01/2024 Selfsupporting Ministries Page 10 Who’s on Your Team? Page 14 Profiles in Mission Page 16
Weaving the Tapestry of Church Mission
10 Self-supporting Ministries Philip Baptiste
13 Defining the Work Todd McFarland
14 Who’s on Your Team? Ernesto Douglas Venn
16 Profiles in Mission Beth Thomas Cover image: Sergio Gonzalez
20 Global View Singing With the Angels Carlos A. Steger 22 Profile Feature “What I Learned in 100 Years” Nicole Brown-Dominguez 24 Discovering Spirit of Prophecy Here I Raise My Ebenezer Audrey Andersson 26 Bible Questions Answered God’s Mission and the Church 27 Health & Wellness Weight Gain 28 May I Tell You a Story? Just an Average Day 30 Growing Faith Shine Like the Son
Corrections In “Abraham as a Witness: Leading by Example” (September 2023), we misstated that the two sacrificial locations were the same. It has been corrected online as “Little did they know that it would be in the very place they were called to go that God would build the Temple which would point to the sacrifice of His own dear Son for our salvation.” In “A Sure Foundation: Based on God’s Word, Part 2” (November 2023), under point 1, the wording has been corrected online to read: “The church believes and proclaims that the sacrificial aspect of the sanctuary was completed at Calvary when Christ died as the Lamb. His work continued when He was inaugurated as our great High Priest and began His intercessory ministry in the first apartment of the real heavenly sanctuary. In 1844 Christ entered the second apartment of the heavenly sanctuary to begin the investigative judgment where He is currently interceding as our High Priest.”
Between the Best Man and the Bride By Justin Kim
Though Western cultures largely are more egalitarian, the Western bride is the focal point. She wears an elegant, white dress. She is the last to enter, escorted by her father, with everyone standing. She is the star of the ceremony. In Eastern cultures, generally more patriarchal than the West, the bride shares the spotlight with the groom. Both wear colorful garments. Depending on the culture, either groom, bride, or both have elaborate entry traditions. And, in some cases, the groom is the star. Having more similarities to the latter, New Testament wedding imagery, such as of the best man and the bride, are used to illustrate ministry. John 3:28-30 refers to the friend of the groom, who stands, hears, and rejoices because of the groom’s voice. This best man imagery points to the ministry of John the Baptist, who lived in the wilderness, wore camel’s hair, and ate honey and locusts. He was preparing a people for the Messiah, preaching the “straight testimony,” and calling for repentance. One characteristic of the best man’s ministry was his humility (Mark 1:7). His aim in life was to see the groom increase and he to decrease (John 3:30). Ephesians 5:23-26 and Revelation 19:7-9 depict Christ as the groom, and the church as the bride. Along with 2 Corinthians 11:2, these passages emphasize the purity of the bride and her need to wear the pure righteousness of Christ. This illustration has its limitations, but these two roles have contemporary parallels. Self-supporting work is similar to the best man, that is, John the Baptist’s ministry. This work, in concert with the work of the bride, which is the church, can do glorious things for the gospel. The church is active in its capacity as an organization, financial, and legal entity in many countries of the world for the gospel to be preached. But other areas exist where self-supporting work complements, even furthers, the work of Jesus because the organized church may be restricted. When the two work harmoniously, there are joys that neither experience alone. In the wedding the best man wasn’t to be the bride. The best man wasn’t to seek to build up his own disciples. Instead, he had no greater joy than to give them away to the groom. And he didn’t call the bride “a whore of Babylon,” either. He knew the love the groom had for the bride and did everything to ensure a successful marriage. His sole focus was on the union of the bride and groom. Likewise, the bride didn’t eschew the work of the best man. She didn’t control every aspect of the best man’s ministry. She didn’t ban him from the ceremony because she wanted the groom all to herself. She didn’t slander the best man, for she knew he was the groom’s best man. Both participants revolved around the groom, the star of the great wedding. How are the best man and the bride getting along today? And how fixated are we on Jesus, our Groom?
We believe in the power of prayer, and we welcome prayer requests that can be shared at our weekly staff worship every Wednesday morning. Send your requests to prayer@adventistworld.org, and pray for us as we work together to advance God’s kingdom.
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News Moment
In 1952 Paul Sigira had a dream that eventually turned to reality, and he donated land for an Adventist church and school on his property. Today students like Sharon Ngatia have a chance to attend Kimogoro Adventist School in Kimogoro, Kenya. Photo: Christina Lloyd, Maranatha Volunteers International
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News in Brief
“We are sent by God to enlarge our tents to reach all people. By God’s grace we hope to have people willing to make a difference not only locally but to the ends of the earth.”
Remote Church Attendance Church members were asked how often they attend church services remotely either by radio, TV, or the Internet during the past 12 months.
14% More than once a week 19% Every week 14% Almost every week
—Bruno Raso, vice president of the South American Division, about the division’s mission refocus initiative. The initiative was created for people who are willing to stay in the mission field for a year or more. Candidates will be selected and trained in 2024 and then will be sent out in 2025 to meet the needs of other world divisions.
7% Once a month 6% At Least once a quarter 14% Only once or twice 26% Never
N=140,642 Source: 2022-23 Global Church Member Survey (Preliminary Report July 2023) Data provided by the General Conference Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research
More Than 370 The number of people that were baptized into the Adventist Church in Cúcuta, Colombia, because of evangelistic meetings held by Robert Costa, speaker and director of Escrito Está (It Is Written). The meetings were held October 14-21, and the theme was “Never Give Up, There’s Still Hope.” This meeting was part of a larger evangelistic initiative to preach the gospel in the entire country. After the initial start in the North Colombian Union, the evangelistic caravan moved to the South Colombian Union to the city of Ibagué. One hundred twenty-eight people were baptized because of those meetings. 4
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“Recognizing [the United States’] current climate of partisan politics and societal schisms, our goal for the conference was to emphasize how we as Christians are called to reject this spirit of hostility and continue to live and serve as ambassadors for Christ.” —Melissa Reid, associate director of public affairs and religious liberty at the North American Division, shared about the two-day religious liberty event. The conference focused on the current state of religious liberty and its place in Bible prophecy and explored ways to address increasing political divisions across the U.S. and in churches.
“We need to fly back home inspired to make changes and striving for more creativity, innovation, and collaboration in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. . . . We [do] not want this event to be a workshop style event but a collection of inspirational and motivational talks that can empower you to do more for the mission of the church.” —Abel Márquez, communication director for the church in the InterAmerican Division (IAD), addressing attendees of the division-wide communication summit held November 7-8 in Miami, Florida, United States.
News in Brief
“God wants us to enjoy eternal life here and now. This doesn’t mean that we expect to live here forever, in our current condition. We await and proclaim the Lord’s soon coming. But it means that we can and must live and share the loving principles of His kingdom, now and here, daily and with everyone.” —Mario Brito, president of the Inter-European Division (EUD), shared during the division’s year-end meeting. Members of EUD’s executive committee voted on a document that emphasized using information and communication technologies more effectively to support mission work.
More Than 300 The number of young people that joined across Bulgaria for the national youth conference held November 3-4. The event’s theme was “God’s Got Talent,” and during the event young people explored their talents and their possibilities for serving God. They participated in workshops and were inspired by the sermons.
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The number of people that received free ophthalmological surgery by La Carlota Hospital (HLC) at Montemorelos University, in Montemorelos, Nuevo León, Mexico. The three-day surgery campaign took place at HLC’s Vision Institute. In addition to the 40 cataract surgeries and 30 retinal treatments performed, 120 more cataract surgeries were scheduled at no cost for January, bringing hope to scores of people suffering from these conditions. The initial ophthalmological procedures were carried out by a team of qualified specialists from the Vision Institute, who donated their time and expertise to the initiative. (->) Photo: La Carlota Adventist Hospital AdventistWorld.org January 2024
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News in Depth
Mass Worship Crowns Centennial Celebration in Eastern Nigeria
General Conference leaders and government officers attend the ceremony.
Marcos Paseggi, Adventist World
Tens of thousands of Seventh-day Adventist church members, leaders, and special guests thanked God the forecasted rain was delayed as they met to celebrate 100 years of Adventist presence in eastern Nigeria in Aba, Abia State, on November 4. Worshippers filled every available seat at the Enyimba International Stadium, and thousands more followed the proceedings from outside the venue. Special guests from the General Conference included president Ted N. C. Wilson, treasurer Paul H. Douglas, associate treasurer George Egwakhe, and their wives. Abia State governor Alex Chioma Otti, who is an Adventist member, and representatives from other faiths were also among the distinguished guests. Notable among the special guests was former Abia State governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, also an Adventist member, a fact Wilson pointed out. “I don’t think I have ever spoken to an audience
where the current governor and the former governor are Seventh-day Adventists,” Wilson said. “The two of you, working together under the power of the Holy Spirit, can bring about amazing forward progress and reconciliation to help the people of the great state of Abia. I want to pray for both for you.” “Brothers and sisters, we are almost home; Jesus is coming soon!” Wilson told the crowd at the beginning of his message. “The devil is going to try anything to distract your focus, but God has a special mission for all of you. You have been chosen for mission.” DRAWING EVERY PERSON TO JESUS
Wilson called members to reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ words in John 12:32, where He said, “I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” “This is not a boastful statement,” Wilson
A women’s choir offers a special musical selection during the November 4 worship service. Photo: Marcos Paseggi, Adventist World 6
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explained. “It is a statement of salvation only through Jesus Christ. It is a prescription for us to follow in the mission of the work everywhere,” Wilson said. He also called attention to the service of the sanctuary in the Old Testament, where everything represented and reflected on Jesus. “The sanctuary service, with all of its aspects, [and] the killing of an innocent lamb . . . represented Jesus. The blood that was then poured out represented Jesus. The high priest who then went to plead before God . . . Jesus is also our high priest. Jesus is our all in all,” Wilson said. “We have no excuse for not being saved by the blood of Jesus. He has done everything possible for us to be with Him. It is our job to tell others about it. Everybody must hear this message. . . . Lift up Jesus in all [that] you do.” EYES FOCUSED ON THE GOAL
Wilson then quoted Paul’s message to the Philippians, where he called believers not to get distracted but rather press on: “ ‘One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus’ [Phil. 3:13, 14],” Wilson read as he called every member to become involved in the “last cry” of God’s message to the world. “God is calling every one of you to keep your eyes on Jesus, to keep your eyes on the final goal,” Wilson said. “We are thankful for what God has done in these 100 years. But our greatest hope is that we don’t need to celebrate another centennial anniversary. We are almost home.”
