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WeeklyREVIEW News and Inspiration for Seventh-day Adventists April 24. 1986

Hal sey s a re End-Time Predictions ,),„ .„ LETTERS

Amazed to educate their children and youth prepare for life on earth and a future in our schools. No way do most of us in heaven, to distinguish truth from I was amazed to see the advertise- have money for even one child—not ment for the contemporary singer error, to develop body and intelli- to mention three or more. Sandi Patti (Mar. 6). Please, can't we gence, and to be ready to help I realize that a number will not themselves and others to know stay within our denomination? As a sacrifice luxuries for Christian edu- salvation and the gospel. youth in the seventies I filled my cation. E. W. BROOKS HENRY Y. CHANG head with rock music, and this Hayfork, California Columbus, Ohio contemporary Christian(?) music has the same beat! I think you should reconsider Myron Widmer's interview with your advertising policies. Clifford Sorensen (March 6) is one We poor, ignorant, uneducated JOANNE BROWN more demonstration that the new Christians in the early twentieth Columbus, North Carolina REVIEW is dealing with issues cru- century established these schools cial to readers in ever more helpful and operated them in God's ways. At Atlantic Union College, in strength, furnishing education for Thank you for placing a Sandi historic New England, we're our students at a price they could Patti ad with her tour guide. endeavoring to do our part in mak- afford. Now look at the plight we are Three years ago I went to see her ing a quality Christian education in in after they've been operated by in concert. Good music does much a unique environment both chal- those with B.A., M.A., and Dr. with more for me than most sermons. lenging and affordable for a growing their names. Sandi's exuberant personality and student body. Our enrollment actu- ALVA A. COLVIN obvious love and close relationship ally went up second semester—evi- Astoria, Oregon with Jesus shone from her the whole dence that we're on the right track as evening. KAREN BLUMENBERG far as our students are concerned. Genesis Sharpsburg, Maryland LAWRENCE T. GERATY I would like the author of "Trage- South Lancaster, Massachusetts Struck dies in Space" (Mar. 6) to define "chaotic mess." The SDA Bible As a new Adventist, I was particu- Commentary on Genesis 1 (vol. 1, p. larly struck by the seeming incon- Something appeared to be lacking in this interview. 209) states that earth's "elements sistency of the 1972 Annual Council were all mingled together, com- statement on display and adorn- Foremost among the objectives set for our educational systems is pletely unorganized and inani- ment (Mar. 20). By what logic did mate," but this totally disregards the council conclude that modest the idea that all the young persons who finish our training programs Genesis and the Spirit of Prophecy: necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and "God was not indebted to preex- rings should not be worn but that should be well trained in the sci- ence of bringing people to the foot of isting matter [in the creation of this modest brooches may be worn, in earth]. . . . All things, material or harmony with Christian principles? the cross and leading them in mak- ing a decision for Christ. A second spiritual, stood up at . . . His voice" How can a modest brooch be intrin- (Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 258). sically different than a modest objective is that of training all our young persons in the use of a trade If God had to create some ele- necklace? OLGA JOHNSON ments and let them settle a few eons Rockville, Maryland whereby they can work and provide for themselves and their families before they were in proper condi- tion to mold into a planet, how is it SDA Colleges without having to work for a pay- check. that He could create anything So far, "The State of SDA Colleges Perhaps the Spirit of God was already mature and producing? in North America" (Mar. 6) is the trying to tell us that 100 graduates a J. FLOYD VOGT, JR. best—no exception—and most year with the above qualifications Heflin, Alabama accurate of all the articles written are worth thousands who do not about our institutions of higher have such qualifications. learning. IRA M. GISH STANLEY MURPHY Letters should not exceed 250 words Port Charlotte, Florida and should carry the writer's name, Pecos, Texas address, and telephone number. All will be edited to meet space and literary requirements, but the author's meaning My children and grandchildren Adventist higher education must will not be changed. Views expressed in have never spent a day in public be different from other colleges, the letters do not necessarily represent those of the editors or of the denomina- school. But the fact is that, no matter different from other church col- tion. Address letters for this column to how great the value, more than 50 leges. It is our duty to teach our Editor, ADVENTIST REVIEW, 6840 Eastern percent of our families cannot begin young people to know God, to Ave., NW., Washington, D.C. 20012. 2 (426) ADVENTIST REVIEW ADVENTIST

REVIEWApril 24, 1986 General paper of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Editor William G. Johnsson Associate Editor Myron K. Widmer Managing Editor Jocelyn R. Fay News Editor James Coffin Carlos Medley Assistant Editors Eugene F. Durand Deborah Anfenson-Vance Administrative Secretary Corinne Russ Editorial Secretaries Lillian Elliott Jackie Ordelheide Art Director Byron Steele Designer Dennis Ferree Marketing Thomas Kapusta Ad Sales Jeff Blumenberg Kids and computers, p. 12 New president, p. 18 Subscriber Services Larry Burtnett Consulting Editors Neal C. Wilson, Charles E. Bradford, Wallace 0. Coe, D. F. Gilbert, Robert J. Kloosterhuis, Kenneth J. Mitt!eider, Enoch Oliveira, Calvin B. Rock, G. Ralph Thompson Special Contributors Kenneth H. Wood, Robert H. Pierson, George W. Brown, Gerald J. Christo, Ottis C. EDITORIALS CHRISTIAN LIFE Edwards, Bekele Heye, Edwin Ludescher, J. J. Nortey, Jan Paulsen, Walter R. L. Scragg, Joao Wolff 4 Rightly Dividing 16 Shall We Wear Ermine or Africa-Indian Ocean Editions Acting editor, Candace W. Jorgensen We Adventists need to take a hard look at Silk? Inter-American Edition our method of interpreting Bible proph- Editor, Adalgiza Archbold Often those who turn to the church for South American Editions ecy—especially the Book of Revela- guidance receive directions leading back Editor, R. S. Lassa, Portuguese; editor, Rolando Itin, Spanish tion. by William G. Johnsson to the world. How to Subscribe Subscription prices: US$26.95 for 40 issues. US$34.95 for 52 by Ruth Jaeger Buntain issues. 5 Protesting to Wash Feet To place your order, send your name, address, and payment to your local Adventist Religion is not to be judged by its NEWS Book Center or Adventist Review Subscrip- enjoyment level. But couldn't we do tion Desk, Box 1119, Hagerstown, Maryland 7 Newsbreak 21741. Single copy, 90 cents U.S. currency. something to brighten our worship ser- Prices subject to change without notice. 18 Worldview To Writers We welcome unsolicited manu- vices? by Myron Widmer scripts. Notification of acceptance or rejection Pacific Union session report. may be expected only if accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Address THEOLOGY all editorial correspondence to 6840 Eastern DEPARTMENTS Avenue NW., Washington, D.C. 20012. The Adventist Review (ISSN 0161-1119) is 10 Was the Crystal Ball published 40 times a year, each Thursday 2 Letters except the first Thursday of the month. Cracked? Copyright © 1986 Review and Herald Pub- 15 Children's Corner lishing Association, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hal Lindsey spun his prophetic yarn Hagerstown, Maryland 21740. Second-class more than fifteen years ago. Now he's 23 Reflections postage paid at Hagerstown, Maryland 21740. Postmaster: send address changes trying not to get tangled in it. to Adventist Review, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740. by Samuele Bacchiocchi COMING NEXT WEEK: Bible texts credited to N.E.B. are from The New English Bible. © The Delegates of the • "A Little Wine for Oxford University Press and the Syndics of LIFESTYLE the Cambridge University Press 1961, 1970. Thy Heart's Sake?" Can Reprinted by permission. Texts credited to moderate drinking hurt N.I.V. are from The Holy Bible: New Interna- 12 How to Choose Children's tional Version. Copyright 1978 by the you? According to sev- International Bible Society. Used by permis- Software sion of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Texts Of some 8,000 educational computer eral recent studies, the credited to R.S.V. are from the Revised answer is Yes. Standard Version of the Bible, copyrighted programs for children, only 1.5 percent 1946, 1952 C 1971, 1973. have been judged high quality. Here are • "What to Do When You Love God (but COVER: TIM MITOMA things to consider when you go shop- maybe aren't so crazy about the church)." Vol. 163, No. 17 ping. by Ruth Atkinson Pope A Lifestyle feature by Greg Brothers. APRIL 24, 1986 (427) 3

