October 1999

Homes and Hope in HONDURAS Undoing some of the damage done by Hurricane Mitch

Five Ways to Support Your Pastor LETTERS

What Should We Leave Behind? fear that the church will be painted while hating the homosexuality. I agree with Royson James that there as intolerant and hateful, because Unfortunately, this message is often should be no question about what our that is indeed what many gay ignored by the membership; they end church is about Adventists who remain in the church up hating both. (“What Should We experience from church leaders and Leave Behind?” their congregations. —Lara Summers August NAD). There are many Adventists who do V IA E-MAIL However, I fail to see accept and cherish fellow church mem- Seventh-day Adventists distinguish why we should not bers who are gay. Their courageous lov- between a homosexual orientation and a feel free to let it be ing example is to be commended. homosexual lifestyle. The demonstration known that To their credit, some Adventist of Christian grace for all people—regard- Adventists, in compliance with leaders occasionally mention that all less of their sexual orientation—is Scripture, oppose homosexuality, even Christians should love the homosexual urged.—Editors. though Toronto has a huge gay popula- tion—all the more reason to denounce the gay lifestyle. We should be as Paul (1 Thess. 2:4). The Living Bible puts it this way: “We change his message not eard the one bit to suit the taste of those who hear it; for we serve God alone.” Will H we keep quiet in Toronto about NEWS? Sabbath for fear of a headline “Adventists Slam Sundaykeepers”? Brand new Seventh-day —Clayton Howell C ALHOUN, GEORGIA Adventists are learning . . . I am a Seventh-day Adventist. My parents are third-generation ✓ Adventists. My uncle was once the about Jesus and His matchless love head of a regional conference. I myself ✓ how He works today attended Adventist elementary school ✓ help for knowing Him better HOWPEOPLE? for seven years, graduated from an LIKE YOU ✓ hope in His soon return Adventist academy, and attended SPONSORED GIFT Andrews University. I also worked for SUBSCRIPTIONS the church for more than a decade. I MORE tell you all this because I am also a NAMES ARE COMING lesbian. AND WE NEED YOUR HELP. Send your check for I am writing to express my deep BE A CHAMPION FOR $25, $50, $100, or $1000. sadness over the article “What Spread the Good News! Should We Leave Behind?” written A NEW BELIEVER TODAY. by Royson James in the August NAD Send contribution to Adventist Review, New Believers Plan, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD20904 issue of the Review. James is right to

2 (1386) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 This is in response to Royson James’ rounded to $10 million by special column in the August NAD edition. donations from wealthier believers). What I think he was saying is: “How do My wife and I would be willing to we want to be remembered in Toronto? give a month’s salary toward such a Do we want to be seen as intolerant project. Who wants to follow suit? and hateful (like Fred Phelps, the COVER STORY Kansas minister who pickets against —Pastor and Mrs. Eddy (Erna) gays), as people whose main mission is Johnson 16 Homes and Hope in Honduras telling others what we think they’re N EW C ALEDONIA M ISSION, BY A NNE D. SHERWOOD doing wrong? Or do we want to be S OUTH PACIFIC D IVISION seen as a church that loves and cares ARTICLES for people as Jesus did?” What a wonderful idea Royson James James brought up an issue about suggested in the August Adventist 8 The Day My Burden Fell which I would like to make a sugges- Review: helping the homeless in BY K IMBERLY B. HARRIS tion. He indicated that we wouldn’t Toronto next summer. Enclosed is our want to be remembered primarily for “mite” to help this huge undertaking 12 Five Things You Can Do slamming gays. But wouldn’t it be won- succeed. God bless. to Support Your Pastor derful if we were remembered for sim- BY R ANDY M AXWELL ply and lovingly telling the Toronto —Di and Allan Roth 22 Out of the Ashes: gay community that they are Jesus’ C OLLEGE P LACE, WASHINGTON A Touch of Grace children and He loves them? In gen- A generous sum was enclosed with the BY C AROLYN R ATHBUN-SUTTON eral, Christians have not been known above letter.—Editors. for extending God’s love and grace to 53 Talkin’ to the Master homosexuals, yet there are thousands BY B OB R IGSBY who long to find fellowship and support in a Christian community. Is it too Stale Chips for Jesus 54 Dating the Advent: Do the Jubilees Provide the Clue? much to hope that our church could be I confess that I do not read many of BY THE B IBLICAL R ESEARCH the one to bring reconciliation? the Review articles from beginning to I NSTITUTE James also said if Jesus were at our end, but the August NAD edition General Conference session in Toronto story “Stale Chips for Jesus” kept me 60 Lifting Up the Pastor He would be found among the outcasts glued until the finish. Not only did BY E LLEN G. WHITE such as the homeless. I would like to Candace Wilson Jorgensen have an DEPARTMENTS suggest that He would also be found excellent message, but she organized it 2 Letters among the gay/lesbian population who in such a way that I did not feel like 7 Give & Take have been so ostracized and shunned stopping short. I hope she comes up by professed followers of Christ. with another winner soon. 27 Tuesday’s Child 48 World News & Perspectives —Carrol Grady —Vernon Oliver 52 Sandra Doran: Dialogues S NOHOMISH, WASHINGTON H UNTSVILLE, ALABAMA 59 Cityscapes My wife and I are Canadians serving 62 Reflections our church in the missions. We have also worked in Toronto and love that EDITORIALS city, which we consider our home. 5 Mary’s Choice Royson James’ article in the August NAD edition touched a responding Letters Policy 6 Faith-building Stories chord in our hearts. Indeed, it would be The Review welcomes your letters. Short, great if the Adventist Church could specific letters are the most effective and NEXT WEEK make an “out-of-this-world gift” to the have the best chance at being published. HERWOOD city of Toronto for its hundreds of Letters will be edited for space and clarity “They’re Circling for Me” D. S NNE homeless folks. only. Send correspondence to Letters to the Out in the jungles of New Guinea, the A May I suggest that we start the ball Editor, Adventist Review, 12501 Old same event can mean different things to different people.

rolling right away. If each Adventist Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904- HOTO BY visitor to Toronto made a gift of $100, 6600; Internet: [email protected] P OVER we’d get $7 million (which could be CompuServe network: 74617.15. C

ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 (1387) 3 Taking Wings on the Web By Carlos Medley, Adventist Review news editor Two years ago the Adventist Review began distributing its electronic edition via the Adventists Online Forum on CompuServe. Since that first “Behold, I come quickly . . .” issue, hundreds of readers sent Our mission is to uplift Jesus Christ through stories of His matchless love, news of His present workings, help us e-mail, phone calls, and let- for knowing Him better, and hope in His soon return. ters. The message was loud Publisher General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and clear: “We’re happy that Executive Publisher William G. Johnsson Associate Publisher Charlotte McClure the Review has entered the Publishing Board: Jan Paulsen, chair; Phil Follett, vice-chair; information superhighway; it’s Lowell Cooper; William G. Johnsson; Robert E. Lemon; A. C. McClure; Ardis D. Stenbakken, Donald R. Sahly; Ted N. C. nice that the magazine is avail- Wilson; Robert Nixon, legal advisor able on CompuServe, but when Editor William G. Johnsson will the Review get on the Associate Editors Roy Adams, Bill Knott Managing Editor Myrna Tetz Internet, where more people News Editor Carlos Medley can access it?” Assistant Editors Stephen Chavez, Kimberly Luste Maran Editorial Assistant Ella Rydzewski The Review staff has Project Coordinator Chitra Barnabas heard the message, and as Administrative Secretary Ruth Wright Editorial Secretary Jean Sequeira part of the magazine’s 150th Designer Bill Tymeson anniversary we’re pleased to Desktop Technician Stephanie Kaping announce the launching of our Ad Sales Melynie Tooley, Genia Blumenberg Subscriber Services Steve Hanson new website—the Adventist

Consulting Editors: Jan Paulsen, Matthew Bediako, Phil Review Online Edition (www.AdventistReview.org). The Internet has emerged as Follett, Robert J. Kloosterhuis, A. C. McClure, Leo the communications vehicle of the 1990s, and it’s imperative that we use the Ranzolin, R. L. Rawson, Calvin B. Rock, G. Ralph Thompson new technology to extend our reach to Adventist believers around the world and North American Edition introduce others to the Adventist faith. Consulting Editors: Alfred C. McClure, Bjorne Christensen, Kermit Netteburg, Monte Sahlin The site will contain updated feature stories and articles within 48 hours of Special Contributors: Harold Baptiste, George Crumley, Malcolm D. Gordon, Bruce Johnston, Ted Jones, Ralph the magazine’s press time, allowing you to access the issue several days before Martin, Cyril Miller, Thomas J. Mostert, Jr., Orville D. Parchment, Charles Sandefur it arrives in your mailbox. Here’s a summary of the features you’ll find each week. To Writers: We welcome unsolicited manuscripts. (Please query before submitting long articles.) Include address, Review Content: Though you won’t get the whole magazine online, you will telephone number, and Social Security number, where available. Address all editorial correspondence to 12501 see two feature stories, an editorial or column, and church news. We’ll also Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600. show you our contents page and a sneak preview of features from the upcoming Editorial office fax number: (301) 680-6638. issue. You’ll be able to download the magazine (to read this format you’ll need E-mail: Internet: [email protected] CompuServe network: 74617,15 the Acrobat Reader software).

Subscriptions: Twelve monthly issues: US$12.00 plus Web-Only Articles: Along with the above content you’ll also find a monthly US$10.20 international postage; 40 issues of the weekly Adventist Review, US$38.97; full 52 issues (monthly and article written by a nationally known Christian author or a feature about a widely weekly), US$50.97 known personality. You can also take time to participate in our biweekly poll or Subscription queries and changes of address for the monthly North American Division Edition: Contact your local union register to receive an online newsletter. conference headquarters. For information regarding the weekly editions of the Adventist Review: Call 301-393-3257, Have you ever wanted to meet a Review editor in person? Then check out our toll-free 1-800-456-3991 or e-mail [email protected]. list of staff speaking appointments. You’ll find out when Review editors will visit Postmaster: Send address changes to Adventist Review, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740. your area. Scriptures credited to ICB are quoted from the International Children’s Reader Interaction: Of course we want your feedback. Give us your ideas Bible, New Century Version, copyright © 1983, 1986, 1988 by Word Publishing, Dallas, Texas 75039. Used by permission. Scripture quo- about the website and the printed magazine. Tell us how we can serve you bet- tations marked NASB are from the New American Standard Bible, © The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, ter. Send us your letters to the editor, article queries, prayer requests, and other 1975, 1977. Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. correspondence. For aspiring writers, our writers’ guidelines are listed for your Bible texts credited to RSV are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, 1971, by the Division of Christian convenience. Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. In addition to these features, you can subscribe to the printed magazine with

The Adventist Review (ISSN 0161-1119), published since just a few keystrokes and a click of the mouse. Whether you live in Baltimore or 1849, is the general paper of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It is published by the General Conference of Bangkok, Pittsburgh or Pretoria, you can purchase the weekly magazine online. Seventh-day Adventists and is printed 40 times a year each Thursday except the first Thursday of each month by the All it takes is a valid American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa credit Review and Herald® Publishing Association. Standard postage paid at Hagerstown, MD 21740. Copyright © 1999, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. card. Now the Review is as close as your home PC. We’re only a click away. We’ll PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Vol. 176, No. 40 always be there when you need us.

