. Our current memorandum of difference. That is the aspect that we president knew ACS could be count- understanding with City Harvest always have to pay attention to. This ed on to help others who were also enables us to receive food every is the kind of relief that is needed.” working to serve the community. Monday until December 31.” Glad to combine efforts with the Harris additionally shared that our As 9:00 a.m. passed, the small Northeastern Conference, Biazotto local conference leaders were asked crowd of 12 to 15 people waited in continued, “Some of the churches to serve on one of the New York City tense anticipation. A little past 11:00, have been struggling, and this is mayor’s special committees dealing as I met Adnan Ansari, who works a good opportunity to help the with COVID-19, thanks to him hear- with the community in New York community in a greater way. By re- ing about the “tremendous work” of identifying innovative ways to begin ceiving this donation, it will help us our centers in the community. conversations among divergent help others, and that’s what makes We finished the conversation groups, one of our ACS volunteers the difference in our lives—when as several other people showed rushed into the office and declared, we become instruments of God, up wearing masks and yellow ACS “The truck is here!” I briefly gave a relieving the suffering of people shirts, excited and ready to work. silent prayer of thanks to God and around us. It’s a great blessing, Jobs were given to team members, proceeded to the warehouse front. honor, and opportunity.” and both Luis Biazotto and Mario The 18-wheeler parked on Givan I concluded with a prayer of Augustave, our conference ACS Avenue. The rear door of the trailer thanks. ACS team members then be- leaders, arrived. We planned how opened. For about 45 minutes gan breaking down the pallets, while the delivery would take place and pallets of food were wheeled off trucks from various churches took how the product delivered would the back of the truck, and a forklift goods for their food pantries back to be split between both conferences. was then used to move the pal- individual centers around the city. The camaraderie and general lets into the warehouse. By noon pleasant attitude of Biazotto and we had concluded the effort and W. Derrick Lea is director of Adventist Augustave was good to see. I began brought everyone together to offer Community Services Disaster to be even more proud of the work our thanks and gratitude to each of Response for the North American we were involved in. those in attendance. Division; click here to watch a video.
10 / 20 ADVENTIST 09 NAD FEATURE INTERVIEW
“I want to use my voice to tell others that God is always with them, no matter what.”
All smiles, Jordy Barnhart plays his piano, a gift from the North American Division and its executive committee members, in his Pennsylvania apartment. Pieter Damsteegt
10 ADVENTIST www.nadadventist.org NAD FEATURE INTERVIEW
Not too long ago you received a surprise as a result of something that happened at the North Ameri- can Division headquarters. Can you describe it? I went to the North American Division FROM CAMPS headquarters in Columbia, Maryland, in 2018 to give my testimony on how the ministry changed my life. I went TO CHURCH: with Diane Thurber, who is president of Christian Record Services for the Blind. After I gave my testimony, I played the A Blind Musician Shares piano—the first three verses of “Amaz- ing Grace.” I was asked if I had my own His Faith Journey piano; I said I didn’t have one. After the program, Diane gave me a ride home. During the ride she received a call that an offering was collected at ordy Barnhart is a legally blind musician who lives in Waynesboro, the program to purchase a piano for me. Pennsylvania. He was featured on the cover and in the cover video I said, “You’ve got to be kidding me!” She’s story of the March 2019 issue of Adventist Journey. During the inter- replied, “No, I’m dead serious.” There was view with Kimberly Luste Maran, Barnhart shared how Christian even enough money to purchase insur- J Record Services for the Blind—an organization of the North American ance for the piano. Division that offers free resources and scholarships, and sponsors summer Two days later I got a big box on camps for the blind and visually impaired—helped shaped his faith. my front porch. It weighed around 50 pounds and came with a stand, weighted When would you say your Adventist journey began? keys, and everything. A friend helped me It really started with my grandmother, who modeled what it’s like to set it up. I just couldn’t contain myself. be a Christian. I spent a lot of time with her when I was a child. My happiness was through the roof. In terms of how I became an Adventist, I was introduced to the church through camps sponsored by Christian Record Services for When did your love of music begin? the Blind. I started attending the Hagerstown Seventh-day Adven- I grew up listening to country music— tist Church in Hagerstown, Maryland, in 2011. Between hearing the Johnny Cash, Oak Ridge Boys, Willie sermons at church and going to the camps, I was being drawn closer Nelson, etc. My mom introduced me to and closer to the Lord. I gave my life to Christ at the Indian Creek Camp the genre in 1992. I’ve watched every in Tennessee in 2015. There was a call during one of the programs country music awards show since then. to stand up if anyone wanted to give their heart to Jesus. I stood up; I was in a jazz band in school for six and people prayed with me. Eventually I was baptized [in September 2018], a half years, not to play jazz but to learn and I’ve continued to grow spiritually since then. more about music. I play the piano, guitar, and bass gui- How did you discover Christian Record Services for the Blind tar. I want to learn how to play the banjo. (CRS) and its camps? Here’s a quick story: I went to Port- In 2004 my mom looked for camps for me to go to during the sum- land, Oregon, in July a couple years mertime. She knew I wanted to grow my Christian faith because of my ago to visit a friend and go to camp relationship with my grandmother. During her search she stumbled meeting. On the way to camp meeting upon the website for Christian Record Services. She emailed me infor- I heard the Christian song “Reckless mation about the camps she found on its site. I decided to try the camp. Love.” I thought, I’ve got to learn it. So I Well, I loved it so much that I went again and again. I’ve been to camps did, plus a few more from camp meet- in Massachusetts, Colorado, Tennessee, Florida, and Maine. ing. I love that song and another, “Who The camps have helped me on my Adventist journey. Over the years You Say I Am,” which I learned at the I’ve received an audio Bible, study guides, and hymnals. I also enjoy the camp meeting. activities, including talent shows. I especially love making new friends You know, we are who He says we are. and staying in contact with them. We live and, as another favorite song of
10 / 20 ADVENTIST 11 NAD FEATURE INTERVIEW
mine, “Thrive,” says, we were made to thrive. We are truly made for more than what we have.
How do you incorporate music into your daily routine? I start my day with breakfast, then I run er- rands with my sisters if they’re available. Then I practice the piano before I go on Facebook Live to sing and get my voice heard. I want my music to be an inspiration. I’ve been told I have the voice of a country star. I want to use my voice to tell others that God is always with them, no matter what. Sharing that message through music makes me feel good.
A lot has changed in 2020; how have you been dealing with it all, and how has God, and your music, been a comfort?
I’ve been dealing pretty well with the In 2017, Jordy Barnhart and another COVID-19 restrictions. It hasn’t affected me in a blind camper enjoy winter blind lot of ways, but I usually go to Christian Record camp at Camp Au Sable in Michigan. summer camps, and they have been canceled Courtesy of Christian Record Services. this year. I understand why, so I’m just coping with it. No complaining! God has still helped me through it as well. And About Christian Record Services my music—my church closed earlier this year, but In 1899 Austin O. Wilson, a legally blind young reopened in June, and so I’ve been back in church, man in his early 20s, was concerned about the lack and playing the piano for the offering, the chil- of Christian reading material available for the blind. dren’s story, and our “garden of prayer.” He tried an experiment. Taking a clothes wringer, he It’s been a comfort to know that the circle of modified it to accommodate two metal plates with friends I have who attend church will pick me up a sheet of heavy paper between them. As the plates every week, and make sure I get everything I need were squeezed through the wringer, the raised dots at the church. They sit with me; they don’t leave on the plates made an impression on the paper, me hanging. God brought them into my life for a producing one page of a braille magazine he entitled reason. And I am so glad He did. . . . We’re all there Christian Record. More than 100 years later Chris- for each other. tian Record is still being published, along with eight other periodicals. What advice would you give to someone In 1950 the first talking books were recorded for who is also blind? Christian Record. Now more than 1,600 talking books are I’d tell them to believe they’ll succeed in life. I’d available through the Christian Record lending library. say don’t limit yourself just because you don’t have In 1967 National Camps for Blind Children was any sight; don’t let that stop you from your going formed. That first summer camp was held in Florida about your daily life. Have faith in yourself; you with 23 youth. Since then, nearly 50,000 campers have can do everything without sight. You do things dif- attended these special camps. ferently with your hands. Your hands become your Some of the services and products provided by this eyes. Also, ask God to help you be self-sufficient. international organization include subscription mag- He’ll help you become independent. azines in braille, large print, and mp3 disks; gift Bibles Here’s a tip: If you experience something diffi- and study guides in braille, large print, solar player, and cult, don’t let it ruin your day. If there’s a difficult NLS digital cartridge; and summer camps operated situation, something that catches me off guard, I throughout North America. don’t get mad about it. I just stop and think, OK, it’s Click here to learn more about Christian Record going to get better. That’s what you do. Services for the Blind.
12 ADVENTIST www.nadadventist.org PERSPECTIVE
BY KIMBERLY LUSTE MARAN
Instacart Life The third Instacart lesson learned is that even if I pay attention to the details and go the extra mile to be understood, I Lessons should still expect the unexpected. And know how to roll with it. In July I ordered a bag of apples, he fall of 2020 is upon us, and COVID-19 restrictions and planning to stew them with cinnamon. closures continue to impact our lives in countless ways. I checked: yes, I selected a five-pound These changes have greatly altered our world, and will bag of apples. Yes, I made sure the re- continue to ripple out around the globe for years. placement was also a bag of apples. The TIn varying degrees, we’ve all had our lives changed. Many have delivery came, and I discovered a bag lost loved ones, their own health, jobs, homes, and/or food secu- that had one apple. It was a lovely-look- rity. My family said goodbye this past spring to a dear next-door ing apple. Nice shape, nice color. Firm to neighbor, and I’m sure the virus isn’t done yet. For now, I am the touch. But it was one apple. For five grateful that the Lord has kept us relatively healthy. He’s also kept of us. Shaking my head and laughing, I my husband and me employed; we are both able to provide for thought: What do I have that could replace our family and help others. the apples? In these circumstances, in this uncertain time, there are I rummaged through the refrigera- lessons we can learn—even from the basic and mundane task of tor’s fruit bin and saw an unopened bag grocery shopping. of pears. They were all ripe; some had Instacart is an app-based grocery service. Many major super- already started to spoil. Perfect! I peeled market retailers are listed in the app. A person can shop for the and sliced and simmered those pears items they need and, for a fee (and tip), the goods will be delivered and with the sweet-tart flavors and tex- during a predetermined time frame by an Instacart shopper. Since ture, it was actually a better complement the pandemic and subsequent closures began, I've used this ser- to our meal than vice to get food from Costco and other retailers. the apples would The first lesson I learned is that I should pay attention to details have been. I look forward to God is with us, and exhibit care when ordering. Rushing, and not reading the fine stories, smiles, and print, can cause lost time and money, and disappointment. and He knows our laughter in heaven. In early April I ordered Tofurky slices. I assumed the shopper struggles. He sees would know that I wanted a meatless product. As an Instacart novice, our pain, our joy, I didn’t notice the “replace it with . . .” or “do not replace” options. I our foibles—I look speedily placed the order, and instead of the Tofurky, I got pork slices. forward to stories, smiles, and laughter On the upside, our two backyard cats really enjoyed their ham! in heaven. I look forward to when God, The second lesson learned is that even if I think I’ve communi- as stated in Jeremiah 30:17, will restore cated carefully and clearly, it may not be clear on the other end, so us to health and heal our wounds. I look I should kindly do my best to make sure I’m understood. forward to the time described in Revela- When ordering in June, I received replacement suggestions tion 21:4. I’m looking forward to laugh- that were hilariously surprising. In this order I requested bottled ter and light. drinking water, tomato sauce, and cheddar cheese snacks. Instacart suggested caramel and cheese mixed popcorn to replace the water. Kimberly Luste Maran is an associate No tomato sauce? Popcorn. No cheese? Popcorn. I painstakingly director of the Office of Communication made sure my replacement for those items wasn’t the popcorn. for the North American Division.
10 / 20 ADVENTIST 13 NAD NEWS BRIEFS
NAD NEWS BRIEFS
Joyce Newmyer, Alex Bryan, and Jason Wells Provided by Adventist Health
of health care and the lives of those we touch. Now, as we intentionally expand over the next decade with bold moves, it is essential to have an even wider perspective of mission.” Jason Wells, president of Adventist Health’s three hospitals and services in Mendocino County, California, has been named chief consumer and innovation officer to help realign the ADVENTIST HEALTH organization around the consumer by transforming the patient and con- APPOINTS NEW LEADERS sumer experience through improved access to care and easier processes TO ADVANCE VISION as well as services and solutions that better address overall health and s Adventist Health continues Oregon Health Sciences University well-being. Wells will be responsible to advance its 2030 vision to in Portland and will continue to chair for consumer services, experience bring health and well-being the community boards for Adventist design, marketing and brand, public intoA reach for everyone, the faith-in- Health services in Portland and affairs, and strategy activation. spired health system has appointed Tillamook, Oregon, and on Oahu “Jason has demonstrated effective three experienced executives to its in Hawaii. leadership and exceptional engage- system cabinet to focus on culture, “Joyce’s varied experiences have ment along with an ability to mobi- mission, and consumer health, prepared her to help us build an lize stakeholders toward a common Adventist Health CEO Scott Reiner intentional and unified culture that vision with bold, creative thinking,” announced in September. will define what it means to be Ad- Reiner said. “These skills will be criti- Adventist Health, the nonprofit ventist Health,” Reiner said. New- cal in transforming Adventist Health integrated health-care system that myer brings more than 20 years of into the innovative and consumer-fo- serves more than 80 rural and urban health care executive experience cused organization we aspire to be.” communities on the West Coast and to her role, serving at organizations Before joining Adventist Health in Hawaii, is transforming from a in California, Kansas, Maryland, in 2017, Wells, who is a fellow of hospital-centered company to one Oregon, and Tennessee. the American College of Healthcare primarily focused on health. Alex Bryan, who has more than Executives, served in health care Joyce Newmyer, the president of 20 years of experience in pastoral executive and leadership roles in Adventist Health services in Oregon, ministry and higher education, has North Carolina and Florida. has been named chief culture officer. been appointed chief mission officer. Wells will remain in Mendocino In her new position Newmyer leads Bryan leads and supports a system- County until a new president is iden- and supports associate and provider wide mission team in promoting and tified. He will also continue to serve engagement, communications, lead- integrating the organization’s mis- as chair of the community boards for ership development and residencies, sion of “living God’s love by inspiring Adventist Health Howard Memorial as well as diversity, equity, and inclu- health, wholeness, and hope.” in Willits, Mendocino Coast in Fort sion. She also will continue to serve “Our mission has always been Bragg, and Ukiah Valley. as the primary relationship leader for important,” Reiner said. “It’s what —Christine Pickering, Adventist Adventist Health’s partnership with inspires us to transform the future Health communication
14 ADVENTIST www.nadadventist.org NAD NEWS BRIEFS iStock/talipcubukcu
North American Division Votes $10 Million COVID-19 Stimulus Package
his summer the North American Division com- nine union conferences and the Guam-Micronesia Tmittee voted a stimulus package of $10 million Mission (GMM), disbursed primarily based on tithe to provide financial assistance to the division’s con- contributions; $3 million of round two funding ferences through its union conference territories. available to the nine union conferences and GMM, This comes as COVID-19 continues to impact many distribution to be determined on a need-only basis Adventist members and entities. later in 2020 after an evaluation of round one ap- “The North American Division recognizes the propriations; and $2 million earmarked for need-on- financial challenges facing the Seventh-day Adven- ly distribution for NAD entities, including Adventist tist Church in North America because of COVID-19,” Information Ministries, North American Division the proposal stated. “Careful consideration has been Evangelism Institute, Christian Record Services for given to the current and future financial health of the Blind, Pacific Press Publishing Association, Oak- the North American Division relative to the amount wood University, AdventSource, Seminars Unlimit- of the appropriation provided.” ed, and Adventist Media Ministries. The proposal recognized that the division needs “We are pleased to be able to offer these funds to retain the ability to continue providing critically to places in the church that are hurting the most,” needed services, and exists to serve its field. said NAD treasurer Randy Robinson. “We are The funds are split into two rounds of funding family. When one hurts, we all hurt. We want to do for conferences and an additional funding source our part to alleviate that hurt, and we are glad to for NAD ministries: $5 million in unrestricted partner with our unions to do so.” round one funding to be distributed to the NAD’s —Kimberly Luste Maran, NAD communication
The 2020 enditnow Virtual Summit on Abuse Aims to Equip Leaders With Tools to Help Spot and End Domestic Violence
he North American Division and more people have expressed of Seventh-day Adventists is interest in our summit and resourc- preparing to host an event on es, but now it’s time to put more TNovember 13-14, 2020, that aims to tools in people’s hands,” said Erica raise awareness of violence against Jones, assistant director of NAD women and minors taking place in women’s ministries. “Many min- churches, homes, and schools. This istry leaders are grasping that this year the enditnow Virtual Summit is not just a women’s ministries on Abuse will place a greater em- issue—it’s a human rights’ issue.” phasis on providing church leaders, The keynote presenter of the The enditnow Summit on pastors, seminary students, and summit will be Mary DeMuth, au- Abuse has been an annual event schools administrators and teachers thor of We Too: How the Church Can since 2017. As in years past, pre- with practical tools to help victims Respond Redemptively to the Sexual sentations will be given both in En- of domestic violence, or intimate Abuse Crisis. Additional topics cov- glish (November 13) and Spanish partner violence, receive the help ered by thought leaders in this field (November 14). they need in a safe, effective, and will include protecting children and Click here to register for the sum- nonjudgmental manner. youth, and digging out of the pit of mit in English, and here to register “We’ve built an awareness and spiritual abuse—a topic presented at for the summit in Spanish. engagement campaign over the a previous summit that past attend- —Mylon Medley, years that has worked well. More ees have requested to hear again. NAD communication
10 / 20 ADVENTIST 15 NAD NEWS BRIEFS
Primary Treasure, Our Little Friend, and Guide magazines have been available online for free during COVID-19 closures.