EDITORIALS

pretation, Ellen White encouraged us to search these Bible books for greater understanding. And, in fact, the church is gaining fresh insights into these prophecies. The most recent meeting of the Daniel and Revelation Committee (DAR- RIGHTLY COM), held at Andrews University, convinced me of that. At the historic Glacier View con- DIVIDING sultation (August, 1980), General Conference president Wilson prom- ised that the church would set up a ith Hal Lindsey's ideas prophecy readily spawns sensa- committee of scholars for ongoing sweeping the evangelical tional, subjective scenarios. study of the questions raised by world, it isn't surprising Current Interest Desmond Ford. The result: DAR- that some Adventists COM. Whave bought—perhaps unknow- The current interest in prophecy The committee has 24 members, ingly—into his scheme. Church among Seventh-day Adventists two of them from outside North members need to take a hard look at pleases me. Revelation seminars America. It convened first May 18, their method of interpreting proph- attract thousands of the public to 1981; the recent meeting was the ecy to see what its roots are. our church, as well as revive Bible seventh. Sessions have been long In this and the previous issue of study among our people. C. Mervyn and intensive, marked by thorough the REVIEW, Samuele Bacchiocchi Maxwell's God Cares, a two-volume study of prepared papers. So far, one exposes the fallacies in Lindsey's set on Daniel and Revelation, pro- volume on Daniel, Selected Studies approach. According to his earlier vides our literature evangelists with on Prophetic Interpretation, has predictions, God's people should new material. come out of the committee. Two all have been snatched from the But some interpretations that are more books on Daniel will be earth in 1981! circulating trouble me. Like Hal released shortly, while later publi- Lindsey's, they take prophetic time cations will share papers from Shortsighted periods—the 1260 and 2300 days, Hebrews and Revelation. But Lindsey's method has at least the 42 months—and apply them Under the open, congenial chair- three areas of weakness: literally to the end-time. They read manship of W. Richard Lesher, • It focuses on a short period of Israel, the Arab world, and the DARCOM quickly put aside the time just before the Second Coming. Soviet Union into Revelation. In so clouds of Glacier View. Members If Lindsey is right, nearly 2,000 doing they have left well-tried interact in a relaxed atmosphere of years of Christian history don't Adventist biblical interpretation trust and fellowship. They weigh count in Bible prophecy. and ventured into new waters ideas rigorously, however. • It looks to the modern nation of where shoals abound. At the most recent meeting we Israel as the pivot in end-time Not that we should be content to looked at several papers on Revela- events. rest on the past. While Uriah tion. I came away with two clear • It interprets the Scriptures from Smith's monumental Thoughts on impressions: the newspaper. Political powers Daniel and the Revelation estab- First, we need to sharpen our that happen to be prominent today lished a basis for Adventist inter- methods of interpretation. We must "fulfill" the prophecies. Seventh-day Adventists also search the prophetic writings. Dan- iel, Revelation, and Matthew 24 shape our identity and mission. But from our beginnings we have seen dventists try to follow sound history—the whole of it—as the unfolding of Bible prophecy. We do methods of interpretation, since not place special significance on the nation of Israel, because the New Testament teaches that the church prophecy readily spawns has replaced literal Israel in God's plan. And we try to follow sound sensational, subjective scenarios. methods of interpretation, since 4 (428) ADVENTIST REVIEW give our people help in their study share material that will help mem- the Christian church, an equally so they don't fall into "newspaper bers understand the book better. significant aspect of this protest is exegesis" of Revelation. Revelation, focal point of wild- that Roman Catholic women want to Second, the church has made eyed interpretations from the sec- participate in having the priest considerable progress already. The ond century to our day, has a wash their feet in the ordinance of insights of Kenneth H. Strand and message for us from the Lord. But humility. William H. Shea especially advance we'll find it only as we divide the It's a far cry from some Adventist Adventist understanding. The book "rightly." women and men who find the least ADVENTIST REVIEW printed Dr. excuse plausible for skipping Com- Strand's outline of Revelation munion Sabbath. (April 3), and we will continue to WILLIAM G. JOHNSSON Not Above Temptation Oh yes, I'm not above the tempta- tion to skip sometimes too, not because of the lack of meaning in the service itself (I wouldn't trade that feeling of assurance of sins forgiven for anything else) but because the Communion service generally goes so much longer than the normal worship service. And because the Communion service is often so for- mal and rigid that organizationally PROTESTING we rule out any true fellowship or enjoyment, all in the name of rever- TO WASH FEET ence. We need to study the New Testament models of worship when the early believers got together. Aren't we supposed to enjoy reli- ore than 200 Roman Cath- practices in that parish. The Post gion and worship? Shouldn't we olic women organized a reported that other parishes openly wake up early on Sabbath mornings, protest against their welcome, and have for years, the excited about going to Sabbath M Roman Catholic Diocese participation of women in the foot- school and church? And about par- in Pittsburgh, which planned to washing service held once a year. ticipating in the Communion ser- exclude them from the traditional The local bishop suggested that vice? "washing of the feet" service on women use alternative gestures If we don't, no matter what level Thursday before their Easter week- such as "prayers, processions, and of Christianity we have, some might end. hand-washing ceremonies," an find another Adventist church "We don't want to fight," said one objectionable suggestion to the nearby to attend (if possible) or find protester quoted in the Washington women. They didn't want substi- it convenient to skip services once Post, March 22, 1986. "We just want tutes, they wanted to participate in in a while and finally all the time. to be heard." the real thing, the real symbols of Some members have even found Agreeing with the woman, the Christ's humility and willingness to non-Adventist churches to fellow- Association of Pittsburgh Priests serve others. ship with. argued that the foot-washing cere- Although the primary issue here No, religion is not to be judged mony is symbolic of Jesus' humility is one of women's rights and roles in upon its enjoyment level. But and willingness to serve others couldn't we do something to rather than what their diocese's brighten up some of our worship bishop was suggesting—a literal and Communion services so that at reenactment of the New Testament least boring, or lengthy, services service, where Jesus washed the feet won't be a plausible excuse for of men only. ouldn't we skipping? Maybe we'd all wake up The protest was aimed not so Sabbath mornings eager to get a much at the Roman Catholic Church front-row seat. as it was at one area bishop who brighten up our wrote a directive to his parish priests to exclude women from services? MYRON WIDMER participation, a change from past

APRIL 24, 1986 (429) 5 ONE PERSON HEALING ANOTHER. THREE MILLION TIMES A YEAR.

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A Way of Caring. A Way of Life. NEWSBREAK

WORLD CHURCH year-old Santiago Schmidt, a former missionary to South America and an enthusiast for spreading the Governor Visits College in Brazil. Roberto gospel in that area, has been a catalyst in the construc- Magalhaes, governor of the state of Pernambuco in tion of a church in the city of Hernandarias in Argentina. Brazil, on March 15 attended a thanksgiving service at According to Schmidt, at the end of 1985 Hernan- Northeast Brazil College, accompanied by members of darias had only eight Seventh-day Adventists and no his family and government leaders. church. However, the eight members, assisted by At a visit to the college some two years ago, Magalhaes Schmidt, who was there on a visit, the conference, and was so impressed by the choir's singing that he Adventists from other areas were able to build a small spontaneously offered to pave the highway leading to church near the city park. the college. "I will not return to this college," he said, After a series of evangelistic meetings early this year, "except on asphalt." True to his word, the governor saw some 40 people were baptized. to it that the road was paved, and he traveled over it on his recent visit. Burmese Sacrifice to Reach Unreached. Because of their zeal to share the gospel with those who have not Free Signs Offer Opens Floodgates. The Signs yet heard it, many Advent- Publishing Company in Australia found itself facing a ists in northern Burma are pleasant budgetary challenge when ads in Reader's making major sacrifices Digest and a special issue of Signs of the Times offering daily. free subscriptions to Signs drew more than five times as After women have mea- many responses as expected. sured out the amount of Having budgeted for only 1,000, the publishing house rice needed for their fami- is scrambling to come up with the money. According to lies, they remove one South Pacific Division communication director Ray- handful to save and later mond L. Coombe, Adventist businesspeople are pro- sell, raising money to send viding several thousand dollars of the amount needed. lay preachers to pre- viously unentered vil- Firsts at Far East Seminary. The SDA Theological lages. This means that Seminary, Far East, in February celebrated its first their families have slightly Festival of Biblical Archaeology, with presentations by less rice to eat than they Siegfried H. Horn and members of the seminary faculty. actually should have. The first candidates for the Master of Pastoral Studies Children (photo) also are trying to shoulder their fair degree graduated in March. In April the first candidates share of the financial load by gathering firewood, for the Master of Theology degree began coursework. stacking it at the church, then selling it, according to Far With its March-April summer session, Taiwan Advent- Eastern Division Ministerial Association secretary J. H. ist College became the first extension campus of the Zachary. Seminary, Far East, at which the complete Master of Pastoral Studies degree could be obtained without Swedish Health Center Completes 60 Years. resident study at the seminary. More than 100,000 patients have received Christian Another first is the Master of Christian Leadership and health care since Hultafors Health Center opened its Administration degree offered at Korean Sahmyook doors 60 years ago. University, at Universitas Advent Indonesia, and at the Situated on a high plateau some 30 miles (50 seminary in the Philippines. kilometers) northeast of Goteborg, Hultafors is known for its "beautiful surroundings, excellent care, and Far East Putting Old Hymnals to Good Use. friendly atmosphere," says center director Svein B. English-speaking areas of the Far Eastern Division Johansen. Johansen reports that one satisfied guest would be happy to receive any old hymnals that have recently wrote to a friend, "I did not know that paradise been rendered obsolete by the advent of the new had outstations on earth. But Hultafors is just that." Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal, according to General According to Johansen, Hultafors is the largest private Conference associate secretary D. A. Roth. health center in Sweden, having a capacity for 165 Roth says FED associate secretary Gordon Bullock has guests. Of the work force of 125, some 70 percent are agreed to distribute any hymnals that might be sent, and Seventh-day Adventists. Bullock guarantees that they will be put to good use. Hymnals may be sent surface mail to Gordon Bullock, Pastor Says Offering Helped Church Growth. Far Eastern Division of SDA, 800 Thomson Road, During the past ten years the number of churches and Singapore 1129, Republic of Singapore. companies in the Eastern Zimbabwe Field grew from 65 to 111, according to Killian S. Mangwende, a local Retiree Helps Build New Church. Eighty-four- pastor.