4 (1388) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 EDITORIAL Mary’s Choice ROY ADAMS

ast March the Washington Post published an arti- Similarly, much of the data now flowing across the cle that riveted my attention. Written by staff Internet will likely become irretrievable not many years writer Joel Achenbach (under the general title: from now, made useless by the rapid advance of the very “Beyond 2000/The Frontiers of Knowledge”), the technology that gave them birth. piece explored the chal- Caught up in the contemporary Llenges of what its subtitle called information chase, we can easily “The Too-Much-Information Age,” neglect the things of eternal value. providing a gripping description of The attic is Let’s think: How much time do I some of the issues facing our infor- spend surfing the Internet? And how mation-saturated civilization on the jammed and all the does that compare with the time spent eve of the new millennium.* in prayer and Bible study? Are these “In 1472,” Achenbach observed, spiritual exercises receiving anything “the library at Queens’ College in closets are full. close to equal time? Cambridge, England, had precisely Confront yourself. Be honest about 199 books.” It was a time, he said, it. Unceasing activity is the blight of when some scholars, with a fair measure of plausibility, could our times. The whole civilization looks like one vast unstable claim that they had read “every important book ever written.” mass in constant flux. Says U.S. Congress librarian James Bill- No more. Today “institutions and individuals alike” are ington: “Our society is basically motion without memory. . . . struggling to cope “with a deluge of books, journals, tapes, Which, of course, is one of the clinical definitions of insanity.” legal records, documents, e-mail and uncounted gushers of How do we rise above the prevailing distraction and raw data.” The attic is jammed, the basement is crammed, bring a sense of order, focus, and sanity to our lives again? all the closets are full, and yet the stuff just keeps on Where do we find seasons for solitude? moments for calm? coming. “More than 50,000 books are published every year When do we find occasion to smell the jasmine? to laugh? to in America alone. The number of different journals pub- be human? Time to listen to the concerns of those who hurt? lished globally is estimated at 400,000. The media moguls to mull over a chapter in a good book? to analyze a passage promise that soon every home will have access to hundreds in the Bible? to commit to memory a promise from the of television channels. The World Wide Web . . . now has Scriptures? Time simply to sit at the feet of Jesus—to come millions of sites.” “The library [of Congress] has 113 million apart, alone with God? items already, and every morning 20,000 more . . . slam into Picture Jesus in a little house in Bethany 2,000 years ago. the loading dock.” As He discourses, Martha is busy in another room—busy with How does anyone interested in keeping current cope with the microwave, with the latest in culinary technology down- all this? If you’re like me, you sometimes feel as if the waters loaded from the Internet, with checking websites for the latest of Iguaçu, Victoria, and Niagara had consolidated into one recipes. Busy with the urgent. massive flow, and you were standing where it all came down. But Mary sits at the feet of Jesus—doing nothing—unproductive. Or so it seems until So What to Do? Jesus, in response to Martha’s protest, What we need more than anything else, I think, is perspec- interprets the scene for us: “Martha, tive. We need to understand the transitory nature of much of Martha,” He says, “you are worried and this stuff. Caught up in the unfolding drama of Watergate in upset about many things, but only one the seventies, I recorded scores of hours of the historic Senate thing is needed. Mary has chosen what hearings on the crisis. Firsthand historical documents for pos- is better, and it will not be taken terity, I thought. I still have the tapes. But the tape recorder is away from her” (Luke 10:42, NIV). gone. And in the words of John Carlin, chief archivist of the United States, “There are [only] about half a dozen machines *Washington Post, Mar. 12, 1999, pp. A1, A22. All non-Scripture quotes in the left in the world that can play those tapes.” editorial are from that article.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 (1389) 5 EDITORIAL Faith-building Stories ALFRED C. MCCLURE

ave you heard the story about the angel’s warn- for 150 years people—millions and millions of them—have ing? It goes something like this: had their faith built. A group of people are riding together. They These angels build faith because: see someone at the side of the road who seems ✔ Their story is true. to be asking for a ride. They would never think ✔ Their story comes from God. Hof stopping to pick up a hitchhiker, but something makes ✔ Their story brings good news about a God who cares them pick up this person. for human beings. The person seems pleasant; they chat about the events of ✔ Their story gives hope for those who love God. the day. Soon the topic turns toward religion. The person ✔ Their story shows the triumph of good over evil. then says, “Jesus is coming soon, much sooner than you ✔ Their story is complete in Christ. think.” And with that the “person” is gone. Real Faith-building The group of people are “My hope is built on nothing less Stories convinced they have There are more faith- been visited by an Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. . . . building stories in the angel. Bible. Joseph, who was On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; discarded by his broth- Disappearing Angel ers but not by God. Story All other ground is sinking sand.” David, who was a man It’s a great faith- after God’s own heart, building story: angels even though his life is visiting humans to warn that Christ’s coming is near. littered with the tragic consequences of sin. Peter, who The only problem: it’s not true. denied that he knew Jesus but found complete forgiveness. The disappearing angel story is an urban myth. In its ear- Esther, who risked her life because of the peril to God’s peo- lier versions the group is riding covered wagons, heading ple. Enoch, who lived a life of complete dependence on God west to Ohio. In its later versions the group is made up of in a world of complete alienation from Him. college students, going home for vacation—heading east to And Jesus. My faith is built on Him. My faith exists Ohio. There have been hundreds of versions. through Him. My faith is strengthened by recalling His life. The story is an example of what Peter called “cunningly When I hear Him quote Scripture to His enemies, I am devised fables” (2 Peter 1:16). The New Revised Standard encouraged to read the Bible more. When I see Him in Version translates that phrase as “cleverly devised myths.” prayer all night, I fall to my knees to ask God for wisdom Sometimes I think the devil creates these false “faith-build- and guidance. When I watch Him quiet the storm on ing stories” so that he can dash our hopes when we learn Galilee, my own troubles are less troublesome. that the stories are false. Paul calls faith “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not Appearing Angels Story seen” (Heb. 11:1). My faith is built on There’s a better story about angels warning of end-times. real stories. In fact, at the heart of It’s in Revelation 14, and it features angels who appear, not Adventism is a faith built on Christ and disappear. One angel says the hour of God’s judgment has His righteousness. come. A second angel says to come to God’s true church. A third angel asks saints to be patient and remain faithful to God’s Son and His commandments. Alfred C. McClure is the president of That’s a real faith-building story. For 150 years the the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Adventist Church has told the appearing angels story. And North America.

6 (1390) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 ADVENTIST LIFE One afternoon while my wife was nap- ping, I thought that it would be amusing to paint her toes red with some polish she had gotten in a grab bag at the pharmacy, but she woke up as I pulled the brush from the bottle so I painted the nail on my big toe instead. I thought nothing more of it until the following Sabbath when I was removing my sock for the first elder to wash my feet at Communion. As I saw my big toe emerge, painted red, I was GIVE& momentarily speechless. Mentally I tried to compose a brief explanation. All I could say was “It’s a long story.” He replied, “I understand. Let’s pray.” So we did. —Sam Darby, Douglassville, Pennsylvania

One day I was teasing my sons about our wish for grandchildren, using twins for an example. Our son Martin asked how I liked the name “Polly.” I said that I liked it fine. Then he added, “How about ‘Esther’?” “Son, any name you choose is fine with me!” I replied. “All right, that settles it,” he said. “We’ll name the twins ‘Polly-Esther’ and their little brother we’ll call ‘Rayon’.” We all laughed, after which he added, “Well, what would you expect a man of TAKE the cloth to name his children?” —Elder Larry Evans, Morristown, Tennessee

HEAVEN HERALD’S TRUMPET Oops! Herald the Review angel is back, and The sun gives off its last burst of radiance Herald’s trumpet is once again hidden somewhere Before plunging us into darkness. in this magazine. A final fiery red glow, Diminishing into a deep, deep black.

The world adjusts its sights to the dark. The stars glimmer in the heavens above. The moon peeks out from behind a [Both the solitary cloud, trumpet and the Illuminating the path before me. angel got away from us in the September 23 AnchorPoints Edition, My eyes search the skies for one where the trumpet was supposed to be hidden constellation— but wasn’t.] The one I look to for hope. In our last contest (August 19 Cutting Edge Right there in mighty Orion’s belt Edition), we had 39 entries. Our three winners I behold heaven itself. were: Caleb Lewis, from Keene, Texas; Phylicia Benabe, from Ceiba, Puerto Rico; and Karina —Kristen Axford, Upper Columbia Academy, Jane Roman, from Quezon City, Philippines. Spangle, Washington Caleb, Phylicia, and Karina each received a book from Pacific Press. Where was the trumpet? On WE NEED YOU page 6. Send Give & Take submissions to . . . If you can find the trumpet this time, send Give & Take, Adventist Review, 12501 Old your postcard to Herald’s Trumpet at the Give & Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904; Take address on this page. The prize is . . . a sur- Fax: 301-680-6638; E-mail: 74532.2564 prise! Look for the three winners’ names in the @CompuServe.com. Please include phone November 18 Cutting Edge Edition. Have fun number. Submissions will not be returned. searching—and keep trumpeting Jesus’ love!

ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 (1391) 7 ANCHORPOINTS

The Day My Burden Fell I was Adventist—and lost. Here’s how God found me.

BY KIMBERLY B. HARRIS

The following is one of some 17 additional articles (beyond the top three winners) accepted in our 1998 AnchorPoints Essay Contest for young writers.—Editors.

NE OF THE PITFALLS OF GROWING UP had a major problem, though—guilt. I spent much of the Adventist is that we often don’t fully appreciate time fighting a sense that I was lost. I kept hearing Satan’s the experience of salvation. We spend our child- accusations taunting me and hounding me. I had trouble hood and youth compliantly obeying the many concentrating on anything being said because of my sins O“rules of religion,” unaware of the underlying screaming at me from inside my head. I knew that I was a principles. It’s only after we accept Christ’s gift of redemption sinner, repulsive to God. I knew that I could not stand in that we come to realize the value of the principles we hold. His presence. But I wanted to sit peacefully in His sanctuary so bad! I Didn’t Want the Hassle Finally one Sabbath I couldn’t bear it any longer. I cried It was Sabbath morning. No matter what I did or where I out silently to God, “Please, just let me sit here. Just let me was on the seventh day of the week, I still thought of it as listen to the service. Just let me stay. You don’t have to talk the Sabbath. I didn’t see myself as “breaking” the Sabbath. I to me. You don’t have to acknowledge me. I only want to sit just didn’t keep it. here in peace.” And I’m not being sarcastic. I really felt there was a dif- I really didn’t expect God to accept me. I just wanted ference. I usually spent the Sabbath doing many of the same Him to ignore me. I thought He was the one tormenting me things other Adventists did: I went for a country ride, I with guilty feelings. I didn’t know that He only wanted to played with my dogs, I walked, I visited family. Two things I love me, until He said my name. He said, “Kim, you can did not do, however: I did not attend church and I stay. You can be with Me any time you want. You can did not talk to God. I didn’t attend church because I talk to Me, and I will listen.” (Which reminded me of ILMS

didn’t want to find myself evaluating my wandering His assurance in Isaiah 43:1, “Fear not, for I have F life or my Christian experience; and I didn’t talk to redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are God because I didn’t know what to say to Him. So I mine.”)* NDERSON preoccupied myself with other “acceptable” things. I can’t express the emotion I felt when I heard Him A I can’t remember now what prompted me to say that. I was relieved of my burden of guilt, like the EN © K return to church. I just started dropping in from time Christian in Pilgrim’s Progress who arrives at the cross. HOTO to time. After a while it was getting pretty regular. I His burden was cut off his back and rolled down the P

8 (1392) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 hill. He had done nothing to unload it. But I Was Still Broken, Still let one before our Father.” I could see It simply had been lifted from him. Wounded Him smile as He draped His white And it happened to me. I felt so good! For months following that Sabbath cloak over my shoulders and sat down I came each Sabbath to be with I continued to attend church. Every beside me. He would take my hand God. God was my only friend; He was Sabbath I sat down in the pew and and hold it. the only friend I needed. For the first asked Jesus, “Please, cover me with Often Satan would come and time in my life I talked to Him, friend Your white robe to hide my own scar- accuse me, and tell the Lord that I’d to friend, rather than as accuser and given myself over to him. I would be so accused.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 (1393) 9 ashamed, knowing that he was right. my thoughts. They had a large picture But Christ never hesitated to defend of Jesus hanging in the front, and I was me. With eyes that burned like fire thinking, I want to be with Jesus. I had Christ would look directly at Satan gone forward and sat on the front pew and reply, “The Lord rebuke you, and just talked to my Friend. Satan! The Lord, who has chosen That Friday night at the College- Kimberly, rebuke you! Is not this dale vespers my thoughts were similar. I woman a burning stick snatched from wanted to be with Jesus. I left my seat the fire?” (see Zech. 3:2). I would and walked up the already-crowded clutch His coat around me, rest in aisle. Tears ran unhindered down my Him, and Satan would flee. face and peace rushed over my body. I Although I rested in Christ, I was returned to my seat with that peace still a broken, wounded spirit. wrapped around me. I knew that I had Although I now knew that He loved once again been in the presence of my me and accepted me as I Friend. was, I didn’t know He The next morning I could restore me to the went to the Sabbath innocence of my child- school class taught by hood. I learned to love Paul Julian, hoping to Him for the gift of peace Finally one Sabbath find more peace with He had given me. But He Jesus, as I had the night also offered hope. before. When Julian I couldn’t bear it entered the room, he The Turning Point spotted me, and said One night I attended any longer. I cried out enthusiastically, “I saw vespers at the Collegedale you come down front last church, on the campus of silently to God, “Please, night. God bless you!” I Southern Adventist was stunned. There must University. Paul Julian have been hundreds of was speaking that just let me sit here. people in the aisle of the evening—about the dif- church during that altar ferent things in our lives Just let me listen to call. I had no idea how that we cling to, and how he could recognize me, they keep us from Jesus. the service. except by the power of At least, that is how the the Holy Spirit. Once message came to me. again God was confirm- I was so very moved Just let me stay. ing His interest in me. by the presentation. But God let me know that I when Julian gave an altar You don’t have to talk to really was the apple of call, I was not ready to His eye. make such a commit- me. You don’t have to I wanted someone to ment. I couldn’t bring talk to about the changes myself to surrender my in my life. I needed life to Christ and give up acknowledge me. someone to help plant the relationships I clung my feet firmly in my new to. I knew it would break I only want to sit here in walk, and I thought I my heart if I gave it to could really use a human Jesus, and I told Him so. peace.” shoulder to lean on for a He said to me, “Dear little while. I had a friend Kim, isn’t your heart who knew Paul Julian, already broken? I will but I really felt as though not hurt your heart if you I needed to talk with a give it to Me. I will heal it.” church, and the evangelistic series was woman. So my friend recommended As I struggled with my pain, I winding up. I was 7 years old. I can’t Julian’s wife, Deborah. My friend asked remembered a similar altar call from remember the sermon, nor can I Deborah if I could speak with her, and my childhood. It was back at my home remember the call. But I do remember she sought me out.

