The International Paper for Seventh-day Adventists
Apr i l 2013
Creation on
Display
Packages of Wonder
22
Facing the
Roaring Lion
38
of
The Smiles
Swaziland
43
Getting Through Life’s
ToughestTimes
North American Division | n a d
Apr il 2 013 The International Paper for Seventh-day Adventists
Apr il 2 013
C O V E R
26
C R E AT I O N on
Display
Packages of Wonder
22
Facing the
Roaring Lion
38
of
The Smiles
Swaziland
43
S T O R Y
Creation on Display
Why the biblical account of origins is important to our worldview as Christians
Getting Through Life’s
ToughestTimes
Questions of History 2 5 The By Bill Knott C E L E B R AT I N G
O U R
H E R I TA G E
In the 150 years since our movement was organized, we have much for which to thank God.
N A D F E AT U R E Adventist Young Adults Who Stay
32 By Jose Cortes, Jr.
8 MIA: Mission in Action
Our reputation is created by what we do.
Two words explain why they stay with the church (hint: they both begin with “c”).
W O R L D
V I S T A
Ted N. C. Wilson
Saul 2 0 Saul, Mary-Alice White
D E V O T I O N A L
the Roaring Lion 2 2 Facing By Stefan Höschele F U N D A M E N T A L
38 By Doyle Nick
How he went from persecuting the church to protecting it B E L I E F S
A D V E N T I S T L I F E The Smiles of Swaziland
Demonstrating God’s healing ministry, one mouth at a time
40 Europe’s Blessings By Gerhard Pfandl A D V E N T I S T
H E R I T A G E
Growing in Christ is not an option; it’s a necessity.
Nurturing the young church at its very beginning
D E PA RT M E N T S 3 W O R L D
3 6 10 11 14 17 18
R E P O R T
News Briefs News Feature GLOW Stories NAD News NAD Update NAD Perspective NAD Letters
19 W O R L D H E A L T H Ministrokes B I B L E 42
Q U E S T I O N S A N S W E R E D
Prophetic Symbols and Powers
43 B I B L E S T U D Y Getting Through Life’s Toughest Times 44
I D E A
E X C H A N G E
www.adventistworld.org Available in 13 languages online The Adventist World® (ISSN 1557-5519), one of the Adventist Review® family of publications, is printed monthly by the Review and Herald® Publishing Association. Copyright © 2013. Send address changes to Adventist World, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740. For information about advertising, contact Glen Gohlke, 301-393-3054 (ggohlke@rhpa.org). PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Vol. 9, No. 4, April 2013.
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Adventist World - nad | April 2013
Witnesses to Creation
T
WORLD REPORT
Adventists Focus on
Special Needs Ministries
D a b r o w s k i / C R SB
here’s a reason I began every Bible study series with the doctrine of creation,” the retired pastor said, a slow smile spreading across his weathered face. “If a man cannot believe in the truth as taught in Genesis, he will never make it even half the way to Revelation. If there isn’t in his heart a willingness to acknowledge the authority of Jesus as Creator, he won’t have a willingness to let his life be shaped by Jesus as Lord. Our doctrine of salvation, our doctrine of the Sabbath, our doctrine of the Second Coming–all of them grow from a truth once planted in Eden. Accepting the Bible teaching about creation is one of the best indicators that a man or a woman will go on to know and love the fullness of God’s truth.” The wisdom of that experienced shepherd still echoes in my life and ministry. And it is re-lived thousands of times every week as Adventist teachers, pastors, Bible workers, and congregational leaders faithfully identify the vital links between our beliefs about origins and our beliefs about the end time. God’s truth is never offered to us as a menu, from which we can pick and choose the way we select salads or main dishes in a restaurant. We either partake of the whole meal that Jesus offers, or else we ultimately walk away from His great banquet table. In this issue of Adventist World we highlight unique and compelling Adventist testimonies to the truth as found in Genesis. Though working in Korea, the United States, and Panama, they share a common mission. Each is focused on catching the attention of hurried, anxious men and women with the good news of a Lord who once made all things good, and Who still does all things well. As you read this month’s edition, pray for the witness that these and many other ministries give to the vital truth of God’s creative work and power.
R a j m u n d
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SINGING PRAISES: A musical item is performed by a blind choir at a joint event for Seventh-day Adventist Special Needs Ministries in São Paulo, Brazil.
■■ More than 200 Seventh-day Adventists concerned with ministry to those having special needs met January 25-27, 2013, in São Paulo, Brazil, to formulate ways to reach those with physical and emotional disabilities. “The Seventh-day Adventist Church,” said Jonathan Kuntaraf, Sabbath school and personal ministries director for the General Conference, “has made an intentional decision to train, challenge, and encourage each division, union, conference, and church in this ministry, whose time has come.” The conference took place at Universidade Adventista de São Paulo (the São Paulo campus of Brazil Adventist University), and centered on a Special Needs Emphasis Sabbath at the UNASP campus. The event included presentations by Christian Record and Adventist Deaf Ministries, as well as performances by a choir for the blind and signing by several individuals and groups who are deaf. Kuntaraf presented the keynote address for the Special Needs Emphasis Sabbath: “Ministry of Compassion.” In his message he quoted Ellen G. White, a cofounder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, who sensed the need for such a ministry. In Testimonies to the Church, volume 3, she wrote, on page 511, “that persons afflicted in a variety of ways have been placed in close Christian relationship to His church; it is to prove His people and develop their true character. Continued on next page
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WORLD REPORT
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has learned in its 113 years of experience in serving people who are blind. Special needs ministries is a muchwelcomed approach the church now recognizes,” Dabrowski said. —reported by Gary Swanson, with Mark A. Kellner, news editor
Canadian Adventist Receives Medal for Advocacy
A d v e n t i s t
C h u rc h
i n
C a n a d a
■■ A Seventh-day Adventist has received one of Canada’s top honors, a result of his work in religious liberty. Barry W. Bussey, was awarded the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, in recognition of his work to support religious liberty in Canada and internationally. He received the award on January 30,
S e v e n t h - d ay
Angels of God are watching to see how we treat these persons who need our sympathy, love, and disinterested benevolence.” Though the church has historically addressed some special needs through specific ministries in some areas for those who are blind or deaf, until now there has been no comprehensive inclusion of the wider needs in this field. This new ministry seeks to address the needs of seven categories of disability: cognitive, hearing, mobility, psychiatric, speech, visual, and “hidden,” which covers disabilities not easily observed. “The ministries of compassion and mission cannot be separated,” said Larry Evans, associate director of the General Conference Stewardship Ministries Department. “Those with special needs, while deserving of compassion, also see themselves as God’s ambassadors to reach out to others like themselves with the message of hope. They can play a vital role in the mission of the church.” While participating in an international advisory meeting of the newly established Special Needs Ministries Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Rajmund Dabrowski, Christian Record marketing director, met with approximately 25 members of Real Vision, a São Paulo, Brazil, organization of church members who are blind. Real Vision members shared their experiences and expressed interest in future cooperation with Christian Record in providing materials for the blind and visually impaired in Portuguese. “This is a timely entity, a blend of services responding to individuals and groups with special needs, who are a part of our faith community. Christian Record is eager to share what it
Adventist World - nad | April 2013
AWARD WINNER: Barry Bussey, a Seventh-day Adventist active in religious liberty matters, received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in a ceremony at Canada’s Parliament in Ottawa, Ontario.
2013, in a ceremony in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city. According to Maurice Vellacott, a member of Parliament representing the Saskatoon-Wanuskewin constituency, Bussey “has played an important role in the fight to preserve religious liberty in Canada and internationally. . . . His effective voice on behalf of [the Seventh-day Adventist Church] has helped to broaden the representation of Canadians who are defending religious liberty here and abroad.” Bussey, who spent more than 15 years in denominational service as a pastor, attorney, and religious liberty advocate, concluding as director of United Nations relations for the General Conference, is legal affairs vice president for the Canadian Council of Christian Charities, in Elmira, Ontario. The Diamond Jubilee medal was created to mark 2012 celebrations of the sixtieth anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal “serves to honor significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.” “It’s for the cause,” Barry said. “This medal is because of religious liberty. We have wonderful blessings in Canada, but I know around the world there are brothers and sisters suffering because of their faith, and that’s why I’m involved.” The award presentation was held on January 30, in the House of Commons chamber in the Parliament building in Ottawa. MP Vellacott was on hand to present the award. Also present at the ceremony were Barry’s family members, friends, and colleagues. —reported by Alexandra Yeboah, Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada
SPD O F c o u r t e s y p h o t o
In Tahiti, Wilson Urges Spiritual Leadership ■■ Authentic spirituality is at the core of the Seventh-day Adventist message, Ted N. C. Wilson, General Conference president, said during an official visit with the leader of French Polynesia on February 8, 2013. Wilson met with President Oscar Temaru and other French Polynesian government officials at the president’s office in Papeete, Tahiti, while on a tour of the South Pacific island groups. President Temaru said he was grateful for the positive impact the Adventist Church has on French Polynesia, adding that Adventists are “good citizens.” Wilson, speaking in French, expressed appreciation for
R e c o r d . n e t. a u
Above: GATHERING OF BELIEVERS: Young people sit in overflow seating at a temporary structure in Papenoo, Tahiti, built to host a weekend rally welcoming Adventist world church president Ted Wilson. The rally was streamed live online and broadcast on local Adventist radio stations in French Polynesia. Inset: PRESIDENTS TOGETHER: Adventist world church president Ted Wilson (right) with the president of French Polynesia, Oscar Temaru, in Papeete, Tahiti. Wilson offered spiritual counsel and prayed with the national leader during the February 8, 2013, meeting.
the religious liberty granted by the government of French Polynesia. As an overseas country of France, the island groups are given considerable autonomy, allowing for greater religious freedom than granted by laws in France. Later in their conversation, Wilson illustrated the Adventist Church’s belief in wholistic living. Gesturing toward a table in the president’s office, he said, “When one leg is missing, the table can’t stand. Similarly, people need their spiritual, physical, mental and social needs met. We believe God wants us to develop all of these attributes in harmony.” Earlier Wilson had met with Gaston Tong Sang, the mayor of Bora Bora and former president of French Polynesia. Sang later made the
45-minute flight to Tahiti to attend an Adventist worship and evangelism rally that ran February 7 to 9. During his Sabbath sermon, Wilson urged an audience of close to 4,000 to prioritize spiritual development, citing the Old Testament story of Elijah, who advocated a return to godliness. “God is calling us to be Elijahs in our modern world,” Wilson said. Local Adventist Church leaders credited the strong turnout to members who brought their friends and neighbors to the rally. There are about 4,600 Adventists in French Polynesia, spread over some 130 islands. The Seventh-day Adventist Church operates 37 churches in French Polynesia, as well as a college and a media center. “This rally has been a profound blessing for us,” said Roger Tetuanui, president of the French Polynesia Mission. “It has brought our church family together. . . . But most important has been the spiritual impact of the messages. We feel unified and spiritually energized.” —reported by James Standish, South Pacific Division, with Adventist News Network Continued on next page
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WORLD REPORT Mongolian Adventists Gain Via Distance Learning ■■ As the new year began, Seventhday Adventists in the Mongolia Mission Field (MMF), working with the Northern Asia-Pacific Division, launched a distance learning center (DLC) program in Mongolia, run by the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) in Silang, Cavite, Philippines. The DLC will provide local pastors and church leaders with an avenue for upgrading their skills and augmenting their academic learning and technical competencies in ministry. The program will hold classes once every quarter for five years. The first session took place January 14-30, 2013, with Youngsoo Chung, AIIAS professor of applied theology,
presenting a “Biblical Foundation of Leadership” course at MMF’s headquarters. This first distance learning course provided 32 MMF students with a foundational understanding of the principles and approaches to biblical leadership; identified the essential characteristics, qualities, and requirements of Christian leaders; appreciated various biblical models of leadership and leadership activities; and helped to coordinate missional leaders working together on a regional, national, and global level. The DLC program is key to promoting a strong ministerial development plan that will train and develop Seventh-day Adventist pastors in Mongolia, church leaders said. —reported by the Northern AsiaPacific Division
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SEMINAR PARTICIPANTS: Distance learners at the Mongolia Mission Field gathered for a January 2013 seminar. p h o t o
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c o u r t e s y
O F
NSD
hat would you do to attract young people to church, particularly in a nation where overt witnessing is difficult? How about a game of baseball? That’s the recent experience of Seventh-day Adventists in Cuba, where baseball has long been a popular sport. Starting, and growing, a league of baseball teams is bringing newcomers to the church, local leaders say. Baseball is a highly regarded sport in Cuba: the country has its own amateur league, and a Cuban national team was a finalist in the 2006 World Baseball Classic competition, losing to Japan in a game played in San Diego, California. “The program began in 2009 as a way to help young Adventists enjoy sports without harming their Christian witness,” said Dayami Rodriguez, communication director, Cuban Union. She spoke in November 2012 at a communication summit held in Miami, Florida, by the Inter-American Division, which includes Cuba. Shirts and caps may not always match, and there are other challenges to be met, but Cuban Adventists have found that baseball is an ideal outreach tool. In fact, the peaceful nature of the games even attracted a local government official, who offered words of welcome. Games are conducted with respect for all sides; team members pray before games. The fighting and rough language sometimes associated with
p h o t o s
c o u r t e s y
O F t h e
C u b a
U n i o n
Left: ANTHEM: Players remove their hats for the national anthem, a baseball tradition. Above: FLYING THE FLAG: Players in the Seventh-day Adventist baseball competitions in Cuba pass by a Pathfinder flag, representing the youth program of the church. Right: BATTER UP: Aldo Perez, president of the Cuba Union Conference, swings at a pitch during the Seventh-day Adventist Church baseball game. In Cuba sports are used as an evangelistic tool.
