Columbia Union Visitor--January 2004 by Columbia Union Visitor

Table of Contents

In Every Issue Editorial

Newsline

School Profile p 20 Capital Memorial Church

News & Features Making Connections Monte Sahlin

p 22

Newsletters

The Columbia Union Conference has adopted the Adventist Church’s “Year of World Evangelism” theme for 2004. But it’s more than public meetings, knocking on doors, conference budgets, or church growth. It’s about Rachael, Larry, Althea, and Jose—people you know. Find out how you can evangelize on an everyday basis.

23 Allegheny East

33 Mountain View

Sowing Seeds

The Seventh-day Adventist Church has themed 2004 the “Year of World Evangelism” and the Columbia Union’s eight conferences have formulated various goals and activities. See what’s going on in your conference.

Building God’s Kingdom Tamyra Horst

Local churches from the Pennsylvania and Mountain View conferences are piloting the principles of Natural Church Development. Discover how you, too, can improve the quality of your congregation and build the membership.

Curious About Jesus Beth Michaels

The Community Praise Center Seventh-day Adventist Church in Alexandria, Va., recently sponsored an evangelism effort targeted solely to children. See how this unique event enabled kids to apply the love of Jesus to their lives.

Resource Guide

VISITOR

25 Chesapeake 27 Columbia Union College 29 El Telescopio 31 Highland View Academy 35 New Jersey 37 Ohio 39 Pennsylvania 41 Potomac 43 Shenandoah Valley Academy

Healing Ministry

p 45

Bulletin Board

p 52

Cover Photography: S.Weimer/GoodSalt.com

Editorial Harold L. Lee Celeste Ryan ■ Editor LaVerne Henderson ■ Associate Editor for News & Features Wilona Karimabadi ■ Associate Editor for Newsletters Kelly Butler Coe ■ Art Director Sandra Jones ■ Copy Editor Monte Sahlin

■

Publisher

Publishing Board: Harold L. Lee (chair), Monte Sahlin (secretary), Raj Attiken, Charles Cheatham, Dowell Chow, LeRoy Finck, J. Neville Harcombe, Ray Hartwell, James L. Lewis, Edward Motschiedler, Celeste Ryan, Dave Weigley, Kingsley Whitsett MISSION STATEMENT The Visitor provides news and information, resources for effective ministry, and insight on issues with a spiritual focus to help people celebrate God's transforming grace in preparation for His return. COLUMBIA UNION CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS 5427 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045 (301) 596-0800 or (888) 4-VISITOR http://www.columbiaunion.org Free to Columbia Union members. Nonmembers—$15 per year. COLUMBIA UNION CONFERENCE Harold L. Lee President Executive Secretary Edward Motschiedler Dowell Chow Treasurer Hamlet Canosa Vice President/Education Vice President/General Counsel Robert Patterson Monte Sahlin Vice President/Creative Ministries Celeste Ryan Communication Information Technology Harold Greene Curtis Boore Plant Services Robert Patterson Trust Services/PARL Revolving Fund Peggy Lee Carol Wright Undertreasurer CONFERENCES ALLEGHENY EAST: Charles L. Cheatham, President; Robert Booker, Visitor Correspondent; P.O. Box 266, Pine Forge, PA 19548. Tel. (610) 326-4610 ALLEGHENY WEST: James L. Lewis, President; Robert C. Lewis, Visitor Correspondent; 1339 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205. Tel. (614) 252-5271 CHESAPEAKE: Neville Harcombe, President; Rob Vandeman, Visitor Correspondent; 6600 Martin Rd., Columbia, MD 21044. Tel. (410) 995-1910 MOUNTAIN VIEW: Kingsley Whitsett, President; Brian Jones, Visitor Correspondent; 1400 Liberty St., Parkersburg, WV 26101. Tel. (304) 422-4581 NEW JERSEY: LeRoy Finck, President; Aura Garcia, Visitor Correspondent; 2160 Brunswick Ave., Trenton, NJ 08648. Tel. (609) 392-7131 OHIO: Raj Attiken, President; Bette Toscano, Visitor Correspondent; P.O. Box 1230, Mount Vernon, OH 43050. Tel. (740) 397-4665 PENNSYLVANIA: Ray Hartwell, President; Tamyra Horst, Visitor Correspondent; 720 Museum Rd., Reading, PA 19611. Tel. (610) 374-8331 POTOMAC: Dave Weigley, President; Janet Olsyne, Visitor Correspondent; 606 Greenville Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401. Tel. (540) 886-0771 COLLEGES COLUMBIA UNION COLLEGE: Randal Wisbey, President; Angela Abraham, Visitor Correspondent; 7600 Flower Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912. Tel. (301) 891-4000 KETTERING COLLEGE OF MEDICAL ARTS: Charles Scriven, President; 3737 Southern Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429. Tel. (937) 395-8601 HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: William G. Robertson, President & CEO; Robert Jepson, Visitor Correspondent; 1801 Research Blvd., Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel. (301) 315-3030 KETTERING ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: Frank Perez, President & CEO; Kenneth Chaij, Visitor Correspondent; 3965 Southern Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429. Tel. (937) 395-8167 Published by the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Printed at the Review & Herald Publishing Association. Volume 109 ■ Issue 1

Everyday Evangelism

Welcome to the Year of World Evangelism. This year, Seventh-day Adventists around the world are invited to participate in a special initiative. Our goal is to make new friends for Christ and tell them about the blessings of His life-transforming grace and love, and the hope of His soon return. The opportunities to share our faith are everywhere. In our homes, neighborhoods, at work, at school—all around us—there are people who need to know the We are Savior who came that they might have the more abundant life. They to weep need to know the God who “gave His only begotten son so that with those whosoever believes would have that weep, and everlasting life” (John 3:16). They need to know that Jesus is coming rejoice with those again and that when He does there will be no more war, death, envithat rejoice. ronmental catastrophes, cancer, or financial problems. —E.G. White The Friendship Factor While major organized events and efforts target the masses, it is genuine friendship and personal contact that attracts people to a community of faith. One of the best ways to reach people is to befriend them, just as Jesus did. “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. … 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, and the power of the love of God, this work will not, cannot, be without fruit” (The Ministry of Healing, pp. 143-144). It is never out of season to give ourselves to the task of sharing God’s good news with a friend. Your healthy lunch, their grief over the death of a loved one or the loss of a job, barbershop debates about current issues, your group’s book club selection, a difficult dilemma or life-changing decision—all provide excellent opportunities to share your Source of confidence and trust, your faith, an inspirational Bible promise, a prayer, or an invitation to study the Bible. When you allow the Holy Spirit to work through you in such simple ways on a daily basis, you’re opening doors and planting seeds for God to harvest in due season. “Only through the grace of Christ can the work of restoration—physical, mental, and spiritual—be accomplished” in people’s lives (The Ministry of Healing, p. 143). Now is the time for every one of us to make friends for Christ. This issue details our plan for evangelism in the Columbia Union for 2004, what each conference is planning, and how you can be involved. What opportunities do you have? Who will you reach? How will God use you this today, this month, this year? Think about it! Harold L. Lee is president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the eight-state region served by the Columbia Union Conference. J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

Newsline Church to Distribute 1 Billion Bible Study Invitations Sow 1 Billion is a world church initiative with an extraordinary goal—to distribute 1 billion special Bible study invitation brochures in 2004. Adventists around the globe, regardless of age, background, or experience, are invited to take part in this unprecedented effort to connect people with God’s word. The 2004 goal for the Church in North America is to distribute 25 million invitations by mail or in person. The worldwide scope of Sow 1 Billion is so phenomenal that a mere one percent response rate would result in 10 million requests for Bible studies. The brochures offer two ways to request Bible studies—contacting a local Bible correspondence school or visiting www.hopetalk.org for lessons in up to 100 different languages. To find out more about Sow 1 Billion in your area, contact your local conference or visit the following sites: http://presidential.adventist.ods.org/ or www.adventist.org.—Bettina Krause

Five Graduate From Leadership Training Course The Columbia Union Christian Leadership Center has contracted with Developmental Dimensions International (DDI), a leadership development consulting firm, to enhance the skills of key Union leadership personnel. The first training class to certify instructors in the use of DDI materials resulted in five graduates (pictured above): Hamlet Canosa, Columbia Union vice president for education; Jerry Lutz, senior pastor of the Chesapeake Conference’s Spencerville church; José Cortés, New Jersey Conference executive secretary; Peter Bath, senior pastor of the Potomac Conference’s Sligo church, and the DDI master trainer; Marwood Hallett, Ohio Conference director of clergy care and leadership development; Gary Patterson, retired General Conference leader; and Jane Blicharz, DDI consultant. “The Christian Leadership Center of the Columbia Union will use these DDI trainers, and others, to teach leadership skills throughout our union,” says Edward Motschiedler, Columbia Union executive secretary. “Future plans include programs for conferences, institutional leaders, pastors, teachers, and key 4

VISITOR

lay leaders.” Other DDI certified instructors were trained at Kettering Medical Center.—LaVerne Henderson

Potomac Member Becomes Vibrant Life Editor Charles Mills, Adventist author and media producer, has taken the helm of Vibrant Life magazine. Mills, a well-known writer, author of over 40 books and hundreds of magazine articles, and a Potomac Conference member, assumed editorial duties for the official Adventist health journal with the January/February issue. “We were promoting the biblical principles of health generations ago. Water treatments, a plantbased diet, daily exercise, fresh air and sunshine, trust in divine power, temperance, and proper rest have long formed the foundations of our many worldwide ‘entering wedge’ ministries,” Mills says. “We will continue to pump up the volume on the spiritual aspects of health by giving equal time to the physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual balance that every person needs to maintain a happy, robust life.” The Review and Herald Publishing Association has also commissioned Mills to develop a new series of Vibrant Life releases targeting specific health topics. “We will update our Stop Smoking issue and delve into nutrition, stress reduction, and the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle,” he explains. “Vibrant Life will always put Christ front and center in its outreach, because without God in the equation, optimum health simply isn’t possible.” To learn more about Vibrant Life, visit www.vibrantlife.com or call (800) 765-6955.—LaVerne Henderson

Marriage Conference Garners 40 Bible Study Requests More than 40 people, including 22 from the Washington, D.C., area, requested Bible studies after attending a “From This Day Forward” marriage conference last year. Following each event, the Voice of Prophecy follows up with those requesting Bible studies. “Family ministries is about leading people to Jesus and these marriage conferences are one of many such vehicles. When they realize that God’s power is able to do great things for their marriages, they want Jesus to take over the rest of their lives as well,” says Willie Oliver, director of family ministries for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America. Over the last four years, Oliver and his wife, Elaine, have increased the family conferences from one to several annually, and added a team of presenters. “After 33 years of marriage, I thought I knew about all I needed or wanted to know about our marriage,”

Newsline says Robert Patterson, a vice president for the Columbia Union who attended one of the conferences with his wife, Trish. “The seminar was interactive with the couples learning valuable skills related to commitment, communication, problem-solving, and forgiveness, as well as a greater understanding of the more intimate aspects of married life.” This year, there will be five “From This Day Forward” marriage conferences scheduled throughout North America. The Columbia Union event is scheduled for October 9 in Arlington, Va. For more information, visit http://family.nadadventist.org—Kristi de Melo