APRIL 24, 1986 (431) 7 Mangwende attributes this growth to cooperative activities, according to Eastern Africa Division church efforts between pastors and laypeople in evangelizing ministries director Solomon Wolde-Endreas. and in making bricks to construct new church buildings. While visiting in other districts, the women share However, he says the growth could not have come about spiritual messages by dramatizing biblical stories, such were it not for the generous Thirteenth Sabbath Special as the story of Esther and Xerxes, which is portrayed in Projects Offering contributed by church members the photo. around the world during the fourth quarter of 1983. That offering helped provide hardware, metal roofing, Danish SDA Stations Making Presence Felt. and window and door frames.This quarter's Thirteenth Odense Radio, a Seventh-day Adventist community Sabbath Special Projects Offering will go to Solusi radio station in Denmark, recently won first prize in a College (Zimbabwe) and to the Adventist University of nationwide competition conducted by the Christian Eastern Africa (Kenya) to help construct badly needed Listeners Association in Denmark. The prize was for a married student housing. musical program that featured the well-known carol "Silent Night." Woman Elected Publishing House Manager. Radio Vejlefjord, based on the campus of Denmark's Violeta Palma, former treasurer of the Philippine Adventist junior college, each week prepares a one-hour Publishing House, has been asked by the publishing cassette containing news from local newspapers as a house board to fill the vacancy created when manager service to the blind. According to school principal Jeremias G. Gallego accepted a call to service in Africa. Walder Hartmann, the station also produces a weekly According to General Conference associate secretary program of religious news that is offered to all Danish D. A. Roth, Palma is the first woman to be asked to head a community stations. major institution in the Philippines. In addition to its religious programs and Adventist The Philippine Publishing House serves more than church service broadcasts, Hartmann says that one of the 2,000 literature evangelists in the nation's three union most appreciated services of the station is the weekly missions, which have a total of more than 350,000 broadcast of a Lutheran church service, done particu- Seventh-day Adventists. larly for the benefit of shut-ins. He says the philosophy behind this venture is that once people get to know Southern Asia Studies Church Ministries. Adventists as their friends and neighbors, they will Southern Asia Division church ministries directors from become willing to listen to Adventist beliefs as well. the division office and all union and section offices throughout the division met recently with General Conference church ministries director D. W. Holbrook to NORTH AMERICA organize the department and lay plans for church ministries activities. SDAs Injured in Plane Crash in Mexico. Five Because many of the directors had only a vague Seventh-day Adventists were injured when the small understanding of the concept upon which the church plane in which they were flying crashed on March 26 ministries department is built, one of the first items of near Zacatecas, Mexico. business was to list the directors' questions on a Injured were Michael McKenzie, associate pastor of blackboard and have Holbrook answer them. Andrews University's Pioneer Memorial church (Ber- rien Springs, Michigan); Lynn Bryson, a student at the Dorcas Societies on the Go in Tanzania. Dorcas SDA Theological Seminary at Andrews; Vern Wheeler societies in Dar es Salaam, capital of Tanzania, have and Roberto Enriquez, of California; and Janet Long, of organized themselves into a network that provides such South Carolina. As of April 9, Bryson was still in the services as visiting the sick and discouraged, praying intensive care unit of a hospital in San Diego, California. with people and giving Bible studies, and traveling to The group was en route to Colatlan, Mexico, to other areas to give instruction in how to improve Dorcas participate as volunteers in a church building program when the crash occurred.

Listen Establishes Overseas Ties. The National Ministry of Education of the Republic of Colombia recently established a permanent contact with Listen magazine in order to exchange information on drug-use prevention and education. The ministry's national coordinator, Luis Angel Parra Garces, apparently wrote to Listen after having read a recent news release sent out by the magazine, according to editor Gary B. Swanson. The Colombian Ministry of Education, with the

ADVENTIST REVIEW support of the United Nations and the Colombian Pacific University has a right to give preference in hiring Government, has begun developing a project on drug- to evangelical Christians and that the Commission has use prevention. Swanson notes that such a project is no jurisdiction to investigate claims of religious discrim- hampered by the fact that large amounts of marijuana ination against the school. SPU has responded by and cocaine are grown in Colombia. moving to withdraw its complaint against the Commis- sion (Seattle Pacific University v. Haas), but it has also Filipinos Pray for Homeland. The Filipino-Ameri- petitioned the court to award the school's legal fees and can Seventh-day Adventist church in Orlando, Florida, to declare it the prevailing party. This would have the recently invited Filipinos from throughout central effect of forcing the court to render a written opinion in Florida to join them in a festival of prayer to "petition the case, which would tend to clarify the issues our God in heaven for the peace, normalcy, and future presented. prosperity of the Philippines." "On March 27 the California Superior Court for Los "While Filipinos in other U.S. cities are coming Angeles county issued a tentative ruling for the together in rallies of demonstration," church pastor defendants in Bennett v. California Department of Fair Ricardo Liwag told those gathered, "we have come Employment and Housing, holding that the exemption together to pray." from Title VII coverage for religious institutions is constitutionally permissible. The American Civil Review and Herald Has Best Year Ever. Nineteen Liberties Union has indicated that this decision will be eighty-five was the Review and Herald Publishing appealed when it becomes final. Association's most successful year financially in the "While both these developments are encouraging to institution's 136-year history, Review president Harold advocates of religious freedom, they are not final F. Otis, Jr., told some 264 delegates attending the determinations in either case." Review's quinquennial constituency meeting on April 6. ALSO IN THE NEWS According to the reports given at the meeting, total sales for the quinquennium amounted to $91,857,900. Billy Graham Reflects on His Life. "If I had it to do Native Americans to Meet in Oklahoma. All over again," said world-famous evangelist Billy Graham Native American Seventh-day Adventists and their in a recent interview with Darrell Turner of the Religious friends are invited to a "spiritual powwow" to be held at News Service, "I would speak less and study more." Wewoka Woods Center in Oklahoma, according to convention organizer Max Martinez. Amos Russell, a Creek Indian and former pastor in the Assembly of God Church, will be the featured speaker. For details contact Max Martinez, P.O. Box 4000, Burleson, Texas 76028; (817) 295-0476.

To New Positions. Robert L. Rawson, vice president of finance for the Southeastern California Conference, to be treasurer of the North Pacific Union.

Died. Norma Eldridge-Lewis, 50, director of nursing service at hospitals in Okinawa, Singapore, and Tokyo, and an assistant secretary of the General Conference Health Department from 1969 to 1971, April 2, Salis- Pictured is Graham at a rally at the University of South bury, Maryland. Carolina in 1950, and as he appears now at 67 years of age. GENERAL CONFERENCE CHURCH CALENDAR Liberty Expert Provides Court Update. As an update to his article "Current Challenge to Religious Apr. 26 Christian Education Day Employment," which appeared in the ADVENTIST May 5 Southwestern Union Constituency Session REVIEW of April 17, Mitchell A. Tyner, associate director May 10 Disaster and Famine Relief Offering of the General Conference Public Affairs and Religious May 17 Spirit of Prophecy Day Liberty Department, adds the following: May 25 Columbia Union Constituency Session "The Washington State Human Rights Commission Jun. 1 Atlantic Union Constituency Session has reversed its previous stand and now says that Seattle Jun. 6 Canadian Union Constituency Session

APRIL 24, 1986 (433) 9

THEOLOGY

(Second of Two Parts) WAS THE CRYSTAL BALL CRACKED? Time is shattering Hal Lindsey's predictions.

Hal Lindsey's 1980s countdown the sacrifice of Christ on the cross to Armageddon isn't being fulfilled fulfilled and terminated the Temple by the rise of a Roman antichrist. services (Matt. 27:51; Heb. 9:11-14; We found this out last week in the 8:13; 10:9). first part. This week we'll find out if The only new temple of which the his ideas on rebuilding the Jerusa- New Testament speaks is the one lem Temple fared any better. being built, not upon Mount Zion during a future seven-year tribulation, long with a sudden rapture of but in the present "upon the founda- AChristians and the rise of a tion of the apostles and prophets, Roman antichrist, Lindsey predicted Christ Jesus himself being the corner- that the Roman antichrist will make stone, in whom the whole structure is the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Tem- joined together and grows into a holy ple possible by making "a strong temple in the Lord" (Eph. 2:20, 21). covenant" (Dan. 9:27, RSV)* with the Practical Objections. Rebuilding Israelis. Accordingly, the Temple the Jerusalem Temple on its ancient should be rebuilt by the middle of the site meets several obstacles. Most last prophetic week of Daniel 9:27. The Christian and Christianity seriously, the Muslim Dome of the In Lindsey's prophetic timetable, Today, reported news "received from Rock and the nearby Aksa Mosque are that means the new temple should be authoritative sources in Sellersburg, located on the probable ancient Tem- completed by the mid 1980s, at the Indiana" that "500 railcar loads of ple site. Judaism would permit only midpoint of the seven-year period he stone from Bedford (Indiana), consid- the ancient site for a new temple. So said terminates in 1988. ered to be among the finest building someone would have to remove the In 1970 Lindsey wrote that with the stone in the world, are being freighted Dome of the Rock. Such an action "talk of rebuilding the great Temple, precut to exact specifications, and one would precipitate an Arab holy war the most important prophetic sign of consignment has already been dis- against Israel, besides violating Jesus Christ's soon coming is before patched to Israel. Shipments are being Israel's commitment to respect the us."' Now we need to ask, During the handled by Pier 26 in New York." 1 sacred sites of all religions. past 15 years, what happened to this The entire story has been flatly The prevailing belief among Ortho- "most important prophetic sign" ? denied both by the Israeli Government dox Jews that only the Messiah can So far all we have are stories. and by industry sources in Indiana. rebuild the temple constitutes another Christianity Today wrote in 1967, "A Such a fabrication reflects the interest practical objection. Because they few years ago reports were widely of some dispensationalists to help believe that the Messiah has not yet circulated that a prefabricated temple God out in fulfilling what they believe come, Jews do not feel at liberty to for Jerusalem was seen at a port to be a crucial end-time prophecy. rebuild the temple.' Moreover, before somewhere in Florida." Theological Objections. The New they could consider rebuilding it, they That same year a British magazine, Testament contradicts the idea of a would need to accept the notion of literal rebuilding of the Jerusalem reviving animal sacrifices, which " Bible texts in this article are from the Revised Standard Version. Temple in the end-time. It shows that most Jews find repulsive.

