Adventist Review Our Cover Photograph When Assistant Editor Washington Missionary Col- Brings to Mind Thoughts of Aileen Sox Was in the Art Library Lege)

Adventist Review General Organ of the Seventh-day Adventist Church June 10, 1982

The crucial significance of the cross Page 4 "Group think" Page 8 A layman's statement of belief Page 14 Biblical methods win Thai villagers Page 15

THIS WEEK Adventist Review Our cover photograph When Assistant Editor Washington Missionary Col- brings to mind thoughts of Aileen Sox was in the art library lege). ajil% summer vacation, when many looking for a photograph to Bible credits: Texts in this of us travel to distant places to illustrate "His Promises Fail issue credited to N.I.V. are %IF enjoy some of the beautiful Not" on the facing page, she from The Holy Bible: New Published continuously since 1849 scenery or activities our home- found a picture of a person who International Version. Copy- land (or another country) has to looked very familiar to her. She right © 1978 by The New York EDITOR offer. showed the picture to Eugene International Bible Society. Kenneth H. Wood During one of his vacations Durand, assistant to the editor, Used by permission of Zonder- ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ralph Blodgett, associate editor and asked him if he recognized van Bible Publishers. William G. Johnsson of These Times, traveled with the person. Smiling, Elder Art and photo credits: ASSISTANT EDITORS his family to the West Coast of Durand admitted that it was a Cover, Ralph Blodgett; pp. 3, Jocelyn R. Fay, Aileen Andres Sox the United States. He photo- picture for which he modeled in 8, Review photos; p. 4, Russ ASSISTANT TO THE EDITOR graphed the scene on our cover 1946 when he worked in the Harlan; p. 7, Lilly Busch; p. 9, Eugene F. Durand along the Oregon coast, some Review and Herald art depart- Linda Porter Carlyle; all other 70 miles north of the California ment while he was a student at photos, courtesy of the respec- ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY border. Columbia Union College (then tive authors. Corinne Russ EDITORIAL SECRETARIES Chitra Bamabas, Ginger Church

LETTERS ART Director, Byron Steele Designer, G. W. Busch Letters submitted for publication should since they value Christian edu- to do the same as a result of contribute ideas and comments on articles or material printed in the ADVENTIST cation. these children's letters. It would CONSULTING EDITORS REVIEW. They should be brief, not exceed- Neal C. Wilson, Charles E. Bradford, L. L. ing 250 words, and must carry the writer's Sadly, however, the little girl be good to see the General Bock, L. L. Butler, Charles B. Hirsch, W. name, address, and telephone number quite often came home from Conference Education Depart- R. Lesher, Alf Lohne, Enoch Oliveira, G. (although this number will not be printed). Ralph Thompson, Francis W. Wemick Letters must be legible, preferably typewrit- school upset and confused ment develop a poetry course ten, and doublespaced. All will be edited to because of statements her with specific guidelines for K-8 SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS meet space and literary requirements, but R. R. Figuhr, Robert H. Pierson, George W. the author's meaning will not be changed. teacher (and possibly others) curriculum. Brown, G. J. Christo, W. T. Clark, Bekele Views expressed in the letters do not Heye, R. J. Kloosterhuis, Edwin necessarily represent those of the editors or had made. She was told "Chris- LARENNE BARRETT Ludescher, Kenneth J. Mittleider, K. S. of the denomination. tians don't do that," in refer- Lodi, California Parmenter, W. R. L. Scragg, Joao Wolff ence to such things as coffee Positive witness EDITORS, NORTH AMERICAN drinking and wearing jewelry, Marathoner writes UNION EDITIONS Helpful and needed advice Columbia, Ernest N. Wendth apparently in explanation of • Accompanying the article Southwestern, Richard W. Bendall was provided by the authors of some of our standards. Her "You're Never Too Old" "Must We Alienate Our Loved parents, who are Christians, do EASTERN AFRICA EDITION (March 18) was a picture of Editor, Bill Edsell Ones?" (April 29). Too often some of these things. The fol- Mavis Lindgren, who at the age we Adventists are tempted to lowing year she was placed in of 75 still competes in mara- INTER-AMERICAN EDITIONS use our doctrines as hammers on Editor, Wanda Sample public school, where her mother thons. After seeing her picture Associate Editors, Simone Doleyres, the heads of our non-Adventist says she is doing better. French; Humberto Rasi, Raul Villanueva, in the REVIEW, she wrote to tell Spanish friends and relatives. Like How sad I was to hear of a us of her recent activities. Christ, our first desire should be potential opportunity for good On April 2, I was 75 years SOUTH AMERICAN EDITIONS to abound with love and com- Editor, R. S. Lessa, Portuguese turned into a negative experi- young. My next marathon, on Acting Editor, Rubem M. Scheffel, Portu- passion for those who are not ence. We must be careful not to guese June 6 at Forest Grove, Oregon, Editor, Jose Tabuenca, Spanish acquainted with our beliefs. In offend these little ones with will be my thirtieth since I was exhibiting true Christain love to whom we might come into 70. CIRCULATION others, and in being prepared to Manager, Robert S. Smith contact each day. By running I have many Associate Manager, E. W. Moore give intelligent, well-thought- JOANNE TURNER Field Representative, Ron D. Spear opportunities to share good Advertising and Marketing, Edmund M. out replies to questions directed Hermiston, Oregon health principles and God's Peterson to us concerning our faith, we love. I hold the world record for can do much to give a positive More on poetry TO CONTRIBUTORS women 70 and over. This is not Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome, but witness. STEVEN HALEY notification as to acceptance or rejection My heart was warmed as I important to me, except that may be expected only if accompanied by a Collegedale, Tennessee read the enthusiastic letters people will listen when some- stamped, self-addressed envelope. from the children in Pennsylva- one has done something a little Christie An index is published in the last Review of nia who are involved in a poetry unusual. June and December. The Adventist Review is indexed in the Seventh-day Adventist "Christie" (April 15) appreciation and recitation pro- Last year I had all-expense- Periodical Index. reminded me of a personal gram in their elementary school paid trips to Fletcher, North experience I had some months (Letters, April 29). Thank you, Carolina; San Juan, Puerto The Adventist Review (ISSN 0161-1119) is published every Thursday. Copyright10 ago when I met one of my children, for responding to my Rico; Toronto, Canada; and 1982 Review and Herald Publishing Associ- ation, 6856 Eastern Avenue NW., Takoma college classmates at a profes- March 25 letter. several places in California to Park, Washington, D.C. 20012, U.S.A. sional workshop. She and her Their teacher is to be com- run and be interviewed, mainly Second-class postage paid at Washington, D.C. Subscriptions: one year, US$28.95. husband belong to another mended for taking the initiative to interest older people in exer- Single copy, 90 cents U.S. currency. Prices Christian church. They had to incorporate this into the cur- cise and healthful living. subject to change without notice. enrolled their daughter in an riculum. I hope more church MAVIS LINDGREN Vol. 159, No. 23. Adventist school her first year school teachers will be inspired Orleans, California

2 (538) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 10, 1982 His promises fail not

By E. A. BRODEUR

After 35 years of service, the author looks back on the Lord's blessings.

Take and I were friends. I was a young automotive mechanic; he owned three movie theaters in our city. Often when there was a mechanical failure in the heating or air-conditioning system in one of the theaters Jake would call on me for help. These were the early months of World War II, and Jake's calls came frequently as more and more men were called into the armed forces. During the war I surrendered my life to Christ and was baptized in the small Seventh-day Adventist church in our city. The following week I was medically examined and accepted into the U.S. Army. When I completed my basic training and was sent to a camp in New England, I was given two books by a fellow Adventist serviceman. The books were Daniel and Revela- tion and Colporteur Evangelist. Shortly afterward I was sent overseas to the European theater of operations. How many times I reread those two books I do not remember. However, by the time of my return to the United States and my discharge from the Army, I had decided to be a colporteur evangelist. Before moving my family from our city to our new place of labor, I stopped in to see Jake and told him Goodbye. He asked me where I was moving and what work I would be doing. When I replied that I would be selling religious books, he got up from his desk and was quite excited. "Selling religious books? What will you do when this postwar business boom ends? Selling religious books—you will starve!" We visited a little longer, shook hands as we said Goodbye, and I left his office. I have not seen Jake since that day, 35 years ago. A few years after leaving our home city, my wife and I returned for a visit. I tried to locate Jake, but I was told that he had moved to the West Coast. His business had failed—he had lost his three theaters and all his wealth. "Selling religious books—you will starve!" Jake predicted. But Two years after beginning my work as a colporteur God blessed the author's work as a colporteur evangelist. evangelist I was asked by the conference to be an assistant publishing-department director. A few years later, with my traveled to and from the U.S.A. on furloughs, the joy of family, I accepted a call to overseas service in the Indonesia having a part in training men and women to be soul-winning Union of the Far Eastern Division. This was the beginning of literature evangelists, and the personal blessings of God's 19 rewarding years of mission service. direct leading in so many instances in our lives. Now, in retirement after 35 years of service, I often review As I look back, I see how His promise, "Bread shall be the many blessings that have come to me and my family. I given him; his waters shall be sure" (Isa. 33:16), has been think of the host of friends in all the countries of the Far East, more than fulfilled. Our bread has been buttered and the the privilege of visiting countries all over the world as we water mixed with milk powder. Where is Jake? If I knew I would tell him of the Christ who E. A. Brodeur, now retired, was the Far Eastern Division not only kept me from starving but has supplied my every publishing department director. need. ❑

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 10, 1982 (539) 3 The crucial significance of the cross-1

By HANS LaRONDELLE

We must not cease to call attention to the crucial significance of the cross of Christ, to the mystery of Jesus' suffering. The early church intended to confess more than the mere historical facts of Jesus' suffering and death. Behind this historical creed lies the deeper confession of faith that in the agonizing death of Jesus Christ: "God was reconciling the world to himself" (2 Cor. 5:19). * This supernatural event was not open to the gaze of the natural eye. It was seen by the eye of faith and rested solely on the interpretation of the cross of Christ by His apostles after Jesus' resurrection. The New Testament records that when John the Baptist saw Jesus coming for baptism, he announced, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). There can be little doubt that John applied the prophecy of the suffering servant of Isaiah 53 to Jesus of Nazareth: "The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. . . . He was led like a lamb to the slaughter" (Isa. 53:6, 7). The unique significance of Isaiah 53 is emphasized in the story of the Ethiopian minister of finance who was reading the scroll of Isaiah while traveling in his chariot from Jerusalem to Gaza. When Philip heard him read Isaiah 53:7, 8, he asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" "The eunuch asked Philip, 'Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?' Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus" (Acts 8:34, 35). The first Christian understanding of Isaiah 53 was expressed in a Christological application. Jesus of Nazareth was the Servant of the Lord, sent with the divine mission to suffer and to die vicariously for Israel and the nations of the world. Kneeling at the cross, the sinner Christ suffered on our behalf, for the sake of us, bearing has reached the highest point our guilt and penalty. "By the grace of God" He tasted to which humanity can attain. "death for every one" (Heb. 2:9). Whenever a person dies, he deserves it because of his sin. But Christ died "by the grace of God." His death is beneficial for us. Christ did not rr he common confession of faith of Western Christendom, die simply as a martyr for His ideals. On the contrary, the 1 the so-called Apostles' Creed, states: New Testament says that Christ gave His life voluntarily as a "I believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven sacrifice. "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my and earth; And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who own accord" (John 10:18). was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, Jesus expected to complete His mission in a violent death, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and but not as the inevitable result of His ministry but as the very buried. He descended to hell, the third day rose again from purpose of His divine mission. By dying He would fulfill a the dead, ascended to heaven, sits at the right hand of God the divine purpose. Therefore, He emphatically predicted His Father almighty; thence He will come to judge the living and approaching end in Jerusalem in terms of a higher "must." the dead. "—Creeds of the Churches, J. Leith, ed. (Garden Three times He announced to His disciples that He "must be City, N.Y.: Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1963.), p. 24. killed and after three days rise again" (Mark 8:31; cf. 9:31; To this confession of the triune God, which in principle 10:33, 34). When Peter opposed this surrender of Christ into goes back to the second century A.D., The Seventh-day the hands of the priests and scribes by saying, "Never, Lord! Adventist Christian can say wholeheartedly, "Amen!" This shall never happen to you!" (Matt. 16:22), Jesus replied

Hans LaRondelle is a professor of theology at Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan. * All Bible quotations are taken from the New International Version.