Bible Course Taught in Public Schools According to the National Council on Bible Curriculum in Public Schools, the Bible is being taught as part of the literary offering in many of the nation’s public schools. Council President Elizabeth Ridenour says that 153,000 students, in 244 public school districts, in 33 states have already taken this one-year, elective course. Within the Columbia Union, public schools in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia have integrated the Bible into their curriculums. “It is not our intent to indoctrinate students to a particular religion. Instead, we equip them with a fundamental understanding of the influence of Bible on history, law, and our American culture, and help them gain insight into the thoughts of our country’s Founding Fathers so they can understand the Bible’s influence on those men’s views of human rights,” she says.—LaVerne Henderson

Ministry Care Line Supports Church Employees Kettering Clergy Care Center, an affiliate of the Kettering Medical Center Network in Dayton, Ohio, operates the Ministry Care Line (MCL), a national 800 phone service for pastors, teachers, staff, their spouses, and children. The purpose of MCL is to provide church professionals and their immediate family members with confidential access to, and the support of, trained Christian mental health professionals. Referrals to local Christian practitioners are also available. The Ministry Care Line is designed to facilitate a happier and more productive work force and lower costly medical health benefits. Ministry Care Line consultants are available Monday-Friday with some evening hours. Current statistics indicate that most calls are of a personal nature, followed by marriage or family related issues, consultation requests, and referrals to local counselors. Inaugurated in February 1992 with about 1,000 employees in 7 organizations, there are currently over 3,400 eligible employee participants, plus family members, in about 30 subscribing organizations. For more information call (800) 767-8837 or visit www.kmcnetwork.org/kccc.—LaVerne Henderson J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

Newsline

Pennsylvania Conference Elects New President TAMYRA HORST ast month Ray Hartwell was elected L president of the Pennsylvania Conference by its executive committee. Hartwell became the conference’s executive secretary and ministerial director eight years ago, prompting the family’s move to Pennsylvania. An associate in the ministerial department, his wife, Jeanne, also serves as the family life director for the conference. A native of Florida, Hartwell spent 15 months with the Maranatha Youth Evangelism Team after graduating from Forest Lake Academy. It was during this time that he felt the call to pastoral ministry. He met Jeanne Zacharias, a native of Indiana, at Southern Adventist University and the two married in May, 1978. The couple interned at Tennessee’s Madison Boulevard church before heading to seminary at Andrews University. After graduation, they served in the Elizabethtown and Litchfield districts in the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference. In 1983, the Hartwells moved from Kentucky to the Gallatin and Hendersonville districts in Tennessee. Both of these church plants were renting facilities. Utilizing a format similar to Pennsylvania’s Arise and Build concept, the Gallatin church erected their new building with volunteer labor through the Helping Hands program. Jim McConnell, who was instrumental, later came to Pennsylvania and assisted with the building of the Shenango Valley church, the first Arise and Build project. While serving as pastor for Missouri’s Columbia church, from 1985 to 1990, the Hartwell’s co-edited Praxis magazine, a quarterly journal for pastors published by the Mid-America Union. In 1990 Hartwell was called to be the senior pastor of the Columbia South Carolina church and Jeanne was the associate pastor. He was also the speaker/producer of 40 episodes of Encounter, a weekly television program developed by the Columbia church, which aired twice a week on a local cable channel. People Reaching People Hartwell has a burden for reaching the lost and misguided and desires to continue to treat Pennsylvania as a mission field. “God has called everyone of us to proclaim His gospel,” he says, “so we have to treat our communities as mission fields. Every function and activity of the church must intentionally reach out to our community.” Hartwell believes God has given us two incredible resources— God’s bidding and prayer.

VISITOR

Hartwell Family: The Hartwell family (left to right) Abby, Jeanne, Ray, and Josh, celebrate Dad’s election as president of the Pennsylvania Conference.

While reaching the 12.1 million people in Pennsylvania may seem like a huge challenge, Hartwell incorporates a three-step strategy: 1. Make friends with the unchurched. 2. Learn to share Christ and, eventually, the Adventist hope with these new friends. 3. Provide church events and invite these friends so they can have the opportunity to make a decision to follow Christ and become part of the Adventist family. Hartwell’s belief that “people are reached by people” fuels his desire to see churches move toward relational ministry followed by evangelistic events. As president, he will continue the emphasis on church planting, laydriven ministry, and missions—here and abroad. A product of Christian education, he is proud of Pennsylvania’s schools and views them as a vital part of its ministry. The Hartwell’s two children attend conference schools—17-year-old Josh is a junior at Blue Mountain Academy and 13-year-old Abby is a seventh-grader at Blue Mountain Elementary. “Our family has grown to love the people of Pennsylvania,” Hartwell says. “We have an amazing conference staff, committed pastors, and dedicated teachers. I know God has great things ahead.” Tamyra Horst is communication director for the Pennsylvania Conference.

Newsline

President Reviews Strategic Goals at Year End CELESTE RYAN t the final Executive Committee Meeting of 2003, A Columbia Union Conference President Harold L. Lee gave a year-end report that reiterated the strategic goals and initiatives of the Columbia Union Conference in five key areas: Evangelism and Mission ■ To find creative approaches to evangelism and church growth for the 21st century. ■ To pursue initiatives in the 10 largest metropolitan areas for personal and public evangelism, church planting, increased visibility, and community service. ■ To engage younger generations. ■ To develop Missions Abroad partnerships overseas. Education ■ To continue processing recommendations from the Joint Retreat of executive committees and trustees held in May 2002. ■ To assure quality and spirituality. ■ To provide a strategic investment in Columbia Union College. ■ To appoint a taskforce to study secondary education and governance. ■ To survey constituent needs and attitudes relative to Adventist schools. Communication ■ To connect with every member. ■ To listen to member needs and views. ■ To enlist each member in ministry and support of the mission of the Adventist Church. ■ To facilitate more effective communication with the conferences, institutions, and ministries. ■ To inform local leaders of the resources available for effective ministry.

Stewardship Education ■ To mobilize the time, talents, and financial resources of every member. ■ To demonstrate good stewardship in the utilization of the gifts of members. ■ To create a resource for members expressing appreciation for their faithfulness in support of the mission of the church. ■ To report in the Visitor how the tithe and offerings are used annually for mission. Governance ■ To implement recommendations from the Joint Retreat of executive committees and trustees in May 2002. ■ To provide training for governing bodies to help them operate effectively and efficiently. ■ To develop resources for increasing the effectiveness of committee and board members. ■ To develop a Christian Leadership Center that trains church and school leaders to be effective, result-oriented leaders.

Additional Reports Committee members appointed a committee to evaluate the Union president’s work, voted to commission several teachers, and were given an overview of the Union’s plans for the Year of World Evangelism (see pp. 10-13). Members also heard church growth reports from Executive Secretary Edward Motschiedler, Treasurer Dowell Chow, and the presidents of Adventist HealthCare, Kettering Adventist HealthCare, and Columbia Union College. In addition, Robyn Kajiura, associate director of the General Conference Auditing Service gave a special presentation that highlighted the major provisions of new auditing standards and procedures on fraud, and the new requirements of management in dealing with fraud. “The new standards will result in an increase in the time and work that goes into a financial statement audit,” Kajiura announced, “but it’s necessary because fraud poses a problem within our denomination, just as it does in the larger public sector.” Kajiura also presented the audited financial statement, policy compliance report, and management letter for the Union and noted, “The auditors issued an unqualified (clean) opinion on the Union’s financial statement and wish to thank the administration for its cooperation and good work.” The next meeting of the Columbia Union Conference Executive Committee will be March 18. J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

Newsline

200 Baptized in “Sonrise” Series LAVERNE HENDERSON onrise Over Baltimore,” held September 5October 11, 2003, was the largest-ever public evangelism campaign in the Baltimore (Md.) metropolitan area. This collaborative effort of Allegheny East and Chesapeake conferences, the Columbia Union Conference, Andrews University Theological Seminary, and the Religion Department of Columbia Union College resulted in over 200 individuals joining the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The following churches hosted “Sonrise Over Baltimore” meetings: Baltimore First, Beacon Light, Brooklyn, Dundalk (Baltimore Travel Plaza), Glen Burnie, Liberty, Reisterstown, Sharon, Wheaton, Wilna, and White Marsh. While the locations varied, so did the testimonies, conversions, and number of baptisms. Here are a few highlights:

Pastor John Robbins and the Wheaton Church were blessed with 36 baptisms.

Liberty’s Impact Stronger Than Hurricane Isabel’s

Wheaton Bonds With Visitors

Allegheny East’s Liberty Seventh-day Adventist Church began their “Sonrise Over Baltimore” series with an opening night attendance of 350-400. Things were going smoothly when Hurricane Isabel swept through Maryland on her way up the east coast. “After Isabel hit, people were dealing with flooding and power outages and we weren’t sure about having our service the following evening,” said Pastor Leslie Moise. “But, we decided to go ahead as planned and had more than 100 people come out that night. Because of this, we knew that the Lord had blessed us and our meetings definitely impacted the community. We had 43 baptisms.”

The Wheaton Seventh-day Adventist Church’s “Revelation of Hope” seminar featured speaker Skip Bell, from the Adventist Theological Seminary. Opening night attendance was 430. “We had about 20 members serving as row-hosts,” said Pastor John Robbins. “These individuals sat on the end of each pew and registered, got to know, and bonded with our visitors. This unique evangelism method created a connection between our guests and members, which resulted in 36 baptisms. Without this bonding, many visitors would’ve stopped coming to Wheaton as soon as the evangelist left. The spirit of our church has been re-charged.”

Dundalk Delivers Demon-Possessed Woman

Pastor Leslie Moise and the Liberty Church were blessed with 43 baptisms.

VISITOR

Pastor Sedley Johnson, speaker Ken Stout, members, and seminary students spent an hour in earnest prayer for a young woman during their Sonrise meetings. Admitting to being briefly involved in an “occult” group, she requested special prayer after feeling agitated and uncomfortable during the services. “We sat her in the middle of our circle and prayed, read Bible texts, sang, and laid hands on her as she moaned and jerked throughout the exhausting, one-hour session,” reported Stout. “Although we were aware of God’s presence, there was an evil, eerie feeling as well.” She gradually began to calm down and speak the name of Jesus. An even greater blessing was that, following the series, she was one of 20 baptismal candidates.

Newsline

Friendship Evangelism Strengthens West Virginia Meetings BRIAN JONES here was a definite hum and busyness at West T Virginia’s Buckhannon church last fall. Members had been going out of their way to become better acquainted with community residents during the past year. They were carefully learning to mark their Bibles so they could give Bible studies. Why all the activity? Everything was in preparation for the upcoming “Prophecies of Destiny” evangelistic meetings. Richard Cutright, Buckhannon pastor, and his wife, Bonnie, were born and raised in the Buckhannon area. Rick was a coal minor for many years and had little interest in joining any church. Bonnie was a member of a country Methodist church. Twenty years ago, they became the only members in their families to become Seventh-day Adventist believers. Fast-forward 20 years. The Cutrights worked faithfully and hard to organize their church in preparation for the “Prophecies of Destiny” meetings. The extra bonus was that their former pastor and current Mountain View president, Kingsley Whitsett (pictured left), conducted the series at the Buckhannon middle school.