Since early spring, when most churches closed because of coronavirus, all three of these magazines’ weekly issues have been available online for digital download—free. That GERALD A. KLINGBEIL benefit will be available until most churches resume regular- ly worshipping in their buildings, where kids can pick up the magazines in Sabbath school. In addition to the free downloads, Guide is mailing two spe- cial-print issues to conference children’s ministries leaders and to local church children’s Sabbath school leaders in churches that don’t already subscribe to Guide. These two issues, distrib- Kids’ Sabbath School Magazines uted September 5 and 12, cover two distinct Adventist funda- mental beliefs, the heavenly sanctuary and the Second Coming. Temporarily Available Free; Guide plans to develop two special issues featuring funda- Special Guide Issues Coming mental beliefs each year. In 2021 a twice-monthly column by former editor Randy Fishell will introduce and reinforce key early 40 percent of adults who end up beliefs. Finally, the Guide editorial team is about to release a leaving the Christian church had their first new book, What We Believe for Guide Readers, which introduces doubts in middle school. That’s why Guide, kids to Adventist beliefs through true stories and fun studies. Primary Treasure, and Our Little Friend Download the free issues of Guide at GuideMagazine.org Nmagazines are so important for Adventist kids. and both Primary Treasure and Our Little Friend at These weekly publications are filled with inspiring PrimaryTreasure.com, or subscribe to the print magazines content that helps young hearts and minds develop at AdventistBookCenter.com. Join authors from around the world as they deep connections with Jesus and with the church —Alicia Adams, Pacific Press Publishing Association Our Fundamental body while they’re open and receptive. marketing director share their own passion for a particular Bible doctrine. As they spell out their personal faith, Beliefs Explained you may be challenged to examine your own spiritual journey. ADVENTIST WORLD RADIO PRESENTS As you read these engaging chapters about the Seventh-day Adventist fundamental beliefs, you will discover not only spiritual nourish- ment, encouragement, and truth but also the joy of spending time with God’s personal message for humanity.
AdventistBookCenter.com/28ways Watch Online Now! MASTER CLASS with CAMI OETMAN This powerful series is available to watch free of charge and on demand! Unlocking Bible Prophecies 2.0 includes additional new content you won’t want to miss. Now available in multiple languages, including Spanish. Whether you’ve never before cracked open a Bible, or have been studying it all your life, you’ll gain new insights from this free master class. awr.org/bible ©2020 Pacific Press® Publishing Association Please contact your ABC for pricing in Canada. 2055901051 Let’s Connect! awr360 | awr360 | awr.360 | awr.org/videos | awr.org
16 ADVENTIST www.nadadventist.org GERALD A. KLINGBEIL
Join authors from around the world as they share their own passion for a particular Bible Our Fundamental doctrine. As they spell out their personal faith, Beliefs Explained you may be challenged to examine your own spiritual journey. As you read these engaging chapters about the Seventh-day Adventist fundamental beliefs, you will discover not only spiritual nourish- ment, encouragement, and truth but also the joy of spending time with God’s personal message for humanity.
AdventistBookCenter.com/28ways
©2020 Pacific Press® Publishing Association Please contact your ABC for pricing in Canada. 2055901051 Broadcast LIVE from the New W.O.R.D. Center October 23 – November 14, 2020 | 7:00 – 8:30 pm PT
® 3ABN with Doug Batchelor More details at RevelationNow.com
Watch ® On Demand
What You Want When You Want Over 3,000 videos on
SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channels @3ABNVideos
® (618) 627-4651 | 3ABN.tv Watch ® On Demand
EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF GIVING
What You Want When You Want Over 3,000 videos on
SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channels @3ABNVideos
® I have come that they may have life - and have it more abundantly. willplan.org (618) 627-4651 | 3ABN.tv The Perfect Holiday Gift Lasting gifts for your family and friends this season! To serve humanity so
Personalize “YOUR WORD IS A LAMP …” all may live as God intended your Bibles for just $14.95. Brighten your path to eternity with the popular Amazing Facts NKJV Prophecy Study Bibles, where you’ll find encouragement, inspiration, and practical direction for your life!
Giant Print Leather Genuine Leather Black Leathersoft Enhanced with a variety of powerful study helps that make the New BK-PSBGPL … $99.98 BK-PSBPL … $89.98 BK-PSBDB … $76.95 King James text come alive—comprehensive tools to deepen your Sale $84.95 Sale $79.95 understanding of Scripture, empower your walk with God, and equip you to better serve Him in these troubled times.
Great for personal or group study or for giving Bible studies, these engaging Bibles are packed with winning features such as letters of Christ in red, a 64-page concordance, center-column references, full-color maps, all 27 Amazing Facts Study Guides, and much more!
The perfect gift for everyone on your list—one that will be treasured Navy Leathersoft Teal Leathersoft Brown Leathersoft for years to come! BK-PSBNL … $76.95 BK-PSBTL … $76.95 BK-PSBSD … $76.95
Amazing Testimonies of Changed Lives Amazing Facts Devotionals Leathersoft | BK-CLDD … $19.95 Hardcover | BK-CLDH … $19.95 Enhance your daily worship time with our On sale for only $14.95 when you order by December 31. newest and most popular devotionals! Personalize your leathersoft devotionals for In the brand-new Amazing Testimonies of Changed Lives devotional, you’ll only $15! relish incredible stories of people from all backgrounds—across many Triumphant Truth The number of U.S. The number of time-periods—whose lives were transformed by the truth and the love 25 conferences we are assisting. 200 Leathersoft | BK-LTDD … $19.95 food pantries we of God. You’ll embark on an in-depth exploration of the 28 vital truths of Hardcover | BK-TTDD … $17.95 are supplying. God’s remnant church in Triumphant Truth. In A Cloud of Witnesses, you’ll discover inspiring stories of many of the Bible’s most fascinating characters. Learn more about ADRA’s And the always-popular Moving Mountains shares hundreds of amazing global response at: A Cloud of Witnesses ADRA.org/FightCovid19 facts about our world intertwined with practical Bible truths—providing a BK-ACOW … $14.95 fun, faith-building devotional experience for each day of the year. Perfect, lasting gifts for those you love! Order yours today! Moving Mountains The dollar amount of BK-MMDD … $14.95 2.3 Million medical equipment we 1-YouThank you for provided in the U.S. being one of us. 800-538-7275 | www.afbookstore.com 20-043.19 | © 2020 ADRA
20-043.19_Adventist_Journey_AD-US_Response.indd 2 7/23/20 10:37 AM To serve humanity so all may live as God intended
25The number of U.S. The number of conferences we are assisting. 200 food pantries we are supplying.
Learn more about ADRA’s global response at: ADRA.org/FightCovid19
2.3The dollar amount Million of medical equipment we 1-YouThank you for provided in the U.S. being one of us. 20-043.19 | © 2020 ADRA
20-043.19_Adventist_Journey_AD-US_Response.indd 2 7/23/20 10:37 AM WORLD CHURCH DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING
January 2, 2021 April 3, 2021 July 3, 2021 October 2, 2021
Find the program materials at revivalandreformation.org/prayerdays 10/2020
Eternal, Unchangeable, and Always Relevant Page 10
It’s Time to Secure Our Tomatoes Page 20
Angel Music Page 28
Recent Messages
The First Angel 1798 Fear God and give Gl...
The Second Angel 1843 Babylon is fallen! Fall...
The Third Angel 1844 If anyone worships th...
The Holy Spirit 31 If anyone worships th... 10 A Call to Deeper Worship Eternal, BY BILL KNOTT Unchangeable, and In the sanctuary of God’s presence, hidden in the cleft of the Always Relevant rock, Moses pleaded for a revelation of God’s glory (Ex. 33:18-21). Gerald A. Klingbeil and Angel Manuel Rodríguez In the violence of a tempest, trembling on a mountaintop, the psalmist saw into the sanctuary above, and marveled, “In His 14 16 temple everyone says, ‘Glory!’” (Ps. 29:9). Three Herald’s In the sanctuary built by Solomon, the young prophet heard Messages, of God’s the seraphim calling to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Three Groups Judgment hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” (Isa. 6:3). And when the people of God, prefigured by three angels flying Jared Thurmon Alberto R. Timm in midheaven—carrying good news about the sanctuary and judg- ment—begin their proclamation, they announce, “Fear God and give glory to Him” (Rev. 14:7). 13 Millennial Voices The inescapable conclusion of these and many other passages Keeping the Home Fires Burning of Scripture is that giving God glory, especially in our worship, is Beersheba Jacob the essential mission of God’s faithful remnant—”those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (verse 12). 18 Global View This is a resonating call—loud and insistent—to deepen and to Our True Mission strengthen our perceptions of “Him to whom we must give ac- Ted N. C. Wilson count” (Heb. 4:13), to renew Adventist worship with clear teaching 20 Devotional and rich experience of God’s magnificence, holiness, and kindness. It’s Time to Secure Our Tomatoes In a global culture obsessed with cheap familiarity, tweeting its Emily Gibbs way to careless oblivion, we have the shared tasks of proclaiming God’s amazing “otherness” as well as Jesus’ amazing closeness. 22 Feature We announce how great the gulf is between Us and Us the sinner and the Father, but also show the Timothy G. Standish abundance of the Father’s plan in sending 24 Faith In Action Jesus to be one of us. He lived in our sweat and Tagaytay Central—A Hot Church pain; He died for our eternal gain; He rose that Christian Dumitrescu we might enjoy great fellowship with Him now and forever. The call to “give Him glory” must begin with 26 Bible Questions Answered the household of faith, whether we gather God’s Glory Revealed in the shadowed heat beneath a palm frond 27 Health and Wellness roof or in a gleaming sanctuary, fully lit and A Vegetarian Lifestyle air-conditioned. When we have replicated the story young Isaiah tells—when we have glimpsed both the Father’s deep holiness and 28 May I Tell You a Story? the Saviour’s deep, forgiving tenderness—then we are ready to Angel Music wholeheartedly respond as did the prophet long ago: “Here am I! 30 Growing Faith Send me” (Isa. 6:8). Turning Talent Into Gold The mission—and the message—is all about worship. As you read this special collection of articles about the central mission of this movement, begin by bowing both your heart and your knees—and give Him glory.
We believe in the power of prayer, and we welcome prayer requests that can be shared at our weekly staff worship every Wednesday morning. Send your requests to [email protected], and pray for us as we work together to advance God’s kingdom.
2 October 2020 AdventistWorld.org News Moment
Rob Folkenberg, a pastor and church planter living in British Columbia, Canada, uses his passion for rock climbing as a way to engage with people in the town where he lives. “For me as a church planter, one aspect of my job is to get to know people in my community, make friends, and look for ways to introduce Jesus.” Climbing with others has become a creative way to do just that.
Photo: Rob Folkenberg, Canadian Adventist Messenger
AdventistWorld.org October 2020 3 News in Brief
“We’re going to the communities that 100 have not received any 30,000 help thus far. Many Number of dinosaur bones uncov- don’t have power, and ered by the Adventist-led Dinosaur + Excavation research project over I’ve heard reports the past 20 years in the Lance that some of these Formation bone bed, located in 100 communities aren’t eastern Wyoming, United States. going to have power for Significant research, based on a Number of families on the the next two months. biblical creation paradigm, offer- Caribbean island of Sint Maarten That’s their reality.” ing alternative ideas regarding that received a monthly bag of the extinction of dinosaurs, has organically grown fresh produce, —W. Derrick Lea, Adventist been published in peer-reviewed including lettuce, bok choy, Swiss Community Services Disaster academic journals, challenging chard, collard greens, breadfruit, Response (ACS DR) director of traditional evolutionary theory. plantain, radish, and many others. the North American Division. He A hundred more families received spoke about efforts of ACS DR to a 100 Grow Bag, containing seeds, deliver much-needed donations seedlings, a plant, and starter soil by mobile distribution units to “The Adventist to encourage them to grow their those displaced in the hardest hit own fruits and vegetables, eat areas of Louisiana, United States, community in more healthfully, and become following the landfall of category 4 Bozeman is more financially independent. Hurricane Laura on August 27, 2020. heartbroken by this tragic Are We Getting It Right? loss. Tom has During the 2019 Chosen International Pathfinder Camporee in Oshkosh, a long history Wisconsin, United States, researchers asked 993 Pathfinders about of dedicated their views on salvation. The results of the following two questions chal- lenge us to better present the biblical concept of salvation by grace. service as Source: ASTR Research and Evaluation Team in collaboration with Institute of Church Ministry, n = 993 an Adventist leader here in Montana and I know that I know that the Northwest God loves to be saved I me no matter must live by and will be what I do. God’s rules. deeply missed.”