4 (540) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 10, 1982 with the shocking words, "Out of my sight, Satan! You are a Passover sacrifice and the saving means of the new covenant stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of for many. He placed His life, instead of that of His disciples, God, but the things of men" (verse 23). as an atoning sacrifice to God for the forgiveness of their While many prophets were killed as the consequence of sins. their preaching God's judgments on an apostate Israel, Isaiah Thus Jesus combined the promises of Isaiah 53 (the had predicted the coming of a unique Servant of Yahweh substitutionary sacrifice on behalf of many) and of Jeremiah who was to be sent to serve Israel by taking their place in the 31 (the new covenant with its forgiveness of sins). Could one judgment of God. Jesus' commitment to go to Jerusalem to imagine a more authentic and direct evidence of the die voluntarily can be understood properly only if one redemptive significance of Jesus' death than Christ's own discovers that Christ saw His whole life and mission in the institution of the Lord's Supper? In this sacrament Christ light of Isaiah 53. E. G. White sums up His mission Himself concentrated His whole gospel message on His succinctly: "His whole life was a preface to His death on the atoning death. In His final testament Christ wanted to focus cross. "—Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 382. the eyes of the Christian church forever on His cross, where He has poured out His soul unto death for our sins. Sense of divine purpose How true, then, are the conclusions of E. G. White: Three specific statements of Christ make abundantly clear "Without the cross, man could have no connection with the His sense of divine purpose. Shortly before Jesus was Father. On it hangs our every hope. . . . When the sinner arrested, Peter assured Him that he was now ready to go with reaches the cross, and looks up to the One who died to save Him to prison and to death (Luke 22:33). To this Jesus him, he may rejoice with fullness of joy; for his sins are replied: "It is written: 'And he was numbered with the pardoned. Kneeling at the cross, he has reached the highest transgressors' [quoting Isa. 53:12]; and I tell you that this place to which man can attain. "—Review and Herald, April must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is 29, 1902 ❑ reaching its fulfillment' " (Luke 22:37). This answer proves To be continued beyond question that Jesus Christ was convinced that He was sent to fulfill the mission of the Servant of the Lord, predicted in Isaiah 53. This sense of mission motivated all His actions. HEALTH CAPSULES He knew that He would be "despised and rejected by men" Sponsored by the General Conference (Isa. 53:3; cf. Mark 9:12; 8:31). Department of Health and Temperance Even more explicit was Christ's word about the meaning of His life: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45); cf. Matt. 20:28). This self-evaluation harks back to Isaiah's Servant of the Lord word for word. The idea of a "ransom" is taken from the Old Testament Lower your blood legal requirement, according to which in certain cases one could legally pay off his forfeited life with money (Ex. pressure by losing weight 21:30; cf. Num. 35:31). By calling the giving up of this life a "ransom for many," Jesus expressed the concept that His By DONALD G. KING Assistant Director death has salvific significance for other people. Others would be delivered or saved by His death, because He would die Research has shown that chronic high blood pressure their death. The original expression in Greek is literally "a (140/90 mmHG) predisposes individuals to cardiovascular ransom instead of (anti, Mark 10:45) many." disease and premature death. By reducing blood pressure, This ransom statement probably is the clearest expression including borderline hypertension, one may reduce disease and mortality rates. Therefore, the treatment of elevated of the concept of satisfaction to God, presented also blood pressure is an important and effective public health elsewhere in the New Testament in various ways (1 Tim. 2:6; service. Titus 2:14 [Greek]; 1 Peter 1:18, 19; 1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23; Gal. A number of measures may produce therapeutic effects on 3:13; 4:5). Christ's redemptive death received its full hypertension. They include bio-feedback, meditation, Biblical meaning only if He has placed Himself in our stead relaxation, blood pressure monitoring, and other nonmedi- under God's judgment, satisfying the divine penalty for our cation treatments. One procedure that has been found to be guilt before God. both clinically effective and safe is weight loss. Finally, Christ gave the clearest expression of the The relationship between overweight and hypertension is significance of His death in His words of institution of the very important. Studies have shown that overweight Lord's Supper: "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, individuals have a much higher prevalence of hypertension than normal-weight persons; also, overweight adults are gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, more prevalent among hypertensive individuals. `Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took the cup, gave In a recent study by Melbourne F. Hovil, Ph.D. , M.P.H., thanks and offered it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of of Stanford University, it was concluded that not only does you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out weight loss appear to be an effective therapy when combined for many for the forgiveness of sins' " (Matt. 26:26-28). with medication treatment to reduce high blood pressure in In this setting of the Jewish Passover supper, Jesus set overweight hypertensive patients but that weight loss alone forth His surrendered body and blood as the atoning sacrifice may be an effective treatment alternative to medication. par excellence, as the replacement of the old covenant

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 10, 1982 (541) 5 Truth can stand investigation

By N. S. FRASER

The more exposure we give Scripture. Their investigations have helped only to contribute more luster to the gems of truth contained in the Bible. to the truth, The Bible is still the most popular book in the world. It is the more it will flourish. the most powerful agent of change for the better. Through its messages bad men become good and good men become kind. No wonder the prophet Isaiah under inspiration exclaimed: embers of the Seventh-day Adventist Church need not "The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All Mfear when Satan stirs up enemies to embarrass the flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of church by attacking doctrinal beliefs and practices. Whether the field: The grass withereth, the lower fadeth: because the these attacks come from within or without, it is encouraging spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. to know that truth can stand investigation. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our The Bible is the basis of our faith—we accept it as the God shall stand for ever" (Isa. 40:6-8). word of God. To every believer the words of Jesus Book of life Christ—" Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17)—provide an anchor for his faith. The Bible is truth. It will stand forever. Some will burn it, Centuries of attack on the veracity of Scripture have not but it will stand forever. Some will misinterpret it, but it will destroyed the Word of God. Like the blacksmith's anvil that stand forever. Some will disbelieve it, but it will stand wears out a multitude of hammers, the Bible still stands forever. Some will deny it, but it will stand forever. while the hammers of skepticism, infidelism, agnosticism, Whatever may be done to the Bible, it will stand forever. and criticism have suffered much loss. Like the stars that The Bible is the book of life. It is God's revelation to shine in the firmament declaring the glory of God, the Bible humanity and provides for the Christian an anchor for his shines in the firmament of humanity declaring that God faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the world. created the heavens and the earth. Whether or not we believe As the Bible is the written word of God, Jesus Christ is the the message of the stars, they keep on shining, and their incarnate Word of God. Jesus has delared Himself also to be testimony is faithful to the existence of their Creator. the truth: "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). Jesus said: "Verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth Just as Satan hates the Bible as the Word of God, he hates pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, even more Jesus Christ, the Word Incarnate. There is no till all be fulfilled" (Matt. 5:18). This is one of the strongest agreement between Christ and Satan. Enmity rules between testimonies ever made on the indestructibility of the Bible. them (Gen. 3:15). Satan is a liar (John 8:44), but Christ is Throughout the centuries the various assaults of Satan truth (John 14:6). against the Scripture as the Word of God have proved the Like the Bible, Jesus has been in the critics' den and the truth of the testimony of Christ. Scholars, no matter how fiery furnace. Scholars have denounced Him. Scribes, learned, have not been able to destroy one jot or tittle of Pharisees, and Sadducces have criticized Him. Jews have jeered at Him, and Gentiles have mocked Him. Romans have N. S. Fraser is president of the West Indies Union. cursed Him, and demons have resisted Him. What has Satan not done to destroy Christ and Christianity? Certainly Christ had His Gethsemane. Certainly Christ Interpreter had His trial before Annas, Caiaphas, Herod, and Pilate and in every case no fault was found in Him. Certainly He had By MILDRED THOMPSON His crucifixion that was so cruel that nature wept and there was darkness at noonday. Certainly He had His burial, and With movements graceful as a flying bird, His sepulcher was sealed by Rome. She* acts as ears to one who never heard; But this was not the end. This could not be the end, for She lives to serve; it makes her heart rejoice Truth must triumph. Jesus Christ had a glorious resurrection, To be his ears, and, when he speaks, his voice. thereby showing His preeminence over Mohammed, Bud- And there is One who offers Wisdom's ear dha, Zoroaster, and all other religous leaders. He alone can That I may understand the Word I hear; exclaim: "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I His eloquence translates my faltered prayer am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and And asks for me far more than I would dare. of death" (Rev. 1:18). Christianity is dynamic because Jesus Christ is alive. He *Dee Robinson of the Kelso-Longview, Washington, church, who has promised to come again to receive His people unto interprets for the deaf. Himself—an event that, from all appearances, is soon to take place.