By M ark A. Kellner, news editor
Adventists in Cuba
Use
Baseball for
Outreach
Popular sport draws notice as players pray before games. other leagues is absent from the Adventist practices and competitions, Rodriguez said. The peaceful atmosphere attracted non-Adventists who wanted to participate. Church leaders agreed, but with conditions: players must demonstrate good behavior, their speech and attitudes would be in line with Adventist standards, and all players would attend daily, morning Bible studies and evening seminars. According to Rodriguez, it worked! Onlookers—ranging from local umpires, professional baseball players, and members of the public who happened upon the games—
were all absorbed to see men in the heat of the game praying for each other before a game, holding hands, embracing and congratulating each other after the game. Some spectators approached the teams, asking to learn more. The youngsters identified themselves as Seventh-day Adventists, and invited those interested to the evening meetings. In the first year 28 people gave their hearts to the Lord as a result of the effort; in August 2012, 100 people made a Christian commitment as the games and outreach took place in Palmarito, Holguin, in the eastern part of Cuba.
Rodriguez said, “Each night the little town was paralyzed by what was happening in the humble Adventist church atop the valley. Everyone was running to hear the preacher, carrying their own chairs to find a little place in the midst of so many people who crowded the windows and doors of the sanctuary. At the end of the week of an evangelism series, ‘Jesus the Conqueror of All Time,’ the church rejoiced to receive within it many who decided to cast their lot with Christ forever.” Local authorities—at first reluctant to permit a religious group to use their facilities—finally relented, and volunteers cleared the designated area for play. In fact, the local Communist Party first secretary attended the opening, giving a welcome. The president of the Adventist Church in Cuba and other pastors joined him. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has been active in Cuba since 1905. In 2012, nearly 33,000 baptized members worshipped weekly in 302 congregations. n
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T
he man was on a mission—to terrorize, torture, and kill. Saul, a powerful Pharisee, was determined to get rid of every man, woman, and child who claimed that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed God’s Son. At the trial of Stephen, Saul eloquently and logically convinced the people that the accused was preaching delusive, dangerous lies. For this,
PHOTO
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H e s t e r
Change in Mission
So he planned a special mission trip to Damascus, a rich and powerful city of trade in the Roman Empire. With authority and commission from the chief priests in Jerusalem (see Acts 26:12), Saul set out on his mission of capturing all who claimed Jesus as their Messiah. But, unknown to this proud Pharisee, his
G r i ff i n / ANN
by the disciples” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 115). Saul also remembered the speech of Stephen, and the many prophecies concerning the Messiah. Under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, Saul of Tarsus, the outstanding student of Scripture, realized for the first time that in Jesus of Nazareth all of these prophecies had been fulfilled. Confessing his sins and acknowledging Christ as his Savior, Saul the persecutor became Paul, the great missionary, author, and martyr. Truth in Jesus
So it has been with all of Christ’s true followers—once they realize “the truth [as it] is in Jesus” (as Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:21), instead of serving self, their lives become one of mission, seeking to win as many as possible to Jesus Christ’s love and promise of eternal life through Him. We see this dedication to Christ and His truth down through the ages,
MIA: Mission inAction Where are you headed?
Saul was rewarded with membership in the Sanhedrin, giving him even more power to pursue the followers of Christ. As persecution pressed down on the believers in Jerusalem, they fled to various places, including the city of Damascus. Saul watched in dismay as these believers in Christ “went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Determined to exterminate all believers, Saul planned to pursue them wherever they went.
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mission was about to change (see Acts 26:9-18). Because of his encounter with Jesus, “Saul now saw that in persecuting the followers of Jesus he had in reality been doing the work of Satan,” wrote Ellen White. “He saw that his convictions of right and of his own duty had been based largely on his implicit confidence in the priests and rulers. . . . Now that Jesus Himself stood revealed, Saul was convinced of the truthfulness of the claims made
Adventist World - nad | April 2013
By Ted N. C. Wilson
so carefully traced in that wonderful book The Great Controversy, where we read about the many martyrs who would rather stay true to their Lord and His mission than give it up to save their own lives. That same intensity of mission burned in the hearts of the early Advent believers as they learned about the soon coming of Christ and their salvation through Him, His work in the heavenly sanctuary, the truth regarding the seventh-day Sabbath,
and many other scripturally based truths. They were so eager to share what they had learned that they couldn’t help but live lives of mission, sharing the good news with everyone they met. Sharing the Good News
In a well-known story about Joseph Bates we hear the eagerness with which our early Adventist pioneers shared their faith. In the mid1840s Bates returned to his home in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, after studying about the Bible Sabbath with friends in New Hampshire. As Bates walked across the bridge between New Bedford and Fairhaven, he met another friend, James Hall, who asked him what the news was. “The news is that the seventh day is the Sabbath, and we ought to keep it,” Bates told him. Not long afterward James Hall and his family were keeping the seventh-day Sabbath. The pioneers were so eager to share the Bible truths they were discovering that the little group of Adventist believers grew from just small groups in New England in the mid-1840s to 3,500 believers meeting in 125 churches spread across a wide geographical area in 1863, when the Seventh-day Adventist Church was officially organized. Go Into the World
As mission awareness continued to grow, the Great Commission of Matthew 28 became more prominent as the church realized the need to “go . . . make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (verses 19, 20). In 1864 Michael Czechowski, a former Roman Catholic priest, went on his own to spread the Seventh-day Adventist message in Europe. Ten
years later J. N. Andrews, along with his son, Charles, 16, and daughter, Mary, 12, were sent to Switzerland as the church’s first official missionaries. Many more missionaries would soon follow, establishing schools, churches, publishing houses, medical clinics, and hospitals, ministering to the needs of the people and proclaiming the vitally important three angels’ messages all around the world. By the end of the nineteenth century Seventh-day Adventism had truly become global. The church has continued to grow, and today we have a presence in 209 countries around the globe, with more than 17 million members meeting in more than 70,000 churches. Mission Is a Privilege
But mission is much more than just facts and figures, buildings and institutions. Mission is not a protocol of the church—rather than a protocol, it’s a privilege. It starts with each one of us when we accept Christ and His righteousness and the incredible provision He has made for us. Our natural response to His great gift is to be active in mission and share the wonderful news with others. How could we keep such good news to ourselves? The pen of inspiration tells us: “A large number of precious souls are groping in darkness, yet longing and weeping and praying for light” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 4, p. 135). When I read this, I think of the more than 7 billion people in the world today, 3.6 billion of whom live in urban areas,* and I wonder how many are living in darkness, waiting for the light we have been commissioned to bring to them. Reaching the Cities
This summer, as we launch the comprehensive “Mission to the Cities” initiative beginning with New York City, we hope to reach as many of the 20 million people as possible in that
enormous metropolitan area. Based on biblical principles and counsel from the Spirit of Prophecy, this outreach involves a wide variety of activities under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, including the use of medical missionaries, health lectures, centers of influence, local churches and pastors, church members, teams of young people from around the world, literature evangelists, small-group outreach, door-to-door missionary work, community services, and social work that follows Christ’s methods. Following the outreach in New York City, those who have participated will take Mission to the Cities back to their home countries, where plans are being made to reach, through God’s grace, the millions dwelling in the metropolitan areas of Kinshasa, Moscow, Kiev, Geneva, Prague, Hamburg, Munich, Vienna, Mexico City, Bogotá, Tokyo, Buenos Aires, Luanda, Sydney, Christchurch, Port Moresby, Suva, Manila, Mumbai, London, and Lagos. Mission for Everyone
What is your mission? Mission is all about people—whether you live in a large city, a small village, or in the countryside. Wherever people are, that is where we have a mission, a mission to bring hope and healing and relief. And while we minister to their temporal needs, let’s not forget to provide them with the “truth [as it] is in Jesus”—the bread and water of life that will satisfy not just here on earth, but for eternity. You may not be a pastor or an evangelist, you may not be a medical worker, but no matter how old or young you are, no matter what your educational level, you can still make an eternal difference in the life of someone simply by smiling warmly and handing the person a piece of literature—a Bible tract, a magazine, a book, such as The Great Controversy or The Great Hope, telling them how much this mes-
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sage has meant to you in your own life, and that you hope they will find it helpful in their lives, too. We are told that no one’s work is to be disregarded in the work of saving souls. In The Acts of the Apostles Ellen White wrote: “Not upon the ordained minister only rests the responsibility of going forth to fulfill [the gospel] commission. Everyone who has received Christ is called to work for the salvation of his fellow men. . . . “It is a fatal mistake to suppose that the work of soul-saving depends alone upon the ministry. The humble, consecrated believer upon whom the Master of the vineyard places a burden for souls is to be given encouragement by the men upon whom the Lord has laid larger responsibilities. Those who stand as leaders in the church of God are to realize that the Savior’s commission is given to all who believe in His name. God will send forth into His vineyard many who have not been dedicated to the ministry by the laying on of hands. . . . “Long has God waited for the spirit of service to take possession of the whole church so that everyone shall be working for Him according to his ability. When the members of the church of God do their appointed work in the needy fields at home and abroad, in fulfillment of the gospel commission, the whole world will soon be warned and the Lord Jesus will return to this earth with power and great glory” (pp. 110, 111). Even so, come, Lord Jesus. n * United Nations, “World Urbanization Prospects: The 2011 Revision” (New York: 2012). Available online at: http://esa. un.org/unup/pdf/WUP2011_Highlights.pdf.
Ted N. C. Wilson is
president of the Seventhday Adventist Church.
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Stories GLOW: Giving Light to Our World Giving Light to Our World—GLOW—is an outreach initiative that originated in California, United States, but is now branching out to other world divisions. It’s based on the concept of church members distributing GLOW tracts—free of charge—at every opportunity. The tracts are currently being printed in 29 languages. Here are two short stories from Europe that depict lives touched by GLOW:
Story 1: After a brief conversation about God,
a woman gave a GLOW tract to her cashier at a McDonald’s in Germany. She said to the cashier, “If you have any questions or want to talk with godly people, just call the phone number on the back of the tract.” The next day the cashier called the number and asked a GLOW coordinator to pray with her for some close friends and for herself. Happily, the woman called again several times asking for prayer, and said that after each call she felt the power of the Holy Spirit and hopeful that God would answer her prayers. The cashier and the GLOW coordinator continue to pray together regularly. God led a faithful literature distributor to a person with a desire to pray to a powerful God.
Story 2: A woman in Europe found a GLOW tract entitled “Death’s Silent
Truth” in her mailbox. The timing was providential, because a loved one had recently died and the woman felt in need of hope. After reading the tract, she felt so comforted that she called the GLOW representative in Europe and asked how she could get more tracts to give to friends who had also been affected by the recent loss. She also wanted to share the tract with her fellow church members. Stories compiled by U.S. Central California Conference GLOW director Nelson Ernst. To find out more about GLOW, go to sdaglow.org.
NAD NEWS
Camp Meeting 2013
C
amp meeting is a time-honored tradition in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. These convocations, held annually, are gatherings for the spiritual renewal of church members and their guests. Each conference in the North American Division plans events filled with seminars and sermons that teach about biblical truths and principles, healthier lifestyles, practical living, and more. Programs and activities for every age group are part of the experience. This information was correct as of February 1, check your local conference Web site for additional information about the camp meeting closest to where you live.—Editors.
