ADVENTIST

WEEKLY NEWS AND INSPIRATION FOR SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

I

and the

Nebuchadnezzar

Syndrome

DIGGING UP THE PAST, 10 REGAINING FAITH IN ELLEN WHITE, 14 LETTERS

Appointment at 6:15 treated many patients suffering from de- ing women, the elderly, and those re- Re "Time for Revival" (Jan. 4). pression, I feel "How to Kill Depres- covering from surgery or chronic illness. "Pray for the Holy Spirit at 6:15 every sion" (Jan. 11) does a disservice to It is not appropriate to restrict milk and morning until Jesus comes" may sound Christians who are depressed. The au- eggs for individuals unable to obtain ad- like a gimmick, but it isn't. A Holy Spirit thor equates losing one's first love, dis- equate calories from a more unrefined seminar that closed with the signing of a couragement, and depression. He says diet. Modest amounts of salt and sugar covenant to pray at 6:15 every morning that "self-pity, despair, anxiety, and should not be considered "sins" for recommended that we pray for the Holy hopelessness flee when you are con- most individuals. A diet devoid of added Spirit in our own lives, in the lives of our sumed with preparing and giving Bible fat is not recommended for most normal- leaders, in our families, and throughout studies, for example." weight individuals. the world. It's a source of strength to These statements are like telling a di- Connie I. Dahlke, R.D. think of the many others who are remem- abetic he can stop his insulin if he has Deer Park, California bering their covenant at 6:15. Early in the enough faith. Discouragement and self- day it sets our minds on our greatest need pity are reactions to a situation in one's and makes us more disposed to welcome life. Depression is not. Depression is I have personally known the Ludington opportunities to pray with others as oc- usually caused by chemical changes in family for a number of years and was casion offers. the brain over which one has no control. surprised to see the name misspelled Virginia Duffle Steinweg Depression is like a weight, a cloud, or Luddington, three times (at least consis- Central Lake, Michigan a pressure that immobilizes a person and tently). Elizabeth Cowdrick makes him or her unable to make deci- Madison, Tennessee Electing Leaders sions or take action in a given situation. I read with interest the letter ("Two in For a depressed person to try to prepare Thank you for catching this. Our apol- One," Jan. 25) that suggested that con- or give a Bible study would be totally ogies to Dr. Ludington. —Editors. ference officers should be limited to devastating. serving two terms. Effectiveness in man- Obviously, one who is depressed Hispanics and English agement and leadership should be the needs to be assured of God's personal "A Hispanic Speaks Out in English" criteria used in the reelection process, love, the freedom of forgiveness, and the (Jan. 11) is superb. It should be read by not just time. transforming power of the gospel. But he every Hispanic minister in a church pas- I have a greater concern over the entire or she needs appropriate medicines, an- toral role in the North American Divi- election process, particularly when the tidepressants. These are not tranquiliz- sion. selection is being made between confer- ers, narcotics, or sleeping pills. There is a growing concern among a ence sessions by a conference commit- Ronald E. Turk, M.D., F.A.C.P. large number of Seventh-day Adventist tee. I have had the privilege of serving on Greeneville, Tennessee Hispanics in the North American Divi- several committees when a conference sion. These individuals are more at home president was being chosen, and was dis- Nutrition's Sins with the English language. Many of them appointed that no background sheet or While the areas mentioned in "Nutri- are youth and young adults who love the résumé was shared with the committee tion's Seven Deadly Sins" (Jan. 25) are church and are a part of its mission. No members. Instead, members were asked problematic for some segments of a gen- longer can these constituents be ne- to share verbally anything they might erally overfed population, there remain glected or ignored. They are a part of the know about the persons being consid- significant numbers of persons who are Hispanic culture, and most do not deny ered. About the only comments that underfed and at risk nutritionally. their heritage; thus they feel more at could be made were on the individual's Good diets provide variety in food home in a Hispanic church. Our His- speaking ability. selection as well as adequate calories to panic churches will gain when a bilingual Although I am a strong believer in maintain ideal body weight. If an indi- ministry is offered. Culture will not be prayer, I sincerely believe that our God vidual loses weight below ideal weight lost. Dan C. Robles, Sr. is not pleased when we allow prayer to be guidelines, the diet should be liberal- Director, Offices of Urban Ministries a substitute for careful scrutiny and eval- ized. If such efforts do not result in and Community Services, uation, which may include an interview adequate weight maintenance, the ad- Southern California Conference by a conference committee with the in- vice of a qualified physician should be dividual or individuals being considered. sought. Letters should not exceed 250 words and Wesley faster Individuals at nutritional risk should should carry the writer's name, address, and Laurel, Maryland not be led to believe they should elimi- telephone number. All will be edited to meet nate milk from their diet. At-risk groups space and literary requirements, but the au- thor's meaning will not be changed. Views ex- Depression include children, girls approaching pressed in the letters do not necessarily repre- As a Christian physician who has childbearing years, pregnant and lactat- sent those of the editors or denomination. 2 (290) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 22, 1990 A xt VENTIS I

MARCH 22, 1990

DEPARTMENTS ARTICLES

2 Letters LIFESTYLE 6 Newsbreak 8 Success and the Nebuchadnezzar Syndrome Success can be heady, but as James and Pam discovered, 13 Children's Corner there's plenty of room at the top to fall off. 18 My Church by B. Lyn Behrens

19 World Report FEATURE 22 Bulletin Board 10 Digging Up the Past 12 Why? Adventist archaeologists help us understand many obscure 23 Reflections Bible passages and put the entire biblical period into its his- torical and sociological context. EDITORIALS by Lawrence T. Geraty et al

4 Born to Grow DEVOTIONAL 5 A Perfect Partner 12 Why? "I can continue to live and work for Him, paralyzed as I am, confident that He will do what is best for me." NEXT WEEK by Fred Adams "Salvation by Guilt" CHURCH Insights into the guilt 16 North Mexico that often plagues us 14 My Burial and Resurrection of Ellen White but has nothing to do The problem behind many doubts regarding Ellen White is not with sin. the prophet, but mistaken concepts about her and her writings. "Adventists and by Ritchie Way Public Issues" An AR Seminar studies FEATURE SDA political and 16 North Mexico social behavior. Concluding an 18-day trip, an associate editor takes us from Chihuahua to Navojoa and gives his overall impressions of the Cover by Joel D. Springer church in a fascinating land. by Myron Widmer

General paper of the Director of Periodicals Gilbert E. Anderson South American Editions Editor, R. S. velope. Address all editorial corre- Bible texts credited to NEB are from The New Seventh-day Adventist Church Ad Sales Melynie Johnson Lessa, Portuguese: editor, Rolando lin, spondence to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, English Bible. © The Delegates of the Ox- Editor William G. Johnsson Subscriber Services Larry Burtnett Spanish Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600. ford University Press and the Syndics of the Associate Editor Roy Adams Consulting Editors Neal C. Wilson, Charles Now to Subscribe Subscription prices: The Adventist Review (ISSN 0161- Cambridge University Press 1961, 1970. Associate Editor Myron K. Widmer E. Bradford. Wallace 0. Coe, D. F. Gilbert, Robert US$33.97 for 40 issues. US$44.47 for 52 1119) is published 40 times a year, each Reprinted by permission. Texts credited to J. Kloosterhuis, Kenneth J. Mittleider, Enoch issues. Thursday except the first Thursday of each NIV are from the Holy Bible, New Interna- News Editor Carlos Medley Oliveira, Calvin B. Rock, G. Ralph Thompson To place your order, send your name, ad- month, plus 5 extra issues during the sec- tional Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, by Assistant Editor Eugene F. Durand Special Contributors Kenneth H. Wood, dress, and payment to your local Adventist ond week of July 1990—total 45 issues. the International Bible Society. Used by per- Assistant Editor Kit Watts George W Brawn. Gerald J. Christ°, Ottis C. Book Center or Adventist Review Subscrip- Copyright © 1990 Review and Heraldo mission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Editorial Assistant Jackie Ordelheide Edwards. Bekele Heye. Edwin Ludescher, J. J. tion Desk, Box 1119, Hagerstown, MD Publishing Association, 55 West Oak Ridge Texts credited to RSV are from the Revised Administrative Secretary Corinne Russ Nortey, Jan Paulsen, Walter R. L Scragg. Joao 21741. Single copy, US$1.75. Prices sub- Drive, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740. Standard Version of the Bible, copyrighted Wolf ject to change without notice. Second-class postage paid at Hagerstown, 1946,1952 1971, 1973. Verses marked Editorial Secretary Chitra Barnabas Africa-Indian Ocean Editions Editor, To Writers We welcome unsolicited Maryland 21740. Postmaster: send ad- TLB are taken from The Living Bible, copy- Art Director Slephen Hall Jack Mahon manuscripts. Notification of acceptance or dress changes to Adventist Review, 55 West right ©1971 by Tyndale House Publishers, Designer Bryan Gray Inter-American Edition Editor, Adal- rejection may be expected only if accom- Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740. Wheaton, Ill. Used by permission. Design Assistant Cod W. Busch pa Archbold panied by a stamped, self-addressed en- Editorial office fax number: (301) 680-6638. Vol. 167, No. 12