10 (1394) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 Again, God was reaching for me. could, I wasn’t sure I wanted to let go Blinded by my tears, I pulled off the Everyone He worked through made of the pain. What all would this road and cried in Jesus’ arms. Although contact with me. I felt so loved by involve? I didn’t know it yet, He had just Him, to be sought after so diligently. Although I had accepted Christ’s answered the plea of my heart, and the Deborah and I got together, and I told forgiveness, I had not yet given up all healing had begun. her my whole story—a story of betrayal of the treasures of my heart. I was and lost hope, of wandering in search afraid of the pain involved in letting Everything Is New of love and fulfillment, of my strivings go. I didn’t know if I had the strength In the days that followed I began to to fill the void left when I’d lost my to let go. I was scared of the loneliness experience the peace God had dreams. Deborah listened, and loved that might come if I did let go. I left promised me when I first stepped into me. I told her of how I had given my Deborah’s house a little confused, but His sanctuary. I continued to struggle life back to God, and in spite of deep yet a little hopeful, too—that my heart to let go of my pain, to let go of my sorrow over the wounds of my heart, I would not always ache. heart’s treasures. I asked to be anointed had peace. I told her of God’s promise As I drove home that afternoon I for emotional healing, and I was. I to me in Zephaniah 3:20: “‘At that popped a cassette tape into my player began to meet with Jesus every day, time I will gather you; at that time I will and let it play in the background as I and found out that He was not only bring you home. I will give you honor and reflected. It was a new cassette by a the Saviour of my soul but also my praise among all the peoples of the earth Christian artist, one I’d never listened friend, my soul mate. when I restore your fortunes before your to before. After a few minutes the Today I know that I am cherished; I very eyes,’ says the Lord.” I told words of a song caught my attention— am beloved. I am a very special person. Deborah I knew I could live with my words about the story in Luke 5:12, 13, Everything I had been searching for— broken heart until Jesus comes again to about the man with leprosy whom for so many years—was given to me restore my life to me. Jesus healed. The leper had known one climactic day 2,000 years before I rejection and loneliness. His life was was born. On another special day I The Healing hopeless until he heard of Jesus. He accepted that gift. And I will never Deborah’s response to this took me sought Jesus out and asked Jesus if He give it back. by surprise. She told me that I didn’t was willing to heal him. Jesus have to wait until Christ’s return to be answered, “I am willing.” And He restored. She said Jesus would heal me healed him. Kimberly Harris, a stay-at- now. I listened to her, but I was unsure. Jesus said to me, “My power is real. home mom to toddlers Kyle How could God heal a broken heart? Your pain can be ended. I’m willing to and Rachel, lives in Could He take away pain? Even if He help you. I’m willing to heal.” Collegedale, Tennessee.

The Experience of Salvation In infinite love and mercy God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might be made the righteousness of God. Led by the Holy Spirit we sense our need, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our transgressions, and exercise faith in Jesus as Lord and Christ, as Substitute and Example. This faith which receives salvation comes through the divine power of the Word and is the gift of God’s grace. Through Christ we are justified, adopted as God’s sons and daughters, and delivered from the lordship of sin. Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified; the Spirit renews our minds, writes God’s law of love in our hearts, and we are given the power to live a holy life. Abiding in Him we become partakers of the divine nature and have the assurance of salvation now and in the judgment. (2 Cor. 5:17-21; John 3:16; Gal. 1:4; 4:4-7; Titus 3:3-7; John 16:8; Gal. 3:13, 14; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; Rom. 10:17; Luke 17:5; Mark 9:23, 24; Eph. 2:5-10; Rom. 3:21- 26; Col. 1:13, 14; Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 3:26; John 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:23; Rom. 12:2; Heb. 8:7-12; Eze. 36:25-27; 2 Peter 1:3, 4; Rom. 8:1-4; 5:6-10.)—Fundamental Belief No. 10.

*Scripture references in this article are from the New International Version.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 (1395) 11 LIFESTYLE

Things You Can Do to Support Your Pastor

You too will be blessed as you minister to the one who ministers to you.

BY RANDY MAXWELL

MAGINE THAT YOU ARE A TRAINED PROFES- Welcome to the world of the pastor. Pastors are supposed sional with years of schooling—perhaps even a Ph.D.— to be perfect in every way—great speakers, theologians, and years of practical, on-the-job experience. Now pic- counselors, administrators, evangelists, perfect spouses and ture everyone from the delivery person to the 80-year- parents. But, as the following statistics from a 1991 interde- old great-grandmother of one of your best clients telling nominational survey of pastors conducted by Fuller Institute Iyou how to do your job. How would it feel to have your reveal, the stress of the job takes an enormous toll: motives, lifestyle, and integrity scrutinized and questioned by 90 percent of pastors work more than 46 hours a week. those you served? What would it feel like to have your com- 80 percent believe pastoral ministry has affected their petency and job performance constantly called into question families negatively. by people who had absolutely zero training in your field? And 33 percent say that being in the ministry is an outright what if you were expected to be on call 24 hours a day to hazard to their family. provide comfort, counseling, advice, and guidance to these 75 percent report a significant stress-related crisis at least same people, while never being able to have a problem your- once in their ministry. self? Sound like a tough job? 50 percent feel unable to meet the needs of the job.

12 (1396) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 90 percent feel they were inade- The same goes for criticizing the We can support our pastors by praying quately trained to cope with ministry pastor in the presence of his or her specifically for God to protect and demands. spouse. Complaining to the pastor’s bless them in several key areas. 70 percent say they have a lower wife or husband to “get through to the • Humility. Ask God to give your self-image than when they started in pastor” is a cowardly and insensitive pastor a servant’s heart and a teachable the ministry. tactic that often makes church atten- spirit. 40 percent report a serious conflict dance unbearable for the spouse. • Wisdom. Pray that your pastor with a parishioner at least once a Follow Paul’s admonition not to “let will be sensitive to God’s leading, able month. any unwholesome talk come out of to discern His plans and purposes. 33 percent confess involvement in your mouths, but only what is helpful • Health. Ask God to place a hedge some inappropriate sexual behavior for building others up according to of protection around your pastor, keep- with someone in the church. ing him or her in good health and 70 percent do not have someone safety when traveling. they consider a close friend.* • Family. As the survey above indi- How would you cated, pastors feel that the demands of You may have never guessed that ministry have had a negative impact your pastor struggled with feelings of on their families. Pray for the pastor’s loneliness, inadequacy, and depression. like to have relationships with his or her spouse But now you know. So what can you and children. Pray that, next to God, know about it? the pastor will put the needs of his or your motives, her family first. • Time. Pray that the demands of lifestyle, and ministry, such as counseling, commit- tee meetings, visitation, and sermon preparation won’t overshadow the time Call a integrity your leader needs to spend alone with God. This must remain a top priority moratorium in order for God to powerfully use your scrutinized and pastor. on criticism. • Integrity and anointing. Pastors are tempted by the same things you are questioned by tempted by. Pray for them to maintain Get control of your tongue. James their integrity in all circumstances. accurately depicts the power of the those you serve? Pray for the anointing of the Holy tongue and the pain it can produce. Spirit to be on their ministry. Without “All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles the Holy Spirit, a leader’s work, no and creatures of the sea are being matter how successful by earthly stan- tamed and have been tamed by man, their needs, that it may benefit those dards, is of no lasting value. but no man can tame the tongue. It is who listen” (Eph. 4:29, NIV). Besides praying for your pastor, con- a restless evil, full of deadly poison. sider praying with your pastor. I With the tongue we praise our Lord approached my pastor last year and and Father, and with it we curse men, asked if I could serve him by being his who have been made in God’s likeness. personal prayer partner. He was gen- Out of the same mouth come praise uinely grateful for this offer of spiritual and cursing. My brothers, this should support and friendship and eagerly not be” (James 3:7-10, NIV). Pray for and with accepted my offer. When our busy Determine not to use your tongue schedules allow it, we get together to tear down the pastor. Look for ways the pastor. once a week to share joys and disap- and words to build up and encourage pointments, prayer requests, and the your shepherd. If you do have a legiti- dreams and frustrations of ministry. If mate beef, then talk directly to the you would like to become your pastor’s pastor and avoid spreading the seeds of Instead of criticizing the pastor, pray prayer partner, I strongly recommend your discontent among other members. for and with him or her. Pastors are you get the book Partners in Prayer, by They can’t help the situation, and your special targets of the enemy. Dis- John Maxwell (no relation). This book criticism will only breed a spirit of neg- couragement is Satan’s number one will lead you step-by-step in how to be ativism in the church. weapon against God’s spiritual leaders. a partner in prayer with your pastor.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 (1397) 13 Loving and supporting your pastor is a privilege and a practical fulfillment of the golden rule. You will be blessed as you minister to the one who minis- Send ters to you. And the benefits you and your church will receive from an your pastor encouraged, prayed-for, rested, and Send your pastor appreciated pastor will be too many to cards or notes of count. appreciation. on a retreat. This article first appeared in Signs of the Times, May 1999, and is reprinted with permission from Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1350 North Kings I remember seeing a survey of what I remember a six-month period Road, Nampa, ID 83687-3193. motivates employees to perform their when our church was between pastors best, and was surprised to learn that and I was the head elder. For six *John Maxwell, Partners in Prayer (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1996), appreciation was a greater motivation months, in addition to my full-time p. 80. than money. The pastor is accustomed job, my wife and I filled in as interim to getting blasted for things he or she pastoral couple at the church. By the did or said, or didn’t do or say. Surprise end of the six months, we were physi- your pastor by sending a card letting cally and emotionally exhausted. The him know he is in your prayers. church showed its appreciation and Acknowledge the spiritual gifts you see love by sending us away for an all- manifested in your pastor and let her expense-paid weekend in nearby Sun know how her ministry has been a Valley, Idaho. We still talk about that Randy Maxwell is an author, blessing to you. Let your pastors know weekend as one of the most refreshing speaker, and creative director you appreciate the sacrifices they are getaways we ever had. of advertising at Pacific Press willing to make to follow God’s With several other members, pool Publishing Association in calling. your resources and send your pastor Nampa, Idaho. and family away for a weekend retreat where they can rest, play, and get away from the demands of ministry for a while. The family will never forget your kindness. Take the kids.

You will endear your pastor and his or her spouse to you forever by volun- teering to keep their kids for a few hours so they can spend time alone with each other. Ministry is often stressful to marriage. The spouse of the leader is under the same microscope of parishioner scrutiny as their mate, and has to play second, third, fourth, or fif- teenth fiddle to the needs of others. Call the pastor and ask him or her to get out their calendar and pick a date when you will baby-sit the kids and they will go out on a “date.” Your pas- tor will rise up and call you blessed!

14 (1398) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 Come closer

. . . to Jesus . . . to Your Church Family . . . to Bible Truth

There is no greater source of peace You know those other 10 million If you hunger for deeper understand- than coming close to the heart of people who go to your church? Well, ing of the Bible, you’ll find satisfaction Jesus. The Review brings you to they’re an interesting bunch. In the in the Review. You’ll discover well- that sacred place with editorials, Review you can hear them tell stories researched articles that bring light to devotionals, and the testimonies of of what God has done in their lives important Bible subjects. You’ll find other believers. Open up the Review and the adventures they’ve had in His additional light (and maybe a little and gain a new sense of direction and service. The Review. A great way to heat) on our letters page. There are vigor in your spiritual walk. build pride in your church family. many energetic minds in our church, and a lot of what they have to say shows up in the Adventist Review.

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How much can a small group in Montana do to undo the damage from Hurricane Mitch? Quite a bit, as it turns out.

BY ANNE D. SHERWOOD

HE SKIFF GLIDES OVER GLASSY water as I watch the full moon—its swollen face staring down on the island of Guanaja. It’s 4:00 a.m. in Honduras. I’m Ton my way home after two weeks on this tropical island, full of beauty but scarred by destruc- tion. I came with 75 other volunteers, most of them students at Mount Ellis Academy in Bozeman, Montana. And like them, I’m leaving with a bazillion bug bites, a serious sunburn—and a feeling of utter content.

16 (1400) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 VIVID COLORS: A woman enjoys the sunshine from the window of her newly painted home.

IT’S HAMMER TIME: Josh Jones helps rebuild a house that was splin- tered by winds clocked at more than 250 miles an hour.