Atlantic Union Conference
Bermuda Conference: July 14-27 Southhampton, Bermuda adventistbermuda.org Greater New York Conference Wingdale, New York n Luso-Brazilian: May 24-27 n English: June 30-July 6 n Franco-Haitian: July 21-28 n Hispanic: July 13-20 gnyc.org New York Conference: June 21-29 Union Springs Academy nyconf.org Northeastern Conference: June 28, 29 and July 5, 6 Hyde Park, New York northeastern.org Northern New England Conference: June 21-29 Freeport, Maine nnec.org Southern New England Conference South Lancaster, Massachusetts n English: June 21-29 n French-Haitian: June 29 n Hispanic: July 9-12 (area churches) July 13 South Lancaster
Portuguese: July 20 sneconline.org n
Columbia Union Conference
Allegheny East Conference: June 27-July 7 Pine Forge, Pennsylvania visitaec.org Allegheny West Conference: July 28, 29 Thornville, Ohio awconf.org Chesapeake Conference Hagerstown, Maryland n Hispanic: June 7-9 n English: June 11-15 ccosda.org Mountain View Conference: June 14-22 Huttonsville, West Virginia mtviewconf.org New Jersey Conference Andover, New Jersey n English: June 14, 15 n Hispanic: June 28, 29 newjerseyconference.org Ohio Conference: June 9-15 Mount Vernon, Ohio n Christian Biker: June 7-9 www.ohioadventist.org
Pennsylvania Conference Hamburg, Pennsylvania n Hispanic: June 7-9 n Spring: June 14-22 n Fall: September 20, 21 Rossiter, Pennsylvania paconference.org Potomac Conference: June 18-22 New Market, Virginia pcsda.org Lake Union Conference
Illinois Conference Family Camp: July 24-27 Gilson, Illinois n Hispanic: Cassopolis, Michigan May 24-26 illinoisadventist.org Indiana Conference Cicero, Indiana n English: June 9-15 n Hispanic: June 15 n Hispanic: August 30-September 2 Spencer, Indiana indysda.org Lake Region Conference Cassopolis, Michigan n English: June 14-22 n Hispanic: August 29-September 2 lakeregionsda.org Michigan Conference: June 14-22 Cedar Lake, Michigan misda.org Wisconsin Conference: June 14-22 Oxford, Wisconsin wi.adventist.org Mid-America Union Conference
Central States Conference n Rocky Mountain Region: June 7, 8 Denver, Colorado Continued on next page
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NAD NEWS Central Region: June 14, 15 Kansas City, Kansas n Eastern Region: June 21, 22 St. Louis, Missouri n Great Plains Region: June 28, 29 Omaha, Nebraska n Great Lakes Region: July 5, 6 Minneapolis, Minnesota Central-states.org Dakota Conference: June 4-8 Bismarck, North Dakota dakotaadventist.org Iowa-Missouri Conference: June 4-8 Centralia, Missouri imsda.org/campmeeting Kansas-Nebraska Conference n Lincoln, Nebraska: May 29-June 1 n Central Nebraska at Arrowhead: July 26, 27 Lexington, Nebraska camparrowheadlexington.com n Hispanic: August 29-September 2 Olsburg, Kansas n Panhandle: October 4, 5 Scottsbluff, Nebraska www.ks-ne.org Minnesota Conference: June 14-22 Hutchinson, Minnesota mnsda.com n
Special Days and Offerings in North America Focus for May: Community Services Community Services Sabbath
May 4
Youth Sabbath
May 11
Single Adults Sabbath
May 18
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Rocky Mountain Conference n Cowboy: July 11-14 Cimarron, Colorado n Wyoming: July 16-20 Casper, Wyoming n Northeast Colorado: July 26, 27 Loveland, Colorado n Hispanic: August 30-September 2 Ward, Colorado rmcsda.org
Sheridan Meadows: July 9-13 Republic, Washington n Native: September 27-29 Wapato, Washington Washington Conference Auburn, Washington n English: June 20-29 washingtonconference.org n Hispanic: June 9-15 washingtonconference.org/spanish
North Pacific Union Conference
Pacific Union Conference
Alaska Conference n Bethel Area: April 12-14 n Interior: June (TBA) Harding Lake, Alaska n South Central: July 23-27 Palmer, Alaska n Southeast: August 2-4 Vank Island, Alaska alaskaconference.org Idaho Conference Caldwell, Idaho n English: June 11-15 n Hispanic: June 12-15 IdahoAdventist.org Montana Conference: June 12-15 Bozeman, Montana montanaconference.org Oregon Conference Gladstone, Oregon n English: July 16-20 n Hispanic: July 11-13 n Motorcycle: August 23-25 n Central Oregon Convocation: October 4, 5 Bend, Oregon OregonConference.org Upper Columbia Conference n Upper Columbia Academy: June 19-22 Spangle, Washington n North Idaho: June 5-8 Bonners Ferry, Idaho
Arizona Conference Prescott, Arizona n English: June 7-15 n Hispanic: June 17-22 azconference.org Central California Conference: July 11-20 Soquel, California ccc.adventist.org Hawaii Conference n Big Island Convocation: August 23, 24 Hilo, Hawaii n Maui Convocation: September 13, 14 Kahului, Hawaii n Kauai Convocation: September 20, 21 Kapaa, Hawaii n Oahu Convocation: September 27, 28 Honolulu, Hawaii Nevada-Utah Conference n Las Vegas Area Convocation: TBA n South Lake Tahoe/Reno: July 29-August 3 South Lake Tahoe, California n Utah Area Convocation: September 21 Location: TBA www.nucadventist.com Northern California Conference n Hispanic Convocation: May 18-22
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n
Area churches ncc.adventist.org/hispanic n Filipino: May 24-26 Grizzly Flats, California n Redwood: July 18-27 Redcrest, California ncc.adventist.org/redwood n Hispanic: July 19, 20, 26, 27 Redcrest, California n African-American Convocation: October 11, 12 Stockton Christian Life Center n Asian/Pacific Convocation: October 26 Location: TBA ncc.adventist.org Southeastern California Conference: June 19-22 Loma Linda, California seccblackmin.adventistfaith.org n Korean: July 28-August 4 Pacific Union College n Indonesian: July 25-28 Jurupa Park n Samoan: August 25-28 Pine Springs Ranch n Filipino: October 18, 19 Loma Linda Fil-Am church Southern California Conference Greater Los Angeles Region Convocation: April 19, 20 Los Angeles sccgreaterla.adventistfaith.org/ glar-events Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada
Alberta Conference: July 12-20 Bowden albertaadventist.ca/cm2013 British Columbia Conference: July 26-August 3 Hope bcadventist.ca
Manitoba-Saskatchewan Conference: July 5-13 Theodore, Saskatchewan mansaskadventist.ca Maritime Conference: July 26-August 3 Pugwash, Nova Scotia maritimesda.com Newfoundland and Labrador Conference: July 19-27 Southwest Pond, Newfoundland nlsdaconference.org Ontario Conference: June 29 Mississauga Southern Ontario Regional: June 8, 9 Norfolk County Fairgrounds Northern Ontario Regional: August 30-September 1 Monteville adventistontario.org Quebec Conference: July 31-August 3 Longueuil sdaquebec.org Southern Union Conference
Carolina Conference: May 26-June 1 Lake Junaluska, North Carolina carolinasda.org Florida Conference High Springs, Florida n English: April 11-足14 n Hispanic: April 18-21 floridaconference.com/camp meeting/ Georgia-Cumberland Conference n South Georgia: April 5, 6 Macon, Georgia n Korean: May 17-19 Crandall, Georgia n Collegedale: May 22-25
Collegedale, Tennessee Old Time: June 6-9 Deer Lodge, Tennessee n Hispanic: June 7-9 Calhoun, Georgia n Deaf Fellowship: July 31-August 4 Crandall, Georgia n Northeast Tennessee: October 4, 5 Greeneville, Tennessee gccsda.com Gulf States Conference: May 24-June 1 Lumberton, Mississippi gscsda.org Kentucky-Tennessee Conference: May 24-June 1 Portland, Tennessee kytn.net n
South Atlantic Conference: June 6-15 Orangeburg, South Carolina sacsda.org South Central Conference: May 30-June 8 Huntsville, Alabama scc-adventist.org n Southeastern Conference: June 20-29 Hawthorne, Florida secsda.org
Southwestern Union Conference
Arkansas-Louisiana Conference Hammond, Louisiana n English: April 19, 20 n Hispanic: April 26, 27 n Ozark Family: May 28-June 1 Gentry, Arkansas n Hispanic: July 19-21 Gentry, Arkansas n Springtown Cowboy: Fall 2013 Springtown, Arkansas Continued on page 18
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N A D U P D AT E
T
he Pharisees asked Jesus a question about marriage and divorce to see if they could trap Him in His answer. His response established the parameters for divorce from the Bible’s point of view. At the same time, Jesus’ words were challenging enough for His disciples that they concluded it would be better not to marry, to which Jesus responded, “Some, from birth seemingly, never give marriage a thought. Others never
Impressive Numbers
Why is this important for today’s Seventh-day Adventist Church? According to some recent statistics, the number of people in North America who are unmarried is growing at
older, who have never been married, or are divorced or widowed. The implications for ministry by the church for this group are enormous. In many congregations the unmarried are underutilized and their God-given talents go largely unused to the detriment of the church and the community in which they could have a powerful witness. At the same time many of those who are unmarried feel that because
Adult Singles Ministries
By Claudio Consuegra,
director, family, men’s, and single adult ministries for the North American Division
Not just a ministry to, but by, the unmarried
get asked—or accepted. And some decide not to get married for kingdom reasons” (Matt. 19:12, Message).1 Perhaps Paul was thinking of Jesus’ words when he penned his advice to the unmarried. He made it clear that he was not setting forth a command from God, but was sharing his opinion as to whether a person should get married or remain single. His reasons for remaining single can be synthesized in this way: The unmarried can give their full attention to God’s kingdom and to building it with no distractions from familial responsibilities (see 1 Cor. 7:25-40).
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more than twice the rate of those who are wed. If that trend continues, single adults will soon account for a larger share of the U.S. population than married couples for the first time on record.2 These statistics are reflected in the membership of many, if not most, of our Adventist churches in North America. A quick survey of our churches reveals that every congregation has a good number of single adults. In some congregations single adults may even form the majority of its membership. When we speak of single adults, we refer to those who are 35 years old or
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they don’t have a spouse they can’t make a positive impact in the church. Yet some of the best-known leaders in the Bible were not married. Joseph, Jacob’s son by Rachel, was single during much of his Egyptian exile. God told Jeremiah not to marry, at least while in Judea (Jer. 16:1, 2). The birth of Jesus was marked with the visit of several people, among whom was Anna the prophet, the 84-year-old widow who, as Luke writes, “night and day . . . served God in the temple by praying and often going without eating” (Luke 2:37, CEV).3 Paul, God’s apostle to the Gentiles,
was not married and spoke often of the virtues of the single life (see 1 Cor. 7:7, CEV). Jesus, arguably the most important character in the entire New Testament, never married. His life and mission were dedicated wholly to the service of God and as the atonement for humanity’s sins. These men and women serve as a reminder to those who are unmarried that their current condition in life is not a drawback but an opportunity to exercise their gifts and ministry. Thousands of unmarried members throughout the North American Division are committed to the church and its mission, serving their communities as attorneys, nurses, police
officers, teachers, physicians, plumbers, and countless other jobs. Single adults across our division lead out in Bible study groups, conduct divorce recovery programs, volunteer as big brothers and big sisters to children of other single adults, participate in short-term mission trips, conduct evangelistic meetings to proclaim the message of salvation through their words and actions. Their lives demonstrate that not being married is not a limitation but an opportunity to serve God. Serving Singles
Adventist Single Adult Ministries (ASAM) exists for the purpose of reaching and empowering single adults to create Christ-centered, safe places
for fellowship, nurture, and service. If your church does not currently have an active ASAM, consider starting one. For information concerning ASAM events in your area, to discover ways in which you may get involved, or for information on how to start a single adult’s ministry group contact your local conference office. You may also obtain training materials for local church leaders at www.AdventSource.org (look for the ASAM Quick Start Guide and the ASAM Curriculum). 1 Texts credited to Message are from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. 2 http://links.mkt3142.com/servlet/MailView?ms=NDY2MDEy NQS2&r=Mzc4OTg0OTU5S0&j=NTExMDgyMjkS1&mt=1& rt=0 (or use: http://tinyurl.com/a8w6v9b). 3 Scripture quotations identified CEV are from the Contemporary English Version. Copyright © American Bible Society 1991, 1995. Used by permission.
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NAD PERSPECTIVE By Debra Brill
Innovative Strategies for
Young Adults
R
etention of young adults is one of six “building block” initiatives the North American Division (NAD) executive committee voted at its 2012 year-end meetings. A process to assess needs and direction was begun by James Black, Sr., director for NAD youth and young adult ministries. He convened 25 young adults, pastors, and young adult leaders to develop recommendations for action. The dialogue was candid and bold; the participants engaged and hardworking. The discussion resulted in the following seven strategies: We Are Ready to Listen. The NAD will supply each of its 58 conferences with resources to hold intentional conversations with their young adults. We want young adults to understand that “the church” is ready to listen. The NAD will also train facilitators and collect data so that when the conversations are reported, the NAD can respond with “We Have Heard,” documenting specific young adult needs and ideas. Small Group Communities. While some young adults are satisfied with existing church culture, when young adults do leave it’s often because at least one of three elements is missing: authenticity, acceptance, and community. More than merely adding programs, we have to create “safe spaces,” where small groups of young adults can gather. Conferences will select young adult leaders to receive training by young
adult professionals, generating communities especially in metropolitan areas. This initiative is lay-led and grassroots, providing opportunity to create a groundswell of young adult leadership across NAD while attracting and keeping those who aren’t connecting with existing Adventist churches. I Create Movement. With the exception of SONscreen and the Pacific Union Conference Web site www.visit inspire.org, few outlets exist within the Adventist Church for artists to use their gifts for God. This initiative sponsors highly trained communicators to create high-production miniseries—Webisodes—to be released on YouTube and Vimeo. NAD will sponsor an I Create conference to bring together young adult artists from our global church. Financial support will be awarded to new artists/filmmakers who accept subsequent Webisode projects. “Why Am I an Adventist?” This campaign begins with local conferences prayerfully considering young adults who are ready for a “discipleship revolution.” These individuals will participate in an NAD-sponsored 120 Conference (based on the 120 disciples of Acts 1:15) developed by young adults for young adults. Its focus is revisiting the distinct Adventist message of “Hope and Wholeness,” inspiring and helping participants to return home with a commitment and a plan for evangelism.
The Locals. One of the best ways to retain young adults is by recognizing great churches. Strategies for recognition include interviews with high school seniors, measuring local churches’ mission and service activities, mentoring young adults into leadership positions (including boards and committees), and the numerical growth of young adults. This initiative partners the NAD with local conferences to give grants to congregations that demonstrate innovations in young adult retention and empowerment. Mentoring Starter Kit. The NAD will develop a step-by-step guide for leaders to mentor young adults, a spiritual gifts test for mentees and mentors, a discipleship curriculum, and an attractive, user-friendly resource guide that includes online links. Young Adult LIFE. Young adults find it difficult to leave congregations that offer LIFE (love, inclusiveness, forgiveness, and encouragement). Statistics show that at least 70 percent of Adventist young adult students in the NAD attend public university campuses. These are still our students, and this initiative strengthens existing campus ministries such as Adventist Christian Fellowship. Other ideas encourage young adult volunteers to spend a year of service on public campuses, congregations establishing Adventist groups, and take compelling evangelism straight to campuses. May the Holy Spirit find fertile soil in Adventist churches so that our young adults will find safe spaces to grow. n
Debra Brill is a vice
president of the North American Division.