News in Depth
Inter-America Spearheads Efforts to Reach Urban Communities
Congregations are getting results through untraditional models.
Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News
New Seventh-day Adventist congregations are gaining recognition across the Inter-American Division (IAD). Congregants are gathering in spaces other than church buildings. The worship service does not follow the usual format of Sabbath School followed by a sermon. No church emblems or even the Seventh-day Adventist Church logo are visible. But there is music, there are Bible-centered messages, and specific activities and events on the Sabbath and during the week. Dubbed as Friendly Churches, the congregations follow a plan launched in 2021, when division leaders focused on reaching nonbelievers in specific locations across urban areas. The groups or small congregations are managed by the Adventist Church in the conference or mission where they serve. REACHING THE SECULAR PUBLIC
Friendly Churches seek out university students, business owners, professionals, and people who are not interested in visiting a church building or taking part in a formal church service, said Hiram Ruiz, IAD public campus ministries director. They are not interested in organized religion. The initiative came about after the pandemic and highlights the need to reach believers and nonbelievers who are uninterested in any kind of religious church, he added. “We saw the need to provide a comfortable place where they could speak and listen to spiritual things, without music being the main focus, a specific dress code, but with the opportunity for them to understand God in their lives.”
A group from the Comunidad Oriente in Medellín, Colombia, sit for a group photo. Photo: Kevin Mendoza
There are 10 full congregations of this kind across Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and El Salvador. Most have been running since early 2023. A DIFFERENT APPROACH
The IAD was the first region of the world church to participate in the new structured program, said Kleber Gonçalves, director of the Global Mission Center for Secular and Postmodern Studies at the General Conference. “This has been a totally different approach from what pastors have been trained for normally in our church,” Gonçalves said. “The process of leading others to Christ could take longer than church leaders or members expect in a traditional Adventist Church setting, but so far it has proved to be effective. We have seen how God has grown the ministry of seeking secular-minded people who are looking for answers,” he said. Each of the established Friendly Churches is in a large city populated with at least 1 million people. The churches have been designed to be a different kind of Adventist
church, with an ongoing discipleship approach, Ruiz said. “It has been wonderful to see the spiritual impact these congregations are making in the lives of so many living in large cities,” he said. IT’S NOT ABOUT NUMBERS
The Friendly Church project’s success is not being measured by the number of baptisms, visitors, and regular visitors, Ruiz said. “The spiritual growth of the group works through a contextualized discipleship program, not your traditional Adventist evangelism format,” he said. Yet the groups at Friendly Churches give their tithes and offerings and contribute to the Adventist Church organization that they fall under, Ruiz said. Now the Global Mission Center for Secular and Postmodern Studies at the General Conference and the IAD are working on putting together a handbook with the howto process, recommendations, and results obtained from established Friendly Churches across the territory. It is expected to be available before the end of 2024. AdventistWorld.org January 2024
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News in Depth
Families Receive Keys to New Shelters in Morocco
ADRA Spain has been assisting earthquake survivors.
Olga Calonge, ADRA Spain, and Adventist World
Families sleeping in tents and temporary shelters after the September 8 earthquake in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco are already enjoying more permanent shelters before the cooler fall temperatures set in, leaders of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Spain said. October 28 was a day of celebration for all of them, as ADRA Spain participated in the official handover of the keys to the 32 families already occupying the eight temporary shelters financed with the help of ADRA’s international network. Morocco’s government officers also attended the ceremony. Daniel Abad, ADRA Spain coordinator in Morocco, witnessed the ceremony of handing over the keys and signing temporary agreements. In the signed agreements, families commit to taking care of the houses for as long as they occupy them, until their villages are rebuilt. In the future these facilities will be repurposed to house, among other uses, schools or local craft shops that can provide work for women in the area, ADRA leaders said. MORE THAN PREFABRICATED HOUSES
“These prefabricated houses insulated for humidity and heat have a lease for as long as they need to build the town,” Abad said. “Subsequently, they will be dismantled and taken to other locations where it is necessary to put schools or store material from warehouses.” Abad added that all the streets in the area have been paved so residents are not affected by rain. ADRA has included flowerbeds, a commu-
nal toilet facility, and a children’s area. “All the houses comply with local regulations and have electricity,” Abad said. “And everyone can also access an equipped communal kitchen.” The initiative, carried out in collaboration with a local nonprofit organization, saw houses rise in as fast as two to three days, ADRA leaders said. The project consists of eight 172-square-foot prefabricated houses, which include four dormitories, latrines, showers, and a communal kitchen in each. MORE THAN 4,000 PEOPLE SERVED
ADRA Spain, in close collaboration with ADRA International, continues to coordinate the emergency humanitarian response deployed in the Atlas Mountains to deal with the consequences of the Marrakesh-Safi earthquake. The first phase of the response involved an investment of US$150,000, which made it possible to directly assist 812 families and a total of 4,226 affected people. In those first four weeks ADRA distributed a total of 2,595 emergency kits to a total of 519 fami-
lies. The distributed kits included food, blankets and warm clothes, flashlights, socks, soap for personal hygiene, sanitary pads for women, and sanitary wipes that can be used where there is no access to water. ADRA also distributed children’s socks and warm clothes, as well as school supplies, including backpacks, notebooks, colored pencils, and pens. GOATS FOR 30 FAMILIES
Another of the projects launched by ADRA has been the delivery of 150 goats and food to feed them for two months to a total of 30 families in four villages located in the Atlas Mountains. The project, which ADRA developed in collaboration with a local nonprofit organization, included an investment of about 10,000 euros. These projects, and the entire humanitarian response deployed in Morocco by ADRA, are possible thanks to the selfless funding of several partners, ADRA Spain said. They included other branches of the ADRA International network, including ADRA Germany, ADRA Japan, ADRA Australia, ADRA France, ADRA Canada, ADRA Netherlands, ADRA Belgium, and ADRA Austria, among others, they said.
Families receive the keys to their new shelters in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco, October 28. Photo: ADRA Spain
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Mission Focus
Jefferson Paradello, South American Division, and Adventist World
Dieter Bruns highlighted the need to encourage new generations to get involved in mission. Photo: Gustavo Leighton
South America Ramps Up Sending Missionaries to Other Regions Renewed push is part of the Mission Refocus initiative, leaders said.
The South American Division (SAD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church will increase the number of missionaries sent to other regions of the world, regional church leaders said. The goal is to share the biblical message, especially the truth of Jesus’ soon return, in areas with little or no Adventist presence, they said. Church leaders said the first step in this direction took place in 2015, when 25 families joined the Missionaries to the World project, which is still ongoing. The project will soon enter its second phase, with an influx of financial resources and opportunities for more people to serve in places where support is needed to expand the preaching of the gospel. The plan was presented during SAD’s 2023 Annual Council, which included eight South American countries in Brasilia, Brazil, on November 6. It is an expansion that aims to strengthen Mission Refocus, an Adventist initiative that seeks to mobilize employees at Adventist in-
stitutions and regional offices, and members of local congregations. Mission Refocus is looking for people who are available to stay in the mission field for a year or more, leaders said. It also provides short-term mission trips in support of specific needs. To make this possible, the Adventist Church will rely on resources from church organizations and their members, leaders reported. Candidates will be selected and trained in 2024 after considering several criteria, including clear missionary vision, English proficiency, and emotional health. The candidates are scheduled to be sent in 2025 to meet the needs of other world divisions that have already submitted projects that need support. HOW IT WILL WORK
After missionary families arrive in their territory of service, they will have three months to get an overview of the local challenges and find a project connected to that community’s main challenges, which they will submit to the SAD. The project proposal will undergo an evaluation, and, if approved, after six months it will allow the missionaries to welcome two volunteers sent by the Adventist Volunteer Service (AVS). The expenses related to accommodation, food, and stipends for these volunteers will come from the SAD. “The work in the mission field
is often solitary. We want these men and women to support the great need identified in each region and the work carried out by the missionaries,” Dieter Bruns, associate secretary and SAD AVS director, said. One year after the missionary family’s arrival in the territory, they may be eligible to receive one or more mission trips, either from church offices or institutions or from local church members, leaders explained. The purpose of these trips is to support initiatives developed in the community, such as service in various areas and evangelistic meetings. PREPARING IN ADVANCE
But where will most people come from? From local churches, Bruns said. “We want each member to be aware of the global challenge and strengthen this reality by getting involved in missionary initiatives, which until recently were not talked about so much.” Adventist leaders are now encouraging young people and families to pray, plan, and support the spread of the biblical message in places that need to hear about Christ. “This can be done primarily by participating in mission schools, by getting involved in local or regional initiatives, and, above all, by studying English so that it is possible to build bridges with other cultures and communities,” they said. AdventistWorld.org January 2024
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Focus
Self-supporting Ministries Weaving together the foundations of faith and Adventist mission BY PHILIP BAPTISTE, D.MIN.