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 22. 1990 (291) 3 EDITORIAL

Born to Grow everal Sabbaths ago I witnessed a What happened in Boston can happen what is happening in Silver Spring and Sresurrection. A church that six again. God wants us to grow—individ- Brinklow, can happen again. We were months before was in its death throes was ually and as congregations. The good born to grow—individually and as con- now packed with people. What happened news He has given us of Jesus' death, gregations. there—in Boston—can happen in other resurrection, and second coming is too I have singled out three growing churches. wonderful to keep to ourselves. churches. There are others; I chose these The Boston Temple, located down- The Boston Temple has an ethnic mix. because I know them firsthand. They are town two blocks from Fenway Park, had But some congregations in North Amer- examples, signs of hope and encourage- fallen on hard times. The church needed ica that are essentially Anglo are also ment to us all. renovation; membership had dwindled; coming back to life. Several Anglo For with heaviness of heart I ac- parking was impossible. Conference churches that have introduced innova- knowledge that the total picture of the leaders contemplated the sale of this tions into the worship service, notably in Adventist Church in North America is valuable property. Colton, California, and Milwaukie, Or- not as bright. I know that many con- They decided to make a last-ditch ef- egon, are attracting Adventists in huge gregations are stagnant. Some are with- fort to save the church. Calling a new numbers. The Adventist Review will re- ering on the vine. The deadly chill of pastor, they pledged their support for a port on these "celebration" churches in apathy and worldliness fills some program of renovations. Under Pastor an upcoming series of articles. churches. Others are preoccupied with Hyveth Williams the little congregation Other Anglo congregations are grow- backbiting and minutiae. Some make mobilized for action, donating money, ing while maintaining a more traditional the stranger or the visitor feel like an working to install new carpet and ban- worship format. Come to the Silver intruder. ners, refurbishing the pews, and painting Spring, Maryland, SDA Church any the large sanctuary. The church began to Sabbath morning, and you will find We Need Revival revive; people started to come back to many people arriving early and on time How much we need revival! How church; others transferred in. for Sabbath school. They don't cluster in much we need the wind of the Spirit to the back rows or at the ends of aisles; blow across our hearts and across Ad- Crowded to the Gunwales they disperse throughout the church. By ventist congregations! He will bring re- After only four months the sanctuary the 11:00 hour, when the children and vival, renewal, reformation—and was ready for rededication. I looked out their parents join the congregation, seats growth. over a church crowded to the gunwales. are in short supply. I am not an expert on church growth. How I loved to see the deacons filling the Of course, for years Black and His- However, I travel and speak a lot for the aisles with extra chairs! Perhaps 600 to panic churches in North America have church. For some years I have been ob- 700 people jammed into the church that been setting the pace for the division. serving churches like the ones in Boston, morning. The offering plates over- White Adventists would do well to fmd Silver Spring, and Brinklow, and reflect- flowed—money fluttered to the floor out what makes them so successful. ing on what is happening in them. Noe- when the deacons brought them forward. The Brinklow, Maryland, church il- lene and I also belong to a large but And the mood? Thanksgiving, rejoicing, lustrates well the contagious fellowship growing congregation, a racially mixed wonder, a sense of being part of a mir- of Black Adventists. You will find Sab- church, with Whites still the largest seg- acle. bath school lively, animated; come pre- ment but no longer a majority—Sligo, in The celebration continued the whole pared to be involved in discussion. At Takoma Park, Maryland. We have seen day. Volunteers prepared a hot meal the divine worship hour the church will renewal in Sligo. (they catered for 700), and everyone be packed, with an overflow crowd fol- I find five features in common in these stayed on for an afternoon program, lowing by closed-circuit television. The growing churches. Despite what some which climaxed with a concert by Wint- music is exuberant; the program is un- people think, ethnicity isn't the chief fac- ley Phipps. Hundreds of new people hurried. I stood up to preach at tor. I shall share these characteristics poured in for the concert, until the 1,000- 12:35—and spoke until 1:25! No one next time (April 12). strong audience filled every space—up, left; no one looked at his watch. down, and in the side rooms. What happened in the Boston Temple, WILLIAM G. JOHNSSON

4 (292) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 22, 1990 EDITORIAL

A Perfect Partner "I am come that they might have life, habitable, but that can easily become His newfound fervor was starting to wear and that they might have it more abun- habitable again with a little rehabilita- like a regulatory straitjacket. Thomas dantly" (John 10:10). tion. The market is wide open now. It's thought he could conduct business in an an investor's gold mine." atmosphere of trust, understanding, and ere's a story that may have a fa- That little sales pitch was all Thomas confidence— with gentleman's agree- Hmiliar ring. needed to whet his appetite. He looked ments. But he found that the real world John and Thomas were good friends as forward to the investment opportunity doesn't work that way. teenagers. They were active in their re- with great anticipation. Not only were spective churches and really loved the there lucrative prospects; it also looked Strangled Dreams Lord. Unfortunately, the two got sepa- like fun to work with a person he had In one form or another, this story has rated when Thomas left town to go to known for most of his life. Someone he been enacted thousands of times. It school. Many years passed. Each went could trust. doesn't matter if we're talking real es- on to his own profession, got married, tate, strip mining, international banking, had children, and forgot about the other. or multilevel marketing. When two bud- One summer during camp meeting the I'm happy that the ding entrepreneurs have a dream, their two friends reunited and went over old fervor is often strangled by estoppel pro- times. They talked about their profes- visions and loss liquidation clauses. sions and families. John had become Christian life is not I'm happy that the Christian life is not quite a businessman. Working as a mort- pitted with forfeiture protection and re- gage broker, he arranged financing for vocability rights. low-income families. He had also be- pitted with forfeiture Jesus offers the perfect partnership. come heavily involved in real estate. For He says: "I am the vine, ye are the his part, Thomas worked in a small ad- branches: He that abideth in me, and I in vertising firm, but he also had an interest protection and him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: in real estate as an investment. for without me ye can do nothing. . . . If ye abide in me, and my words abide in Intriguing Idea revocability rights. you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall Suddenly John came up with an in- be done unto you" (John 15:5-7). triguing idea. "Let's invest together," Christ's offer comes on a strictly take- he said. "There is a lot of opportunity in it-or-leave-it basis. There's no coercion this market. The banks have huge inven- In an effort to formalize their business or high-pressure tactics. The choice is tories of foreclosed properties at pur- relationship, John and Thomas drew up ours. We can take hold of hundreds of chase prices that will just cover their a contractual agreement. Thomas, not precious promises or simply walk away. mortgages. having much experience in real estate, These promises are guaranteed contracts "Right now the stock of affordable decided to take the agreement to a lawyer for the Christian, and there are no housing cannot satisfy the demand," he to look over. That's when things really breach-of-performance risks or contin- explained. "Right now there's a six- got interesting. gency clauses. It's a no-risk investment. month backlog of requests for rental "This agreement is just bare bones," Jesus has never failed to honor His part units with the U.S. Department of Hous- the lawyer explained. "There's a lot more of the bargain. Since the beginning of ing and Urban Development, and inves- needed here. Where are the lease-back time He has always been faithful to His tors are always looking for rental prop- guarantees, encumbrance protection, followers. His covenant stands firm for erties for tenants. anticipatory breach remedies, rescission eternity, and the rewards are boundless. "In addition to the low supply of af- rights, lien protection, property warrants, He offers a better life today and an fordable housing, there's an enormous and the all-important weasel clause?" immortal life tomorrow. That's a deal I amount of housing needing rehabilita- Suddenly a wall of depression caved in can't refuse. How about you? tion," John said. "You can drive block on Thomas. The dream he savored was after block and find units that are not suddenly buried in legal technicalities. CARLOS MEDLEY

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 22, 1990 1293) 5 NEWSBREAK

WORLD CHURCH Alonso, assistant to the South Pacific Exceeds union president for Hispanic Niger Gives SDA Church ministries. Official Status. The Depart- Alonso credited the vigi- ment of Religious Affairs for Harvest 90 Goal lant effort of local church the Niger government has he South Pacific Division has reached its Harvest 90 members for the baptisms. granted the Adventist Church Tgoal of 75,000 baptisms, making it the third world divi- official status, the Africa sion to reach the five-year objectives, reports Walter R. L. San Francisco Launches Indian-Ocean Division re- Scragg, division president. Van Ministry. Adventists in ports. The new status gives As of December 31, Harvest 90 baptisms totaled 75,199, San Francisco have the church the right to carry or 100.27 percent of the goal. For 1989, baptisms reached launched a new van minis- out its health, educational, an all-time high 22,146—an increase of 1,782, or 8.8 per- try in the San Francisco- and spiritual mission. cent, over the previous year. Membership for the division Oakland area, reports Located south of the Sa- stands at 231,370, an increase of 8.6 percent over 1988. Wayne Griffith, Central hara Desert, the young Scragg cites large evangelistic -efforts in Papua New California Conference West African republic is Guinea as an essential factor in increasing baptisms. In ad- health ministries director. mainly Muslim and has a dition to the South Pacific Division, the Inter-American and The $47,000 van went into population of 7.4 million. South American divisions have also reached (in 1988) their service in January and was The first Adventist pres- Harvest 90 goals. The five-year Harvest 90 campaign will dedicated on March 3. ence came in October 1986 close at the General Conference session in July. The van was purchased when the Adventist Devel- through donations from opment and Relief Agency African President Visits seek conference status, re- church members and a grant International (ADRA) set Leprosy Hospital. The state ports Jose H. Figueroa, Inter- from the North American up Mother and Child Health president of Sierra Leone, Dr. American Division secretary. Division. Inner City Fund. Care and well-digging J. S. Momoh (center), re- The vote was taken at the Services offered by the min- projects in Naimey. Today cently visited the Masanga mission's constituency ses- istry include blood pressure an Adventist church with 30 Leprosy Hospital to celebrate sion in Barquisimeto. and cholesterol tests, and a members is located in the its twenty-fifth anniversary With conference status, lifestyle profile. Participants capital city. and officially open the hospi- West Venezuela constitu- are also invited to enroll in In addition to the pres- tal's new surgical ward, re- ents would elect their own health classes and Bible cor- ence of ADRA, broadcasts ports Jack Mahon, Africa- officers, and the field respondence courses. in French from. Adventist would become totally self- World Radio are beaming supporting. Ohio Church Helps South God's message into this Established in 1950 with Dakota Indians. The Ad- republic. five churches and 281 mem- ventist church in Brooklyn, bers, the mission now has 90 Ohio, has taken on a project Hispanic Retirees Conduct churches, 87 companies, and to assist the Lakota Indians Colombian Crusade. Two 29,636 members. The mis- in South Dakota, the Ohio retired Hispanic ministers, sion operates a high school, Conference reports. Efrain Murillo and Jose junior high school, 19 ele- The church recently sent Roque, conducted an evan- Indian Ocean Division mentary schools, a vegetar- a truckload of clothing, gelistic effort in Bucara- communication director. ian restaurant, and a clinic. mattresses, and furniture to manga, Colombia, last Feb- The ward was made pos- the Pine Ridge reservation. ruary, reports Adalgiza sible through a grant from NORTH AMERICA The church will also be Archbold, editor of Advent- the Canadian government. sending financial gifts. ist Review, Inter-America The Adventist Church has Pacific Union Hispanics edition. operated the 'Masanga Lep- Exceed Harvest 90 Goal. As LLU Ethics Center Awarded As of March 3, more rosy Hospital since 1965. of December 31, 1989, Humanities Grant. Two eth- than 500 persons have Harvest 90 accessions for ics professors at the Loma joined the Adventist Church West Venezuela Seeks Pacific Union Hispanics Linda University Center for and church members are Conference Status. Dele-. totaled 11,510—or 167 per- Christian Bioethics were following up with more gates to the West Venezuela cent of their Hispanic Har- awarded $150,000 from the than 1,200 persons. Mission voted February 14 to vest 90 goal, reports Eradio National Endowment for

