Heart to Heart
When the Crunch Comes
t only took a look and Peter down the net." Luke 5:5 and to death." Luke 22:33. Yet, when immediately remembered the He was a man of great faith. When the crunch came Peter emphatically word of the Lord, how He had He saw Christ walking on the water, announced three times, "I do not said to him, "Before the rooster he said, "Lord, if it is you, command know the man." In other words, "I I me to come to you on the water." have nothing to do with Him, He and crows, you will deny me three times. And Peter went out, and wept bitter- Matt. 14:28. At the voice of Christ he I are not friends: I deny having any ly." Luke 22:61, 62. stepped out of the boat and walked connection with Him." Is it possible Before this experience, Jesus had upon the water. that Peter had good intentions and said to Peter, "You cannot follow me Peter was a man of spiritual meant what he said about dying for now." John 13:36. He was not in a fit insights. When Christ asked the disci- Christ but didn't know himself? state to follow Christ, because he had ples, "Whom do you say that I am?" Notice how Christ used the word not yet confronted the problem of Peter was able to answer, "You are "deny" twice. He said to Peter the self. the Christ, the son of the living God." first time, "Deny self." The second Peter's life story has been very And Christ said, "Blessed are you, time He said to him, "Thou wilt deny meaningful to me. His life, so full of Simon Bar-Jonah; for flesh and blood me." For us, the question is which of failures yet changed through the con- has not revealed this to you, but my the "deny's" we will choose. We must verting power of the Holy Spirit. This Father who is in heaven." Matt. 16:13- either deny self or deny Christ. There gives me hope. However, I must 16 are two great powers fighting each remember that before Christ could If Peter were living today, I would other—the self-nature in the power of bring about a change in Peter's life it consider him a mature Christian. Yet, sin, and the Christ-nature in the was necessary for Peter to humble there was much lacking in his life. power of God. Either of these must himself and weep bitterly. When there was questioning among rule within. Peter had a certain devotion that the disciples as to who should be the Peter denied his Lord three times, was admirable. When Christ called greatest, Peter was there. He thought and then the Lord looked upon him. him to forsake his nets and follow that he had a right to the very first That look of Jesus broke the heart of Him, Peter did not hesitate. place. He had left his boats and his Peter, and all at once there opened up Afterward he could confidently say nets, but not his old self. before him the terrible sin that he had to the Lord, "I have forsaken all and In speaking to Peter, Jesus said, "If committed and the depth into which followed you." Luke 5:11 any man will come after me, let him he had fallen. It was then that Peter He was also a man of ready obedi- deny himself, and take up his cross went out and wept bitterly. ence. When Christ said to him, and follow me." Luke 9:23 Self must The same God who led Peter to "Launch out into the deep, and let be utterly denied. Later, in speaking repentance will give us the strength down the net," (Luke 5:4) Peter, the to Peter again, He said, "Before the to choose to deny ourselves and veteran fisherman, was convinced rooster crows twice you will deny me come to Him. that this request was an exercise in three times." Luke 22:34. Jesus made futility because they had been toiling this statement shortly after Peter all night and had caught nothing. made the profound remark, "Though However, in trusting obedience he all should forsake you, yet will I not. responded, "At thy word I will let I am ready to go with you to prison
2 Messenger / August 1996 — Cover :"Canoeing on the Waskesiu River" by Deryk Bodington, Calgary, Alberta. Deaf Ministry Growing In Canada
By Pastor & Mrs. John Blake Volume 65, No. 8, August, 1996, Oshawa, ON