I
n the tapestry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, self-supporting ministries emerge as vibrant threads, adding depth and diversity to the church’s mission. These self-governing entities, while completely independent of the church’s administrative and ecclesiastical structure, share the core beliefs and values of Adventism, working in harmony to further the gospel commission. Their roots, missions, and purposes are as varied as the needs they meet, yet they all share a common goal: to exemplify the love of Christ and proclaim the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14:6-12. MISSION AND PURPOSE
The mission of self-supporting ministries is vast and varies from one institution to another. Yet the overarching objective remains to complement and supplement the work of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in reaching communities and individuals, often beyond the reach of traditional methods. These ministries, in their own supporting style, address education, health, publishing, media, evangelism, and humanitarian aid. They are bound by a common purpose: to advance the gospel and prepare people for the second coming of Jesus. Their role within Adventism is to act as innovative laboratories for mission. They experiment with new evangelistic methods, respond quickly to emerging needs, and often reach into areas or demographics where the official church has a limited presence. They also serve as training grounds for laypeople, empowering them to take active roles in ministry and evangelism. 10
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The relationship between the Seventh-day Adventist Church and self-supporting ministries is cooperative. Self-supporting ministries provide a dynamic and agile complement to the official church’s strategic plan. They often pioneer efforts in unentered territories or among unreached people groups. That said, the church provides the theological foundation, a global network, and a shared identity that lends credibility and support to these ministries. For the health of this relationship, there must be a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. Church leaders are encouraged to recognize the contributions of self-supporting ministries as part of the body of Christ, facilitating rather than regulating their efforts. Open communication and collaboration can lead to more effective mission outcomes. MADISON COLLEGE’S LEGACY
Self-supporting ministries can be traced back to the early twentieth century. Among the most notable pioneers in this realm was Madison College, established in 1904 in Tennessee. Founders E. A. Sutherland and Percy Magan, inspired by Ellen G. White’s counsels on education and evangelism, sought to create a self-sustaining institution. Madison became a beacon of innovation, operating without denominational funding, focused on practical Christianity, health, agricultural training, and evangelism. Madison’s model sparked a movement. Students and staff, upon leaving Madison, often established similar self-supporting institutions or ministries, which thrived on the principles of Christian self-reliance and service. This wave was not a rebellion against church structure, but a response to a growing need for diverse methods Photo: Analuisa Gamboa
of outreach and evangelism. Madison College’s approach to education and mission became a blueprint for many self-supporting ministries. It embodied the principle that every member is a minister, intertwining secular work with spiritual service. The spirit of Madison is carried forward today through the work of Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries (ASi), which is officially recognized by the North American Division (NAD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. ASi operates as a department of the NAD, serving as an umbrella organization for self-supporting ministries and Adventist entrepreneurs. It plays a crucial role in fostering unity and collaboration among various independent ministries. ASi’s membership is a network of businesses, professionals, and ministry leaders who share a common commitment to Christ and the Adventist message. Through ASi, members find opportunities for networking, fellowship, and collaboration. ASi conventions and conferences are hubs where ideas are exchanged and partnerships are formed. By offering these networking opportunities, ASi helps like-minded entities unite their efforts to achieve a greater impact in mission work. In the shared journey of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s global mission, international Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries chapters stand as vital partners. These chapters are not mere organizations; they are vibrant communities of believers dedicated to spreading God’s love across nations. Collaborating closely with church entities, they weave a story of faith and commitment that spans the globe. Each ASi chapter across the world mirrors the rich diversity of
our church. They understand the unique cultures they serve in, crafting ways to share our Adventist message that resonate with local hearts while faithfully upholding our shared beliefs. These international chapters are more than support structures; they are active participants in a united mission. By bringing together self-supporting ministries, they create a network of shared purpose, strengthening our global outreach. These partnerships go beyond strategic planning; they are heartfelt collaborations driven by a common goal to share the gospel. While respecting the individuality of each ministry, ASis help weave their efforts into the broader tapestry of the church’s mission. In their advisory role, international ASis offer more than counsel; they share the voices and stories of grassroots ministries, ensuring that our worldwide mission strategies are responsive to local needs and inspirations. ASis do more than mobilize material resources; they cultivate a spirit of sharing and collective faith, encouraging ministries to learn from each other and grow together in Christ. The collaborative effort of international ASis is a crucial component of our church’s mission narrative. It demonstrates our collective commitment to spreading God’s Word in diverse and meaningful ways, reaching every corner of the earth with His message of hope. ENGAGING WITH SELFSUPPORTING MINISTRIES
Leaders and members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church can engage with self-supporting ministries in several ways: Partnership in Projects: Local churches can collaborate with self-supporting ministries on specific projects or initiatives that
Self-supporting ministries can be traced back to the early twentieth century. align with the church’s mission and goals. These efforts can bring additional resources and expertise to community outreach, health programs, and evangelistic campaigns. Shared Training: Church members can benefit from the training programs offered by self-supporting ministries, enhancing their skills in various areas of service and ministry. Strategic Planning: When church entities engage in strategic planning, including self-supporting ministries in the discussion can lead to inclusive strategies for outreach and evangelism. These ministries may have a grassroots understanding of the needs within communities and can provide valuable insights. Prayer and Spiritual Support: Prayer cannot be underestimated as a vital means of support. Praying for the success of these ministries and recognizing their challenges and contributions within the church encourages a supportive environment. The intersection of self-supporting ministries with the broader church body must maintain a delicate balance between autonomy and unity. These ministries enjoy the freedom to innovate and adapt to specific contexts while aligning with the beliefs, mission, and ethical standards of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. AdventistWorld.org January 2024
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To maintain this balance, clear channels for dialogue and accountability are essential. Self-supporting ministries can benefit from the counsel and support of church leaders, and likewise, church leaders can gain new perspectives and ideas from these entrepreneurial ministries. This mutual exchange fosters an environment of growth and respect, furthering the collective mission of the church. In shaping a collaborative effort that honors both self-supporting ministries and the Seventh-day Adventist Church, it is essential to follow a path of strategic clarity and mutual respect, deeply rooted in biblical principles: Covenant of Distinction and
Mutual Support: In the vein of Paul’s metaphor of the body with many parts, each with its own function (1 Cor. 12), ensure that communication platforms—from official documents to digital media—articulate the ministry’s role as a separate entity that operates in harmony with, but is not legally part of, the Seventh-day Adventist denominational structure. This commitment to clarity supports the church’s mission and upholds the integrity of the ministry as a distinct participant in the body of Christ. Doctrine and Integrity in Partnership: Align closely with the apostolic commitment to sound doctrine (Acts 2:42), regularly consulting with
Ministry Terminology
There are many terms used to describe the relationship between various ministries and the Adventist Church. Below are some descriptions that may provide some clarity to the complexities of the landscape of different ministries in the field. These terms are not exclusive, but can be used in combination or at odds with each other.
Self-supporting: This is a
Supportive: Though sounding
Independent: Though in
term used to describe ministries that are not officially associated with the structure and governance of the Seventh-day Adventist church. They usually have their own organization bylaws and leadership. Their personnel are not financed by the tithe of the Church. They may be supportive or nonsupportive of the Seventh-day Adventist leadership and teachings.
similar to “self-supporting,” this term differs in that it describes a ministry as encouraging its adherents to follow the teachings and doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. More than just membership and organization, it points to the church as an end-time movement of God’s remnant people with the unique responsibility to communicate the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14 to the world.
some ways meaning the same as “self-supporting,” its colloquial use has a negative connotation in the Adventist Church. It usually refers to a self-supporting organization that is not supportive of the church and has its own set of teachings, practices, and objectives. Though legally organizations may function and be described as “independent,” its usual context is not favorable in relation to the church. They may be of either ideological side and of varying financial capabilities.
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church leaders to ensure theological unity. Embrace financial transparency, reflecting biblical stewardship, and clear delineation of resources, underscoring the shared commitment to furthering the gospel. Strategic and Cooperative Ministry Efforts: Seek strategic opportunities for ministry that echo Nehemiah’s collaborative rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls—working side by side, yet on distinctly appointed sections. Engage actively within the Adventist community, enhancing the ministry’s impact through complementary efforts. Constructive Collaboration With Church Leadership: Following Christ’s example of recognizing diverse roles within His ministry
Defining the Work (John 13:14-17), interact with church leadership in a spirit that acknowledges both the supportive role of the ministry and its individual operational identity. Celebration of Shared Commitment and Collective Achievements: Share and celebrate the ministry’s successes as reflections of the unity for which Christ prayed (John 17:21-23). Let these stories of collaboration showcase the combined dedication to the mission, emphasizing unity in service rather than organizational affiliation. By embodying these strategies, self-supporting ministries can effectively articulate their autonomous yet supportive role in relation to the Adventist Church, strengthening their shared mission through a collaborative but clearly defined collaboration. A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
The legacy of such entities as Madison College and ASi underscores the church’s commitment to active, inclusive participation in the mission field. Through continued cooperation and a celebration of shared values, the Adventist Church can harness the diverse strengths of these independent yet fully supportive ministries. By actively supporting and strategically partnering with self-supporting ministries, the church recognizes these entities as vital allies in spreading the message of hope and wholeness. Such a relationship, founded on prayer, respect, and collaboration, will ensure that the church moves forward in unity to share the everlasting gospel with a world in need. Philip Baptiste is the departmental director of Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries (ASi) for the North American Division and the secretary/treasurer of ASi.