ALL TOGETHER NOW: Workers of all ages and skill levels cooperate to raise a newly framed wall. Many homes were beyond repair and had to be rebuilt from scratch. HERWOOD

S BREAK TIME: Tempting tropical

NNE treats such as this melon keep MACHETE MOWER: Clearing land for A residents and volunteers working a new home is the first step toward through the long hot day. getting back to normal for this

HOTOS BY island resident. P

n the morning of October Months after the storm, Guanaja is 27, 1998, Hurricane Mitch still struggling to its feet. Piles of debris moved across the Atlantic litter the beaches—a sewing machine, Ocean and descended a teddy bear, a shoe serve as reminders Oonto the Honduran island of better times. Fragments of annihilat- of Guanaja. Winds raged to 265 miles ed homes, boats, and downed trees are per hour and waves swelled to 30 feet. heaped against the hills. Every so often For the next 72 hours Guanaja’s 6,000 someone picks through the wreckage residents fought for their lives. By the in hopes of recovering something use- time the hurricane finally left, it had ful. Some locals have salvaged lumber taken 90 percent of the island’s homes, and rebuilt homes, sometimes with schools, and churches with it. every board a different color. Large

ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 ( 1401) 17 CUSTOM HOME: With building DOING CHORES: A local woman hangs laundry out to materials scavenged during the dry in the warm tropical breezes. In the hurricane’s storm’s aftermath, this island aftermath islanders are creative in their use of build- resident once again has a place ing materials. to call his own.

LUMBER, HO: Many of the building supplies come to the island by sea (which is much less expensive than shipping them by air).

HORSE POWER: It takes three men to coax this pony to deliver materials to a building site.

PEANUT BUTTER AGAIN: Two weeks’ worth March they arrived on the beach in emergency surgery in the United of food doesn’t necessarily mean 14 days the village of Mangrove Bight, where States. Shaken but not broken, the rest of different kinds of food, as Michelle their temporary beach village looked of the group sent him their prayers but Ragenovich discovers. A steady diet of rice like the set of M*A*S*H. They never stopped pounding nails or saw- and beans was sometimes augmented by beans and rice. camped in army-green canvas tents, ing lumber. There were houses to build ate rice and beans, and nursed sore and schools to repair. It was worth the muscles. They dealt with sand flies and heat and the bugs and the risk. coconut palms stand like beheaded beach crabs. They came with hammers statues on the beach; others have been and left wearing blisters. They came s the skiff pulls into the reduced to stumps. The ocean is lit- with boundless energy and left rickety airport dock, I turn tered with stilts that once supported exhausted. They came with DEET and to the west and watch the homes but now lean every which way, left bug-bitten. They worked long days moon dip below denuded like sea grass blowing in the wind. and came to appreciate the hour boat Ahills, and I realize that this As soon as Mount Ellis Academy ride to another town as a rare time of is not the same place it was 14 days students heard of the hurricane’s rest. earlier. destruction, they began planning and The tenacity of the kids never Since their twin-prop plane had raising funds for their spring break mis- ceased to impress me. One student fell landed on Guanaja’s runway of broken sion to rebuild Guanaja. Late last 35 feet onto concrete and was flown to pavement, the volunteers from

18 ( 1402) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 ROOM WITH A VIEW: The closeness of sea and land is an everyday reality that’s picturesque in mild weather, but deadly when tropical storms pass through.

HURRY UP AND WAIT: Denise Serack waits for a boat ride. The dif- ference in the pace of life and the standard of living between Guanaja, Honduras, and Montana, United States, couldn’t be more pronounced. But in a delicate symbiosis, people with needs and people with skills and resources serve each other in a process that benefits them both.

Montana had worked on 13 buildings. They replaced or repaired schools and houses all over the island. They made friends with the incredibly warm and giving islanders and experienced life in a faraway place. Sure, trees are still missing and families are still without homes on Guanaja, but the students left something more important than buildings. They left hope.

Anne Sherwood is a pro- MAKING HIS OWN SHADE: Mel Anderson’s fessional photographer cowboy hat provides the same service in who lives in Bozeman, Honduras as it does on the high plains of Montana, and works for Montana. the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.

ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 ( 1403) 19 Mission Trips Taken in 1999 (as of August 11, 1999).

YouthNet is the official volunteer agency of the North American Massachusetts Atlantic Union College Venezuela; Division, encouraging volunteerism, community service activities, New Hampshire and mission trips. The following churches and institutions sponsored *Greater Boston Academy Honduras groups on mission trips during 1999. South Lancaster Academy Ecuador

(Those with an asterisk [*] are Maranatha Volunteers International Michigan *Andrews University Honduras projects.) Andrews Academy Venezuela; Philippines; U.S. State/Prov. Institution Location Served *Battle Creek Academy Honduras *Detroit Church Honduras Arkansas Ozark Adventist Academy Romania Minnesota *Duluth Junior Academy Honduras California *Azure Hills Church Honduras Bakersfield Hillcrest Church Bolivia Missouri Sunnydale Academy Mexico Bakersfield Adventist Academy Bolivia Campbell Church Romania Montana Belltower/Glendive/Mills *Central California Conference Mexico City Churches Poland *Corona Church Honduras Billings/Bridger Churches Poland Hanford Church Thailand Missoula/Ovando/ Heritage Missions II Africa Stevensville Churches Poland *Lodi Academy Honduras Mount Ellis Academy Honduras Loma Linda University Fiji Monterey Bay Academy Holbrook, Nebraska Union College Mexico; Korea; Arizona Thailand *Mother Lode Adventist *Piedmont Park Church Peru Jr. Academy Mexico *Mount Shasta Church Honduras Pennsylvania Blue Mountain Academy Honduras *Newbury Park Academy Honduras *Northern California Ohio *Mount Vernon Academy Honduras Conference Honduras *Spring Valley Academy Honduras *Northern California Senior *Worthington Church Dominican Youth Honduras Republic *Pacific Union College Honduras *Placerville Church Honduras Oklahoma *Oklahoma Conference India Rio Lindo Academy Honduras *Sacramento Adventist Oregon Albany/Troy Churches Fiji Academy Mexico Bend Tok/Valdez/Copper Weimar Academy Mexico, Brazil Basin Churches Tanzania Weimar College Mexico, Brazil Bethel/Northside Churches Samoa Cottage Grove Church Kenya Canada Canadian University College Nepal *Dallas Church Honduras Florence/Reedsport Churches India Colorado Mile High Academy San Francisco; Gambell/Kotzebue/Nome Denver Churches New Guinea *Boulder Church Mexico Gladstone Park Church New Guinea Hermiston Church Fiji Florida Forest Lake Academy Honduras Hillside-O’Malley Church Kenya *Forest Lake Church Honduras Maranatha/Grants Pass/ *Florida Hospital Waterman Honduras Roseburg Spanish Churches Poland *Florida Hospital-Fish Medford Church Cuba Memorial El Salvador Milo Adventist Academy Fiji; Solomon Islands; Belize; Georgia *Georgia-Cumberland Honduras; Africa; Mexico; Academy England Honduras Milo Academy Church Solomon Islands Idaho Gem State Academy Philippines North Pacific Union Conference Fiji; New Guinea; Heyburn/Eden/Jerome Philippines Bolivia; Churches Kazakhstan Pleasant Hill/Junction City Illinois Broadview Academy Dominican Churches Zimbabwe Republic Oregon Conference Africa Palmer/Haines/Petersburg/ Kansas Three Angels Church (Wichita) Mexico Wrangell Churches Samoa Portland Adventist Academy Fiji; Ethiopia; Kentucky *Paducah Church Honduras Mexico; Lesotho; Honduras Maryland Brinklow Emmanuel Church West Africa Salem Central Church Romania Highland View Academy Mexico Tabernacle Church Romania Sligo Church Honduras Williams/Cave Junction Churches Moldova Woodland/Cedar Creek Churches Peru

20 ( 1404) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 ADRA Responds to Mitch Hurricane Mitch hovered over Honduras for more than 48 hours. By the time it was gone, all 12,000 of the residents of Guanaja were left homeless. Some people found shelter in boats, some in the remains of toppled houses, and some in one of seven concrete buildings left standing. Across the entire country hundreds of thousands were left without shelter, trying to respond to many millions of dollars of damage to the country’s economy and infrastructure. Within hours emergency shelters operated by Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) were provid- ing temporary housing to thousands of Hondurans. Local churches and Pathfinder Clubs helped to deliver food, potable water, blankets, and material for temporary shelter. In addition to medical supplies provided by charitable organizations in the United States, Canada, Germany, and Japan (to name a few), ADRA distributed food and hygiene kits in a dozen cities across the country. The 30-pound food kits contained beans, rice, vegetable oil, spaghetti, and soup—enough to feed a family of five for two weeks. The hygiene kits contained toothpaste/brushes, soap, toilet tissue, a drinking glass, hair- brush/comb, candles, matches, bedsheets, and towels. Now that the immediate needs of the population have been met, ADRA continues to assist in building per- manent homes for families who lost theirs during the storms, and restoring wells and other sources of drink- ing water. More than $8 million worth of food, water, medicine, clothing, and shelter have reached hurricane victims as the result of ADRA’s efforts.

DRESSED FOR SABBATH: Mother and child take a walk down one of the beaches of Guanaja. The lack of foliage on the palm tree is one of the indications of the ferocity of Hurricane Mitch.

Columbia Adventist Academy Fiji Tennessee Collegedale Academy Venezuela Ellensburg Church Ukraine *Greater Nashville Junior Everson/Ferndale/Lummi Academy Honduras Churches Peru *Madison Academy Honduras Kirkland Church India Southern Adventist University Dominican Maranatha Church Kenya Republic Oak Harbor Church Philippines Puget Sound Adventist Academy India Texas Chisholm Trail Academy Mexico Republic Church Mexico Keene Church Mexico Seattle Korean Church China Southwestern Adventist Dominican Shelton/Emma Churches India University Republic Upper Columbia Academy Kenya; Borneo; Valley Grande Academy Mexico Lesotho; Mexico; New Guinea Utah Daystar Adventist Academy Philippines; Volunteer Park Church Russia Mexico; Illinois Walla Walla Valley Academy Mexico; Fiji; *Salt Lake City Young Adult Philippines; Group Honduras Malawi; Russia; St. Lucia Virginia Shenandoah Valley Academy Mexico Walla Walla College Fiji Walla Walla College Church Malawi Washington *Auburn Adventist Academy Honduras Brewster Church New Guinea In addition to those listed above, Maranatha Volunteers Cascade Christian Academy Honduras International has taken 21 other groups (open to anyone) on mission Cashmere Church India trips to such places as Honduras, Dominican Republic, Mexico, *Chehalis Church Honduras India, United States, and Canada. College Place Village Church Togo

ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 (1405) 21 STORY

Out of the Ashes: A TOUCH OF GRACE Why is it so awkard just to say “Thank you”? PRINGER D. S OEL : J HOTO P

BY CAROLYN RATHBUN-SUTTON with meal preparation, child care, clerical work, cleanup— anything to make me at least a little deserving of the risks Y GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR THEE” being taken on my family’s behalf. (2 Cor. 12:9). “Amazing grace! how sweet “We appreciate your offer, ma’am,” replied the last har- the sound . . .” ried-sounding official, “but one more person in here would We write about it; we quote Scripture make things tighter than they already are.” about it; we sing about it. Yet the concept Then, four days later, along with our neighbors, we drove Mof grace is so mind-boggling that I don’t hope to be able to back up onto Confidence Road, not knowing if our home understand it fully this side of heaven. In the meantime, had been spared or if it was one of those reduced to a mound however, glimpses into the richness of God’s grace keep of charred rubble. Soot and cinders were still falling, coating coming in the unrolling of events in my daily life—such as the surrounding pine trees with a lifeless gray pallor. that afternoon when, for one brief moment, I was heralded Rounding the final corner, we saw our house—covered with as a national hero. ashes, but still standing. In our particular neighborhood, the firefighters had saved every home. Firestorm You can imagine the gratitude and affection we residents In late August of 1987 a firestorm, caused by lightning- felt for the men and women who had saved our homes. They induced forest fires north of Yosemite National Park, forced became the instant heroes of Tuolumne County. “Firefighters, the evacuation of our community in Twain Harte, California. We Love You” signs went up along the highways and roads. Fed by high winds, the inferno belched billows of heat- For the next few days, when the firefighting vehicles rolled wavery smoke, which boiled up toward the heavens into a out of the mountains down Main Street heading toward towering mushroom-shaped cloud. This fearsome entity, like another hot spot, citizens—some still wearing surgical or gas a creature gone wild, roared with a vengeance toward our masks—would stand on the sidewalks waving and cheering; little mountain neighborhood on Confidence Road. some of the old-timers would doff their caps or salute. Our community was evacuated the second day of the fire. At the home of good friends who had taken us in, my hus- Trailing Heroes band and I caught glimpses of our endangered community Two days after we all returned to school, my principal on nationally televised newscasts as firefighters from around asked me to run down to the city of Modesto on a school the country poured in to fight our battle for us. errand. Turning onto Highway 108, I happened to fall in During this waiting period I experienced a growing sense behind a 10-engine convoy of firefighters. My heart once of unworthiness at the life-threatening risks firefighters were again filled with unspeakable gratitude for these exhausted, taking in an attempt to save my home. Phoning the local soot-weary warriors who had risked so much for me. Red Cross and county evacuation centers, I offered to assist For a time I stayed a few respectful car lengths behind.