6 (542) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 10, 1982

Truth, therefore, like Christ, may be taken to the Garden ministry of Ellen G. White as the messenger to the remnant, of Gethsemane to suffer the scrutiny of unkind investigation the sanctuary question, the racial question, or the doctrine of by men within the church or without the church. Truth may righteousness by faith. be taken to Calvary to suffer the crucifixion of merciless The more exposure we give to the truth, the more it will investigation from the hands of so-called brethren and sisters flourish. We do not have to fear investigation. But error with or scholars from various countries of the world. Truth—truth all the dressings of truth will come to naught. With Paul we as Adventists around the world have accepted it and can say, "What shall we then say to these things? If God be practiced it—may be taken even to the cemetery to be buried for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31). forever in the sepulcher of selfishness, pride, fanaticism, and Seventh-day Adventism is not Americanism, Australa- unconverted minds. sianism, Africanism, Europeanism, Asianism, Canadi- But, like Christ, truth will enjoy the miracle of the anism, or West Indianism. The principles of truth as taught resurrection. All the critical investigators who have tried to by our church can be truly called Biblicism. They are for the embarrass the church—the body of Christ—will fall down whole world; our message is to go "to every nation, and like dead men, and truth shall shine forever in the firmament kindred, and tongue and people" (Rev. 14:6). of humanity. Now is the time to exalt the truth through our learning, our Seventh-day Adventists therefore do not need to fear writing, our preaching, our teaching, and our living. May it enemies from within or without. The destiny of truth is in the so burn within our hearts and lives as faithful members of the hands of God. It does not matter whether this truth is the church that Pentecost will be our common experience around seventh-day Sabbath, the second coming of Christ, the the world. ❑

The church choir was practicing that afternoon. Three In God's Way churches in our city had combined their singers to form a large group. The director was our young pastor; both he and By MARY C. EDMISTER his wife were gifted soloists and considered music to be a vital part of worship. As an hour slipped by we grew restless and probably inattentive of our hardworking director. A few times the pastor's wife made little suggestions how her husband could elicit better the results he wanted from his unskilled flock of squirming sheep. Suddenly the piano was silent, and we heard him say, through pursed lips, "Would you like to direct this choir, dear?" The squirming stopped! Silence fell heavily in the lovely old church. Smiles, prevalent moments before, were erased. Resolutely, the pastor raised his hand to the pianist and told her where to start playing. As he motioned us to start singing again, only the weakest sounds came out in the crisp atmosphere. Bravely he urged us to raise our voices through several lines of music. Soon, however, his shoulders slumped. Motioning us to be quiet, he said in a voice loud enough for all to hear, "Darling, will you please forgive me? I know you were only trying to help me. Everyone is feeling bad because I hurt and embarrassed you. I'm sorry." His wife's face lighted up as she arose from her front row seat and, leaning over the rail, kissed him. Smiles mingled with tears as music of the finest quality once more filled that sanctuary and our hearts. It has been more than 25 years since that day in Rochester, New York. The pastor and his wife are known throughout the Adventist world by their far-flung, unique, and effective ministry. They still sing together, too! When I listen to their tapes, those still-familiar voices send me back through the years to their example of how to settle an argument in God's way. Although I have been a reluctant witness to many similar incidents of marital strain, I have seldom been treated to this kind of joyous reunion of hearts. I have thought back to those few moments hundreds of times in the years since, benefiting all those I have hurt, but loved enough to say, "I'm sorry."

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 10, 1982 (543) 7 "Group think"

By R. R. BIETZ

The mission of the church is group think depends, to a large extent, on the leader of the group. He can encourage or discourage it. He can create a best served where there is climate where there will be freedom of expression or fear of intelligent, concerned participation expression. A leader should understand that there can be in committees and boards. "unity in diversity and diversity in unity." One can disagree without becoming disagreeable. One can reject ideas without ithin recent years the term group think has been used rejecting the people who offer them. Wfrequently in management circles. Just what is group Certain social-psychological studies point out that the think? Does it ever appear in our church boards and more cohesive the group the less members will deliberately conference committees? censor what is said. Why is this so? "Because they fear being Seventh-day Adventists are a closely knit church, and punished for antagonizing the leader or fellow members. . . group think usually exists in highly cohesive organizations of The process of 'Group Think' is characterized by a marked this kind. Group psychology pressures can take over in a decrease in the exchange of potentially conflicting data and homogeneous group. In group think people come up with by unwillingness to conscientiously examine such data when answers that may be contrary to their innermost convictions. they surface."—Management Review, March 19, 1978, p. It is in evidence when members of a board or committee, for 45. one reason or another, fail to express their opinions. It A person of my acquaintance had a strong conviction that a appears when members do not want to displease a leader, certain recommendation coming from his superior should not especially one who is not comfortable with opposition. If be passed. Knowing of his opposition, the superior said, members of a group have similar feelings but do not express "Isn't it going to be embarrassing if you oppose me when the them, or communicate them inaccurately, they are involved recommendation is presented?" The subordinate responded: in group think. "Not at all! I am not opposing you. I'm opposing your idea." This is what happened in the much-publicized Watergate There is a difference. Rejecting his idea did not mean that he affair. Some opposed the scheme. They admitted that they was rejecting his leader. had qualms about the "spying" operation, but nevertheless Group think can be avoided if the loyalty of people who they went along. Why? They wanted to please their leader. speak up is not questioned. At times, some who have They were fearful that expressing their opposition would expressed opinions contrary to the majority have been tagged destroy the group's solidarity. It seems paradoxical that as disloyal. Who wants to carry such a label? No one! A members of a highly unified and cohesive group should person's loyalty should never be questioned because he or hesitate to express their convictions. This, however, happens she disagrees with the leader or members of the group. God because of their desire to preserve the "we" feeling of the help us to be slow to judge the motives of others! On the other team. hand, all should remember that disagreements or opposition How can group think be avoided? Whether there will be always should be expressed in the spirit of Christ. Sometimes the kind of spirit we manifest in expressing our opinions R. R. Bietz is a retired vice-president of the General causes people to question our sincerity and loyalty. Conference living in College Place, Washington. To avoid group think, committees and boards should not

8 (544) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 10, 1982 assume the spirit of unassailability. They must exercise care not to give the impression that all knowledge and wisdom is FOR THE YOUNGER SET with them. Such an attitude naturally creates a mood that militates against any further contributions from the members of the group. Most of us are sensitive enough to understand when suggestions are no longer welcome. The unassailable attitude is fertile ground for "Group Think." Ellen White tells us, "The high-handed power that has been developed, as though position made men gods, makes me afraid, and ought to cause fear. It is a curse wherever, and by The mail carrier whomsoever it is exercised."—Letter 55, 1895. If diversity of opinion is allowed, group think will be By EDNA MAY OLSEN minimized. There may be times when the leader should even Johnny saw the mail car- By the time they arrived at solicit differences of opinion. However, diversity usually rier at the end of the street Johnny's home the mailman comes without solicitation, especially in the Adventist and ran to meet him. discovered he had a letter Church! We should not be unduly alarmed when it does "Hello, Mr. Mailman," from New York and a post- come; it is usually a sign that people are thinking. Some he greeted him. "Do you card from California for people, of course, glory in diversity for the sake of diversity. have any letters for us them. Mother was happy to They delight in opposing every item on the agenda. "There today?" take the mail. "The postcard is from Grandma who is on are always a few who think, when their brethren are pulling "Well, I don't know," replied the man with a twin- vacation," she explained to forward, that it is their duty to pull back. They object to kle in his eye, "but I'll know Johnny, "and the letter is everything that is proposed, and make war on every plan that as soon as I get to your from a very dear friend of they have not themselves originated. . . . They have never house." mine." learned in the school of Christ the precious and all-important Johnny walked with his "I want to be a mailman lesson of becoming meek and lowly. "—Gospel Workers, new friend, waiting at each when I grow up," said pp. 446, 447. mailbox as he left letters and Johnny, "because he brings postcards. He noticed how people good news that Agreement was not good enough happy the people were when makes them happy, and I'd they got their mail. like to do that." An outstanding leader in industry, Alfred P. Sloan, said in "Do you like being a "I know how you can a board meeting of his top executives, "Gentlemen, I take it mailman?" Johnny asked. bring good news to people we are all in complete agreement on the decision about to be "Yes, indeed," answered and make them happy right made." Everyone around the table nodded agreement on the his friend. "I get to know all now," said Mother, with a decision. "Then," continued Mr. Sloan, "I propose we the nice people on my route. smile. "You can tell them postpone further discussion of this matter until our next They tell me about their that Jesus loves them and is meeting to give ourselves time to develop some disagree- families and where they coming soon." ments and perhaps some understanding of what the decision went on vacation, and I "I guess," said Johnny, is all about." He was wise enough to understand that his bring them cards and pres- "that would be even better ents for Christmas and than being a mailman. I executives had not studied the issue. They accepted the birthdays." could start now." decision without personal study and research. He knew that their agreement was not based on knowledge and understanding but on simply going along with the leader. He also knew that in order to implement and defend the decision his executives should understand what they agreed to. Nodding their heads in agreement was not good enough! The program of the remnant church, whether in a local church board or conference or institutional committee, is best served when there is intelligent and concerned participation conducted in the spirit of Christ. Not every member participating always will make a significant contribution. The fact, however, that each member has the opportunity to express his thinking usually will assure unanimity of action and solid support in the implementation of the same. The message of the soon-coming Saviour will make its greatest advances when and if every member, out of deep sincerity and concern, can have the opportunity to express his or her convictions. If a healthy respect is maintained for the opinions of members, if an atmosphere of freedom prevails, actions taken by boards and committees will, I believe, play a significant part in advancing the work of the church and thus hasten the coming of our Lord. ❑

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 10, 1982 (545) 9 His sufficient grace

By DEBBIE RHODES ANDERSON

I needed God's forgiveness. overpower me, a weight of guilt and despair I would soon come to know well, for it was to be my constant companion. And I needed to forgive myself. The next few weeks were a blur of moving back to my native State and trying to bring order and some kind of sanity he morning of my baptism dawned bright and clear. My out of chaos. Because I stayed with my Adventist parents, I Tspirits soared as inwardly I rejoiced: This is the day! A often attended church, but it was mere ritual. What agony it day for a new beginning—a second chance—a new creature was to associate with those who seemingly never fell and in Christ Jesus! who glowed with the love of God. Not being able to Together my husband and I had made the decision, after articulate the aching emptiness within—the result of heavy attending a series of nightly tent meetings sponsored by the guilt and longings to walk once more with God—intensified Adventist Church, to enter into a covenant relationship with my despair. Jesus. Gladly we renounced our sinful ways—the heavy rock The next three years I attempted to put back together the music we absorbed day and night, weekends spent in pieces of my broken life. God's love was at work in my heart, crowded, smoke-filled bars, and a general recklessness that softening and convicting me of my need to accept His characterized every aspect of our lives. forgiveness and, equally important, of my need to forgive From the moment I stepped from the baptismal tank and myself. Wary of making another decision to live for Christ received the warm hugs and congratulations from fellow that I would undoubtedly be unable to live up to, I moved believers, I fully expected a problem-free life. The cautiously nearer the realm of God's loving grace. proverbial bed of roses would be my reality now—a storybook reality of happy ever after. My faith in God, a sort of spiritual rabbit's foot, would be my ticket to everlasting bliss. Had not Jesus promised an abundant life? And had not I Today I am happy in Christ Jesus. sincerely renounced all idols and self-worship? But I am careful to heed the apostle's My old way of life, self-defeating and sinful at best, was past history. I could relax in my new faith, sit back, and let admonition, "Let him that thinketh he God do the rest. standeth take heed lest he fall" Two years later our marriage ended in divorce and I left the (1 Cor. 10:12). church, certain God could never forgive me or have any more use for me. All kinds of torturing thoughts plagued me. How could someone raised an Adventist and baptized only two years ago The process of healing past hurts, mistakes, and painful so easily fall? I was so ashamed and disgusted with myself memories is progressive, and it is not fully completed within that I could hardly bring myself to tell my family and friends me. Although I managed to exercise faith once more in of my failure. What would they say? I could imagine their God's compassionate love and free forgiveness (thanks to an shocked responses. After all, even I could hardly believe understanding pastor and loving friends and family), still the such a thing could happen. Should not God's remnant church scars remain They always will, reminding me that in my be perfect? And had not all those love novels I had devoured own strength I can never stand firm. during my teens promoted the concept that love itself is Belonging to the Adventist faith does not ensure enough, that if there is a mutual physical attraction nothing perfection any more than being of Abraham's lineage else matters? The word commitment was foreign to my provided the Jews in Christ's day with immunity to the power vocabulary. of sin. We are still very human and weak in the flesh, Breaking the news to my family about the divorce was not dependent every moment of our lives on the sustaining power quite the ordeal I had imagined. When a short while later I of a victorious Saviour. divorced myself from God, breaking my solemn vows of Today I am happy in Christ Jesus. But I am careful to heed faithfulness and duty, I was too numb with guilt and the apostle's admonition, "Let him that thinketh he standeth heartache to care who thought what. I wrote to a close friend take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor. 10:12). back home: "I have decided to leave the church. There are so I am convinced that other Adventists, like the old me, are many hassles and pressures from all sides that to attempt to hurting needlessly because their focus is on their faults and live for Jesus is ridiculous." failings rather than on God's sustaining power. He is faithful, As I sealed the envelope, a heaviness seemed to though we fall. His response to our stumbling is not, "How could you?" but "Go, and sin no more." Debbie Rhodes Anderson is a homemaker in Portland, With God to lovingly guide, all may have victory and Oregon. receive the promised home. ❑