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eventh-day Adventists, from their earliest days, established organizations to spread the gospel. Whether it was the International Religious Liberty Association in 1893, the Adventist Review in 1849, or the Battle Creek Sanitarium in 1866, creating structure and organization is in our genetic makeup. Over time and through hard-learned experience, the Adventist Church has developed policies and practices around how all these separate legal organizations relate. This, of course, is in addition to our local church, conference, union, division, and General Conference structure. Understanding how all these different groups work together can be daunting. The most important distinction is between denominational entities and supporting ministries (also known as self-supporting ministries). Denominational entities are directly connected to the church. In addition to the local conference and union, organizations such as Stanbourough Press or Hope Channel are separate legal entities but connected structurally to the Adventist Church. Denominational entities either have a constituency (such as a conference) or a defined board membership made up of church officials. While they maintain a separate legal status and are operated and governed by their own bylaws, boards, and constituencies, they have a relationship to the broader church. These entities work together administratively on such issues as pay, retirement, and educational requirements. They are also part of the broader Seventh-day Adventist Church and help define the beliefs, mission, and goals of the church. Organizations listed in the Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook are denominational entities. Supporting ministries are different because while they cooperate with the goals and purposes of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, they are not part of the broader structure. The board and leadership are faithful lay Adventists, but other than being members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, neither they nor their ministry have any legal connection to the church’s structure. Ministries such as Three Angels Broadcasting Network or Fletcher Academy in North Carolina, United States, have for years sought to further the teachings of the Adventist Church. But they are not Seventh-day Adventist institutions, because they have organized themselves outside of the Adventist Church’s structure. This does not mean the leadership are not faithful Adventists, nor does it mean they are teaching and preaching a gospel contrary to Seventh-day Adventist beliefs. Supporting ministries for a broad range of reasons believe their ministry is best conducted as a supporting rather than denominational entity. Supporting ministries in the past have also been referred to as “independent ministries.” Many supporting ministries feel this term implies they do not work in harmony and in cooperation with the church and avoid using it. This contrasts with an “offshoot” group that works to criticize or tear down the church rather than cooperate with and support it. In North America supporting ministries are defined by being members of Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries (ASi).
Todd McFarland is the deputy general counsel in the Office of General Counsel for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. AdventistWorld.org January 2024
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Focus
Who’s on Your Team? Collaborating with supporting ministries BY ERNESTO DOUGLAS VENN
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uring the past 30 years I’ve had a chance to serve in different capacities at home and overseas in a variety of contexts. I saw that when members work together as a team, more is accomplished for the kingdom of God. What do I mean by that? Well, let’s look at a biblical example. Jesus took His disciples on a field trip, and they passed by an individual who was not one of the twelve but who was a follower of Christ. He was casting demons out in Jesus’ name. The disciples came to Jesus and said, “Master, You need to stop that man because he is not part of our group” (see Luke 9:49). The disciples had a closed mindset. In their view they were the only ones who could play the game or be involved in ministry with Jesus. But in His response to the disciples, Jesus expanded their definition of who is on the team. He said, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side” (verse 50; cf. Mark 9:38, 39). Jesus’ idea of the team was bigger 14
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than what the disciples held in their limited view. They thought they were the only ones who could serve God. Other Bible examples reveal that Jesus had an expanded view of mission that incorporated a variety of individuals, including tax collectors, Pharisees, Canaanites, and others in addition to the disciples who traveled with Him every day. THREE LESSONS
There are three lessons I’ve learned from working with supporting ministries for the sake of expanding the kingdom of God. Each one has a distinct calling and role to play in the advancement and sharing of the three angels’ messages. The role and function of ministries that support the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is to follow their calling as they are convicted, within their legal framework in the city, state, or country in which they operate, to help make disciples among unreached people groups. This is done in support of the
mission of and in concert with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. As we look to church history, we see gospel work being done in New York City in the late 1890s to early 1900s. Some of the entities or ministry partners involved were Adventist businessmen and entrepreneurs, not paid employees of the denomination. They were part of the same team of sharing Christ in the city and making disciples within the working class, amid the stockbrokers on Wall Street, and among the unreached people groups of that day. The church normally focuses on preaching the gospel, teaching, health ministry, and helping ministries such as caring for the widows, orphans, and those with special needs. Sometimes we get distracted, however. That’s where the second step comes into play. We’re better together because we complement each other’s work. Some entities may view supporting ministries as competition. I know that at times there have been conflicts and misunderstandings that
Photo: matimix/ iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
have caused distrust, confusion, and a lack of unity between the supporting ministry and an established denominational entity such as a local church, conference, union, division, or even the General Conference. But if we look at Ephesians 4 and see how God has equipped all believers using spiritual gifts, we see that there can be a complementary role for supporting ministries in areas and among ethnic groups where the church does not have an active presence. We are better together. We need to know our roles. What do I mean? As a Seventh-day Adventist pastor, missionary, church planter, and advocate, I work with and am a part of the boards of different church entities. That includes the local church where I am a member, my local conference, perhaps the union or even my division or General Conference. At those representation levels I can have a voice, vote on issues, give guidance and direction, and be part of a process. It is there that I make my contribution as a church leader.
So how do church leaders or employees interface with those who have supporting ministries? Working within our respective roles, we can communicate with each other. What are the mission challenges before us? Which ones remain? We can pray together to ask God to guide, inspire, and ignite the hearts of women, men, entrepreneurs, and young adults who are called by Him, gifted, financed, and equipped by Him in ways other than through the denomination. So we interface through communication, strategizing, and prayer. Another way we work within our distinct roles is through collaboration. Part of that collaboration is asking, “What is the need and how can we work together?”—each one within its own legal framework and entity. There can be a cooperative spirit between the two for the furtherance of the mission, not one trying to control the other, respecting the legal boundaries within which each operates. It’s done best when we work together and support each other. ADVANCING THE WORK
In the General Conference Working Policy there is a dedicated section* on supporting ministries and how they are defined. There is a process by which supporting, independent, separate legal bodies (or nonprofit organizations in the United States) can work in conjunction with the church in its mission work, but within the context that each one has. In some of the veiled cities (metropolitan areas around the world where mission must be treated sensitively) I saw how God used different entities to help reach some of the unreached people groups the denomination could not reach. Let me explain. In today’s mission context there are some
Jesus’ idea of the team was bigger than what the disciples held in their limited view.
places where they say, “Missionary, go home.” I, as an ordained minister, would not be welcome there. God has given many gifts to His body, however, and the pastoral role is one that can be shared. It’s not the only gift. There are the gifts of help and healing, too. One who has those skills or abilities, as well as credentials from their training, can work in cross-cultural settings that I would not be permitted in. This is how the church and supporting ministries can work collaboratively, to pursue the mission of the church, not for the sake of controlling one another, but for using our spiritual gifts and demonstrating our divine calling to make disciples and build up the body of Christ. So how big is your team? It takes all of us working together to fulfill the mission we’ve been given—to provide hope and healing to a world shrouded in pain and darkness. We must exhibit a spirit of cooperative awareness and respect for the variety of gifts and callings the Lord has laid on each of us, working together to advance the kingdom of heaven. * Working Policy of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 2022), p. 473.
Ernesto Douglas Venn serves as the assistant to the president for Adventist Possibilities Ministries at the General Conference. Learn more at www.possibilityministries.org.
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Faith in Action
Profiles in Mission A brief glance at supporting ministries worldwide BY BETH THOMAS
Photo: Shane Rounce
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upporting ministries fall into many different categories of mission and service. Some are health-care institutions, some are educational facilities, some are strictly evangelistic or service-oriented. Whatever the category, these self-supporting entities have one thing in common: bringing people into a saving relationship with Jesus and pointing them to the Source of hope and healing. The following profiles offer a marginal glimpse into the broad scope of supporting ministries worldwide.
ADVENTIST MEDICAL EVANGELISM NETWORK (AMEN)
Adventist Medical Evangelism Network (AMEN) is a dynamic organization at the intersection of health care and faith-based outreach, dedicated to improving the physical and spiritual well-being of individuals and communities around the world. With a rich history and a strong commitment to the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s health message, AMEN plays a vital role in promoting wholistic healing and spreading the gospel of Christ. AMEN was founded on the principles of Christian service, health education, and medical evangelism. Since its inception, it has grown into a global network of healthcare professionals, volunteers, and supporters united by a common mission. The organization’s primary goal is to provide medical care and share the love of Jesus with underserved and vulnerable populations. AMEN offers a range of services, from free health clinics and medical missions to health education programs and lifestyle counseling. AMEN’s trademarks are medical and dental clinics, often held in
remote areas where access to health care is limited. These clinics provide essential medical services, dental care, and preventive health education, benefiting thousands of individuals who might otherwise go without proper care. The organization’s teams of medical professionals and volunteers work to ensure that these events are not just about healing bodies but also nurturing souls through prayer and spiritual support. AMEN’s commitment to health education and lifestyle coaching is also evident in its workshops, seminars, and wellness programs. They equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their health and empower them to lead healthier lives. This network’s dedication to wholistic well-being reflects the Adventist Church’s emphasis on a balanced and healthful lifestyle, rooted in faith. By addressing the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of health, AMEN continues to transform lives and communities. Their work is a testament to the power of faith-based organizations in bringing about meaningful change in the lives of those they serve. AMEN delivers hope, healing, and spiritual care in a world often plagued by physical and emotional suffering. With its commitment to health care and faith-based outreach, AMEN stands as a shining example of how compassion, faith,
These medical missions not only address acute health needs but also promote long-term health and wellness by providing resources to local health-care workers. and expertise can combine to create a positive impact on individuals and communities around the globe. Find out more information on their website: https://amensda.org.
INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S CARE (ICC)
International Children’s Care (ICC) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable children and families around the world. Founded in 1978, ICC has provided comprehensive care, education, and support to children in need. ICC operates in numerous countries, striving to break the cycle of poverty, abuse, and neglect through its wholistic approach. Their programs encompass orphan care, education, and family-strengthening initiatives, with a primary focus on AdventistWorld.org January 2024
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ensuring that every child experiences love, safety, and a chance for a brighter future. One of ICC’s hallmark features is their family-based care model, which prioritizes placing children in loving, stable families rather than institutional settings. The children live in a home with a native mother and father figure. This approach has been shown to be effective in promoting healthy emotional development and building a sense of belonging. Although there are financial limitations, the organization tries to provide access to quality schooling to the level the children desire. ICC understands that education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty. An integral part of the ICC program is connecting “children with caring sponsors who want to establish a relationship with a child. Child sponsors are encouraged to correspond with the child. This is important to these children, as ICC works to help the child build a positive self-image. It is also important to the sponsor, as he/she thus has an opportunity to focus on the needs of others.”1
An integral part of the ICC program is connecting children with caring sponsors who want to establish a relationship with a child. 18
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ICC’s mission to nurture, protect, and educate vulnerable children makes them a beacon of hope in the global landscape of child welfare. Visit https://forhiskids.org for more information on sponsoring a child or the program in general.