6 (294) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 22, 1990 NEWSBREAK

the Humanities (NEH) for Institutions started tabulating Silver Spring, Maryland be canceled. VISN provides an ethics and aging project, data in 1978. 20904, or call toll-free 18 hours of interfaith pro- reports LLU Today. Duririg the year, Advent- 1-800-548-8700. gramming daily to 7 million James W. Walters, Ph.D., ist colleges and universities households. and David R. Larson, received $23.7 million, ALSO IN THE NEWS Ph.D., will be the director academies brought in $2.5 Baptists Plan Media Blitz and associate director, re- million, and Adventist hos- VISN Gets a Lift. The trust- to Promote Revivals. Bill- spectively, of a wide-ranging pitals netted $19.5 million. ees of National Interfaith boards, bumper stickers, ra- discussion on the challenge Cable Coalition recently dio spots, and ads in Time of the growing elderly popu- NAD Institutions Support signed an agreement with magazine are among the me- lation in the U.S. The Community-wide Giving. Tele-Communications, Inc., dia being used by the South- project includes a scholarly Employees of Adventist in- of Denver, the nation's ern Baptists' Home Mission conference, lecture series, stitutions in North America largest cable television op- Board for an advertising blitz community forums held gave $799,401 to the United erator, that will provide to promote a series of simul- throughout southern Califor- Way and other community- funding support for the reli- taneous revivals in the de- nia, and a publication. wide fund raising campaigns gious cable network VISN, nomination's churches. in 1989, reports Curt De- Chinese Physicians Receive wees, an assistant director of Training in AHS/West. Four Philanthropic Service for physicians, who also serve Institutions at the General as hospital administrators in Conference. China, currently are receiv- The total represents the ing three months of training highest annual contribution in health-care administration to date and an increase of and management at two 10.3 percent over 1988. Adventist Health System/ The institutions have given West institutions, reports $7,709,986 since 1953. Rita Waterman Wilcox, Seventh-day Adventists will benefit from cable funding. AHS/West spokesperson. FOR YOUR INTEREST Religious News Service The theme of the reviv- The physicians, now reports. als, which will be held training at Glendale Ad- New Brochure Helps Under the agreement March 18 through April 29, ventist Medical Center and Temperance Leaders. —The VISN, which is supported is "Here's Hope. Jesus White Memorial Medical Health and Temperance by 22 Protestant, Catholic, Cares for You." About 80 Center, were chosen from a Leader in the Local and Jewish groups, includ- percent of the convention's field of more than 400 ap- Church," a 16-page bro- ing the Seventh-day Ad- 37,000 churches are plan- plicants by the Chinese chure now being marketed ventist Church, will get ning to participate, reports Ministry of Public Health. through Narcotics Educa- $8-10 million in new fund- Religious News Service. tion, Inc. (NEI), at the ing for operations while the The board has purchased SDA Institutions Raise General Conference, offers new network seeks to gain advertising on 1,157 radio $45.7 Million in 1989. Vol- helpful guidelines and ideas cable subcribers. If VISN stations for English-speaking untary financial support for for local church health and becomes commercially via- spots and an additional 1,500 Adventist institutions has temperance leaders, says ble, the money is to be re- time slots for Spanish- reached an all-time high, Leilani Proctor, NEI mar- paid. If not, the debt will speaking versions of the ads. says Charles E. Bradford, keting director. North American Division For firsttime leaders, the CHURCH CALENDAR president. Bradford an- brochure offers pointers on nounced that $45.7 million getting started and effective Mar. 24 Sabbath School Community Guest Day in contributions were re- planning. It also has new, Mar. 31 Thirteenth Sabbath Offering for the Inter- ceived in 1989—a 50 percent refreshing ideas on how to American Division increase over the $30 million keep health and temperance Apr. 7 Missionary Magazine Emphasis reported in 1988 and the programs alive. For more Apr. 14 Andrews University Offering highest total recorded since information, write NEI, Apr. 14 Youth Spiritual Commitment Celebration Philanthropic Service for 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Apr. 21 Literature Evangelism Rally Day

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 22, 1990 (295) 7 Why there's plenty of room at the top to fall off and the Nebuchadnezzar Syndrome

By B. Lyn Behrens

ames stared out the airplane Pam and the baby had driven to a desert window into the black night, try- city to spend the weekend with the grand- ing to understand the crisis in his parents. Pam had nursed the baby on life. Just yesterday as he jetted schedule and placed him in the crib at 6:30 from Los Angeles to New York he had p.m. At 6:45, hearing a noise in the bed- pronounced himself a "success." room, she had checked on this child of On a scale of 1 to 10, professionally promise. She found him lying in a pool of and personally he was a 10. He was a trial vomit, pale and not breathing. She knew g•oM lawyer with a national reputation that led and commenced CPR. Paramedics arrived him to courtrooms across the country, within minutes and, continuing the resus- bringing him fame, esteem, and wealth. citation, transported the baby to a nearby James was 33. hospital. Now their child was on full life- His lifestyle was consistent with his support systems, a baby rescued from sud- professional achievements. Pam, his den infant death syndrome but left with wife of four years, was both beautiful profound brain damage from those min- and intelligent. Their coastal home was utes without oxygen. luxuriously furnished. Socially, they en- A life crisis. No amount of hard work, tertained and were entertained by others good judgment, or wealth could give who had climbed the mountain of suc- back the baby of yesterday. Success was cess, other yuppies. more fragile than James had imagined. Six weeks before this day James and His life was unraveling out of his control. Pam's life became complete with the arrival of a perfectly formed male child, nother man, another time, another the product of a carefully planned Aplace. At 60, Nebuchadnezzar stood pregnancy. It was a much-wanted and reviewing his professional accomplish- much-loved baby. ments and brilliant career. Born of royal Yes, James concluded that he was a lineage, he had at 24 become commander success—and that he deserved it. Had he in chief of the military. Upon the death not worked hard, used exceptionally of his father a year later, he became king good judgment, and had a few important of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. lucky breaks? His successes as a military leader in That was yesterday. Now, 24 hours Egypt, Canaan, and Assyria allowed him PRINGER

S later, his life was unraveling in a way he to rule from the Persian Gulf to the EL D.

JO was powerless to stop. It was the baby. Mediterranean Sea.

8 (296) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 22, 1990 An architect and an engineer, he filled We must here ask if success itself is Success can be heady, his capital, the largest city of the civi- the problem? lized world, with elegant buildings, An answer to this question is contained but as James and Pam wharfs for trade, an impressive irrigation in the biblical record of Nebuchadnezzar. system, and walled fortifications that en- Daniel, a contemporary, was likewise of discovered, it is also fragile. closed the 2,500 acres. royal birth. Captured as a youth, he was There were the Hanging Gardens, one transported to Babylon and trained in the of the Seven Wonders of the World; the finest university of the time. At his grad- 300-foot "high-rise" tower of Babylon, uation he was found to be 10 times more syndrome. We can daily remember the recently repaired and rebuilt; the Temple knowledgeable than his peers. Filled with centrality of God in our lives and accept Esagila, which housed their god Marduk, wisdom, he became adviser, counselor, the privilege and responsibility of serv- "creator of the world"; the Wide Proces- and friend to Nebuchadnezzar. ing others. sional Way, lined by public buildings; the Daniel was successful. But he was not Ishtar Gate with its brightly glazed brick- arrogant. Unlike Nebuchadnezzar, Dan- e cure for the Nebuchadnezzar work of bulls, lions, and dragons; the iel maintained an unswerving loyalty to ryndrome can be as painful today as splendor of his palace. God. God, not self, was at the center of it was centuries ago. A life crisis may get Trade and commerce had flourished. life. Daniel mixed success with service. our attention, as it did for James and Babylon had become the world's center His was a life of sharing, giving, and Pam. But I encourage each of you to of education, religion, culture, and eco- caring. choose prevention, not cure. nomics. Ellen White commented on such a Solomon, the wisest man who ever Surveying this vast estate and reflect- God-centered life when she wrote: "con- lived, wrote a "prescription for preven- ing on his success, he proudly claimed, stantly praying, conscientiously study- tion." He came to this view after living at "I, by my own mighty power, have built ing, keeping in touch with the Unseen, a distance from God and reckoning with this beautiful city as my royal residence, they [Daniel and his companions] the loss of years spent in self-centered liv- and as the capital of my empire." walked with God as did Enoch." 3 ing. "Remember your Creator in the days On that very day Nebuchadnezzar met The Nebuchadnezzar syndrome is a of your youth, before . . ." 4 his own personal life crisis, one that left prevalent spiritual disease that today can What does it mean to "remember" his life unraveling. Seven years later, infect any successful man or woman. God? Is it like remembering the highway with the return of his sanity, he reflected Our susceptibility to or resistance patrol when you are speeding? Is it like on the meaning of life from a radically against this syndrome depends upon two remembering Santa Claus before Christ- different perspective. "Now, I, Nebu- ongoing choices. First, who will be at the mas? Is it like remembering an insurance chadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor center of our life—self or God? Second, agent after an accident? The answer to the King of Heaven, the Judge of all, what will we mix with success? Will it be each of these questions is no. whose every act is right and good; for he arrogance or service? Remembering God means a friendship is able to take those who walk proudly Every successful person has many op- cultivated daily through prayer and Bible and push them into the dust!" 2 tions in modern society. Our suscepti- study. It means a relationship of trust and bility to the Nebuchadnezzar syndrome admiration that results in spiritual forma- ike many others past and p'resent, may become evident if we answer yes to tion, a process of becoming like Christ. &Nebuchadnezzar was arrogant about most of the following questions. Today what shall we choose to mix his success, giving way to a syndrome • Do we mainly use our professional with our success? May we choose ser- of egocentricity that I would call the accomplishments to gain material pos- vice, not arrogance. For our choice will Nebuchadnezzar syndrome. sessions? to provide an extravagant life- determine whether or not we will acquire Rudolf Hirschberg describes the ego- style? to acquire expensive adult recre- or prevent the spiritual disease called the centric man as one who "sees himself as ational toys? to squander time in pursuit Nebuchadnezzar syndrome. the hub of the world. All the rest of the of pleasure? Dan. 4:30, TLB. people in the world revolve about him. • Do we use people for our own ends 2 Dan. 4:37, TLB. 3 Prophets and Kings, p. 486. Everything in life leads to him." —parents, spouse, our colleagues, our 4 Eccl. 12:1, INIIV. Webster defines success as "the at- employees? tainment of wealth, position, esteem, fa- • Have we become preoccupied with B. Lyn Behrens, M.D., vor, fame, or eminence." Arrogance is getting and hoarding, and like Silas is dean of the School defined as "a feeling of superiority that Marner, find that we never have enough of Medicine, Loma is overbearing, exalting one's own im- gold? Linda University, Cal- portance and making excessive claims of But there are options that will increase ifornia. position, dignity, or power." our resistance to the Nebuchadnezzar

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 22, 1990 (297) 9 FEATURE Digging Up the Past

Adventist here was Uriah the Hittite between rooms for guards, storage, and other activities. the time David asked him to crush The portion we excavated contained evidence of the Ammonites and his death in a fiery destruction. Limestone building blocks had archaeologists battle at Rabbath-ammon, the turned to powder. The mud-brick superstructure AmmoniteW capital (see 2 Sam. 11)? had come tumbling in on a large cache of storage A group of Adventist archaeologists may have jars, which we found smashed in place. Even some shed light on discovered the answer to this question last summer of the burned timber rafters were uncovered. during the Madaba Plains Project's third season of Outside the double walls (known to archaeol- archaeological excavation and survey in Jordan. ogists as casemate walls) was a steep earthen the Bible. In 1984, 1987, and again this past summer, rampart skillfully built up from a retaining wall at Andrews University team members—along with the bottom of the slope. The retaining wall itself representatives from Atlantic Union College, was built on the lip of a bedrock shelf purposely Canadian Union College, Walla Walla College, cut to create a deep dry moat. and Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo, Ontario) —have been digging at Tell el-cUmeiri. Was It Uriah? (A tell is a large mound of dirt built up from many Who got across this moat in the tenth century layers of ancient occupational remains.) This tell B.C. , climbed the rampart, and breached the Am- lies six miles south of Amman, the Rabbath- monite city walls? It may have been the Israelite ammon of the biblical story. army under Joab and led by Uriah the Hittite. BY LAWRENCE T. In these three seasons of work the team How so? Because the Ammonites considered GERATY, DOUGLAS R. has uncovered what may be the best- Israel its enemy and had fortified its western frontier CLARK, LARRY G. preserved city defense system from the early against Israelite attack. But instead of coming HERR, BYSTEIN S. Iron Age (tenth century B.C.) ever found. directly east from Jerusalem across the Jordan LA BIANCA, AND Around the summit of the city ran two parallel Valley and up to Rabbath-ammon, as might other- RANDALL W. YOUNKER walls. The space between these walls provided wise be expected, the Israelite army could have approached the Ammonite hill country stronghold from the south. As they came north out of the Madaba Plains, the first fortifiable town they would have approached would have been Tell el-cUmeiri, perhaps known as Abel-keramim in Bible times (see Judges 11:33). Only after subduing this border fortification could Joab and Uriah proceed to the capital itself, where Uriah lost his life. Though the biblical story is silent about this destruction of Tell el-cUmeiri, there is circum- stantial evidence to suggest it is true. No one more likely than Uriah and the Israelites can account for the dramatic destruction at this particular time.