eaf Ministry is alive and B.C. Conference camp meeting, and June Polishuk / Copy Editor growing in Canada, but it travel across Canada visiting the Allan Colleran / Art Director has great challenges! It is deaf, promoting and helping orga- Robin Carby / Associate Art Director estimated that there are nize. CONFERENCE EDITORS D Don King / Alberta 66,700 deaf in Canada. At the Ron Watts / British Columbia moment we are aware of only about Dan Jackson/ Manitoba-Saskatchewan 20 baptized SDA deaf, though we Robert Lehmann / Maritime David Crook / Newfoundland know that there are also many older M. Lekic / Ontario deafened who are not counted in this Georges Hermans / Quebec figure. American figures calculate 421,000 deaf in the USA, and esti- mates vary anywhere from 10 to 50 million deaf world-wide. This Issue Back in 1980, the Christian Record was given the mandate to also Heart to Heart include the deaf, along with the Jeff and Melissa Jordan (right) of Andrews University Seminary with Elder and Mrs. Orville Parchment blind. Because the representatives John Blake. Jeff Jordan is the only known who solicit for, and visit the blind, do deaf seminary student in all the Adventist not generally collect for, or visit the Church. Deaf Ministry Growing deaf, the deaf work has an unequal Pastor and Mrs. John Blake 3 So far in 1996, Blakes have made basis. At time of writing, the General Conference has appointed a small two "deaf missionary trips" to visit ADRA Appeal 4 commission to examine the work and deaf and organize those desiring to see if it should be reorganized and work with the deaf; one to B.C. in strengthened. The Deaf Services February, and a four week trip to ADRA-Thank You, Canada Dept. at the Christian Record, in Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan Kay Bacchus 6, 7 Lincoln, Nebraska serves as a pub- in March. lishing house and resource centre Their eastern trip was focused Senate Hearings in producing magazines and books in around the March 16 "Deaf Ministry Newfoundland easy English, and videos in Sign Day" at the Harmony Church in Language. Deaf Services is doing an Toronto. The only deaf ministerial David Streifling 10 excellent job with the small amount student known in the denomination, of funding available—even helping Jeff Jordan, was the featured Plus with evangelistic meetings in various signer / speaker, with his wife, a pro- Canadian Union College 8, 9 countries. However, a staff of only fessional interpreter, voicing his ser- Listeners Respond to VOAR 11 three can barely touch a world need mon to the whole church. Jeff high- Kingsway Establishes of fifty million. (In the world field, lighted his own life story in the deaf Friendship Club 12 there is one full time pastor for the world and brought inspiration to the CHER International 13 deaf, and three paid part-time pas- seventeen deaf present. Jeff is to Healthwise 14 tors). graduate from the Andrews Conference News 15-19 Bulletin Board In Canada, Pastor and Mrs. Blake University this December. Earlier this year he taught a new Seminary Anniversaries. Weddings. Births have decided to augment the work of Obituaries 20 the Christian Record, and work as course in Deaf Ministry with about Classifieds 22, 23 half-time volunteers to develop a 25 students. Yet, because of funding inadequacies, Jeff still has no spon- ministry to the deaf across Canada The Canadian Adventist MESSENGER is the official (they also pastor the Onoway church sorship or placement in view. organ of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada. Before leaving Toronto, Blakes Issued monthly, annual subscription price in Canada in Alberta). They publish a newslet- $5.00. Out of union $10.00. Printed by Maracle Press ter for the deaf (and those wishing to worked with Marion Rochford, Judy Limited. Second class mail registration number 0912. learn how to work with the deaf), Spadavecchia and others to set up a Address all inquiries to 1148 King Street East, Oshawa. Deaf Ministry Coordinating Ontario L1H 1H8. organize a Canadian Camp Meeting ISSN 0702-5084 for the deaf in conjunction with the Continued on page 5
Messenger / August 1996 3 The 88th ADRA Annual Appeal
Making a difference one life at a time.
or over 100 years Seventh-day Adventists cess of this program is totally dependent on your have reached out to help their neighbours active volunteer commitment and enthusiasm. Fboth at home and abroad. At a global level, For an effective fund-raising drive, ADRA ADRA has been working for over 40 years to bring Canada recommends that churches begin their cam- positive change to communities in need. ADRA paign in September this year. Net '96 starts in Canada has established programs and sponsored October and will keep everyone very busy with the projects in over 90 countries, and ADRA world- actual crusade as well as follow-up activities. wide helps an average of 10,000 people every day. Once again, this ADRA campaign provides the This year at the start of the 88th ADRA Annual opportunity to work together as a Christian com- Appeal, please keep ADRA in your hearts and in munity to support the programs that share Christ's your prayers. Get motivated, get involved, commis- love for humanity in a concrete, personal way. sion yourself and help make a difference. The suc- United in purpose, let's make a difference!