Presenting Clear Prophetic Messages Participants were exposed to the Adventist message in a number of ways during the series: ■ Through the spoken word ■ Through PowerPoint images

Lilly Bond expresses her joy after being baptized by Pastor Richard Cutright at the Buckhannon church.

Pastor Richard Cutright, of the Buckhannon church, is flanked by newly baptized members Louise Heater (left) and Lilly Bond. Through a nightly quiz ■ Through a nightly four-page, message outline ■ Through available books on related topics ■ Through Cutright’s highlights of the previous night’s topic ■

Even members expressed that this was the clearest, most convincing, present-truth message they had heard. Following the series, 12 individuals made decisions to follow Jesus and were baptized; several were relatives of Rick and Bonnie! Their joy at having earthly family members become members of the kingdom of God was inexpressible. “Learning these new truths has made such a positive difference in my life,” says Laverne Shifflett, another new member. “I’ve found more peace and happiness than I ever thought possible.” Whitsett was encouraged and delighted to see his former member leading others to Christ. Cutright provides strong pastoral leadership while Bonnie serves as a church schoolteacher and singing evangelist. When asked if the series took time away from his administrative duties, he replied, “Administrators who lead the way in soul winning aren’t being diverted from their mission, they are carrying out the most essential part of it.” To date, there have been three Sabbath baptisms and Pastor Cutright is following up with a weekly Family Bible Marking Plan and a Revelation Seminar. Brian Jones is communication director for the Mountain View Conference. J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

MA K I NG

CONNECT C o l u m b i a U n i o n M a k e s B o l d E v a n g e l i s m P l a n s f o r 2 0 0 4 MONTE SAHLIN

ou know Rachael. She’s a co-worker. Or, maybe she lives in the same neighborhood. What you don’t know is what she’s going through and that she’s waiting for you to share whatever, or Whomever, it is that gives your life hope.

Rachael’s marriage broke up and she’s had to find a job to feed her two children. Maybe she’s dealing with the fact that her mother died last summer and, at age 27, she feels all alone in the world. Or, perhaps she’s one of the 300,000 unfortunate people in the Columbia Union territory who lost jobs in the last year. Who is Rachael? She is a typical person among the millions in this mission field. But, most importantly, she is someone for whom Jesus died. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has themed 2004 the “Year of World Evangelism.” Don’t quit reading! Don’t go ho-hum!! It’s not about public meetings, knocking on doors, conference budgets, or church growth. It’s about Rachael. It’s about Larry and Althea and Jose —people you know. And, it’s about people you don’t know. Larry lives across the street from one of the 600 local churches in this eight-state region. He sees people drive up in suits and heels every Saturday, carrying Bibles. He wonders if they know it’s the wrong day for church. But, they are quiet people and he doesn’t have time to find out. For that matter, he doesn’t really care. As far as he’s concerned, they are irrelevant. Let’s get serious about Larry and Rachael in 2004. They need you and the hope that you have. In today’s world, hope is a commodity in short 10

VISITOR

supply. Even if you don’t feel very hopeful yourself, you have a connection with the Adventist Church—the people of hope. Reach out to all the Rachaels and Larrys and make a connection this year. Jesus gave His life for you. He doesn’t demand very much in return, but He would sure like to be introduced to at least one of the people in your life. Please don’t disappoint Him!

TIRED OF OLD-FASHIONED WITNESSING METHODS? Handing out tracts door-to-door in this electronic age simply doesn’t work for some members. Even if you are among that group, Jesus has not relieved you of the Great Commission! There are other ways to spread the good news. “Viral faith” is a contagious spirituality that spreads, unintentionally, from person to person.

EVANGELISM CHALLENGES ■ ■

■ ■

■ ■ ■ ■

Total population of 50 million people Half have never heard of the Adventist Church 1/3 of one percent are Adventist 7 percent have visited an Adventist Church at least once 22 percent know an Adventist 45 percent belong to no religion 90 percent live in metropolitan areas 3 percent live in Appalachia* *Most of our churches are located in the places where the other 7 percent of the population lives.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: S . WEIMER / GOODSALT. COM

IONS

While it consists of random acts of kindness, unplanned Bible studies, and casual conversations, it’s no accident! People with “viral faith” are Christ centered to the very core of their being. His unconditional love gives them a powerful sense of caring for others wholistically or relationally, physically, economically, and spiritually. Acquaintances, co-workers, neighbors, relatives, and friends are their focus group. These individuals find creative ways to demonstrate God’s compassion for the people around them and share His word. For example, one member gave an anniversary party to celebrate the 25 years since her baptism as a teenager. The invitation read, “to celebrate 25 years of new birth” and she invited her pastor to give the invocation. One of the other invitees, a professional colleague, said, “Tell us more about this new birth.” She kept her responses to short, one-sentence answers. “They had to pry it out of me with lots of questions,” she says. “I was amazed at how curious they were. These same people had always seemed so secular, so uninterested in religion.” Another man ordered a Super Bowl witnessing kit with a video of short testimonies by well-known Christian athletes. He invited two or three of his neighbors to watch the football classic on a large-screen TV that he rented and showed the video during half time. “I was disappointed at first,” he says. “No one said anything. Several days later, however, one of the guys asked if going to church helped my marriage. Then he and his wife started attending our Sabbath school class and his kids love the children’s ministries.” These members are 21st century frontier missionaries! We must find new ways to pass on the life-giving truth and hope that is in Jesus. In this “information age,” any means of communication has a short shelf life. If we use outdated means of communicating Christ’s message, it’s sometimes interpreted as being out of date, dog-eared, and dusty, but that is a misrepresentation of the truth about God. J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

If you have a new approach to sharing Christ, even if it’s an untested idea or undeveloped concept, please tell us about it. Send an e-mail to msahlin@creativeministry.org or call (800) 438-9600. The Union’s Office of Creative Ministries is a clearinghouse for new ideas and has a network of “lab churches” and pilot projects to use as testers.

2004 EVANGELISM GOALS The General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists has set the following goals for the Year of World Evangelism. The Columbia Union Conference Executive Committee voted the specific objectives to fulfill those goals: 1. Focus on initiatives for (A) urban centers, (B) the 10/40 Window, and (C) the secular, post-modern mind. A. Involves metro initiatives and the Center for Metropolitan Ministry at Columbia Union College. Underway are the Baltimore, Columbus, Delaware Valley, Newark, and Pittsburgh metro initiatives. Still to come are the Cincinnati, Cleveland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia Beach-Newport News metro initiatives. B. Develop opportunities for Missions Abroad projects in the 10/40 Window, which extends from 10 to 40 degrees north of the equator and runs from northwest Africa, through the Middle East,

and into Asia. Conduct an International Friendship Ministries training event to introduce and implement the strategy via immigrants and foreign students from Union communities. C. Pilot project in Hoboken, N.J., to reach this large secular community, which is in close proximity to New York. 2. Every church and school will be involved in a specific evangelistic activity in 2004. A. Conferences will challenge churches and pastors to develop an evangelism plan for 2004. B. Union administration will extend the challenge to the union college and healthcare institutions. C. Union’s Office of Education will extend the challenge to Adventist schools. 3. Every Adventist employee will be involved in presenting the biblical, Christ-centered message of Scripture in a personal or public setting. A. The 29 Columbia Union Conference employees were challenged by administration to assist in leading a Bible seminar, small group Bible study, or to minister on a personal level during 2004. Similar challenges will be presented to employees of each conference and institution.

EVANGELISM: 10 IDEAS TO GET YOU STARTED Invite a few unchurched friends to a party at 1giveyour house and have someone from church a three-minute testimony. It’s important to choose someone who has the ability to navigate socially in the secular world and articulate his or her faith in an understandable and attractive way.

He/she lives down the block and has been thinking that people in this neighborhood really don’t know each other and should get better acquainted. So, for the next four weeks we’re going to have an open Bible study discussion group at his/her home on Tuesday evenings. Would you like to come?”

Start a weekly, lunchtime Bible study at work. Invite an unchurched friend to attend a 2www.creativeministry.org For downloadable starter materials, visit 5 women’s or men’s retreat with you. for Spiritual Resources for Professional Success. Invite friends over and show the Jesus video. 6 Copies and discussion questions are available Join a civic club or neighborhood council. 3 Introduce yourself by saying: “Because of my in English, Spanish, French, and other languages, faith and values, I really want to make more of a contribution to my community.” Be prepared to have a private conversation with anyone who picks up on this and questions you later.

Start a Home Bible Fellowship. Get your 4introduction: pastor to come along and make the following “Hello, I’m Pastor … and this is …

VISITOR

at www.jesusfilmstore.com or (800) 432-1997.

of the Don’t Be Afraid brochure 7 onPutthea copy bulletin board at work. Find an acquaintance who is entirely 8he/sheuninterested in religion and really listen to what has to say. Decide how your spiritual

B. The Center for Creative Ministry will provide awareness and support for Friendship Evangelism through the new Friend 2 Friend curriculum. Trainers are available to conduct “train the trainer” events. 4. The Adventist Church’s overall 2004 goal is 150,000 evangelism projects worldwide with 1,800 in the Columbia Union’s eight-state region. Projects include public seminars or meetings, small groups, and church planting missions. A. Each conference and metro initiative committee will develop plans. Columbia Union College’s Religion Department will assist with projects. B. Churches and small groups can incorporate the NET 2004 live, satellite-linked evangelism campaign during October 2-30. Uplinked from Miracle Temple church in Baltimore, Walter Pearson is the evangelist. C. Cincinnati will hold an evangelism project in conjunction with ASI’s Convention August 4-7. D. The Union’s Office of Information and Research will collect plans, conduct a follow-up assessment, and issue a report on the investment and impact.

resources might address these needs and pray for an opportunity to share. Find a single mom or senior citizen and 9onceask your Sabbath School class to assist a quarter with home repairs, landscaping, buying a Christmas tree and gifts for the children, purchasing school clothes and supplies, offering to take the kids to Vacation Bible School, and/or inviting them to church on Mothers’ or Grandparents’ Day. your pastor about 2004 evangelism 10 See events and plan to invite others. Remember, it’s not about you. It’s not about numbers. It’s not about a General Conference, division or union promotion. It’s about those for whom Christ gave His life so they might have life everlasting. You have something they want, and Jesus is waiting for you to share. —Monte Sahlin

UPCOMING RESOURCE EVENTS ■ ■ ■ ■

■

Lay evangelism training in each conference Friend 2 Friend seminar in local churches* Metro ministries training events Secular campus ministry event during Spring Break, 2004 Re-connecting Ministries event in October at Kettering Church in Ohio. Pastors’ Leadership Development Convention, March 21-24, Gettysburg, Pa. Intro to Cell Church, January 9-11 and February 20-22 Advanced Cell Church, April 2-4 and April 30-May 2 *To obtain a copy of the video seminar or schedule a trainer for your church, call (800) 272-4664. For information on events, call (800) 438-9600.