BY SAMUELE BACCHIOCCHI 10 (434) ADVENTIST REVIEW Egypt: King of the South. Another the Russian Army by the forces of the rapture will occur before, during, or key piece of Lindsey's prophetic jig- Roman antichrist, and the battle of after the tribulation." Unfortunately saw puzzle looks for invasion of Israel Armageddon between the two many uncritical believers accept the by an Arab-African confederacy remaining world powers. We see no revised predictions, even when previ- headed by Egypt, the prophetic king of indication of these events taking ous ones have proved false. the south (Dan. 11:40). According to shape now or of their likely occur- Impersonal Events Versus Personal Lindsey's calculations, this invasion rence during the eighties. Saviour. If we were to follow Lindsey's will occur during the latter half of the Russia in Prophecy. Lindsey fits excessive preoccupation with seven-year countdown, immediately Russia into his prophetic puzzle by constructing a prophetic jigsaw puz- after the inauguration of the temple interpreting Ezekiel's references to zle of last-day events, it could have an and its profanation by the Roman Gog, Magog, Meshech ("Moscow"), adverse effect on our Christian faith. It Antichrist. But it will prove a fatal and Tubal as predictions about mod- would lead us to look for impersonal mistake because the Russians, the ern Russia and its invasion of Israel. events rather than for a personal king of the north (verse 40), "will He identifies geographical locations in Saviour. Basing the imminent return double-cross the Arabs, Egyptians, Ezekiel by looking at a contemporary of Christ on datable world events and Africans, and for a short while map instead of looking at a map of the leaves us waiting for the establish- conquer the Middle East." 5 ancient Near East. ment of the State of Israel, the repos- Basis of Lindsey's Prediction. The But the New Testament applies Gog session of Jerusalem, the rise of a leadership role that Egypt enjoyed and Magog, not to modern Russia, but Roman antichrist, the rebuilding of under Nasser, in whom Lindsey saw to the hordes of the wicked at the close the Jerusalem Temple, an Arab-Afri- the king of the south, inspired this of the millennium (Rev. 20:7, 8). Thus can invasion of Israel, and the destruc- prediction. By interpreting the Liby- Ezekiel's battle of Gog and Magog tion of the Russian Army by a Roman ans ("Phut") and Ethiopians ("Cush") against God's people (Ezekiel 38; 39) dictator. in Daniel 11:43 to be "the black takes place, not before Christ's return, Waiting for such events causes Africans and African Arabs, respec- but at the close of the millennium. feverish excitement and sore disap- tively," he predicted that " 'black Recalculating the Second Advent. pointments, both of which undermine African' and 'Arab-African' countries In 1979 Lindsey explained that the the reality and value of the Advent will be involved with Egypt," first in budding of the fig tree (Matt. 24:32) hope. Instead we should follow 1 invading Israel and later in suffering includes the repossession of Old Jeru- Peter 4:7: "The end of all things is at defeat at the hands of the Russians.' salem in 1967 as well as establishment hand; therefore keep sane and sober The fact that Nasser already suf- of the State of Israel in 1948. This new for your prayers." fered poor health in 1970 did not deter interpretation enables Lindsey to gain I urge Lindsey's admirers to remem- Lindsey from predicting that Egypt another 19 years, and represents a ber the test of a true prophet: "When a would become the leader of a "Third clear shift away from his fixed point of prophet speaks in the name of the World force." ' 1948. Lord, if the word does not come to Since more than 15 years have In 1970 Lindsey wrote in The Late pass or come true, that is a word passed since Lindsey made this pre- Great Planet Earth, "A generation in which the Lord has not spoken; the diction, we may ask, Has Egypt the Bible is something like 40 years." prophet has spoken it presump- become leader of a "Third World But in 1977 he said, "I don't know tuously, you need not be afraid of force" of Arab and African nations? how long a biblical generation is. him" (Deut. 18:22). ❑ Has Egypt attempted to organize a Perhaps somewhere between 60 and REFERENCES Pan-Arab African army to invade 80 years." 9 1 Hal Lindsey with C. C. Carlson, The Late Great Lindsey endeavors to buy extra Planet Earth (Grand Rapids, 1970), p. 57. (Italics Israel? The answer is evident. supplied.) Lindsey made the error of reading time also by shifting the emphasis Editorial, "Israel: Things to Come," Christianity from 1948 to floating events occurring Today, Dec. 22,1967, p. 35. back into biblical prophecies the polit- 3 The Christian and Christianity Today, Aug. 4, ical situation in 1970. This arbitrary in our time. In his latest book, The 1967, pp. 7, 8. 4 A. Cohen, Everyman's Talmud (New York, 1949), method of interpreting prophecy Rapture: Truth or Consequences pp. 354, 355; Moses Buttenwieser, "Messiah," The leads to disappointment, besides (1983), he makes no mention of the Jewish Encyclopedia (New York, 1904), Vol. VIII, p. 511. 5 Lindsey, p. 158. undermining confidence in the pro- rebirth of Israel in 1948—an event that Ibid., p. 10. in his previous books he called "the Ibid., pp. 76, 77. phetic messages. Ibid., p. 54. Another key element in Hal Lind- center of the entire prophetic fore- 9 Quoted in W. Ward Gasque, "Future Fact? Future cast." '° Instead, he now uses indefi- Fiction?" Christianity Today, Apr. 15, 1977, p. 40. sey's prophetic timetable has failed. 10 Hal Lindsey, The 1980s: Countdown to Armaged- Other Pieces of the Puzzle. I won't nite time references such as "We are don (Toronto, New York, 1981), p.11. , The Rapture: Truth or Consequences attempt within the limited scope of on the verge of this period [tribula- (Toronto, New York, 1983), pp. 1, 23. this article to examine the remaining tion], which will last seven years," or key pieces of Lindsey's prophetic "In all probability, most of the people Samuele Bacchiocchi is professor of jigsaw puzzle. He predicts a Russian reading this book will live to experi- theology and church history at invasion of Israel, the destruction of ence the answer" to whether the Andrews University.

APRIL 24, 1986 (435) 11 LIFESTYLE

How TO CHOOSE CHILDREN'S SOS VARE

hat do you do with your home "Write stories. I like to make up all children, learning from the computer Wcomputers?" I asked a roomful kinds—scary stories and funny ones." is fun. And their attitudes are typical of second and third graders. "Koala Painter. It's fun to draw of those expressed by other primary- "Play games!" they chorused. with." age students whose classrooms I have "What kind of games?" I asked. "Numbers, where you take away. visited. Only when they reach middle "Add, like in Mrs. Buckley's room." That kind of stuff." and upper grades do students begin to "Spell. You know, where you have "Typing. I type in programs from distinguish between instructional to put in the right letters to spell a the manual to learn new things." software and game programs.' word." The message is clear. For these But if the proliferation of home

BY RUTH ATKINSON POPE 12 (436) ADVENTIST REVIEW computers has brought entertainment designed for group or partner use, gram without having to go through the and enrichment to education, it has children should be able to work with entire sequence of activities. also created a dilemma for the parent- it independently without too much There are several different cate- consumers of children's software. Not difficulty. With some software, being gories of educational software, each all software programs are created able to adjust the sound volume may with different instructional tech- equal. Of some 8,000 educational be helpful. And the user should be niques or functions. Drill and practice programs marketed for children, only able to move to different parts of the helps students master material 1.5 percent have been judged to be of computer program or leave the pro- through repetition. Demonstrations the highest quality.' So how do you go about choosing the best software for your children? Consider the following criteria: Suitability When you're shopping for chil- dren's software, you need to ask two questions regarding its suitability. 1. How well does the software suit the child who will be using it? Programs must be appropriate for the age, academic level, and maturity of the child using them. Well-designed software describes the specific objec- tive(s) of each program, identifying any prerequisite skills necessary to operate the program. Software instructions should be geared to the reading and compre- Does your preschooler need hension level of the child who will be a computer? using them. Some educational software pack- The answer is No, according to an article by Joanne ages are designed with varying levels Oppenheim in the October 1985 issue of Parents magazine. "If of difficulty. This kind of flexible you have no other reason for buying a computer, you don't need program can be helpful both when the to rush out and buy one for your 4-year-old," she writes. "Few child needs additional instruction early childhood experts consider the computer a high-priority and practice and when he or she is learning tool for young children. ready for material that is more chal- "In fact, many developmentalists feel that electronic lessons lenging. are a poor and inadequate substitute for more open-ended It's important to note how a soft- learning materials, such as blocks, clay, paint, trikes, dolls, sand, ware package deals with answers. In and water. . . . A computer cannot and should not replace more multiple-choice exercises a random active kinds of play." selection of alternatives is preferable However, Oppenheim points out that, used with moderation, to a fixed order because it prevents a a home computer can enrich preschoolers' experience and child from memorizing answers by enjoyment. "Like the TV, phonograph, or typewriter, a computer their sequence. invites small hands to playful explorations with lively payoffs High-quality software will program they can see and hear. But graphics, sound effects, and push the computer to accept all plausible buttons are just part of the attraction. Getting hands-on answers to a question. For example, in experience with a real tool they see parents use for work has a response to the Bible question Where special role-playing appeal of its own." were the waters divided for the chil- But for preschool children, the best part of computer play dren of Israel to cross? the computer may not be the computer itself. "Since few parents would (or should accept both Jordan River and should) allow open access to a costly piece of hardware," writes Red Sea—not one or the other. And, of Oppenheim, "time at the computer is usually also time course, good software gets its facts together—a definite plus. In fact, the best thing about the straight—including spelling, gram- computer may be that it gives you and the kids time to play mar, and punctuation. together." 2. How easy to use is the software? Unless the software is specifically