Ammonite Scarab-shaped Seal The most interesting small find of the summer was an Ammonite scarab-shaped seal, inscribed on both top and bottom. Holes drilled into its sides suggest that it was once mounted on a signet ring. The upper side of the seal depicts a ram's Archaeologists discovered 28 smashed pots in an ancient storeroom from head complete with horns and the inscribed words a farmstead like those described in Isaiah 5. "Belonging to 'Amats-'el." The lower side has

10 (298) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 22, 1990 a beautifully defined bird sitting on a campaign against the Ammonites and the lotus blossom surrounded by the inscrip- Interested in Digging? Moabites. It is always satisfying to be able tion "Belonging to 'Amats-'el, son of • The work of the 140-member Madaba to relate an incident known from history to Tamak-'el." Plains Project team is ongoing every the evidence "found in the dirt" on an Dated to the seventh century B.C., other summer. Those readers who may be archaeological project. this find illustrates the many contempo- interested in joining a future dig and thus A dig discovers not only evidence for rary references to seals in the Bible. It is participating in the joy of discovery are specific people or events but also data that welcome to communicate with any of the interesting to note that the owner of this team leaders or to contact Dr. Doug suggests how people lived at a given seal bore the same name as Isaiah's fa- Clark, Walla Walla College, College period. Being interested in the biblical ther (Isa. 1:1). The name of the owner's Place, WA 99362; phone (509) 527- periods as we are, we are happy that the father is a typical Ammonite name. Both 2456. Clark is in charge of processing results of our project throw a great deal of were "theophoric," that is, bearing a volunteer applications. light on the context of the biblical story. The next season of fieldwork is sched- god name (in this case, " 'El," or the uled for June 20 to August 10, 1991, and For instance, from the time of the " 'Elohim" of the Hebrew Bible). promises to be the most rewarding yet. biblical patriarchs (about 2000 B.C.) we The main requirements for a volunteer excavated several domestic dwellings that Thutmose Ill Seal are that he or she be inquisitive, healthy, suggest how the inhabitants processed At the previous dig in 1987, similar ex- and willing to work hard. If you fit that their food and sheltered their animals. The description, join the team for "one of the citement was generated by the discovery of storeroom in one house contained the re- most memorable times of your life!" a seal impression on a jar handle that men- mains of 28 ceramic storage vessels full of tioned Thutmose III, the famous pharaoh carbonized seeds of the foods used by an of the Eighteenth Dynasty, identified by the Babylon-appointed Jewish governor ancient family. These included legumes many as the pharaoh of the Exodus. In of Judea. The story is fascinating, and it (lentils and garbanzos), fruits (grapes and addition to the well-known biblical story, was a thrill to discover the first extra- figs), and grains (wheat and barley). Two we have the account of Thutmose III him- biblical proof of the existence of this jugs appear to have contained oil. self concerning his visit to our site back in little-known royal personage. From the time of Moses and the early the fifteenth century B.C. judges (about the fourteenth century B.C.) Regional Survey a well-preserved Astarte fertility plaque Ammonite Seal The Madaba Plains Project has become was found. It depicts a nude woman But the most sensational inscriptional known for its regional survey in addition to holding her breasts. We know from such find of all occurred in 1984 when a its tell excavation. One of the survey's passages as- Judges 2:13 and 1 Samuel conical clay jar stopper was discovered fascinating finds has been the remains of 12:10 that the Israelites were in constant bearing a royal Ammonite seal impres- agricultural installations from Bible times. danger of adopting the customs and prac- sion that reads "Belonging to Milkom- One prominent feature has been some 50 tices of their Canaanite neighbors. Perhaps 'ur, servant of Baal-yashac." Both watchtowers—very much as described in they thought that the possession of a plaque these names are theophoric also. The the "Song of the Vineyard" in Isaiah 5. such as the one we found might help a first name means something like The poem speaks of a vineyard on a fruitful nursing mother produce more milk, not to "Milkom's Flame," Milkom being the hill, surrounded by a fence, cleared of mention more babies. well-known god of the Ammonites (see stones, protected by a watchtower, and As can be readily seen, such informa- 1 Kings 11:5, 33). It is really the same even furnished with a winepress. tion is extremely useful in helping us as Uriah (meaning "Yahweh's Our survey has found all these features better understand many obscure passages Flame"), except that in the latter case on Israelite farms, with the telltale struc- of Scripture. Furthermore, it enables us the name of Israel's God is used, while ture usually being the watchtower. We to put the entire biblical period in its in the former case it is the god of Am- have even excavated at a couple of these historical and sociological context. mon that is referred to. farmsteads. The second name, always the royal This past summer our work extended to Lawrence T. Gera!), is the senior project name in this formulation ("X, the ser- include yet another prominent tell a few director of the Madaba Plains Project (MPP) vant of X"), means something like miles due east of cUmeiri —Tell Jawa, and president of Atlantic Union College; "Baal saves." It is really the same name another Ammonite stronghold on the Douglas R. Clark, MPP's consortium direc- as Elisha, "My God saves." eastern road leading out of the Madaba tor, teaches Old Testament at Walla Walla The most exciting thing about this find Plains. Occupation contemporary with College; Larry G. Herr teaches Old Testa- ment at Canadian Union College; Oystein S. was its reference to Baal-yashac, an Am- biblical times apparently came to an end La Bianca chairs the Behavioral Sciences monite king heretofore known only from early in the sixth century B.C. The Department at Andrews University; and the Bible (Jer. 40:14), where he is known presence of 13 javelin points against the Randall W. Younker is the director of the by the spelling Baalis. There we learn outside of the slumped town wall suggests Andrews University Institute of Archaeology. that this Ammonite king was aiding and the collapse could be related to an attack on The latter three are project directors with the Madaba Plains Project: Herr directs exca- abetting the Jewish underground resis- the town. It might even be dated to 582/581 vation at Tell el-cUmeiri, LaBianca directs tance to Babylon—a cause that eventu- B.C., when, according to Josephus, the regional survey, and Younker directs the ally ended with the murder of Gedaliah, Nebuchadnezzar mounted a punitive hinterland excavations, including Tell Jawa.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 22, 1990 (299) 11 DEVOTIONAL

Questions At the time of his injury Fred was working as my fingers again. Many times the question would a vocational teacher on a regular overseas call at come up: "Why, God? Sure, these kinds of things Linda Vista Academy in Chiapas, Mexico—an happen to other people, but to a missionary in from a suffering academy his parents helped create years ago. The overseas service? God, I don't understand." accident that caused him to return to the U.S. I have been paralyzed for more than three years with his family occurred on February 17, 1987. now. I may never fully understand why God servant Fred and Diana have since accepted a two-year allowed me to become a quadriplegic. But I don't Adventist Volunteer Service call to teach com- have to. Several months following my discharge puter science at the same academy. —Editors. from the hospital, something occurred that has helped me to understand the situation a little t happened within five seconds. I was help- better. ing with the construction of a large building that would house the school's furniture- A Partial Answer BY FRED ADAMS making industry. One truss• snapped over- Our son, Daniel, had been sick all day and 1head, and the entire roof structure came down couldn't keep food or liquids down. By evening instantly. The 15 tons of wooden roof he was weak and very thirsty. Nevertheless, our trusses flung me down backwards pediatrician informed us to wait two, hours from to the concrete floor, and a numb the time Daniel had last attempted to take liquid. feeling came over my body. Then he could have two tablespoons of water. If My neck was broken. I was he kept it down, he could have increasing paralyzed. amounts every half hour. Until that moment It was 7:00 p.m. Daniel was already pleading everything had been for a drink. It was an agony for us as parents to going so well. My wife; hear his heart-wrenching sobs and pitiful cries: Diana, and I were in • the "Mama, wa-wa. Daddy, d'ink p'ease." Again sixth year of a happily mar- and again Daniel pleaded. The time seemed to go ried life, enjoying the chal- by so slowly! How we wished 9:00 p.m. would lenge of rearing our lively come! 11/2-year-old son. I was in- As loving parents we wanted to explain the sit- volved in genuinely fulfilling uation to Daniel—that he would get the drink he work as a vocational teacher wanted so badly, that we were making him wait in the mission field. Now in only because this was the best thing for him in that just five seconds everything situation. But he was too young to understand. He had changed. kept on pleading: "Mama, j'oos p'ease." Oh, how our hearts ached for him! But if we had given it to The Questions him then, it would have done more harm than good. A long plane trip to As we waited through those long, agonizing Loma Linda University moments with our son, I began to think about my Medical Center in Califor- situation. Every day I would plead with God for nia was followed by sur- healing, asking for a perfectly good thing. Then gery and five months of I realized that God is suffering here with me and intensive rehabilitation. with every other person in this world who suffers. 11 I was facing the future I can almost feel His big loving arms around me, as a wheelchair rider, holding me close to His shoulder. He softly given no medical strokes my head while big tears roll down His hope of ever walk- cheeks into my hair. ing or even using And He says, "Fred, I love you even more

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 22, 1990 than you can understand. I have the Little Daniel was able to have his rag- power, and I really want to heal you; but I was facing the future ing thirst satisfied that night, and by the it isn't the right time yet. My precious next morning he was feeling better. Just child, I am so very, very sorry that I had as certainly as Daniel was healed, I know to permit this to happen to you. Oh, as a wheelchair rider, that God can heal me at any time, either what I would give if there were any way instantly or gradually. But if He doesn't, to spare you from this! But Satan must that's OK. I definitely will be healed be permitted to demonstrate his works given no medical hope of when Christ returns. And I can continue of darkness before the universe. That to Live and work for Him, paralyzed as I old dragon claimed that he should be am, confident that He will do what is best king! Well, just let everyone see what ever walking or even for me. Planet Earth has become under his rul- God loves each of His created beings ership . so much more than I will ever be able to "My child, you are fulfilling the highest using my fingers again. love Daniel. But certainly the love I have purpose you could ever have in exist- for Daniel is helping me to grasp the ing—to vindicate My goodness to the uni- reality that God is a caring Father in verse. When the other created beings see whom I can fully trust! how sin destroys all that is beautiful and be eternally destroyed, and I will wipe causes only sorrow and suffering, no one away all tears. Even now I am preparing Fred Adams, with his will ever again question My sovereignty. a new home for you, one that far sur- wife, Diana, is now Because of your suffering, millions of bil- passes your wildest dreams. Just you serving a two-year lions will be spared such agony. wait!" term as an Adventist "My child, someday soon I will make And He is sobbing still, squeezing me Volunteer Service it up to you. Satan and his followers will close—unable to speak anymore. worker in Mexico.