CANVASBACK MISSIONS
Canvasback Missions is a supportive ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, dedicated to improving the health and well-being of communities in the Pacific Islands. With a strong focus on health care, education, and community development, this nonprofit organization has been making a positive impact on the lives of people living in the remote Pacific regions for more than three decades. Canvasback Missions was founded in 1985 by Larry and Cindy Hart, who were inspired by their faith and a deep sense of compassion. Since its inception, the organization has been on a mission to bring hope, healing, and transformation to those in need. They work in collaboration with local Seventh-day Adventist missions and other partners to provide essential medical services and community support. One of Canvasback Missions’ primary areas of focus is health care. The organization sends teams of health-care professionals, including doctors, nurses, dentists, and surgeons, to provide free medical care and surgical services to underserved communities in the Pacific Islands. These medical missions not
only address acute health needs but also promote long-term health and wellness by providing resources to local health-care workers. Community development is another key aspect of Canvasback Missions’ work. Through the Canvasback Wellness Center on the atoll of Majuro, medical professionals promote total lifestyle improvement through diet and exercise; educate community members on how to grow fresh vegetables, which are difficult to obtain in the islands; and fight climate change through sustainable agriculture. The organization’s core values are rooted in their Christian faith, emphasizing love, compassion, and service to others. Canvasback Missions exemplifies the principles of the Seventh-day Adventist Church by actively seeking to make a tangible difference in the lives of those they serve. Their dedication demonstrates the power of faithbased humanitarian work. See https://canvasback.org for more information.
KIBIDULA FARM
Nestled in south-central Tanzania, Kibidula Farm stands as a shining example of sustainable agriculture. The farm was founded in 1989 and spreads out over 4,776 acres. It is so much more than a farm, though. Kibidula runs a day school for local students, and “an agricultural school, which provides vocational, spiritual, and life-skills training for at-risk youth who are unable to continue on to secondary school; and an evangelism school.” Their
organization “also operates a lifestyle center, builds churches, publishes literature (health of body, mind, and spirit), prints Bible studies, tracts and small books, provide Bibles, and works to reach people with the hope of Jesus Christ through Bible workers and more.”2 Kibidula’s mission is to transform lives “through practical education, agriculture, health, and community service.”3 Read their newsletter and follow what is happening on the farm at https://kibidula.org.
ADVENTIST WORLD AVIATION (AWA)
Adventist World Aviation (AWA) is a nonprofit, humanitarian organization dedicated to providing aviation services for remote and underserved communities around the world. Founded on the principles of compassion and service, AWA supports the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s global mission. Established in 1995, AWA utilizes a fleet of aircraft and skilled personnel to bridge the gap between isolated communities and essential resources. Their mission is to bring hope, healing, and the message of God’s love to areas that are otherwise inaccessible because of geographical, logistical, or infrastructural challenges. AWA’s dedicated team of pilots, mechanics, and support staff provide medical evacuations, transport medical teams, deliver humanitarian aid, and assist in disaster relief efforts. Their commitment to serving those in remote and often challenging
locations has made a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals and communities. Visit their website at https:// flyawa.org for more information.
LIFESTYLETV
LifestyleTV is a captivating television channel rooted in the heart of Sweden, offering viewers a unique blend of informative content that promotes healthy living and shares the principles of the Seventh-day Adventist faith. With its commitment to fostering well-being and spiritual growth, LifestyleTV has garnered a global following, transcending cultural and religious boundaries. At the core of LifestyleTV’s mission is the promotion of a wholistic lifestyle. The program dedicates itself to educating its viewers about the benefits of a balanced diet, physical fitness, mental health, and spiritual wellness. Through a diverse range of shows, including cooking demonstrations, exercise routines, and inspirational messages, LifestyleTV empowers individuals to make informed choices for their physical and spiritual health. Founded and headquartered in Sweden, LifestyleTV has become a global beacon for those seeking to live healthier, more meaningful lives. Its reach extends far beyond its Scandinavian roots, captivating audiences worldwide through satellite and online broadcasts. By making their content accessible to anyone, regardless of geographical location, LifestyleTV has spread its
In the world of television programming, LifestyleTV offers a unique perspective on the intersection of faith and lifestyle.
message of total wellness and faith to a diverse, international audience. LifestyleTV programs align with Adventist values, sharing the commitment to a vegetarian diet and observance of the Sabbath, and fostering a sense of community and fellowship. LifestyleTV bridges the gap between the Adventist community and the broader public, offering valuable insights and guidance for all. In the world of television programming, LifestyleTV offers a unique perspective on the intersection of faith and lifestyle. Whether you’re a devoted Adventist, a health enthusiast, or simply someone seeking guidance on improving your lifestyle, LifestyleTV provides a treasure trove of resources to help you on your journey to a more fulfilling life. See https://arkiv.lifestyletv.se/ about/ for more information on LifestyleTV. Many of the programs are available in English. 1 2 3
https://forhiskids.org/hestia-front/our-mission/ https://kibidula.org Ibid.
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Global View
Singing With the Angels Biblical principles for worship music
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t is no secret that music—particularly religious music—is one of the most debated topics in Christianity. Whenever we’re faced with such a complex and difficult-to-resolve issue, it is essential to study Scripture and Ellen G. White’s writings for guiding principles on how our worship music should be.1 The topic is increasingly relevant as we approach the final crisis of this world’s history. According to Revelation 13 and 14, worship will be the focal point that will define every human being’s destiny. We will have to choose between worshipping the beast (and its image) and worshipping God. Worshipping the true God is as important as worshipping Him the right way. Could it be that even with the best intentions, by using inappropriate music many Christians are worshipping in the wrong way? The Bible gives abundant examples of people who worshipped God and reports the reasons they did so. Based on this information, we may define worship as “the attitude of humility, reverence, honor, devotion, and adoration”2 of created beings toward their Creator, in recognition of His attributes (Ps. 99:9; Rev. 15:4) and His works of creation (Rev. 4:10; 14:7), redemption (2 Kings 17:36; Rev. 5:9), and providence (Ps. 59:16; 118:21). Worship is a personal experience, but it is also a family and community activity. Our understanding of God determines how we approach and worship Him.3 Therefore, it is essential to know who God is according to 20
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the Bible. The divine attribute of holiness stands out as essential to God’s nature. GOD’S HOLINESS AND HIS PEOPLE
After the fall of Adam and Eve, adoration rendered by human beings was tainted because sin had affected us all. Not so God’s angels, who have not fallen into sin. One of the most instructive passages about celestial adoration is Isaiah 6, “the biblical key text on worship.”4 Isaiah saw the Lord sitting on His throne, surrounded by seraphim chanting, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” (Isa. 6:3). The same reiteration is seen in the book of Revelation, where John saw four living creatures around the throne of God, “saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!’ ” (Rev. 4:8). The fact that God is holy requires that His children be holy too. The problem is that we are sinners by nature. When we repent from our sins, however, and confess them to God, He accepts us as His children, forgives our sins, and declares us holy, setting us apart for Him. This new status enables us, through faith in Him and by His grace, to grow in the process of sanctification, which is the work “of a lifetime”5 (Rom. 6:19, 22; 1 Thess. 4:3). A holy God, who graciously grants a holy status to His children and commands them to grow in moral holiness throughout their lives, also requires that everything Photo: Kinsco / Lightstock
related to worship be holy, be it in private life, at home, or in the church. The song offered by the seraphim choir (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8) is a model we should follow when making music in the Lord’s presence. “Music forms a part of God’s worship in the courts above, and we should endeavor, in our songs of praise, to approach as nearly as possible to the harmony of the heavenly choirs.”6 The angels’ canticle of adoration reveals that the acknowledgment of God’s holiness is at the foundation of true worship and religious music. GOD’S HOLINESS AND RELIGIOUS MUSIC