—Elden Ramirez, Montana Conference president, comment- ing on the death of 40-year-old Strongly agree (77.5%) Strongly agree (55.5%) Adventist helicopter pilot Tom Agree (19.0%) Agree (29.5%) Duffy, whose helicopter crashed I’m not sure (2.5%) I’m not sure (5.5%) while helping to fight a wild- Disagree (0.4%) Disagree (5.5%) fire in the Mount Hood National Strongly disagree (0.6%) Strongly disagree (4.0%) Forest in Oregon, United States.
4 October 2020 AdventistWorld.org News in Brief
“This new alignment brings evidence-based 6,000 Value in Australian dollars of fur- acute clinical and lifestyle niture sold in one week following the opening of a new secondhand church-owned furniture store in medicine together, the town of Bourke, northeastern New South Wales, Australia. It building on both Adventist took the small congregation 12 months to renovate the store and HealthCare’s rich heritage an adjacent café that serve as an Adventist ministry center locat- and ELIA Wellness’s ed prominently on Main Street. innovation in the area of health and wellness to create a stronger platform to bring health, hope, and 211 healing to the community.” Number of municipal and provincial social work directors in Colombia — Geraldine Przybylko, executive director of Australia-based ELIA Wellness, who completed the I Want to Live commenting on the newly established partnership with Adventist HealthCare Healthy certificate program over and Sydney Adventist Hospital. ELIA Wellness was founded in 2016 and a nine-week period of e-learn- has focused on lifestyle medicine, offering proactive health and wellness ing video classes focusing on resources. The partnership will potentially serve 175,000 patients a year. promoting a healthier lifestyle.
“ADRA conducted training classes on how to make soap. We now have all the soap we need to keep ourselves and our homes safe. Also, now that we know how to make soap ourselves, it has given us a new income opportunity. I can see myself making a lot of soap that I can sell for profit.”
—Maria, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, now living in Uganda, about a soap- making workshop offered by ADRA Uganda for people living in the Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement. (->) Photo: ADRA Canada
AdventistWorld.org October 2020 5 News in Depth
Gift Giving, Singing, and South Pacific islands Adventist Plenty of Baptisms schools celebrate Education Week.
By Adventist Record and Adventist World
Schools in the Trans-Pacific Betikama Adventist College in Beulah College conducted its Union Mission (TPUM) in the the Solomon Islands concluded Adventist Education Sabbath South Pacific Division (SPD) their Adventist Education Week throughout all the local churches in celebrated Adventist Education with the baptism of 19 young Tonga on August 29. With teachers Week with gift giving, singing, and people on August 22. Principal Par- and students sharing the Word dozens of baptisms. tinson Bekala said the week’s scrip- of God, they collected a special “Looking Beyond” was the week’s tural readings helped to strengthen offering toward the school’s oper- theme, with hundreds of students, the students’ stand for baptism. ation. Mission education director teachers, and members of the wider There have been 69 baptisms at the Fatongia Hopoate said, “The school community participating in the college this year. . . . received more. God works in a programs. Samoa Adventist College held mysterious way during this pan- An evangelism series at Navesau a combined Adventist Education demic—to God be the glory!” Adventist High School in Fiji culmi- Sabbath on August 22. More than Two weeks earlier 24 students nated in the baptism of 40 students 200 parents joined in the celebra- and two teachers were baptized. on August 15, 2020. tion, with most being from other More than 60 percent of students at At Funafuti Adventist Primary faiths. Principal Tepora Fuimaono Beulah College are from homes of School in Tuvalu, activities were said that there were a lot of positive other faiths. held over two weeks. The first comments from parents. In the Solomon Islands on week was designed for the teach- In Fiji a teacher from Suva Ad- August 18, Naha Adventist Primary ers’ enrichment, while the second ventist College, who organized the School staff and students visited week saw teachers lead out in Education Week of Prayer in her Sunrise Adventist Primary School. evening presentations and students local church, said, “I have never felt Sunrise school is surrounded by involved in singing for the com- so blessed, inspired, and impressed churches from other Christian munity. Principal Kima Pedro said in my whole Christian life. Please denominations. Nearly all the chil- the church was packed every night, pass on our sincere appreciation to dren attending Sunrise school are and a good number of parents from the principal, Encie Donie, and her from families of other faiths. other faiths attended. Students team at BekaBeka Adventist High Students were encouraged to wit- also visited retired teachers and School for the readings. They were ness in their local community. One of presented them with gifts. truly an inspiration.” the residents they met was an elderly man named Iro. While the students were singing songs about God’s love, tears streamed down his cheeks. Iro mentioned that the students were the first group to visit him and give him gifts. He said he wants to join the little group worshipping every Sabbath at the school. “Adventist education aims to pre- pare students for the joy of service in this work, and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come,” said TPUM associate education director Mele Vaihola. “Thus, its role is to plant the seed of service in our Baptismal ceremony at Navesau Adventist High School in Fiji students’ hearts, and the wider com- munity and God give the harvest.” Photo: Adventist Record
6 October 2020 AdventistWorld.org News in Depth
Adventist Publishing House Advent-Verlag continues to serve German-speaking pop- in Germany Turns 125 ulations around the world.
By Adventistischer Pressedienst, and Adventist World
Advent-Verlag, the Seventh-day Adventist publishing house found- ed by Ludwig Richard Conradi in Hamburg, Germany, is turning 125 in 2020. Advent-Verlag opened in 1895 to spread Adventist literature to German-speaking people across the world from the port of Ham- burg. Today, Advent-Verlag GmbH is a modern publishing house with 16 employees and a subsidiary, Wart- The September 2020 berg-Verlag GmbH. Advent-Verlag issue of Adventisten GmbH is a registered company that Heute, the magazine has an eye on the future. for Adventist members in Germany. “In the recent past we delib- The magazine is one erately initiated a generational of many resources change in the publishing house,” Advent-Verlag has produced during its said Advent-Verlag shareholder 125-year history. representative Johannes Naether. “We handed over the management Photo: Advent-Verlag to a new generation in trust. It was important to us for the new team works to publish books on topics they felt honored by the Cham- to be supported by the expertise of related to theology, pastoral care, ber of Industry and Commerce long-standing publishing employ- and lived faith. They also publish acknowledgment. ees, so that the publishing house devotional books, study books, is optimally positioned and its journals, and magazines that CEREMONY POSTPONED tradition-steeped history can be promote, deepen, and accompany As leaders explained, Advent-Ver- continued,” he added. faith, leaders said. lag Lüneburg has offered readers di- On the occasion of the anniversa- rection and meaning in life, interact- WORDS THAT LAST ry, the Lüneburg-Wolfsburg Cham- ing wholistically across generations. “Words That Last,” the publishing ber of Industry and Commerce was According to their description, they house’s motto, is not just a slogan, a guest at the publishing house. want to inspire readers to reflect according to publishing director Sönke Feldhusen, deputy general on God and live authentic biblical Jessica Schultka. “It has been the manager of the organization, pre- faith in everyday life by promoting, DNA of the Adventist publishing sented a certificate of honor on the deepening, and accompanying it in house for 125 years,” she empha- special occasion. a sustainable way. sized. “Although the range of tasks “We are proud and grateful for Because of the COVID-19 pan- has changed in recent years, the our tradition-rich past, because the demic, the planned anniversary core competence of the publishing Advent-Verlag publishing house is celebration had to be postponed house has always been the publica- a defining part of Adventist history until 2021, leaders said. tion of Adventist books, magazines, in Germany,” managing director Those interested in knowing more and study materials that, then as Dieter Neef explained during the about the work and everyday life of now, aim to encourage people to ceremony. The publishing house Advent-Verlag Lüneburg can visit think about God,” she added. employs workers in the Lüneburg advent-verlag.de/wir-feiern, and As they work to guarantee this region, securing jobs there since watch a video at youtu.be/VGdTzI- for the future, the editorial team 1994. It is the reason leaders said PaJGQ.
AdventistWorld.org October 2020 7 News Focus Euro-Asia Division (ESD)
“The good news, allowing nobody 105,317 to stay indiffer- We Are Together —Irina V. Protasevich, assistant vice president for Membership of the ent, is the way spiritual and educational work at Zaoksky Adventist Euro-Asia Division (ESD) the church has responded to the University, was recognized by a certificate of honor as of June 30, 2020 challenges of the and a commemorative medal. She was honored for COVID-19 pan- her selfless contribution to organizing assistance to demic by keeping senior citizens and those struggling in the lockdown an eye on new in the Zaoksky district, Tula region, as part of the We 1,600,000 opportunities to Are Together all-Russian mutual assistance effort. minister to peo- Number of liters of fresh ple. This inspires water given to people a sense of great living in the Donetsk optimism that our region thanks to efforts church, in spite 85,255 of ADRA Ukraine and the of everything, is Number of face masks, United Nations Children’s 423 along with disinfectants alive, active, and Fund (UNICEF). This has huge poten- Number of tons of food and other personal project supplies water tial for serving aid distributed by the protective equipment, to the most vulnerable this world.” Adventist Development donated to 55 health-care population groups living and Relief Agency institutions in Russia and in 25 settlements in the — Mikhail F. Kaminskiy, (ADRA) in ESD territo- 29 entities in Ukraine. Avdeevsky, Mariinsky, Euro-Asia Division (ESD) ry among 31,406 most The program involved Volnovakhsky, and president, in a leadership vulnerable people living the employment of local Nikolskyi districts be- meeting focusing on in Uzbekistan, Georgia, seamstresses, enabling cause of damage to its the church’s strategic Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, them to earn a living water supply pipeline. planning for the future. and Kyrgyzstan. (^-) during the lockdown.
Photo: Euro-Asia Division
8 October 2020 AdventistWorld.org By Maja Ahac, ADRA Europe Perspective
Photo: Tyler Nix I Choose the God is in control of all the details go down that path, we won’t want of our lives, and are determined to to go back to our old, safe existence. Joy of Service praise Him no matter what happens. BIGGER THAN YOURSELF CHOOSING TO SERVE In our world, comfort is so What kind of advice would Joseph, For some people, true happiness, overrated that the decision for a life Moses, and Esther have for me? joy, and life satisfaction come from greater than ourselves is consid- living life based on clear values and ered a naive act of hopeless dream- One of the most important purpose. These people experience ers. But there, and only there, true decisions we make in our lives is joy regardless of circumstances. joy can be found and maintained. related to happiness and joy. One of them recently shared this When God moves, it is rarely safe, Happiness is traditionally linked experience with me. but it is always right. It might even to the external environment and “During the past 10 years my pro- not be seen as joy at first. Joseph circumstances we do not always fessional life has changed a lot. God’s was enslaved. Moses confronted control. Like the bearing of sun- purpose for my life became clearer; Pharaoh. Esther was threatened shine or rain on our mood or week- events that followed changed me. by genocide. As difficult as it may ends versus working days, happi- I decided not to allow any external seem, when we step out in faith to ness is often something we have circumstances or people to shape me experience joy we can trust that very little or zero influence over. into something I do not choose to be. God’s way is better than ours. When pursuing happiness, we I decided to bring joy into my life. Biblical heroes were often called focus on weekends and live for “I dreamed of living a fuller life to live an unusual life of serving vacations. We might even feel with God. What helped me along humanity at crucial moments of empty and sad when a specific the way were traffic signs in the human history. The divine call was person is not around, or even that form of my core values: love, wis- not safe, even less comfortable. I our self-worth depends on the good dom, inspiration, courage, and kind- wonder what kind of advice Joseph, evaluation made by superiors. This ness. They are keeping me on the Moses, and Esther would have for kind of happiness leads to insecuri- right road and are directing my path me? Would they encourage me to ty, fear, and emptiness. in the right direction. I chose the stay in my comfort zone and stay On the other side is joy. And courageous life of serving humanity silent about injustice, poverty, and surprisingly, we can choose joy. As over the comfort of seeking false systematic exclusions? Or would experts remind us: “Happiness is a pleasures. I’m pushed way out of they advise me to speak up and act destination; joy is a state of mind.” my comfort zone, but I experience in a kind and loving manner? We choose to be joyful regardless of true meaning, purpose, and joy.” A long time ago I made my deci- the external environment, people, Making the bold decision to live sion. I chose joy. or circumstances. It is something we filled with joy is only the beginning Maja Ahac is head of advocacy at can do when we acknowledge that of the road less traveled. Once we ADRA Europe.
AdventistWorld.org October 2020 9 Focus
Eternal, Unchangeable, and Always A conversation Relevant about the three angels’ messages Adventist World associate editor Gerald
Klingbeil spoke with Adventists are very familiar with the phrase “three angels’ Ángel Manuel Rodríguez, messages,” while other Christians may wonder what this phrase means. What does this phrase refer to, and why is it important? former director of For Adventists this phrase is very significant, because our roots are found the Biblical Research in apocalyptic prophecy. Other Christians, who perhaps are not that well Institute, via Zoom informed about apocalyptic prophecies, may be disoriented when they hear the three angels’ messages terminology. about the content, But for us the three angels’ messages, located in Revelation 14:6-12, are significance, relevance, an important and significant passage containing God’s last message for the human race. and timeliness of the There is a renewed emphasis on the three angels’ messages. three angels’ messages Are we doing something that we’ve never done before? Why is this focus so important right now? within the larger context It’s good to reread the Bible. By going back, we possibly encounter new of Adventist theology. insights and find new ways of expressing the same truth.
10 October 2020 AdventistWorld.org We go back to our passage to revealed to us through Jesus. Scriptures the pioneers found in keep it fresh in our collective mind This gospel was in God’s mind, this message their own identity, as a church. The significance of the and He wants to implant it in their own mission. These have three angels’ messages is such that our minds and lives. It’s eternal remained an integral part of our we need to be almost constantly because it has always been His plan message and mission to the world. speaking about this. Otherwise it for us. This one gospel is eternal, So you would say that we are will lose its significance. unchangeable, and always relevant. standing in the same tradition? You see, we are pilgrims sharing Could you give us a one- that we’re preaching the same what we have with others. We sentence summary of each message that these early cannot allow ourselves to leave by of the messages of the three Adventists were preaching? the side of the road this important angels? What would be the key No question about that. part of our message and life. Let’s concept for each message? Adventists, similar to other talk about it as often as possible. The Lord invites every person, Christian denominations, If we look at Adventist when confronted by the gospel of struggle to engage young theology as a whole, where salvation, to fear God, to make God adults who often leave the would you locate the three their covenant Lord, to give Him church when they transition angels’ messages in terms of glory, to repent and recognize Him after finishing high school importance? as a righteous judge, and to wor- or college. How can we best The three angels’ messages are ship Him as Creator in a world of communicate this important part of the teachings of the church, apostasy, secularism, and atheism. element of Adventist theology and these teachings are wholistic. The second message is also good to this generation? It’s one entity, making it difficult to news, because it’s about the fall This is a complex question, but I assign some to the periphery. We do of the enemy. The Babylon that is will go back to the concept that we believe that at the center of Adventist fallen is the unification of political began with. We need to talk about doctrine and theological thinking is and religious powers that are in the three angels’ messages. We have Jesus. There’s no other way. opposition to God. to bring it to the attention of young Through the study of biblical The last message is a wonderful people, not once, but constantly, as doctrines, we gain new insights in message as well. It’s God’s heart often as possible. Make them aware terms of who Jesus is, and what His opening up to us, saying, “Choose of the content and significance of plan is for us. When you look at Me, choose Me, because if you this message. I would also suggest Revelation 14:6-12, you notice that become loyal to the forces of that we present the topic as part of many of our doctrines are directly evil, what you will experience is a cosmic conflict. or indirectly present in it. eternal death, so don’t do that.” The If there is something that I believe You take the beginning, verse 6, language is strong, because we are that humans, and particularly young and the first thing the text says is standing, so to say, at the edge of the people, can understand, it’s stories. that the angel is proclaiming the abyss, and God is shouting, “Don’t We all love stories. Now we have the gospel. We’re talking about the take another step! Come back!” most wonderful story to tell. Perhaps heart of the matter here. This is the Ángel, I think you must’ve one of the problems is that we have center of the three angels’ mes- also been an evangelist. taken that story and have broken it sages, placed at the very beginning Pastors are [smiles]. apart into what we call doctrines. of the passage. This is going to Starting with the Millerites, In some cases we have not been orient the rest of the passage. our spiritual forebears, and early able to put them together as a Is that a different gospel Adventists, we have preached narrative, as a story. It seems to than Jesus preached, or the the three angels’ messages for me that if we would develop a way apostles, or anybody since? more than 175 years. Has our to tell the whole story to young The fact that it’s called the preaching changed? people, they would be taken by it. eternal gospel is telling you really The three angels’ messages were Show them that the three angels’ that this gospel was, if I may say so, read by Christians before we did messages are part of the cosmic conceptualized in the mind of God it. Some applied them to the work conflict. Challenge them and tell in eternity. It’s what God also calls of Luther or Calvin. The Millerites them, “This is a magnificent story, the “great mystery” that was hidden applied them to their own expe- a true story. You have a part to play for ages and ages and has now been rience. Through the study of the in it. You are an actor in this story.”