10 (546) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 10, 1982 TEENS AND TWENTIES

Could it be that all of us—like the people of Jesus' time—are so leery of the wordfree that we can't believe that You're a real winner the gift of Jesus' death for us actually will cost us nothing? The Bible repeatedly calls Jesus' sacrifice a gift. "It was by Are we so leery of the word free the generosity of God," Paul wrote, "the free giving of the that we cannot accept grace of the one man Jesus Christ, that the love of God overflowed for the benefit of all men" (Rom. 5:17, Phillips). Jesus' death as a gift for us? Yet most of us still are asking, "What's the catch? How much do I have to give up? What will it cost me?" Christianity is not a check-list religion: "Let's see now, By GARY B. SWANSON first I'll go to work on giving up Coca Cola. Then, when I have that whipped, I'll increase my worships to twice a day hen it comes to gullibility, I think I received more than and give up eating meat. If honoring your parents is one of Wmy share. One day I received a letter in the mail that the commandments, I guess I'll have to try to get home to see went something like this: Mom and Dad once a week—or at least phone them. And, of Dear Mr. Swanson: course, I should see what I can do about increasing my Your name has been selected from more than 50,000 offerings . . ." people living in your area to receive one of the following Too often the story of the rich young ruler has been told to prizes- give the impression that his riches were all that stood 1. A one-week all-expenses-paid trip to the Bahamas between himself and his salvation. But it could have been 2. A Datsun 280Z that there was a more basic problem. All his life he had been 3. An 18-foot catamaran following a check-list religion. "All these have I kept from 4. One thousand dollars a month for the rest of your life my youth up," he said. But his question gives him away: 5. Eight exquisite designer-line drinking glasses "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Yes, Mr. Swanson, one of these fabulous prizes is already Like the rich young ruler, we think that we can earn the yours, absolutely free! All you have to do is come to the prize that God has offered absolutely free, simply for the address listed below to claim your prize . . . asking. We cannot earn it, but if we accept it, our lives will Well, it hardly requires an Einstein to figure out the never again be the same. By being winners of the greatest probabilities of what I won in that drawing. But there was prize ever offered our lives will be changed. And every always the slimmest of possibilities that I could really win change will be for the better. something big. So I went down to the address and claimed Only a few can be winners of earthly prizes, but everyone my drinking glasses, and, at the hand of a silver-tongued can win Heaven's prize! ❑ salesman, very nearly bought three acres of wilderness land above the Arctic Circle somewhere that I had no use for whatever and no hope of ever seeing without a dogsled. Finally, after a few years and "winning" several of these kinds of drawings, I have learned my lesson. I refuse even to read past "Your name has been selected." I throw the stuff Peace away without reading what the prizes are. Besides, I have all the drinking glasses I will ever need. By PAT ANDREWS The shame of it is that now every time I see or hear the There word free, I flinch a little. It's like seeing the lightning and then waiting for the thunder to rumble so you can see how is peace close it came. in the harbor And, unfortunately, human nature being the way it is, when love most people become pretty suspicious of the wordfree. After casts its anchor being stung a few times, one gets programmed. In into complaining about the tour guides of Palestine, Mark Twain the depths once wrote, "If you hire a man to sneeze for you here, and of trust. another man chooses to help him, you have got to pay both. They do nothing whatever without pay. How it must have surprised these people to hear the way of salvation offered to them 'without money and without price.' "

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 10, 1982 (547) 11 READER TO READER An exchange of views on a topic of current interest

e have three small children. I have found missal. They prepare to go Christ considered children to be Wcommunion Sabbath particularly diffi- home for Sabbath dinner. To excluded from His Commun- cult to explain to them. They do not understand them remaining for a very long ion. Rather He says, "Let the service makes them cranky and children come." I realize chil- why they are not permitted to receive the bread hungry. Our usual practice of dren do not understand salva- and wine; it also seems unjust to them that the not giving our small children tion as much as adults, but adults get "food and drink" at a time when they food during church services was neither do adults understand are hungry. How have other parents dealt with changed on Communion Sab- fully, or what would we study this situation? bath and we brought some small throughout eternity? crackers for them to eat while SHARON CURRIE • What should we do with our should be celebrated in such a we ate the communion bread. Charleston, West Virginia children during the communion manner as to emphasize the Now that our boys are a little service? Include them, of unity of the family in Christ. older, I find the book, My First • I did not allow my three older course. The members of the family Book About Communion, by H. children to take part in Com- Christ said, "Suffer little should wash one another's feet Roger Bothwell, helpful in munion until they were bap- children, and forbid them not, and serve the bread and the wine explaining the communion tized. My thinking changed to come unto me. " He instituted to each other in testimony that service. LINDA PEABODY with the arrival of my fourth the two great memorials of they are always to reveal and Stevens Point, Wisconsin child. When she was 5 years old deliverance—the Passover, and share Christ within the family I explained Communion to her • My children, aged 5 and 8, the communion service. In the circle. in language that she could have been participating in com- institution of the Passover in And always the communion understand. At that age she took munion service. We feel that Exodus 12, He directed that service should be a family part in the footwashing and also even though they have not been every member of the family affair. The family should sit the bread and wine. baptized, they have been dedi- participate to show that His together and rejoice together in She was very reverent and as cated in the Seventh-day deliverance of Israel was to be the sharing of the Lord's Sup- she got older and could com- Adventist Church. Our Church complete, that all Israel would per. They should rejoice in prehend more of the meaning of Manual does not say anything be saved. As once the children knowing that Jesus died for the the service it meant even more about the age of children in were taught faith through the whole family and not just for to her. Now she is 18 and order to participate in the com- Passover, so now they are to be those who are old enough to Communion continues to mean munion service. taught faith through the commu- make doctrinal confession and a lot to her. While some of her HOWARD D. BLAIR nion service. be baptized. friends avoid Communion, she Vienna, Virginia The exclusion of children Passover was for the entire does not. JANET PAULY from the Lord's table is a result family, so why not the Lord's • Many Adventist churches Wharton, Texas of a misunderstanding of the Supper? DALE S. FORRESTER offer a "story time" for chil- communion service growing Leadville, Colorado dren during the footwashing and out of church tradition. Since Question for May • I explained to the children communion services. This the Communion elements are could be a special once-a-quar- Response deadline June 25 not fragments of the Lord's that Communion was something special to look forward to ter "children's church," com- I have a friend who is a body and drops of His blood, plete with children's hymns, former Adventist and I desire there is no need to fear that our after they are baptized. They can ask Jesus to forgive them Bible verses, prayers, and ser- to help him and his family find children may carelessly drop a mon stories that will teach them their way back into the crumb or spill a drop and thus and thank Him for dying for them, but taking part in the the meaning of our church doc- church. I'd like to hear from tread Christ underfoot. trines and practices. people who used to be Advent- The communion service service is reserved for that day Perhaps fewer young parents ists, left the church, and then should be a common meal when they are baptized. As a result of waiting, my of small children would absent came back. What brought you shared in by the whole church themselves on Communion back to the church? Please be family. It is to testify to the son's first Communion was very Sabbath if there were something specific. Your comments intimate relationship God's special and a great lesson was meaningful offered for the little would be helpful in working saving acts in Christ Jesus have taught in patience. My daughter ones, which would also help with him and his family. with the everyday acts of life. is happily waiting for the day preserve the quiet sanctity of the As our little ones partake in this when she too can join in the Send answers (or questions for consider- communion service. meal, we bear testimony that communion service. ation) to Reader to Reader, ADVENTIST JACQUELINE MCDONALD REVIEW, 6856 Eastern Avenue NW., their lives, no less than our own, MRS. SUE DRAPER Takoma Park, Washington, D.C. 20012. Federalsburg, Maryland San Marcos, Texas Letters should not exceed 300 words in are the purchase of Calvary, and length and will be edited to fit available space. Duplicate ideas and standard sug- that they, like us, are dependent • Small children associate the • After much consideration I gestions, such as "Pray about your problem," will be eliminated. Letters must be on Christ for life itself. congregation leaving the sanc- have decided our church "tra- received by the response deadline given At least some of the commu- tuary to participate in the dition" is wrong! Nowhere in above. Include complete return address. Five dollars will be paid for each answer nion services during the year footwashing with church dis- the Bible have I found that published.

12 (548) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 10, 1982 FROM THE EDITORS

The essence of Adventism-3 automobile, life style corresponds ple, zealous of good works." to the body of the car—its shape, True, some Adventists at times color, and so on. Comparing have run off into fanaticism. But A distinctive Adventism to a human body, life fanaticism is not the essence of style would be the physical features Adventism. Rather, the distinctive life style such as height, weight, color of Adventist life style revolves around eyes, and hair. simplicity, morality, and serious- In this series of editorials we are More than most denominations, ness. seeking to expose the heart of Adventism has developed its own While the rest of the world goes Adventism. We have suggested that subculture. Our life style takes its to work or to play, we go to church. in our faith Christ is manifested and point of departure from Biblical The Sabbath is a celebration and a glorified in a particular threefold passages such as Titus 2:11-14: reminder: we celebrate God, our way—a distinctive body of doc- "For the grace of God that bringeth Creator and our Redeemer; and we trines, a distinctive life style, and a salvation hath appeared to all men, remember that He is to be Lord of distinctive world view. Here we teaching us that, denying ungodli- our life, as He is Lord of all. shall elaborate on the second of ness and worldly lusts, we should these Adventist characteristics. live soberly, righteously, and A beautiful day Although we have placed life godly, in this present world; look- style after doctrines, for our neigh- ing for that blessed hope, and the Rightly understood, the Sabbath bors the order probably would be glorious appearing of the great God is a beautiful day. It calls us back to reversed. For most of them, what and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who the One who is Lord of space and we live counts more than what we gave himself for us, that he might time. It is the celebration of our rest profess. redeem us from all iniquity, and in Him who said, "Come unto me, If we liken Adventism to an purify unto himself a peculiar peo- all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28). Adventist Sabbath observance is distinctive. It corresponds with neither the way Sunday is kept by most Christians nor with Jewish Sabbath practices. As the day itself sets us apart from almost all other Chris- tians, so our observance of it is different. Further, Adventism concerns the whole person. For us, faith isn't something just between God and the individual—it takes in all of life. Humanity's first parents were made in God's image, made for God. And we are to be resurrected, to live forever as separate, individ- Room to let ual persons. So we are vitally concerned with By FRANCIS S. GREEN health. Adventism has a phalanx of The Master's come to dwell with her, and still they've scarcely met. physicians, dentists, nurses, and health-care personnel staffing a He sought a house to call His own. She had a room to let. chain of hospitals, sanitariums, and He offered her a mighty arm to build the house anew. clinics around the world. She felt instead a coat of paint should make the quarters do. Likewise, Adventism fosters an educational outreach to promote And what was all this talk of change? She'd but a room to rent. this view of men and women. We "He dwells within," she's fond to say. But Christ is knocking yet. own and operate schools, acade-