5. Every church and entity should conduct training and preparation programs for lay members, youth, and employees. A. The Columbia Union Conference began a Lay Minister of Evangelism Training School in October 2001. A total of 200 enrollees have attended classes four times a year during weekend intensives at the Union office. The North American Division Evangelism Institute at Andrews University supplies the faculty and curriculum. Three remaining classes in 2004 will complete the certification program. B. Each of the eight conferences will have training events. C. The Union’s Office of Creative Ministries will consult with conference evangelism coordinators to identify and compile a listing of the best practices in outreach, evangelism, and church growth. These practices will be published with case studies of successful church implementations. D. A pastors’ convention March 21-24 will focus on the best practices in outreach, evangelism, stewardship, and church growth. 6. In keeping with the Adventist Church’s Sow 1 Billion campaign, of the 1 billion pieces of Bible invitations to be distributed worldwide, 2.8 million pieces will be distributed throughout the Union. Private donors have covered the cost of direct mail ads. Churches can contact local conferences for supplies. Monte Sahlin is vice president for creative ministries at the Columbia Union Conference. J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

he Seventh-day Adventist Church has themed 2004 the Year of World Evangelism. In keeping with this worldwide vision within our sister divisions and unions, the Columbia Union’s eight conferences have formulated various goals and activities. Here’s a round up:

CHESAPEAKE CONFERENCE Each church is encouraged to conduct at least one reaping activity during 2004 and lay members will continue training in DVD evangelism. Chesapeake will also facilitate the implementation of Sow 1 Billion and provide training for the follow-up phase. This will include giving Bible studies and establishing and operating a local Bible school. “Evangelism will be modeled as a conference priority by the direct involvement of the administrative and pastoral work force in public meetings,” reported Robert Vandeman, executive secretary.

MOUNTAIN VIEW CONFERENCE

ALLEGHENY EAST CONFERENCE “Since NET 2004 will originate from the Allegheny East Conference, 100 percent of the evangelism budget will be focused on downlinking the series,” says conference President Charles Cheatham. A subsequent goal is to equip all churches with satellite dishes. Additional efforts include bringing the Breath of Life telecast to cable networks in six metropolitan areas. There will be special appropriation to strengthen certain churches with spring evangelism meetings. Lastly, friendship and relationship evangelism will be an ongoing theme.

ALLEGHENY WEST CONFERENCE Each church board has accepted the challenge to make evangelism a priority in church programming,” says James Lewis, conference president. “Based on this priority, they will develop strategies for implementation. Plans are underway to plant two new churches (in Pittsburgh and Cleveland) at the conclusion of evangelistic efforts. In preparation for NET 2004, 25 to 30 churches will purchase satellite dishes or upgrade current equipment. 14

VISITOR

At the June 2003 camp meeting, the Mountain View Conference launched an evangelistic thrust called “Your World to Win.” This initiative, extending from the last half of 2003 through 2004, is divided into three phases: Sow 200,000—each member will distribute one brochure to at least one person per day until 200,000 pieces are disseminated; Send 2,000—anticipating 2,000 Bible study requests from this literature, 2,000 members will pursue the interests, and Save 200—with all 36 churches involved, the faith goal is to lead 200 souls to Christ. Each church is planning an evangelistic series such as a Daniel and Revelation seminar, satellite program, or a pastoral or lay-led event. The conference has partnered with Amazing Facts evangelists to conduct meetings throughout the conference.

NEW JERSEY CONFERENCE “In keeping with the Adventist Church’s Sow 1 Billion campaign, the New Jersey Conference will distribute 250,000 brochures to generate Bible study interests,” says LeRoy Finck, conference president. “These individuals will be funneled into small group, outreach ministries, New Beginnings meetings and, ultimately, local reaping crusades.” Special training for lay members will facilitate the formation of small group ministries. A major goal is to train 500 lay members to evangelize with New Beginnings DVD lessons. There will also be a Hispanicsowing Festival of the Laity in the spring, and a reaping festival in the fall. The English-speaking churches will a hold a major, area-wide evangelistic event in Newark. The Hispanic churches will conduct three major meetings in Jersey City, Bridgeton, and Union City/Hoboken during 2004. The overall plan is to have every church involved in outreach evangelism.

“Rather than drive evangelistic activity and events, our actions will be directed at infusing a new mission-driven ‘DNA’ into the local churches,” says conference President Raj Attiken. “This transforms the church from a ‘come and see’ institution to a ‘go and do’ people,” and changes the culture and environment. Creating a safe place for spiritual and missional entrepreneurs; developing and empowering leaders; identifying, linking, and allocating resources; and initiating new congregations and ministries in metropolitan areas—aimed at emerging generations—are major thrusts. Individual churches, which are the single-most critical and effective element in evangelizing and discipling people, will implement customized plans and strategies. The conference will partner with churches in several endeavors. An overall goal is to have 15 existing congregations transition into “high impact mission outposts,” and five similar, new congregations by 2006.

The primary aim is to promote evangelism on the individual level within the English, Spanish, Portuguese, Mizo, Ghanaian, French, Korean, and Chinese language groups that comprise 130 congregations. High on the list is the planting of 12 new congregations, many springing from large and long established churches. Another goal is to introduce children to Christ. Potomac will also participate in the Sow 1 Billion project and distribute 6,000,000 Bible study cards. President Dave Weigley, staff, and conference evangelists—Kim Kjaer, Ron Rogers, and José Esposito—will hold public meetings. ILLUSTRATION / PHOTOGRAPHY BY: L . JUSTINEN / GOODSALT. COM

OHIO CONFERENCE

PENNSYLVANIA CONFERENCE The Pennsylvania Conference is focusing on major evangelism themes such as “developing friendship evangelism and holistic evangelism, along with binding the wounds and felt-need seminars,” says Ray Hartwell, conference president. In addition, the contributions of four guest evangelists, 25 pastoral evangelistic efforts, nine lay-led efforts, one women’s ministries event, nine Hispanic efforts, and the inner city café ministry will strengthen and reinforce the overall goal.

POTOMAC CONFERENCE According to Roger Weiss, vice president for administration, “The Potomac Conference has made evangelism a top priority for the last several years.”

SEEDS SOWING

Conferences Embrace Evangelism Theme J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

Building God’s

KINGDOM Pennsylvania and Mountain View Introduce Natural Church Development TAMYRA HORST ocal churches from the Pennsylvania and Mountain View conferences are piloting the principles of Natural Church Development (NCD). The process began last fall when teams from 30 congregations met at Laurel Lake Camp in Rossiter, Pa. This approach will soon be introduced to other churches. These principles are based on the realization that improving the quality of a congregation builds the membership. They are practical and Bible-based principles to grow healthy churches. Quality takes priority over quantity in church growth, thereby making it a long-term, strategic process. Participants learned about the eight characteristics of a healthy congregation: empowering leadership,

gift-oriented ministry, passionate spirituality, functional structures, inspiring worship, wholistic small groups, need-oriented evangelism, and loving relationships. The key to understanding each of these characteristics is the adjective. While every church has leadership, worship and structure, for example, not all emphasize the qualities described in the adjectives preceding these words above. NCD focuses on empowering leadership, passionate spirituality, and wholistic small groups, etc.

A Learning Process To begin to implement the principles of NCD, active members within the 30 pilot churches completed a survey rating church’s characteristics. Then, last fall, about 80 members of those churches attended a weekend retreat led by trainers from the North American Division Evangelism Institute (NADEI). The trainers had assessed the surveys and identified the lowest scoring characteristics in each church, called minimum factors. Most participants were surprised at the results in their local church. “I didn’t think it would be this,” said Tom Martin from York, Pa., about his church’s

More than 80 people representing churches from Mountain View and Pennsylvania conferences attended the Natural Church Development Implementation Weekend. 16

VISITOR

for both church and personal spiritual growth. “NCD leads the participant into a renewed spiritual experience and because it is bathed in prayer, the Holy Spirit … energizes the process, making a big impact on the nurturing and outreach of the church family,” comments Larry Boggess, Mountain View Conference executive secretary and NCD coordinator. “We commend Pennsylvania and Mountain View conferences for their leadership and vision in recognizing the importance and value of bringing NCD training into their churches, giving the churches an effective tool to increase their health and growth by following this God-centered process,” affirmed Litzenberger.

Training the Trainers The Leechburg Seventh-day Adventist Church's Implementation Team discuss their minimum factor.

lowest minimum factor. “I thought it would be another characteristic. But as we’ve talked about it, I’ve realized this is an area where we need work.” The minimum factors represent the major hindering points to a church’s growth. To tackle problem areas, participants were grouped into implementation teams to begin working to improve their minimum factors. Each team was assigned a coach from NADEI for the next year. While reminded, over and over again, that it’s not their job to fix it, the teams learned how to work with their congregations in determining the best solutions to improve minimum factors. After working with the NADEI coaches for a year, the churches will re-take the survey and begin working on the next level of minimum factors. Lyle Litzenberger, NADEI’s coordinator for NCD since August 2001, reports that churches are enthusiastic as they learn about these principles and take the initial survey. Yet, many churches lose the momentum necessary to work through the entire process of application of the principles. This is why coaches are critical, he explains. They help to keep a church focused and on track, providing accountability and direction. Coaches help church leaders accurately assess church health; refine vision, goals and strategies; revisit essential values; focus resources appropriately; and produce lasting health and growth. This new approach is already proving to be effective. Many participants found the process to be a tool

Because more and more churches want to use NCD principles, the need for coaches has increased. To keep up with the demand, NADEI now trains conferencebased “coach apprentices” who can guide local churches through the process. Pennsylvania already has two coaches—Brad Cassell, pastor of a fourchurch mission district; and Bill Peterson, assistant to the president and the conferences NCD coordinator. “We believe that, in the next five to 10 years, as it is intentionally and consistently worked, NCD principles will increase the health of our churches, and result in more souls being won for Jesus in our Pennsylvania mission field,” Peterson says. Litzenberger is also excited. We praise God for a delivery system that brings NCD training and assistance into the local conferences. New identified coach apprentices will attend a coach’s training session in April and be assigned, with the help of a NADEI trainer, to work through the process in a different church in the future. There will be a second weekend retreat for the implementation teams in August. For more information about Natural Church Development, call (269) 471-8303. Tamyra Horst is communication director for the Pennsylvania Conference.