Flagpole Rex BY RUTH M. INGRAM ome, see this beautiful dog," called after the war ended, every night Rex con- CMaria and Isabel. "He looks lost." tinued his guard duty by the flagpole. "He looks tired, too," answered Miss One weekend when all the girls had Liles, who was dean of the mission gone away, Miss Liles was left alone in school. the big dormitory. She had never stayed "I think he didn't like all the shooting alone in the dormitory, and actually over there," Maria explained. "I wish dreaded the long weekend. the war would end." Friday evening after she had locked all The mission school was located in the the doors, she went to the window to mountains of a little Central American enjoy the lights twinkling in the villages country. A fierce civil war was being below. To her surprise, she saw Rex ly- fought there, making it dangerous all ing on the porch, just outside her win- around the campus. dow. The Lord had sent Rex to be with That night the girls tried to get the her when she was alone. He slept there collie to stay near their dormitory. But During the day Rex often romped and all weekend, guarding her door. the dog insisted on inspecting the entire played with the boys, and slept on their Monday when the girls returned, Rex campus. He finally chose to sleep by the patio. He made himself at home in both again took his usual place that night by flagpole, in the middle of the campus. dormitories. But at night he always the flagpole. And never again was he After much discussion, the girls named chose to sleep by the flagpole. He faith- known to sleep away from his station at him Rex. fully guarded the entire campus. Even the flagpole.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 22, 1990 (301) 13 CHURCH My Burial and Resurrection of Ellen White

wore out three volumes of this book with mark- ing, cross-referencing, and constant use. I spent far more time reading and studying the Spirit of Prophecy than the Bible. Then in 1980 I died a mini-death when I dis- covered that the person whose writings I revered had not always believed or taught the truth on every point.* I reasoned—wrongly—that if she had ever once espoused anything whatsoever that was in error, I could not trust anything else she wrote. I further discovered that some of her writ- ings had been borrowed from other authors and were not original with her. I felt betrayed and sick. Looking back, I can see that over the two-year period following these discoveries, I went through a grief experience. Someone I revered had "died." During my pe- riod of "mourning" I couldn't bear to open any book by Ellen White. About the same time, a friend and fellow minister left the church over similar disclosures about E. G. White's writings. He gave me two cartons of her books to sell for him. Another church member took his Spirit of Prophecy books to the rubbish dump and set fire How one here did you get this book, to them. Jack?" I asked, holding up a Maybe someone reading this has gone through small hardcover volume with a a similar time of trauma. Many people still minister found yellow dust jacket. "I've never haven't recovered from the assault on their belief Wread anything like this before. It's fascinating." in the inerrancy of Ellen White's writings. Not long after I became a Christian, my friend his way through Trevor invited me to spend the weekend with The Divine and the Human him at Jack's place. After our evening meal I With the passing years, we have discovered noticed beside me on the sofa a small book with that the real problem was not Ellen White, but our a time of doubt the intriguing title Early Writings. I picked it up mistaken concepts of her and her writings. The and began to thumb through it, reading whatever gift of prophecy is listed in Ephesians 4:11 along took my fancy. I soon found myself gripped by with apostleship, evangelism, pastoring, and its contents; hence my question to Jack. teaching. Not one of these gifts made its recipi- "That's one of Mrs. White's books," he re- ents infallible. The prophet Nathan, for example, sponded casually. had to confess that he had given some wrong "Mrs. White?" I questioned. "Should I know counsel (1 Chron. 17:1-4). Paul took Peter to task about Mrs. White?" "because he was clearly in the wrong" (Gal. Thus began my acquaintance with Ellen G. 2:11, NIV). Paul and Barnabas fell out over Mark White. Over the years I purchased every volume (Acts 15:36-40). by her that came out: counsels on this and that, So why should we get upset if Ellen White volumes of testimonies, daily reading books, made mistakes? The divine gift never overrode a compilations—the lot. And I read them all. In person's humanity. We have exalted the divine BY RITCHIE WAY fact, I read The Great Controversy 15 times! I side of Ellen White's gift while overlooking the

14 1302) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 22, 1990 side of Ellen White's gift while over- fraction of its gospel outreach if it We need to remind ourselves, a cen- looking the fact that she was a fallible weren't for the influence of this gifted tury after the 1888 Minneapolis confer- human being. pioneer. ence, that Ellen White helped lead this In a letter to her husband dated May As for Ellen White's so-called copy- denomination back to the crucified Jesus 16, 1876, she wrote: "I do not claim ing, God does not reveal truth to us by against considerable opposition from in- infallibility, or even perfection of Chris- supernatural means when it is available fluential leaders. tian character. I am not free from mis- otherwise. So she read widely, gathered takes and errors in my life" (letter 27, gems of truth, and put them in right set- A Light in the Night 1876). She never claimed inerrancy, but tings in her books and articles. She had Ellen White said that if we had studied we have claimed it for her—a serious not only the gift of prophecy but also the God's Word for ourselves, we would not mistake. gift of discernment. The fruit of her re- have needed her testimonies (see Testi- If there are inaccuracies in the writings of Ellen G. White, how can we detect them? Well, the historical portions of her During my period of "mourning" I couldn't bear writings can be tested by the facts of history, while the theological sections can be tested by the Bible (Isa. 8:20). We to open any of Ellen White's books. are told to test prophecies and hold to the good (1 Thess. 5:20, 21). The Bereans "examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true" (Acts search and writing has been a blessing to monies, vol. 5, p. 665). God spoke to us 17:11, NIV). all who have read her writings with an through Ellen White because we are liv- If the Bereans were so cautious about open mind. ing in the shadow of night instead of in the apostle who wrote more of the the light of the Sun of Righteousness. In New Testament than anyone else, how Natural or Supernatural Visions her testimonies the Lord gave us a light careful we should be in accepting Some say Ellen White had a health in the night until we come into the full messages from people who claim to problem that made her a visionary. If it light of day. speak for God. Joseph Smith, Mary takes that sort of condition to produce a On many occasions Mrs. White coun- Baker Eddy, Ellen G. White, or anyone theme such as "the great controversy seled people to hold her writings in the else must have his or her messages tested between Christ and Satan" as well as proper perspective: "The testimonies of by Scripture. guiding our denomination safely through Sister White should not be carried to the many a crisis, then it's a pity a few more front. God's Word is the unerring stan- Tests of a True Prophet people didn't have it! dard" (Evangelism, p. 256). And again: There are two tests of a true prophet On the other hand, it's a put-down to "I exalt the precious Word before you that Satan cannot duplicate. The first is suggest that God cannot use a person today. Do not repeat what I have said, the "orchard test" —you can tell a tree with a physical problem. That many peo- saying, 'Sister White said this,' and, by its fruit. In Matthew 7:15-23 Jesus ple with such conditions have accom- `Sister White said that.' Find out what identifies a false prophet as one who plished so much is an indictment of those the Lord God of Israel says, and then do does not bear the fruit of His Spirit. of us who are healthy but have produced what He commands" (manuscript 43, Such may have supernatural gifts, but only a fraction of their output. 1901). they are immoral people, complete Ellen White knew that her success strangers to God's grace. They have a The Testimony of Jesus would be measured not in the number of form of religion, but God doesn't know The second test of a true prophet is that people she drew to herself, but in the them. he or she bears the testimony of Jesus, for number of people she led to Christ and Whatever we might think about Ellen "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of His service. Similarly, our duty is not to White, only a person ignorant of her life [all] prophecy" (Rev. 19:10). Such a test exalt ourselves because of this precious would claim that she was not a genuine rules out Nostradamus, Jeane Dixon, and gift to our church, but to join her in Christian. If she was not a Christian, many others as true prophets, for they do uplifting Jesus so that all might be drawn then God have pity onus, who are lesser not bear the testimony of Jesus. to Him. mortals by comparison! Sister White Does Ellen White measure up? Her was a good, hardworking woman who books, The Desire of Ages, Christ's Ob- *The SDA Encyclopedia, "Open and Shut Door.- pp. loved the Lord, and her neighbor as ject Lessons, Steps to Christ, Thoughts herself. From the Mount of Blessing, The Story of God gave inspiration and leadership to Redemption, etc., all bear the testimony the fledgling Seventh-day Adventist from Jesus and to Jesus. She loved Jesus; Church through Ellen White. It would be He was central to her life. The older she no exaggeration to say that our denom- got, the more Christ-centered she be- Ritchie Way pastors the Avondale church ination wouldn't have accomplished a came. in Australia.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 22, 1990 (303) 15 Last of four firsthand reports

MEXICOTHE NORTH: FROM CHIHUAHUA TO CAMPOS 77 BY MYRON WIDMER hihuahua, Mexico. the Northwest Mexican Con- My 18-day trip ference. throughout this This conference stretches C t fascinating country is fast 960 miles south from

coming to a close. This e Arizona through two highly morning my host Ismael .4:44 productive agricultural Ramirez and I arrived in this NORTH MEXICAN UNION states: Sonora— "the mill of state made famous by Mexico" with its vast fields ey PQ APP Pancho Villa, a Mexican of beans and wheat; and revolutionary hero, and &sic' Sinaloa—known for its the tiny dogs—named production of vegetables for