From our understanding of the biblical concept of God’s holiness and from the writings of Ellen G. White, specific principles emerge for religious music, at a personal and corporate level. The need to “distinguish between holy and unholy” (Lev. 10:10) in music today is more relevant than ever before. All music inherently produces in listeners an association of ideas and experiences. “Musical styles come with a cultural package. They are often associated with places, people, and actions.”7 We associate certain types of music with specific environments, attitudes, and ways of life. Therefore, “sacred music should not evoke secular associations or invite conformity to worldly behavioral patterns of thinking or acting.”8 Regarding vocal music, biblically sound lyrics are not enough for a song to be appropriate to worship the Lord. The character of the music itself has “to serve a holy purpose, to lift the thoughts to that which is pure, noble, and elevating, and to awaken in the soul devotion and gratitude to God.”9 Not all music styles fulfill this purpose, however. Musical styles were created to achieve definite purposes in specific environments. Therefore, contrary to a prevalent idea, music style is not a neutral carrier for the Christian message. “A vast body of musicological scholarship has shown that, rather than being a blank slate for injecting propositional content through sung lyrics, musical style itself communicates a specific set of ideas and values to enculturated listeners.”10 In fact, “music styles are religious-value laden—they are veritable embodiments of beliefs about reality.”11 Nevertheless, the combination of religious words with profane music styles is increasingly heard. “Unfortunately, much of today’s contemporary Christian music relies on the same flavor of background beat, instrumentation, arranging and sound as the music of the world. Yet somehow the religious lyrics are expected to turn this worldly music into a sacred song.”12 But Scripture teaches that holy things do not sanctify unholy objects; on the contrary, when these two categories come into
There are no easy solutions to the complex issue of religious or “Christian” music and worshipful music. contact, the profane contaminates the holy (Haggai 2:12, 13). The result of this combination is that the effect of the music itself, which is contrary to Christian values, completely overrides and undermines the message of the words. The most appropriate music is that in which there is a perfect matching of words and music,13 so the lyrics and music portray the same message. SINGING WITH ANGELS
There are no easy solutions to the complex issue of religious or “Christian” music and worshipful music. Limiting all religious music to traditional hymns is not the answer, because the issue is not about choosing between traditional and contemporary music. The most important thing is not the date in which a song was written, but the message it conveys in both words and music. “The religion of Christ will refine the taste, sanctify the judgment, elevate, purify, and ennoble the soul.”14 Instead of incorporating inappropriate musical styles into our religious music, we will offer holy and uplifting music to God and those around us. “Let us learn the song of the angels now, that we may sing it when we join their shining ranks.”15 By God’s grace, may we “be prepared to join with the worshipers in the heavenly courts above, where all is purity and perfection, where every being has perfect reverence for God and His holiness.”16 Abridged from Carlos A. Steger, “Music in the Presence of a Holy God: Principles for Religious Music Based on the Biblical Concept of Holiness,” Reflections, January-March 2021, https://bit.ly/PrinciplesforWorshipMusic. 2 Siegfried H. Horn, Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1979), s.v. “Worship.” 3 Fernando Canale, “Principles of Worship and Liturgy,” Journal of the Adventist Theological Society 20, nos. 1–2 (2009): 98. 4 Lilianne Doukhan, In Tune With God (Hagerstown, Md.: Autumn House, 2010), p. 99. 5 Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1911), p. 560. 6 Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1890, 1908), p. 594. 7 Doukhan, p. 71. 8 “A Seventh-day Adventist Philosophy of Music” (General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists). 9 E. G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 594. 10 Monique M. Ingalls, “Style Matters: Contemporary Worship Music and the Meaning of Popular Musical Borrowings,” Liturgy 32, no. 1 (2017): 7, 8, bit.ly/WorshipMusicStyles. 11 Wolfgang H. M. Stefani, “The Concept of God and Sacred Music Style: An Intercultural Exploration of Divine Transcendence/ Immanence as a Stylistic Determinant for Worship Music With Paradigmatic Implications for the Contemporary Christian Context” (Ph.D. thesis, School of Graduate Studies, Andrews University, 1993), p. 278, https://bit.ly/SacredMusicStyle. 12 John Thurber and Cari Haus, The Music of Heaven (Coldwater, Mich.: Remnant Publications, 2001), p. 68. 13 Austin C. Lovelace and William C. Rice, Music and Worship in the Church (New York: Abingdon Press, 1960), p. 20. 14 Ellen G. White, That I May Know Him (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1964), p. 250. 15 E. G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 289. 16 Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1948), vol. 5, p. 500. 1
Carlos A. Steger, former dean of the School of Theology, River Plate Adventist University, Argentina, is now retired. AdventistWorld.org January 2024
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Feature
Editor’s Note: George W. Brown, former president of the Inter-American Division, celebrates his 100th birthday on January 11. His granddaughter Nicole sat down with him to discuss his legacy.
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rom a young age I knew George W. Brown was a great man. My understanding of his greatness was the result, not of studying his ministerial efforts, but of my observation of him in intimate moments. I have the rare privilege as his granddaughter of seeing him as a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a friend. I’ve seen his silliness, his amazing humor, and his delighted mischief as he interacts with his grandchildren. I am also a keen witness to his intelligence. My opa possesses venerable wisdom and practices profound diplomacy. Indeed, I am afforded insight into the deeper complexity of his character. It was during the Atlanta General Conference Session in 2010 that I began to grasp my opa’s impact as a public figure and spiritual leader. When I was a child, my family members existed merely in
the context of their roles. My mom was simply Mama, not Arlene. My dad was Daddy, not Miguel. And my grandfather was simply Opa, not George W. Brown. Back then I did not have the ability to grasp his 40-plus years in denominational service, which included 13 years as the Inter-American Division president. What I knew was that we were allowed seats on the ground floor of the sessions, and that it took nearly 40 minutes for us to leave the venue because of people stopping him to say hello or to share the profound impact his time in ministry had on their lives. As I have grown older and begun to dip my toes into ministry and denominational partnerships, seeking out the wisdom of my grandfather and his ministry has become
“What I Learned in 100 Years” The wisdom of George W. Brown
Photo: Inter-American Division
more and more important. In honor of his legacy, I asked him questions that can benefit believers of all ages. Nicole: What have you learned about God? George Brown: During my long
life and ministry I have progressively learned many things about God. The God I know, love, and serve is more than the transcendent, all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present God who is Creator, Sustainer, and Protector. He is the embodiment of self-giving, unconditional love, mercy, and amazing grace. All that God is was manifested in the life, ministry, and sacrifice of Jesus Christ for all humanity. I have learned that without Him I cannot live and without Him I dare not die.
Pastor George W. Brown during the San Antonio, Texas, General Conference Session in 2015
ND: Can you share what have you learned about ministry? GB: I have learned that ministry is
God’s gracious invitation to His followers to become “workers together with Him” (2 Cor. 6:1) in His redemptive strategy for fallen humanity. I have learned that the term ministry includes much more than pastoral ministry. All church activities that meet human need, whether spiritual, emotional, physical, or intellectual, are all part of the divine ministry of reconciliation—the restoration of the image of God in humankind. Ministry is self-giving redemptive service to people. ND: Give us some insights on your time spent in leadership. GB: I have learned that authentic
leadership is driven by Christ’s servant-leadership model. Christ’s leadership model is the opposite of the secular concept of leadership. Throughout my many years of pastoral and administrative leadership I’ve learned that genuine leadership is always Christ-centered, service-driven, redemptive, and transformational. Philippians 2:5-8 succinctly epitomizes the essence of Christian leadership. Modeling Christ’s leadership style empowers us to lead with humility, integrity, love, and faithfulness. ND: Discipleship. Tell me what it means to you. GB: One of the primary principles
I’ve learned about discipleship is that it is demanding. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his book The Cost of Discipleship, defined discipleship as an “exclusive attachment” to the person of Jesus Christ. This is one of the greatest demands of discipleship. True discipleship is driven by self-giving love without limit. Discipleship also demands spontaneous obedience to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. To the true disciple, obedience is never a burden but a priceless joy
and privilege. This is implied in Matthew 28:18. Discipleship is more than learning the gospel; it is living and giving the gospel, thus making disciples for the Master Teacher. ND: What should be the primary focus of church members? GB: Among the many things I
wish our church could remember is that God is calling His end-time church to stand firm on the biblical platform of truth He has given us as His end-time people. It is imperative that we remember our rich heritage, our prophetic origin, and our urgent universal mandate embodied in the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14:6-12. Remember that Adventism is not just another Protestant church. It is a prophetic movement with a unique global message—the everlasting gospel. As a church we are urged to “hold to the sure pillars of our faith. The principles of truth that God has revealed to us are our only true foundation. They have made us what we are.”* ND: What would you like people in ministry to know going into their work? GB: I would like them to know
that the master key to a successful ministry is the empowerment of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; Zech. 4:6). The Holy Spirit does not empower machinery, institutions, organizations, or state-of-the-art technology. He empowers men and women who fully surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. All who enter ministry should vigilantly guard against the evils of institutionalism, secularism, and Laodicean apathy. Success in ministry is assured when it is Christ-centered, Spirit-led, biblically sound, and mission-driven! ND: There are few who lay every-
thing they have accomplished in life at the feet of their heavenly Father and mean it wholeheartedly.