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 10, 1982 (549) 13 mies, colleges, and universities But the Adventist life style also so her influence in the formation of founded on the goal of educating calls for seriousness. "Prepare to our distinctive life style has been the whole person. meet thy God"—the times demand profound. Her testimonies shaped These Adventist institutions— a life lived to the glory of God. The the lives of the first Adventists; they our medical facilities and our Lord of nature is also Judge of all. influence every Adventist today. schools—witness to the distinctive- He is the moral arbiter of the Over and over they call us back to ness of Adventism. Although they universe, who will call the universe simplicity, morality, and serious- have faults (as do all parts of the to account. ness. church), they nevertheless are The teaching of the judgment, Our distinctive life style does not Adventism expressed, Adventism thoroughly Biblical, has been redis- make us better than other people. made concrete. They are the only covered and reemphasized in We rejoice in the light God has shed knowledge of Adventism that many Adventism. The judgment evokes upon us; we should not boast about people have. seriousness—but not terror for the it. Rather, we should seek God's Adventists feel a closeness to people of God. When we see Christ glory through it. nature. We advocate the simple life as the Center of the judgment, that Adventists are people of a dream and the basic virtues of home and He stands for us, even this serious and a vision—of a world that once family. A walk in the woods, doctrine stirs us to hope as well as was, of a world that shall be. While camping in the mountains, watch- to holy living. we are here we try to make that ing the birds—these are Adventist As Ellen White played a major vision concrete, at least in our little pastimes, shared by others, but role in the development of Advent- sphere. w. G. J. especially ours. ism's distinctive body of doctrine, To be concluded

A layman's statement of belief By WALTER GERALD Walter Gerald describes himself as "no theologian, but a simple carpenter-lay- unequivocally, that was not the end of His work in our man," an occupation for which he makes no apology since "Jesus dignified that trade, as He would have any other." During a recent Sabbath afternoon behalf. He wants to reproduce His character in us. If we conversation with some friends about trends within the church, one friend believe this is impossible, we make Him a liar, and the Bible commented that he wondered how many Seventh-day Adventists could write a a piece of taffy to be pulled this way and that. concise statement explaining why they are Seventh-day Adventists rather than members of another church. His friend's words challenged Mr. Gerald, who, I believe God expects us to put forth earnest, conscious after considering the matter carefully, wrote the following statement of effort to cooperate with Him in placing ourselves where His belief.—Editors. Holy Spirit can work in and through us. Although we cannot be perfect in the same sense as Jesus was, we can walk I believe God wants us to be part of a corporate body of through life with Him, abiding in Him, and letting the same believers even though we will be saved as responsible, Spirit help us to meet temptation as He helped Jesus accountable individuals. overcome. In the growing process we may fall, yet we will I believe the Seventh-day Adventist Church has the fall forward and accept His outstretched hand. We will yearn clearest understanding, as a body, of the Scriptures of any for Him, the tenor of our lives will be toward Him, and one church of my knowledge. day we will walk right into heaven with Him. I believe ours is a church of prophecy and destiny, with a As a natural response to His great love, I believe our unique mission. Notwithstanding all the present-day attacks behavior will be tightly bonded to our belief, and that one on her works, I believe God called and used Ellen White to day, not far hence, God will be able to prove to the entire give a clearer understanding of His will and that she indeed universe that Satan's accusations are a lie by pointing to us was a prophet like any prophet of Scripture. and saying, as in Job's case, "I know My people who keep I believe God is a responsible, predictable God, who loves My commandments and have My faith. I know they will be us enough that when He spelled out His law and will, He safe to save, not because I will make them robots, but meant every word. By the process of elimination, I end up because they believed and trusted Me, acted on that belief, with our church as the only one that endeavors to live by all and allowed Me to make them new creatures." that law. I believe it is God who is on trial. We will be His trophies I believe our beliefs are best understood in the context of and His evidence. That is the beauty reflected in the the great cosmic struggle vividly described by Ellen White. sanctuary doctrine. I believe God is a God of absolutes, and that too many I believe that through the power of Christ's ministry in Christians, including Adventists, are rationalizing their heaven, I can be among that group saved, along with millions actions, deceiving themselves into believing that because who down through the ages have taken God at His word. Jesus paid for our redemption, their own behavior is almost I believe that the Seventh-day Adventist Church, feeble unimportant. and harassed by problems as it may be, is the only I believe that although Jesus won the battle on Calvary, communion to which I can conscientiously belong.

14 (550) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 10, 1982 WORLDVIEW

The authors have found, in their years of work with Pwo Karen tribespeople in northwestern Thailand, that "doing transforms."

the matriarchal structuring of into the evening conversation society, and their livelihood as groups gathered around the seasonal farmers, hunters, and fires. Each bit of information Biblical methods win gatherers. seemed important to us, and it Communication, however, all began to shape itself into a Thai villagers was another matter. The Pwo pattern. By KENT and BRITT-MARIE LJUNG GREGORY language that is spoken in Thai- For the first couple of years, land still is largely preliterate, however, the patterns made and that meant that we had little little sense. It became apparent access to books or notes on the fairly early during our stay that Since 1976 we have been on into the area, we wanted to subject. We began language we were dealing with highly an assignment to begin work communicate them in indige- work largely through panto- inquisitive people. While we among the preliterate Pwo nous ways so that the building mime and a tape recorder. It was studied them, they studied us. Karen tribe in northwest Thai- of both the church and our rough going. We spent the first Significantly, all of us got con- land. It was a post we largely health work might develop in year tagging along with our fused. The Pwo judged us from created and volunteered for, to the patterns most acceptable to adopted tribe, notebook and their fatalistic background. test the application of health- the people themselves. pencil in hand, absorbing They concluded that we had the evangelistic work in the ways After several months of sur- everything we could. Very soon gifts of productivity and inven- most familiar to primitive veying, we settled in a remote, we found ourselves caught up tiveness because we were tribespeople. Though we would roadless, and mountainous area into the mysteries of tribal life, Christians and were so be introducing new concepts with only Pwo Karen villages. attending ceremonies, wed- ordained. They left it at that. Through our reading of anthro- dings, joining the gathering They watched the progress on Kent and Britt-Marie Ljung pological literature, we already parties, tracking elephants, our settlement like spectators in Gregory are volunteer workers knew certain things about the sampling strange foods, plant- a grandstand. in Northern Thailand. Pwo: Their practice of animism, ing, harvesting, and slipping We built our houses from the

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 10, 1982 (551) 15 forest wood, created gardens, started with the MCH program One week later, however, suited for this, since it follows planted fruit trees, put in fish there when we met Kle Tha, a Kle Tha' s improvement was so through with the health mainte- ponds, dug an irrigation canal, severely malnourished little girl marked that we encouraged the nance of the children on a and terraced a rice farm. While who came to the clinic. Her parents to return home and monthly schedule, whether they the benefits of each were imme- parents were at their wits' end to continue her simple program of are ill or not. In Kle Tha's case, diately apparent and admired, do anything for her. The long nutrition there. And this time, it gave us further opportunities there were no takers when we series of spiritual sacrifices, the grandmothers and aunties to discuss with the parents the offered to help them to do the offered according to Pwo Karen kept their counsel to them- events that led to her illness and same. Instead, we were startled fashion and culminating in the selves. Three months later, Kle how, by reversing the tradi- to see these benefits used only to abandonment of their rice crop, Tha walked to the children's tional strictures on her diet, she underline the miseries of ani- had failed to restore her health. clinic on her own—hardly the recovered. mism. What Kle Tha needed was good same bundle of bones we had This is the critical, pivotal In often descriptive, poetic food, but an attempt to reverse seen carried there the first day point in helping fatalistic people form our friends would tell of her restricted diet at home met the clinic opened. to realize their ability to change. the harshness imposed on them with such frowns from grand- In the kind of work for Left on their own, they will not by animism. We did not need to mothers and aunties that we had change that we are describing, it naturally conclude that they can point out how limited their to ask the parents to take the is just as important to follow up do it again—by themselves. We system was—they always were child to our settlement. That on the small successes as it is to helped Kle Tha's parents to better informed about it. And they did so speaks of their bring them about, in the first retrace their steps and reflect we never needed to illustrate the desperation. place. The MCH clinic is well that, rather than being con- benefits of Christianity—they trolled entirely by outside and always beat us to it. often evil forces, they them- It began to dawn on us that we selves had some power to alter were dealing with a tribe that existing conditions. believed that theirs was a final, The thought did not come irrevocable kind of banishment, about at once, of course. Just as and we gasped at the thought of a single hearing of the gospel putting together a program rarely makes a convert, so the equal to breaking through the successful completion of an vicelike hold of animism. How activity must be regarded only does one introduce Christianity as one segment in a series of to a people who have no persuasive events that accumu- mechanism for change in their late to bring on an eventual culture? decision. Like many other people who Kle Tha's recovery brought have worked with primitive, us an invitation to build a house illiterate groups, we stumbled for ourselves in her village. onto the answer without realiz- Other opportunities followed. ing it at first. We are public- Her nutritional requirements, health workers, and together for instance, brought on the with Nurse Ruth, a Karen from need for gardening—something Burma, we initiated a maternal- nobody was acquainted with. and-child-health (MCH) clinic They wanted to learn more in several villages on a monthly Texas Conference launches about God, a concept they were basis. (Loma Linda University somewhat familiar with through made these trips much easier for Revelation Seminars their own traditions. us when they donated an ele- Harry Robinson, Texas Conference Ministerial secretary, has It is no mistake, then, that the phant for the transport of vac- developed a seminar approach to public evangelism. Entitled activities we were able to cines, medical supplies, and Revelation Seminars, it is a 24-lesson Bible-study program that engage the villagers in helped to materials used in the clinics.) focuses on the book of Revelation. Throughout the eight-week erode their belief that they We felt that the clinic would course, all basic SDA beliefs are covered, with lesson 19 themselves have no ability or be a good activity to start with, concentrating on the Spirit of Prophecy. means to change their lives. because it provided us with Under the guidance of Bob Boney, conference youth director, a Continual reflection on the sev- immediate access into a large how-to seminar was conducted at Nameless Valley Ranch, eral changed situations that number of homes. Just as February 19-21, to challenge the youth to participate in this arose in Thi U Lu through these important, however, it brought program. For three days, 214 young people, in teams of four, were and other activities helped to the parents to the clinic to weigh instructed on how to teach, visit candidates, and assist in the final convince many that they might their children every month; and decision-making process. exchange the limited world of it is precisely this act of taking So enthusiastic was the response of the participants that on March animism for Christ. Today half the child to the clinic that set the 1, 33 English-speaking seminars were launched throughout the of the Thi U Lu villagers are stage for real communication conference. The Spanish youth also have become involved, and Adventists. and change to take place. after a similar training course, they began 15 seminars for the Doing transforms. It reacts Thi U Lu is a village of seven Spanish of their territory on April 1. on itself, clears away the debris houses, nestled on one of the There are now more than 400 non-SDAs studying with the youth that obscures our vision, and few gentle slopes in an other- of the Texas Conference, and Elder Boney expects that number to gradually changes our percep- wise steep and inhospitable ter- increase to 1,000 by August. LOLETA S. THOMAS tions. We found that concrete rain. We were just getting North American Youth Ministries Correspondent activity with the people, fol-