Chihuahuas, of course— SOUTH MEXICAN UNION export. The Northwest that used to run wild in the Mexican Conference is also mountains. home to more than 9,000 Today, in this land of cattle Adventists. Gregorio Dzul and mining, the member- Treja is its president. ship of the North Mexican Our arrival at Hermosil- Mission is growing rapidly—nearly 23 at home, providing them with "more lo's airport coincides, as planned, with percent in the year and a half since the time to listen to the Word of God." the arrival of Don Noble, executive di- mission was formed. Membership now Yet amid successes, challenges face rector of Maranatha Volunteers Interna- stands at 6,500. this mission: to reach the high class, in- tional, and his father, in Maranatha's President Eduardo Chacon Rios at- cluding those who go to the U.S. to work four-place Cessna 182 airplane. When tributes growth (nearly 15 percent annu- for part of the year and become wealthy Don had heard of my plans to tour Mex- ally) to the dedicated spiritual work of by Mexican stan- ico, he volunteered to fly down from pastors and laypersons. They follow a dards; to reach the Sacramento, California, and fly Ismael six-month evangelistic strategy created primitive Tarahu- and me around this particularly large by the union that includes one month for mara Indians in conference. What a blessing! spiritual preparation of members, one the Sierra Madres, We hop aboard his plane and 50 min- month for lay training, and three months where there are utes later (versus four hours of driving) for Bible studies and lay evangelistic only 10 Advent- we landed in Ciudad Obregon in time campaigns, followed by a month for pas- ists among the for supper and my speaking appoint- tors' campaigns and baptisms. Then the 800,000 Indians; ment at the Central church. With only a churches happily begin the six-month cy- Don Noble, pilot and to reach a set- few cars outside the church, I wonder, cle all over again! tlement of 100,000 German Mennonites, for a moment, if anyone is inside. But Yes, happily, for to be an Adventist where only four families have accepted then I remember what I learned in south here is to be a soul winner. Adventism. Mexico, that one should not prejudge Why? I ask president Chacon, and af- And the needs prevalent throughout attendance by the number of cars out- ter a few moments for reflection, he sug- Mexico are evident here too: more side. Many members walk or take gests that possibly the members' enthu- schools, clinics, pastors, pesos. Needs buses. siasm rises from three factors (besides for which the forseeable future holds no Inside, more than 200 people pack the their great love for God): poverty, joy, solution, except for a miracle. Neverthe- church. Warm and vibrant, they repeat- and time. Poverty, because heaven rep- less, dynamic soul winning keeps edly raise their arms in welcome and resents an unknown, comfortable life that moving forward! appreciation. Few Mexicans would ever only the elite enjoy. Joy, because Mex- think of clapping in a church. But they icans "get so much joy from taking a soul eliudad Obregdn, Mexico. An hour's certainly show their warmth and appre- to Jesus that they just keep on doing it." MO flight to the west this Friday morning ciation collectively through the lifting of And time, because most wives here work brings us to Hermosillo, headquarters of hands and waving. It is quite an experi-

16 (304) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 22, 1990 ence to be introduced to a waving crowd, project and planned to complete it most become Mexico's greatest chal- and to wave back—as is expected. by March 23! And what a blessing!) lenge. For the thousands of newly bap- By the close of our meeting Sabbath tized members cannot, with their own Colegio del Pacifico ends, and so does my 18-day journey resources, fulfill all their own local Sabbath morning finds us flying south through Mexico to view the growth of church needs, let alone those of the in- to Pacific Academy for worship services, Adventism here. As I review these days, frastructure needed to ensure the stability with 350 young adults. They're here for impressions and incidents come to mind. of the larger church, such as schools to the weekend to learn how to give Bible produce leaders, teachers, pastors. studies and conduct crusades. Impressions If the needs will every be fulfilled, Before I speak, I ask how many have The Adventist Church is Mexico is they will need help from outside, from helped conduct a crusade. Hundreds of vibrant, young, growing. and it will con- those of us in the wealthy countries of the hands go up! Then I ask how many will world. That's why Thirteenth be the speakers for a coming crusade. Sabbath offerings are so impor- About 70 hands go up! Mexico's young tant to the developing countries. people are on fire for the Lord! Dedicated In fact, this quarter's proceeds to telling the gospel! will help build a cafeteria at After lunch we tour the school's cam- Linda Vista Academy in Chia- pus and then attempt to fly east into the pas, and chapels throughout mountains to a self-supporting school at south Mexico. Tesopaco, but rain and low clouds pre- And that's why Maranatha vent us, so we head back to Ciudad Obre- Volunteers International groups On. By car, we travel 25 miles north- are so valuable in providing west over narrow roads to a little town of money and labor to build probably no more than 400 people called churches, schools, clinics, and Campo 77. other buildings here. They have When we arrive, in a caravan of cars Campo 77 church waiting to be completed completed nearly 100 projects with pastors, conference officers, and tinue to grow rapidly, despite its great here. And they are overwhelmed each others, the members are already at the lack of financial resources to provide the year with requests to take on more church to greet us. But what a church materials and facilities needed, because projects. building they have. Only cement block of the attitude of its members: soul win- Mexico's church is one facing large cit- walls rise skyward, and a ripped canvas ning is their responsibility and joy. ies without any Adventists. In the north overhead covers the few benches toward In many respects, the church here alone, 175 cities of 50,000 residents do the front. No roof, no windows, no seems much like the church in North not have one Adventist in their midst. And doors, only a dirt floor. America about 40 years ago. That is not to the hundreds of isolated, primitive Indian The 20-plus members tell us that for say the church is backward, but that it still groups, with their own languages or Span- years this has been their meeting place. holds certain values prevalent earlier: tre- ish dialects, present quite a challenge, es- They have been unable to finish it for mendous respect for its ministers, for wit- pecially in a land where there is an average lack of money. They have saved $800 in nessing, for traditional church standards, of only one pastor for more than 1,000 the past several years, about a fifth of the for following the guidance of church lead- members. And where burros, boats, and amount needed. ers, for colporteurs and teachers, for pay- one's own feet are sometimes the only As I speak to the members on church ing their tithe and offerings into regular methods of transportation for members happenings around the world, it channels, for not openly challenging and pastors alike. begins to rain, church beliefs or practices. Nevertheless, God is working might- soon streams of Mexico's church, like that of other ily here. I have seen His Spirit at work. water are coming developing nations, is still in its infancy I have seen it in the church's growth. But through the open- period. Only time will tell how fast it will more than that, I have seen it in the faces ings above. But "mature" and become like Westernized of the members here. They're happy, the members don't nations, possibly losing its "first-love" joyous, loving Christians. I know now mind; they're used character in the process. that the future of the Adventist Church in to it. Then Don Mexico's church is one of courage Mexico is in good hands, under God's Noble speaks and amid poverty, pollution, and religious richest blessings. Ishmael Ramirez (left) promises the persecution. It is one in need of vast members that if they will pray every numbers of church buildings, schools, Myron Widmer is asso- day for help, he will try to find a group hospitals, clinics. And one in need of ciate editor of the of Adventists to adopt the church as communication tools. Few publications Adventist Review. their Maranatha project this spring. (By now exist for the membership at large. printing time, the Carmichael, Such needs will continue. No solution California, church youth adopted the is on the horizon. Success itself has al-

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 22, 1990 (305) 17

MY CHURCH

Is Acceptance Unacceptable ? By Julie Jacobs e are as a speck of dirt in God's wonder if people go to church only to cheating tax collector Zacchaeus, Christ Wgreat universe, yet God accepts obtain juicy gossip to serve for Sabbath showed His acceptance by eating dinner us in spite of what we are—unaccept- dinner. with him. able. He loves each of us as if you or Not long ago I was invited to a I were the only person alive. If we are friend's house for Sabbath dinner. Shock Treatment His people, shouldn't we act the same Instead of getting satisfaction from the The youth of the church need to feel way? pleasant meal, I was getting indigestion accepted too. After all, they are the fu- Recently I visited a church far away from the dinner talk. The conversation ture of the church. But sometimes the from my home. I was alone and felt out centered on some of the people in the older members are traumatized by the of place. Since I had driven to church on church. appearance of some of the young people a moped, I was not dressed as nicely as It seemed that Sister M was wearing entering the church. Maybe a hairstyle isn't short enough or long enough; maybe an outfit isn't pleasing to the By looking at outward appearances it is easy eye. In any case, young people need to be greeted with open arms and warm, to think we are better than others. friendly smiles. They need to be ac- cepted for the persons they are instead of the misleading physical images they Fortunately, Christ looks at our hearts. may portray. They need to be accepted by the church just as Christ accepts us individually. Christ loves and accepts us in spite of I could have been. a miniskirt that was short enough to our appearance. He looks at our hearts. Immediately upon entering the pass as a belt. And Brother D was Wouldn't it be nice if we could see the church, I was greeted with warm wearing jeans and had hair that was merits in other people and accept them welcomes and smiles. The worshipers much too long. Sister S was recently just the same? looked at me approvingly, in spite heard expressing interest in teaching of my disheveled appearance. I was a children's Sabbath school class. made to feel at home by their friend- But didn't the poor dear know her Julie Jacobs is a junior public relations liness. By the time the service was wedding ring was leading the youngsters major at Southern College. over, I had made quite a few friends astray? and had received several invitations When we look at outward appear- for dinner. ances, it is easy to think we are better My Church is a column written by young than others. Fortunately, Christ looks at adults for young adults. If you wish to The Main Course our hearts. Our church would do well to contribute to this column, send your However, I find that the concept of do the same. submissions to: My Church, Adventist acceptance is not always practiced in Jesus, by example, portrayed the Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, our churches. Instead, I have observed concept of acceptance. He associated Silver Spring, Maryland 20904-6600. persons gossiping about a member's with sinners and prostitutes in light of Submissions should be approximately expensive new car or a visitor's scorning from the scribes and Pharisees. 850 words. offensive clothing. I have begun to Although the whole village termed Mary Magdalene unacceptable, Christ accepted her as she was. And to the

18 (306) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 22, 1990 WORLDREPORT

■ Inter-American Division March 31 Offering to Build Chapels, Cafeteria Inter-America needs facilities to match growth.

he Inter-American Division (IAD) in ergy," and the water still had gray ce- most every day to have the Sabbath T1987 passed the million-member ment powder floating on it. "We've al- school lesson read to them. Estimates of mark, the first division to do so. During ready baptized 16 people in there!" the the literacy rate in Haiti run as low as 20 the first half of 1989, the IAD baptized pastor beamed. percent. more than 75,000 converts, which ac- The membership explosion in Inter- counts for 29 percent of the church's Mountaintop Experience America also demands more schools in world baptisms (260,471) during that pe- Visiting the Bailler Geau church un- which to train our young people. Linda riod. And mem- der construction Vista Academy in Chiapas, Mexico, an- bers are not only on a mountain in nually receives more than 900 applica- coming in, but Haiti, I climbed a tions, but has the capacity for less than staying in, since long and fairly half that many. This means they must the attrition rate is steep, rocky turn away more than 450 young people only 7 percent. slope. Church each year. The division op- members had This quarter's special offering will erates 9 hospitals, hand-carried all not provide another academy in Mex- more than 70 col- the water for the ico, but it will provide a new dining leges and second- cement up the room for the beautiful Linda Vista cam- ary schools, and mountain over pus nestled in pine woods high in the 444 elementary that trail. The mountains. schools. Its 11 These church member s study building plans rocky land had The Inter-American Division is grow- unions list about with great anticipation• been leveled just ing so fast that its members cannot pro- 10,000 church companies and countless enough for the foundation. Inside the vide churches and schools quickly branch Sabbath schools. The latter are four walls remained a huge mound of enough. difficult to tabulate because new ones solid rock that they would hack and pick They look to the world field for help. form every Sabbath. away at later. on March 31 in the form of a generous This phenomenal growth calls for an- In Haiti, Adventist members meet al- Thirteenth Sabbath offering. other 75 churches every month to house the new members. In Haiti, a recipient of this quarter's special offering, at least 40 new chapels are under construction at any one time. When funds run out, work stops until more are raised. Southern Mexico also desperately needs worship places. There and in Haiti, members meet in their new loca- tion, when all they have are four walls and a baptismal tank. The baptismal tank seems more urgent than the roof. I saw one of these baptismal tanks in Mexico, surrounded by four cement block walls, heated by direct "solar en-