22 ( 1406) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 But when the highway widened into jumped down from their trucks, I slid window brought this troubling reverie four lanes, I smoothly swung to the down in my driver’s seat, lowering my to a temporary halt. With heart beat- left, crept past the escort car and head to become as inconspicuous as ing wildly, I reluctantly raised my eyes, abreast of the last fire engine. It was a possible. completely unprepared for what I saw. beauty! The driver, happening to To add to my growing consternation, Standing there were two big firefight- glance down, smiled. a badged official from the front fire mar- ers, each holding an assortment of A little embarrassed, but embold- shal escort vehicle appeared, walking canned soda. I blinked and stared. ened, I drew alongside the second down the line of trucks—in my direc- “Ma’am,” called the nearest one engine from the rear and then the tion. Of course, with the air conditioner through my tightly closed window, “we third and then the fourth. The gold off now, with the outside temperature had an accident with our fire hose.” insignia on the door read “Fire around 96 degrees, and with the win- “Yeah,” enunciated the second man Department, Moraga, California.” dows rolled up tight under a hot after- loudly, “we didn’t mean to get your car What a tired-looking crew! Yet I felt a noon sun, my eyeglasses slipped slowly all wet—although it’s really clean now.” measure of excitement being so close toward the end of my perspiring nose. “Here,” said the first, still at high to nationally televised heroes. Avoiding eye contact with the ever- volume, “have something to drink—on I was just about to pull equal with approaching fire marshal, I was momen- us.” Another bead of perspiration the fifth engine when my lane nar- tarily distracted by loud voices. trickled into my collar as, through the rowed abruptly. Paying so much atten- Zap! window, I looked down at his strong tion to my heroes and their equip- A thunderlike explosion roared hands, one grasping a 7-Up and the ment, I had not been heeding the road across the top of my vehicle, rocking it other a cherry soda with clear droplets signs. The driver of the truck from violently. I screamed and jerked my of water and fragments of ice still Moraga noticed my predicament, hit head about. Through foamy cascades clinging to their frosty sides. his brakes, and motioned me to pull in running down my windows, I was able Returning somewhat to my normal ahead of him. to distinguish three firefighters senses, I began to realize that these Suddenly I grew uneasy. Had I done wrestling a big fire hose, whose gushing men hadn’t approached to serve me something illegal? After all, I had just nozzle they quickly pointed away from court orders. Managing to roll down intercepted the line of an officially my car and toward a field on the other the window a few inches, I extended escorted convoy. side of a barbed-wire fence. my hands for a couple of the drinks. I “Road Construction Ahead. Prepare That’s it, I thought. I’ve just been was still unable to speak. to Stop,” a sign warned. The next zapped with the Firefighters’ Seal of “You sure you’re all right, ma’am?” thing I knew, we—the convoy and I— Disapproval, and it’s only going to get he asked. “Your car appears to be fine, worse. Sure so don’t worry.” Dumbly, I nodded. enough. In The men exchanged an uneasy glance. my rearview And then, in the uncertain silence, mirror I using mostly backward steps, they cau- could see two tiously withdrew. of them strid- Feeling more at ease, I spent the ing toward next half hour taking long drafts of my car. My cold soda and finishing my English imagination paper corrections. That road construc- ran wild, and tion crew was certainly taking its sweet for an instant time. Sounds of laughter from a group I pictured of firefighters leaning against the front myself before of the Moraga truck drifted through a judge trying the car window. Glancing at them in to explain the rearview mirror, I mused, Maybe why I’d bro- these are some of the very ones who saved ken into an our home. Because of them, I’ll have a official fire- roof over my head tonight. I remembered fighting con- my husband’s highly complicated TAKE A BOW: The author enjoys a moment of glory with a few of the real voy on its Nikon camera behind the car seat. heroes. way to taking Wonder if he’d like to have a picture of were being flagged to the shoulder of care of urgent business. I could just see that engine. But do I dare ask? the road. A sinking sensation in my the writing on the courtroom wall: Hesitantly I eased out of the car, stomach suggested I was somewhere I Firefighters of America v. Rathbun. wrestling with the camera case. wasn’t supposed to be. So as firefighters An insistent knocking on the car Walking back toward the fire engine,

ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 ( 1407) 23 I timidly said, “Thank you for the tude and love, I too stood and waved “We survive,” noted a friend of drinks.” The firefighters looked over at and received unmerited praise; unmer- mine, “on the fuel of grace; every me. An awkward silence hung ited, amazing grace. breath we draw is a gift from God.” between us. “Would you mind terribly I, the unworthy one, unworthy of And God has called us to be transmit- if I took a picture of your truck—you those refreshing drinks; unworthy of ters of this grace—to live our lives in can just stay there, if you like.” inclusion in a portrait of heroes; such a way that they “paint a portrait Suddenly I couldn’t hold it in any unworthy of those lives risked for my of God’s character for hurting hearts.” longer. house—the house of a stranger. I who Ellen White writes that “[God] “You guys,” I choked out, surprised had wanted to do something—any- offers us the privilege of cooperation at my emotion, “you guys—or some thing—at the evacuation centers to be with Christ in revealing His grace to just like you—saved our house this deserving. But I who in the end had the world” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. week. We’re really, really grateful.” done nothing. 355). If we are purposeful partakers of Then I started fumbling with the cam- God’s grace—through prayerful, daily era adjustments and blinking back Double Exposure communion with our Father and tears. The fireman who’d given me the What a story I had to tell my hus- through the open-hearted reading of sodas approached. band that night! And what a picture I His Holy Letter to us—we will then “If we saved your house, ma’am, had to show! authentically communicate God’s love, that makes us feel real good. By the And what a picture God has to because we have first known God’s way, I know how to work these show when we receive His grace. love in our own hearts. things,” he said, taking the camera When He looks at this picture the How blessed we are that the divine from me. “Now you go ’long over there family resemblance between us and His Hero has given each of us every reason and get in that picture too.” holy Son is uncanny. What God sees, in the universe to exclaim—in a bor- Oh, I thought, my little pink school- while He looks at this picture, can be rowed expression from the apostle teacher dress is so wrinkled! And how I found in the words “How beautiful you Paul—“To me, the very least of all suddenly regretted not having put my are, . . . how beautiful you are! . . . saints, these flashes of grace are given contact lenses in that morning. I there is no blemish in you” (S. of Sol. to share with others the unfathomable walked over to the group. One fireman 4:1-7, NASB). riches of Christ” (based on Eph. 3:8). put a kind arm about my shoulders, We Seventh-day Adventists have a two others leaned in, and we all said, message about an impending judg- Carolyn Rathbun-Sutton is a “Cheese.” ment. But the best part of this message former teacher and editor is that we can meet the Judge with who is now enjoying life as a Circle of Heroes hope, with joy, and in the security of a wife, mother, and freelance At that moment a line of what heavenly Advocate. And all because of writer in Grants Pass, must have been around 60 vehicles grace. Oregon. from the other end of the road con- struction site began driving by. Seeing the fire engine convoy and the fire- fighters, the drivers and their occu- pants went wild—honking, shouting, waving. “Thank you,” “God bless you,” and “We love you” filled the air. From all around me came the hearty but mod- est replies, “We’re happy to do it.” “You’re welcome!” “You bet!” The fire- fighter who had taken the picture handed me the camera. “Hey, you’re all national heroes, you know!” one burly driver called jubilantly to them, to us. For the pho- tographer-fireman, with a twinkle in his eye, had just nodded to me, indi- cating I should wave back at the oncoming traffic as well. So there, in the middle of that circle of heroes, awash in cacophonous waves of grati-

24 (1408) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 BONNIE WALKER Tell Me a Story

ommy, tell me a story about when you were little,” watched Star back up and kick savagely in my direction. begged Reuben as he cuddled next to his mother on “I flew back, turned a backward somersault, and landed Mthe couch one evening. on my back. Mom screamed and ran to me, fully expecting “Yes, when you were little,” echoed Raina. to find me badly injured. But when she picked me up in her “OK. I’ll tell you a story about something that happened arms, she could find only a tiny cut on my ear! when I was about 1 year old, just after I learned to walk,” “Every time your grandma tells me that story, she says she Mother said. “My mommy told me this story many times.” believes that my guardian angel flipped me back out of the The two children snuggled close to Mother as she began: way. If the pony’s hoof had hit me, I would have been badly “When I was just one year old my parents—your grandpa hurt. And you know what? I think your grandma is right.” and grandma—lived on several acres near a small town. Two Reuben let out his breath slowly and whispered, “I’m sure Shetland ponies, named Ginny and Star, lived in the pas- glad you didn’t get hurt, Mommy. I like that story.” ture there. Those ponies loved to be near each other, and “Me too,” smiled Mother. would playfully bite at each other, and whinny back and As she tucked the two children into bed, Mother smiled. forth as they talked horse language. They certainly didn’t “It’s good to look back,” she said. “It’s good to remember like to be separated. times when God has been with us in the past.” “One day my mother heard the ponies making quite a fuss, so she ran outdoors and discovered that Ginny was out of the fence. Of course, Star wanted out too. Mom Family Time called Daddy, and together they On Tuesday (or whatever day you like), invite your family to ran to the pasture to help my two brothers catch Ginny. As Mom worship God together. left, she told me to go to my grand- ☛Ask an adult at your worship to tell a story of a time ma’s house next door. I started when he or she knew that God cared for them. How did they feel toward Grandma’s place, but then when they realized that God had helped or protected them? turned and followed my parents. ☛Ask each person to take just five minutes and write a “Daddy tried and tried to get short story about a time when God cared for them. (You can Ginny back through the sagging fence wire, but Ginny liked the have an adult write down your story as you tell it to them, if you grass better outside, and wouldn’t want.) Draw a simple picture beside the story that shows what come. happened. Now put your pages in a special folder or notebook “Meanwhile, Star was getting that you will keep nearby the place you have family worship. You’ll more excited, and was running want to add other stories to the collection in the future! around the field whinnying fran- ☛Read a Bible story in Exodus 15:1-21 about a time when tically. “Just then I crawled under the God protected His people. Why do you think bad things some- fence and began to toddle across times happen to God’s people? the pasture toward my mother. ☛Sing a song about being thankful for God’s help. Try When Star came near me, she sud- “Anywhere With Jesus” or “He’s Able.” denly stopped running and turned ☛Be sure to thank God for specific times when you know around with her back toward me. God has been with you and your family. My mom was terrified as she ✃

ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 (1411) 27 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES Ambassadors in North America For seven West African students, music leads to mission in the Western Hemisphere.

BY JACK STENGER, WHO WAS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS FOR A NDREWS U NIVERSITY WHEN HE WROTE THIS ARTICLE.

he Ambassadors are alive us,” said Jean-Claude Nkou, a first But the response to their music and and well and living in tenor from Cameroon. “So we were the numerous requests for perfor- Berrien Springs, encouraged when so many came up mances convinced them that another Michigan. The seven- and said, ‘When are you guys singing dream was in the works. If North member America was a great Tgospel group from place to perform, why West Africa first made not also a great place an impression on to study? “Increasingly North American audi- we felt that God had ences in fall 1998, brought us to this with multiple appear- campus to do more ances during the NeXt than just sing,” said Millennium Seminar, Emmanuel Osuyah, the NET ’98 televised the group’s lead tenor, evangelistic outreach who, like the majority sponsored by the of members, hails from Seventh-day Adventist the West African Church and held on country of Nigeria. the Andrews All of them held University campus. bachelor’s degrees, but The group devel- their dream was now oped its distinctive to pursue graduate sound in the mid degrees and to do it at 1990s, while the mem- Andrews University. bers studied at the (Since the Adventist Adventist Seminary Seminary of West of West Africa, in MUSICAL MISSIONARIES: Adegboyega Adeniji, James Agwu, Milomfa Ayite, Jean- Africa [recently Ikeja, Nigeria. Synco- Clade Nkou, Henry Nwanguma, Emmanuel Osuyah, and Isaac Usoroh took first prize renamed Babcock pated rhythms pay at a musical competition sponsored by the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. University] is an homage to the songs of Andrews affiliate col- their home continent, and their a cap- again?’ and ‘Where can we see you?’” lege, all of the group members techni- pella harmonies converge in a dense Multiple appearances during NET cally already hold Andrews degrees.) wall of ebullient sound. A repertoire ’98 meant the group’s name and music But as nice as graduate school is, it strong in contemporary African would go out across six continents and costs money. If the group wanted to arrangements might be expected for a to more than 7,600 downlink sites stay in America, it needed help. The group from West Africa, but American worldwide. It was a dream to perform financial miracle quickly came in the audiences are particularly moved by in America, members said, but a dream form of external donors from the their unique versions of Negro spiritu- they ultimately expected to end. “We Detroit area who took a particular als. Their reception at AU in fall 1998 knew that our time here was limited,” interest in the group and wanted their was as immediate as it was enthusias- Nkou said. music to get wider exposure in North tic. When NET ’98 concluded in America. “We didn’t know exactly what peo- November, it was expected that the In January all seven group members ple in North America would think of Ambassadors would return to Africa. enrolled as Andrews students, to pur-