4 Messenger/August 1996 Deaf Ministry own fellowship, and (2) to encourage Native Offering-Taking the Continued from page 3 interested members to learn sign lan- guage and make deaf ministry their Spirit to Canada's First Committee for greater Toronto with special lifetime ministry for the Lord. Nations Blakes have had a significant part in Judy Lyew as the new Chairperson. by Linda Calderbank and John Howard The committee is now busy with vari- helping get the American edition of It Co-chairs, Canadian Native Advisory ous projects: a walkathon for fund is Written "closed captioned" for the Group raising, a fair booth at the Bob deaf. The Canadian edition is not Rumball Centre for the Deaf, and being done because it is edited in In response to recommendations gearing up for a special approach to Canada, not at the SDA Media head- by delegates at the recent Union ses- the deaf in Toronto through Net '96 at quarters in California. sion, a Canadian Native advisory the Willowdale church. Earlier, Nigel What can your church do? Net '96 group has been established to admin- Persuad, had conducted an ASL will be "closed captioned" for the ister funds and plan initiatives for Signing class with ten members of the deaf. All you need is a 1994 or newer programs among our Native popula- Harmony church. A number of the T.V. with a built-in captioning tion. members of this class are now help- decoder, and a simple RF cable to Natives have responded to the ing spearhead the thrust in deaf min- connect to the local church Net '96 evangelistic meetings held in Lillooet, istry in Toronto. video source. Making captioning BC, in June. Of the 170 individuals available will be a blessing to both Why is deaf ministry such a chal- who attended, 20 were Native. Forty deaf and hard of hearing. However, lenge? If you are to work for a minor- baptisms resulted from the meetings, in the long term, the "deaf communi- ity with a special language and cul- of which five were Native believers, ty" really needs programs in Sign ture, you need people who are and 20 Natives have requested Bible Language. Dedicated interested mem- trained for this ministry. Who will do lessons. this? We need fully trained SDA's. bers need to become proficient in Signing, and train to become workers A number of events designed (Hired non-member interpreters specifically for Natives are occurring charge up to $35 an hour) Deaf mem- with the deaf. We also need pastors and pastor's wives who have deaf in Canada and the United States. In bers need social interaction. Where July, several Canadian Native youth will they receive this in a typical ministry as one of their special inter- attended the first Youth Congress for church? Who will talk with them and ests and skills. Our largest cities in Native People, which was held in be their friends, visit with them in Canada need to set up "coordinating Holbrook, Arizona. A Native camp their homes, pastor them, counsel committees" to plan and implement a them, and give them an opportunity well thought out long range plan of meeting will take place in Lytton, BC, to take part in local services? Many ministry to reach the deaf in their during the last weekend in August, who do not know the language of the community. and everyone is invited to attend. deaf, can help through funding, writ- The Blakes also have a dream of Offerings received on August 10 ing out their conversation with the seeing a T.V. program prepared for for Native programs will enable the deaf, and praying for the ministry. release on cable in the large cities of Canadian Native advisory group to We need many of these willing North America. It could be prepared lay plans to evangelize the Canadian helpers! However, the most effective in the style of IIW, but "By the Deaf, portion of the 200 North American work will be done by those who learn for the Deaf". The first twenty-six of Native nations. the culture of the deaf, and the Sign these programs could also serve as a Language. Each church that plans a full-message video Bible study series strong ministry to the deaf, must also to be used by the deaf, and by hear- have a strong interpreting program. ing members with the deaf. Deaf members can become effi- Deaf Ministry needs deeply conse- Heritage Singers Open to cient at working for their fellow deaf. crated members who are willing to However, they need encouragement make a long-term commitment to an Sponsors in Canada from the hearing church, as well as unusual ministry, where results are often slow, and the problems very training—the same as hearing