APRIL 24, 1986 (437) 13 show children experiments that are with computer "help" available on the display. Only by deliberately too dangerous, expensive, and/or request. making errors while previewing soft- time-consuming for them to perform. Feedback—what the computer ware can parents learn how a particu- Simulations allow them to see what "says" to the user—should respect the lar program reacts to various user happens when conditions are child. A few software packages carry responses. changed. Tool uses of the computer responses such as "You should know include word processing, spread that answer, stupid!" and "Dummy, Personal Values sheets, and information storage and can't you remember!" Some programs Christian parents will want soft- retrieval. reward correct answers with a musi- ware programs that uphold their fam- cal tune, Reinforcement while a wrong answer gets a ily's values and standards. Some foghorn blast. Such audible computer programs feature shooting, fighting, It is important to consider the kind response may embarrass children and militaristic pursuits. Others inte- of reinforcement a program uses. who would rather not have others grate monsters and fairies into their Although research continues in this hear how they are doing. instructional processes. Many adven- area, it appears that, for most children, Software should not reward incor- ture games consume large amounts of moving to the next item is the best rect answers. At least one program on time. Even Bible programs remain reinforcement for a correct reply. the market emphasizes errors by dis- suspect, some proffering scriptural Following an incorrect answer, soft- playing extensive graphic and/or interpretations contrary to Seventh- ware should give a child additional musical responses. Youngsters often day Adventist beliefs. opportunities to respond correctly, answer incorrectly just so they can see And there are other problems. Case

• • •

en you go shoppin

With thousands of children's program packages on tion of the stars for any night 10,000 years in the past the market, parents may feel lost when it's time to to 10,000 years in the future. A similar program, make a software choice. To help, we asked Ed TeliStar, is available from Scharf Software Systems Tillotson, media center director at Portland Adventist for Apple and IBM computers. Elementary School in Gresham, Oregon, to suggest a • Crossword Magic, by Mindscape, Inc. Design your few software titles that merit investigation. own crossword puzzles and print them out. • Space Shuffle, by Activision. This multileveled simulation game creates a space-shuttle rendezvous • Microtype: The Wonderful World of PAWS. South- with a satellite. western Publishing's new program helps children • Agent U.S.A., by Scholastic, Inc. Through train master the computer keyboard. "travel" and intrigue, children learn the geography of • Rocky's Boots, by The Learning Company. An the United States mainland. interesting, well-designed computer game that • If you want to increase the capability of your home teaches children logic. computer and give your children some creative fun. • Logo Package (MIT version) offers instruction in you might consider adding a Koala Pad. Sold in computer programming. Helps develop problem- versions compatible with most home computers, solving skills as children explore a creative-learning Koala Pad is a touch-sensitive flat surface that environment. functions as an input device and may replace the • Print Shop, by Broderbund Software. A program for keyboard when used with appropriate software. designing and printing out posters and cards. Children use their fingers to draw on the 1Coala Pad, • Kidwriter, by Spinaker. Allows children to create sort of like finger painting sans paint (arid mess). word and picture stories while introducing them to the Software, such as Koala Grams (a spelling program), fundamental ideas of word processing. is available for use in conjunction with Koala Pad. • Operation Frog, by Scholastic, Inc. This graphic • Homeward, by Sierra On-Line. An easy-to-learn program actually gives children on-screen opportu- word processor. Uses graphic icons for function nity to dissect a frog. (Frogs everywhere are leaping selection. for joy over this software breakthrough.) • Secret Filer, by Scholastic, Inc. A data-base pro- • Skytravel, published by Commodore for Commo- gram for young people. Protects private files by use of dore computers. This program can map the configure- secret passwords.

14 (438) ADVENTIST REVIEW Don't let this sour you on computer as contrasted with the computer, keyboard, and in point: One spring evening my monitor, which are called hardware. Most home husband and I sat in the auditorium of software. There is good-quality, Chris- computers use programs recorded on floppy diskettes or magnetic tapes. an elite private school. We had come tian-compatible material on the mar- "Study Pinpoints Best Software," Electronic Educa- to hear teachers from the school and ket. But discriminating parents will tion, May/June 1985, p. 31. 3 Sources of software for preview include (a) other from a nearby public college discuss have to spend time previewing pro- computer users (in some areas of the country users the use of computers in the classroom. grams in order to find it.' groups are organized and meet on a regular basis); (b) computer stores, especially those catering to teachers; (c) As we waited for the program to begin The increasing abundance of home school computer centers (check with your local school and school computers is providing superintendent); (d) mail-order companies that have a we overheard three teachers dis- return policy for those programs not meeting the buyers' cussing computer materials their children of the eighties an additional needs (for example, Hammett Co., Box 545, Braintree, Massachusetts 02184); and college education depart- school district had recently acquired. means to discover the world in which ments. "I'm just furious!" exclaimed one they live. While a computer will never teacher. "I can't use any of the new replace bike riding, birthday parties, programs the principal got." children's literature, or any of the Ruth Atkinson Pope is an adjunct "They are awful," the second other rites of growing up, it can enrich faculty member of the Education, agreed. "Have you tried any of them?" a child's educational opportunities. Mathematics, and Basic Skills depart- she asked the third. But the hardware is only as good as the ments of Atlantic Union College in "No, what's wrong with them?" software you put in it. ❑ South Lancaster, Massachusetts. She "The vocabulary—they're full of recently conducted several series of REFERENCES obscenities!" responded teacher num- a Programs are the step-by-step instructions that tell a computer workshops for schoolteach- ber one. computer what to do. Programs also are called software ers. CHILDREN'S CORNER

three little boy dolls and three little "Daddy?" she said. girl dolls. Just that day Mommy had "What?" Daddy said without helped Christy punch out the dolls looking up. and their clothes from the book they "Can you come down on the floor JUST came in. Now Christy stood beside and help me play with the paper Daddy's big chair, holding the box. dolls just because you love me?" Daddy looked up from his maga- Daddy put down his magazine, BECAUSE zine. "You find the doll you want gave Christy a hug, and got down on me to play with," he said, "and I'll the floor to play with her. They have a secret for you, Daddy," hold it on my lap and rock it." dressed the dolls in lots of different said 4-year-old Christy. "No," said Christy, "I want you to clothes and had them go visiting "What is it?" Daddy asked, come down on the floor with me to each other. Christy was having a I leaning over from his big chair to play." good time. After a while Mommy put his ear close to Christy. Daddy really wanted to stay in his announced that supper was ready. "I love you," she whispered, chair and read his magazine. So he "Put the dolls away, and then reaching up to hug Daddy around said, "You sit down and get them all we'll eat," Daddy said as he stood his neck. Daddy put down the ready, and then we'll play." up. magazine he was reading long Christy sat on the floor, opened "But I want to play some more," enough to lift Christy to a cozy place the box, and began taking out the said Christy. on his lap, and then he went on paper dolls. This was no fun. She "Not now," said Daddy. "You can reading. He had been working hard had played with them by herself for play some more after supper if you all day, and now he was having a long time earlier in the day. Now want to." some rest time before supper. she wanted Daddy to help. Christy wasn't ready to stop, so "Daddy, would you help me play "Daddy, can you come down she just sat looking at her dolls. with my new paper dolls?" now?" Daddy got down on his knees beside "OK," Daddy said. "Go get them "Pretty soon, Christy." But Daddy her and said, "Christy, will you put and bring them here." didn't move. He sat in his big chair the dolls away just because you love Christy scooted down from and kept on reading his magazine. me?" She smiled, gave Daddy a hug, Daddy's lap and got the box that Christy got up and stood beside and began putting the dolls back in held her paper dolls. Inside were Daddy. the box.