By Janet Leigh Kangas, Mission editor. A new church building goes a long way to bring joy and solidarity to a local congregation.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 22, 1990 (307) 19 WORLDREPORT

■ Madagascar first time in the mission's history, such a huge campaign would culminate in an open-air baptism. Members See Marvels in The government swimming pool seemed the right place for the baptism, but it had been closed for 10 years. South Malagasy Mission Church members fasted and prayed one SDAs gain favor with influential leaders. day for God to open a way to use the pool and to give them a large hall in which to hold a meeting with all the churches in hen Alphonse Emiliarison, church you?" he offered. Then, without waiting town to close the evangelistic campaign. Wministries director of the South for an answer, he continued: "Aren't They hoped for the town hall, but a gov- Malagasy Mission in Madagascar, and a you the men who are going to hold an ernment ruling forbade all religious cer- local pastor came to a town during Holy evangelistic campaign in this town? If emonies there. Week to begin a one-month evangelistic I'm not mistaken, God bothered me be- The following day Pastor Emiliarison campaign, they could find no place to cause you need a house to live in during went to meet the government leaders re- stay. That first night they slept in the car. your campaign, right? And a large room sponsible for the town hall and pool. A Early the next morning they prayed for in which to hold your meetings." stern man asked what he wanted. God's direction, then went out asking The pastors were dumbfounded, in The pastor told him about his need of people where spite of just having prayed for this very the town hall. After pointing out all the they could rent a need. difficulties involved, the man asked what place to hold "I can't refuse, since you are sent by else he needed. "The swimming pool," meetings. One God Himself," the old gentleman said. answered Emiliarison, wondering if he person told them "Here is the house you need," he added, were asking too much. of a man who pointing to a nearby place. "I have there "Let me think about it tonight. Come could solve their -two rooms, one for each of you, and a back tomorrow," the official told him. problem. very large room for your meetings." The following morning, after much "But today is Inside the house, the district pastor Pastor Alphonse Emil- Holy Friday, so and Pastor Emiliarison were speechless. iarison you'll have to It was more than they could have asked wait two or three hours till the Protestant for. The rooms were freshly painted and church service ends, since he is one of redecorated, perfect for their needs. their leaders," they were told. Their new friend invited the pastors Just then they saw a man coming out home to dinner, "happy to have God's of the church—the very one they needed messengers eat with me," as he put it. In to talk to, an old man and one of the Pastor Emiliarison's car they drove out- richest in town. As the pastors hurried to side the town to a huge house. meet him, he greeted them: "Are you the "Sit down, gentlemen. I'm sure you men who are looking for me?" want to know how much you'll have to "How did you know?" Pastor Emil- pay, right?" he said when they were in- iarison asked. side. "God has just been bothering me "Well, you can stay as long as you about that," he replied. want. There will be no charge!" "God has what?" asked the aston- The evangelistic campaign resulted in ished pastor. the establishing of a new church group in "A few minutes ago," the old man that town. said, "I heard a voice urging me to leave the church. 'Two men are looking for Swimming Pool Providence you,' the voice explained. So, why are In the South Malagasy Mission both you looking for me? How may I help pastors and laymen held evangelistic campaigns in 25 locations in the town of By Ellen Mayr, coordinator for Shep- Fianarantsoa. They wanted to finish the Dr. Mamy Lalatiana Andriamanarivo and his herdess International, Indian Ocean campaigns with a combined mass meet- family thank God for helping him become a Union Mission. ing that everybody could attend. For the physician.

20 (308) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 22, 1990 WORLDREPORT

prayer, the pastor returned. "Right after When he entered the office the teacher you left, I called a meeting, and here is asked him exactly the same question the result," he was told. "You can use about vertebral tuberculosis. Lalatiana both the town hall and the swimming talked for so long on the subject that the pool. God is really with you and your teacher finally had to stop him. He does program. We closed the pool 10 years not remember what he talked about, but ago for some very expensive repairs. The when he received his grade, it was a 14, work was finished only yesterday. the highest mark among all the students Though the pool isn't officially opened, in his class and even higher than the two you can use it for your baptism." fifth-year students! The mission held the meeting with all Since then, his teacher has become very the churches in the town hall and also the friendly, and they have had opportunity to baptism in the newly opened pool, in talk about the Bible. Lalatiana serves as which 96 people were baptized. one of the elders at the French church in Tananarive. A fine Christian, he works The Sabbath Exam hard for the Lord. He is also an inspiration In his second year of medical studies, to the young people, with whom he shares Mamy Lalatiana Andriamanarivo faced his university experiences. an examination to determine which 35 The young doctor is now serving his out of 1,200 students would be accepted medical residency. He hopes to work in Elder Emiliarison (center) and mission as hospital interns. Since the exam was the Adventist hospital in the north of president Bien Aime Bary Simon (rear) con- to be held on Saturday, he explained to Madagascar. duct baptism in renovated government pool. his teacher that he could not participate. The teacher insisted that Lalatiana must take the Sabbath exam with the rest. Get- • ting nowhere, he sent him to another teacher who angrily warned Lalatiana Virginia Members that he could never become an intern unless he took the exam. Build School in Africa The next day, Sabbath, the young man went to church, where he found encour- mid cheers of students and Two buildings are completed, and a agement and enjoyed worshiping with Aparents, Derris Krause of ADRA- third almost so. the members. He told them of his prob- International cut the ribbon to open the All six elementary grades plus the lem and asked that they pray for him. Faye Hicks Memorial School in first two of secondary are presently Monday, when he arrived at the uni- Mwilambwe, Zaire, during an being offered, with an enrollment of versity, the other students asked why he October visit. more than 400. More secondary grades had not come on Saturday. They reported The school, with elementary and will be added next year. that he was the only one absent, and that secondary divisions, is supported by An agricultural project operated in the highest score on the exam had been REACH-International and REACH- conjunction with the schools provides 12 out of a possible 20. Italy, in cooperation with ADRA- training for all the children. Approx- On Tuesday his teacher, still angry, Zaire. It represents the first permanent imately half of them are in the REACH told Lalatiana that he and two fifth-year school building in this village of 5,000 child-sponsorship program, receiving students would have to take an oral exam population. With funding from tuition and school supplies through the that very day. Though fearful, he left REACH-International, the first class- aid provided by European and Amer- everything in God's hands. room building was started in Septem- ican sponsors. When the first student came out of the ber 1988. The REACH organizations support examination room, Lalatiana asked him When the influx of children called nine other Zairian schools, with more about the questions he had answered. for more than one building, a Freder- than 1,100 families having children on The student explained that they dealt icksburg, Virginia, church group the sponsorship lists. with vertebral tuberculosis, a subject headed by Peter and Dianne Watts studied only in the fifth year. Lalatiana raised funds to build a complete school knew only the name of this disease, noth- complex named in memory of a By Corrine Vanderwerff, REACH ing more. He prayed that God would help former member of their congregation. representative for Zaire. him.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 22, 1990 (309) 21 BULLETIN BOARD