mem- Celebrating 25 years of music ministry, bers! Right now we have three pro- challenging! If the Holy Spirit is talk- the Heritage Singers are planning concerts fessionally trained Adventist inter- ing to you, and you can help with in a number of cities and would like to preters in Canada, and a fourth in time and effort, or you would like to include Canada. Any church or confer- training. They have been a real help receive the "Canadian Deaf Ministry ence department or ministry who would to the work, but we need more! Report" newsletter, please contact like more information about sponsoring Currently Blakes have been work- John Blake: Box 132, Onoway, AB TOE this group, contact Max Mace, Box 1358, ing to (1) develop regional deaf WO or phone: (403) 967-4311 (E-mail: Placerville CA95667. groups that can get together for their 74532.332@ CompuServe.Com)
Messenger / August 1996 5 Wouri River, Pierre took in the busy docks that lined Douala's waterfront. How was he going to find his ship- ment among the jungle of freight sit- ting on the docks? Upon visiting the dock master, Pierre was relieved to find everything in order, but expen- sive. He paid the rent for the ware- house space and he also paid the guard who looked after the goods since their arrival. He paid the dock- side workers for loading the precious Unloading ADRA Canada shipment cargo, and finally he paid for the gas for the trip home. Pierre sighed again as he realized that the truck drivers would be awaiting their pay at the end of the journey. The bumpy, hot, and tiring trip home was uneventful. Six hundred kilometres was quite a voyage on bumpy, winding roads, but it was well worth it. Back home, an excited and expectant crowd greeted Pierre Construction of a school/church building and his truck drivers. Volunteers lined up to offer their services in wells have been financed and dug, Thank unpacking the containers from benefitting the women who now Canada. It felt like Christmas as 300 walk 5 kilometres instead of 15 kilo- bales of clothing were unloaded, metres to get fresh, clean water. The You, along with 40 cartons of shoes for Minures Pitts" project creates com- men, women, and children. Ten boxes post to enhance gardening. Small of knitting yarn, 8 bolts of fabric, 5 dams retain soil and help prevent Canada! typewriters, 2 sewing machines, and erosion. The "Bazenga Agricultural By Kay Bacchus some miscellaneous but much need- School" teaches people how to start ed office supplies were unpacked. and care for gardens, how to irrigate, he hot sun blazed in the sky. Pierre had not yet figured out how to and offers tips on how to increase Heat waves shimmered in the deliver the partridge in a pear tree. crops which can then be sold at mar- distance. The wind blew hot ADRA Canada is not just about ket in order to enhance the family's through the vehicle's win- shipping needy supplies. In income. T Ouagadougou, Burkina-Faso, several New latrines have been built for dows. No relief in sight. Pierre* sighed as he checked the rear-view mirror. The caravan of trucks bumped along the dusty Cameroon road. They had left Yaounde in the early morning and they still had a long way to go. A shipment from ADRA Canada awaited Pierre in Douala, the chief seaport of Cameroon. This busy, bustling city on the coast of Africa was named after the Douala people who have lived in the area for hun- dreds of years. As the small truck car- avan finally made its way down to the waterfront, many different sights, sounds, and smells accosted Pierre. After crossing the bridge over the Children attending church in their school
6 Messenger / August 1996 three public schools in Niamey, In Chad, nine buildings have been towns and villages of the people of Niger. Three hundred children are built, but seven of them lack concrete Africa is a triumph. Each family fed once a day as they attend a pri- floors and benches. During the day, helped to improve their lot in life mary school built by Canadian funds. these buildings are used as elemen- through education and training is a ADRA has received more land for tary schools for over 2,000 children. testimony to the complete dedication another ADRA school about 6 miles In the evenings, these same buildings of our ADRA workers like Pierre. It from the first one. serve as adult literacy training cen- gives those at the home base a sense In Niamvoudou, Cameroon, 300 tres. On Sabbath these structures of fulfilment to be a part of this excit- hectares of prime forest land have become a church. The Central Africa ing work. Everywhere ADRA