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nad Letters The Loma Linda Report— Longevity
Thank you for the 1906 photo of Ellen White (see the special supplement, “The Loma Linda Report,” February 2013). My mother was in that crowd and was amazed at the powerful voice and youthful personality of “Sister Ellen.” The next day White hiked over the property, and that night she had a vision of the destruction of cities. The next day she went to Los Angeles, California, where she had a second vision and told some of it to a large crowd. The next day was the San Francisco earthquake! When my mother considered this, she was convinced that White was a true, humble messenger of God. Edward Graves Lake Elsinore, California
From page 13
Camp Meetings 2013 c ont inue d Bonnerdale Cowboy: October 4-6 Bonnerdale, Arkansas www.arklacsda.org Oklahoma Conference Wewoka, Oklahoma n English: July 12-20 n
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A Universal Flood
Angel Manuel Rodríguez’s “A Universal Flood” (December 2012) deserves careful consideration. While there is legitimate discussion about the age of the earth, the Bible never explicitly states it, and Ellen White never states that God told or showed her the age of either the earth itself or the organic components that God created on the six days of Creation. She used Bishop James Ussher’s figures, which were accepted at the time. Both the Bible and White posit a “young” date for the fiat creation by God of all the organic material on earth in six days and a universal flood. Most of the difficulties suggested with the idea of a universal cataclysm arise because we neglect plate tectonics. It is abundantly clear that the earth at one point sported a single continent (in the literature known as “Pangea”), and that most, if not all, of the mountain ranges and elevated portions of the earth are the result of the tectonic drift that has broken that “supercontinent” apart. An earth covered by water under the circumstances described in the Bible before the continental lifting is
Hispanic: May 31-June 2 oklahomasda.org Southwest Region Conference: June 7-16 Lone Star Camp mysouthwestregion.org Texas Conference n Houston Area: April 5, 6 n South Texas/Valley: June 28, 29 McAllen Convention Center
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not inconceivable; neither is the idea of a single “super culture” that had degenerated to what the Bible describes. Dan M. Appel Auburn, California Mission Giving
While I applaud mission giving (see Gina Wahlen’s article “100 Years of Mission Giving,” November 2012), and believe the NAD membership needs to rediscover this experience, at the same time I would be remiss not to mention that with influence and involvement comes money. In recent years the world church has made decisions that are contrary to decisions desired by significant portions of the developed countries—worse, decisions that force churches to all march in step rather than allow nontheological adaptations within areas of the world church. Why do I feel this is important? The church in North America feels it has largely no voice in world decisions (low percentage of global membership) but the majority of funding resources. Thus, it is easy to say, “Let them take care of themselves!” As long our representation is based primarily on membership without regard to financial resources, giving to the faraway missions will continue to decline. Mark O’Ffill Columbia, Maryland
East Texas: July 24-27 Jefferson n Cowboy: October 4, 5 Burleson Texico Conference: June 20-22 Albuquerque Convention Center, New Mexico n
—Compiled by George Johnson, Jr., NAD Communication Department director
W O R L D
H E A L T H
By A llan R. Handysides and Peter N. Landless
Ministrokes A worldwide problem My mother has had two episodes that the doctor says were ministrokes, or transient ischemic attacks. We are worried that she might have a major stroke. Is there anything we can do that will protect her?
S
troke is a major cause of death worldwide and a leading cause of incapacity in its victims. When stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are lumped together, they may exceed the rate of coronary vascular effects. An ischemic stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and food. Within minutes brain cells begin to die. A stroke or TIA (in which the blockage is temporary) has a 12.8 percent risk of recurring within a week. Some have estimated up to 80 percent of stroke recurrences could be avoided if patients were managed appropriately. Not all strokes occur for the same reason. A clot or a plaque blockage in the blood vessels is most often the cause of the interruption in blood flow. About 15 percent of ischemic strokes, however, are the result of a blood-vessel rupture in the brain, with about 5 percent (1 in 20) related to bleeding around the brain. To identify the cause of the TIA, or ministroke, doctors need to determine: 1. Is this related to problems in the heart, such as atrial fibrillation? 2. Is it related to large artery disease, such as carotids? 3. Is there small artery disease, as with diabetes? 4. Is this related to other problems,
such as clotting disorder, drugs, or mechanical problems? In order to get this information, most patients will undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigation, which is more sensitive than computed tomography (CT) for defining strokes. Other forms of imaging will permit diagnosis of blood-vessel damage. Even with this testing, however, doctors are sometimes unable to determine the cause of strokes. For your mom, and all such patients, aggressive risk-factor management and lifestyle modification are essential. Regular exercise, abstinence from smoking, and weight control are critical. The following 10 factors have been identified as playing a role in 90 percent of stroke risk factors: 1. high blood pressure 2. smoking 3. overweight 4. poor diet 5. lack of exercise 6. diabetes 7. alcohol consumption 8. stress and depression 9. cardiac irregularities 10. genetically determined abnormal cholesterol levels In addition to lifestyle changes, solid evidence supports the lowering of blood pressure, the lowering of cholesterol, and medications to lower platelet adhesiveness. Data is not available to define an optimal blood pressure, but absolute lowering of systolic pressure has shown improved outcomes. A 28 percent lower risk of stroke over four years was seen in those taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor to lower blood pressure. Whether the
specific medication or the lowered blood pressure is most responsible is debatable, but most of the evidence supports it is the lowered blood pressure. Lowering cholesterol with a statin has shown a 25 percent reduction in the risk of stroke, with the greatest effects being seen in persons whose cholesterols were lowered the most significantly. Aspirin in very low doses (80 milligrams per day) seems as effective as high doses when taken regularly, and although other antiplatelet drugs have slightly better effects, their side effects offset these benefits. Careful evaluation of your mom is required, followed by lifestyle change. If her blood pressure is elevated, it must be normalized. Cholesterol levels, too, need to be brought to normal. Antiplatelet treatment is of lesser benefit, but may be recommended. Exercise along with a low-fat vegetarian diet that includes whole, unprocessed foods and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables offer the best chance of a longer life. The implementation of such a lifestyle also permits the celebration of God’s goodness in giving us life and health as His gracious gifts. n
Allan R. Handysides, a board-certified gynecologist, is director of the General Conference Health Ministries Department. Peter N. Landless, a board-certified nuclear cardiologist, is an associate director of the General Conference Health Ministries Department.
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D E V O T I O N A L
S “
aul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4). As a child, I recall hearing my mother tell me, “Make sure you come when I call you and don’t let me have to call you twice.” I wish I could say she never had to call my name twice, but if she did, I’d better listen or else! In the Scriptures we read of many instances in which God and Christ called people. However, there are seven persons whom God or Christ called by name twice. I believe we can extrapolate lessons that are applicable to us today. Let’s take a look at the story of Saul.
Saul,
By Mary-Alice White
Saul
Zealous for the Lord
Saul is first introduced in Acts 8:1, at the time that the stoning of Stephen, one of the deacons in the early church, occurs. “Witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul” (Acts 7:58). “Saul was consenting to his death” (Acts 8:1). “The martyrdom of Stephen made a deep impression upon all who witnessed it. The memory of the signet of God upon his face; his words, which touched the very souls of those who heard them, remained in the minds of the beholders.”1 Saul was no exception. “The faith, constancy, and glorification of the martyr could not be effaced from his [Saul’s] memory.”2 Witnessing this godly man’s death and listening to his dying testimony gave rise to disconcerting questions. Prior to the stoning of Stephen, the Sanhedrin was plotting to kill some of the apostles. It was the result of Gamaliel’s discourse to the Sanhedrin that they decided not to kill the apostles (cf. Acts 5:33-40). Saul was likely
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Listening carefully to God’s call aware of Gamaliel’s words. Saul undoubtedly held Gamaliel, his teacher and mentor, in high regard. His mind probably reeled with the words of Gamaliel along with the dying words of Stephen. Little did Saul know that Stephen’s martyrdom would serve to water the seed of salvation in his own life as well as in the lives of others. Saul had heard Stephen’s discourse. He had been within earshot of Stephen’s last words: “Lord, do not charge them with this sin” (Acts 7:60). The excruciating pain of a dying man and his words of grace and mercy impacted Saul. He “was shaken in his prejudice; but the opinions and argu-
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ments of the priests and rulers finally convinced him that Stephen was a blasphemer; that Jesus Christ whom he preached was an impostor, and that those ministering in holy offices must be right.”3 And so, with his questions silenced by the religious leaders, Saul made the decision to assist in destroying the fledgling Christian church. The decisions we make impact our own life as well as the lives of others. Just as a pebble tossed into calm water creates ripples that extend far beyond the initial point of contact, so the decisions we make can impact the lives of others for good or for evil. Saul’s decision impacted the lives of all Christians in Jerusalem and the I l l u s t r at i o n
b y
Br e t t
M e l i t i
God saw incredible potential in Saul if he would respond to His call. surrounding towns and cities. Saul’s name was probably a household word in all believing Jewish homes. He was committed to persecute the disciples—wherever he found them. Requesting letters of introduction, he prepared to leave for Damascus in order to incarcerate the Christian believers in that city and bring them back for judgment in Jerusalem (cf. Acts 9:1, 2). Called by the Lord
Saul was very zealous and intentional about his mission to round up all the Christians in Damascus and deliver them to the authorities in Jerusalem. He believed he was doing God a favor. Wrong decisions put us on the wrong road of life. Figuratively, Saul was on the wrong road. However, God used the wrong road to become the right road on which to call and confront Saul. As Saul approached the end of his 160-mile journey from Jerusalem to Damascus, “a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ ” (Acts 9:3, 4). God had an important message to convey to Saul because of his misguided decisions. God desired Saul to change his course. God was looking for someone to fight pagan philosophy and the formalism of Judaism. God was looking for a zealous person who would be ready to make God’s mission their ministry. He was looking for someone who would value a relationship with His Son more than zealous religiosity. God saw incredible potential in Saul if he would respond to His call.
Transformed by the Lord
Saul’s encounter with his Savior on the Damascus road was the defining moment of his life. Christ redirected Saul’s thoughts, and he, in turn, recognized who he truly was—a sinner in need of a Savior. Saul’s call was a call to meet Jesus Christ personally. It was a call to be born again and serve the promised Messiah. It was a call to change the direction of his life course and to make positive decisions. Saul responded favorably to God’s call. He accepted Jesus Christ as the Messiah, as his personal Savior. What’s Your Damascus Road?
What about us? Are we on the wrong road? Are we on our own Damascus road today? Is God calling us to change direction? Are our life decisions off course? Are we on a self-centered mission to build our own kingdom? Are we making the positive and healthy decisions God desires of us? How are our decisions impacting others around us? Or do we, like Saul, need to change our course and plug in a different address into our spiritual GPS? I have been on my own Damascus road; I lived life my way and did what I wanted. Like Saul, I too met Christ. It was not as dramatic as Saul’s encounter; but it was a life-changing experience. My life was changed and was centered on Christ’s will and way. A carnal Christian became a committed Christian. Paul speaks of three groups of persons in 1 Corinthians 2 and 3. He refers to the natural man, the spiritual man, and then he addresses the
Corinthian believers as carnal, or worldly. We still have the same three categories. There are those who live without Christ or God in their lives. There are those who are Spirit-filled and fully committed to Christ. And then there are worldly Christians, those who walk the fence between the world and the committed worship of God. They want to enjoy the benefits and blessings of church membership without the commitment to Christ. Christ is not reigning on the throne of their heart. As Adventist Christians, we can find ourselves in one of the two latter categories. We may fully believe the church doctrines; we may be zealous in ministering for the church, but may not have experienced conversion or perhaps have lost our first love for Christ. God called Saul by name twice to get his attention. Saul heard the call of Christ, responded, and became a born-again child of God. How many times does God have to repeat our name when He calls us? n 1 Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1911), p. 101. 2 Ellen G. White, Sketches From the Life of Paul (Battle Creek, Mich.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1883), p. 19. 3 Ibid., p. 21.
Mary-Alice White is a retired dietitian and an active member of the Mount Pisgah Academy Seventh-day Adventist Church. She and her husband enjoy life in Asheville, North Carolina, U.S.A.