48 (1432) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES

sue degrees in business, theology, and major gospel talent concert held in some of the judges! “We saw God at communication. But on top of the rig- Florence, Alabama. work, because we were not sure that ors of transition and study, they have Sponsored by the Alabama Music people would react as positively,” said continued touring extensively. Hall of Fame, Powerlife ’99 drew Osuyah. Not only has the group been a ubiq- gospel groups from across the southern The awarded cash went toward uitous presence at campus events, but United States and one group of ongoing travel expenses. During June, concerts have also taken the group to unknown West Africans called the July, and August every weekend was churches across Michigan and in New Ambassadors. booked with camp meeting obliga- York City; Chicago; Detroit; Washing- The group said the predominantly tions. ton, D.C.; and Columbus, Ohio. They White audience at first did not quite For the miracle of their ongoing have opened for gospel singer Larnelle know what to make of seven African journeys in North America, the group Harris and the Heritage Singers, and young men who took the stage in col- credits generous sponsors and the sup- have performed on the campuses of orful national garb, introduced as “The port of university administrators. And Oakwood College and Southern Ambassadors from Andrews for the miracle of their joyously infec- Adventist University. “It’s been hard to University.” And since each of the 15 tious sound, the group credits the lov- keep up with school with all of our groups in Powerlife ’99 had one song ing God that they sing of as they travel commitments,” Nkou said, “but by to sing, the pressure was definitely on. a new continent. “We are confident in God’s grace we’ve managed.” But by the time the Ambassadors our success and our music because we If all the positive response has not finished their song, an African medley are not here to promote ourselves, but been evidence enough that God has that segued into the gospel arrange- to sing for the Lord.” backed them in their dreams, heaven ment “Dry Bones,” not only were most So if anyone asks, the Ambassadors provided even more confirmation. On of the 1,000 people in the audience on are alive and well and still living in June 12 the group won first prize at a their feet and clapping, but so were Berrien Springs, Michigan.

NEWSBREAK

ADRA Provides Relief for ADRA/Indonesia has several other development and disaster relief projects in the East Timor, including its Displaced Timorese clean water project funded by the Netherlands that con- cludes this month. Other projects include a US$2 million ollowing the recent vote for independence in East food-for-work project for 30,000 people per year, funded FTimor and the subsequent political instability, the by the United States Agency for International Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is Development (USAID); a drought relief project to assist helping refugees as they seek refuge in neighboring 255 families in Merauke, Irian Jaya; and an orphanage Indonesian provinces. project that started nearly one year ago, funded by the With tens of thousands of refugees from East Timor Netherlands and England. moving into surrounding mountains, western Timor, and other Indonesian districts, ADRA/Indonesia is respond- Mongolian Membership Up by One Third ing to the urgent food needs. ADRA is putting together 2,500 food baskets for displaced families in the Noelbaki Still developing its presence in Mongolia, the youthful District. Seventh-day Adventist Church increased its official “ADRA hopes that the food will help to lessen the membership by one third on August 28. The baptism of burden on the Noelbaki district to take care of this unex- 12 people in the Ulan Bator church was also the first pected advance in population,” says Doli Situmeang, time anyone over the age of 25 has been baptized in ADRA/Indonesia director. “The food baskets will provide Mongolia. rice, instant noodles, and other food items to each fam- More than 70 people regularly worship in the ily.” This response was made possible with ADRA dona- Adventist congregation each week in Ulan Bator, the tions from Australia. capital of Mongolia. Others worship in home churches in In addition to the many displaced persons moving out the city and in rural areas. Many of these worship groups of East Timor, thousands are said to have died in the are run by teenagers in a church dominated by young anti-independence, militia-sponsored violence following people. the announcement of election results on September 4. With the breakdown of Communism in the mid-

ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 (1433) 49 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES “My Poor World”

BY MARILYN MORGAN, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, WEIMAR C OLLEGE, WEIMAR, CALIFORNIA

nvironmental news makes depressing reading— To add to the bad news, Minnesota epidemiologist Kirk air, river, and ocean pollution, global warming, Smith, in the New England Journal of Medicine, wrote that record-breaking storms, severe droughts, loss of there’s further evidence linking antibiotic use in agriculture habitat and the creatures they support, anti- and drug-resistant pathogens in animals that are then some- biotic-resistant bacteria—the list seems to grow times passed on to humans, causing severe illnesses. Einexorably. It’s no wonder Mark Hertsgaard said that readers of a That temperatures have risen 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit in recent book about the environment would find themselves the past 30 years in the Northern Hemisphere was reported muttering, “My poor world.” 2 recently by U.S. News, and ice has been thinning in the John describes, in Revelation, the judgments that are arctic region, according to Science News. coming, but we seem to be busy trying to hurry up the “In the past decade, conservation biologists have repeat- process, intent upon bringing them on ourselves. edly warned that humans are bringing about a tsunami of extinctions that rivals the collapse of the dinosaurs,” 1 wrote 1 Will Nixon in The Amicus Journal. And that Brooklyn’s Nixon, Will, “The Species Only a Mother Could Love,” The Amicus Journal, Summer 1999, p. 32. Gowanus Canal is polluted so horribly it’s nearly devoid of 2Hertsgaard, Mark, book review of Earth Odyssey: Around the World in anything biological is another claim reported in Science News. Search of Our Envi-ronmental Future, Smithsonian, July 1999, p. 40.

NEWSBREAK

1990s, Mongolia became more open to religious activity. Oakwood College Faculty Member’s Volume Although historically a Buddhist country, during the Makes Reader’s Digest’s Best Book List Communist years all religious activity was actively sup- pressed. Today younger Mongolians tend to be atheistic, Plant Energetics, a book authored by Oakwood College while some of the older people retain links to faculty member Alexander G. Volkov, was recently Buddhism. named a Best Book in its category by the publishers of “There’s an exciting new climate of discovery of spiri- Reader’s Digest. tual things,” says Gary Krause, communication director The award rec- for the Adventist Church’s Global Mission program. “In ognizes Volkov’s the Adventist Church in Mongolia the experienced, pacesetting investi- senior members are in their late 20s. We’re happy for a gation of plants and young church here in Mongolia that really wants to their life processes. accomplish its mission.”—Adventist News Network. Using instruments similar to those Adventist Radio Reaches Large Audience that perform elec- in Bolivia troencephalograms on humans, Volkov The Orion Nuevo Tiempo radio network recently measures thermody- launched its eighth radio station in the Bolivian city of namic processes in Trinidad. The latest listener surveys show that Orion sta- plants, showing the Alexander G. Volkov tions are among the most listened-to radio stations in the role electrochem- cities of La Paz and Cochabamba. The stations have the istry plays in the life cycle of plants, a process that uses highest listener ratings among religious radio stations, biophysics and bioelectrochemistry. reports Flavio Ferraz, Bolivia Union communication Plant Energetics is used as a textbook at Columbia director. University, the University of Pennsylvania, and other institutions, a college spokesperson reports.

50 (1434) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 WORLD NEWS & PERSPECTIVES

For Your Good Health AWR Letter Box

Keep Your Cool Dear friends at AWR: “I am a college professor who has Researchers found that strokes were twice as common been placed in prison with the death penalty ahead of me. among Finnish men who scored high on an anger scale I am getting many spiritual blessings by hearing your radio compared with those who reported the lowest levels of programs. It seems as though you are my friends and I anger.—Stroke/American Heart Association. know you well. These messages give me new hope and comfort now.”—Safeer, Pakistan. Workout for Your Mind Regular exercise has proven more effective than pla- “I am truly enlightened by the programs you deliver. I cebo pills in reducing anxiety in people.—Professional hope you add more programs and extend your broadcast Psychology: Research and Practice. hours.”—Romeo, Philippines.

A Sweet Tooth You Don’t Want “I am very glad that after I heard your radio program I If you have diabetes, tell your dentist to take extra dared to write to you. Your Bible lessons are so interesting. time to care for your teeth. Persons with poorly controlled I learned some new things from the Bible: I didn’t know diabetes can have high glucose levels in their saliva, that there is a holy day which we should keep—Sabbath. which results in dental plaque and an increase in cavities And it was very interesting for me to read that after death and gum disease.—University of California, Berkeley a man just sleeps.”—Tanya, Russia. Wellness Letter. For more information about Adventist World Radio, write “For Your Good Health” is compiled by Larry Becker, editor of Vibrant Life, to: 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, Maryland the church’s health outreach journal. To subscribe, call 1-800-765-6955. 20904-6600; or call toll-free: 1-800-337-4297; e-mail: [email protected]; website: www.awr.org.

NEWSBREAK

Adventist Musicians to Orchestrate Hymn Adventist Communication Network Festival Broadcasts

“Faith Ablaze! Hymns of Heart and Heritage” is the The programs below are planned by the theme of a two-day hymn festival at Andrews University Adventist Communication Network for October and on November 19, 20. November 1999. Call (800) ACN-1119 for complete Sponsored by the International Adventist Musicians’ program listings, time, and channel information. All Association (IAMA) and Andrews University, the festi- times shown are Eastern time unless otherwise indicated. val will celebrate that “flame of living fire expressed Oct. 14 NET NEW YORK ’99 evangelistic series, through hymns of living faith spanning two millennia,” 7:00-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 14, and continuing says Elsie Buck, IAMA president. each Friday, Sabbath, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday The festival will include a Sabbath service, interactive through November 13. Sabbath services will air 11:00- evensongs, an excursion to the church where “The Old 12:30 p.m., Galaxy 7, channel 18, and in Central time on Rugged Cross” was first sung, and a wind symphony concert. Telstar 6, channel 18. For more information, call (616) 471-6341 or visit Nov. 3 First Wednesday church news, 5:30-6:30 p.m., the university website at www.andrews.edu. Satellite TBA

News Notes What’s Upcoming?

Ronald Smith, editor of Message magazine, Oct. 1 Monthly Focus—Adventist Heritage was recently elected vice president of spiri- Oct. 2 Children’s Sabbath tual nurture and outreach at the Review and Oct. 9 Health Education Week begins Herald Publishing Association in Hagers- Oct. 16 Spirit of Prophecy Sabbath town, Maryland. Smith will carry his new Oct. 23 Pathfinder Sabbath Ronald Smith responsibilities in addition to his position as Oct. 30 Ingathering begins Message editor. Nov. 6 Stewardship Sabbath

ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 (1435) 51 SANDRA DORAN: DIALOGUES Who Sinned? SANDRA DORAN

ast year I gave birth to a child with multiple dis- Please understand that there are others whose scaled eyes abilities. Some have hinted that God is “punish- will prevent them from ever seeing God’s glory being dis- ing me” because I have not been “living up to played in your family. Even when they were presented with the Adventist lifestyle.” the firsthand facts of the miracle, While I try to push the Pharisees of Jesus’ time refused Lthese thoughts aside, I am filled to see “outside of the box” that rep- with guilt and remorse. Do you You need to be resented their culture and upbring- think I caused my daughter’s dis- ing. In response to the testimony of abilities by drifting off course? the man no longer blind, they supported, buoyed, shouted, true to course, “You were Absolutely not. I am appalled steeped in sin at birth; how dare you that well-meaning Christians would lecture us!” (verse 34). dare to add a further burden to your strengthened. In the face of the huge challenge already heavy shoulders as you face that lies before you, I suggest that the challenge of parenting a child you surround yourself with those who with physical and mental disabilities. As you struggle to understand. Find people who can spell you for a few hours understand the perspective of Jesus Christ in all of this, I while you walk, read, window-shop, attend to your own emo- refer you to the book of John, chapter 9. tional and physical well-being. A number of researchers have In this chapter Jesus and the disciples are walking along a found that in the face of crisis, it is not socioeconomic status, road when they encounter a man born blind. The disciples income, or education that sustains families, but good commu- ask a question that no doubt springs from their culture, nication, family closeness, flexibility, and tolerance. making an accusation that is not unlike the insinuations At such a time as this, you need to feel supported, you, and many others, face today. “Rabbi, who sinned, this buoyed up, strengthened. While you describe yourself as man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (verse 2).* having “drifted,” and have come back to the faith to meet From Bible times to modern times, when some of the criticism and accusation, I believe your church can still be a “saints” see children, families, people who disturb their com- needed source of help at this time. Look for those with a fortable view of life, they seek a way to attach blame, thus sympathetic heart and an understanding spirit. While they absolving themselves of any connection with the random may not be the most vocal and obvious members of your pain and suffering of the world. In the face of such pointed congregation, they are there. cause-and-effect indictments, the liberating words of Jesus In my years as a Seventh-day Adventist I have been asso- Christ offer solace and hope to those who are hurting. ciated with 14 different congregations. In each one I have “‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but found believers who cared enough to touch my life, heal my this happened so that the work of God might be displayed hurts, forgive me, sustain me, believe in me, carry me in his life’” (verse 3). through difficult times. My prayers are with you as you The issue here, according to our Saviour, is not one of search for those who will walk beside you, poised on the blame, but one of hope. Whenever suffering, disarray, chaos, threshold of discovering God’s glory in your daughter’s life. pain, malfunctioning, aberration, deviation shatters our world, there is opportunity for the power and strength of Jesus *Scripture quotations in this article are from the New International Version. Christ to shine through. The months and years ahead of you will require enormous amounts of physical and emotional energy, spiritual reserves, inner strength. But in the midst of Sandra Doran researched families of children with the heartache and trauma, Christ promises that His work will disabilities for her doctoral work at Boston be displayed in the life of your daughter. Praise God for His University. grace that overarches all of the trying details of our lives.