STEVE DICKERSON

APRIL 24, 1986 (439) 15

CHRISTIAN LIFE

attitudes, and lifestyles and trivial- ized our culture. Out of this has emerged "mass man." He is, as Jose Ortega y Gasset writes in his book The Revolt of the Masses, "just like everybody." The predominant values, attitudes, and lifestyles of the majority are those of "mass man." Mass man draws his values from the world of the senses. Because he SHALL has been conditioned by advertisers who spend more than $2 billion annually to "transform" him, he is intensely preoccupied with con- WE sumption and infatuated with the minutiae of life. Shall we wear ermine or silk? How wide should the brims of our hats be? WEAR An example of the transforming power of technology is the success of the media in conditioning the masses through music. ERMINE Music enters the body on a subver- bal level and powerfully influences the emotions. It is, as Dr. Max Schoen observed, "the most powerful stimu- OR SILK? lus known among the perceptive processes." Because nearly all parts of the earth are now linked by an electronic What it means to ask network, music exerts an influence never before equaled. Technology has the right questions. made of the world a hamlet. The stereos and the disc jockeys of New York and Havana play the same recordings as those in Tokyo and London. This has made it possible for n 1917 a group of Russian Orthodox midst of revolution. Within weeks music to become a cultural catalyst. Ibishops in Petrograd faced a grave the bishops had been blindfolded problem. So serious was it or so it and executed. Disillusionment seemed that they met in secret to Although this story is an extreme One great tragedy of Christianity resolve it. Not wishing to be disturbed, example of confused values, it is a today is that large numbers of pro- they bolted and locked the doors. For grim reminder that even religious fessed Christians have merged into the days they held heated disputes over people can get their priorities mixed. mass. They have become Jose Ortega y the momentous issues dividing them. The society we live in today is one Gasset's "mass man"—"just like Would they wear silk or ermine robes in which the price labels have all been everybody." to the Easter festival the following shifted around. The cheap things have Consequently, when people, aware year? And how wide should the brims been marked up, and the precious of an inner vacuum and yearning for of their hats be? things have been marked down. This something better, turn to the church When they emerged from their has happened so subtly. for direction, they too often are given retreat—the disputes unresolved— The predominant confusers of our directions leading right back to the they found that great changes had values are the mass media communi- world. And their disillusionment is taken place. The country was in the cators. They have molded our values, profound.

BY RUTH JAEGER BUNTAIN 16 (440) ADVENTIST REVIEW Ermine or silk? Which shall it be? began to restore all that he had "I have become a Christian," he told And how wide shall the brims of our acquired dishonestly. my husband. "I'm sorry for what I did, hats be? And while many of us are "Look, Lord! Here and now I give and I want to make it right." sinking ever deeper into the quick- half of my possessions to the poor, and Ted's priorities were now in order. sand of confused values something if I have cheated anybody out of His values were no longer confused. terrible is happening in the world anything, I will pay back four times He had been touched by Jesus. He about us. the amount" (Luke 19:8, NW). knew and accepted the moral conse- Members of the apostolic church The publisher of a pornographic quences of his conversion. He would were aware that to follow "the way" magazine, declaring that he had have agreed with Martin Luther, who meant a lifestyle far different from that accepted Christ, obviously misunder- declared, "Consequence demands of the world. They were aware that stood the meaning of being a Chris- that a Christian should have the Holy conversion results in a changed life tian. After his professed conversion, Spirit and lead a new life or know that and a changed relationship to society. he stated that from then on his he has not received Christ at all." "If any man be in Christ, he is a new magazine would feature not only sex The members of the Starlight Park creature" (2 Cor. 5:17). but Jesus. He seeemed unaware that Free Methodist Church in Phoenix, Ellen White spoke of the "new there can be no genuine faith without Arizona, also knew that true Chris- tianity reaches the level of behavior and changes the Christian's relation- ship to society. Although a church of modest assets, it said "No, thank you!" to the offer of a large sum of money. ften those who turn to the The church board voted to decline O an offer of $50,000 from Fry's Food Store—located near the sanctuary. church for guidance receive Arizona law prohibits stores from selling alcoholic beverages if they are directions leading back to the world. close to a church. However, churches may waive this ordinance if they wish. The store owners thought that a creature" in this way: "Those who distinct moral consequences. To place donation of $50,000 might encourage become new creatures in Christ Jesus Christ in the context of unholy sex is the church to permit liquor sales. will bring forth the fruits of the Spirit. not unlike pressing the crown of "Our board of trustees wouldn't . . . They will no longer fashion thorns more firmly into His brow or think of doing that," said Pastor themselves according to the former pounding the nails deeper into His Christopher Parker. "Many churches lusts, but by the faith of the Son of God flesh. in this state waive the ordinance, but we felt we had to take a stand." they will follow in His steps, reflect Moral Consequences His character, and purify themselves Parker acknowledged that the even as He is pure. The things they Ted was aware that a Christian can't church could use the money, but he once hated they now love, and the be "just like everybody." He knew that explained, "Our commitment to our things they once loved they hate. The there were moral consequences to church's stand against alcohol is proud and self-assertive become meek accepting the Christian faith. stronger than our need for money." and lowly in heart. The vain and One morning Ted rang our door- When other people looked at these supercilious become serious and bell, and I answered. A serious young church members, they did not see a unobtrusive. The drunken become man of about 17 whom I did not know reflection of their own image. Nor did sober, and the profligate pure. The was standing there. they hear an echo of their own words. vain customs and fashions of the "May I speak to Mr. Buntain?" he "We felt we had to take a stand." world are laid aside. Christians will asked. I invited him into the living "Our commitment . .. is stronger than seek not the 'outward adorning,' but room, where my husband was. Sens- our need for money." These words `the hidden man of the heart, in that ing that he wanted to speak to my were prompted by genuine faith. which is not corruptible, even the husband alone, I withdrew to another These members had their priorities in ornament of a meek and quiet spirit' " part of the house. Later my husband order. They had something valuable (Steps to Christ, pp. 58, 59). told me why Ted had come. He had to offer the world. ❑ Zacchaeus, the wealthy tax collec- something to make right. tor, understood what it meant to be "a One night several months earlier, new creature." He had become Ted and a friend had stolen gasoline Ruth Jaeger Buntain lives in St. He- wealthy by collecting more than the from various cars parked on our street. lena, California. This article is law required and keeping the differ- Our car, he confessed, had been one of adapted from her book Empties ence. When Jesus touched his life, he them. Drifting By.

APRIL 24, 1986 (441) 17 WORLDIVIEIN

ing the session on what was most important—"a new commitment to Pacific Union Actions this truth and to a completed har- vest." Mostert made a similar appeal to Shape the Future during an impromptu acceptance speech following his election as president. Actions promise significant changes As I interviewed him later, Mos- tert reiterated his firm desire to see the Pacific Union focus its creative f the many actions taken by energies on evangelism during the Odelegates to the Pacific Union next five years. He felt that organiza- Conference's constituency session, tional/structural changes had taken three promise to be significant in a "high profile" in recent years, but shaping the future of the Adventist that now, with the mechanism Church in the Pacific Union. coming into place for change, Delegates attending the March "reaching the unreached must take 9-11 session in Sacramento, Califor- center stage." nia, elected a new president, dedi- cated themselves to aggressive Delegates' Dedication evangelism plans for Harvest 90, In another notable action, the and approved a proposal that calls more than 500 delegates dedicated for major organizational changes in themselves to reach out to the the local churches, local confer- estimated 36 million people within ences, and union. the borders of the Pacific Union who Elected president is Thomas J. do not know Christ as a personal Mostert, Jr., 45, president for the Thomas J. Mostert, Jr. Saviour. Leaders of the seven con- past seven years of the Southeastern ferences and the union's minorities California Conference—the largest cially has been in the thick of most presented aggressive and innova- conference in the North American of these problems. We have ques- tive plans for evangelism. Division, with 43,923 members. tioned our theology, challenged our Mostert succeeds Walter D. belief in the gift of prophecy, exam- Organizational Changes Blehm, who served as president of ined and accused the handling of In a third action that promises to the Pacific Union for seven years, finances, and finally, in this union shape the future of the church in the the fourth longest tenure of the we have spent thousands of dollars Pacific Union, the session approved union's 19 presidents. Blehm and many, many months looking at an 18-page proposal that outlines announced well before the session church organization. both roles and functions and a new he would not seek reelection, but "I am personally convinced," organizational structure for the would take an early retirement at 62, Blehm continued, "that all these union, its conferences, and after 40 years of denominational things have caused us to detour and churches. service. have diverted us from the real According to Earl A. Canson, In his opening address, aided by mission of this church." Likening director of the union's regional an audiovisual presentation, Blehm these events to "polishing the hub- department and secretary of the reviewed the tremendous growth caps on our cars to make them run Pacific Union's Church Structure and progress of the church in the better," he said, "What we need is a Committee, Phase II, the document Pacific Union since the last union new motor." "A Proposal for a New Church constituency session in 1981. (See Blehm then spoke about the com- Structure" culminated five years of the accompanying news notes.) mitment of the Pacific Union research and study by several blue- With deep emotion, he observed: leaders and local conference presi- ribbon committees commissioned "The past few years have not been dents to challenge their members to to make a professional study of the easy years. The church as a whole "refocus their interests, talents, and church's organization and develop has undergone a number of trau- resources to 'Reaching the more effective administrative matic and difficult situations. The Unreached' [the theme of the models. Pacific Union Conference espe- church's worldwide evangelistic After the initial committee pre- thrust, Harvest 90] with the message sented its report to the union execu- By Myron Widmer, associate editor of Christ." He appealed to the dele- tive committee on June 1, 1983, that of the ADVENTIST REVIEW. gates to "rivet their attention" dur- body created a Phase II committee to