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F U N D A M E N T A L
B E L I E F S
Facing the
By Stefan Höschele
NUMBER 11
H
unting a lion is an adventure I would not choose! But among the Masai of East Africa, formerly a warriorlike people group, young men have long taken pride in tracking the king of beasts. Because of their seminomadic lifestyle, their cattle are always threatened by this archenemy. A Masai friend once explained to me how such a hunt works: with their spears, a group of youthful warriors surround the lion; the challenge is to strike at the right time, for the first to strike will be celebrated as the bravest. Once the warrior’s spear is gone, the lion, even if wounded, will seek revenge! If no one strikes, the lion will look for the most fearful boy and attack him. The Christian Battle
Sometimes life as a Christian feels like being a Masai on such a lion hunt. We have decided to follow Jesus, who said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). Yet, after traveling some distance with Him, we remember that the “adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). And if we have not realized it from the beginning, we now begin to understand what Jesus meant when He declared, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matt. 16:24). There are three options for dealing with the roaring lions in our lives. First, we can ignore them. We can pretend there is no problem, that the evil cannot harm us. We can even profess that God’s adversary does not exist. But such a head-in-the-sand approach will not rescue us from the beast, nor will option two: running away—letting fear reign. Have you ever tried escaping a lion? With its 35 mph (about 50 kph) speed, running won’t save you! Option
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How to daily grow in Christ three, however, will decide the fight. It is based on the good old adage “Attack is the best form of defense,” and it’s God who starts the offensive. Jesus’ Example
How does such a divine attack look? A good illustration is demonic “possession.” As a missionary in Africa, I experienced a number of cases in which possessed people were freed from evil spirits. We can either brush aside the phenomena by attributing them to some other disease, or tremble before the seemingly powerful chief of darkness. Yet Jesus shows us another way. He did not discount the existence of supernatural malevolent beings, but commanded them in a straightforward manner to leave.* And leave they must, for they have already been overcome, and shake at the mere mention of the name of Jesus. Thus the driving out of demons, rather than being a spectacular and strange occurrence, demonstrates in a simple yet forceful manner how God deals with the enemy of salvation. Those on God’s side have all the weapons necessary to overcome him. Of course this does not mean that the fight is painless. Yes, Jesus’ yoke is easy (Matt. 11:30), but assaults can come
in various ways—from outside and even from inside. I still have to meet the person who never faces temptation. Yet, if our Lord encountered them, it is not embarrassing when we also stumble upon such trouble. The really dangerous thing is to think that we can manage on our own. A temptation confessed to God is half overcome. Telling a brother or sister is not as shameful as it might feel, but could mean a temptation is almost defeated. The Secret Weapon
Fortunately, life as a Christian is not a permanent struggle. Even the best soldiers need enough preparation and times of rest to restore their strength. They cannot constantly engage in warfare. They have to care for their health, learn about supporting each other, get training for their particular responsibilities, and develop their stamina by learning from the experience of others. As followers of Jesus, we also need enough “growing time.” We do not have to seek confrontations with powers opposing God until we have matured to do so. This process of growth may feel slow; or we might not see any signs of growth at all. In reality, though, a crucial development is taking place. This is why the Bible uses several images for discipleship that express a close relationship (“knowing God,” “imitating” Christ, “belonging” to Him) or even a semblance of a pregnancy (“being in Christ,” “remaining in Jesus,” “abiding in His word”). As with a developing embryo or child, growing in Christ does not depend so much on what the little one does but who feeds him. This is why drinking God’s Word and breathing His Spirit in prayer is so important. I have never seen a baby refusing her mother’s milk for days. Likewise, we need consistent nourishment to grow spiritually. There are so many methods of devotions and manners of prayer—let me encourage you to choose one that helps you best. To those who have been struggling with, what they consider, an insufficient spiritual life, perhaps this simple recommendation will help: start small, be consistent. Better a few minutes regularly than high-flying but unrealistic plans. In due time more appetite will develop naturally as the young “soldier of Christ” grows. Personally, I have used about 10 different devotional approaches. In addition to meditation and prayer, I have been paraphrasing the Gospels for some time now, and on weekends I like writing a diary. But “spirituality” is not only praying, reading, and singing. It is our whole life. I am very glad that one quarter of our fundamental beliefs deal with the Christian life (check it out—here are the numbers:
in
Christ
By His death on the cross Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil. He who subjugated the demonic spirits during His earthly ministry has broken their power and made certain their ultimate doom. Jesus’ victory gives us victory over the evil forces that still seek to control us, as we walk with Him in peace, joy, and assurance of His love. Now the Holy Spirit dwells within us and empowers us. Continually committed to Jesus as our Saviour and Lord, we are set free from the burden of our past deeds. No longer do we live in the darkness, fear of evil powers, ignorance, and meaninglessness of our former way of life. In this new freedom in Jesus, we are called to grow into the likeness of His character, communing with Him daily in prayer, feeding on His Word, meditating on it and on His providence, singing His praises, gathering together for worship, and participating in the mission of the Church. As we give ourselves in loving service to those around us and in witnessing to His salvation, His constant presence with us through the Spirit transforms every moment and every task into a spiritual experience. (Ps. 1:1, 2; 23:4; 77:11, 12; Col. 1:13, 14; 2:6, 14, 15; Luke 10:17-20; Eph. 5:19, 20; 6:12-18; 1 Thess. 5:23; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:18; 2 Cor. 3:17, 18; Phil. 3:7-14; 1 Thess. 5:16-18; Matt. 20:25-28; John 20:21; Gal. 5:22-25; Rom. 8:38, 39; 1 John 4:4; Heb. 10:25.)
11, 17, and 19 to 23). Following Jesus is something very practical. Being a disciple and growing in Christ is not a set of do’s and don’ts, but a process in which we learn to conquer challenges with the best support we can imagine. We can face the roaring lion as we stick to the Master and hold on to His Word. n * In all cases except one, in which He demonstrated that God’s power is strong enough even to cast out a legion, Jesus did not even dialogue with evil spirits.
Stefan Höschele, Ph.D., a former missionary to Algeria and Tanzania, teaches mission studies and systematic theology at Theologische Hochschule Friedensau, Germany. April 2013 | Adventist World - nad
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Andy Nash
Why I Am an Adventist In Growing Up Adventist Andy Nash wrote warmly about his childhood in a small-town church. Here the Adventist Review columnist opens up about the struggles and joys he has experienced in the church as a grown-up. Beginning with personal stories, he shares his reflections on the Sabbath, movies, and the search for God’s will. He asks whether the greatest threat to the church is legalism or materialism. He analyzes the discussion of homosexuality in the church. As a college professor, he gives us insights into the next generation of youth. In the end Nash acknowledges the beauty of Adventist beliefs. He also sees value in the diversity of people who make up our church. Like the elements of a haystack, we all come together to make something special. 978-0-8280-2698-7. US$12.99
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W W W. R E V I E WA N D H E R A L D . C O M
The
Adventist Story
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ho gets to write the history of your church? It seems a simple enough question— one that could be answered with a name and a brief description of the author’s skills. But it is a question that invites many other questions. What group or entity are you meaning when you use the word “church?” Do you mean that you are seeking a history of your local congregation—the 25 or 250 or 2,500 believers you gather with each Sabbath? Or are you seeking someone to write the larger history of the
The
Will the story be told primarily from the perspective of North America, where most histories of Seventh-day Adventism begin? Will all other territories then be deemed “foreign” because they are “foreign” to North Americans? Will the focus be on the brave men and women who crossed salt water to carry the gospel, or will it be on the even braver men and women who sometimes stepped out of their existing cultures and religions to believe and practice the faith of Jesus? These are just a few of the questions that the editorial team of Adventist World will be asking as we launch next month a new 14-month series of articles about the history of this faith. The series is timed to coincide By Bill Knott with the 150th anniversary of the organization of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in May 1863, but will include much more than a celebration of the history of the church’s headquarters. Depending on how you count, Seventh-day Adventist Church? That’s a story, you can date the earliest references to the term depending on when you start it, that can stretch “Seventh-day Adventist” to the organization of back nearly 200 years. the church’s first publishing house in 1860, or And whose history will it be? Will the story the organization of its first local conference in told be mostly a record of buildings, leaders, and 1861. In print, the term appeared in the Second successes? Or will it be a story told from the per- Advent Review and Sabbath Herald (now the spective of a family whose members have experi- Adventist Review, sister journal of this magazine) enced some or all of that history? Will we hear of as early as 1853. the succession of pastors who served your conEach of the church’s 13 major regions— gregation, and call that the history? Or will it be called “divisions”—will be invited to tell its story a history of missions—how the three angels’ through an author from that region. In some messages arrived in your community; by whom cases, that will surely be a history of how mission they were carried; and how rapidly they spread? work produced the thriving collection of congreWill we understand the history of the church gations, institutions, and evangelistic outreaches against the backdrop of major world events— the region is known for today. In others the story wars, famines, hurricanes, and innovations? Or will be more personally told, focused on the will it be a history of Adventism as experienced in individuals who responded to the promptings of one small congregation, where members’ lives have the Holy Spirit with faithfulness and courage. been remarkably the same for more than century? In our May edition we will tell the story of Will the author be a man or a woman? It the handful of persons who began the formal surely makes a difference whether the author organization of this worldwide faith in Michitakes the care to notice the contributions of gan, United States, 150 years ago. In the months women to the growth of your church—both the to come you will come to know the richness and local congregation and the worldwide denomina- variety of the Adventist story from many differtion. Women now make up nearly two thirds of ent perspectives—all of them accurate, and all of the 17 million baptized members of the church. them important. n
Questions of
History
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C OV E R S T O RY
Cr eatio n on
Display
Packages of Wonder
C
reation and evolution are red-button issues all over the world—also reaching Adventist churches. We are bombarded daily by theories and hypotheses and arguments and counter arguments. “Creation on Display” is an attempt to showcase the wonders of creation and tell the story of how Adventist institutions and individuals around the world share the Creator’s genius with people around them. As you read these stories, allow the Creator to speak to your heart. —Editors.
Byeol-Sae-Kot-Tol
S c i e n c e C ENTER
T
he Adventist Church-owned Byeol-Sae-Kot-Tol Science Center in Shew Chung, a rural area near Seoul in South Korea, began with a young boy’s dream to study the stars. A curious and intelligent child, Kyoungsang Sohn studied hard at school and eventually became a successful dentist. He never lost interest in astronomy, however, nor forgot his childhood dream to observe and examine as closely as possible the wonders of God’s universe. As a faithful Seventh-day Adventist and a believer in God the Creator, Sohn longed to educate others—particularly children and youth—in the marvels of nature and the many ways it reveals a loving heavenly Father. So in 1999,
Above: BIRD WATCHING: The thousands of students who visit Byeol-Sae-Kot-Tol each year can observe wild birds closely through the center’s bird-watching telescopes. Right: PLANETARIUM: The Byeol-Sae-Kot-Tol Science Center in South Korea has a planetarium equipped with telescopes and a sliding dome.
By Adventist World staff with contributions by Korean Publishing House staff
using his personal finances, Sohn constructed and opened a science center, initially called Nomok. Six years later, in 2005, the Adventist Church in the region took over management of the education facility, renaming it the Byeol-Sae-Kot-Tol Science Center. It has since grown into a highly recognized and appreciated complex that is the recipient of government awards for excellence in its field. Studying God’s Nature
The name of the center, Byeol-SaeKot-Tol, indicates its focus on four areas of study: astronomy (study of planets and stars), ornithology (study of birds), botany (study of plants and flowers), and paleontology (study of fossils). It boasts a planetarium equipped with telescopes and a sliding dome; habitat and feeders to draw wild birds that can be closely observed through binoculars and the center’s bird-watching telescopes; a botanical garden filled with colorful and vibrant flowers, bushes, and herbs as well as a
high-powered microscope for careful study of the foliage; and an exhibit area housing hundreds of fossils in which both youth and adults can learn the history of the earth from a creationist worldview. The teachers and other qualified staff who run the learning facility also share the story of Jesus and how wise men followed a special “star” to Bethlehem, the place where Jesus was born. More than 100,000 visitors a year, largely comprising students from elementary school through college, encounter God’s handiwork at the Byeol-Sae-Kot-Tol Science Center and learn of the Creator, who spoke this world and the universe into existence because of His unfathomable love for humankind. Because of the large number of visitors, registration is required. Plans are also now underway to expand the facility. To learn more about the ByeolSae-Kot-Tol Science Center, go to www.ntam.org.
P h o t o s C o u r t e s y o f t h e K o r e a n P u b l i s h i n g H o u s e
Telling the creation story in Korea
By Chantal J. Klingbeil and Gerald A. Klingbeil
A STA K E in the Sand Origins Exhibit opens at SAU.
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orldview is the ultimate mobile device. It’s on 24/7 and filters everything we come into contact with. At the Biology Department of Southern Adventist University (SAU), Tennessee, U.S.A., faculty decided to combat the idea that you check your religious convictions at the door of the science lab. They wanted to put a stake in the sand, and so they moved the conversation into the hallways. In the Beginning
While the idea of the Origins Exhibit came to the faculty, the first $50 of funding came from a student: “I know what you teach, and I am so glad you teach these aspects on origins. I’m only a student, but here are 50 bucks; do something with it.”
Academic life went on with inconveniences as the exhibit grew on the hallway walls of the Biology Department over the next years. Discussions between faculty, feedback from students and others, and funding from interested individuals all helped to make the Origins Exhibit a unique experience. Step by Step
The exhibit is divided into three main parts that complement each other and should be visited in sequence. Entering the building, you suddenly find yourself exploring the intricacies and beauty of the human cell. From there the exhibit expands, focusing upon the geologic column. At this point your head is probably reeling with the big questions of science and origins. The final section of the circular hallway exhibit is not tightly packed arguments and evidence but includes a vision of the beauty and aesthetics found in nature. The exhibit, officially opened on P h o t o s
INTERACTIVE: The displays at the Origins Exhibit are meant to engage its visitors on several sensory levels.
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C o u r t e s y
o f
April 15, 2012, is not intended to be the definitive proof of creation. Intelligent design is offered as a valid scientific theory in contrast to the undirected chance-based assumptions of evolution that permeate most scientific discussions. Part of the final section introduces the concept of worldview and probability. This is more than a good scientific debate or argument. What you believe, you discover in the exhibit, affects your decisions—and decisions have eternal consequences. Attracting More Than Dinosaurs
Apart from the captive audience of biology majors, other SAU students love catching a quick glimpse as they come to take a biology class. Local K-12 schools and homeschoolers have also been attracted by the exhibit. During a biology faculty campout a student shared that the exhibit had been a major factor in his journey from atheism to becoming a strong SAU / I s a a c
J a m e s / G e r a l d
K l i n gB e i l
Christian Adventist. Biology seniors, during their exit interviews, unanimously highlighted the positive impact of the exhibit on their perspective of origins. The Origins Exhibit is not just about old bones, rock formations, and the question of long time periods. The issue of worldview penetrates every discipline, and professors from different faculties have been challenged to think about the philosophical implications of origins in their fields. Keith Snyder, chair of the Biology Department and coordinator of the exhibit, makes an important point: “We can collect data, we can collect fossils, we can look at layers, we can look at all kinds of things, but it’s still inferring what happened.” The opening of the exhibit doesn’t mark the end of the vision. Faculty dream of establishing an online Origins Center that would help disseminate important creation research in a language accessible to middle and high school students. The SAU Origins Exhibit is only one piece in a bigger mosaic. Around the world, Adventist colleges and universities are using creative methods of communicating the biblical perspective of origins. Knowing where we came from is essential for our understanding of the future and meeting the One who spoke us into existence. n
Chantal and Gerald Klingbeil
write from Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A., where Gerald serves as an associate editor of Adventist World and Chantal is an associate director of the Ellen G. White Estate at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Their three daughters, Hannah, Sarah, and Jemima, ask many questions about origins.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS: (back row, left to right) Elsa Martínez Cayaso, Gabriel Martínez, Eliezer Moran, Fredy Benitez, (front row) Wendell Martínez, Jr., Anel Villareta, and Eilyn Martínez stop working long enough to pose for a photo.