There are few who lay everything they have accomplished in life at the feet of their heavenly Father and mean it wholeheartedly. Charting the phases of his life by the growth of his faith, Opa has refused to stay stagnant in any area of his life, challenging himself and his church to forever return to the Scriptures, imploring self-reflection with the intention of growth rather than the assumption we have gleaned everything there is to know within the vast beauty of God’s Word. His home library is a monument to his faith, his family, and his career, with books on every subject. Plaques honoring his life line the walls, dotted by pictures of his family, both biological and otherwise. My opa, this loving, brilliant, witty man, has lived his life in humble glorification of God. He has always said, “All that I am and have accomplished I owe to God’s amazing grace and the nurture and support of my beloved church.” For George W. Brown, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has had a profound impact on his life. Ellen G. White, Selected Messages (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1958, 1980), book 1, p. 201. *
Nicole Brown-Dominguez is a freelance writer, podcast host, and producer living in the Greater Chicago area, United States. AdventistWorld.org January 2024
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Discovering the Spirit of Prophecy
Here I Raise My Ebenezer The importance of remembering
T
oday Ebenezer is not a common name. One could almost say it’s a seasonal name, which appears every December. A very unscientific experiment among friends and colleagues seemed to confirm this. They all associated the name with Ebenezer Scrooge, the main character in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Although it has nothing to do with the true Christmas story of a Savior who was born to rescue the world, its purpose is to remind people to love their neighbor. In the Bible we meet a different Ebenezer. The prophet Samuel set up a memorial stone and called it Ebenezer (1 Sam. 7:12). The literal meaning of Ebenezer is “a stone of help.” On this occasion it was to remind the Israelites that the Lord had helped them up to that point. After a series of defeats, leading to the loss of the ark of the covenant, Israel repented, and the Lord gave them victory. Following the victory, Samuel set up the Ebenezer. It was to be a place where they could bring their children and tell the stories of God’s goodness, mercy, and deliverance. Wherever you go in the world, you will find memorials in different shapes and sizes: statues, arches, pyramids, and buildings, all telling a story, so events that happened long ago are not forgotten. 24
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REMEMBERING GOD’S LEADING
Ellen G. White understood the importance of remembrance, of telling the stories of God’s leading. On several occasions she wrote about this need to remember. In Life Sketches we read: “In reviewing our past history, having traveled over every step of advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God! As I see what the Lord has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence in Christ as leader. We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.”* Photo: Rainier Ridao
To paraphrase, when we remember God’s past leading, we can go forward with confidence. At a time when the world seems to be spinning out of control, with wars, earthquakes, and disasters happening so quickly that events hardly have hit the headlines before they are replaced by the next unimaginable event, how do we remember? How can we have the kind of confidence that Ellen G. White is talking about? One way is collective and personal “Ebenezers.” Adventist Heritage Ministries is a ministry dedicated to helping us remember. Originally called Adventist Heritage Properties, it was founded in 1981 with the motto “The Past With a Future.” Its name was changed to Adventist Heritage Ministries in 1994, and today it owns and curates four heritage sites of particular significance for our church history. As its name suggests, the Miller Farm was the home of William Miller, who, in the late 1830s, up to 1844, preached the imminent coming of Jesus. Near the house there is a chapel built by Miller himself, and a rock, known as Ascension Rock. It is doubtful that believers stood on the rock waiting for Jesus, but it is a symbolic reminder of the hope of those who waited, longing, hoping, and expecting to see Jesus on October 22, 1844. Hiram Edson’s farm is land and a barn connected with Hiram Edson’s experience shortly after the Great Disappointment. Edson’s insights regarding the heavenly sanctuary with its two compartments and Jesus moving from the holy to the most holy place led to the correct understanding of what happened in 1844. Jesus was not coming back then; rather it was the beginning of the investigative judgment. Jesus
was coming back soon, however. The Adventist Historic Village is located in Battle Creek, Michigan. So much early Adventist history is centered in Battle Creek. Many of the homes and buildings are in the Adventist Historic Village, and nearby there are other sites, such as Oak Hill Cemetery and the graves of the White family. The Bates home in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, is where Joseph Bates grew up. His story is of interest not only to Seventh-day Adventists but also to the people of Fairhaven, who see him as a significant historical figure, apart from his role as a founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. POWERFUL WITNESSES
Each site is different, yet each is a powerful witness to the goodness of God and His faithfulness to His people in times of devastating disappointment, when it seemed that darkness surrounded them and they felt as if they had been abandoned. The sites tell the stories of imperfect men and women. They had their flaws, just as we do, yet they were used by God to tell others about the good news of the judgment and the end of pain and suffering in this world, and to prepare for the second coming of Jesus. These are not dead buildings, absorbing time, energy, and financial resources. These are living centers where Adventist history comes to life, where we can remember the leading of the Lord and learn the lessons of the past. They are places to which young people can come and be inspired, and to which people who do not know our history can come and learn about a God who is faithful. They stand like beacons telling of the goodness of God.
When we remember God’s past leading, we can go forward with confidence. These are just a few places; there are many others. It is important to find them, look after them, and let them tell their stories. It has been said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” If we do not know our collective history, we are in danger of repeating the mistakes of the past. The same could be said of our personal history. Near my bed are two framed texts that are very precious. When I look at them, I remember the circumstances under which they became meaningful. It always gives me comfort, courage, and renewed trust in the Lord. He does not fail. As we begin 2024, let’s look for individual and collective Ebenezers and remember God’s leading in the past, so that we may face the new year with hope and confidence. * Ellen G. White, Life Sketches (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1915), p. 196.
Audrey Andersson is a general vice president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. AdventistWorld.org January 2024
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Bible Questions Answered
God’s Mission and the Church Q
Why couldn’t God fulfill His own mission without the participation of the church in the proclamation the gospel?
A
Unquestionably God is reaching people through the Spirit in places where the visible remnant church is not present. Your question seems to be why He should not do the same everywhere, thus relieving the church of the responsibility of mission. Obviously God can do whatever He thinks is best in the fulfillment of His saving will. However, He chose to include us, the church, in the realization of His mission for very good reasons. IN OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST
The church’s submission to Christ is manifested in a particular way in the proclamation of the gospel to a perishing world. During His earthly ministry Jesus trained His disciples for mission (Luke 10:1-11), after the resurrection He formally gave them the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20), and after His ascension Christ empowered them to fulfill the mission (Acts 1:8). The church goes out to fulfill the mission that the risen Lord entrusted to it in obedience to Him. It could be certainly stated that the church is the church of Christ when it embodies itself in the task of mission. Church and mission are like soul and body; the church of Christ exists only in the union of the two. The mission God calls for is impossible without the church, and the church is dead without mission. When the church, in obedience to the Lord, fulfills the mission, it is a vibrant church; it is full of life in the power of the Spirit. PARTICIPATION IN THE COSMIC CONFLICT
The forces of evil have clouded divine truth, and the result has been a conflict of a cosmic magnitude. The life, ministry, and death and resurrection of Christ 26
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manifested the truth about God’s loving character, thus unmasking the deceptiveness of evil. Christ was the stellar witness for the defense (Rev. 1:5; 3:14). Our involvement in the conflict reaches a major milestone when out of love we go out as witnesses proclaiming what Christ accomplished to restore sinners to harmony with God (2 Cor. 5:17-20). Since all are involved in the cosmic conflict, Satan also uses humans to witness in favor of his mission to the world that promotes deception and the dethronement of Christ. The church’s involvement in mission is the actualization of a divine privilege granted to it by Christ, namely, to be a witness for Christ in the conflict between light and darkness. RESTORES GOD’S IMAGE IN US
One of the ways God restores His image in repentant sinners is through their involvement in mission. It is certainly true that mission is a task of divine origin and that it is accomplished through the work of God. Before there was a church, the Godhead formulated a mission of rescue in which the three members of the Godhead would participate. In that sense the first missionary was the Godhead, whose mission became visible in fullness through the glorious work of the Son of God. God incorporated us in the realization of His mission and when no human instrument is available to be used by Him, the mission goes on anyway. The Spirit fulfills. When we, in obedience to Christ, fulfill the privilege of witnessing for Him in the cosmic conflict, we are transformed into the image of He who is in Himself the incarnation of the mission of God.
Ángel Manuel Rodríguez, Th.D., is retired after a career serving as pastor, professor, and theologian.
Health & Wellness
Weight Gain Exploring hidden causes and solutions I generally know when I have been careless about my eating and gain unwanted weight. Currently, despite my overfilled schedule, I don’t feel that I am overeating, but my weight is edging upward. Are there causes of weight gain other than overeating?
T
he most common cause of weight gain is an increase in fatty tissue through an increased intake of calories compared to expenditure of energy through exercise/physical activities. Small daily fluctuations in weight may reflect changes in fluid balance and fluid retention. Increased intake of salt may result in further fluid retention. Female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) variance may result in fluid retention with weight changes over the monthly menstrual cycle in women. Some illnesses may result in weight gain. One of these is decreased production of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism). Heart failure can result in fluid buildup, salt retention, and weight gain. There may be associated swelling of the ankles, feet, and even of the abdomen. Added symptoms would be shortness of breath and fatigue. Kidney dysfunction may also result in fluid retention and increased weight unrelated to excessive food/caloric intake. You mentioned having an overfilled schedule. This may certainly contribute to weight gain, as stress leads to an increase of the hormone cortisol, which stimulates appetite and increases the storage of fat in the body. Stress may also be associated with the intake of comfort foods, which are usually calorie-dense, full of sugar, unhealthy fats, and salt. Additionally, poor sleep patterns may increase the levels of hormones that encourage eating and decrease the hormones that mediate the sense of fullness (satiety) when eating. Certain medications may affect one’s weight. Commonly used anti-inflammatories may cause fluid retention, with fluctuation in daily weight measurements. Certain antidepressants may stimulate appetite, with subsequent weight gain. We’ve mentioned fluid retention a number of times. Drink pure water and avoid sugary drinks. Even pure fruit juices are laden with fruit sugar (calories), which promote weight gain without the benefit of the fiber consumed when the whole fruit is eaten. Beware of artificial Photo: Antonio Santos / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
sweeteners. We’ll talk more about this in an upcoming column. The beginning of a new year is a good time to reevaluate our health habits. Let’s not just make resolutions that we will soon break. Rather, by God’s grace, let’s set realistic goals with an accountability partner (spouse, close friend). Consider five things to do this year: Weigh yourself every morning before breakfast and before drinking water. Individuals who weigh themselves daily are more likely to lose weight and maintain their weight loss. Chart your weight. Drink primarily pure, fresh water. Eat regular meals and avoid in-between and before-bedtime snacking. Have an annual health checkup and metabolic screen, including sugar, cholesterol and lipids, and thyroid screening. Measuring the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level may suffice. Remember the apostle Paul’s encouragement: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). May this new year be a year of health and happiness in Him. Maranatha!
Peter N. Landless, a board-certified nuclear cardiologist, is director of Adventist Health Ministries at the General Conference. Zeno L. Charles-Marcel, a board-certified internist, is an associate director of Adventist Health Ministries at the General Conference.
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Just an Average Day H “May I Tell You a Story?” BY DICK DUERKSEN
undreds of pastors had come to town, greeting old friends, quickly making new ones, all streaming into the convention center for the big meetings. Huge signs proclaimed that they were coming to learn better ways of sharing God’s love. One pastor was sitting alone in the park across the street from the convention center. “It’s tough,” he told me. “I came for the meetings, but as I walked toward the door, God stopped me and said I was supposed to sit over here, at this table in the park, instead of going inside.” HOW COULD THEY?