AdventistWorld.org October 2020 11 If there is big question that the three angels’ How do the three angels’ messages help to answer. messages fit into the overall something that We have to also place it in the picture of Adventist theology? context in which they live, which is, How do we do theology? You I believe that particularly in the Western Hemi- need a starting point. Of course, humans, and sphere, a secular world. Where is you start from the Bible, but you God within this intellectual map? go to the Bible and you pull from particularly The three angels’ messages tell it God’s message for us. Adventists you where He is. I’m here. I’m the Cre- went to the Bible. They gathered young people, ator. You are breathing every second together these wonderful jewels. can understand, of your life because of Him. It means And they understood that these if God withholds the breath, we die. jewels were to be proclaimed at the it’s stories. We This message is powerful when close of the cosmic conflict. all love stories. connected, as it is, with the concept It provided for them, and for and the experience of hope. When us, a point of reference. There are people are disoriented, they need two integrating key elements in something to hold on to that will Adventist theology. give meaning to their lives. It has The first one is the doctrine of to begin with talking to them, the [heavenly] sanctuary. There’s opening our hearts to them as we no question that the doctrine lovingly tell them the most glorious of the sanctuary is extremely I believe that if the story is told story of cosmic love flowing from important in the Bible, because it’s with energy, enthusiasm, and consis- the heart of God to ours. about Jesus, His nature, His role, tency, young people will say, “Wow, I like your notion that hope His death on the cross, and His this is amazing!” The story of the is such an important element, ministry as mediator. If that is not cosmic conflict answers for them the and that there is a yearning in going to integrate our system of question of existential significance: our souls. It’s not just young beliefs, what else can do it? what are we doing here? people. I think it’s you and me. The second element that I Narratives and stories work Everybody. would suggest is the three angels’ in many different cultures. If you look at our world right messages. These messages, “Relevance” is another key word. now, we need more hope. Are together with the sanctuary, bind For this generation, and for most the three angels’ messages the elements into a message for of us, if something is irrelevant, really a message of hope? the last days that is framed, so to we tend to ignore it. Can you Definitely. If you look for the speak, by the cosmic conflict. Now, help us frame the relevance of source of hope, where was hope if I’m going to do theology as an the three angels’ messages for born? Look, it’s almost the first Adventist theologian, this is the the twenty-first century? word in the message, the “everlast- Adventist perspective. I have to I can mention only a few things. I ing gospel.” If we go back to the Fall, take these elements with me in my suppose “relevant” means mean- there was no future for humans, theological journey. ingful. So it means that I somehow but then the gospel came and filled Ángel, thank you for this have to talk with young people to their hearts with hope. This hope is conversation. Thank you for identify their real needs. They have at the center of the message. your passion. Thank you for their own perceived needs, but They [the three angels’ mes- your evangelistic drive. there are needs that go deep inside sages] introduce the hope of My pleasure. Thank you for the every human being. It would then salvation already realized in the invitation. be our task to show how the three work of Christ proclaimed in the angels’ messages best meet their gospel. The message points to real personal needs. the consummation of hope in the A video of the The question Why am I here? is a second coming of Christ. For now, longer version of question that many young people this hope is ours in the form of a the interview can be seen don’t ask. They know only that they promise, but it will soon become a at vimeo.com/454016252 are here now. Why are we here? is a palpable reality.
12 October 2020 AdventistWorld.org for His voice. Worshipping God as a family during the lockdown helps us to reconnect and draw closer to our Savior. Millennial Voices This time of uncertainty has helped me understand my human need of a divine Savior. When I read John’s descriptions of the heavenly throne Keeping the room (Rev. 5:11), with myriads of angels and heavenly beings honoring the Lamb of God, I realize that God is worthy of our worship. Our Creator is worthy of Home Fires all praise. When we worship Him, we experience a longing quenched, and an emptiness made whole. We find our Burning worth in Him, in the One we worship. We often spend our lives warming ourselves by the fires of other people’s stories and spiritual experiences. It’s time to experience God for ourselves— personally and wholeheartedly. No eaven: List three things you’d matter how cold and broken the halle- like to do when you get there.” lujah might be, we are promised that HA simple activity to conclude “our present sufferings are not worth our family worship focused on the comparing with the glory that will be events after the Second Coming and the revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18, NIV). millennium. Seven of us wrote down Ellen White writes, “If ever there was our top three wishes and placed them a time when every house should be a on the table. Then each of us had to house of prayer, it is now.”* We are redis- guess whose wish list we were reading. covering the spiritual importance of the The room was filled with surprises and family unit, the building block of society, laughter. We enjoyed this activity. We church, and nation. We can also see had something to look forward to. this on the campus of Lowry Memorial The lists contained a wide variety of College. We hear our neighbors singing wishes ranging from flying with angels, visiting other worlds, riding and worshipping each evening. Their a lion or a wolf, to asking Jesus how we even made it, and thanking songs and prayers are encouraging and Him for His boundless love. The wishes spoke of our desire to be part remind us that God is at work. When a of God’s glorious kingdom. In the midst of a pandemic, the hope of family worships together, the forces of meeting Jesus and being part of His kingdom keeps burning within. darkness tremble at the name of Jesus, COVID-19 has slowed down life and has brought us back to basics. family bonds are strengthened, and God We are in survival mode. As a new normal is taking shape, we are led is able to use them to bless the world. to ponder the times we are living in. While some look for temporary * Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific accommodations and others try to make ends meet, many are just Press Pub. Assn., 1948), vol. 7, p. 42. grateful for food on their tables and jobs they still have. My husband recently said, “God has brought us where He wants us to be, at home.” Home is where worship, values, and relationships are cultivated. Beersheba Jacob serves as the human Home is where courage is built and love is grown. For far too long Satan resources coordinator and assistant to the vice president at Lowry Memorial has managed to fill our lives with busy schedules and many distractions. College, Bangalore, India. She is married This has limited quality family time. Now we have the chance to start over, to Andrew. to reset, to rebuild our families on a Christ-centered foundation. God has His ways of getting our attention. When we worship, at first there is a spark, then a flame that burns within us but never consumes us. Family worship is a means of speaking to God as a group—then listening
AdventistWorld.org October 2020 13 eventh-day Adventists and the three angels’ messages S of Revelation 14 are often thought of synonymously. For years the very logo of the move- ment depicted three angels flying in midheaven with a message for all the world. Historically, we have believed that the first angel’s message went out to the early Advent believers of the 1800s. Following that first message, the second message is a call to come out of Babylon, or the confused reli- gions of the world. We even believe that the third angel’s message began to be heard in different parts of the earth, but that its widest impact was somehow limited until the future. But what if we could look at these messages in an entirely new way, in a future context in which each message takes on new meaning? We don’t have to look far to see a future moment for these messages. In Early Writings we read these words: “When the messages of the three angels come prominently Focus before the world again just before the second advent of Christ, the angel of Revelation 18:1 joins in the proclamation of the second angel in the message that ‘Babylon is fallen.’ ‘Come out of her, my people.’”* Three Adventists find their roots and meaning in history. I’m not here to debate that. But I suggest that sometimes we lose our prophetic relevance by keeping in the past things that should have fresh Messages, application in our current reality. These three messages should be heard collectively and sequen- tially. They point out that God is asking us all to decide about whom Three we worship before judgment is pronounced on the whole world. Building on THE FIRST ANGEL a platform “Then I saw another angel flying Groups of hope in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to THE SECOND ANGEL those who dwell on the earth—to “And another angel followed, Adventists find every nation, tribe, tongue, and saying, ‘Babylon is fallen, is fallen, their roots and people—saying with a loud voice, that great city, because she has made ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, all nations drink of the wine of the meaning in for the hour of His judgment has wrath of her fornication’” (Rev. 14:8). come; and worship Him who made This message is serious. It’s a history. heaven and earth, the sea and clear announcement that religion springs of water’” (Rev. 14:6, 7). has become corrupted, and that God This message is a call to fear God. will not tolerate false religion much angel coming down from heaven, Solomon wrote: “The fear of the longer. This is His call to those now having great authority, and the earth Lord is to hate evil” (Prov. 8:13). awakened by the first angel, those was illuminated with his glory. And This message is also a call to give who accepted that first message. he cried mightily with a loud voice, glory to God. How do we do that? They go out and declare it to their saying, ‘Babylon the great is fallen, is Jesus said, “By this My Father is friends in Babylon—historically fallen.’ . . . ‘Come out of her, my people, glorified, that you bear much fruit” identified as the fallen churches of lest you share in her sins, and lest (John 15:8). The fruit of the Spirit Christendom—those who rejected you receive of her plagues. For her comes from our complete surren- the everlasting gospel message. In sins have reached to heaven, and God der to the Holy Spirit, the result of His mercy God gives them another has remembered her iniquities’” (Rev. embracing this message. warning; this message goes to them. 18:1-5). The message goes to all who Then it makes it clear who would Many will listen to this message have ever professed to be followers understand this message—those that their belief system is corrupt. of Christ; to all who have ever heard who believe in judgment and in the Deep down they may have felt that and resisted the Holy Spirit’s whis- Creator of the heavens and the earth. something is not right. Now more per; to people everywhere who are I don’t know any group in the surely than ever, they know it is not. still part of the religious, ideological, world that makes more sense of spiritual confusion that is Babylon; to this message than Seventh-day THE THIRD ANGEL those who profess no faith, or a faith Adventists. It also makes sense that This last message to all the that has nothing to do with the God if a message goes out, it gets people world begins with “If anyone . . .” of the Bible. to join a movement that then It’s almost as if anyone who didn’t In His mercy, God gives every swells and moves to step two. understand the first message or human being alive one last oppor- No other religious group believes didn’t answer the call of the second tunity to hear and see the message in the judgment hour message, are told: This last one is for you. in living color. Then everyone will calls people to give God glory, and God in His mercy is addressing you. either choose to stand with God’s celebrates God as Creator of heaven The third angel begins with a people; or insist on venturing and earth every seventh day. warning that has an urgency like no forward on their own, trying to This first message has been other. It’s a call either to allow God save themselves. taken up earnestly by the Sev- to save you, or to try to save yourself. You and I have the opportunity enth-day Adventist Church as we God is clear: salvation is a matter to get in on the action. Jesus’ seek to eschew evil and honor the of worship. Because of the faithful invitation is: “Behold, I stand at the Creator by giving Him glory, doing call of friends and family, many who door and knock. If anyone hears all this in the context that time now hear the call will exit the fallen My voice and opens the door, I will won’t last forever, and believing churches and their mistaken worship come in to him and dine with him, in the current, ongoing judgment and join with the Advent movement, and he with Me” (Rev. 3:20). of the living. going out together to give the last mes-
Who gives this message around sage to the world. This third message * Ellen G. White, Early Writings (Washington, D.C.: Review and the world? Individuals who have is intensified by the call of a fourth Herald Pub. Assn., 1882, 1945), p. 304. received it, who identify with the angel, who repeats mightily the cry movement, and who, in love and of the second and adds the warning Jared Thurmon is lay pastor of the mercy, give it by example, by pen, of the imminent seven last plagues: Adairsville, Georgia, Seventh-day and by voice. “After these things I saw another Adventist Church.