Natural Church Development coach trainers and apprentices pose for a group photo. They worked on strategies to improve church growth and formed implementation teams. J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

Jesus CURIOUS ABOUT

Potomac Church Sponsors Children’s Crusade

BETH MICHAELS n evangelism event targeted solely to children is still somewhat rare within churches these days. Giving young people the information and tools necessary to apply the love of Jesus to their lives takes a lot of planning, organization, and leadership. The Community Praise Center (CPC) Seventh-day Adventist Church in Alexandria, Va., is up for the challenge, decided it was necessary, and formed Curiosity Kids. Captivated by stories, activities, and a knowledge of God’s love, as many as 93 children enjoyed a 20-night evangelism event last fall. Geared to children ages 7 through 12, sessions included song service

with animated leaders like CPC pastoral intern Jeremiah Green, crafts or a puppet show, demonstrations, prayer time, and a story-like sermon. One memorable euphemism was an illustration by the staff of Virginia’s Camp Blue Ridge about how a snake shedding its skin is like a sinner being baptized. The theme for Curiosity Kids mirrored the church’s adult effort, which was held simultaneously and outlined the 27 fundamental beliefs of the Adventist Church.

Learning, Growing, and Witnessing CPC member Amber Hollingsworth, age 10, said, “Visitors learned how to be kind to one another and that God is everything. You might not know it, but He is.” She also discovered that, “Just because somebody else is doing it, and they call you a chicken, doesn’t mean you have to join in.” Father and volunteer Ian Barrow, a youth coach for CPC, had his own favorite activity—the Curiosity Shop. Through the shop, children earned points by bringing a guest, volunteering to help, answering questions, etc. These points earned them Curiosity Dollars, which were used to purchase an item from the shop. “They really learned how to save their dollars until they had enough money to buy what they wanted. The overall program was very helpful in presenting adult themes to children. Issues like death and ghosts were presented in a way kids can understand,” Barrow said. Victoria Harrison, full-time children’s pastor at CPC, created the series as a way to eventually Youngsters expressed their creative sides through crafts during the recent Curiosity Kids crusade at the Community Praise Center Church.

VISITOR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: LUDI LEITO

launch a community branch Sabbath School program. The concept stemmed from the CPC Curiosity Kids Council, which facilitates all Children’s Ministries. “We needed a model or pilot program before we went out,” explained Pastor Harrison, who has been active in ministry for 17 years. “Knowing that there would be community children attending, we wanted to debut it in-house, work out the bugs, tweak it, and then make it a community-based event.” The program is scheduled to debut at the Alexandria Recreation Center this month and, according to Harrison, will be documented to provide a template for other churches to create a bridge into their communities. “I really believe children should be ministered to and that they can minister to others,” said Harrison. “They have a natural heart for God. They’re always on a quest, always trying to find where God fits into their lives and wondering how scripture relates to their life experience.” Harrison guesstimated that 10 percent of the children came from the community, including friends and relatives of those who attend CPC. She also predicted that at least three children would be baptized—one from the community and two from the church. Pastor Green became involved in the evangelism effort through his membership in Living Lab—a new partnership between the North American Division, Potomac Conference, and other entities—which is designed to funnel candidates into children’s pastoral ministries. “I’m a testing pastor,” said Green, an Andrews University seminary graduate. “The main goal is exposure to various areas of children’s ministries, be it an overseas missionary trip, overseeing different departments and seminars, or participating in this evangelistic meeting.”

Children at Community Praise Center's recent Curiosity Kids crusade were mesmerized, and learned valuable lessons during the Muppet segments.

Filling a Void Green believes that Curiosity Kids is filling a void for the often-overlooked 7- through 12-year-old age group. “Sometimes the decisions children make between these ages affect the rest of their lives,” he explains. Green made his first decision to follow Christ at age 7 when he saw a drama presentation of Jesus being nailed to the cross. It took six members and leaders at CPC (including pastors Harrison and Green) to make the crusade a reality. But it took 38 volunteers to make it a success. One such volunteer was Charmaine Johnson, whose two children, ages 6 and 12, enjoyed the experience. Johnson’s husband, Pastor Damein Johnson, ran the adult effort. “Children often sit with the adults and don’t really understand the message, because it’s not on their level,” she said. “The more things we do for children, the more we can break down the word and make it personable to them.” There’s also a Web site, www.curiosity-kids.org, so young people can have a place of their own to connect. A copy of the curriculum outline, for interested churches, will soon be available at this site. Whether a child or an adult, it’s healthy to maintain that curiosity about Jesus and His love and will for us. After all, it was He who said, “Unless we become like little children, we will not inherit the kingdom of heaven.” Beth Michaels is a mother and freelance writer living in the Washington, D.C., area. J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

Church Profile

CAPITAL MEMORIAL CHURCH

Coming Full EDWIN HUMPHREY, JR. he serene quietness captures your attention as you turn off Connecticut Avenue onto Chesapeake Street, N.W., in Washington, D.C. Just two blocks away from the hustle and bustle is a quiet place. Looking up, above the trees, you see the towering steeple beckoning those who are in need to God’s memorial—the Capital Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church (CMC). Ellen G. White made a March 12, 1891, diary entry appealing for work in Washington, D.C.: “I could see no better way of letting light shine forth from the very seat of government, the capital of the nation. It seems strange that some memorial of present truth has not been established here before. I advise that a meeting house be built.” Capital Memorial opened its doors on February 24, 1889, with 26 members, as the First Seventh-day Adventist Church. In 1900 the membership split leaving the First Church there at the Claybaugh Hall on 14th Street, N.W., while the newly named Capital Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church relocated to the suburbs. Then, in 1992, the Brotherhood Seventh-day Adventist Church merged with CMC. Ten years later, Capital Memorial commemorated a memorable milestone when it celebrated 100 years of existence and service in 2002.

Senior Pastor Samuel Garbi (left) and Associate Pastor Luis A. Badillo pose with their wives, both of whom are named Connie. 20

VISITOR

Lyndrey Niles and Virginia Harter are long-time Capital Memorial members.

Reaching vs. Winning the Community Located in an affluent Jewish community, with a large segment of young, wealthy Hindus and Muslims, and being in close proximity to Embassy Row, outreach has definitely been a challenge. That aside, Senior Pastor Samuel Garbi and Associate Pastor Luis A. Badillo have a passion for God’s work. They are constantly in search of ways to release their most powerful witnessing tool—active CMC members—into the community and have devised plans to reach the community, versus winning the community for Christ. Among the original congregation is Virginia Harter (along with her husband Fred) who knows the ins and outs of CMC’s history. While explaining the church’s activities you can hear the passion and love in her voice. Ester Harter, also an original member, shares that burden for outreach ministries. Then there’s First Elder Lyndrey Niles who came to CMC through the merger with the Brotherhood church. His wisdom, candor, gentle spirit, and strength of purpose give credence to the church’s ministry. One of the major difficulties in reaching local residents is that most members live outside of the surrounding community. Also, area apartment buildings are not open to visitation. With the use of purchased zip code listings, special mailings have yielded some success in reaching their neighbors.

Church Profile

Circle Other activities include CMC’s participation, once a month, in the 4th Street Adventist Church’s soup kitchen. Then there’s the annual community Health Fair, coordinated by Mel Carreno, that yields excellent attendance, and the church’s Vegetarian Food Fair, which attracts hundreds of visitors. The nursing home ministry, leadership training weekend retreat, and women’s ministries activities all serve to bring the church to the community. With 40 nationalities represented within CMC’s membership, and many members working for various embassies, outreach tends to take on a global aspect. An added bonus is that residents often have a feeling of affinity when they meet and interact with members of the congregation. “As a pastor, you must know the heartbeat of the people, know their country, find their itch, and soothe it. You have to understand diversity and use it to the glory of God,” says Badillo. “When you know God—everything falls into place,” adds Pastor Garbi.

God’s Design One hundred years later, CMC has come full circle and is following God’s design as it reflects the racial diversity of our nation’s capital and the flavor of inclusiveness. This multiculturalism facilitates tolerance, an understanding of differences, and provides a glimpse of heaven. Capital Memorial’s ongoing vision sums it up perfectly: We are a Seventh-day Adventist Christian congregation that must be relevant to the mainstream, contemporary, 21st-century culture of Greater Washington, D.C. We are here to live the Seventh-day Adventist Christian message in our time, in such a way that our lives, and the lives we touch, are changed to the glory of God before Jesus’ return. For more information on Capital Memorial Church, located at 3150 Chesapeake, N.W., Washington, D.C., and its members and services, please visit www.capitalmemorial.org or call (202) 362-3668. Edwin Humphrey, Jr., writes from Fort Washington, Md.

Capital Memorial’s diverse membership attends a fellowship luncheon.

“You must know the heartbeat of the people, find their itch, and soothe it.” —Pastor Luis Badillo

■

Founded in 1899, Capital Memorial was originally known as First Seventh-day Adventist Church.

■

The name changed to Capital Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1900.

■

Capital Memorial has 483 members representing 40 nationalities.

■

YALL (Young Adults Loving the Lord) raised $20,000, went to Mexico and assisted in building a church. YALL is currently planning another mission trip. For more information, or to make a donation, call (202) 362-3668.

J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

Resource Guide Paul Richardson

RESOURCES

FOR

Evangelism T

oo often we attempt to attract people to Adventism by describing our beliefs first. If they’re still interested, we talk about our acceptable behaviors and, then, offer them membership into our group. In today’s culture, that paradigm needs to shift 180 degrees. We need to offer the concept of belonging first, and then allow behavior and belief conversations to follow. That is evangelism at its best. Here are some resources to help you implement this new pattern:

Friend 2 Friend: Reaching the Unchurched Through Friendship Evangelism Source: Center for Creative Ministry at (800) 272-4664 or www.creativeministry.org Price: $99.00 Twelve people came to the NET ‘98 meetings at one of our Adventist churches. Six came in response to the handbills. The other six were invited by a church member who had befriended them long before the satellite meetings began. Guess who was still attending the church six months later? It was those whose friends had invited them and were now mentoring them into church life. Friend 2 Friend gives you the tools you need to effectively reach others. In six short sessions, you’ll be able to effectively share friendship and faith with colleagues, family members, neighbors, and friends. The package includes a leader’s guide, participant’s guide, four-minute video promo, six 20-minute video teaching segments, colorful slides to enhance the visual learning experience, and four presentations by Pastor Greg Schaller on friendship evangelism. This method revolves around the following Ellen White quote: “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with [humanity] 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.” (Ministry of Healing, p. 143) The 7 Habits of Highly Ineffective Churches Author: Ron Gladden Source: AdventSource at (800) 328-0525 or www.adventsource.org Price: $8.95 What causes churches to decline? It’s been proven that when the stakes get too high, most churches stop 22

VISITOR

growing. Nine out of 10 American churches have ceased to grow. Chances are yours is one of them. One way to avoid this is to evangelize the community—which is covered in chapter four. Throughout the book, the author demystifies the reasons churches stop growing and clarifies what needs to be done to prevent it from happening in your church, whatever the cost. Is it worth it? Of course! Just ask the One who paid the ultimate price. Adventist Congregations Today Source: Center for Creative Ministry at (800) 272-4664 or www.creativeministry.org Price: $9.99 According to recently conducted research, Adventists are invisible to the vast majority of people living in the United States and Canada. What our congregations are doing about this significant problem is profiled in chapter two of this new book. Other chapters include: “New Paradigms for Church Growth and Health” and “Are Adventists Making a Difference in their Communities?” How to Set up an Evangelism/Discipleship Cycle in Your Church Author: James W. Zackrison Source: AdventSource at (800) 328-0525 or www.adventsource.org Price: $2.95 How do you motivate members to make evangelistic meetings and new member incorporation part of a continuous cycle in your church? In this 17-page booklet, you will learn to mobilize through small, mission-oriented groups. Also, find out how to keep volunteers from burning out and new members from falling through the cracks.