P h o t o s
C o u r t e s y
o f
E i ly n
M a r t i n e z
By Kimberly Luste Maran
Nattur
PANAM A A family-run business shares nature as a story.
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ilberto Martínez had a vision. In his native Panama, surrounded by tropical plants, mountains, and waterways, Wilberto wanted to expose others to the beauty around him—and he wanted to do it with his family. Wilberto and his wife Elsa worked hard to keep their son and daughter in church school—and instill in them a love for God and His creation. With a partner, and pioneering spirit, Wilberto started Nattur Panama, a conservation and ecotourism business. “My dad was really into conservation of species, birding, and birdwatching,” says Eilyn Martínez Cayaso, who helps run the family’s nature center and tourism business. “Back then, in the 1970s and 1980s, ecotourism didn’t really exist, but it was something he really enjoyed. It was something he pursued—and then he decided to provide services for local tourism operators, and for operators abroad.” Nattur Panama offered
mainly walking tours and bird-watching in those early days. In 1993 Wilberto’s vision took a more substantial form when he and Elsa sent Eilyn and her older brother Wendell to Columbia Union College (now Washington Adventist University) in Maryland, United States. Both siblings studied in preparation for returning home to careers at Nattur Panama. In 1996 the family was reunited—and everyone dug into helping their small business succeed. “We started to do on-land tours in nature for visitors from cruise ships,” says Eilyn. “Nature walking, birding, tours on the lake and river—this all started 16 years ago.” Expansion
In 2000 Nattur Panama became a fully family-run business. “My dad’s partner didn’t understand our beliefs and way of thinking,” explains Eilyn. “So my dad, brother, and I were the ones who operated the business.” And they
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WALKING TOUR: A school group participates in a guided nature walk on the grounds of Panama Nattur, located outside of Colo¯n, Panama. didn’t just operate it—they expanded. “Nattur Panama still provides nature walks, birding, and tours. We shifted after several years from being a tour operator—planning a whole program for a tourist (arranging local flights, hotels, restaurants, entertainment)—because it became too competitive,” Eilyn says. “We shifted to working more with the cruise industry, and that worked for us for probably 12 years. The cruise part was exclusively six months of the year, so we had to work at [the business] very hard.” The family has discovered something about the people who took their tours. “Being a guide, you learn a bit about the backgrounds of the people who are with you,” says Eilyn. “Many of our guests have some kind of Christian background. Very seldom do we find people who really do not believe in creationism. So what we do is we share nature as a story. We tell, for example, the story of how bees use the flowers or some orchids as if it were an airport.” Eilyn, Wendell, and Elsa are still working hard to keep their business afloat. “My dad fell ill and finally passed away in 2011,” explains Eilyn. “My mom stepped in to help us fulltime. We’ve also had an aunt and two
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uncles help us.” For several years they’ve operated a nature center, which has also served as a place for church activities, for Pathfinder and youth meetings, and for services of other Christian denominations. They have also started a bed and breakfast, trying to keep current on the travel needs and trends of tourists. “Panamanians generally don’t take in much of nature, and they are not into ecology,” says Eilyn, “so we don’t have a lot of local guests. We had to think of something that would really portray our beliefs in regard to nature and creation.” Keeping On
Part of that sharing involved striving to achieve Panama’s Ecological Blue Flag, an award given by the government annually to entities in the community that reach a minimum of 90 percent sustainable development at beaches and natural spaces through strict criteria, which includes water quality and environmental education. “We received our star last May,” Eilyn says. It has helped their business to gain recognition in an area attractive to tourists from abroad, for which environmental issues are important. But having the center, plant nursery,
Adventist World - nad | April 2013
and sustainable agroforestry has also meant an increase in labor. “We normally have two seasons,” explains Eilyn. “We see a lot of visitors in the dry/summer season. Those days are intense as we try to get everything ready for groups. During the rest of the days, when we don’t have larger groups coming in, we do maintenance to the locations and equipment. We need to cut the grass, maintain the gardens, the cabins, the water. We need to feed the animals . . . it can be hectic.” Adding to the stress of daily operations at a small business, Eilyn shares that there’s a lot of competition with larger companies. “Competition is good,” says Eilyn, “as it makes for variety—and for products to be better— but it is frustrating to see how other people take advantage of your work and knowledge and exploit it in another location or in another aspect. We’ve had to adapt to new markets and new challenges.” And even though there are times, especially during low season, that the family has struggled to make ends meet, she (and her family) haven’t given up. “God has promised to be with us. He has answered so many prayers—and we are here because of Him. This has been kind of like a ministry because we’ve been able to share our thoughts and feelings and beliefs to some people who did not know why we were closed on Saturdays, or why we didn’t eat meat. . . . God has been so good to us. In prayer we have asked for the basics—some food to eat—on many occasions, and the Lord has provided. He has opened windows for us to operate and keep on.” n
Kimberly Luste Maran is an assistant editor of Adventist World.
N A D F E AT U R E
By Jose Cortes, Jr.
Young Adults
tay S
Who
The secret is found in one word.
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e were sitting on the Lido deck of the M.S. Nieuw Amsterdam, a Holland America cruise ship, with a group of young adults participating in Cruise With a Mission. A man named Monroe approached our table and started talking. He said he was an atheist, and he said people like us made him want to be a Christian. “I’ve been an atheist for too long; it’s hard to change now,” he added. I mentioned how in the northeast United States and Bermuda, Adventist young adults are initiating and leading others in a movement of compassion. I told him that our resolve was to live a lifestyle of compassion, 24/7, 365 days a year, with the same priorities as Jesus. As soon as I said that, Monroe stopped me: “I don’t have a problem with Jesus; I love that Jesus was all about compassion.” Then he said, “I have a problem with people who go to church every weekend and treat others the way they do. Jesus is not the problem.”
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Deeds, Not Words
Sadly, in too many cases Monroe is right. Jesus has never been the problem. Christians, Adventists, people who proclaim to follow Jesus but live compassionless lives, are the worst advertising there is for Christianity and for Adventism. Having the truth, knowing how to defend our beliefs, and being right is good. However, having the truth, knowing how to defend our beliefs, and being right without having compassion is wrong. It seems that we are good at arguing but, at times, really bad in living a compassionate life. But there is hope. Young adults from each of our six conferences across the Atlantic Union Conference have begun to get it. We have understood that for a long time we’ve talked more than acted. Yes, we can talk the talk, but somehow while we talk it appears that our hearts are empty and our feet and hands are amputated. We have realized that it’s time to talk less
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and do more. It’s time to be not only the mouthpiece of Jesus, but also the heart, the hands, and the feet of Jesus right in our neighborhoods and cities. We have decided that although we enjoy the truth, and know how to defend it if necessary, our priority will not be spending countless hours and tremendous effort arguing among ourselves and others about our theology, methods, or the validity of Adventism, but to live a life of compassion with the priorities of Jesus. We want compassion to be our lifestyle, we want to be the heart, the hands, and the feet of Jesus in New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and in our paradise, the islands of Bermuda. We don’t mind if it goes beyond that; in fact, we know it’s already happening in other places, and we are encouraged by that. Our Rationale
Why are we doing this? Why are the Atlantic Union Conference’s
LEADING BY EXAMPLE: Sandra Mendes (front), from South Lancaster, Massachusetts, leads a cleanup effort in one of the neighborhoods affected by Hurricane Sandy.
young adults embarking in this compassion movement? 1. Jesus did it; it is biblical. As a young adult Jesus practiced compassion. It’s interesting to note that His ministry on earth took place mostly outside the walls of the Temple and the synagogues. His ministry took place where the people were. The Bible says, “And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them” (Matt. 14:14). Jesus’ ministry was repeatedly described as a ministry of compassion. He had compassion for those who were sick, those who were whole, those who were poor, rich, well-fed, hungry, elderly, young, decent, indecent, destitute, authorities, sinners, legalists, citizens, foreigners, women, and men. When Jesus saw crowds of people, He had compassion on them. He cried for them, ministered to them, touched them, healed them, prayed for them, fed them, mingled with them, ate with them, and gave them hope with His actions. It is no coincidence that the New Testament includes 37 miracles of Jesus and just a handful of Jesus’ sermons. The young adult Jesus understood that actions speak louder than words. P h o t o C o u r t e s y o f G r e at e r N e w Y o r k A d v e n t i s t C o m m u n i t y S e r v i c e s
2. It has been needed for a long time. Ellen White, one of the young adult founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and a former young adult in the Atlantic Union territory, wrote in her later years: “The world needs today what it needed nineteen hundred years ago—a revelation of Christ. A great work of reform is demanded, and it is only through the grace of Christ that the work of restoration, physical, mental, and spiritual, can be accomplished. “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’ “There is need of coming close to the people by personal effort. If less time were given to sermonizing, and more time were spent in personal ministry, greater results would be seen. The poor are to be relieved, the sick cared for, the sorrowing and the bereaved comforted, the ignorant instructed, the inexperienced counseled. We are to weep with those that weep, and rejoice with those that rejoice. Accompanied by the power of persuasion, the power of prayer, the power of the love of C o n f e r e n c e
God, this work will not, cannot, be without fruit” (The Ministry of Healing, pp. 143, 144). As early Adventist preachers went around holding debates about the validity of our doctrines, Ellen White said there should be less sermonizing and more compassion. She got it. Preaching without compassion is dead. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 13, repeats this theme. Compassion was needed in the time of Jesus, in the time of Paul, when our church was founded; and it is needed today. The work of compassion done by Adventist Community Services and ADRA is great, yet it should not be left to these organizations alone; compassion must be seen daily through each one of us who professes to follow Jesus. 3. It makes sense to young adults, creates community, attracts unbelievers, and adds relevance to our mission. For years young adults have come to church, sat quietly, received information, and gone home. Many now realize that they can get information through TV, the Internet, magazines, and study guides. Young adults don’t necessarily come to church to search for the truth; they can do that at home, or anywhere that they have access to information. The young adults I speak to express a need for community and a relevant faith. They want to express their faith in a way that makes a difference. There was a time many wanted to sit on church boards and make decisions; I’m afraid we may be past that stage. Young adults tell me, “I have no interest in sitting down for five hours to argue
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N A D F E AT U R E
and talk about other people’s business on a church board; I want to do something that matters.” Compassion, social justice, helping people, feeding those who are hungry, stopping violence against women and children, and halting animal cruelty— these are big among young adults, these are relevant. These were relevant to Jesus as well—they are not new concepts. A Case Study
Just a few months ago, when Superstorm Sandy hit the coast of New York and New Jersey, we, together with Adventist Community Services and Adventist Youth Ministries leaders of the affected areas, issued a call for help across the Atlantic Union Conference. The response was great, and most of the volunteers we saw as we
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I want to do something that matters. visited the area and the response centers were young adults. They were willing to give of their time and means to help others in need. They wanted to clean homes, parks, streets, and playgrounds. They longed to cook food and distribute it in freezing temperatures to those who had gone hungry for days, even on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. They could not wait to collect clothes and give them away to those who had lost everything. And they did. Day after day, weekend after weekend, they went to affected areas to work for others. Our Community Services leaders gave them yellow sweat-
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shirts. I wish you could have seen them; the disaster area looked like a yellow sea with young adults and young people wearing those yellow shirts. I experienced their joy as they served with compassion. Community was created among themselves and in the neighborhood, Jesus was lifted up, and our young adults felt that they were relevant Adventists. Real People, Real Stories
Cynthia Sandoval, an Adventist young adult from Queens, New York, had organized more than 700 Adventist volunteers on behalf of the Adventist Church to partner with the ING
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: Amy Cunha asks members of the Army National Guard for their assistance in moving debris. Cunha and her group from South Lancaster, Massachusetts, paid for their own transportation for one of their two trips to New York.
Inset: IRRESISTABLE FORCE: The damage done by the hurricane was no match for the power of young adults following the storm. Above: THE GOOD RACE: Cynthia Sandoval, from Queens, New York, helps redirect supplies intended for runners of the ING New York City Marathon after the race was canceled because of Hurricane Sandy. New York City Marathon. When the marathon was canceled because of the storm, she directed the marathon volunteers to show compassion in Far Rockaway and the storm-devastated areas. With the support of her mother, Aurora, Adventist Community Services, and Adventist Youth Ministries, Cynthia and hundreds of young adults were there to help. Walter Harris and Kelvin Rivas, leaders of Adventist Youth Emergency Services Corps (AYES Corps), also led hundreds of young adults in warehouse distribution and deployments to the affected areas. Our young adults knocked on thousands of doors, asking victims about their needs and supplying them with many items that were vital for their survival and recovery. Sandra Mendes and Anny Cunha,
Born to Be Active
Adventist young adults from South Lancaster, Massachusetts, organized two trips to New York’s disaster zone. The first time they brought 45 young adult volunteers, cleaning supplies, clothes, and food. The second time they had 54 young adults and more than 700 pounds of food to deliver to families in need. For the first trip Adventist Youth Ministries of the Southern New England Conference and the Atlantic Union Conference paid for their transportation. The second time they paid their own way. Many of those who went on these disaster response trips were not Adventist young adults. Cunha and others invited their non-Adventist friends from their colleges and universities. More than 30 non-Adventist young adults showed compassion alongside their Adventist friends.