Illustration: Brett Meliti AdventistWorld.org October 2020 15 Focus
Seventh-day Adventists Heralds have always been people of God’s of prophecy. Judgment
he first half of the nineteenth century saw modern rationalism unfolded the basic doctrinal com- intensifying its attacks against the Christian faith. While winds from ponents of the Adventist message.2 T the French Revolution deified human reason, evolutionary biology In the years that followed, Sabbath- regarded nature as its own creator. Deists portrayed God as someone who does keeping Adventists further revised not intervene in human affairs. and strengthened their doctrinal For historical critics, the Bible was full of religious myths and inaccuracies; system as integrated by the founda- its prophecies merely a literary style without any bearing on the present. tional themes of both the sanctuary Postmillennialists suggested that the reign of God would be established on of Daniel 8:14 and the three angels’ earth through social reforms. God and His Word were utterly questioned. messages of Revelation 14:6-12.3 Into that challenging context, biblical archaeology began a journey that In 1858, Ellen White portrayed has repeatedly confirmed the historicity of the Bible. The three angels’ mes- those messages as the three steps of sages of Revelation 14:6-12 garnered attention, warning the world of God’s access to the solid platform of present impending judgments and His offer of salvation. This article will provide a truth, with two distinctive groups brief overview of the early Adventist understanding of those messages and climbing stairs. The first group were later refinements of that understanding. those who went through the Millerite period and early Sabbathkeeping EARLY ADVENTIST VIEWS Adventist experiences and accepted Protestant expositors of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth cen- the messages as originally preached. turies tended to view the three angels of Revelation 14 as “emblematical The second group was formed by heralds of the progressive reformation from popery.”1 While some authors people who later climbed the stairs regarded the mission of those angels as already fulfilled, others saw it as without being part of the original still being carried on. proclamation of the messages.4 This William Miller and his followers became increasingly convinced that the illustration helped consolidate the great Second Advent movement was proclaiming the first angel’s message notion that although the three angels’ by warning the world of “the hour of His judgment” (Rev. 14:7). Some messages started to be preached in Millerites believed that the preaching of the second angel began in the sequential order, all three should be summer of 1843 with Charles Fitch’s famous sermon titled, “Come Out of preached simultaneously. Her, My People” (Rev. 18:4; cf. Rev. 14:8). Millerites paid little attention to the message of the third angel. LATER ADVENTIST After the October 1844 disappointment, Sabbathkeeping Adventists REFINEMENTS assumed that the messages of the first two angels were already fulfilled by the Sabbathkeeping Adventists saw Millerite movement, and that their own emerging movement had to preach the proclamation of the three angels’ only the third angel’s message (Rev. 14:9-12). messages as unfolding the whole sys- In his pamphlet Second Advent Way Marks and High Heaps (1847), Joseph tem of present truth. In the early days Bates demonstrated how the sequential preaching of those messages of the movement two expressions
16 October 2020 AdventistWorld.org Illustration: Brett Meliti of these messages received special At the 1952 Bible Conference disciples of Jesus Christ who live as attention. One was “the hour of his in Takoma Park, Maryland, F. D. His loving witnesses and proclaim judgment is come” (Rev. 14:7), which Nichol presented an insightful to all people the everlasting gospel was considered an allusion to the paper: “The Increasing Timeliness of the three angels’ messages in post-1844 phase of Christ’s priestly of the Threefold Message,” pro- preparation for His soon return ministry in the heavenly sanctuary viding a helpful list of doctrines (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Rev. (cf. Dan. 7:9-14; 8:14). and prophetic forecasts set forth 14:6-12).”7 If the messages of The other expression was “the in those messages.5 More recently, Revelation 14 were so relevant to commandments of God” (Rev. Adventist authors and preachers early sabbathkeeping Adventists 14:12), with its emphasis on the have placed a renewed emphasis and succeeding Adventist genera- abiding nature of the Decalogue on the creationist emphasis of the tions, should not those messages and the seventh-day Sabbath. This first angel’s message (Rev. 14:7). be even more relevant to us, who view was grounded on the convic- Adventist scholars have recognized are much closer to the second tion that justifying faith does not that the expression “worship Him coming of Christ? Let’s believe and make void God’s law (Rom. 3:31). who made heaven, and earth, the boldly proclaim those important Over the years Seventh-day Adven- sea and springs of water” (Rev. 14:7) messages to the whole world. tists have considered themselves doesn’t reflect primarily the Genesis 1 Thomas Scott, The New Testament of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus as the obedient “saints” who “keep creation account but rather the Christ: Translated From the Original Greek, With Original Notes, and the commandments of God and the fourth commandment of the Deca- Practical Observations (London: Bellamy and Robarts, 1791), on Revelation 14:6, 7. faith of Jesus” (Rev. 14:12). They even logue, which reads, “the Lord made 2 Joseph Bates, Second Advent Way Marks and High Heaps, or a Connected View, of the Fulfilment of Prophecy, by God’s Peculiar relate several of their beliefs to these the heavens and the earth, the sea, People, From the Year 1840 to 1847 (New Bedford, Mass.: Benjamin Lindsey, 1847). two doctrinal subjects. and all that is in them” (Ex. 20:11). 3 Alberto R. Timm, The Sanctuary and the Three Angels’ Messages: For example, after Ellen White’s The three angels’ messages Integrating Factors in the Development of Seventh-day Adventist Doctrines (Berrien Springs, Mich.: Adventist Theological Society 1863 health reform vision, basic of Revelation 14 are probably Publications, 1995). 4 Ellen G. White, Spiritual Gifts (Battle Creek, Mich.: Review and health principles were regarded as the richest, most encompassing Herald Pub. Assn., 1858), vol. 1, pp. 168, 169. expressions of those command- cluster of doctrinal glimpses in the 5 F. D. Nichol, “The Increasing Timeliness of the Threefold Message,” in Our Firm Foundation (Washington, D.C.: Review and ments. After the 1888 General Apocalypse of John, and even in Herald Pub. Assn., 1953), vol. 1, pp. 543-622. 6 Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View, Calif.: Conference Session in Minneapolis, the whole Bible. No wonder that in Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1948), vol. 9, p. 19. 7 www.adventist.org/articles/mission-statement-of-the-seventh- the doctrine of righteousness by 1903 Ellen White spoke of these day-adventist-church/ (posted Oct. 15, 2018). faith was seen as a crucial part of messages as “the most solemn the “the faith of Jesus.” This percep- truths ever entrusted to mortals” tion fostered a more Christ-centered and of their proclamation as “a Alberto R. Timm is an associate approach to preaching “the ever- work of the most solemn import.”6 director of the Ellen G. White Estate lasting gospel” in the context of “the The mission of the Seventh-day at the General Conference. hour of his judgment” (Rev. 14:6, 7). Adventist Church is to “make
AdventistWorld.org October 2020 17 n these distressing, chaotic, uncertain times, with a worldwide health crisis, racial tensions, human relations challenges, economic volatility, rejection of a biblical moral lifestyle, rampant natural disasters, and more, we are faced with an urgent question: What is the very important mission God has called us, His church, to carry out during these I tumultuous end times? Seventh-day Adventists have been called for a special work—to lift up Christ and His Word, His righteousness, His sanctuary message, His health message, His saving power in the gospel, His three angels’ messages, and His soon coming. We are to assist in the work of the Holy Spirit, pointing people to the cross of Christ and His intercession for us in the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary. We are to do this as Jesus did, touching peoples’ lives directly in practical, spiritual ways.
JESUS’ MISSION STATEMENT In the Gospel of Luke we see Jesus worshipping at the synagogue in Nazareth, as “His custom was” (Luke 4:16), on the Sabbath. He was asked to read from the Scriptures and was handed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Opening the scroll, He read: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” (verses18, 19). In reading this passage, Christ clearly identified Him- self as the “Anointed One,” the Messiah, and outlined His mission. Global View Reflecting on this passage,The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary states: “The gospel of Jesus means relief for the poor, light for the ignorant, alleviation of distress for the suffering, and emancipation for the slaves of sin.”1 Our True A BALANCED MINISTRY Christ’s ministry was a balanced ministry—alleviating temporary suffering, but always with eternal, spiritual results in mind. He came to release not political cap- Mission tives, but those who were captives of Satan. He offered spiritual release from sinful bondage. Reaching the world Today there are so many captives to sin—immorality abounds; drugs, alcohol, and tobacco hold many in a for Christ slavish grasp. Pornography, envy, anger, hatred, bigotry bind people in sin and sorrow. Jesus came to set people free from the heavy burden of sin; to open the eyes of not only those who were liter- ally blind, but even more so those who were spiritually blind; and to set at liberty those oppressed or “bruised”
Photo: Vladimir Fedotov in a spiritual sense—people who were discouraged (see Isa. 58:6; 42:4). God calls us to reach out to such individ- Jesus knew that no uals with hope and healing, pointing them to the Savior, political agenda, no who alone can heal, who alone can transform hearts. Jesus showed compassion and love for those who social reforms, no earthly were poor and did not view them as cursed of God, as was generally thought at the time. We, too, are to follow justice, could solve the Christ’s example in ministering to the poor, relieving suffering—both temporal and spiritual—and helping real problem. spiritual captives find true freedom in Christ.
RESTORATION, NOT VENGEANCE As He read from Isaiah that day in Nazareth, it is interesting that Jesus ended with the phrase, “to pro- claim the acceptable year of the Lord,” stopping short of These messages, centered on Jesus, provide what the rest of the verse—“and the day of vengeance of our the world needs most—the everlasting gospel: “Then God” (Isa. 61:2). I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, That is significant, because this last phrase encap- having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who sulated what the Jews expected from the Messiah—a dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and deliverer from Roman oppression and tyranny, bringing people” (Rev. 14:6). in social reforms and justice—as they viewed it. Christ This message isinclusive— no one, no race, no national- was clear about His mission, stating that “My kingdom ity, no country, is to be left out. It is an important message is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, for all. And we are commissioned by God to give it. My servants would fight” (John 18:36). These messages portray the substance of Jesus’ Ellen White gives further insight into Christ’s true mission statement outlined in Luke 4: bringing the mission: “The government under which Jesus lived everlasting gospel to the poor; healing brokenhearted, was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying contrite people; bringing liberty to captives of sin; abuses—extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet restoring sight to those who are spiritually blind; and the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no freedom for those oppressed by sin. national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He The three angels’ messages are filled with hope as did not interfere with the authority or administration of they lead to the restoration of the image of God in those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from human beings, having the righteousness of Christ at earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent their very core—pointing us to true worship and right to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in living, all through the power of Christ dwelling in us merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure through the Holy Spirit. must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart.”2 The three angels’ messages are the embodiment of This was the focus of Christ’s mission. He knew that revival and reformation, reviving hope in our hearts no political agenda, no social reforms, no earthly justice, and reformation in our lives. As we reach out to a hurt- could solve the real problem; only He could affect the ing world, ministering to many needs today through heart change necessary to bring about the reform society Total Member Involvement, let us, as Jesus did, always so desperately needed. The same is true today. keep the eternal in view, realizing that only He can regenerate hearts. OUR MISSION
Our mission is clearly identified through divine inspira- 1 The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn, 1978), vol. 5, p. 728. tion: “In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been 2 Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1898, 1940), p. 509. set in the world as watchmen and light bearers. To them (Italics supplied.) 3 Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1948), vol. 9, p. 19. has been entrusted the last warning for a perishing world. On them is shining wonderful light from the Word of God. They have been given a work of the most solemn import— Ted N. C. Wilson is president of the worldwide Seventh-day the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ Adventist Church. Additional articles and commentaries messages. There is no other work of so great importance. are available from the president’s office on Twitter: @ They are to allow nothing else to absorb their attention.”3 pastortedwilson and on Facebook: @Pastor Ted Wilson.
AdventistWorld.org October 2020 19 e awoke at 12:30 a.m. to wind gusts of nearly W 100 kilometers (60 miles) per hour whipping through the tree branches and whistling in and out of our open windows. Our blinds fluttered and bumped against wooden frames. Gleams of lightning made bright patches through the slats of plastic. Dry leaves rustled across the driveway below. Raindrops could be heard smacking against the glass. As I lay in bed, in that stage between drowsy and wide awake, all I could think about was my garden. Arguably, I should have been more concerned about the massive tree five meters (15 feet) from my bed- room window, or the old chimney whose imprisonment in ivy had long ago left it cracked and vulner- able, or the greenhouse doors that were still propped open in our yard, or my car that was parked outside of the garage and at risk for the approaching hail. But that’s not how Devotional a tired mind works. It wasn’t any of those things—nor the kale, broccoli, cabbage, corn, or even peppers that I was worried about. It was my 40 It’s Time to blossoming tomato plants. AN IMPRESSION Earlier in the evening, unaware that a storm would hit us in the Secure Our night, I had been watering my gar- den after a hot and dry 32°C (90°F) day. As I took pride in the neat rows of harbingers speaking of an abun- Tomatoes dantly stocked pantry and freezer for the winter, I suddenly had the impression that I needed to stake up What does it mean to watch for and secure my tomato plants. Christ’s soon coming? I had started them from seed three months earlier, and now their
20 October 2020 AdventistWorld.org starlike yellow blossoms and—in A NEW LESSON FROM Have I really lived some cases—already round, green AN OLD VERSE tomatoes, were heavily weighing When I was a child, I memo- this verse out in down their little branches. This rized—as likely many of us did— was most noticeable as each plant Matthew 25:13, “Watch therefore, my day-to-day took the brunt of the stream from for you know neither the day nor my hose, bending, swaying, and the hour in which the Son of Man life? Have I really drooping in the mock rainstorm. I is coming,” for a Primary Sabbath knew that it was time to give them School project, or perhaps in Bible been watching extra support. As I looked at my class at my local Adventist elemen- watch and was reminded that it tary school. Over the years I have at earnestly? was nearly 9:00 p.m., I shrugged. It times quoted or contemplated this didn’t have to be done now. I would verse while thinking about the last do it soon. They seemed to be days. I “know” the verse well. A RENEWED PURPOSE fairly strong and hearty. It wouldn’t I’m familiar with the parable of We Adventists do see a storm hurt to wait. the wise and foolish virgins that in the forecast. Yes, we have been Several hours later, however, comes right before it. I’ve read and facing some storms in our world as I listened to the storm howling unearthed more about the whole over the past several months— around our house, my mind was passage in Christ’s Object Lessons. storms centered on health, race, filled with regret. Why hadn’t I I’ve shared worship thoughts on politics—but these are not yet the checked the weather? Why hadn’t it with my students. But have I storm that we know is gathering. I listened to the impression God really lived this verse out in my We don’t know exactly what that had given me while watering my day-to-day life? Have I really been storm will look like. We don’t know garden? Why hadn’t I already watching earnestly? Am I using precisely what it will sound like. prepared for this eventuality before the time that has been given to We don’t even know specifically I even saw that there was a need? me to the very best of my ability? when it will hit us. Or am I putting off the weightier But we should be watching and HEART PREPARATION spiritual matters for “a better time” waiting and preparing now. We In spite of my worry, the storm, as I did with my tomatoes—a time should be “staking up and securing of course, continued, bringing with more convenient for me in the our tomatoes”—strengthening and it unrelenting wakefulness. midst of my worldly or business- building our faith, shoring up our Then I realized, as I often have, as-usual pursuits? hearts, storing up God’s promises the hopelessness of my anxiety, As I lay in bed with these ques- in our minds, seeking the Lord ear- and instead began to claim several tions swirling about as noisily in nestly, and listening to the leading of of God’s promises that have my head now as the storm outside, His Holy Spirit. Then when it comes, become special to me over the past I was distinctly conscious of the by God’s grace our branches will be several years of gardening: Prov- fact that it would have been folly to ready to endure the blast because erbs 3:9, 10, Malachi 3:10-12, and go into my garden at that moment they are securely established in the Deuteronomy 11:13-15. Then, with to help my tomatoes withstand the vine of His strength. the furrows of my heart prepared storm. Similarly, and in a spiritual to be more grateful, obedient, and sense, it’s too late to think about Emily Gibbs lives in Cedar Lake, receptive to God’s will, an even preparation for the storm when the Michigan, United States, where deeper spiritual theme began to storm is already upon us. The time she teaches English at Great Lakes surface as I pondered my current to prepare for the storm is now, Adventist Academy. She and her situation in light of the condition even when we don’t see it coming husband, Jacob, are looking forward of the world around me. in the forecast. to welcoming their first child, a daughter, in early November.