16 (552) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 10, 1982 lowed by reflection on that cue earlier from the Bible itself. cally they were singing! One of but much more needs to be activity, represents the best Pointing to the deceptiveness of the choruses translated from the done." means of helping them to realize a merely verbal message to Satere language went like this: Elder Wolff continued, "I their creative power to bring bring about real change, James "My God loves me. My God am personally acquainted with about change. It suggests that tells us to become a "doer" that loves me. He saved me. God is Chief Tape. It is sad to know that action-work should be a promi- acts. The new life becomes real very good." I never heard a the Satere and Maud tribes are nent feature in the evangelism only by our acting it out, and group sing so lustily and with so steadily decreasing in numbers. of such people. those who try it, says James, are much gusto and fervor. Along these same rivers where Had we been more alert to it, "blessed in their doing." (See Living by the river as they do, his people live, thousands of we perhaps might have had our James 1:22-25.) the Sateres subsist on fish, and other precious souls are waiting clear the land to grow manioc to see an Adventist missionary. (cassava), an edible tuber, and We must meet this challenge by guarana, which they make into a helping these people to maintain beverage. their human dignity. With 'civi- Indian chief asks help One of the large snakes living lization' encroaching upon their for his people in the area, the sucuriju, can homeland, these humble folk reach 12 meters in length. This are requesting such simple By ARTHUR S. VALLE immense snake is aquatic, and things as two power saws and when it sees a human being or funds to build two chapels for animal traveling by foot along their new church groups. With the river's edge, it will follow such zeal their influence will Chief Tape of the Satere tribe Adventist faith when Leo Hal- along, swimming in the water, spread abroad, and others, too, in the Brazilian jungle, has liwell and his wife, Jessie, for hours or days, waiting for will sing with them, 'My God appealed to the Adventist worked along the Amazon in the opportune moment to take loves me.' " Church on behalf of his people. their medical launch. Brother its prey by surprise. Although it He said: "My tribe is small— Jape remembers this very well, is not venomous, it is very LUXEMBOURG about 3,000—among other and commented, "Pastor Leo dangerous because it encircles larger tribes. My people are was our great and good white its victim, squeezing it to death, TV programs brave. We have fought a great friend who traveled many and then swallows it little by number of battles and won moons to come to our land and little. The Indians like the beau- draw viewers many victories. We have trav- live with us here. He and his tiful varicolored jungle birds "Your religious programs eled up and down the great wife liked us and worked hard to and use their feathers for deco- are by far the best ones!" write Amazon River countless times help us. We know Elder Leo has rations at their parties and festi- viewers of Esperances and spent months and months passed away, but God, the great vals. ("Hopes"), which was aired (moons) eking out an existence Father, is watching over him as When a young man is con- for six months (October, 1981 in the jungle. Now we are very he rests, and one day He will sidering marriage, he is sub- to March, 1982) on Tele Lux- poor. We need the help of the make Elder Leo live once jected to a serious ceremony embourg. The territory the sta- Seventh-day Adventist again." involving tocandiras, a species tion covers is eastern France and Church—our white friends." During Sabbath school when of ant. These are put inside Belgium. The daily viewers' Those at mission headquar- we visited the Satere tribe on the straw gloves which the pro- diagram indicates that some ters had an opportunity to meet Andird River, we joined the spective groom puts on. He has 150,000 to 280,000 persons the chief when he was in adults on their wooden benches, to bear the painful bites of these received the program. Manaus asking for assistance. and counted 150 children seated voracious ants without wincing Though the church's experi- He was requesting two chapels on the ground. How enthusiasti- or showing any evidence of pain ence on Tele Luxembourg was and some tools. He and his or fear. Once he has passed this brief, already there have been people wanted help to buy two test, he is considered worthy of positive results: more than 400 power saws so they could cut his bride. letters from people in the areas down timber to clear the land to "Duty bound" covered. plant food for themselves as During my stay in Brussels well as the Mane tribe. They Joao Wolff, South American for a workshop with local radio already have three church Division president, served as people, I received a telephone groups by the Andird and Marati president of the North Brazil call from an Episcopalian pas- rivers where they live, but two Union in whose territory these tor. "I watched all of your more chapels are needed. They Indians live. He emphasized programs," he said. "They are will be built of mud and straw. that Adventists are "duty bound remarkable. Would you be so Then the people and their chil- to further develop our work kind as to come to my congre- dren will have shelters as they among the Indian population of gation and give a series of Bible worship. South America, not only in the studies?" This Adventist chieftain, Brazilian jungles, but in Peru, Plans have been laid to repeat who had learned how to write Bolivia, and Ecuador. Members this television experiment for an while attending our mission of this ethnic minority are the even longer period of time. school, was asked to write out rightful owners of the land, but Meanwhile, the Hopes pro- his request. He had accepted the they have to fight and struggle grams circulate from home to for survival. The Adventist home on video cassettes. Arthur S. Valle is REVIEW message has penetrated these JOHN GRAZ correspondent for the South "We need the help of the SDA regions, establishing schools Communication Director American Division. Church," pleads Chief lape. and social assistance stations, Franco-Belgian Union

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 10, 1982 (553) 17 GERMANY patients and keeps his waiting physician and by her love to services; at noon a lunch is room filled with Adventist liter- Jesus, she invited other patients prepared, and in the afternoon French visitors ature. and some friends to attend an there usually are presentations A few years ago Dr. Leh- Adventist service in Freiburg. by the physician and musical attend church mann became acquainted with She had an announcement programs. A German physician has an influential French woman. printed in the local paper, then Eighteen times this group attracted busloads of French She did not believe in religion, hired a bus to drive some 50 from France has traveled to a visitors to Seventh-day Advent- but, being seriously ill, she miles to Freiburg for a Sabbath German Adventist church. ist Sabbath services. Some of turned to him for relief. With service. Most of the 70 to 100 partici- these visitors now are attending the Lord's help, he healed her And people responded. First pants—Protestants, Catholics, regularly. completely, attributing this there was one bus, later two, and others—attend because Herbert Lehmann is a physi- "re-creation" to the Creator of and now three buses are travel- they are attracted by the mes- cian in the small German village all things. Through Dr. Leh- ing to the Adventist sanctuary in sages. Some will probably join of Frisenheim, close to the mann's warm Christian attitude Freiburg, where their passen- the church—all because an French border. A number of his and several other experiences, gers spend a whole day of Adventist physician did not hes- patients come from France. this woman found her way to religious communion with the itate to distribute the seed of the Well known as an Adventist, he belief in Jesus. Adventist congregation. The gospel. HEINZ HOPE gives his testimony to all of his Moved by gratitude to the morning is devoted to the usual REVIEW Correspondent

Books in Review

Ellen G. White: The and fine points of the messages dant, counselor, preacher, as Testimonies, volumes seven Early Elmshaven Years in the very expressions of the prophet, possibility thinker, and eight, and The Ministry of Healing. We sense Elder Arthur L. White prophetic messenger herself" traveler, and all-around mother in Israel. Treated within the White's lifetime convictions are Review and Herald Publishing (p. 11). narrative are a host of interest- worth hearing, not least because Association These were years of immense they uncover some more of our Washington, D.C. challenge for the Seventh-day ing questions, such as: How did Adventist roots. We are con- 1981, 448 pages. Adventist Church. Elder White Ellen White understand and fronted with the reality that the Price: $16.95. (Introductory enables us to witness the strug- apply the Bible's teaching con- history of our church belongs to price: $12.95 until September gle and boon—yet limita- cerning the use of tithe (pp. 389-397)? When should chil- all of us and that we cannot be 15, 1982.) tions—of reorganization in 1901. With him we watch the dren begin to attend church indifferent about it. The writings of certain anguish caused by John Harvey school (pp. 312-317)? The Early Elmshaven Years Seventh-day Adventist authors Kellogg and others as the is the first to be published of a Crises and growth arrest us because we sense they "alpha of deadly heresies" dis- six-volume biography of Ellen are sharing convictions distilled torts the understanding of God So The Early Elmshaven White. It is not bedtime-story during a lifetime of involvement and Christ's redemptive work. Years tells us about Ellen White reading, but it caught this with their subject matter. Now We discern the peril of change and her church in a colorful reviewer up in the strong flow of another volume with this quality that neglects continuity as period marked by both crises its narrative. It is not a super- is available: Arthur L. White's Albion F. Ballenger makes his and growth. But it also tells us history to crush all other histori- Ellen G. White: The Early claims concerning the doctrine much about the faith and per- cal attempts. Rather it will both Elmshaven Years. of the sanctuary. And we see spectives of her grandson stimulate and facilitate further Although this book about tragedy strike beloved institu- Arthur L. White six decades research in a number of matters. Ellen Gould White (1827-1915) tions: During 1902 the Battle after her death. Elder White We can thank God as we has her entire life in soft focus, Creek Sanitarium burns down notes Ellen White could speak think of the devotional and it is the years 1900-1905 that are as a "reproof" (p. 161), and the "unadvisedly" and thus need defense literature of our past. in sharp focus. It begins with "sword of fire" (pp. 225, 235) the Lord's reproof as did Nathan But we can be even more her return to the United States falls upon the Review and Her- (pp. 187-197). Although her grateful that the understanding after nine years in Australia and ald publishing house. But we staff sometimes included four of Seventh-day Adventist his- ends with the important General note Ellen White's assessment literary assistants, we are tory is slowly coming of age. Conference session in May, is different when the Melrose assured that Ellen White took That it experiences growing 1905. Its perspectives are Sanitarium burns: The Lord has responsibility for the output of pains should in no way deter us chiefly those of Ellen White and "taken away an objectionable her office. Elder White's assess- from the quest for the truth her son William, with less-fre- part of the building" (p. 382). ments stem from a half-century concerning both events and quent inclusions from such Also during these years the of close association with the their interpretation. Even old others as A. G. Daniells, J. H. church faced enormous finan- White Estate and its multi- crises become unifying when Kellogg, A. F. Ballenger, and cial pressures; it relocated its faceted work. He affirms: "The new insights help us to avoid E. E. Andross. Understand- headquarters from Battle Creek development of this biography past pitfalls. As a major contri- ably, Ellen White's words are to Washington; it commenced of Ellen G. White, parts of bution to the process of under- the most quoted. Indeed, a such new institutions as Para- which are still in preparation, standing our heritage The Early random check of three chapters dise Valley and Glendale sani- has been to the author a confi- Elmshaven Years deserves indicates about one third of the tariums; it developed further its dence- confirming experi- strong commendation. words are hers. Long passages mission to the black Americans ence. "—Page 9. ARTHUR N. PATRICK, Director are cited, the author states in his of the South. Amidst the push In this book we learn more Ellen G. White foreword, to ensure "an accu- and pull of crowded events, fully the life setting of such SDA Research Center rate conveyance of the unique Ellen White stands tall as confi- volumes precious to Adventists Australia