Canada been donated to ADRA by a family. Union has about 72,000 SDA believ- goes, the saying is said again and This land is near the Niamvoudou ers. again, "Thank you, Canada!" College, but funds are needed to In the country of Central African develop the land into a school for Republic, Project Tricycle is allowing *Pierre C. Deshommes is working in small business and agriculture. There crippled and handicapped people Cameroon as the Sub Regional ADRA autonomy for the first time in their Director for the Central Africa Union is also an SDA church nearby. One Mission. thousand, seven hundred students lives. One thousand of these three- attend the SDA Yaounde College in wheeled chairs (purchased with Cameroon. ADRA Canada funds) have been dis- The Dogba Project ADRA Canada tributed to individuals improving assisted in funding is now completed. their lives by allowing them to go to This project provides electricity to school and have a job. approximately 15,000 people includ- In Bamako City, Mali, three dis- ing a SDA dispensary and secondary tinct women's associations have been school in Dogba, Cameroon. Health established focusing on micro-enter- clinics that were established in 1993 prises, managerial skills, and educa- in this area are still successfully oper- tion in hygiene and family planning. ating. Each delivery of goods to the
RE-IGNITES EVANGELISM!
Jesus said, "All power is given to Me." We can tap into that power through prayer.
Mark Sabbath, September 14, on your calendar. A great prayer conference will be uplinked from Orlando, Florida, at 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. EDT. This is a 90-minute program with guest musicians and a special message by Charles Bradford, retired General Conference Vice President. Also scheduled are a youth pastor and two teen-age workers. We stand at the brink of the greatest evangelistic effort in the history of the Adventist Church. But if there aren't spiritual resources, this is only empty technology. Pray for the success of NET '96 and watch for the Prayer Conference on Sabbath, September 14. Be a part of the biggest satellite event in Adventism.
Messenger / August 1996 7 The Plan Has Come Why do we need it?
TRANSITIONS. A one-word descriptor precisely describing 1996. Youth, particularly, find themselves in the center of generations which, instead of lasting 20 years, now end every four years. They face transitions from— grade school to academy academy to college college to career single to married youth to young adult free-spirit living to serious learning.
THE CHALLENGE. Providing But those changes we've all faced. They aren't anything new. Today, a relevant, marketable Christian education is the however, is different. What was is not good enough. Young challenge facing Canadian Union College as the people can no longer rely on certainties such as preparing for a career and school year 1996-1997 begins. We must keep knowing there is employment when they graduate. Technology changes pace with changes and developments particularly faster than anyone can imagine. Just the process of transfer of information is in the way university education is delivered. In modified constantly. the context of these major transformations we want to continue fulfilling our mission— which is offering quality education in a Christian context.
Sure. CUC has enjoyed a measure of success. There are famous physicians, dedicated frontier mission appointees, hundreds of ministers, teachers, church leaders and professionals everywhere who have received their education at this college. However, Bill Gates in Lessons from the Computer Industry, suggests that success is a lousy teacher and an unreliable guide to the future. "What seems the perfect business plan or latest technology today may soon be as out-of-date as the eight-track tape player...."
Seventh-day Adventists do, however, have a reliable guide for today and one for the future, too. There are basic guidelines written years ago which fit today's uncertainties exactly. Like this: "Every student is to exercise brain, bone, and muscle. True education is the harmonious development.... All our youth should be permitted to have the blessings and privileges of an education at our schools."
8 Messenger /August 1996
THE PLAN will assist in providing a relevant, marketable Christian education for our youth. CUC will spiral up with an air of destiny and an irresistible, hot product. We'll have created a sense of excitement so tangible that students will vie for admission! "What is The Plan?" you are anxiously asking.