Photos: Anaya Katlego AdventistWorld.org October 2020 21 Creation Sabbath Us and Us Sometimes we can help; sometimes we need help.
riving past the supermarket, I saw an old woman, bur- the easiest solution—maybe the dened with groceries, struggling down the footpath. smartest one too—but it somehow Pulling up to a red light at the intersection, I watched didn’t seem right. with dismay as she fell into some bushes beside the I told her to stay where she was, path. Quickly parking, I ran to see if she needed help. and ran back to my car for some By the time I arrived, I noticed that her shopping replacement bags to hold her bags had broken; she was dazed and sitting on the groceries. While I was repacking D curb. “Are you all right?” seemed a reasonable question. frozen cheesecake, a gallon of milk, But her response was incomprehensible. Maybe she didn’t speak English. On chips, and other junk food, it was closer inspection she didn’t seem any older than me. “Can I help you?” I asked. hard not to be judgmental. This was This time the response was definitely English, just muffled and slurred— clearly someone not making the something like “I’m not doing so well.” Thinking back to all I’d heard about best choices in life. people having strokes, I put my hand on her shoulder to steady her swaying As I worked, she told me that she body and asked if I could call an ambulance. lived a block away, but she couldn’t That question seemed to confuse her. But now that I was close, she turned remember the address. I asked if I to look at me with eyes wide open. The odor on her breath told me all I could carry her groceries home for needed to know. Still, maybe her “alcohol breath” meant she was experienc- her, and that’s how I found myself ing diabetic ketoacidosis. “Have you been drinking?” walking hand in hand through the She didn’t say anything for a moment, then slowly nodded. middle of my town with a woman too How wrong my initial judgment had been! This wasn’t an old woman suffer- impaired to walk unaided, wondering ing the infirmities of age; this was a middle-aged woman who had been drink- what my fellow church members ing and couldn’t navigate the sidewalk. In my sheltered life I don’t encounter would think if they saw me. many people like that, and I struggled to think what I should do. She couldn’t As we made slow progress, I asked be left there in the gutter beside the road; it was far too dangerous. Should I her name. It took several garbled call the police and have them take care of the situation? That may have been attempts before I understood that it
22 October 2020 AdventistWorld.org It’s easy to dismiss people Let’s whose lives are so different from our own, and almost automatic to reexamine our think in terms of “them,” not us. Somehow “they” are less valuable understanding than those of us who live the health reform message, under- of biblical stand the Bible’s prophecies, and generally enjoy sober, comfortable, Creation. middle-class lives. Encountering the humanity of those we don’t understand is Creation. Have we given lip service confrontational. Everyone feels while still entertaining unbiblical love, loss, grief, and joy as we do. ideas about fellow humans created The uncompromising equality in God’s image, possibly even fellow revealed in Scripture encourages believers? Creation leads logically us to see this. When we start to to a radical and humbling egalitari- feel somehow better than others, anism. Every neighbor to whom we the Bible reminds us, “For there is think ourselves superior, everyone no difference; for all have sinned we despise for their ancestry, every and fall short of the glory of God” homeless addict, every desperate (Rom. 3:22). In fact, Scripture refugee struggling to survive, every history reveals this in stark clarity. murderer on death row, the Creator We celebrate heroes of the faith God values each of us so much that because of the great things they He gave His own life to save us— did. But Noah drank to excess (Gen. and us, not us and “them.” 9:21); Solomon says that he sought Every human, no matter who was Sharon;* at least I think it was “to gratify my flesh with wine” they are or what they have done, Sharon; it could have been Shannon, (Eccl. 2:3). All fell short. was created in God’s image, with Susan, or a very slurred Rebecca. Reality is at least four dimen- an identical claim on our Creator’s Then she told me something that sional, and the Bible shatters grace. God “makes His sun rise on came out with clarity and pathos: her systems of thinking that place the evil and on the good, and sends best friend had just died. Who knows humans into one dimensional “us” rain on the just and on the unjust” if that was true? Maybe this was a and “them” categories. (Matt. 5:45). Creation Sabbath is standard excuse she used whenever The very beginning of Scripture for us to share this gospel of grace she was drunk in public, but it lucidly reveals that our ancestry in deeds, not just words, especially worked with me. This was a fellow leads back to Adam and Eve. They with the “Sharons” and other human being; someone with a name, fell short, just as we do, but all neighbors among us who struggle who understood the meaning of love humanity is related through this and thirst for hope and love. and realized the pain of loss. couple. There is a profound signifi- “A new commandment I give to cance to this that is pointed out in you,” said Jesus, “that you love one NOT SO FAST Luke’s genealogy of Jesus when he another” (John 13:34). After an awkward public hug and lists, finally, “Adam, the son of God” For more information about Cre- loud declaration that I was the best (Luke 3:38). Adam, the father of us ation Sabbath and practical ideas on person she had ever met, I walked all, had a Father, the Creator of all how to promote and plan this special back to my car with much on my things. Adam’s sin may have sepa- day, visit creationsabbath.net. mind. Sharon’s life is completely rated humanity from God, but Jesus * Not the actual name she gave, or at least I think she gave. foreign to me, and I can’t imagine Christ, the Son of man, restored us the series of events that led to as “children of God” (1 John 3:1). someone drunkenly staggering On Creation Sabbath, the fourth Timothy G. Standish, Ph.D., is a home late one morning with frozen Sabbath of every October, let’s reex- biologist and a senior scientist at cheesecake, milk, and chips. amine our understanding of biblical the Geoscience Research Institute.
Photo: Remi Walle AdventistWorld.org October 2020 23 Tagaytay Central Adventist Church members hold a community Vacation Bible School.
goal is to equip a vegetarian mobile canteen in the bustling and fast-ex- Tagaytay panding tourist city of Tagaytay, where wholesome food would be accompanied by spiritual literature. Central—a A CHALLENGE BECOMES A BLESSING About five years ago Tagaytay Central church leaders were Hot Church startled to discover that they didn’t have the appropriate ownership Both physically and spiritually documents for the church prop- erty. In essence, it didn’t belong to them. Sadly, the property was he Tagaytay Central recently baptized more than 120 transferred to new owners, who Seventh-day Adventist people following an evangelistic asked the church members to T Church is unlike any other program in San Jose Barangay. vacate. The members prayed to God Adventist church I’ve known. It’s Church members have routinely for a solution. Land in Tagaytay surrounded by the lush tropical responded to numerous invitations is extremely expensive, and the vegetation of Luzon island in the to support mission projects in church members couldn’t afford to Philippines, and is located inside churches that are part of the same purchase another property. the Taal Volcano, overlooking the district, and as far away as the cap- The church building is surrounded large lake encircling the volcano’s ital, Manila (about 65 kilometers by exclusive gated residential cone. The Tagaytay Central church [40 miles]). The Tagaytay Central communities, golf courses, hotels, is therefore hot. And not only church has a high membership restaurants, and amusement parks— physically; it’s also spiritually hot. turnover, as it’s a short-term home all competing for a piece of the vista Besides vigorous Sabbath School for many people coming to the of the lake and volcano. In spite of discussions and wide-ranging city for temporary work. It’s not this situation, however, the new activities for children and youth, difficult to baptize people in the owners agreed to allow the Adven- the church is actively involved in Philippines; the challenge is to tists to continue to operate at their mission to the city. disciple them and to help them current location, and the church is grow in Christian maturity. still there today.* They know, though, SMALL IN SIZE—BUT The church envisions becoming that they can be asked to leave at NOT IN ACTION a center of hope in its community. any time. That challenge, however, The Tagaytay Central church has Members discussed and prayed has proved to be a blessing. fewer than 100 members and some about opening a vegetarian restau- The members determined to use time ago celebrated its seventh rant; instead, they opened a part- whatever time they had left at this anniversary. But in spite of being time bakery and pastry shop that location to maximize their mission- small in number, the members currently produces on demand. Their ary effectiveness. They worked as if
24 October 2020 AdventistWorld.org they would remain there long-term, MEETING COMMUNITY NEEDS benefactors from as far away as but at the same time they were Most of the population in Australia and the United States, prepared to leave any day. Tagaytay is young, so Adventist sewing machines were purchased The members discovered a church members decided to organize and the project started. Every displaced community located in a Vacation Bible Schools (VBS) for morning begins with a Bible steep ravine in San Jose barangay, children. They started with holding devotional reading. After the and they began to visit with the one VBS every year in a different sewing lesson, church members people and provide for their practical location; but in 2019, the entire demonstrate how to cook healthful needs. Visiting families in the ravine church was involved in offering food, then everyone eats lunch provides a great deal of exercise VBS experiences in five barangays together. The Livelihood Project just from walking down the ravine concurrently. Not only adults but has resulted not only in training and then back up to the main road. also young people and even children people to generate income for A number of the people—because helped their guests discover God and themselves and their families, but of arthritis and other mobility His call to be missionaries for Him. also in having several of the young issues—are condemned to live in the Everyone was exhausted by the time mothers and others come to know ravine permanently, especially those the VBS event was over, but they Jesus and be baptized. in wheelchairs. There’s no sewage felt very happy with and rewarded The enthusiasm of Tagaytay Cen- system, and landslides occur when by the results. By God’s grace, total tral church members is contagious. it rains heavily or during tropical member involvement was a reality. They may not be a large church storms or typhoons. Ambulances Determined to serve the needs with ample resources, but with cannot access the community; of the community around them, God’s blessings and assistance from patients have to be lifted and carried church members discovered a others, the members are making a to the main road by friends or family. large number of single mothers difference in their local community One man who is confined to a who had no income or support by using their God-given talents wheelchair accepted Jesus and for their families. A new idea was to serve others. They pray that the was baptized. He had no source born—to teach the single mothers Lord will continue to use them as of income, and was dependent on to sew and sell clothing to provide influencers for the glory of God. others to survive. Church members an income for their families. A *Note: After the Taal Volcano taught him how to weave doormats rundown shelter near the church erupted on January 12, 2020, from cloth rags, and a businessman was completely refurbished and followed by the beginning of the offered to purchase his mats. made ready to host the Livelihood coronavirus pandemic in March, the Neighboring schools also regularly Project. Church deaconess Hilkie Tagaytay Central church members buy doormats from him, especially Dogwe offered her time and skills have been unable to visit the people during the rainy season. Mean- to teach the women to sew. With they were helping and to maintain while, small stores began to sprout help from an Adventist lay group their outreach activities. They up in the ravine, offering food and called Working in God’s Service continue to do what they can, such other needed items. (WINGS) in Manila, as well as from as recruiting police officers to deliver bags of rice to those living in the ravine, as well as diapers and baby Adventist formula to some of the women who members teach young single were part of the sewing classes. Please mothers in the pray that the Lord will provide ways community how for the church members to reach out to to sew and make clothing to sell. those in need and share with them the message of Jesus’ love.—Editors.
Cristian Dumitrescu teaches missiology at the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies in the Philippines and is serving as pastor of the Tagaytay Central Adventist Church.
Photos: Cristian Dumitrescu AdventistWorld.org October 2020 25 Bible Questions Answered God’s Glory Revealed
What was God’s purpose God’s form (Deut. 4:12). The God who displayed the glory of His presence to the people was not to be con- Q when He appeared to the fused with natural phenomena because He spoke; He was a person (Deut. 4:12; 5:22-24). They heard the voice Israelites on Mount Sinai? of the Lord giving them the Ten Commandments (Deut. 4:12, 13; 5:5; 9:10). For the Israelites the true God was recognized primarily through His Word, not through a Exodus 19:16-20; 20:18-21 and Deuteronomy 5:22-27 physical form. What predominates in the theophany contain a description of what is called a theophany and is determinative is not the visual but the spoken A (Greek theos, “God,” and phaino, “to appear/be visible”). Word, although both were present. The theophany at Mount Sinai is the most glorious manifestation of God in the Old Testament, and it 3. THE DIVINE INTENTION certainly had a central purpose. God intended to use His Word “to test you” (Ex. 20:20) or “discipline you” (Deut. 4:36, NIV), in the sense of 1. THE THEOPHANY instructing them particularly with respect to who He The manifestation of God to human eyes was accom- was. Here we find the purpose of the theophany. God panied by natural phenomena. A thick or dense cloud said to the Israelites, “I will take you as My people, and I covered the mountain, making it impossible to see what will be your God” (Ex. 6:7). This statement forms the very was occurring (Ex. 19:16; 24:15, 16; Deut. 4:11; 5:22). foundation of the covenant. When the people arrived at The sound of thunder accompanied lightning flashes Sinai to meet with God (Ex. 19:17), He had already, out of (Ex. 19:16; 20:18) and the powerful sound of a trumpet His infinite love, chosen them as His people by redeeming (Ex. 19:16, 19). The Lord descended “in fire,” and the them from the land of Egypt (Deut. 4:37). Now the Lord mountain was covered by a smoke that ascended “like was testing them by letting them decide whether they smoke from a furnace” (Ex. 19:18, NIV; 20:18, NIV). The wanted Him to be their God or not. He came to them in mountain appeared to be burning (Deut. 4:11; 5:23) a glorious display of His majesty to introduce Himself as the Lord allowed the Israelites to see His “great fire” personally (Deut. 5:32, 33). His theophany, particularly (Deut. 4:36). These supernatural phenomena conveyed His unmediated speech to them, revealed that “the Lord is something that went beyond human comprehension: God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no “And to the eyes of the sons of Israel [in their opinion] other” (Deut. 4:39, NIV). The response of the people was the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a positive, and they accepted Him as their God (Deut. 5:27). consuming fire on the mountain top” (Ex. 24:17, NASB;* The theophany at Sinai pointed to the theophany of cf. Deut. 4:24). They were observing the majestic and God on Golgotha, where God displayed the glory of His magnificent brightness of the glory of God that to them infinite sacrificial love for sinful humanity (1 John 4:9- looked like an unapproachable fire (Deut. 5:24). They 12). The question is whether we are willing to accept trembled and kept their distance (Ex. 20:18). Him as our Savior and Lord.
*Scripture quotations marked NASB are from the New American Standard Bible, copyright © 1960, 1962, 2. THE VOICE OF GOD 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. The sound and visual phenomena were intended to identify the place where God was located within creation. The people knew that God was present on the Angel Manuel Rodríguez, now retired, is former director mountain, but they saw only His glory, they did not see the Biblical Research Institute of the General Conference.
26 October 2020 AdventistWorld.org to plant-based protein sources results in improved longevity; the most marked improvement was noted when switching from red meat and eggs to plant-based protein sources.3 This information is beneficial if we follow it. We often encounter the knowledge-behavior disconnect—we know something to be true, but we don’t practice that habit. For example, most people know that it’s healthy to exercise Health & Wellness daily; yet not all of us do it. We have a golden opportunity to learn about and implement coaching skills that will encourage and enable behavior change A Vegetarian even virtually on a webinar-type basis. We need support and accountability to ensure healthy changes. Lifestyle It’s exciting and encouraging that there’s current and sound research confirming the findings of the Adventist Health Does credible science support it? Studies, and not only regarding nutrition but also the benefits of exercise; ade- quate sleep and rest; careful exposure to I am 30 years of age and have decided to return to the Adventist sunshine, fresh air, and pure clean water; Church. Growing up, I heard a lot about the value of a meat-free/ trust in God; the practice of gratitude; and vegetarian lifestyle based on Adventist research. Is there other credible strong, supportive, and resilience-building science supporting this lifestyle? relationships. We are, indeed, blessed to live in a time when science continues to es, there is a large body of robust, peer-reviewed health science confirm the instructions given in the Bible on the benefits of a plant-based diet that supports the Adventist and the Spirit of Prophecy. Y health message and lifestyle. It’s current and growing by the week. “Have faith in the Lord your God and Research on Adventists, our lifestyle, and our diet is also robust and you will be upheld; have faith in His internationally recognized. This research is consistent with work done prophets and you will be successful” in settings other than within the Adventist Church. This information (2 Chron. 20:20, NIV). may be useful in guiding varied populations with different cultures 1 L. Ma, G. Liu, M. Ding, et al., “Isoflavone Intake and the Risk of Coronary and eating habits across the world. This is confirmed by estimates that Heart Disease in U.S. Men and Women; Results From Three Prospective while 5 percent of adults in the United States endorse vegetarian diets, Cohort Studies,” Circulation 141 (2020): 1127-1137, doi: 10:10.1161/CIRCU- LATIONAHA.119.041306. approximately 38 percent of adults in India (the second most populous 2 Frank Qian, Gang Liu, Frank B. Hu, et al., “Association Between Plant-based Dietary Patterns and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes,” JAMA Intern Med. 179, no. 10 country in the world) identify as vegetarian. Large studies are required (2019): 1335-1344, doi:10.1001/jamainternmed2019.2195, published online July 22, 2019. to show the benefits of various diets, and also the reproducibility of 3 Jiaqi Huang, Linda M. Liao, Stephanie J. Weinstein, et al., “Association such benefits across different populations, regions, and territories. Between Plant and Animal Protein Intake and Overall and Cause-specific Mortality,” JAMA Intern Med., doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.2790, Recent studies include data that show that a higher intake of tofu (a published online July 13, 2020. condensed soy product) is associated with lower risks of coronary artery disease, related heart attacks, and death.1 Another large study confirmed that plant-based dietary patterns, especially those emphasizing the use Peter N. Landless, a board-certified nuclear cardiologist, is director of of healthful plant-based sources such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains, Adventist Health Ministries at the General legumes, and nuts, may be beneficial in the primary prevention of type Conference. 2 diabetes.2 This benefit is not shown with the predominant use of Zeno L. Charles-Marcel, a board-certified unhealthful plant-based foods such as refined grains, starches, and sug- internist, is an associate director of ars, which were consistently associated with an increased risk of type 2 Adventist Health Ministries at the General Conference. diabetes. Yet another large study has shown that changing from animal
Photo: Julian Hanslmaier AdventistWorld.org October 2020 27 Angel Music
here’s a bunch of Spanish-speak- had hung on the Eastern Butte, all ing Pathfinders up at the end of of the 50-plus motor homes we had T the valley who need a ride to the rented as temporary motel rooms for train station in Denver.” special guests, and every single tent The report came to me as bad news, peg Pathfinders had pounded into the raising my level of frustration. The Camp Hale dirt. 1985 Camp Hale Pathfinder Camporee, The camporee had been an awesome the very first international camporee success. “The best evangelistic program “May I Tell for Pathfinders in the North American the church has ever given its youth,” one You a Story?” Division, had ended the day before. All leader announced. “The best experience the clubs had packed up and left for of my life,” a young Pathfinder told me. BY DICK DUERKSEN home. The welcome tipis had been taken * * * down. The blacksmith shop had been The Camp Hale Camporee was over. disassembled and placed in the truck Everyone was on their way home. Except that was taking it home. Even the tall for a few workers and a 35-person Path- replica of the Washington Monument finder club from Mexico City, Mexico. that had stood as the centerpiece of the I had been smiling contentedly in the camporee grounds was gone, its pieces rapidly emptying valley. Then Carl told unscrewed, packed, folded, and trucked me about the club from Mexico. away in a container that was headed “Are they waiting for a bus to pick home to Washington, D.C. them up?” I asked. I was the camporee facility coordina- “I think you’d better go talk to them,” tor, driving around the valley in my tired he answered, then drove away in his Jeep, making sure that all remnants of dust-covered pickup. the event were disappearing. Our Forest I started the Jeep and drove down the Service permit said that the valley was road past where the headquarters tent to be returned to the condition it was in had stood, over a small hill to where the before we had arrived, and that “no mark club was waiting. of our presence shall remain.” “Crazy,” I mumbled to myself, noticing That included the large stage and a dark-gray storm cloud slipping into the video screens, the headquarter tents, valley. “I wonder why I didn’t know they the water pipes, the bridges we had were still here? They should have been built over the Eagle River, the flag we gone hours ago!”