P h o t o s C o u r t e s y o f G r e at e r N e w Y o r k A d v e n t i s t C o m m u n i t y S e r v i c e s
C o n f e r e n c e
God did not create young adults and give them all that energy so they could sit silently in church, staring at the back of someone else’s head, gaining theological information and talking points, and then go home. God means to use the energy, friendships, zeal, and desire for community building to make a difference in this sad, grieving world. God needs young adults filled with compassion, working on behalf of those who are in need. We recently held our Atlantic Union Conference GODencounters for young adults. After singing our hearts out, praying fervently, listening to inspiring sermons, partaking in Communion together, and getting equipped in empowering workshops, we partnered with Stop Hunger Now and packed 12,196 meals to be delivered to disaster areas in the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean. You should have seen the joy in the faces of these young adults. You should have seen the joy on my face and the faces of my colleagues.
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P h o t o Y o u t h
C o u r t e s y o f At l a n t i c U n i o n M i n i s t r i e s D e pa r t m e n t
C o n f e r e n c e
COMPASSION ENCOUNTERS: Attendees to last autumn’s Atlantic Union Conference GODencounters weekend prepare more than 12,000 emergency food packets for distribution in disaster areas in the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean.
Wouldn’t it be great if worship in our churches always included a compassion element in which someone outside as well as inside the walls of the church is blessed? The conference youth directors of the Atlantic Union Conference are being challenged, and are challenging our churches not to have any event or program that does not include compassion. Compassion is biblical, it’s necessary, it makes sense, it creates com-
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munity, it attracts nonChristians, it makes our beliefs come alive, and it is key to retaining our young adults. Compassion creates the opportunity to share God’s grace with the world. If we want to keep our young adults, we have to provide them with opportunities to show the compassion of Jesus outside the four walls of our churches. They will return to recharge their spiritual batteries so they can go out again. And on the beautiful morning of the Second Coming, our young adults will hear directly from Jesus
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Christ, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these. . . , you did it to Me” (Matt. 25:40). n To know more about Compassion, visit our Web site:
www.compassion-now.org
Jose Cortes, Jr., is
director of Adventist youth ministries for the Atlantic Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
A D V E N T I S T
L I F E
J
une 2012 found us in the small monarchy of Swaziland. We were invited to provide free dental care to the underserved public. Underserved dental patients are easy to find in Swaziland. With 33 official dentists and a population of more than 1.3 million, there is about one dentist for 40,000 people in the country. Now contrast that with roughly 2,000 people needed to support a single professional dental practice in the United States. It was therefore no surprise to us that on the last day we saw patients— dear people who hoped we would see them but instead walked away in tears because we couldn’t—we realized that however long we were there, the situation would be the same. There were just too many people in need of our help.
Helping Their Smiles
We came from Loma Linda University’s School of Dentistry (LLUSD). Our team consisted of two licensed and qualified dentists, one psychologist, five dental students, and two dental hygiene students. We set up five mobile units, a mobile X-ray unit, and a sterilization center. In addition, we used benches and available chairs as treatment areas for teeth cleaning and extractions. Our trip to Swaziland was made in response to a request for us to come help. We focused our time in the city of Manzini, as well as treating children at Emmanuel Orphanage and caring for members of the community around Lagwane Seventh-day Adventist School. We had hoped that we might be able to see 50 patients each day. However, when we arrived the first morning, there were close to 150 patients already waiting for us. Patient after patient streamed through the door, and there was always someone eagerly waiting for us even before we were ready to see them. They were young and old; strong and weak; happy and stressed. Dental needs ranged from those that needed light cleaning to others
38
The group visits Kruger National Park.
By Doyle Nick
Smiles the
Swaziland of
Why do Loma Linda University dentistry students serve internationally?
whose mouths held only the remains of teeth—painful, infected, and unpleasant. These dear children of God touched our hearts with their need and their gratitude. We worked long days, struggling to do our best against the endless tide of unmet need. Even though appointments were made for the number of people we could see each day, patients continued to line up each morning—some as early as 3:00—in hopes that we would be able to see them too. We saw 400 patients, providing significant amounts of restorative dentistry in addition to addressing pain and infection by extracting teeth that could not be restored. Our philosophy—that we are treating a community and not just a collection of
Adventist World - nad | April 2013
P h o t o s
patients—drove the way in which we cared for each person who came to see us. When dentists come and do only wholesale extractions, they poorly prepare patients to be educated about and accept modern, conservative dentistry when it becomes available. Each individual who left with restored molars, healthy attractive front teeth, and a clean mouth overall (which results in healthy gums, pretty smiles, and fresh breath) conveyed a message of hope for dental health, in contrast to the look of loss and defeat represented by bleeding gums and empty sockets where teeth once were. “One patient stands out for me,” says Robert Judd, LLUSD 2013. “All of her six anterior maxillary teeth had decayed nearly to the pulp. While I was speaking to her through a translator C o u r t e s y
o f
LOMA
LINDA
UNIVE R SITY
Above: Tiffany Beale, LLUSD 2013, with a patient Below: Ken Ricks, LLUSD 2013, treats a patient in Manzini.
Beauty of the
about the possibility of pulling those teeth, she began to tear up. I told her we would try our best to save her teeth, but if the decay involved the nerve of the tooth the prognosis was poor at best. Fortunately, I was able to restore the teeth with composite resin, and so instead of leaving with no teeth, she left with a nice smile and in broken English she told me, ‘Thank you.’ I know I changed her life dramatically, and it took only a little more than an hour. This is a moment I will never forget.” Our student participants came from a number of different Christian backgrounds—Adventist, Catholic, Mormon, and nondenominational. Together we spent two wonderful Sabbaths worshipping in Swaziland Seventh-day Adventist churches, where we provided presentations on general, dental, and mental health. These presentations always provided us opportunities for more in-depth conversations about health as well. We especially enjoyed the warm African welcome, wonderful singing, and delicious potluck lunches. In addition, we cherished the African postchurch service tradition of
Service Learning
The motto of Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (LLUSD) is “Service Is Our Calling.” As evidence of this commitment, the curriculum includes required “service learning” activities, which are varied experiences of unselfish service to people in local and global communities. The expectation is that through these experiences, the rewards and responsibilities of caring for those who cannot easily care for themselves will inculcate into each student’s professional and personal life. This is an essential part of the education of a Christian professional. A big part of LLUSD’s program involves international service trips, which allow students exposure to different cultures, customs, and economic situations, thus providing them with a broader perspective and a view of professional responsibility that extends beyond their individual practices. In the past five years 50 international trips were made to provide dental care to underserved populations in 20 different countries. A little more than 100 LLUSD students participate in international trips each year. It is the goal that students have the opportunity to benefit from at least one service trip during their school experience.
everyone in attendance shaking hands with one another, with greeting lines snaking out into a great circle in front of the church as “Happy Sabbaths” rang out into the cool African winter. It Meant So Much
Church leaders from the local conference, union, and division arranged our schedule and all additional support. Their kindness as well as the genuine gratitude from our patients meant so much to us. There was an obvious need we tried to fill in Swaziland. And in spite of minor difficulties in trying to serve everyone, our experience was positive. The sincere gratitude we felt combined with the privilege of being in Africa with its wonderful natural and cultural heritage was a blessing. Indeed, a culture of service is prevalent at LLUSD, and we hope it continues in the professional lives of each of its graduates. Those of us on this trip were humbled to be able to be used by God to help His children, thrilled to visit Africa, and blessed by the good people that we met along the way. “My trip to Swaziland was one of the most valuable experiences of my life,” says Tiffany Beale, LLUSD 2013. “I feel incredibly privileged to have gone to such a beautiful country to minister to such gracious people. Each mission trip I take strengthens my desire to make mission work a part of my career for the rest of my life.” This was an experience that changed us for the better and gave us precious memories that will live in our hearts for a lifetime. n
Doyle Nick is associ-
ate director for dental affairs for the Health Ministries Department of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
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D I S C O V E R I N G
T H E
S P I R I T
O F
E
urope was the first continent in which the Adventist message was preached outside of North America. Michael Belina Czechowski (1818-1876), a converted Polish priest, had an earnest desire to become a missionary to Europe for the fledgling Seventh-day Adventist denomination. When the leadership refused to accede to his request, he was able to enlist the support of Sundaykeeping Adventists. In 1864 he arrived in Torre Pellice, a Waldensian
P R O P H E C Y
missions. Responding to this call from across the ocean, Ellen White and her son arrived in Liverpool, England, in August 1885, where they were welcomed by M. C. Wilcox, the editor of the British missionary journal Present Truth. The work in England was established in 1878 by William Ings, a native of Hampshire, and built up by J. N. Loughborough and his wife, who spent five years in England. While in England, Ellen White visited Grimsby, where the mission and publishing work had been headquartered since 1884, and a number of other towns, including London and Southampton. In a dream given to her in 1874, she was shown the dying cities of the world and told: “Never lose sight of the fact that the message you are bearing is a worldwide message. It is to be given to all cities, to all villages; it is
’ urope s E By Gerhard Pfandl
Nurturing the fledgling Ellen G. White, seated second from right, attended the Moss camp meeting in Norway in 1887.
to be proclaimed in the highways and the byways. You are not to localize the proclamation of the message.”2 Settling in Switzerland
valley in northern Italy, where he formed a company of believers to whom he taught the Seventh-day Adventist doctrines. He established other companies in Switzerland and Romania. Europe saw the arrival of the first official missionary of the denomination. At the urgent request of the believers in Switzerland, the General Conference sent John Nevins Andrews, who arrived in Neuchatel, Switzerland, on October 16, 1874, accompanied by his children, Charles and Mary (his wife had died in 1872). After nine years of dedicated work in Europe, he died in 1883, at the age of 54, and was buried in Basel, Switzerland. Europe was also the first continent visited by Ellen White.1 At the second session of the European Missionary Council in Basel, Switzerland, in 1884, a resolution was adopted requesting the General Conference to ask Mrs. E. G. White and her son W. C. White to visit the European
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From London she and her son took the train to Dover, crossed the channel to Calais in France, and on September 3, 1885, they arrived in Basel, the headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in central Europe. Here she settled for the next two years while in Europe. When Ellen White visited the publishing house, “Elder Whitney [who had succeeded J. N. Andrews in 1883] said, ‘Look at our meeting-hall before going upstairs.’ It was a fine room on the first floor, well lighted and well furnished. Mrs. White looked searchingly at all features of the place, and then said: ‘It is a good meeting-hall. I feel that I have seen this place before.’ . . . When the pressroom was reached, the press was running, and Mrs. White said: ‘I have seen this press before. This room looks very familiar to me.’ Soon the two young men who were working in the pressroom came forward, and were introduced to the visitors. Mrs. White shook hands with them, and then inquired, ‘Where is the
other one?’ ‘What other one?’ Elder Whitney asked. ‘There is an older man here,’ Mrs. White replied, ‘and I have a message for him.’ Elder Whitney explained that the foreman of the pressroom was in the city on business. “It had been a little more than ten years since Mrs. White, in relating before a large audience in the Battle Creek church what had been shown her in vision regarding the work to be done in many foreign lands, had said that she had seen printing presses running in many foreign countries, printing periodicals and tracts and books on present truth for the people of these countries.”3 Needless to say, this experience was a tremendous encouragement to the workers and church members in Europe. It confirmed them in their conviction that they were doing the Lord’s work.
Blessings church Soon after her arrival she participated in the Third European Missionary Council of Seventh-day Adventist Missions in Basel. One of the actions taken was to invite Ellen White and her son W. C. White “to visit Scandinavia, Great Britain and other fields.”4 In the following two years she visited churches and groups of believers in Germany, Italy, France, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway from her temporary home in Basel. Travels in Europe
Her first trip took her by train across Germany to Scandinavia. There were 18 churches and about 800 hundred Sabbathkeepers in these countries. In Christiana, Norway, the president of the local temperance society invited her to speak in the soldier’s military gymnasium, the largest hall in the city. Ellen White chose to present temperance from a religious point of view. Expecting something quite different, the audience was “at first astonished, then interested, and finally deeply moved.”5 Among the 1,600 people who attended were many prominent citizens, including the bishop of the state church and a number of other clergymen.
It was the largest audience she was to address in Europe. Believers in Europe faced unique problems such as compulsory military service and school attendance on Sabbath. Some parents who kept their children at home on the Sabbath were fined, others imprisoned. Confronted with these issues, Ellen White urged church members to work out some arrangements with the school authorities. “If this fails, then their duty is plain, to obey God’s requirements at whatever cost.”6 In Italy she visited the Waldensian valleys. She went up to the mountain of Bobbio to visit the cave where a group of Waldensian refugees had been suffocated in the smoke of fire ignited by their persecutors. Her travels in Europe to places linked with the Reformation aided her in the revision of The Great Controversy in 1888. Her son W. C. White wrote in 1934: “During her two years residence in Basel, she visited many places where events of special importance occurred in the Reformation days. This refreshed her memory as to what she had been shown and this led to important enlargement in those portions of the book dealing with the Reformation days.”7 Return to America
On August 3, 1887, she boarded the boat City of Rome in Liverpool for her return trip to New York, where she arrived on August 11. Her reflections upon the work in Europe are found in a Review article written four months after her return from Switzerland. “After a two years’ stay in Europe we see no more reason for discouragement in the state of the cause there than at its rise in the different fields in America.”8 Her time in Europe was a great blessing for the growing church there. By the turn of the century the membership in Europe stood at approximately 7,000, second only to the church in North America. n 1 For Ellen G. White’s time in Europe I am indebted to the information found in D. A. Delafield, Ellen G. White in Europe (Grantham, Eng.: Stanborough Press, 1975) and Arthur L. White, The Lonely Years: 1876-1891 (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1984). 2 Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1948), vol. 7, pp. 35, 36. 3 Ellen G. White, Life Sketches of Ellen G. White (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1915), pp. 282, 283. 4 Ellen G. White, in Review and Herald, Nov. 3, 1885. 5 Ellen G. White, in Historical Sketches (Basel, Switz.: Imprimerie Polyglotte, 1886), p. 211. 6 Ibid., p. 216. 7 Quoted in Arthur L. White, The Ellen G. White Writings (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1973), p. 127. 8 Ellen G. White, in Review and Herald, Dec. 6, 1887.