Enhanced, marketable academics. Students must The Plan will provide have adequate preparation for continued education or entrance into the workplace. With new programs and changes in technology there are many equipment needs necessary to assist our professors in providing a quality Financial assistance for students. Government 1 and marketable education. cutbacks, unemployment, and financial disasters are frequently heard discussions in the media and around the dinner table. Our Seventh-thy Adventist students in Canada deserve our education but many cannot afford to Work opportunity. This will not only come. lessen the economic crunch for students but enhance a well-balanced educational experi- ence. Cutting-edge technology. A 21st century, techno- logically enriched classroom encompassing telecommu- nications, satellite Capital improvement. A new library, renova- access, video and tion of the Administration Building and the digital components, and completing of the landscaping are all projects optical technology is inherent in an academic environment. essential to train 21st century teachers. High- speed intemet services and state-of-the-art computer laboratories are also necessary. • YOU ARE INVITED . to commit just $100 per year for the next • • five years as an investment to empower the • • youth of this church to receive a quality, • Christian education at CUC. When you sign your name to that commitment and mail it to us, you will have become a vital contributor to the growth and spread of the gospel in the THE COMMITMENT. You know that not much is world through Canadian young people accomplished unless the masses (that's all of us) do our part. And, you're dedicated to the dream of a bright future. understandably apprehensive. "Will my money be invested properly?" " You, then, become one What assurance do I have that CUC is, in fact, a good place for our youth?" of the spirals which will move We wish you could live and work here as we do. Your answers upward forever! to those questions would resound with a ringing "Yes." Since you probably do not, you'll have to take our word for it. That 1. Send your gift to the address below or means the testimonies of our faculty who teach, lead, discuss, and motivate 2. Mark your gift The Plan and place in a tithe all the while making it as enjoyable as it is educational. You'll want to read envelope in your local church. what our students say, too. With a campus full of young people, the campus is forever transformed with energy and a unique, matchless spirit. What they CANADIAN UNION COLLEGE say gives the heartening assurance that we need to embrace this new 235 College Avenue adventure. EH College Heights, Alberta T4L 2E5
Messenger / August 1996 9 Senate Hearings In Newfoundland May Impact Education and Minority Rights In Canada David IL Streifling, PhD, Superintendent of Education
On Tuesday, July 9th, a delega- under the present Term 17-i.e. the ments from various Senators. tion from the Seventh-day right to operate denominational During the interchange it became Adventist Church in Newfound- schools, to employ teachers, to set evident that the Canadian Senate land appeared before the Canadian curriculum; and the right to public takes very seriously its role as pro- Senate Standing Committee on funding. He identified a number of tector of minority rights. The gener- Legal and Constitutional Affairs, to common misconceptions surround- al tenor of the question and answer express our concerns in considera- ing the issue-i.e. the myth that gov- period suggested that the Senators tion of the resolution to amend the ernment cannot reform the system from both sides of the house were Constitution of Canada, Term 17 of to achieve greater efficiency and sincerely trying to understand the the Terms of Union of Newfound- better outcomes without a Con- issues as Newfoundlanders saw land with Canada. The meeting stitutional amendment; the myth them, and the manner in which took place in Hotel Newfoundland that minorities have consented to questions were often phrased sug- in St. John's. The five member dele- give up existing rights; and the gested that they were succeeding. gation consisted of David Crook, myth that minority rights will con- Their comments on several issues Conference President; David Stre- tinue to be protected under the indicated that they were seeing ifling, Superintendent of Education; revised Term 17. things differently in Newfoundland George Morgan, Constituency He also presented the Church's from what they had been given to Appointee; Mrs. Christine Castag- position that rather than full fund- see in the national Capital. For ne, concerned parent; and Barry ing for SDA schools (which at pre- example, a number of senators Bussey, Legal Counsel. Later in the sent results in the highest per stu- appeared genuinely surprised when day Jonathan Curlette represented dent cost of any schools in they learned that our Church had Seventh-day Adventist Schools on a Newfoundland), that we "be given a not been consulted prior to the panel of