28 October 2020 AdventistWorld.org “We’ve asked God to pick us up in a The Pathfinders were sitting beside Publisher bright-red bus and The Adventist World, an international the road, singing Más allá del sol, and periodical of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The General Conference, Northern waving at me. Asia-Pacific Division of Seventh-day take us to meet ® “Can I help you?” I asked, fearful of the Adventists , is the publisher. Executive Editor/Director of Adventist answer. the train at the Review Ministries “No. I think we’re fine,” the director Bill Knott International Publishing Manager told me in broken English. “We’re Denver railroad Hong, Myung Kwan waiting for a bright-red bus.” Adventist World Coordinating Committee “A bright-red bus?” I asked, incredulous, station.” Si Young Kim, chair; Yukata Inada; Joel Tompkins; Hong, Myung Kwan; Han, Suk Hee; noticing that the storm was getting closer. Lyu, Dong Jin “Yes. We’ve asked God to pick us up in Associate Editors/Directors, Adventist Review Ministries a bright-red bus and take us to meet the Lael Caesar, Gerald A. Klingbeil, Greg Scott train at the Denver railroad station. Our Editors based in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA train leaves at midnight.” have a spare one available.” I wish my Sandra Blackmer, Stephen Chavez, Wilona Karimabadi My mind quickly calculated how prayer had been more sincere. Editors based in Seoul, Korea long it would take even a fast “bright- I drove on, checking on this and that Hong, Myung Kwan; Park, Jae Man; Kim, Hyo-Jun red bus” to get from Camp Hale to the and worrying about my friends from Digital Platforms Director Gabriel Begle station. Probably five hours with the Mexico. If the storm didn’t get them, Operations Manager traffic. The bus would have to show up where would they sleep tonight? Merle Poirier in the next 30 minutes. A strange dust cloud began swirling Editorial Assessment Coordinator Marvene Thorpe-Baptiste “What bus company have you on the road toward me. A few moments Editors-at-Large/Advisors contracted with for the trip?” later a vehicle slowed, then stopped Mark A. Finley, John M. Fowler, E. Edward Zinke “Only God,” he responded with a right beside my Jeep. It was a bus. A Financial Manager Kimberly Brown shrug. “God knows we don’t have enough bright-red bus. Empty. Distribution Coordinator money to rent a bus, so we’ve asked Him “Hey there,” the driver shouted from Sharon Tennyson to send us one of His bright-red ones.” his window. “I’m so sorry I’m late. I was Management Board Si Young Kim, chair; Bill Knott, secretary; Hong, * * * supposed to pick up a group of Path- Myung Kwan; Karnik Doukmetzian; Han, Suk Hee; A few hours earlier I could have sent Yutaka Inada; Gerald A. Klingbeil; Joel Tompkins; finders from Pennsylvania, but engine Ray Wahlen; Ex-officio: Juan Prestol-Puesán; the entire club home in the fleet of rented trouble kept me away.” G. T. Ng; Ted N. C. Wilson motor homes. But all those vehicles were Art Direction and Design I remembered the Pennsylvania group Types & Symbols now gone. I could have shoehorned them and told him we’d been able to put them To Writers: We welcome unsolicited into half-empty buses with several other together with another club. manuscripts. Address all editorial clubs. Those were also gone. It was late, correspondence to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, “OK,” he said. “But since I’m here, is Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600, U.S.A. Editorial about to rain, and there were no buses, there anything else I could do for you? office fax number: (301) 680-6638 no motor homes, not even an empty E-mail: [email protected] I’m going on to Denver, and the mileage Web site: www.adventistworld.org semitruck in the valley. Nothing. Nada. is already paid.” Unless otherwise indicated, all Bible references Just my Jeep and Carl’s work truck. are taken from the New King James Version®. “Yes, sir,” I smiled, and pointed far Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used “Would you like to say a prayer with down the road to where 35 Pathfinders by permission. All rights reserved. Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New us?” the director asked. from Mexico were already putting on International Version®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, I joined them, all of us praying for God’s 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. their backpacks. “There’s a full busload All rights reserved worldwide. “bright-red bus” to come. Quickly. Then I of Pathfinders waiting for you, and I Unless otherwise noted, all prominent photos drove back up the valley to make sure all believe you’re right on time.” are © Getty Images 2020. the showers had been removed. My mind Adventist World is published monthly and The driver smiled. “I was hoping I’d printed simultaneously in Korea, Brazil, rumbled with questions. Why hadn’t they Indonesia, Australia, Germany, Austria, find a load in the valley.” Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, and the done a better job of planning? Why hadn’t As the bright-red bus pulled away, the United States. they told me about their problem earlier— driver began blowing a series of long, Vol. 16, No. 10 when I could have helped? Isn’t it presump- loud notes on his air horn. Angel music, tion rather than faith when you expect God to I thought. do the impossible on your time schedule? “They’re Yours, God,” I said aloud. “I can’t help them now. Please send them Dick Duerksen, a pastor and storyteller, Your bus. Bright-red, if You happen to lives in Portland, Oregon, United States.
AdventistWorld.org October 2020 29 Growing Faith Fun-filled pages for younger ages
Turning Talent Into Gold
hat are you good at? my friends (I still do this). all the others. We have different Do you jump high or We all have different talents. gifts, according to the grace Wrun fast? Do you cook Some people play instruments. given to each of us. If your gift is yummy food? Do people come Some people are good at prophesying, then prophesy in to you for help? Maybe you draw making others feel better when accordance with your faith; if it is pictures or sing? they’re sad. Everyone’s talents serving, then serve; if it is teach- Maybe you’re like me: you working together makes us ing, then teach; if it is to encour- write well. I love writing. When like a healthy body working for age, then give encouragement; if I can’t figure out what to say, Christ. The Bible agrees! it is giving, then give generously; I write it down first. Whenever The apostle Paul wrote: “For if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it there was a youth day at church, just as each of us has one body is to show mercy, do it cheerfully” I was chosen to say whatever with many members, and these (Rom. 12:4-8, NIV). I’d written. When I was really members do not all have the God has blessed us with young, I’d even make stories same function, so in Christ we, talents that we should use to about characters I imagined, or though many, form one body, honor Him. No one talent is sometimes wrote stories about and each member belongs to better than another, just as no
30 October 2020 AdventistWorld.org Illustration: Xuan Le
BY KAREE-ANNE ROGERS
Bible Treasure: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”
(Eph. 2:10, NIV).
one body part is better than was given one bag of gold didn’t expected the servants to another. They’re all important. put his gold to good use; instead increase the “talents” he gave I mean, how boring would it be he buried it in the ground. them, our Master wants us to if we were all good at the exact When the master returned, use the talents He gave us to same thing? the servants who were given help others. Jesus told a story about three five bags and two bags to hold What talents do you have? servants with “talents” (in this were able to show the master Draw three gold coins and write case, gold). They were supposed their new bags of gold. But a talent you have on each one. to hold them for their master the servant with one bag had Try to use all three talents this while he traveled (Matt. 25:14-30). nothing to show. The master week to help someone have a Once the master left, the servant was angry with that servant and better day. who was given five bags of gold gave his one bag to the servant put it to good use and ended up with 10 bags. He then sent the with 10 bags. The servant with servant who had done nothing This article first appeared in two bags of gold ended up with with his share of “talent” away. KidsView, October 2017. two more bags. The servant who In the same way the master
AdventistWorld.org October 2020 31 Feature Three Angels Unleashed Laypeople and leaders team up in an unprecedented project to educate Adventists about the three angels’ messages. BY ANDREW MCCHESNEY
uring weekend hikes Rusty resounding “Yes.” develops evangelistic resources. McKee, a vice president at “Adventists have the three angels’ The 2018 phone call resulted D McKee Food Corporation, messages,” McKee says. “What are in an unprecedented project to often strikes up conversations they, and how do they reveal God’s educate Adventists of all ages with young people who look like love even more?” about the three angels’ messages, they might study at Seventh-day Silence. a love letter from Jesus that Adventist schools. McKee began taking the informal identifies the characteristics of “Hey, are you Seventh-day survey after learning on a 2015 the last-day remnant church and Adventist?” he asks on the wooded backpacking trip that a young declares His imminent return. trails around his hometown of relative and his friends—even with The initiative aims to strengthen Collegedale, Tennessee. more than eight years of Adventist relationships with Christ, deepen When he hears an affirmative, he education and a lifetime of church understanding of the Adventist poses another question. attendance—could not explain the Church’s purpose in the last days “Do Seventh-day Adventists three angels’ messages of Revelation of earth’s history, and encourage consider themselves Protestant?” 14:6-12, the core of the Adventist greater passion for mission. Usually the young person nods. Church’s mission. The results were The multipronged project, which “What are you protesting?” no better on the hiking trails around has won support from the General McKee asks. Collegedale. Puzzled, he spoke Conference world church head- Silence. with friends, then phoned another quarters and the North American “Do you believe 1 John 4:8, which friend, Dan Houghton, president of Division, includes: says, ‘God is love’?” McKee persists. Hart Research Center, a supporting ■ a two-week curriculum for The young person always gives a Adventist ministry in California that K-12 students.