18 (442) ADVENTIST REVIEW refine the proposed recommenda- functions, and structure voted, after According to Manuel Vasquez, tions, evaluate the feasibility of several days of debate, by the 1985 the elected vice president for min- proposed models, conduct opinion General Conference session in New istries, the present arrangement surveys, and hold hearings Orleans, Louisiana. (See Role and may take, after further study and throughout the union. During the Function of Denominational Organ- fine tuning, a little different form. ensuing 26 hearings, the proposals izations Commission report, He said that during the transition for change were "tested against the ADVENTIST REVIEW, July 5, 1985.) period from individual depart- thinking of the people," wrote Can- Yet, in a few respects they are ments to a combined ministries' son in the proposal's preface. noticeably different: department with two subdivisions, The Pacific Union sent the final 1. A church ministries depart- adequate time will be taken to draft to the General Conference for ment on the union level, under the ensure the overall good of the review before the 1984 Annual direction of a vice president for church and its focus upon mission. Council and the 1985 General Con- ministries, that is much broader, The effect of this new structure ference session, when reorganiza- encompassing not only personal upon departmental personnel is tion of the church's structure on all ministries, Sabbath school, stew- that they are no longer directors of levels was to be discussed. ardship, and youth but also inner individual departments, but possi- In bringing the church structure city, Community Services, and bly associates of the broadened proposal before the delegates, prison ministries. (The document department (as is the case with the Blehm commented, "To get every- recommends that at the conference General Conference and North one to agree is not reasonable, nor level, church ministries include American Division), though Vas- even human." Yet when delegates both nurture and outreach minis- quez said terminology has not been voted several hours later, the docu- tries.) In addition, the union vice worked out yet. ment passed by a margin of 348 to president will oversee "special Lynn Martell, North American 109. ministries" that include communi- Division church ministries' direc- The document suggests concrete cation, health and temperance, min- tor, said in an interview that his structural changes, although many isterial, and public affairs and reli- concern with the formation of the of the recommendations are only in gious liberty. new department is that an "inte- concept form, leaving flexibility over the next five years to the union's executive committee to make the "adjustments and refine- MMI PRESS PRESENTS ments necessary" before final incorporation into the constitution NATURAL HEALING CENTERS o4 Atnerloa and bylaws, possibly at the next session, in 1991. "We recognize that many ques- tions remain," said Major C. White, secretary of the Pacific Union. "But Whole we hope that as we work and study, the change will prove to be more Foods effective. We are entering into this Mot on INA 111.4 structural concept with the antici- Whole pation that it will increase our Natural Healing Centers of America For the first time, an up-to-date directory of People effectiveness in moving the Caring SDA, low-cost alternative and preventive Church into action." health care centers. Includes photographs and information on services, special pro- Church Ministries grams, cost, directions, and more. The proposal and a limited num- Paperback, 48 pages, 51/2 by 81/2. 52.95 ber of constitutional changes voted Whole Foods for Whole People will apply immediately for the by Lucy Fuller union, but the recommendations for Not just a cookbook, but a lifestyle manual the local conferences and churches to teach how to live longer by using the Available at your local natural resources which surround us. What ABC Store must be discussed and voted upon we eat affects our thoughts, disposition, our at their constituency meetings in the very lives and the lives of our families. This next few years. book guides you into an exciting new life- Mt. Missionary Institute Press style that will give you a new outlook on life. Harrisville NH 03450 The concepts and changes pro- Comb-bound, 92 pages, 8% x 11 S9.95 800-367-1888 posed resemble in many respects the document on church roles,

APRIL 24, 1986 (443) 19 grated approach to church minis- the three minority ministries the grass roots in regard to the tries be developed and not just the (Asian/South Pacific, Black, and selection of personnel. It would coordination of five former depart- Spanish). The executive committee centralize authority in fewer hands, ments." He expressed confidence will appoint all other personnel something Ellen White urged that Mostert was willing to see how previously elected. against. the new structure could be meshed The preface to the proposal states Other delegates expressed their together with the division's church that centralizing the election of appreciation for the new plan ministries' structure. functional personnel with the exec- because they often were asked by 2. Delegates to the union's ses- utive committee will "increase the nominating committee to vote sions now will elect only the four organizational flexibility." for candidates that they didn't even principal officers (president, secre- Those who disagreed in speeches know. Under the new plan they felt tary, treasurer, and vice president from the floor felt that the changes the executive committee could bet- for ministries) and coordinators of take away input and authority from ter assess the specific needs of the union and evaluate prospective candidates. 3. Departmental leaders will no Highlights of the Pacific Union longer be members of the executive committee. Union officers, coordi- nators of minority ministries, and Excerpts from session's reports the Education Department director will be the only members of the highlights come from the the Black and Asian/South Pacific union staff to be members of the T Pacifichese Union session held churches. Combined, these equal executive committee. Other mem- March 9-11 at Sacramento, Califor- 49.9 percent of the union's new bers include the usual representa- nia. They cover the five-year period members, though these groups rep- tives from union institutions and between constituency meetings. resent only 33.74 percent of the total conferences, pastors, and layper- 0 Through baptism and pro- membership. sons. fession of faith, 37,966 persons ■ Students in kindergarten joined the churches of the Pacific through twelfth grade in our church Additional Lay Members Union. A total of 15,596 were schools number 18,301, but a survey The new plan allots positions drqpped for apostasy or "missing." showed nearly an equal number previously held by departmental A net growth of 19,370 brought the attending public or other private personnel to additional laypeople, total membership to 160,030 at the schools. increasing their number from 10 to en of September 1985. This repre- ■ Adventist-Laymen's Services 18, out of a total committee of 49 sents nearly one fourth of all and Industries' Mission Church members. Adventists in North America. Builders' group has helped congre- Leaving the departmental per- I Nearly $1 million has been gations save nearly $5 million in sonnel off the executive committee contributed toward a goal of $10 labor costs. prompted considerable discussion million for an education endow- ■ Staff at the union office has been from the floor from those who ment fund, which would assist reduced since 1981 from 87 to 77. argued it gives little input into the academy and college students in ■ Twelve churches are sponsor- union's affairs from those depart- meeting tuition costs. ing refugees who come to the United mental directors who deal directly II Tithes amounted to $363,031,- States from overseas. Giao Cong Le, with the mission of the church. Neal 549 for an annual average of $72,- a Vietnamese pastor, has helped C. Wilson had commented in his 606,309—roughly averaging 17 per- more than 1,000 refugees settle in initial remarks during the meeting cent of the total tithe per year for the our country. that only in "rare instances" around world field. ■ More than 200 young people in the world are departmental leaders I There are 23,000 Hispanic 43 groups traveled to Mexico and not on the executive committees. members (up 42.6 percent from Honduras to aid in distributing In 1981 the Columbia Union Con- 1981), 17,500 Black members, and food, clearing out disaster areas, ference's constitution-and-bylaws 13,500 Asian/South Pacific mem- rebuilding schools, and building committee voted during the union bers comprising 33.74 percent of the new churches. constituency session to leave the total membership. This is an ■ Laypeople conducted nearly departmental directors off the exec- increase of 5.83 percent. 1,700 evangelistic efforts and gave utive committee. But before the Of the 37,966 baptisms, 12,047 289,208 Bible studies. They were decision reached the session floor, came through the Hispanic thus responsible for bringing 15,724 the committee was reconvened and churches, and 6,901 came through new members into the church. reversed its position when it was told the motion would cause "low

20 (444) ADVENTIST REVIEW

morale" among the departmental personnel. Several Pacific Union leaders indicated this could be an area of difficulty and that, as Elder Wilson had said earlier, "considerable Planet Earth— refinement is needed yet" so that there will be "no weakening of those a lonely rebel island adrift in the with experience in the areas known sea of space, cut off from the continent of heaven. as departmental activities. They need to feel that they're part of the It's called Space Island, and the only way to team." reach it is over a Bridge spanning the chasm From my observation, delegates were not overjoyed with fewer between heaven and earth. This Bridge of love from union personnel on the committee, but they were pleased with greater God to us is named Jesus. lay representation on the decision- making body. Looking Ahead 4. Where feasible, nominating committees are to convene in advance of constituency meetings so their work can be done more thoroughly without the pressure of immediate deadlines. In looking at these four variations from the world model, the chairman urged the delegates to remember that these must be seen as part of a whole, integrated approach to the needs of the Pacific Union and how Bridge structure should be formed to best accomplish the mission of the church on all levels. to Space Island And it must be remembered, said Major C. White, that the motion by Ken McFarland— voted was to accept the concepts of the proposal, leaving flexibility to a powerful commentary the union executive committee over the next five years to make the refinements and changes needed to on the third quarter make it an effective, manageable structural model. Adult Sabbath School The proposal contains numerous recommendations for the local Lessons on the Gospel church and local conference. (A complete copy of the document is of John. available from the Pacific Union Conference office.) Bridge to Space Island is available now in English or Discussion on this proposal and Spanish for only U.S. $5 95 Cdn. $8.35 at your Ad- the parallel constitution and bylaws ventist Book Center, or from Pacific Press Publishing changes was lively, yet the Pacific Association, Box 7000, Boise, ID 83707. VISA and Union constituency session MasterCard holders may order toll free by calling reminded me of a great camp meet- ing with all the good speakers, 1-800-253-3000 in the continental U.S. music, reports, calls to service, and groups of visiting friends.