seven students who were grant of funding per student equal recent announcement that a "frame- invited to the Senate Committee. to the average cost of educating that work agreement" had been reached To begin the hour allocated to the student in the Province's new between the churches and govern- Seventh-day Adventists, Elder schools. The shortfall, if any, of edu- ment allowing educational reform Crook expressed our appreciation cating our students would be to proceed without amending Term for the opportunity to appear before picked up by the Church and the 17. (This agreement involving the the Committee, and introduced the parents of the child." other major churches was group. Brother Morgan followed, Of major significance to Seventh- announced in April but appears to briefly reviewing the history of SDA day— Adventists and minorities have fallen apart since then.) Schools in Newfoundland, and throughout Canada was the larger The future remains uncertain, stressing their continued impor- portion of Brother Bussey's presen- except that major reorganization of tance to not only SDA families tation on minority rights. Citing the Province's school districts has because of the implications of extant judicial decisions, and mak- begun. Will there be any support for Sabbath observance, but also to the ing reference to a number of Acts of our schools in the new order? Will other minorities which we serve. Government, Brother Bussey we lose all of our educational Next, Dr. Streifling gave an emphasized the impropriety of reserves, our equipment, and even overview of the SDA Educational using a majority vote to expunge the our buildings? How will our teach- system worldwide, pointed out a rights of a minority without their ers and students be accommodated? number of significant ways in consent. He stated "we argue that We trust that God has his solutions which SDA's are educational lead- the Provincial & Federal to these dilemmas. It is our hope ers, and provided a number of indi- Governments may legitimately that this presentation to the Senate cators which suggest that the SDA amend Term 17 through the use of Committee may help to provide a schools in Newfoundland are above Section 43 (of the Canadian brighter future for SDA schools in the provincial average when it Constitution); the fact that they Newfoundland, and also for the comes to system outcomes. Sister relied in part on the Referendum of rights of minorities across the Castagne then emphasized the need September 1995, has tainted the nation. for SDA schools from a parent's whole process and in our view We ask that our people all across point of view. brought the administration of jus- Canada make this a matter of con- Brother Bussey presented the tice into disrepute." tinuing prayer in the weeks and legal side of our concerns. He iden- The presentations were followed months just before us. tified the rights which are protected by a number of questions and corn-
10 Messenger/ August 1996 Listeners Respond to VOAR's 24-Hour Broadcasts
The new 24-hour broadcast ministry Beierle says, "We have offered a prayer starting point. The St. John's march schedule introduced by VOAR earlier this request line to the listeners for the past launched the North American portion of year is generating increased public several years, but have only been able to the event. Between 1,500 and 2,000 people response over the air. At the same time, operate it while staff were in the station. showed up at the rally and walk in St. VOAR—Canada's Adventist Radio Net- Now, through the generous services John's to sing and pray together along the work station in Newfoundland—is actively received with one of our overnight pro- walk route through the capital city. VOAR conducting a public outreach effort grammers, there is an 800 number listen- has received international recognition for through participation in several public ers can call to talk with a prayer counsel- its supportive role in the rally which events. lor any time. The prayer line is never shut brings Adventists and other Christians down." together to sing praise songs and to pray Programs Added at Beierle says radio listeners are often for each other and their cities and govern- Minimal Cost the faceless population who are unknown ments. to any area church, yet are the most in "We prayed about this new phase of need of compassion. Calls like the one our ministry for a long time before going below often come back from appreciative ahead," says Cameron Beierle, station callers: manager. "Listeners have been urging us "Thank you for prayers offered for my to expand service hours for several years, family on VOAR's prayer line. We are but the funds and staffing to make it pos- experiencing God's answers. My husband sible just were not available. Our budget and I are now in marriage counselling, was stretched to the limit already. Then and things are looking up. Thank you for when the programs were made available the work VOAR is doing to bring us clos- at little to no cost through our contacts in er to the