52 (1436) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 STORY

Talkin’ to the Master Even as her life was falling apart, she knew how to keep it all together.

BY BOB RIGSBY

HE LAY ON THE OPERATING ROOM TABLE again, “Are you all right?” awaiting the arrival of the surgeon. Never one to With a voice more vigorous and clear than I had thought place much trust in doctors, she had nevertheless she was capable of and an expression of stern rebuke, mixed been convinced there was no other choice but to with not a little annoyance at being interrupted, she amputate the painful ulcer-ridden leg. But she didn’t emphatically explained: “I’m talkin’ to the Master!” Shave to like it. Time and chance, disease and age, bad choices A hush fell on the room as she continued her conversa- and bad luck had taken their toll, and she was weary. Life tion with the One who was clearly her comfort and friend. was and had been hard. It may be my imagination, but I thought I saw a holy Discrimination, subtle or overt, had likely made being radiance in those sightless eyes. The One with whom she Black, and a woman, a challenge to her in life. But other conversed seemed to be more real than the knife that sat problems had added to the burden. Diabetes and hyperten- coldly by—ready to do its unpleasant task. She “spoke” with sion had not only robbed her of her vision but were now reverence, ease, and honesty—as with a close and trusted claiming her leg: the leg that had carried her through the friend. Bluntly she told her Friend she was not at all happy ecstasies and anguishes of her life. at losing her leg. She thanked Him for His mercy and tender Worse, though, was the laryngeal cancer, from years of regard. She praised Him for His nearness, His compassion. smoking, which left her breathing and “talking” through a She ended with a simple request—for strength—and confi- tracheotomy. To call it “talking” is to be generous, for she dently thanked Him for listening. “spoke” with a breathy and raspy whisper that seemed to take as much effort for the listener to hear as it took for her ’m ready now,” she whispered to us. For a brief moment I to utter a few words. turned away with a moist glistening of the eyes. Now it Iwas I who needed a few private moments with the A Divine Appointment Master. It was with a quiet resignation that she entered this ster- ile room of amputation. Yet there was a calm dignity about Bob Rigsby is an anesthesiologist who practices at her: a quiet resolve and silent strength that possessed her. As Florida Hospital in Orlando. we prepared her frail body for this surgery of separation, it seemed she was trying to tell us something, and we inquired if she was comfortable. Thinking she had not heard, I asked

ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 (1437) 53 BIBLICAL STUDY Dating the

Do the Jubilees Provide the Clue? A look at the evidence

In the wake of jubilee speculations in certain segments of the 24:32, 33), He warned His people away from time-setting Adventist Church in the 1980s and early 1990s, the Biblical speculations. “But of that day and that hour knoweth no Research Institute of the General Conference came out with a man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the document to address the issue. Prepared in October 1990, it is Son, but the Father” (Mark 13:32). After His resurrection, still pertinent. We present here a condensed version, slightly mod- when the disciples asked if He would then restore the king- ified and updated.—Editors. dom to Israel, Jesus refused to detail time frames. “And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power” EVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS ARE FIRM (Acts 1:7). believers in the imminent return of Jesus Christ In spite of Christ’s cautions against time setting implicit to this world as the grand consummation of the in these statements, in recent years some well-meaning plan of salvation. This vital truth is incorporated persons are endeavoring to pinpoint the time of Christ’s into the denominational name. coming through calculations based on Israel’s civil institu- S tion of the jubilee year. We believe this disregard for No Time Setting Christ’s clear-cut warnings is unfortunate. Furthermore, the While the general signs foretold by Jesus would occur in “assured results” of jubilee calculations are an illusion and the “time of the end” to signal the nearing Advent (Matt. nothing else.

54 (1438) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 Advent: ERALD FILES H EVIEW AND R AERG B ARRY : H LLUSTRATION I

The Jubilee Cycle A second provision in the jubilee the property or the onset of service The Mosaic legislation that pro- legislation enjoined the release of and the next jubilee (Lev. 25:14-16, vided for the jubilee system in Israel’s Hebrew slaves. Ordinarily a Hebrew 23-28, 47-54; 27:17-24). economy is recorded only in Leviticus slave could “go out free for nothing” in 25:10-54; 27:17-24. It is directly al- his seventh year after any six full years The Sabbatical Year luded to twice more (Num. 36:4; Eze. of service if he chose to do so (Ex. The jubilee cycle was intimately 46:17). As a civil institution its chief 21:2, 3; Deut. 15:12-14). However, related to another piece of civil legisla- function was to prevent the permanent should his service cross the jubilee tion regulating the use of the land, alienation of landed property from its year, he was automatically released namely, the sabbatical year. Just as original owner. Every 50 years most (Lev. 25:10, 39-41). Because of this Israel observed the Sabbath after six houses, and all lands, sold in the previ- civil institution the value of land, days of labor, so the law required the ous jubilee cycle reverted automati- houses, and even physical labor was land to “keep a Sabbath unto the cally to the original possessor or his determined by the number of years Lord” (Lev. 25:2-5). For six years the heirs (Lev. 25:23, 24). that would elapse between the sale of fields and orchards were to be sown,

ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 (1439) 55 pruned, and harvested. But in the sev- chial period (2 Chron. 36:21). About H. Shea, “Unity of Daniel,” Symposium enth year they were to lie fallow (3-7). 90 years after the Jews returned from on Daniel [Washington, D.C.: Biblical God promised to bless the nation so the Babylonian exile, the people under Research Institute, 1986], pp. 226, abundantly that every household Nehemiah’s leadership covenanted to 252-255). would have a sufficient surplus of food reinstate the sabbatical year (Neh. On the other hand, there is no to tide them over the seventh year 10:31). This reform evidently record in the Bible, or outside the when no crops were sown (verses 20- remained a permanent part of the Scriptures, of an actual observance of 22). Thus the sabbatical year, the sev- economy. the jubilee cycle. Both biblical and enth year, marked off a regular nonbiblical sources are silent on the sequence of seven-year units in actual practice of this civil institu- Israel’s agricultural economy. tion God designed for national Seven “Sabbaths of years” (verse Israel. 8)—that is, seven units of seven years, each marked off by the sab- Misuse of the Jubilee Cycle batical year—constituted a jubile We readily grant that the meta- cycle. “And thou shalt number Fascination with phorical use of the jubilee institu- seven Sabbaths of years unto thee, tion—release and restoration (Lev. seven times seven years; and the jubilee cycle 25:10)—makes it a natural type of space of the seven Sabbaths of years Christ’s coming and the great shall be . . . forty and nine years” restoration of all things from the (verse 8). On the Day of calculations bondage of sin (cf. Acts 3:20, 21). Atonement Israel was to “cause the However, we believe it unwise and trumpet of the jubile to sound. . . . appears in reality misleading for our members to specu- And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, late on the date for the consumma- and proclaim liberty throughout all to be only a tion of all things through an applica- the land unto all the inhabitants tion of the jubilee cycle. We summa- thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; rize our reasons as follows: and ye shall return every man unto variant form of 1. The sabbatical and jubilee his possession, and ye shall return cycles were civil institutions every man unto his family. A jubile numerology, a designed to regulate certain aspects shall that fiftieth year be unto you: ye of the secular life of the nation. shall not sow, neither reap that dead-end attempt They were not integral parts of the which groweth of itself in it, nor sanctuary ritual system (as were the gather the grapes in it of thy vine spring and fall festivals). undressed. For it is the jubile; it to find hidden 2. Inasmuch as there is no record shall be holy unto you: ye shall eat of an actual observance of a jubilee, the increase thereof out of the field” significance in there is no factual basis from which (verses 9-12). we can compute jubilee cycles. Any In this simple but effective man- biblical numbers. choice of an initial date is purely ner God provided through the civil arbitrary. institutions of the sabbatical year 3. There is uncertainty on how and the jubilee year for the renewal many years constitute a jubilee of the productivity of the land, the cycle. The biblical data seems to automatic release of Hebrew slaves, indicate that it was a true 50-year and for the reversion of lands and cycle, composed of the 49-year sab- houses (in unwalled towns) to their In recent years scholarly study has batical cycle plus the jubilee year itself original owners or their heirs. produced 10 pieces of evidence for the (Lev. 25:8-10). This would require the sabbatical cycle in postexilic times. land to lie fallow for two successive How Did It All Work Out? Plotting these particular years on a years, the forty-ninth (sabbatical year) When we turn to trace the history graph, they have extrapolated the and the fiftieth (jubilee year) (see Lev. of these two civil practices in the placement of each sabbatical year for 25:4, 5, 11). (“Jubilee, Year of,” Israelite economy, we are struck by the the era of the second Temple. On this International Standard Bible sparseness of the data. The writer of basis it can now be determined that Encyclopedia, rev. ed.). Chronicles implies that the practice of 457 B.C., A.D. 27, and A.D. 34 (of However, in the Jewish book of the sabbatical year had been generally the 70-weeks prophecy in Daniel 9:24- Jubilees, written toward the end of the disregarded in Judah during the monar- 27) were sabbatical years (see William intertestamental period, a jubilee con-

56 (1440) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 sists of only 49 years. Later rabbinic they use 50-year cycles over this long calculations for the time of Christ’s authorities are divided on the subject: span, it pushes their ending date for- coming. Ellen White does allude to The majority hold to a 50-year span; ward another half century. Again, we the institution twice (in similar the minority opt for a 49-year span (see see the arbitrary and speculative nature phraseology) in connection with the “Jubilee, Year of,” The Interpreter’s of jubilee cycle calculations. second coming of Christ (Early Dictionary of the Bible). Obviously, this 5. There is no way of determining Writings, pp. 34, 35, 285, 286). As she fact prevents any computation from how many jubilee cycles (assuming we describes the scene of Christ’s return being certain of accuracy. could calculate them) will elapse breaking in on this planet, she It is evident that calculations based before the Lord comes. It is purely an exclaims, “Then commenced the on a 49-year cycle will be off consider- arbitrary decision to select 50 cycles. jubilee, when the land should rest.” ably from calculations based on a full The fact is that any number of jubilee That is all. It is obvious that she is 50-year cycle on any extended time cycles could occur in probationary employing the term as a metaphor of line. It follows, therefore, that this time, the Bible being almost totally the ultimate release and restoration of very uncertainty over how to count a silent on this topic. all things from the bondage of sin that jubilee cycle renders its employment as 6. There is no biblical evidence will be ushered in by the glorious a kind of time “prophecy” invalid and whatsoever for the time elements of the advent of Christ (cf. Acts 3:20, 21). mere speculation. sabbatical year and the jubilee cycle to 4. There is no initial date from be used to determine prophetic fulfil- Ellen White’s Timely Counsel which to figure jubilee cycles. Interest ments. These civil time cycles are really Jubilee speculations, both past and in calculating such cycles has led to a quite different from apocalyptic time present, rest on the assumption that focus on what we now know to have prophecies. For example, apocalyptic the church can determine rather been sabbatical year dates: 457 B.C., time prophecies are quite specific. No specifically the time for certain end A.D. 27, and A.D. 34. In recent years guesswork. Daniel is told, for instance, events—including the return of the some have assumed that the sabbatical that the “saints” would come under the Saviour. There is dissatisfaction with year of A.D. 27 was also a jubilee year. persecuting domination of the little only believing “the Advent near.” They also assumed that Jesus’ sermon horn for “a time and times and the Fixing an exact date for an event in the synagogue at Nazareth (in dividing of time” (Dan. 7:25). This sym- seems to resolve the mental dilemma which He read a portion of Isaiah 61— bol is explained to be a period of 1260 more satisfactorily for some Christians also assumed to allude to the jubilee prophetic days by John (Rev. 12:6, 14), than exercising faith in God’s promise. cycle) took place in A.D. 27. (The that is to say, 1260 years on the year-day Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary principle (Num. 14:34; Eze. 4:6). Appeal to the Church suggests A.D. 29 as the more likely A specific period of time is allotted We believe Jesus is coming again, date.) On the basis of these and other postexilic Jewry (70 prophetic weeks, and that He is coming soon. There is a assumptions, they asserted that the or 490 years, Dan. 9:24) during which wealth of evidence for this truth in the world’s final jubilee would fall in 1987. the Messiah was to appear. Further- ever-changing contemporary scene. Jubilee speculation next zeroed in more, Daniel is told that the specific Speculations on locating the jubilee on the year 1994 as the fiftieth jubilee year of the Messiah’s appearing could year divert the attention of the curi- since 457 B.C. Here again, there was be calculated as 69 prophetic weeks ousminded, but they really do not stir not the slightest evidence that the sab- (483 years) elapsing after the giving of the church into action. On the con- batical year of 457 B.C. was also a the commandment to restore and build trary, the tendency is to adopt an atti- jubilee year. The Jews, released from Jerusalem (verse 25). tude of “wait and see.” captivity by the Persian king Cyrus in In contrast with the certainty of Today the church faces an enor- 537 B.C., had returned to Palestine 80 these time prophecies are jubilee cycle mous challenge in its global mission. It years earlier. The decree Ezra carried speculations. The latter lack all cer- cannot afford to be distracted from its with him in 457 B.C. from Artaxerxes tainty. The beginning date from which task. Millions have never even heard I had nothing to do with jubilee con- to measure the cycles cannot be ascer- the name of Christ, much less the spe- siderations: the restoration of lands to tained, and there is no way of knowing cial emphases of the three angels’ mes- the owners or their heirs and the the correct way in which to count sages of Revelation 14. Since hundreds release of slaves. Rather, it had to do them (49 or 50 years). Fascination of people groups must be penetrated, with the reorganization and granting of with jubilee cycle calculations appears we must rally to the challenge of shar- a degree of autonomy to the nation of in reality to be only a variant form of ing this faith with them. Israel under Persian lordship. numerology, a dead-end attempt to The Lord is coming. Let Him come It should be noted that in order to find hidden significance in biblical and find His people, not engaged in end a series of 50 jubilee cycles (begin- numbers. doubtful speculations, but actively dis- ning in 457 B.C.) in 1994, the calcula- 7. There is nothing in the writings charging the orders of His commission tor must arbitrarily use 49-year cycles. If of Ellen White to support jubilee cycle (Matt. 28:18-20).

ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 (1441) 57 CITYSCAPES Words to Live By BY ROYSON JAMES

hat inscription would you put on the visit their members and are connected to their needs know weekly bulletin to capture the essence of this. Like the Saviour weeping over Jerusalem, they agonize your congregation’s mission? on their knees before their Lord, day and night, so that “A House of when they stand in the pulpit, the Prayer for All words they speak will be words of com- WPeople,” as Pioneer Memorial church fort and life. had when I studied at Andrews The words The idea of the church as a “hospi- University in the seventies? That is tal” is fine so long as we understand indeed an open invitation to worship were a bit too that a hospital is a place where some- and is apt for a university church that one comes to get well, not to die. For is a home away from home to students gritty. every tragedy and death there is a tri- from some 80 countries. umph and a birth. God, the Great Would you consider “Reverence My Physician, wants our church, our con- Sanctuary,” as the bulletin declared in the church where I gregation, to be in the healing business. Members and visi- was married? tors come to our church seeking love and acceptance—the How about: “Not a Home for Saints . . . a Hospital for prerequisite for mental health. Others come for fellowship Sinners”? and the spiritual instruction needed for successful living. I like that. It’s unpretentious, inclusive, redemptive—the Our roles as choir members, Sabbath school greeters, dea- type of tag I’d like my church to wear in a sick, sick world. cons, elders, preachers, or teachers are equivalent to those of But some members didn’t warm to the idea when it was doctors, nurses, surgeons, technicians, orderlies, or other suggested some 10 years ago. The words conveyed a message health-care aides who work to get the sick off the critical that was true, they acknowledged, but one that was a bit too list and back to a healthy life. The simple task to give each gritty. The idea of a church as a hospital didn’t quite engen- patient/church member/visitor a glimpse of Doctor Jesus der the warm and cozy feeling some members wanted to pro- each week, to follow up with frequent midweek checks, and mote. Members want to enter a positive, feel-good place on prescribe a lifestyle of sustainable happiness. Sabbath mornings, the church board concluded. Worshipers So if you sing, do so after much prayer, and fasting seek a refuge from the world, not a bed in a room full of sick even, so that God will direct you to the song most needed people. They attend church to get away from the mad, crazy by an ailing soul in the pew. Your song may just be the tonic world, not to get a reminder of the pathetic place they needed for a particular member, better and more potent inhabit during the week. even than the sermon, and the right channel through which The board may well have been right. The church is the Holy Spirit can find easy access to someone’s arteries indeed a refuge, an escape from life’s cruel and harsh reali- that have been clogged with anger, hate, bitterness, ties. For some, Sabbath Services are often the only times immorality, and petty jealousies. when they experience true peace and the joy of fellowship When Jesus was found eating with outcasts and sinners, with fellow believers. Too many of our members enter the the Pharisees asked why Jesus would, in effect, stoop so low. sanctuary on Sabbath morning to escape cheating spouses; “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are ungrateful children; unreasonable bosses; bullying siblings; sick,” Jesus answered (Matt. 9:12). demanding parents; dead-end jobs; and a host of other Yes, I like that inscription. wretched social conditions. Essentially, we’re talking about broken people. Royson James is a columnist for the Toronto Star. If we could but see and hear the stories of each member as he or she walks into church each Sabbath, we would weep and mourn and be so weighted down with a sense of gloom that we would never leave our knees. Pastors who

ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 (1443) 59 SPIRIT OF PROPHECY

Lifting Up thePastor How all of us share in the ministry of the gospel

will- ing to help them, are rusting from inaction. God’s cause has not advanced as it should have done, for the BY ELLEN G. WHITE very reason that ministers and leading men have felt that they O ACCOM- must do everything themselves. They have tugged and toiled plish the great to keep the wheel rolling, and are weighed down with work of giving responsibilities and burdens in the various departments of the last warning church work, in the Sabbath school, and in every other to the world, branch of the cause. They think they must do all this or it there is need ofT earnest, well-directed will not be done; and truly it would not be done, because effort. As a people, we have not always moved they have failed to take others into their counsel and to with the wisdom and foresight demanded by the train them to work. importance of our mission. Our leading ministers labor While upon this subject, my attention was called to the too hard, and, as the result, are almost constantly exhausted. following paragraphs touching the same point:

Some of our leading men die prematurely, literally worn out, “Some pastors seem to think that they must take the lead, ISC D while there are among us men of ability who are really doing manage and manipulate every department of church work. nothing in the cause. Our ministers weary themselves in They must arrange the details for every enterprise. Now, HOTO © P doing that which should be left to others, while those who there may be churches in which the pastor must do all this or HOTO might help them, and who, if rightly instructed, would be it will not be attended to at all; but in very many churches P

60 (14440) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 there is plenty of lay talent for all these they lay their plans for labor; to exe- employed in the work, but which purposes, and if the pastor would inter- cute these plans successfully, they need needs development and cultivation. est himself in pushing that element to a clear brain, calm nerves, and a heart We have had but few ministers and but the front, he would save himself much filled with courage; but they lack all few men to bear responsibilities, annoyance and hard work, and at the three of these essential qualifications. because we have had so few educators. same time be rendering a service to We have lost much because we have those he thus interests in the general not had those who were apt to work of the church. teach, and who could conduct a “In some respects the pastor training school for the inexperi- occupies a position similar to that of enced, and press them into the ser- the foreman of a gang of laboring vice. men or the captain of a ship’s crew. The real workers in this cause are They are expected to see that men few, yet the work covers much over whom they are set do the work Let ground; and it is often impossible for assigned to them correctly and the laborers to look after the inter- promptly, and if occasion shall est awakened, and they fail to dis- require it, only in case of emergency those who cern that they must enlist the lay are they to execute in detail. members of the church, and teach “The owner of a large mill once them to work, that they may hold found his superintendent in a wheel all that has been gained, and con- pit, making some simple repairs, love the Lord tinue to advance. The plan of labor while a half-dozen workmen in that has been such as to lead the people line were standing by, idly looking to feel that they could do very little on. The proprietor, after learning and His truth themselves; if anything was to be the facts so as to be sure that no accomplished, they must have a injustice be done, called the fore- minister. . . . man to his office, and handed him And let those who love the Lord his discharge and full pay. In surprise unite . . . to . . . and His truth unite by twos and the foreman asked for an explana- threes to seek places of retirement tion. It was given in these words: ‘I and pray for God’s blessing upon the employed you to keep six men at pray for God’s minister who can hardly find time work. I found the six idle and you to pray because he is constantly doing the work of but one, and your engaged attending to so many work could have been done just as requests, sitting in councils, answer- well by any one of the six. I cannot blessing upon ing inquiries, giving advice, writing afford to pay the wages of seven for important letters. Let the fervent, you to teach the six how to be idle.’ effectual prayer of the righteous “This incident may be applicable the minister. ascend to God, that the word spo- in some cases, in others not. But ken may be a message of truth to many pastors fail in not knowing reach the hearts of the hearers, and how, or in not trying to get the full that souls may thereby be won to membership of the church actively Christ. engaged in the various departments of church work. If pastors would give more attention to getting and keeping their flock actively at work, They have made a serious mistake in This article first appeared in they would accomplish more good, regard to the work resting upon them, the July 24, 1883, edition of have more time for study and religious and have done much that others the Second Advent Review visitation, and also avoid many causes should have done, and that would and Sabbath Herald (now of friction.” have been a blessing to them, giving the Adventist Review) For our leading ministers, our camp them a precious experience in laboring under the title “Cooperation With meetings have been seasons of severe for Jesus. While all cannot be minis- Ministers.” Seventh-day Adventists and wearing labor, unfitting them for ters, all can and should act a part in believe that Ellen G. White exercised the important work which required their the work. biblical gift of prophecy during more than attention at the close of the meeting. There has been a failure to call into 70 years of public ministry. As they meet and counsel together, exercise talent which might be

ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999 (1445) 61 REFLECTIONS Dirty Rocks and RICHARD MAFFEO Grubworms

s soon as they burst through the emergency room financial investments, university degrees, job prestige, and a doors, I knew something was wrong. The mom continuing litany of “bigger-better-more.” and dad, still in damp I don’t believe it’s coincidental that bathing suits, threw their the day I read Calvin I was also study- limp 2-year-old daughter ing my way through Ecclesiastes. King Aat us and screamed something about a He used power, Solomon had it all—money, power, swimming pool. prestige. And he used them all to satisfy Within moments physicians, nurses, every whim that tantalized his flesh and and technicians swooped into Trauma money, prestige, thoughts. “All that my eyes desired I Room One. The resuscitation team did not refuse them,” he wrote in chap- slapped wires from the heart monitor to satisfy every ter 2, verse 10. “I did not withhold my onto the child’s chest. They inserted a heart from any pleasure.” For years, pos- plastic tube into her throat and forced whim that sibly decades, he fed his lust for bigger- air into her lungs. I spotted the hospital better-more. Not until he neared the chaplain with the child’s parents in the end of his life did he finally recognize hallway, his arm around the dad’s shoul- tantalized his flesh the worthlessness of his treasures. ders. “Vanity of vanities,” he called them. But nothing we did—no amount of and thoughts. He could have called them dirty rocks, drugs or machines or prayers—could weird roots, and grub worms. bring her back. Ten years later I can still To his credit, Solomon admitted the see the dad draped across his daughter’s body as it lay on the truth about his treasures before it was too late to make things hospital gurney. I can still hear her mom’s convulsive sobs echo right. Before his body returned to dust (Eccl. 12:7) he discov- across the caverns of my memories. ered the bankruptcy of bigger-better-more. At last he under- During the years I worked as a nurse in that emergency depart- stood true treasure. “The conclusion, when all has been heard, ment, hundreds of desperate people tore through those doors. The is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies young and old, rich and poor, educated and not-so-educated, blue- to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, . . . collars and executives—I learned that no one is guaranteed safe whether it is good or evil” (verses 13, 14). passage through human experience. Heartache slips in and out of I taped the Calvin cartoon to my refrigerator door. It will life’s shadows. When it chooses its victim, neither power nor remain there a long time, a reminder to check my spiritual bank money nor prestige avail: nothing can restrain its hand. account day by day. It will remind me to ensure that my real I think it’s because I’ve seen the tragedies rip so often into treasure—my relationship with Christ—matures with every others that as I draw nearer to my fiftieth birthday I find myself deposit of personal Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with reexamining my own priorities. That’s why a CaIvin and other believers. Hobbes comic strip caught my attention. Someday I might be on the other end of the emergency Calvin is shoulder-deep, busy shoveling dirt from a hole, room doors. I don’t want to discover, at that moment, that my while Hobbes, his stuffed tiger, watches. treasures were nothing more than dirty rocks and grubworms. “What have you found?” Hobbes asks. Calvin’s eyes sparkle. “A few dirty rocks, a weird root, and *Scripture references in this article are from the New American Standard Bible. some disgusting grubs. There’s treasure everywhere!” At first I smiled. Children find treasure in the most unlikely Richard Maffeo is a registered nurse living in San places, and no one is surprised when they showcase rocks and Diego, California. worms. But when I recognized another message in Calvin’s trea- sure, my smile faded. Like Calvin, I used to showcase valueless things like rocks and roots. Now I showcase “real” treasure—

62 (1446) ADVENTIST REVIEW, OCTOBER 1999