APRIL 24, 1986 (445) 21 BULLETIN BOARD

M. 0. Donkor, Seventh-day Adventist Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City, Philip- To New Posts Church, P.O. Box 31, Jamasi-Ashanti, pines: Bibles, songbooks, health maga- Ghana, West Africa: Bibles, Spirit of zines, Picture Rolls. Prophecy books, magazines, evangelis- Manasseh B. Sarsoza, District Pastor, Regular Missionary Service tic materials, visual aids, child evange- P.O. Box 241, Iloilo City 5901, Philip- John Edgar Haines, to serve as labora- lism materials, Picture Rolls. pines: Bibles, Spirit of Prophecy books, tory technologist, Andrews Memorial Pastor J. K. Donkor, c/o Seventh-day Adventist Review, Signs, children's Hospital, Kingston, Jamaica, Viva Jane Adventist Church, P.O. Box 25, magazines, child evangelism materials, (Short) Haines, to serve as dean of girls, Ayerede-Nkoranza, B/A, Ghana, West used greeting cards, Picture Rolls. Normal School, West Indies College, Africa: Bibles, Signs, Picture Rolls, Pastor Albert G. Tagnawa, P.O. Box Mandeville, Jamaica, West Indies, and sermon outlines, recorded sermons. 241, Iloilo City 5901, Philippines: one child, of Loma Linda, California, S. K. Antwi, SDA Educational Unit, Bibles, Spirit of Prophecy books, left February 23. P.O. Box 480, Kumasi-Ashanti, Ghana, Adventist Review, Signs, children's Keith Rolland Heinrich, to serve as West Africa: Adventist Review, Signs, magazines, child evangelism materials, assistant treasurer, Africa-Indian Ocean Spirit of Prophecy books. used greeting cards, Picture Rolls. Division, Ivory Coast, Yvonne Annette Emmanuel Appiah Kubi, Ash Town William D. Porras, Laac Seventh-day (Ellstrom) Heinrich, and four children, Seventh-day Adventist Church, P.O. Adventist Elementary School, San of Bowmanville, Ontario, left February Box 2771, Kumasi, Ghana, West Africa: Vicente, Davao del Norte, Philippines: 23. Bibles, magazines, and tracts. Spirit of Prophecy books, songbooks, J. W. Y. Asare, Seventh-day Adventist magazines, color pictures, children's Volunteer Service Church, P.O. Box 133, Madina, Accra, books. Gretchen Marcia (Pressley) Brown Ghana, West Africa: literature and evan- (Special Service), to serve as teacher, gelistic materials. Sudan Seventh-day Adventist English Lan- Pastor S. K. Twumasi, Seventh-day Joseph Aligo Kanyi, Seventh-day guage Institutes, Seoul, Korea, of Adventist Church, Box 3736, Kumasi, Adventist Church of the Sudan, P.O. Huntsville, Alabama, left February 10. Ghana, West Africa: Bibles, Picture Box 247, Juba, Sudan: Bibles; hymnals; Derwood Dwight Palmer (Special Rolls, used greeting cards, books, evan- Spirit of Prophecy, Morning Watch, Service), to serve as supervisor of con- gelistic materials. doctrinal, and devotional books; struction, Jerusalem Center, Jerusalem, Eric Addo, A.Y.S. Leader, Kwadaso Adventist Review, Signs, Ministry, Israel, and Vera Sylvia (Owen) Palmer, Seventh-day Adventist Church, P.O. Vibrant Life, Liberty, Insight, Guide, of Cleburne, Texas, left February 9. Box 480, Kumasi, Ghana, West Africa: Primary Treasure, Our Little Friend, Juliette Monique Van Putten (Special Bibles, Picture Rolls, Signs, Our Little Message; Picture Rolls; cassette tapes. Service), to serve as assistant, Laymen's Friend, Spirit of Prophecy books, evan- Bible Seminars, East African Union gelistic materials. Mission, Nairobi, Kenya, of Houston, Yaw Oppong Donkor, Seventh-day Texas, left January 5. Adventist Church, P.O. Box 22, Kin- Deaths tampo, Ghana, West Africa: Bibles, Spirit of Prophecy books, visual aids, HERSHBERGER, Florence M.—b. Picture Rolls, Adventist Review. Nov. 17, 1894, Burlington, Vt.; d. Dec. Literature 19, 1985, Daytona Beach, Fla. She Kenya worked as an elementary school Requests Mrs. Grace K. A., do Hezron Ouditi teacher, and with her husband, the late Sanaya, Seventh-day Adventist Church, 0. S. Hershberger, helped pioneer the P.O. Box Nyamache, Kisii, Kenya, East Pathfinder work in the church. Survi- Burma Africa: books, Picture Rolls, Signs, used vors include two daughters, Mary Langh Sawm Mang, Seventh-day greeting cards, songbooks. Dickey Essman and Alyce Clutter; one Adventist Mission, Brightlands, Cherry David Kinuthia Waithaka, Seventh- sister, Carrie Redfield; three brothers, Road, Maymyo, Burma: Bibles, Ellen day Adventist Church, P.O. Box 283 George, Elmer, and Raymond French; White books, Adventist Review and Nyahuru, Kenya, East Africa: Bible four grandchildren; six great-grandchil- other periodicals, denominational study helps, visual aids, prophetic dren; and one great-great-grandchild. books, Sabbath School Picture Rolls, charts. KINNEY, C. Ray—b. Feb. 28, 1895, hymnals, songbooks. Fostoria, Mich.; d. Dec. 4, 1985, New- Philippines bury Park, Calif. After colporteuring in Ghana Miss Mariam Ballarta, Ante Com- the Southern New England and Ten- Asamoah-Mensah Joseph, Seventh- pound, Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City, nessee conferences, he became pub- day Adventist Church, P.O. Box 22, Philippines: Bibles, songbooks, Picture lishing secretary for the Louisiana-Mis- Kintampo, Ghana, West Africa: Bibles, Rolls, children's books, health maga- sissippi and Chicago conferences. For Spirit of Prophecy books, visual aids. zines. 29 years he served as pastor-evangelist Pastor D. K. Marri, Seventh-day Flora Saldajeno, Seventh-day in various conferences. Survivors Adventist Church, P.O. Box 22, Kin- Adventist Church, Notre Dame Avenue, include his wife, Esther; two daughters, tampo, Ghana, West Africa: Bibles, Cotabato City, Philippines: Bibles, chil- Merle Johnson and Lorraine Hudgins; Signs, Spirit of Prophecy books, evan- dren's songbooks, Picture Rolls, health one son, Reed; one sister, Lucy Clark; gelistic materials, visual aids, Picture magazines. one brother, Terry B.; 10 grandchildren; Rolls, magazines. Miraflor Duron, Ante Compound, and 13 great-grandchildren. 22 (446) ADVENTIST REVIEW REFLECTIONS ..... • . CHASING THE WI

• • • •...• • • • . • • • • • • • • •• ... mall twisters or dust devils are a nearly $600. How nice it would be to them Jesus' coming is much nearer Scommon sight in the West, partic- possess even a pound of the precious than they expect, then disappears. ularly on newly tilled fields. metal. But what is that compared to It makes a good story to spice up a As a youth growing up on a South the gold that will be ours in the new Sabbath school class or a Sabbath Dakota ranch, I spent quite a few earth. Normally we use inexpensive dinner conversation. But I fear it hours in the saddle. Occasionally I materials for paving. If such is the case amounts to just another example of would spur my horse to chase one of in the New Jerusalem, imagine the chasing the wind. While the message these elusive swirling spirals. Gener- abundance of gold this indicates! is true, the medium is false. I would ally ten to twelve feet in diameter, Another kind of wind-chasing hits rather gain my knowledge of Jesus' they zigzagged across the fields, stir- closer to home. Some individuals soon coming from the Scriptures than ring up dust and tumbleweeds. I devote their lives to the promotion of a from a fanciful tale. gained nothing by chasing them, for they soon vanished as suddenly as they had appeared. I thought of these as I read Solo- mon's commentary on some of his activities, which he characterized as n our search for signs of Jesus' "chasing after the wind" (Eccl. 1:14; 2:11, NIV). Though the King James coming, we may fall prey to folklore. Version refers to "vanity and vexation of spirit," some new translations speak of "chasing the wind." single facet of Adventist belief to the The modern wind chaser may be a Many people today figuratively exclusion of the rest of present truth. good Christian, but he greatly dimin- chase the wind. Modern society has Their windblown vagary stirs up dust ishes his effectiveness. While he may made the acquisition of wealth one of but accomplishes little else. Jesus, in not lose his salvation, he could cause its goals. This aim resembles pursuing giving the gospel commission, told us others to lose theirs by putting empha- a shifty zephyr, for ultimately such to teach all things that He had com- sis on things of lesser importance. ❑ dreams vanish like the twisters I used manded. To put all of one's emphasis to chase. Recent news photos have on one doctrine, however important it Morten Juberg is shown deep sinkholes in Florida may be, to the neglect of salvation communication where subterranean cave-ins swal- through Jesus Christ is to chase vainly director of the lowed up homes and surrounding after the wind. North Pacific land. A tornado, earthquake, or fire In our search for signs of Jesus' Union. can have the same effect on our coming, we may fall prey to folklore. accumulated possessions. Every now and then a story crops up Gold has become a precious com- in which a traveling family picks up a modity with a value of more than $300 well-dressed hitchhiker. During their an ounce. With what I have accumu- conversation the family mentions that lated in my teeth, I must be worth they are Adventists. The rider tells

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