and the fourth angel of Revelation 18:1-4, calling people Ted Wilson: out of Babylon and confusion into the marvelous light of God’s full truth. We are told that the books of Daniel and Revelation, which are so intricately linked in prophetic “This Is the Core understanding, are to be well understood by Seventh-day Adventists. They can then share these precious mes- of Who We Are” sages in Total Member Involvement with Christian love The General Conference president and hope, bringing people to the foot of the cross, where they can understand from the sanctuary message that reflects on the three angels’ Christ’s intermediary work continues for them in the messages. Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary. All of this is closely tied into the three angels’ messages, helping A brief interview with General Conference president Ted people know that God is the Creator, that we need to N. C. Wilson about the three angels’ messages project. turn away from false religious practices that constitute Babylon in mixing error with truth, and that we are to What do you hope that this project will accomplish? avoid the mark of the beast—false worship on a day other The goal for the project is to get the three angels’ than the seventh-day Sabbath—and align ourselves with messages out to our church members and the public in our Redeemer and His seal, observing and worshipping the most powerful way possible. This is the core of who on the biblical seventh-day Sabbath, the sign of God’s Seventh-day Adventists are, and the real core of the creative power. three angels’ messages is the righteousness of Christ, What a privilege to be part of God’s last-day Advent His justifying and sanctifying righteousness. movement with its full understanding of prophetic truth What is the significance of the three angels’ mes- and our role in helping share the three angels’ messages sages to the Adventist Church and to individual church with Holy Spirit power. The 2021 General Conference members? Session’s theme is “Jesus Is Coming! Get Involved!” Get Church members are to be thoroughly acquainted involved by sharing the three angels’ messages under with the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14:6-12 the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Images: Hart Research Center AdventistWorld.org October 2020 33 ■ a 13-part video series by Mark three angels’ messages about Christ warning for a perishing world. On Finley. and His righteousness and pointing them is shining wonderful light ■ written sermon scripts with people back to the true worship of from the word of God. They have 1,200 new graphics that preachers God the Creator, Redeemer, High been given a work of the most can use for evangelistic meetings. Priest, and coming King,” said solemn import—the proclamation ■ a book, a GLOW tract, and Ted N. C. Wilson, president of the of the first, second, and third other printed materials. General Conference. angels’ messages. There is no other Catching the enthusiasm of the In an e-mail interview, Wilson work of so great importance. They lay-led initiative, the General Confer- emphasized that the three angels’ are to allow nothing else to absorb ence has commissioned the first-ever messages are at the core of the their attention.”1 Adult Sabbath School Bible Study identity of Seventh-day Adventists McKee said that he and other Guide dedicated to the three angels’ and that “the real core of the three laypeople were motivated to act messages; embraced a three angels angels’ messages is the righteous- when they discovered the same honor for Pathfinders; and formed a ness of Christ, His justifying and Ellen White quotation and realized committee to enhance understand- sanctifying righteousness.” that the three angels’ messages ing of the three angels’ messages He noted that church cofounder were the main reason for the through apps, digital media, and a Ellen White taught that Adventists’ church’s existence. variety of other methods. greatest responsibility was to pro- “When we discovered the primary claim the three angels’ messages. purpose our church exists, this set NO OTHER WORK Citing her words, he said, “In a our hearts and minds on an action SO IMPORTANT special sense Seventh-day Adven- to educate church students, faculty, “I hope to see every Seventh-day tists have been set in the world as pastors, and leaders on this purpose Adventist around the globe watchmen and light bearers. To and to provide tools to help them involved in sharing these precious them has been entrusted the last take action the way our Seventh-day
in special education from Boston University, she had just invested her energies for 17 years as associate Sandra Doran: superintendent of education for the Florida Conference and founding head of North Tampa Christian Academy, God Led an innovative Seventh-day Adventist school start-up in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Every Step That night, after praying, she slid into bed and fell asleep. In the morning she woke up with a poem ringing in her of Curriculum head. The words flowed as she wrote. “Three angels in the sky. Oh my! OH MY! OH MY!” she Development wrote. “Ready? Let’s begin the story. First angel: Give Veteran educator wondered how to God the glory. He’s always fair and good and true. He’ll do share three angels’ messages with what’s right for me and you.” The poem became the text for Three Angels in the Sky, kindergarteners. the first book in a curriculum being made available to K-12 church schools and homeschools at no cost in the Sandra Doran, a veteran Seventh-day Adventist 2020-2021 academic year. The curriculum is a key part educator, was intrigued when she was asked to develop of a larger three angels project financed by Seventh-day a curriculum to teach the three angels’ messages to Adventist laypeople and supported by the Adventist children from kindergarten through high school. world church to educate and inspire church members of But she wondered whether it was possible. After all, all ages to share Jesus’ love letter of Revelation 14:6-12 how could she break down the three angels’ messages of that He is coming soon. Revelation 14:6-12 for a 5-year-old child? Doran didn’t know what to write after the initial poem, Doran considered declining the project. With a doctorate but she felt God was saying, “I’m going to help you along
34 October 2020 AdventistWorld.org Adventist movement did in the 1800s,” McKee said by e-mail. Early Adventists shared a joyful expectation in Jesus’ soon return, and that passion needs to be rekindled, project leaders said. “The three angels’ messages lift us from being simply another denomination to a prophetic move- ment of destiny, to a movement raised up by God to prepare the world for His soon return,” evange- list Mark Finley said by telephone. “Each passing generation faces the challenge of a loss of that cut- ting-edge passion to see Jesus come, Conflict, which are available with various aspects of the uniqueness a loss of a general understanding of downloadable study guides via of the three angels’ messages with who we are as a people. The three Hope Channel, 3ABN television, application to people’s lives today. angels help us understand who we and the websites HopeLives365. The book is published jointly by are in light of eternity.” com and ThreeCosmicMessages. Hart Books and the General Con- Finley’s contributions to the com. In addition, he authored the ference-owned Review and Herald project encompass 13 video 212-page companion book, Three Publishing Association. Finley also presentations called Three Cosmic Messages: Earth’s Final Con- wrote the specially themed Adult Cosmic Messages: Earth’s Final flict, with 13 chapters focusing on Sabbath School Bible Study Guide,
the way.” She agreed to develop the curriculum. A similar incident happened while preparing materials “God made it very, very clear to me that I could do it,” for the fifth and sixth grades. As she grappled to write Doran said. “But He never gave me everything at once. 10 essays for the children, she remembered a trip to He only gave me one chunk at a time.” Russia to speak at a women’s retreat in 1996. While in One chunk fell into place as Doran wrestled over Moscow, she had interviewed a woman named Natasha content for a book for third- and fourth-grade students. in hope of writing a book about her life. The book never She wanted the book’s main character, a girl, to find materialized, but Doran recalled one of the stories that her father facing a Sabbath conflict so students could she had heard. Looking through her files, she found her understand the religious liberty issues that some people handwritten notes from 1996 and wrote an essay titled, experience in keeping the fourth commandment. That “A Dark Night in Russia.” God had given her the perfect night in bed Doran remembered that her husband, a story for the essay 24 years before she needed it. pastor, had assisted a police officer in his church with a Doran describes the unexpected surprises as miracles Sabbath problem three decades earlier. and confirmation that she made the right decision in You should use this case, she thought. accepting the position of curriculum and creative direc- The next morning she asked her husband, Eric, “Do you tor at Three Angels for Kids, a unit of Adventist support- remember 30 years ago when you had this police officer ing ministry Hart Research Center that developed the with a Sabbath problem in your congregation?” school curriculum. Eric’s jaw dropped in shock. “Why did I take on this curriculum?” she asks. “Because “I haven’t accessed those files in 30 years,” he said. God gave the assurance every step along the way that “But yesterday I was going through my files and found it. I this is what He wanted me to do. Whenever I doubted can give you everything right now.” myself or needed reassurance or felt that I didn’t know He went into his home office and returned moments which direction to take, God would put it very clearly later with a fat file containing newspaper clippings and in my mind. . . . I am humbled. I feel that God has led other documents. Doran had the information that she through all of this.” needed for the book, Beth and the Trio of Angels.
AdventistWorld.org October 2020 35 scheduled for release in second Dan Houghton, whose Hart proclaiming the three angels’ mes- quarter 2023. In addition, sermon Research Center is coordinating the sages, he said, pointing to another scripts and accompanying graphics project, voiced enthusiasm about statement by Ellen White in the from Finley’s presentations have the momentum that has grown as same volume: “The work of God in been prepared for pastors and lay lay members have teamed up with this earth can never be finished until members to use to present the mes- General Conference leaders and the men and women comprising our sages themselves. Adventist-lay- supporting ministries, notably 3ABN, church membership rally to the work men’s Services and Industries (ASI) which provided use of its production and unite their efforts with those of is also preparing a special version facilities to create the Finley series. ministers and church officers.”2 of Three Cosmic Messages: Earth’s Such close cooperation is needed Houghton is praying for big Final Conflict for sharing. to finish the church’s mission of results for the lay-funded project.
As the children awoke and cried for their parents, the Claiming the rabbi turned to the priest. “That’s one of mine,” he said. “That’s one of mine. That’s one of mine.” In telling the story, Finley asks: What is the Sev- Adventist DNA enth-day Adventist DNA? What is it that makes Adven- Jewish children have the Shema; tists unique? The answer, he says, is simple: It’s the three Adventists have the three angels’ angels’ messages given in Revelation 14:6-12. messages. “One of the great challenges we face in the Sev- enth-day Adventist Church is the loss of our identity,” Finley said in an interview. “Adventists were raised in rabbi approached the Roman Catholic priest the 1840s as people who anticipated the coming of overseeing an orphanage shortly after World Christ. We were a movement of destiny, a movement of A War II. “Do you have any Jewish children in your prophetic certainty, that was raised up by God to prepare orphanage?” the rabbi asked. the world for His return.” The priest shook his head. “We have no Jewish children The three angels’ messages are at the core of the here,” he said. Adventist identity, the Adventist DNA, he said. The “Are you sure?” the rabbi asked. “What about their messages identify the last-day remnant church as names?” people who keep all of God’s commandments, including “They have Polish names,” the priest said. “We cannot the fourth (to observe the seventh-day Sabbath), and tell the difference. There are no Jewish children here.” have the testimony of Jesus, also known as the Spirit of The rabbi left the orphanage, but he had no intention of Prophecy. The three angels’ messages are a love letter giving up. He was traveling across Europe in search of Jew- from Jesus containing an urgent appeal for the world to ish children, a number of whom had been sent to orphan- be prepared for His imminent return, because He doesn’t ages by desperate parents for shelter from Nazi forces. want anyone to be lost. As evangelist Mark Finley tells the story, the rabbi A desire for young Adventists to claim their DNA and returned to the orphanage that night and received per- share this love letter with the world is the reason Finley mission from the priest to walk through the quiet rooms. and others support a groundbreaking three angels As he walked, he began to sing the Shema, a Jewish project, which includes a K-12 curriculum, a 13-part prayer from Deuteronomy 6:4. “Hear, O Israel: the Lord evangelistic series, a new book and magazines, an our God, the Lord is one,” he sang in Hebrew. Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide, a Pathfinder As the sweet words pierced the still night, a 5-year- honor, and more. old child began to cry. “Mameh, Mameh,” she sobbed. “Imagine every Seventh-day Adventist young person “Mama, Mama.” graduating from an Adventist school—eighth grade, A 9-year-old stirred in another bed. “Tatte, Tatte,” he academy, and college—and coming out with a passion for wept. “Daddy, Daddy.” mission, a passion to share the three angels’ messages,” Every Jewish child knows the Shema, Finley said. They Finley said in announcing the beginnings of the project at an are taught it from their earliest ages as part of family ASI convention in 2018. “That’s what this project is about.” morning and evening worship. It’s part of their DNA.
36 October 2020 AdventistWorld.org “It’s the three angels’ messages The curriculum, available online observance, religious liberty, and as they haven’t been preached in at no cost, is designed to be easily the importance of making good several generations,” he said. incorporated into church schools spiritual decisions. The common and homeschools and to progress theme running throughout the THREE ANGELS IN SCHOOLS in a developmentally appropriate curriculum is: God is love. A crown jewel of the project is manner, Doran said. Kindergart- “The entire curriculum is the K-12 curriculum developed by eners will learn the broad concept saturated with the love of God in veteran Adventist educator Sandra that God is always right, fair, sending a three-point alert to peo- Doran and endorsed by the North and true. High school students ple living just before He comes so American Division’s Department will dive deeply into specific they understand that He is coming, of Education. issues such as fairness, Sabbath share what they know with others,
Three Angels Resources A quick guide to three angels’ messages resources and ways to access them
All resources—including Three Cosmic Messages: Earth’s Final Conflict, a 13-part video series by Mark Finley with study guides, and Mark Finley’s Three Cosmic Messages: Earth’s Final Conflict written scripts for a 13-part evangelistic series with more than 1,200 new graphics—can be downloaded at: threecosmicmessages.com
Three Angels for Kids curriculum for K-8 homeschool teachers: threeangelsforkids.com
Three Angels for Today curriculum for homeschool teachers of grades 9 through 12: threeangelsfortoday.com
K-12 curriculum for church school teachers: adventisteducation.org
Mark Finley’s 212-page book Three Cosmic Messages: Earth’s Final Conflict, with 13 chapters that focus on various aspects of the uniqueness of the three angels’ messages with application to people’s lives today. Download the ebook on Amazon or buy the book online or at Adventist Book Center.
AdventistWorld.org October 2020 37 draw closer to Jesus, and put their them in a multigrade classroom if teaches the three angels’ messages faith and trust in Him,” said Doran, needed. In addition to Bible class, the to seventh- and eighth-grade who holds a doctorate in special book could be used in reading class. students, while five micro units are education from Boston University, “The book teaches children how available for high school students, served for 15 years as associate to read,” Doran said. including an honors Bible course education superintendent for Three reading levels are also avail- in which they preach evangelistic the Florida Conference, and most able for the 10 essays that Doran meetings based on Finley’s Three recently worked as founding head prepared for fifth and sixth graders. Cosmic Messages series. of school of North Tampa Christian The essays aim to teach children North American Division Academy, an innovative school how to write. In one assignment, president G. Alexander Bryant has start-up in Wesley Chapel, Florida. students read an essay about a thrown his support behind the Doran emphasized that the horse-judging contest and the reality K-12 curriculum, which is available two-week curriculum can be that a horse can be rejected for a on the division’s website. “I am integrated effortlessly into a class, single mistake. Then students read amazed with these wonderful and not necessarily Bible class. an essay from Ellen White’s book tools God has created to reach The materials for kindergarten and The Acts of the Apostlesabout how millions of people in this unique the first and second grades, for God’s sacrifice for humanity, not period of time in which we live. example, include two storybooks human perfection, is the deciding God will use this curriculum in our and a watercolor book that can be factor on judgment day. Students are schools to give our youth a great used for art class. then asked to write about how God’s understanding of Jesus as found in “They make their own watercolor judgment differs from the judging the messages of the three angels book,” Doran said. “We teach them that takes place on earth. in Revelation 14 that will inspire how to be artists and be proud that “With that assignment, the them to be wonderful ambassadors they can paint.” teacher has taught the first angel’s for His cause.” Third and fourth graders read message about the judgment hour,” Arne Nielsen, vice president for Beth and the Trio of Angels, a book said Doran, curriculum and creative education at the North American about the adventures of a little girl director at Three Angels for Kids, a Division, described the K-12 curric- that Doran wrote at three different unit of Hart Research Center that ulum as “an invaluable resource for reading levels. All three versions are developed the school curriculum. both students and teachers.” available so that teachers can use An interactive notebook/journal He also praised the curriculum’s
38 October 2020 AdventistWorld.org NAD’s Take on the Three Angels’ Messages in Schools Two education leaders weigh in on the new curriculum.
A short conversation about the three angels curriculum with Lisa Standish, North American Division’s director of elementary education and curriculum development, and Stephen Bralley, North American Division’s director of secondary education and accreditation.
What advice would you give North American Division teachers and homeschool teachers about this curriculum? LS: The three angels curriculum has been adopted by the North Amer- ican Division’s Curriculum Committee as a distinctly Adventist resource that is easy to use, promotes rigorous learning, and dovetails with our Encounter Bible curriculum. Teachers or homeschool parents could use the three angels’ lessons for their Fun Fridays, as a unit before Christmas or spring break, or as part of their language arts program. It’s easy to use and comes with all the resources necessary to teach the unit. crossover value, noting that it could SB: The North American Division’s education department is always be used to support subjects such adding resources and additional support for the core curriculum it offers. as history, English, and science, This is a wonderful addition to Encounter. It aligns and affirms the growth and said it respects Ellen White’s of understanding in the nature and purpose of God for His followers. counsel: “It is the work of true The curriculum was designed to be flexible and to provide teachers with education . . . to train the youth to plenty of options for using the material. It can be used in direct conjunc- be thinkers, and not mere reflectors tion with Encounter lessons, as stand-alone pre- or post-lessons, or as of other men’s thought.”3 bridge units before moving into the next lesson. “This curriculum provides our stu- dents the opportunity for reflection, Why have you embraced and endorsed this curriculum? critical thinking, and opportunity to LS: The North American Division is committed to provide distinctly Adven- share with others as they become tist resources that promote our mission and vision for Adventist schools. disciple makers,” he said. We want our young people to have an ongoing and authentic relationship With the three angels project, the with Jesus. This curriculum engages students in the biblical message and day may come that McKee no longer promotes faith and learning in a creative and student-centered unit. hears silence when he asks young SB: For all the reasons listed in the first answer. It offers additional hikers to define the three angels’ resources for teachers; it affirms our beliefs and reinforces their impor- messages and explain how they tance; and it provides intentional flexibility of the material for the teacher. reveal God’s love. “Every Seventh-day Adventist should be asking them- What is your goal for this program? selves and their Adventist friends SB: Teachers are always looking for resources when they create and these same questions,” he said. adapt their daily lessons. Our intent is to provide high value material for teachers to use. 1 Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1948), vol. 9, p. 19. 2 Ibid., p. 117. Anything you would like to add? 3 Ellen G. White, Education (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1903, 1952), p. 17. LS: The elementary and middle school units are specifically designed to complement the language arts. Students are engaged in an integrated unit based on the three angels’ messages. Students will be engaged in Andrew McChesney serves as art, history, reading, writing, and math. Each level is developmentally editor of Adventist Mission. appropriate and highly engaging.
AdventistWorld.org October 2020 39 Say Hello to Your New Family!
Fletcher Academy students are seen in our dining room, keeping our lawns, and helping with dishes. It’s kind of like having your grandchildren around!
• 1 or 2 bedroom apartments starting at $55,000 (Some rentals also available)
• Up to 2,300 sq. ft. villas from $135,000 • 103-bed AdventHealth across the street
• 7 Seventh-day Adventist Churches nearby • 90% Return of Capital program
150 Tulip Trail • Hendersonville, NC 28792 800-249-2882 • 828-209-6930 [email protected] www.fletcherparkinn.com A Christian Retirement Community
Aquatic Center Bean-Bag (Game-on) Boys against the Girls Hand-chime Choir
Owned and Operated by Fletcher Academy, Inc. A not-for-profit (501)(c)(3) organization “Christian Businesses for Christian Education” (300 students in grades K-12)