18 (554) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 10, 1982 I was afraid of misinterpreting It Is Written staff member It Is Written faces what it said in the Bible. I phoned Juanita Kretschmar, begged Him to tell me what to wife of the president of the challenge of New York City do. Greater New York Conference. "It would be the worst sort of Juanita is the director of the By CHARLES E. BRADFORD folly and conceit to say that you highly successful New York were inspired to write `A Day to van ministry, and her associates Remember' solely in order that are specialists in contacting one very insignificant Jewish people. Being sensitive to an Almost from the beginning of other heavily populated areas. girl should know with certainty appeal such as this, Juanita the Advent Movement its Human nature may be more which church is the right one, so arranged for one of her co- leaders have been deeply con- highly sophisticated in the I'll just say that I was inspired to workers to visit Eileen at her cerned about reaching the larger cities, but it is warmly read it. home. masses of people in New York recognizable when it surfaces. "Naturally, of course, how When our office contacted City and its sprawling environs. Take, for example, Eileen silly of me (and a whole lot of Eileen by telephone several Repeatedly the REVIEW has Krakower, a young Jewish other people, apparently)! God hours later, she happily related featured articles detailing how woman from New York. Here commanded that we observe the how someone from the van the church has addressed itself are excerpts from her letter to Sabbath, and Jesus commanded program already had called to to the task of getting New George Vandeman, It Is Written that we obey God's command- see her and that she was looking York's attention. speaker: "To a Jew, this matter ments, and Jesus' Sabbath is the forward to attending the local It Is Written has been given of Christian denominations is Jews' Sabbath (this is so embar- Adventist church the next Sab- the privilege—or rather the very confusing. If I had been rassing), since He was a Jew. bath morning. Here is a classic awesome responsibility—of born into a Christian family, And I'm a Jew too, and there I example of the interlinking of being at least one Adventist and had gone astray, it would was, crying and moaning for the various ministries within the voice in New York City for a just be a matter of returning to God to show me the way when it church. considerable time. It is encour- the fold. But I don't have a fold was in front of me the whole In the teeming throngs of the aging to know that the program to go back to, and to the wild time! great metropolis there are many has been as well received in the sheep all corrals look the same. "So He answered my prayer, people like Eileen—lost, alone, New York area as it has I had no idea which of the many after all. And, in His blessed no fold to return to, wishing, throughout the years. From the churches around me was His generosity, He didn't do it by hoping. There is work to be responses by telephone and mail true church. It would be a shame halves. He showed me exactly done for them. But it can be we have channeled multiplied and a tragedy to have found where to go, with whom, how, accomplished speedily only as thousands of names to workers Jesus at last and then lost His when, why. the Holy Spirit is permitted to and church members in the four love by not worshiping Him the "It's an incredible relief to move among us, as well as conferences converging on the right way. So there I was, know now that the church I've among those who are "waiting area. joyous and miserable at the been looking for exists, and that to be gathered in." From this jungle of concrete same time. it's the Seventh-day Adventist Is it not time for us to press and steel come heart cries that "It is no easy thing to be in Church. together and interlink the vari- differ little from the earnest desperate need of counsel, to "I am eager to get in touch ous ministries of the church pleas for light that come from know whom to ask, but to be in with one of the It Is Written with the all-important local terror of asking in the wrong representatives in New York, so pastors and the powerful army Charles E. Bradford is General way and not being heard. I told could you send me some of their of waiting, willing lay persons? Conference vice-president for Jesus that I wanted with all my names and addresses?" In addition, the earnest inter- North America. heart to follow His way, but that The day this letter arrived, an cessory prayers of God's people

Servicemen's Offering is June 19 With no draft since 1972, many church members and pastors servicemen's centers in West Germany and Korea and employs are inclined to think that there are few Seventh-day Adventists in three civilian chaplains, who are stationed in places where there the United States military. Actually, because of the high are concentrations of Adventist military personnel. unemployment rate among youth, particularly among minori- Every two years an offering is taken in the churches of the ties, we have approximately the same number of Adventists in United States to cover the cost of literature and other services the military now as at the height of the Vietnam War. that are provided by the church. If an emergency develops These men and women need the ministry of the church today during the two-year period covered by this offering and as much as ever. Separated from home and church, often they Congress authorizes a draft, the services of this ministry to our feel lonely and isolated and are subjected to many temptations. members in uniform would have to be multiplied many times, as They need to know that the church cares about them. Our church Adventist youth would be called to service. papers and other services provide the bridge that is needed. The Servicemen's Offering is scheduled for Sabbath, June 19. Those on active duty in the U.S. armed forces who request The goal is $155,000. We urge every church member to them receive the following church periodicals (at an annual cost participate with a liberal offering so that funds will be available to the church of more than $30): ADVENTIST REVIEW, Insight, to provide a continuing, much-needed ministry to our youth in Signs of the Times, Message, Listen, Sabbath School lesson national service. W. L. MURRILL quarterlies, a devotional book, and missionary literature for use Undertreasurer with other military personnel. The church still maintains General Conference

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 10, 1982 (555) 19

are needed on behalf of the $500,000 of It Is Written's weekly messages of It Is Writ- yearly budget is assigned to this ten as they reach out and touch vital area. The North American the multitudes, Jew and Gen- Division has assisted. Our peo- tile. ple and the viewing public in the The It Is Written ministry has Greater New York area have been carrying a staggering given liberally. But the work financial load in telecasting the can continue and expand only if full message to the New York our believers everywhere will City area. They have been help lift this unusually heavy granted an excellent prime-time load. release on Sunday evening at Your gift sent directly to It Is nine o'clock. WOR, channel 9, Written, Box 0, Thousand in New York is one of the four Oaks, California 91360, can superstations in North America mean uninterrupted support of (WTBS Atlanta, WGN Chi- this effective ministry to the cago, and KHJ Los Angeles are millions in the world's largest James, Dolores, and Kimberly Etherith (center) were baptized the others). Providentially, It Is city area. after studying the Bible with Elder and Mrs. W. C. Scales. Written is aired on three of the covered one lesson on the Ten four. FAITH part of our communion serv- We are in an enviable posi- ACTION ices," said Dolores Etherith, of Commandments that contained NAD ADVANCE tion with that powerful station Upper Marlboro, Maryland. "I a fourth commandment differ- asked my pastor, other Sunday ent from that in the Bible. When and cannot afford to lose it. It Is WASHINGTON, D.C. Written has tested the New school teachers, and friends, yet she was asked to teach this York market and found that Questions draw no one was able to show me in lesson, she said she could not adequate advertising has dou- the Bible the specific instruction because she felt responsible for bled the audience. We believe family into that we should worship on what she taught the children. that this kind of advertising Sunday," explained this former But because the other teachers should be done consistently. membership Sunday school director and under her supervision were But the cost of the release of the "For quite some time I had choir member. absent, Mrs. Etherith had to program, let alone advertising, been questioning why we wor- While reviewing Sunday teach. She determined to teach is heavy. shiped on Sunday and why the school lessons for the second- what was correct according to At present, more than foot-washing ceremony was not grade class, Mrs. Etherith dis- God's Word, even though it was FOR SEVENTRDAYADVENTISTS Likening our present experi- DECISION AT THE ence to that of ancient JORDAN asks questions Israel, Lewis Walton con- that demand answers from tends that individual each individual member. Seventh-day Adventists must make decisions that $4.95 will result in whether or not they will cross over into the At your Adventist Book Center Promised Land. or you may order from: ABC Mailing Service, P.O. Box 4353, Does Ellen G. White speak Washington, D.C. 20012 When ordering by mail allow•for tax as God's counsel to the applicable, and include an additional church, or does she not? Is 10 percent (minimum of $1.00) to cover the doctrine of Seventh-day mailing costs. All prices U.S. currency. Adventism scriptural, or is it not? Is the Seventh-day i Adventist Church fulfilling Review and Herald Heaven's plan? Can mem- Publishing Association bers have confidence in 6856 Eastern Ave., NW. SDA Church leadership? Washington, D.C. 20012

20 (556) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 10, 1982 contrary to the beliefs of the beliefs. Recently, at the request ence president, Humberto of seeing that every mother in church to which she belonged. of the pastor, Elder Scales Moreno; the lay activities direc- the province obtained this This incident triggered the baptized James, Dolores, and tor, Braulio Concepcion; and "first-aid kit." beginning of a diligent search Kimberly Etherith into the the district pastor, Hector Another literature evangelist for the truth that caused Mrs. church. Solera, coordinated the project. was invited to explain her work Etherith to spend many hours in Mr. Etherith was active in his After the planning session, over the local broadcasting sta- the library researching the doc- former church. He served as a during the last quarter of 1981, tion. As a result of this she trines of all denominations and deacon for approximately eight 500 missionary "mailmen" found the doors open wide when comparing them with the Bible. years, as superintendent of the shared The Bible Speaks course she started her door-to-door This search reenforced her children's Sunday school with their friends. On January literature ministry. belief that she should be department, as a member of the 7, 1982, this phase culminated These and other stories were observing the Sabbath rather treasurer's committee, and as a with a graduation ceremony for some of the highlights of the than Sunday, and she says, member of the ushers board. 2,500 students. literature evangelists' sympo- "The Adventists were the only Now he says, "I'm so glad I am When Pastor Cameron began sium completing the second denomination that I found to be an Adventist! I get a chance to meetings in David, using mul- Papua New Guinea Union practicing according to God's learn so much about God, timedia illustrations on three National Convention and Semi- Word." directly from the Bible." large screens, with a computer nar for literature evangelists. Mrs. Etherith read many HYVETH WILLIAMS coordinating six projectors, an The first convention took place books before sharing with her Communication Secretary average of 2,200 persons in 1979, when 35 delegates family that she had studied the Pennsylvania Avenue Church attended nightly. At the same attended, with one local-mis- Bible at the library and was time approximately 4,000 per- sion publishing director. This convinced that they should be PANAMA sons were attending meetings in time 62 literature evangelists, observing the Sabbath. Then the 90 satellite centers where four mission publishing direc- she called the General Confer- Simultaneous five other pastors, seven Bible tors, the union publishing direc- ence for material on the Sabbath instructors, and 70 lay tor, the general manager of the and eagerly read the informa- meetings result preachers were conducting Signs Publishing Company, and tion she received. A second call simultaneous crusades. the division publishing director to the General Conference was in 706 baptized Baptismal classes were reported for the convention. referred to W. C. Scales, Minis- A plan for total evangelism in already in progress, so the first The union publishing leader, terial Association associate the province of Chiriqui, Pan- converts were baptized two F. Y. Cometa, reported that secretary for North America, ama, has resulted in a baptism weeks after the meetings began, from 1976 to 1981 an average of who immediately began Bible of 706 persons on February 27 as a stimulus to others. 40 literature evangelists can- studies with the family and and hundreds of other new BRAULIO CONCEPCION vassed a totalof 200,000 hours, introduced them to Sabbath believers preparing for baptism. delivered US$650,000 worth of worship. The province of Chiriqui is PAPUA NEW GUINEA literature, and saw 425 persons Soon after these studies well known for its cattle and baptized as a result of their began, the Etheriths enrolled agricultural production and as a Success stories contacts. their 10-year-old daughter, center of tourism. It is called the Spiritual and practical Kimberly, at John Nevins Valle de Luna ("Valley of the are told at instruction was geared toward Andrews School, where she is Moon"). The capital of the improving the skill of the dele- now active in the school's treble province, David, is a city with convention gates, who were eager to learn choir. 150,000 hardworking, pro- After a literature evangelist in more of the ways and means to The Etheriths began attend- gressive inhabitants. The con- Papua New Guinea had intro- have a successful literature ing Pennsylvania Avenue ference committee made plans duced the new Modern Medical ministry. church in Washington, D.C., for an evangelistic campaign Guide, published by the Signs Emphasis was placed upon regularly. There they joined centered in this city, with satel- Publishing Company in War- the Modern Medical Guide, a "Search and Discovery," a lite crusades to be held in the burton, Australia, to a provin- 700-page medical book that is continuing Bible seminar on surrounding districts. cial premier, this government delivered in combination with a Adventist beliefs and practices. Pastors and laity from the official praised the Seventh-day full-message book, For a Better The class, taught by the church entire area met with the visiting Adventist Church for having Pacific. Emphasis also was pastor, Al Konrad, is especially evangelist, Walter Cameron, of begun distributing "home first- placed on the sale of Your Bible for new members and those the Florida Conference, to plan aid kits." He said in public that and You, which has proved to be interested in the church's for this outreach. The confer- he would take up the challenge a soul winner in Papua New Guinea. The literature evangelist reporting the highest individual sales—US$52,000--was a former government official. Not all literature evangelists in Papua New Guinea have it easy. Stories were told of threats with knives and guns. Another told how he was thrown out of a shop and had to pick up his books from the street. Other stories While 2,200 persons attended nightly meetings presented by Pastor Cameron, another 4,000 indicated the opening of new attended 90 satellite meetings. The meetings resulted in a baptism of 706 on February 27. fields, new islands, and new