Lord. We are finding such peace the Adventist Radio Network, at Three from it. I appreciate all the programs so Angels Broadcasting, and through other much I don't listen to any other station syndications, we knew we could make now. VOAR has all I need." Bobby Michaels, recording artist and co- this work." founder of Musicianaries International, The VOAR management committee Leadership in Public takes calls from VOAR listeners during pro- voted to proceed after studying the costs motion for the Bobby Michaels Com- and weighing the ministry opportunity. Events passion Newfoundland Tour in May, co- sponsored by the station. As the three-month trial period conclud- The 24-hour on-air programming is ed, the committee members were pleased supported by increased involvement and Shortly after the march, VOAR wel- to see projections had been accurate. Only visibility for the station in off-air public comed Walter Arties to St. John's. Arties is a few hundred additional dollars per events. recognized for his work with the Breath of month cover the expenses of adding more VOAR recently co-sponsored a 15- Life broadcast and other work with the than 240 hours of outreach monthly. venue Compassion Canada Newfound- Adventist Media Centre, and for his com- land Tour by international artist Bobby positions and recordings. He was in the Nighttime Audience Michaels. Michaels shared his testimony city to participate in the Avalon Mission Responds and music at the St. John's SDA Church to through the Billy Graham Association. begin the concert tour. Newfoundland Beierle says, "The station needs to be A sample of the responses to the ser- gospel singer Wayne Ralph also per- visible where Christians are gathered vice shows the new nighttime audience formed during the service, and VOAR publicly. We participate where we feel ranges from young adults to senior citi- broadcast the program live. The tour ben- there is common ground and an opportu- zens. One young woman called, saying, efited child development programs nity for witnessing, and at the same time "I'm awake quite often during the night around the world. Several children found confidently upholds the special message because of my schedule. I find it a real sponsors immediately following the the Adventist church has to share." VOAR comfort to have VOAR with me during broadcast, reports Charles Crane, continues doing both through participa- those hours. It seems every time I turn on Compassion Canada Atlantic director. tion in public events and declaring the your station I'm hearing just the message I For three years VOAR, the St. John's Advent gospel through 24-hour broad- need for that time." SDA Church, and the Beothuk Pathfinders casting. have participated in the annual March for VOAR encourages fellow Adventists Prayer Line Always Open Jesus procession in St. John's. The non- to provide comments and input on this denominational global worship event growing outreach. You may write to them The VOAR management committee took place in over 200 countries this year at: was particularly pleased to see that with millions of participants. The march VOAR 1210-AM Christian Radio VOAR's prayer phone service would be began in New Zealand and wound its P.O. Box 2520 enhanced with the overnight broadcasts. way across the continents back to the Mt. Pearl, NF A1N 4M7
Messenger / August 1996 11 KINGSWAY COLLEGE ESTABLISHES FRIENDSHIP CLUB Who doesn't need a good friend? Kingsway has a his- tory of establishing friendships which transcend dis- STUDENTS tance barriers and, like the song says, "last your whole & POTENTIAL life long". We would like to re-establish some of those STUDENTS OF K.C. friendships by inviting you to be an INVOLVED friend GRADES 9—OAC of Kingsway College. Instead of seeking your financial SEPTEMBER support we just want you to be there for us! 1 2 .3 4 5 6 f Friends of Kingsway may: 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 • Join in the spiritual and social activities 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 on campus! 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 • Contribute time and talent! 29 30 fly Itt • Help Kingsway attain its full potential! September 2— • Revel in the fellowship which will ensue! Registration at 10 a.m. September 3— • Receive regular information about KC events! Registration continues at 8:30 a.m. and classes begin at 1:00 p.m. September-June oast our Mends up an ent All social events are planned first week of September. for you. PLEASE JOIN US ON: SEPTEMBER 2 A WELCOME SOIREE 2:00-4:00 in the Administration Building SEPTEMBER 3 TRADITIONAL CORNBOIL SUPPER/WORSHIP 5:30-7:30 at the Kingsway Valley SEPTEMBER 7 ANNUAL HANDSHAKE/ALUMNI ACTIVITIES Special events, classes, and 8:00-9:30 in the A.E. King Fitness Complex even special housing may be awaiting you. Please fill out this address card so that you can be a part of our Friendship events. Call for information today. Yes! I want to be a friend of Kingsway, 905-433-1144 Kingsway College, Name 1200 Leland Road, Oshawa, Ontario L1K 2H4. Address