Allegheny East Conference PO Box 266, Pine Forge, PA 19548 Phone: (610) 326-4610 www.MyAlleghenyEast.com President, Charles L. Cheatham Communication Director, Robert Booker

January 2004

Allegheny East Appoints Health Ministries Director ndrea Leah Scott recently became the health ministries director for the Allegheny East Conference. A Washington, D.C., native, Scott sees her roles as educator, motivator, coordinator and resources person. She began her pursuit for health and wellness 25 years ago when she began her exploration into the message and beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This pursuit has spurned her quest to understand and fulfill Gods purpose for us—mind, body and soul. She has earned certifications and recognition as a health professional and lifestyle coach, served as coordinator of Allegheny East’s Fit 4 You Fitness Camp, and consulted for the city of Philadelphia in making it one of the healthiest cities in the nation. Scott was also the conference’s Delaware Valley Network Leader for seven years. In addition, she has personally mentored and worked with numerous individuals who, combined, have lost hundreds of pounds and reversed the debilitating affects of hypertension and diabetes. In this new role she says, her plans include the development of a Train the Trainer procedures manual that will allow others to run and operate health programs to promote positive lifestyle changes, which will make man whole—mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. To make this a reality, Scott intends to consult with many health professionals and utilize information in our possession, as well as current and prior research materials. My ultimate endeavor, she explains, is the formation of a vibrant network of trained individuals who implement initiatives that increase and build skills, while enhancing the lifestyle behaviors of our constituency and community. Together, we will continue to unfold God’s plan of optimum health for everyone. —Laverne Henderson

Student Provides Winning “Recipe” for Civilization The following “recipe” was submitted to Helen Marshall, a teacher at the Dupont Park Seventh-day Adventist School in Washington, D.C. The assignment was part of a lesson on the beginnings of civilization for Marshall’s social studies class. “The world would be a wonderful place if this recipe were followed,” Marshall says.

Darryl’s Recipe for Civilization Ingredients: 1 2 2 1 1 1 2

Cup of Human Beings Cups of Common Ideas About Government Cups of Religion Cup of Natural Resources Tablespoon of Trade Teaspoon of Language Tablespoons of Technology

Cooking Instructions: Before starting, put the human beings together in a common location. Add language until the people can communicate with one another thoroughly. Mix the human beings with religion until people are converted

and they share common attitudes about God, afterlife, and how to live. Add 1 cup of natural resources and 2 tablespoons of technology, and mix well until goods and services are produced. Introduce trade little by little and stir to generate movement between people so that they begin to trade for the goods and services. Use 2 tablespoons of common ideas about government to help keep all of the ingredients together. Cook until the people, ideas, and goods are well done, forming a scrumptious civilization. —From the World History Kitchen of Darryl Estes

J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

The Proof is in the Pudding t was my privilege and joy to passionately share my love for Pine Forge Academy (PFA) at the annual Pastoral/Evangelism Conference held at Oakwood College, championing our value proposition—Why You Should Invest in Pine Forge Academy! Several forums provided me an opportunity to share the value a PFA education will provide, and we addressed the importance of their role and “buy-in” in embracing our value proposition, which will provide a good return on the investment of our youth and our future citizens of this global community. It was a great opportunity in championing our value proposition, which states: “PFA is where we educate the mind, body, and spirit through academics, athletics, and adoration! We achieve this by embracing our immutable values, which are to—deliver a Christian education, build global leaders, provide a safe “hiding-place,” foster maturity, develop ethical pride through a diverse cultural environment, and build values-centered characters who are prepared to be successful global leaders of the 21st century.” Now you can understand why I am so passionate about PFA—“the George E. Thornton, Sr., D.Min. Principal proof is in the pudding.” Invest in Pine Forge Academy today!

PFA Instrumentalists Converge Through String/Wind Ensembles ith gentle flicks of the bow and graceful finger movements, Manoushka Germain artistically performs a piece on her violin with a stance of one with expertise. The group of retirement home residents for whom she is playing as part of a school community service activity, responds with thankful applause. This PFA junior from Massachusetts, who has been perfecting her craft for six years, responds modestly, but graciously, to the recognition. A second year student at PFA, Germain has already been recognized by her fellow school family for her beautiful solo renditions on her instrument. However, this year, she has been able to not only offer her musical talents through solos, but also through participating in the re-instituted PFA instrumental ensembles. After a two-year “time-out,” the wind and instrumental ensembles are back in action, due to the efforts of music department chair Toni Caldwell-Hall and the direction and assistance of music department instructors Jason Max Ferdinand and Kerri Williams. The re-introduction of these groups has served as a wonderful opportunity for the instrumentalists among the students to gather with like “instrumental” minds. Returning students, like Micah Bratton and Sheria Reeves, who started playing in the Pine Forge

Elementary String Ensemble years ago, and students who are new to academy this year, such as Eric Adams and Rechelle Tull, have taken advantage. A student from Southern California, Adams has been playing the flute for close to a decade. Tull, an accomplished musician, as well, plays not just one—but three instruments: the piano, the organ, and the violin. The experience has even broadened to include those in the community, such as Dr. Rothacker Smith, a retired PFA instructor, who plays cello for the string ensemble. The groups also give the students musical exposure beyond the solo realm. Germain attests that, though she has had a little ensemble experience prior to PFA, being in the group certainly broadened her knowledge of working with an ensemble, not to mention, exposed her to new music. It’s one experience to play a Mozart solo instrumental piece, but it’s a completely different one to play a movement of The Four Seasons with a whole ensemble. Throughout the year, the programs have continued to bud. During Fall Parents’ Weekend, the wind ensemble made their debut, and the string ensemble had their first performance in December. Who knows? Perhaps sometime in the future, you might find the PFA wind or string ensemble performing at a church near you.

Pine Forge Academy · (800) 390-9529 · www.pineforgeacademy.org · e-mail: pfa@pineforgeacademy.org Public Relations Director, Tiffany S. Taylor 24

VISITOR

JANUARY 2004

Passionate Spirituality ould you imagine a healthy church without the characteristic of passionate spirituality? Yet it has been a challenge to the Christian Church since its inception. The Church of Ephesus (Rev. 2:4) was declared to have lost its first love. And the Laodicean Church (Rev 3:14-22), which corresponds to the Church in the end time, was indicted for its lukewarm condition. The Laodiceans had spirituality, but they lacked real passion for Christ. People with passionate spirituality have a remarkable love for Jesus. They exude that passion. They live it daily in every facet of their lives. Jesus spoke often of the need for passionate spirituality. In His day it was the opposite of the cold formalism of the Pharisees. He called for a whole-hearted devotion to God—a relationship characterized by loving Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). He also taught that passionate love for God would result in a fervent love of your fellow man. Passionate spirituality has been a hallmark of the Adventist Church since its beginnings. For those whose hope was grounded in the soon expected return of Christ, the issues of consecration and passion were central. To keep that hope central, Ellen White urged her fellow pioneers to reflect on these questions: “Who has the heart? With whom are our thoughts? Of whom do we love to converse? Who has our warmest affections and our best energies? If we are Christ’s, our thoughts are with Him ... all we have and are is consecrated to Him (Steps to Christ, p. 58). Can you imagine a church where the members are so in love with Christ that they can’t help but draw others to Him? Can you imagine that in your church? One of Chesapeake’s greatest challenges is to rekindle our “first love” and whole-heartedly, passionately, enthusiastically, Neville Harcombe and joyfully work to see Christ’s kingdom come. President

NEWS HVA Phon-a-thon Raises More Than Dollars “Hi, my name is Amber and I’m calling on behalf of Highland View Academy (HVA).” And so another call is made and another donation pledged to the annual fund at HVA. During the first week of November, hundreds of similar calls were placed by students, faculty, staff, board members, and alumni. “People were so encouraging and so positive,” reported Candy DeVore, director of marketing and organizer of the phon-a-thon. “We were overwhelmed by their support and goodwill.” At the end of the week, nearly $13,000 had been raised in cash and pledges for the annual fund.

Chesapeake Loses Friend, Trusted Advisor In early November, Greg Stagliano, 52, of the West Wilmington church, died of a heart attack while playing basketball in the gymnasium of the church’s school. Stagliano organized the basketball league nearly 15 years ago as a vehicle for friendship evangelism and fellowship. Greg served as head elder at West Wilmington for a number of years and held frequent Revelation seminars. His level of service expanded in the mid-90s when he became a member of both the Columbia Union and Chesapeake Executive Committees. His quick smile, his burden for evangelism, and his wise counsel will be missed. He is survived by his wife. Edith, and two sons.

Pathfinder Lock-In Attracts Nearly 250 Participants Over 240 kids attended the annual Pathfinder “LockIn” held November 15-16 at Mount Saint Mary’s College in Thurmont, Md. The Waldorf Club, with help from their pastor, Keith Acker, started out the night on a spiritual note. Then the pathfinders headed for the pool, the basketball, racket ball, tennis, and volleyball courts. A great time was had by all, and sleep by some!

Baltimore First Hosts Natural Health Seminar For a number of years the Baltimore First church has provided a ministry for the very health conscious in their community. In early December, the latest seminar was on the topic of “Perpetual Health: Rejuvenate Your Life With Nutrition” with presentations by authors Douglas Graham and Professor Rozalind Gruben. The church has become well known and appreciated in the greater Baltimore area for its keen interest in healthy living. J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

Atholton School Expansion Moves into Phase II

he Atholton church voted in business session on November 15 to move into the second phase of their school expansion project. Having just completed Phase I

(four classrooms, several small break-out rooms, and bathrooms), the church authorized the school to proceed with the shell of what will eventually be an additional three classrooms, a library/media center, a music/band room, and administrative offices. The impetus for moving ahead at this time was twofold. First, the drawing, licenses, and permits with Howard County were expiring. To delay building, then renew permits and adjust to new county codes, would have added several hundred thousand dollars to Phase II. And secondly, the Every Sunday weather permitting, volunschool is bursting at the seams teers come out to help with the building.

even as Phase I is just being completed. The enrollment has jumped over the past three years from 94 to 140. The constituents voted to proceed with the shell at an estimated cost of $220,000 and hope to have it finished by late spring. A year later they hope to have the project totally completed. Having borrowed $1 million for Phase I, the church is committed to doing Phase II without additional loans. With a small army of dedicated stewards and volunteer laborers, as well as the Lord’s blessings, they can’t help but succeed.