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 10, 1982 (557) 21 villages for establishing were transformed into a verita- new and daring record was CALIFORNIA Adventist congregations. ble beehive of evangelistic established when 1,750 believ- The delegates dedicated activities during the closing ers were baptized on this special Pacific Press themselves to the task of deliv- weeks of 1981 and the first two day. Hundreds of these new ering US$300,000 worth of months of 1982. Massive prepa- believers were won to Christ as prints special books in 1982 and seeing 153 ration was made everywhere for a result of more than 50 simulta- Signs edition persons baptized as a result of the big baptismal day. neous crusades held all over the their contacts. The leaders are The evangelistic fervor ran Republic of El Salvador. Recently Pacific Press, aiming to increase the number high as the history-making day This memorable soul-win- Mountain View, California, of literature evangelists to 90. arrived. Hundreds of candidates ning accomplishment was the began a gigantic project—to J. T. KNOPPER accompanied by happy lay product of a massive two-part blanket the United States with a Publishing Director preachers, pastors, evangelists, evangelistic thrust in Central special edition of Signs. Early in Australasian Division and enthusiastic church mem- America, seeking to bring March the big web press began bers converged on the ocean 11,000 new believers to Christ to print this special number at beaches, banks of lakes and during 1982. The next huge 30,000 copies per hour. Crews CENTRAL AMERICA rivers, and church baptistries all evangelistic drive will be dedi- worked around the clock until over Central America. Un- cated to a powerful, well-coor- 2.5 million were printed. More than 6,000 daunted by public unrest and dinated youth campaign in By the end of the first week in baptized fierce fighting in some countries which hundreds of youth will April, when results of the mass of the union, the candidates participate. The laity and lead- mailings had begun to pour in, on one day came to seal their commitment ership of the Central American the periodical department had The intense soul-winning with Christ and the Adventist Union are confident that another received 1,500 requests for free campaign in the Central Ameri- message through the public act baptismal record will be set as a subscriptions. Even more grati- can Union reached its crescendo of baptism. result. Truly, "the people that fying is the fact that among the on Sabbath, February 27, 1982, The largest number of bap- do know their God shall be 1,500 requests for Signs were when 6,191 new believers were tisms took place in the El strong, and do exploits" (Dan. 1,000 requests for Bible stud- added to the church by baptism. Salvador Mission, a territory 11:32). GEORGE W. BROWN ies. JUANITA TYSON-FLYN The seven countries comprising plagued by constant unrest and President Public Relations Director the Central American Union bloodshed. In this mission a Inter-American Division Pacific Press

Southwestern Adventist College, Keene, Texas

WORKSHOPS DIMENSIONS * Wayne Hooper, Hymnody * C. Raymond Holmes, Worship * James Bingham, Choral IN CHURCH * William Ness, Organ * Don G. Campbell, Choral * John Read, Texas Music MUSIC Co-ordinator * Publishers' Reading Sessions & WORSHIP * Festival Service * Sacred Concerts — July 6 -10 Hymn Festival

Fourth Biennial Convention of the National Association of S.D.A. Church Musicians For brochure, write: Dimensions P.O. Box 45 Keene, Texas 76059 10% Discount if you register by May 30

22 (558) ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 10, 1982 THE BACK PAGE

of employment benefits and are tives of continuing to produce ence. The president reports that Needs of in serious need of assistance? programs that will attract and during the first year of operation, five new churches were organized. inner city "First meet the temporal win persons to Christ, in the The treasurer's report shows a tithe necessities of the needy and face of rapidly rising production increase of approximately 42 per- are urgent relieve their physical wants and and station time costs. cent over a 12-month period. A 21.4 sufferings, and you will then After reviewing a prelimi- percent increase in mission offer- This year's Inner City Offer- ings was noted. Ira Harrell, per- ing, to be taken June 12, may be find an open avenue to the heart, nary report by the commission, sonal ministries director, says: the most important such offer- where you may plant the good the General Conference officers "Our 1981 Message Magazine ing in history due to the devas- seeds of virtue and reli- recommend continued study report of 7,500 subscriptions was gion. "—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. and solicit continued support, the highest per capita of any confer- tating effects of the recession on ence in North America, and our the inner city population. 227. by prayers and financial gifts, of baptismal report of 918 was the It is easy to sit back and We appreciate the generous every Seventh-day Adventist in highest percentage (10.87) of mem- review statistics on how the support of the inner city pro- behalf of Faith For Today. bership gain in the Southern recession has affected the gram given through the gift of It is expected that the com- Union. "—KEITH A. DENNIS "average" man or woman, but personal time and funds. Now mission's study will be con- it is difficult to find that "aver- we ask again. The need is cluded the latter part of this For the record age" person. Most of us have urgent. L. DELMER WOOD year. Recommendations for the One-hundredth year, 100 continued to receive remunera- ministry of Faith For Today will graduates: Atlantic Union Col- tion at former levels and are Commission be made shortly thereafter. lege, South Lancaster, Massa- quite contented with the rate of LOWELL BOCK chusetts, which celebrated its inflation decreasing. But how studies FFT centennial this past April 19, can we feel satisfaction while A General Conference- gave diplomas to precisely 100 recognizing that, in many cases, appointed commission is study- Conference seniors on May 16. those living on levels below the ing the ministry of Faith For session reports IAD sets goal: Presidents of "average" already have run out Today, particularly its objec- union conferences and local Arkansas-Louisiana fields of the Inter-American Delegates to the Arkansas-Loui- Division met in Miami, May siana Conference constituency 17-18, to plan strategy for the meeting April 18 elected Don Schneider president. He was for- One Thousand Days of Reap- merly president of the New Jersey ing, according to Carlos Conference. The filling of the posi- Aeschlimann, division Ministe- tions for secretary of the confer- rial secretary. Reports were ence, associate secretary and trust officer, Ministerial director, and given of 35,082 baptisms in the education and communication division in 1982, up to May 15 director, was referred to the newly (10,668 in Mexico and almost appointed executive committee.— 8,100 in Central America). The RICHARD BENDALL nationwide evangelistic cam- Oklahoma paign in Colombia has yielded The fifty-ninth regular session of 3,500 baptisms. The presidents the Oklahoma Conference was held voted a goal of 208 new con- at Wewoka Woods Adventist Cen- verts per day during the 1,000 ter, the conference youth camp, on days and resolved to organize a April 11. Robert D. Rider and Deryl Knutson were returned to office as united, simultaneous, evangel- president and secretary-treasurer, istic campaign for 1984 that will SDA musicians receive award respectively, and all departmental have no less than 10,000 The highest honor conferred by Religion in Media has gone to the directors were reelected. A new preaching centers scattered conference constitution was voted, Heritage Singers for the "Best Inspirational Group of the Year." A along the lines of the model consti- throughout the Inter-American Silver Angel, the "Oscar" of the religious world, was presented tution recommended by the General Division. recently at the fifth annual Angel Awards Banquet at the Universal Conference.--CHARLES R. BEELER Died: Howard M. Lee, 101, Sheraton Hotel, Hollywood, California. Southeastern on May 21 in Loma Linda, In addition, a second Angel Award was presented to the musical California. He worked in Korea The Southeastern Conference ❑ group for the best television variety program, Keep on Singing. constituency meeting was con- from 1910 to 1936. Mrs. H. This half-hour program by the Heritage Singers and guest musicians ducted May 2 at the Ephesus church M. Blunden, on May 6 in Deer is in its second year of production and can be seen weekly over four in Jacksonville, Florida. The presi- Park, California. Her husband Christian satellite networks. dent and secretary-treasurer, James was General Conference pub- Edgecombe and Donald Walker An interfaith organization founded 35 years ago, Religion in respectively, were reelected, as lishing secretary 1941-1946 and Media awards "Angels" to the best religious-or-high-moral-con- were all the departmental directors. general field secretary 1946- tent productions in all fields of the media. Southeastern is a growing confer- 1950.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, JUNE 10, 1982 (559) 23 1-TEALTIA DOSE OF TILSIORY The time was 1907. Theodore Roosevelt was president, the Wright Brothers had just gotten their 'flying machine" oil the ground, a young scientist named Einstein was advancing his recently published theory of relativity, Enrico Caruso had cut his first gramaphone recording— and against this backdrop, Washington Adventist Hospital opened its doors ti care for the needs of a growing community. In the intervening years a lot of things have changed. Presidents have come and gone, the space program has taken us to the moon and beyond—thanks to the combined breakthroughs of the Wright brothers AND Mr. Einstein — and global communications are now taken for granted. Washington Adventist Hospital has changed too. We've grown from a 40-bed long-term care facility to a 356-bed acute care community hospital specializing in open-heart surgery and cardiology, radiation therapy, pulmonary medicine, family centered maternity care and eve stu-gerv. But one thing hasn't changed in seventy-five years we're here because we care. Health care from people who care ... since 1907. WaSHIrIGTOrl A/wen-rim- HOSPITaL 7600 Carroll Avenue/Takoma Park, MD 20912/301-891-760 1907--isas

Member Adventist Health Systems Eastern & Middle Ameriea/j. Russell Shmvver —Chairman of the Board, Washington Adventist Hospital; President, Adventist Health Systems Eastern & Middle A Herbert Z. Shiroma —President, Washington Adventist Hospital