Rita Dorothea Giebel, to serve as volunteer laboratory Yuk Secondary School, Hong Kong, left November 8. To New Posts assistant, Gimbie Hospital, Gimbie, Wollega, Ethiopia, of Peter Haviland, of Loma Linda, California, to serve as Regular Missionary Service Loma Linda, California, left June 4, 1989. physical education teacher, Bella Vista School, May- agilez, Puerto Rico, left September 7. Dennis Charles Blum, to serve as public health Kathryn Eileen Hagele, to serve as computer program- mer, Seventh-day Adventist Health Centre, Blantyre, Dennis Jeffrey Mahoney (CaUC), of Kelowna, British teacher, Montemorelos University, Montemorelos, Nuevo Malawi, of Nevada City, California, left August 15, 1989. Columbia, to serve as elementary teacher, Namu Seventh- Leon, Mexico, and Dorothy Carol (Reed) Blum, of Po- to serve as relief dentist, Taiwan day Adventist School, Namu, Marshall Islands, left Sep- sey, California, left January 1. William Lee Hopkins, Cheryl Virginia tember 27. Wilma Louise (Coy) Boulieris, returning to serve as Adventist Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, and Jeffrey Robert Wayne Skaggs (SC), of Talking Rock, optometrist, Guam Seventh-day Adventist Clinic, Tamun- (Wagner) Hopkins, of Sun Lakes, Arizona, left Novem- Georgia, to serve as English teacher, Hong Kong Advent- ing, Guam, left January 14. ber 20. Wilburn Orvis Ingham, to serve as relief dentist, Ad- ist College, Kowloon, Hong Kong, left January 8. Lynn Alan Boyd, to serve as business teacher, Helder- (PUC), of Sparks, Nevada, to berg College, Sumerset West, Cape, South Africa, Evelyn ventist Dental Clinic, Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Norma Shelley Susan Solazzo (Phillips) Ingham, of Sacramento, California, left Octo- serve as nurse, ADRA Clinic, La Paz, Bolivia, left Oc- Barbara (Grellman) Boyd, and two children, of Sandy, tober 27. Utah, left November 30, 1989. ber 11. Ray Lester Jacobs, to serve as supervisor, Department Frederick K. Song (LLU), of Riverside, California, to Johan Rudolf Haakmat, to serve as assistant professor serve as English teacher, Korea Seventh-day Adventist in theology and religion department, West Indies College, of Education, Bay Islands Mission of Seventh-day Ad- ventist Churches, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras, and Language Institutes, Seoul, Korea, left January 1. Mandeville, Jamaica, Olga Patricia (Rosin) Haakmat, Charlene Waddington (WWC), of Hagerstown, and two children, of Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada, left Alberta Mabel (Beardsley) Jacobs, of Collegedale, Ten- Maryland, to serve as teacher, Overseas School, Tanzania December 19, 1989. nessee, left January 24. to serve as elementary Mission, Arusha, Tanzania, left December 12, 1989. Robert Gordon Peck, returning to serve as president, Karen Elizabeth Keaton, (WWC), of Bend, Oregon, to serve as Rwanda Union, Kigali, Rwanda, and Alice Marie (Clay- teacher, Guam Adventist Academy, Talofofo, Guam, of Marc Wagner Ooltewah, Tennessee, left November 20. conversation teacher, Taiwan San Yu English Bible Cen- ton) Peck, left December 31, 1989. to serve as physician/family prac- ter, Taipei, Taiwan, left October 2. William Lamar Phillips, Jr., returning to serve as Lois Amy Ritchie, (LLU), of Corona, California, to serve as director, ADRA-Bolivia, La Paz, Bolivia, Felicia Jean tice, Kanye Hospital, Kanye, Botswana, of Deming, New Laura West English teacher, Korea Seventh-day Adventist Language (Le Vere) Phillips, and three children left January 17. Mexico, left June 25, 1989. to serve as speaker, School of Institutes, Seoul, Korea, left January 1. Randy Gale Purviance, returning to serve as ADRA William Milton Lee, director, South-East Africa Union Mission, Blantyre, Evangelism, Taiwan Mission, Taichung, Taiwan, and Kelli Lynn Wright, of Morgantown, West Virginia, to of Angwin, California, serve as nurse, Sepik Mission, Wewak, Papua New Malawi, Joella (Moore) Purviance, and one child left Helen Virginia (Warren) Lee, Guinea, left September 26. December 5, 1989. left August 8. to serve as author, Treasurer's Rita I. (Dykes) Schroeder, returning to serve as di- William Lewis Pascoe, rector of nursing, Adventist Hospital of Haiti, Port-au- Manual, Far Eastern Division, Singapore, and Mona of Clarksville, Maryland, left No- Prince, Haiti, left January 3. (O'Connor) Pascoe, Neal Talbert Scott, to serve as manager, Tanzania vember 26. Legal Notices Adventist Press, Morogoro, Tanzania, of Pittsburg, Kan- Sherry Karon (Read) Shrestha, to serve as family practice physician, Scheer Memorial Hospital, Kath- General Conference Corporation of Seventh-day Ad- sas, left November 14, 1989, Matilda Amelia (Bru- Prakash Taujale Shrestha, and three ventists: Notice is hereby given that the next regular meet- backer) Scott, and one child left January 2. mandu, Nepal, children, of Oconto, Nebraska, left January 2. ing of the members of the General Conference Corporation James Eugene Tiffany, to serve as director, ADRA/ Warren Dexter Pierce, to serve as construction direc- of Seventh-day Adventists will be held in the Hoosier Mali, Mali Mission Station, Bamako, Mali, West Africa, Dome, 100 South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Lucia Ann (Gilkes) Tiffany, of Silver Spring, Mary- tor, South-East Africa Union Mission, Blantyre, Malawi, and Rachel May (Anderton) Pierce, of Yakima, Wash- U.S.A., at 10:00 a.m. on July 10, 1990, for the transaction land, left January 7. of any business that may come before the meeting. The Werner Konrad Vyhmeister, returning to serve as ington, left October 24, 1989. to serve as relief physician/in- members of this corporation are the delegates to the fifty- dean/president, Adventist International Institute of Ad- Harold Glenn Stevens, ternal medicine, Seventh-day Adventist Health Centre, fifth session of the General Conference. vanced Studies, Manila, Philippines, and Nancy Jean Neal C. Wilson, President (Weber) Vyhmeister left January 10. Blantyre, Malawi, and Joycelyn Echo (Cossentine) Stevens, of Pollock Pines, California, left June 6, 1989. Donald E. Robinson, Secretary Leo Ray Van Dolson, to serve as revival speaker, Far Nationals Returning Eastern Division, for meetings in Southeast Asia Union North American Conference Corporation of Seventh- to serve as theology teacher, University Kebebe Daka, Mission, West Indonesia Union Mission, and East Indo- day Adventists: Notice is hereby given that the next meet- of Eastern Africa, Eldoret, Kenya, Yerusalem Naph- nesia Union Mission, and Bobbie Jane (Wood) Van Dol- ing of the members of the North American Conference and two children left January 9. talem (Lencha) Daka, son, of Kennebunkport, Maine, left November 17, 1989. Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists will be held in the to serve as departmental director, Roger Po Wen Lee, Faye JoAnne Whiting, to serve as medical assistant, Hoosier Dome, 100 South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, Anna Shum-Tsuen Hong Kong-Macao Conference, and medical elective service, Malamulo Hospital, Makwasa, Indiana, U.S.A., at 10:00 a.m. on July 10, 1990, for the to serve as principal, Hong Kong Sam Yuk Second- Lee, Malawi, of Loma Linda, California, left July 4, 1989. transaction of any business that may come before the ary School, Hong Kong, left November 5, 1989. meeting. The members of this corporation are the dele- Fred Sosa, to serve as English teacher, Metropolitan gates to the fifty-fifth session of the General Conference. Adventist Academy, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, left Oc- Adventist Youth Service Neal C. Wilson, President tober 25, to join his wife, Edna (Ortiz) Sosa, and two Charles Yoo-Shin Ahn (Hartland Institute), of La Donald E. Robinson, Secretary children, who are already in Puerto Rico. Crescents, California, to serve as English teacher, Korea Seventh-day Adventist Language Institutes, Seoul, Korea, Announcement Adventist Volunteer Service left January 8. The Iowa-Missouri Conference in conjunction with Yu- Robert Henry Babcock, to serve as chaplain/pastor, Julie Ahn (LLU), of Berrien Springs, Michigan, to chi Pines Institute will be conducting a field school of Korea Servicemen's Center, Seoul, Korea, and Ota Lee serve as English teacher, Korea Seventh-day Adventist evangelism June 3-Nov. 18, 1990, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. (Selby) Babcock, of Cathedral City, California, left No- Language Institutes, Seoul, Korea, left January 1. The course will include instruction on how to give Bible vember 29. Eric David Anderson, of Dodge Center, Minnesota, to studies and how to engage in personal evangelism. For Robert Boysen Beckett, to serve as maintenance serve as conversation teacher, Seventh-day Adventist En- more information, write: Coordinator, Field Schools of worker, Saipan Seventh-day Adventist Clinic, Saipan, glish Language Institutes, Seoul, Korea, left September 27. Evangelism, Route 1, Box 422, Seale, AL 36875 or phone Mariana Islands, and June Lenore (Allen) Beckett, of Sylvia Ann Chin, of Oakland, California, to serve as (205) 855-3558. Deer Lodge, Tennessee, left September 3. teacher, Taiwan San Yu English Bible Center, Taipei, Robert Wesley Carter, to serve as relief dentist, St. Taiwan, left September 1. Vincent Dental Clinic, Kingstown, St. Vincent, and Shawn Bryant Collins (SC), of East Kingston, New Palma Nadyne (Lockert) Carter, of Burleson, Texas, Hampshire, to serve as English teacher, Korea Seventh- Prayer Requests left October 25. day Adventist Language Institutes, Seoul, Korea, left Jan- Christian Peter Christianson, to serve as architect, uary 8. Every Thursday at 8:00 a.m. the Adventist Review staff Gimbie Hospital, Gimbie, Wollega, Ethiopia, of Loma William Cundiff (SC), of Louisville, Kentucky, to meets together to pray for corporate and personal needs Linda, California, left December 20, 1989. serve as English teacher, Hong Kong Adventist College, and concerns in the church. If you have a personal request Stephen Harris Fowler, to serve as science teacher, Kowloon, Hong Kong, left January 8. you wish us to pray for, please send it to Prayer Requests, Pohnpei Seventh-day Adventist School, Kolonia, Sabina Perus (SC), of Wildwood, Georgia, to serve as Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Pohnpei, of Wenatchee, Washington, left December 3. nurse, Central Amazon Mission, Manaus, Amazonas, Spring, MD 20904-6600. Herbert Norman Giebel, to serve as relief physician, Brazil, left January 22. "It is a part of God's plan to grant us, in answer to the Gimbie Hospital, Gimbie, Wollega, Ethiopia, and Gail Betty Lou Gibson (AU), of Berrien Springs, Michigan, prayer of faith, that which He would not bestow did we not (Muir) Giebel, of Loma Linda, California, left June 4, 1989. to serve as science/computer teacher, Hong Kong Sam thus ask" (The Great Controversy, p. 525).

22 (310) ADVENTIST REVIEW, MARCH 22, 1990 R EFL E C T IONS

Pillars or Pillows ?

T read the short, handwritten message on a card: A father is unjustly imprisoned. 1 "You are such pillars in the church. Actually, No one can see these hurts, but the pillows of I like the word pillows better because you are such the church have a way of becoming aware of a sweet comfort to everyone." others' suffering. Following Jesus' example in Earlier, the writer of the message had confided Luke 22:32 when He told His weak friend Peter her sorrow to me and we had prayed together. that He had prayed for him, the pillows encourage When we parted she had smiled, "I need your their fellow members by praying for them, and prayers. It gives me strength to know you are telling them so. Just as Jesus' words encouraged praying." and consoled Peter, our promise to pray for others "Don't worry, I will be praying for you," I "Pillows" of encourages them. promised, thinking of the advice in James 5:16 to "pray one for another." Blessed Assurance Now the card with its handwritten message the church help Loving friends cushion life's blows by listen- triggered my thoughts. In addition to their inci- ing, and by praying with and for those buffeted dental beginning with p and ending with s, it by Satan. They assure their friends that God seemed to me that pillars and pillows may have us cushion loves, hears, and understands their frustration and quite a few characteristics in common; there are sorrow. They are angels of God clad in human many ways in which they are synonymous. skin who show the suffering one that God has an life's blows eternal interest in him. True Support The momentarily less stalwart gain strength Structures depend on pillars' strength to hold from the pillows of the church. Often, those who the building upright. Pillars support buildings in by listening, sympathize best have also suffered. They have all weather conditions, and no one is concerned discovered again and again that God does support that they might topple tomorrow. Time has them (even though God sometimes seems to be proved them sound. loving, and distant or hidden by a cloud. They preceive Him Those who are "pillars of the church" may as Jesus did at Calvary). also be thought of as pillows, since they support Pillows of the church share not only their the church at all times and in all circumstances. praying. friends' sorrow or frustration, but their anger. In a Satan-controlled world, the majority of a They continue praying, knowing that the Lord has congregation is hurting. Some of the hurts are promised that the earnest prayer of a righteous obvious: a broken leg, a needed wheelchair, a person has great effect (see James 5:16). less-than-successful surgery, death. But other My friend was right. Pillows and pillars are hurts are not obvious. The Sabbath-to-Sabbath synonymous. They support, they lend strength to smile of those regularly attending services does the whole building, they uphold in all conditions. not reveal the hurt the individual may be suffer- Through trials and sorrow they share their own ing: testimony—that God always writes the final A son disappears for four months, leaving no chapter in their lives. As promised, "all things clues. work together for good to them that love God" A divorce in one's immediate family is immi- (Rom. 8:28). nent. An unwed daughter becomes pregnant. An alcoholic husband loses his job and returns Connie Wells Nowlan writes to booze. from Boulder, Colorado. A daughter, dismissed from academy, quits school. A job is lost because a hospital is sold. A mother suffers a debilitating stroke. By Connie Wells Nowlan

ADVENTIST REVIEW. MARCH 22. 1990 (311) 23

I rl I 111,1,

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