African Tribal Leaders Call For Adventist Presence

Spencerville Church Builds Addition

ribal leaders in the villages of Mamitwa and Muhlaba Cross, where Chesapeake mission teams constructed churches, have asked for help in meeting two of their greatest challenges: AIDS awareness/prevention and illiteracy. While on a short visit to see family, Neville Harcombe spent several days with Hope for Humanity Director Maitland DiPinto, and his project consultant, Gordon Bhueller, talking with village officials and leaders of the Trans-Orange Conference and South African Union about those very challenges. Hope for Humanity (Ingathering) uses a portion of the funds generated each year to sponsor overseas projects. It is hoped that some of that funding will be directed to help bolster the presence of the church in those villages where the unemployment rate runs as high as 90 percent and nearly every family unit has been touched by the AIDS epidemic. Chesapeake saw the need to build places of Sabbath worship for our members in the Limpopo province. Now we hear their village leaders crying for help: “Please use those beautiful buildings as ministry centers for our villages throughout the week.” Once again the call is renewed: “Come over to Mamitwa/Muhlaba (Macedonia) and help us!” What will be our response?

Top: Adventist and community leaders pose for a picture following discussions on AIDS and literacy programs. Above: The village chiefs of Mamitwa and Muhlaba Cross appealed for further help. The Challenge is published in the Visitor each month by the Chesapeake Conference 6600 Martin Road Columbia, MD 21044 · (410) 995-1910 · Editor, Rob Vandeman · Editorial Assistant, Barbara-Lee Boyd · Layout, Diane Baier 26

VISITOR

he earliteens and youth at Spencerville are anxiously awaiting the completion of the addition to the educational wing of the church. For the first time since the church was constructed (1980) these divisions, which until now have shared “temporary” quarters in the fellowship hall, will have a place to call their own. Two adult classes will fill the space soon to be vacated by the young people. The project also provides desperately needed storage space for the congregation of over 1,400 members. Built at a cost of just under $400,000, and providing 2,900 sq. ft. of usable space, the addition is but one project of the first phase of the church’s long-range vision. Phase I also included the purchase of 30-plus acres of land for a new school at a cost of $1.6 million. The final project in Phase I, delayed now until spring, is the expansion of the parking lot on the north side of the church to accommodate 108 more cars. The cost for all three projects for Phase I have already been paid. The church leadership is now setting their sights on the fund raising for Phase II—the building of a new school.

7600 Flower Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912 ·

(800) 835-4212 ·

www.cuc.edu ·

January 2004

CUC’s Accreditation Renewed he Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges, and Universities (AAA) recently completed their assessment of Columbia Union College (CUC), giving it 10 commendations and granting it the maximum term of accreditation of five Randal Wisbey, years, with a CUC president recommendation of an additional four years, subject to the approval of the General Conference Department of Education. “Those of us who daily study and work at Columbia Union College know what a remarkable place this is. We continue to believe in the unique opportunity we have been given to provide outstanding Adventist education in our nation’s capital,” said Randal Wisbey, CUC president, regarding the AAA report. The AAA provides a mechanism

for improving quality in Adventist educational institutions to assure church organizations and their members that Adventist colleges meet established standards and criteria. CUC accomplishes much of that by maintaining accreditation through the Middle States Association Commission on Higher Education. However, the AAA’s process also closely examines the role CUC plays in supporting the mission of the church and its quality of education within the context of the beliefs, mission, educational philosophy, and practices of the church. The report recognizes that CUC continues to provide an on-going, stimulating, learning, and faithbuilding environment. Parents, alumni, and students can continue to have confidence that CUC will remain committed to, and focused on, providing the best education, in the best environment, within the highest standards of the church. The faculty and staff remain committed to an ever-increasing

standard of excellence. The college’s theme during its centennial celebration is “Engage … Excel … Explore,” and this reaffirmation of its status as a premier college within the church demonstrates that they are truly living up to the criteria for which they stand. “We are dedicated to the Adventist mission that has guided this college for the past 100 years—a mission that will long outlast each of us. The administration continues to address the way that students, faculty, and staff can all be engaged in this important conversation, committing ourselves to spending time listening to each other, praying together, and worshipping together, as we seek to faithfully hear God’s voice to our campus,” said Wisbey. CUC is also accredited by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, as a degree-granting institution, and by a variety of professional program accreditors including nursing, education, and respiratory care.

Centennial Snapshot—Women’s Residence Halls •1904—First ladies lived in the Carroll House with Ellen White, or the Manor House with President Lawhead. Construction of the first women's residence hall, South Hall, began in the summer of 1904. •1924-25—An addition provided space for the Home Economics Department. •1946-47—CUC receives a priority rating from the government for materials needed for the construction of a new women’s dormitory. (Materials were in short supply after WWII.) Running water in each room and a modern call system were anticipated features. Halcyon Hall was completed, becoming the largest building on campus. •1963—Women’s dormitory enlarged, forming a courtyard by adding rooms (the first with air conditioning) and another dean's apartment.

The women’s dormitory, Halcyon Hall, as it looks today.

•2003—Halcyon Hall, currently able to house 240, is renovated with new sinks, cupboards, paint, carpet, and furniture. Women once again take up temporary residence in President’s home during construction.

J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

Scott Steward Joins Public Relations Office olumbia Union College is pleased to welcome Scott Steward as the new assistant director of public relations. Steward comes to CUC from California, where he worked for five years as the marketing coordinator at Amazing Facts ministries. Though his most recent work experience was at Amazing Facts, his contact with that ministry did not begin with his employment there. In fact, it was instrumental in his introduction to the Seventh-day Adventist church and the beginning of his eventual road to CUC. A month after his wedding seven Scott Steward years ago, he Assistant Director and wife Ann- for PR

Marie attended a Bible prophecy seminar in Eugene, Ore., that was presented by Amazing Facts. They were baptized at the end of the series, and have been enthusiastically involved in the church ever since. Steward brings to his new position vast experience in marketing and public relations, beginning with a degree in communication with an emphasis in advertising/public relations from the University of Oregon. His experience ranges from work in a radio station as an advertising representative and on-air announcer, to marketing coordinator positions at Oregon’s third largest credit union and Amazing Facts. He has won regional and national awards for his work in radio commercials and credit union promotions. Steward looks forward to having a hand in publicizing all that the college has to offer. He explains that “people benefit from being associated with a col-

Former Pre-Dentistry Students Excel in Dental School olumbia Union College is pleased to announce that all of last year’s pre-dentistry program students have been accepted into dental school. Elizabeth van den Hoven, a music major, and biology major Tae-Hoon Park were accepted into Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. Fellow biology major Angelo M. Camerino was admitted into the Howard University School of Dentistry. Robert A. Wasmer, professor of biology and the pre-dentistry advisor, is quite proud of the students’ achievements and the pre-dentistry program’s success. “It is noteworthy any time 100 percent of a school's applicants for admission to a professional school program, such as dentistry, are admitted, and that all of our applicants last year were admitted to the schools of their choice, speaks well

VISITOR

to their preparation and competitiveness,” says Wasmer. “Our small class sizes allow us to get to know the students, and better prepare them to attain their professional goals. Previous students have been admitted to several prestigious schools and one recently finished at the top of her dental school class” says Wasmer. Another factor that contributes to CUC students’ success is the availability of the Dental Institute at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Md. Several students work at the Dental Institutes while enrolled at CUC and gain highly beneficial experiences and contacts. The same applies for students wanting to go into other medical fields. The proximity of NIH to the CUC campus is one of CUC’s strong points, and an advantage over many other schools.

lege of this caliber, and it’s my job to find those people and tell them about us. I want to promote the college, its faculty, its programs, its alumni, campus events, and everything else that makes Columbia Union College such a great place.”

CALENDAR January 2-11

Mission Trip to Belize

Christmas Break Ends

Registration for Spring Session

Spring Session Begins

Adult Education Program: Registration for Bachelor of Science/Organizational Management program.

Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, Campus Closed

20-23

Missions’ Fair

Adult Education Program: Registration for Bachelor of Science/Health Care Program

26-30

Week In Spiritual Emphasis

February 4

Adult Education Program: Registration for Bachelor of Science/Business Administration Program Black Student Union Gospel Concert

11-14

Band Festival

8-14

Black History Week

Gateway is published in the Visitor each month by the Columbia Union College President, Randal Wisbey PR Director, Angela Abraham Assistant PR Director, Scott Steward Communication Consultant, Wilona Karimabadi

TELESCOPIO

ENERO 2004

OFRECE UNA PANORÁMICA DEL ACONTECER DEL PUEBLO HISPANO QUE VIVE EN EL TERRITORIO DE LA UNION DE COLUMBIA

Dos Iglesias Misioneras en Ohio os grupos hispanos en la Conferencia de Ohio fueron nombrados como “iglesias misioneras.” Al darle este nombre a las iglesias, las coloca en una posición entre grupos y organización como iglesia formal. Durante esta etapa, los grupos son dados la oportunidad de elegir oficiales y llevar sus propias finanzas. Esta etapa de iglesia misionera es para también probar el aumento de feligreses y si pueden mantenerse firmes. Este período puede durar hasta cinco años. El Pastor Samuel González, tomó a cargo el grupo hispano de Kettering desde el verano del 2002. Comenzaron con solo 25 feligreses, reuniéndose en la iglesia americana de Kettering. Ahora el grupo tiene más de 110 miembros. En agosto del 2003, los miembros decidieron reunirse en otro local. Se reunen en la Iglesia Bautista de Linden, otra iglesia de habla inglés. La iglesia bautista considera al grupo adventista como un grupo evangelístico, en favor de las personas hispanas de la comunidad de Linden. Estamos agradecidos por las ricas bendiciones que Dios ha derramado sobre los miembros de este grupo. El nombre official del grupo en Dayton es Iglesia Adventista Central de Dayton.

El grupo de hispanos de la Iglesia Cincinnati Village, es el segundo grupo hispano con el estatus de “iglesia misionera.” Este grupo ha crecido desde su formación el verano pasado. Se comenzó con 30 miembros; ahora se reunen 75 cada semana. El Pastor Joel Rivera es el motivador de este grupo. El Pastor Juan Sorto empezó con el grupo durante el verano pasado hasta que el Pastor Rivera llego a pastorear en septiembre. Esta congregacion es la primera y única en la ciudad de Cincinnati. Dan Schramm, pastor de la Iglesia de Cincinnati Village de habla inglesa, es bilingüe y tiene un amor especial para los hispanos de la comunidad. Se les agradece al Pastor Schramm y los miembros de la Iglesia de Cincinnati Village por su apoyo, amor y dedicación al grupo hispano. La nueva Iglesia Misionera Hispana de Cincinnati Village espera aumentar aun más el verano del 2004, con una cruzada evangélica de parte de ASI y los pastores misioneros que vendrán este verano. Damos infinitas gracias a Dios por darnos la oportunidad de levantar dos iglesias misioneras para la honra y gloria de su nombre.

NOTICIAS Evangelismo de Grupos Pequenos Las iglesias hispanas de Ohio recibirán entrenamiento para evangelismo de grupos pequeños. El Pastor Rubén Ramos, coordinador de la obra hispana de la Conferencia de Potomac, conducirá la instrucción para los líderes de las iglesias hispanas de Ohio. Las reuniones serán en Camp Mohaven durante el fin de semana del 13 al 15 de febrero, 2004. Dios ha usado el evangelismo de grupos pequeños en gran manera en la Conference de Potomac y las iglesias de Ohio también quieren ver las bendiciones de Dios mientras trabajan para la salvación de almas. Los pastores de la conferencia recibirán entrenamiento preliminar del Pastor Ramos en preparación para las reuniones en Camp Mohaven.