He watched the busy crowds; then a woman caught his eye. She was young, a woman who was seemingly invisible to the hundreds of pastors opening and closing the convention center doors. One of those untidy homeless types that hang around crowds with paper signs proclaiming their need and their hunger. She stood as close to the door as possible, the fragrance of her unwashed body wafting into the lobby with each swing of the large glass doors. “I watched,” the renegade pastor said. “Waiting for someone to give her some food, a bottle of water, a smile. Instead, though they all saw her, each carefully avoided noticing her.” She waved her sign. She jumped up and down, but not very high. She sang a few broken notes. She cried. Nothing 28
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worked, and her pockets remained empty. The stream of pastors slowed as gospel music flowed out through the lobby, past the unnoticed streetwalker, to where it was drowned in the sounds of the day’s traffic. She leaned against the concrete wall. Lamenting, wishing, wondering. Rubbing away tears with the sleeve of her grimy jacket. Today would be the same as all other days, marked by hunger, pain, rejection, and tears. The pastor began preparing a sermon he would love to preach to all the other pastors who were ignoring the girl. “It all made me very angry,” he growled. “Here’s this young girl whose sign says that she’s homeless and needs help, but none of those pastors were helping! I wasn’t making God very proud at that moment, because I was having some very bad thoughts. I was getting very angry!” Then God spoke. “Hey, you. Yes, you, Pastor Gabe. You know how to do this. Why don’t you go over and say hi to her?” “Of course I will,” Pastor Gabe said with a smile. “I’d love to do that!” WHAT COULD I DO?
He stood, and slowly ambled across the street to the convention center doorway. “Good morning,” he said, his eyes meeting hers, his face open and accepting. “My name’s Gabe.” “I’m Monica,” she mumbled, instincPhoto: Lerone Pieters
tively pulling her jacket tighter, as if to protect from the abuse she knew would follow. “There’s a table over there with some shade. You wanna sit down and talk?” His invitation was not what she had expected, and she followed, like a kitten being offered a bowl of milk. He told her how God thought about her, that she was beautiful, and how much God loved her. Then he asked if she’d ever heard about Jesus, if she’d ever had an encounter with Him, and if she thought it might be cool to have a relationship with Him. Monica said yes, and they both cried. Then they prayed. The pastor and the girl, at the table in the shade, outside the convention center. “What do you need?” Pastor Gabe asked. “I haven’t really been indoors for years. I can’t sleep at night. It’s dangerous. I’m tired. I’m beat. I want a shower. I don’t even feel like a woman anymore. I feel like an animal.” “Do you have a place you’d like to stay?” “Yes,” she answered. Then paused. “How much is it?” “Too much.” God had prepared him for this moment. Just before coming to the convention, Pastor Gabe had received a visit from an old acquaintance. The man had driven three hours, asked Pastor Gabe to join him for breakfast, and then handed him $1,000. Cash. “It’s God money,” the giver said. “Use it for ministry.” “How about if I could get you 10 nights off the streets?” Pastor Gabe asked. Monica’s eyes glowed with a long-forgotten fire. It took a little time, but Pastor Gabe got her some nice lodging and good food. A shower. Clean bed. Alone. Ten nights and days. Safe. WHAT MORE COULD I DO?
Pastor Gabe walked back toward the convention center slowly, remembering the smile on Monica’s face, looking around for someone else to notice. “Over there,” God whispered. “See that
“You know how to do this. Why don’t you go over and say hi to her?”
Publisher The Adventist World, an international periodical of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The General Conference, Northern Asia-Pacific Division of Seventh-day Adventists®, is the publisher. Editor/Director of Adventist Review Ministries Justin Kim International Publishing Manager Hong, Myung Kwan Adventist World Coordinating Committee Yo Han Kim (chair), Tae Seung Kim, Hiroshi Yamaji, Myung Kwan Hong, Seong Jun Byun, Dong Jin Lyu
man a couple blocks away sitting alone on the grass? I want you to go over to him, sit down beside him, and ask if he’s from Jamaica.” “Jamaica?” Pastor Gabe laughed at God’s sense of humor. “That’s crazy, but here goes!” Pastor Gabe waited for a couple of taxis to pass, crossed the street, and walked slowly toward the man who was sitting alone on the grass, glumly staring into the sky. “Hey there,” Pastor Gabe said, “I got a lot of friends back home who are just the coolest, coolest people. And, um, they’re from Jamaica, and when they’re having a rough patch, um, you know, they just start singing, and all of a sudden life looks different, and their spirit is lifted, and all of a sudden they’ve got joy where they didn’t have any before. Do you know about that?” The man looked up at Gabe, winked, and started singing. For the next three days Gabe and his new friends were all over town. From the ghetto to the park to the zoo, everywhere collecting others who wanted to be part of something special. “I must have shared Christ with, and prayed with, hundreds of people! And this big old mob of people spent the next three days walking around downtown with me. Sunday morning I took them all to breakfast at a restaurant. We packed the place out and had an absolute ball. Just incredible. Could have planted a church.”
Associate Editors/Directors in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA Sikhululekile Daco, John Peckham, Greg Scott Assistant Editors based in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA Enno Müller, Beth Thomas Editors based in Seoul, Korea Hong, Myung Kwan; Park, Jae Man; Kim, Hyo-Jun Digital Platforms Director Gabriel Begle Director of Systems Integration and Innovation Daniel Bruneau Operations Manager Merle Poirier Editorial Assessment Coordinator Marvene Thorpe-Baptiste Advisor E. Edward Zinke Financial Manager Kimberly Brown Distribution Coordinator Sharon Tennyson Management Board Yo Han Kim, chair; Justin Kim, secretary; Hong, Myung Kwan; Karnik Doukmetzian; SeongJun Byun; Hiroshi Yamaji; Joel Tompkins; Ray Wahlen; Ex-officio: Paul H. Douglas; Erton Köhler; Ted N. C. Wilson Art Direction and Design Mark Cook, Brett Meliti, Ivan Ruiz-Knott /Types & Symbols To Writers: We welcome unsolicited manuscripts. Address all editorial correspondence to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600, U.S.A. Editorial office fax number: (301) 680-6638 E-mail: worldeditor@gc.adventist.org Web site: www.adventistworld.org Unless otherwise indicated, all Bible references are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Bible texts credited to NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. Adventist World is published monthly and printed simultaneously in Korea, Brazil, Indonesia, Australia, Germany, Austria, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, and the United States. Vol. 20, No. 1
Dick Duerksen, a pastor and storyteller, lives in Portland, Oregon, United States.
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Growing Faith
Fun-filled pages for younger ages
Shine Like the Son
O
ne day I found my 5-year-old son, Ben, sitting near the window basking in the sun. He was smiling from ear to ear. I said to him, “Enjoying a little sunshine, huh, Ben?” He turned to me and said, “Oh, Mama, it feels so good to sit in the sunshine! It is so warm and cozy. It makes me feel the way I do when I am with Grandma.” Wow! That left an impression on me. Even a little child realizes that people can be like the sunshine; they can be warm and inviting, making people feel accepted and special. Did you know that your sunshiny attitude can be a powerful witness for Jesus? We live in a world that can be full of discouragement, and simply seeing the smile of a young person can bring a lot of cheer. There are many people that appreciate a happy, polite child. 30
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MAKING PEOPLE HAPPY
I knew someone like that. I had a friend in middle school and high school named Delinda, who was one of the happiest people I knew. It seemed as though she was always smiling and doing kind things for others. I had the privilege of working with her one summer at a local hospital taking care of the grounds. It was our job to keep the gardens looking beautiful. We took care of the flowers by weeding and watering them carefully. Often patients or other guests would come out and sit in the gazebo to enjoy the flowers and fresh air. The gazebo was in the middle of the courtyard where we worked and was a nice change of scenery from the inside of a hospital room. One day, as we worked, Delinda noticed that lots of people looked sad, tired, or worried.
“Wow, there sure are a lot of sad people here at the hospital,” said Delinda. “You’re right, I wish there were something that we could do to help them feel better,” I responded. “I know! What if we make it our goal to see how many people we can get to smile?” Delinda sounded excited. “How are we going to do that?” I replied. “Well, I don’t know. Maybe we just need to smile ourselves, or maybe we could say hello or have a short conversation with them,” she replied. “All right, that sounds fun! Challenge accepted!” I laughed. MAKING PEOPLE SMILE
We started right away, trying to make eye contact with guests as much as possible while still doing our work. We worked in Illustration: Mugi Kinoshita
BY CHERYL BERNARD
Bible Treasure Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matt. 5:16).
the courtyard, then moved to the beds near the front of the hospital. Then we ended up over by the Emergency Room entrance. Throughout the day we had fun seeing many people smile. Sometimes all we had to do was smile. Other times we had short conversations before we saw a smile. We lost count of how many people smiled, but it was such a fun way to pass the time. Was it a big thing we did? No. Not really. We hope it brought a little cheer to the patients and their families, but we don’t know the effect it had other than to see several smiles in return. Just something as simple as a sunshiny smile can make a big difference. It will help show people that those who follow Jesus are happy and cheerful like Him. Your cheerfulness can reflect what 2 Samuel 23:4 says: “And he shall be like the light of the
morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, like the tender grass springing out of the earth, by clear shining after rain.” I don’t know about you, but there tend to be a lot of clouds where I live, and when the sun shines, it brings me so much joy! How cool would it be to be like the sun shining without clouds, bringing joy to those around you! I teach Sabbath School, and we sing a children’s song that you might know. The words are: “This world is needing smiles, the smiles that we can give; the cheery, sweet, and helpful smiles, where we work and live. So, S-M-I-L-E, S-M-I-L-E, this is what the world is needing—S-MI-L-E.” It’s true: this world needs more smiles—your smile! As Delinda and I worked among the flowers, it was not just the fragrance of the beautiful flowers we were working
with. We were also sharing the fragrance of God’s love with the small acts suggested by my friend. Those small acts of kindness warmed the hearts of others, just as the warm rays of the sunshine reminded Ben of his grandma’s love. What about you? What are some ways that you can cultivate cheerfulness and be a witness for God? Ask the Lord to help you find ways to not only shine like the sun, but shine like THE SON—Jesus. Cheryl Bernard is the Children’s Ministries assistant for the MIchigan Conference.
This song will teach you to remember to smile all the time, letting others know of Jesus’ love.
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