Gerhard Pfandl, a native of Austria, is a
part-time associate director of the Biblical Research Institute at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A.
April 2013 | Adventist World - nad
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B I B L E
Q U E S T I O N S
What is the message of Daniel 11:40-45?
A N S W E R E D
Prophetic and
Symbols
This is a difficult apocalyptic prophecy. I can provide only one possible way of interpreting it. And in doing so I will make only two suggestions: First, most of the language and imagery used in the passage is similar to the narrative of the exodus from Egypt. Second, “the king of the North” in Daniel behaves in ways that are similar to what, in Revelation, is described as mystical Babylon. 1. Exodus and the King of the North: Here are some of the most important parallels between the exodus story and the king of the north. The phrase “land of Egypt” (Dan. 11:42) is used in Exodus more than in any other book of the Bible (see, for example, Ex. 5-12). The hand of God was against Egypt (Ex. 3:20); now the hand of the king is against Egypt (Dan. 11:42). During the exodus God went down to Egypt; now the king goes down to Egypt (Ex. 3:10-12; Dan. 11:42). Edom, Moab, and Ammon were nations that the Israelites were not to attack during the exodus (Ex. 15:15; Deut. 2:1-9); the king of the north will not conquer them (Dan. 11:41). Both the Lord and the king defeat Egypt (Ex. 14:29-31). While during the exodus the Israelites took gold and silver from the Egyptians (Ex. 12:35, 36), the king does it now (Dan. 11:43). The Israelites left Egypt and went to the holy mountain to serve the Lord (Ex. 3:12; 19:20-23). The king will leave Egypt and go to the holy mountain (Dan. 11:45). The Israelites went to Canaan in a war of extermination (Deut. 7:2); the king of the north will go to the holy mountain to exterminate many (Dan. 11:44). These parallels, and some others, suggest that the king of the north is attempting to take the place of God in human history. He imitates God’s acts of salvation and the work of God’s people, but in reality he fights against them. At the end no one comes to help him, and he is defeated by the Lord. 2. Revelation and the King of the North: The parallels between the activities of the king and Babylon are significant. I will mention only a few. We concluded that the king takes upon himself the role of God. In Revelation the
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Powers
unholy trinity formed by the dragon, the beast from the sea, and the beast from the land constitute Babylon and attempt to usurp the role of God on earth (Rev. 12-14). Babylon, like the king of the north, unifies the kings of the earth in order to try to exterminate God’s people (Rev. 16:13, 14; 17:13, 17). Some are not “conquered” by the king because they listen to the call to come out of Babylon (Rev. 18:4), and may be represented in Revelation by Edom, Moab, Ammon. In the war of extermination God’s people find refuge on Mount Zion, the holy mountain in the Old Testament (Rev. 14:1). Babylon goes against them (Rev. 16:16). The attack fails because God delivers His people. The Babylonian coalition is fragmented (verses 18-21), and, like the king of the north, no one can help it. 3. Symbolism of the King of the South: The geographical language of Daniel designates universal spiritual powers at work through human agencies. Daniel refers to the king of the south as Egypt, a predominantly negative biblical symbol. It is a land whose king has no respect for the Lord and openly challenges Him (Ex. 5:2). It stands for human pride. While the king of the north is interested in occupying the place of God, usurping His role, the king of the south simply does not care. It could easily represent people for whom the biblical God is unimportant. Today this symbolism could apply to non-Christian societies, and to places where secularism and atheism prevail. The king of the north will overcome them when the wound inflicted on the beast from the sea is healed (Rev. 13:3). But what appears to be good will turn out to be what it really is: an attempt to usurp God’s power on earth. The prophecy of Daniel 11:40-45 is further developed in Revelation under the symbol of Babylon. This should encourage us, because in both cases God and His people are victorious. n
Angel Manuel Rodríguez has served the church as a pastor, professor, and theologian. He is now retired, living in Texas.
M a r t i n o v i c
S T U D Y
B o s k o
B I B L E
Getting Through
Life’s
Toughest Times H
er voice trembled. Tears ran down her cheeks, and through her painful sobs she blurted out one word: “Why?” Then: “Why did God allow this to happen to me?” This godly woman had recently experienced incredible sorrow in her life. She experienced what no one should ever have to go through. She asked a good question. The problem was that I didn’t have a good answer. In fact, the answer to the question of why bad things happen to good people lies hidden in the mystery of the great controversy between good and evil. We will have to wait until eternity before we fully have the answer to the why question. But we can know two things for sure: First, God is with us in our pain, encouraging, supporting, and sustaining us. Second, in ways we may never understand, God often uses pain inflicted by the evil one to accomplish His larger purposes. Of course, God is neither responsible for nor the author of sorrow and suffering. But He can use even the worst of times to accomplish something remarkable in our lives. This month’s Bible lesson will probe these two aspects of human suffering: God’s presence and God’s purpose.
1 Read Psalms 34:4; 40:17; 46:1; 61:1, 2. As David faced some of life’s most challenging moments, what was his unwavering testimony? David’s life was not free from trials. He experienced sorrow, trauma, and heartache. David had his share of tears. But through it all, he found comfort and strength in the presence of God. He had the assurance that God had not forsaken Him in life’s toughest times.
2 When the nation of Israel experienced bitter disappointment and heartbreak, what hopeful words did the prophet Isaiah speak in Isaiah 41:10 to assure it of God’s presence?
By Mark A. Finley
3
Read Matthew 28:20 and Hebrews 13:6. What promises do we have in the New Testament of our Lord’s everlasting presence with His people?
4 Read Job 13:15. How does Job weigh in on relating to life’s trials? Job had absolute confidence that an all-wise God understood his pain and would somehow get him through it. Job focused his attention on the God who was with him, not the pain that afflicted him. If we focus on our pain, we will be filled with greater pain, but if we focus on God’s presence in our suffering, we will receive new strength to move on beyond the pain.
5 Read Genesis 50:20. What conclusion did Joseph come to regarding the deeper purpose of his abandonment and betrayal by his jealous brothers? Joseph had absolute confidence that God had a larger purpose in his captivity. He did not become angry and resentful over what his brothers had done to him. He looked for God’s larger purpose, and God used him to save his people in a time of famine.
6 Read 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4. What encouragement did the apostle Paul share for all who go through tribulation and trials? The universal testimony of Scripture is abundantly plain: God does not abandon us in our suffering. He is there in our trials to strengthen and sustain us. He provides comfort in our sorrows so that we will be able to share His comfort with others who suffer. When you experience pain, look to the One who is the source of all comfort. He will never disappoint you; His comfort is yours today. n
Isaiah’s reassuring promise rings in our ears and encourages our hearts. This promise is for us. April 2013 | Adventist World - nad
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IDEA EXCHANGE
I don’t recall the prodigal son being given a year to return home. —Tina Bunker, Devon, England.
Letters Finding Them, Keeping Them
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Adventist World gives me joy. It glorifies God and honors the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The last magazine I have is dated May 2008, with the cover article by Stephen Chavez, “Dreaming of a Better World.” I was pleased with this article, and also with “Order and Worship,” which is the Bible Questions column by Angel Manuel Rodríguez. I have a question for Rodríguez: can all musical instruments help worship? Mengue Louanges Mintom, Cameroon
K l i n g b e i l
I was saddened to read G. T. Ng’s counsel on membership auditing in the interview by Bill Knott, “Membership Audit Is a Redemptive Process” (December 2012).
The article “For People by People,” by Chantal and Gerald Klingbeil (October 2012), was so interesting and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about what Viriato and Marianne Ferreira are doing in Portugal. What a dynamic team they are! It was so inspiring to feel
Joy
A .
More Harm Than Good?
For People, by People
their enthusiasm, learn about their innovative approach to health evangelism, and hear about God’s leading at VitaSalus. The photos were lovely. Heather Krick F resno, California, United States
G e r a l d
Benjamin D. Schoun’s cover article “Finding Them—Keeping Them” (December 2012) caught my attention. I think it will help our leaders, even our members, to know what role they can play in keeping new members. Also, it may help those who contribute to the departure of new members to realize what they have to correct so missing members will come back. Let’s pray for our future members, and for those who leave, so God may help them come to stay. Thierry Ahonon Dassa, Benin
Is there ever a time, even after a year of visiting, when we should approach nonattending church members to inform them that their names will be removed from the church records? Is there ever a “need” to take their names off the church records? Surely, only if lapsed members approach the church and request that their names be removed, that member must otherwise remain on the books and, more important, on the hearts and in the prayers of the whole church concerned. I don’t recall the prodigal son being given a year to return home. We could do more harm than good in an effort to keep our church books tidy. I thank God for His records. Tina Bunker Devon, England
Adventist World is produced by the Seventh-day Adventist Church and distributed to its members free of charge. We are also on the Internet at www. adventistworld.org. We are gratified that the magazine is filling this need. —Editors. Count Them Again
A news report in the December 2012 Adventist World reported: “Jonathan Duffy to Lead ADRA International.” It also stated that Duffy was confirmed “as the fourth president of the 28-year-old agency.” There is a mistake in the count. Duffy is the fifth president. According to my record, here is the correct list: 1. Robert R. Drachenberg 2. Ralph Watts 3. Charles Sandefur, Jr. 4. Rudi Maier 5. Jonathan Duffy Robert R. Drachenberg Mount Dora, Florida, United States Letters Policy: Please send to: letters@adventistworld.org. Letters must be clearly written, 100-word maximum. Include the name of the article and the date of publication with your letter. Also include your name, the town/city, state, and country from which you are writing. Letters will be edited for space and clarity. Not all letters submitted will be published.
World Is This? F a m a r i n
in the
R i t c h i e
My Adventist friend has given me two issues of your monthly journal, Adventist World. It gives me so many insights as I serve the Lord that I want to receive it on a monthly basis. Though I am a Baptist pastor, we are one in Christ. I would be very happy if I could receive a copy of it regularly. V. Suikharliana Mizoram, India
Where
ANSWER: At the conclusion of evangelistic meetings, individuals from Sahmyook Medical Center (Seoul Adventist Hospital) pose at Dalagan Beach, Gloria, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, following a baptism.
Access to Adventist World
25
%
people lives in regions of the world in which groundwater is used faster than it can be replenished.
One in four Source: Nature
An
Apple aDay Eating an extra two or three grams of fiber each day (vegetables, fruit, whole grains) can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. In case you’re wondering, two to three grams of extra fiber can be found in one apple. Source: Men’s Health P h o t o
b y
D o r o ta
K a s z c z y s z y n
April 2013 | Adventist World - nad
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IDEA EXCHANGE “Behold, I come quickly…” Our mission is to uplift Jesus Christ, uniting Seventh-day Adventists everywhere in beliefs, mission, life, and hope.
top Life expectancies in the four most populous nations on earth (2012 estimates): Source: Hemispheres
YEARS
POPULATION
74.8 67.1 78.5 71.6 China
1,343,239,923
India
1,205,073,612
United States
313,847,465
Indonesia
248,645,008
That’s
Amazing!
Awkward on land, emperor penguins are capable of diving to a depth of 1,750 feet and staying underwater for as long as 20 minutes on a single breath. Source: National Geographic
Surf
the
Universe
The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) posts a photograph from space every day. To be awed by God’s creative power, go to apod.nasa.gov.
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. Executive Publisher and Editor in Chief Bill Knott Associate Publisher Claude Richli International Publishing Manager Chun, Pyung Duk Publishing Board Ted N. C. Wilson, chair; Benjamin D. Schoun, vice chair; Bill Knott, secretary; Lisa Beardsley-Hardy; Daniel R. Jackson; Robert Lemon; Geoffrey Mbwana; G. T. Ng; Daisy Orion; Juan Prestol; Michael Ryan; Ella Simmons; Mark Thomas; Karnik Doukmetzian, legal advisor Adventist World Coordinating Committee Lee, Jairyong, chair; Akeri Suzuki; Kenneth Osborn; Guimo Sung; Chun, Pyung Duk; Han, Suk Hee Editors based in Silver Spring, Maryland Lael Caesar, Gerald A. Klingbeil (associate editors), Sandra Blackmer, Stephen Chavez, Wilona Karimabadi, Mark A. Kellner, Kimberly Luste Maran Editors based in Seoul, Korea Chun, Pyung Duk; Chun, Jung Kwon; Park, Jae Man Online Editor Carlos Medley Operations Manager Merle Poirier Quality Assurance/Social Media Coordinator Jean Boonstra Editor-at-large Mark A. Finley Senior Advisor E. Edward Zinke Financial Manager Rachel J. Child Editorial Assistant Marvene Thorpe-Baptiste Assistant to the Editor Gina Wahlen Management Board Jairyong Lee, chair; Bill Knott, secretary; P. D. Chun, Karnik Doukmetzian, Suk Hee Han, Kenneth Osborn, Juan Prestol, Claude Richli, Akeri Suzuki, Ex-officio: Robert Lemon, G. T. Ng, Ted N. C. Wilson Art Direction and Design Jeff Dever, Brett Meliti Consultants Ted N. C. Wilson, Robert E. Lemon, G. T. Ng, Guillermo E. Biaggi, Lowell C. Cooper, Daniel R. Jackson, Geoffrey Mbwana, Armando Miranda, Pardon K. Mwansa, Michael L. Ryan, Blasious M. Ruguri, Benjamin D. Schoun, Ella S. Simmons, Alberto C. Gulfan, Jr., Erton Köhler, Jairyong Lee, Israel Leito, John Rathinaraj, Paul S. Ratsara, Barry Oliver, Bruno Vertallier, Gilbert Wari, Bertil A. Wiklander 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 © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. 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. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission. Adventist World is published monthly and printed simultaneously in Korea, Brazil, Indonesia, Australia, Germany, Austria, and the United States. Vol. 9, No. 4
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