Se Planea Retiro de Damas Hispanas de Ohio El 14 de diciembre, 2003, Lucy Cisneros, directora de ministerio de damas en la conferencia de Ohio y Nora Ramos, directora de ministerio de damas de la conferencia de Potomac, se reunieron juntas con las

líderes del ministerio de damas hispanas de Ohio y las esposas de los pastores hispanos. Hicieron planes para el primer retiro de damas hispanas en Ohio. El local para el retiro será Camp Mohaven. Otros detalles serán anunciados mas adelante. Hay gran emoción y expectativa de todas las damas en las iglesias hispanas. Este acontecimiento trae alimento espiritual, compañerismo y ánimo para todas quienes asisten. Planee ahora para ser parte de este primer evento importante para las damas de Ohio.

Campestre Hispano de Ohio El campestre de hispanos de Ohio está fijado para el 19 de junio, 2004 en Mount Vernon. El orador invitado será el Pastor Frank González de La Voz de la Esperanza. Un concierto musical por los Heritage Singers Hispanos también está planeado y habrá programas para los niños durante la Escuela Sabática. Coloquen esta fecha en sus calendarios ahora para asistir a este banquete espiritual.

J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

TELESCOPIO

Mega-Philadelphia el 15-22 de noviembre se efectuó una campaña evangelística en el auditorio de la Thomas Alva Edison High School. El éxito que por la gracia de Dios obtuvimos, exedió a las expectativas de los pastores y laicos hispanos de Philadelphia. El Todopoderoso obró en cada detalle “mucho más abundantemente de lo que pedimos o entendemos.” El enemigo trató de hacer fracasar la campaña pues, el pastor que estaba programado para predicar del 15-18 se enfermó y a una semana de la fecha del evento, pudimos conseguir al pastor José Rojas, quién

Alejandro Bullón

recibe un promedio de treinta invitaciones diarias como predicador. Aceptó el desafío y con gran sacrificio cumplió con sus deberes de oficina y con nosotros en forma satisfactoria y responsable. La noche del 18 de noviembre, al pastor Bullón le ocurrió un incidente desagradable en Sudamérica por el cual su médico le prohibió viajar a Norteamérica; sin embargo, ignorando la orden del doctor, se atrevió a cumplir el compromiso y fue usado poderosamente por Dios. Además, en una noche de la campaña, el enemigo se propuso que ocurriera una tragedia sangrienta, pero el Ángel de Jehová impidió que esto ocurriera. Dios proveyó también excelentes cantantes como a José Ocampo, Eusebio Díaz, Yessenia Balio, Mebhys Arrebato y Jorge Soto. El grupo que dirigió los cantos congregacionales fue estupendo. Durante la

El Grupo Ebenzer de Cleveland es Formado Como Iglesia l 2 de diciembre, 2003 el grupo de miembros de Ebenezer fue dado el nombre de “iglesia,” formalizando todo en la próxima reunión constituyente de Ohio. La iglesia Ebenezer está localizada en Cleveland, Ohio, y nació de la Primera Iglesia Hispana de Cleveland. El Pastor Aurelio Huerta pastorea el distrito. El año pasado el grupo de miembros compraron un local en el 7322 Elton Avenue, Cleveland y ahora están planeando la organización oficial de la iglesia. Los miembros trabajaron mucho para establecer esta iglesia. En los primeros meses del año 2003, los dirigentes de la iglesia donde aquilaban les pidieron el local. Los miembros de Ebenezer se reunían en dos casas cada sábado hasta que Dios proveyó un local permanente. Ahora tienen un templo bello para 150 personas y un salón adyacente. Cada sábado se reunen de 80-100 miembros en la nueva iglesia. Felicitaciones a nuestra nueva iglesia formada en la Conferencia de Ohio!

El Telescopio es publicado por el Visitor cada mes por los coordinadores hispanos de las Asociaciones. Coordinador de Boletín, José H. Cortés (609) 392-7131 Asistente Editorial, Gloria Turcios Editor de Contenido, Arlene Bonilla · Diseño Gráfico, Kelly Coe 30

VISITOR

semana nos acompañaron más de 300 personas no adventistas, de los cuales 57 almas tomaron su decisión por José Rojas Cristo. El apoyo que dieron los pastores y los laicos tanto en asistir como en el cumplimiento de deberes específicos fue extraordinariamente responsable y asombroso. Experimentamos un sentimiento de unidad y cooperación increible. Todavía tenemos que realizar una labor enorme para cultivar a los cientos de personas interesadas. Pedimos sus oraciones para que, usados por el Espíritu Santo, podamos traer a estas almas a los pies de la cruz.

Comienza el Año Nuevo con Dios Meditaciones Matinales para adultos 2004 Sobre tierra firme (On Solid Ground) por Mark Finley. 0-8163-9398-2. Tapa dura. US$9.99, Can$15.99. Meditaciones Matinales de mujeres para mujeres 2004 A Solas con Dios (Alone With God) Ardis Dick Stenbakken, editora. 0-8163-9397-4. Tapa dura. US$9.99, Can$15.99. Meditaciones Matinales para Jóvenes Un nombre nuevo (A New Name) Por Miguel Ángel Núñez. 1-57554-342-7. Tapa dura. US$9.99, Can$15.99. Pacific Press® Donde la Palabra es vida. © 2003* Precios sujetos a cambio. 248/35591

Disponibles en su ABC local Ordene en línea a: www.AdventistBookCenter.com.

J A N U A RY 2004

w w w . h i g h l a n d v i e w a c a d e m y. c o m

Resolutions Worth Keeping anuary is traditionally the time of year when we implement our new year’s resolutions. It’s an opportunity for us all to begin again with a clean record—work less, or work more, get out of debt, lose weight, write our friends, remember birthdays—the list goes on and on and is different for each of us. In education, our new year begins with a new semester and the students have the privilege of beginning again with their grades, their habits, and their attitudes. Their semester is a blank slate, waiting to show the marks of their efforts. For Christians, every day can have new resolutions. Each day, before our feet hit the floor, we can take a moment and express those resolutions to our best Friend—resolutions to meet our appointments with Him, to work less for ourselves and more for others, to love using the pattern of His love for us. Each day is like a student’s new semester—a blank slate waiting to show the marks; not of our efforts but His. Our Father, the creator of heaven and earth, is waiting to create us anew. Don’t spend your time worrying about new year’s resolutions.” Put your efforts Candy DeVore Director of Marketing into His hands and resolve to let Him begin anew in you each day.

NEWS Science Class Goes Afield Environmental Science and Chemistry students at HVA take time out of the classroom to experience the “great outdoors” on field trips with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. These hands-on and interactive field trips are funded from grants by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Besides canoeing on the Severn River and on Piney Run Park, and trips on the Chesapeake Bay in the scientific work boat The Marguerite, our students actually do hands-on experiments in the marsh lands of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Observing wildlife, testing the quality of the water, and seining and identifying fish are activities they enjoy, as well as dredging for oysters to learn more about their importance to the Chesapeake Bay. “These trips are valuable and fun learning experiences,” says Ophelia Barizo, science teacher. “Several students have already asked when they could go on another field trip. Trips like this have enriched the science curriculum at HVA. We are very thankful for the opportunities for outdoor education and environmental stewardship, and we thank the granting organizations for these invaluable experiences.”—Ophelia Barizo

Hartel Hall Men Exhibit Christ’s Honor Each month our school program centers around a specific trait of character that we wish to emphasize to the students. The November emphasis, as you would expect, was thankfulness. December was contentment, focusing on being content Left to Right: Jason Park, Dean DeVore, with everything. Sheldon Nyack, Dean McAlpine, and This month our Reggie Smith—a few of the HVA Men emphasis was of Honor. on honor. The motto for our boys in the dorm is “Men of Honor” and the deans have worked to encourage this trait in the boys who come to our school. Dean DeVore says, “People that demonstrate respect because of who they are, not only in response to how another person acts, are people of great honor. Integrity and honesty are central to demonstrating a Christian character of substance in a world where image or appearance get the greatest praise. So our prayer is that while the young men are with us they can come into a relationship with Christ, and their lives can exhibit the honor Christ showed His father and the consideration He exhibited to all He met.”

J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

HVA Students Share in Operation Christmas Child ommunity service and missions are some of the many opportunities that students at Highland View Academy (HVA) can experience. In addition to our regular activities, we took part in Operation Christmas Child run by Samaritan’s Purse. Operation Christmas Child is the largest organization of its kind. Created by Franklin Graham, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Billy Graham, the intent of this outreach is to take care of the basic needs of children around the world. “Operation Christmas Child is a very inexpensive way to help our students look beyond themselves and get connected with the concept of missions,” says Pastor Vladimir Corea. “Each student receives a brochure with instructions. Their job is to purchase school supplies and small gifts, and put them in a shoebox wrapped in Christmas paper. A $5 bill is included to cover the cost of shipping. The boxes are collected at the Martinsburg church and then sent to a central warehouse in Charlotte, N.C., where they are organized and then shipped to countries where there is a need.” Stephen Herr, HVA Bible teacher and campus ministries leader says, “I was very pleased with all the students who chose to participate this year. We did this last year, and our numbers have increased—currently one third of our student body is involved. This says a lot about our students. Not only did our students make the boxes, but Mandy Corea, freshman, worked with the eighth-graders from Mt. Aetna Elementary School and got them involved. Julie Hess, freshmen, donated a week of her Christmas vacation to work in North Carolina helping to organize and distribute the boxes. Sandra Kemboi, sophomore, and Megan Boggess, sophomore, helped to organize our efforts with their church to make even more impact with this mission. I can’t wait for Christmas to come around so we can do this again. It truly is a blessing.”

Calendar January 17

Covenant at Harrington church

January 24

Music at Pikesville church

January 25

Regular School Day

January 28February 2

Home Leave

February 7

Covenant at Westminster and Reisterstown

February 14

Student-led worship service at Middletown Valley church

February 21

Covenant at Park church

February 22

Art Appreciation Day

February 25March 2

Home Leave

March 6 & 7

Senior Class Play

Highlander is published in the Visitor each month by Highland View Academy 10100 Academy Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740 Phone: (301) 739-8480 · Fax: (301) 733-4770 Editor, Candy DeVore · Layout, Kelly Butler Coe

VISITOR

Mountain Viewpoint is published in the Visitor every month by the Mountain View Conference. President, Kingsley Whitsett Editor, Brian Jones Design, Tami Pohle

1400 Liberty Street · Parkersburg, WV 26101 · (304) 422-4581

The Translation Generation eady or not, here it is … a brand ‘spankin’ new year! Looking back, did you make any mistakes, say wrong things, damage relationships, neglect needful Bible study, put off prayers, or drift away from your relationship with the Lord? Well, forget it! It won’t do a bit of good dwelling on yesterday’s errors. We don’t need to waste a moment of this new year harboring guilt. Jesus tells us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9). Then He promises to remember our sins no more, so who are we to worry about past mistakes? No wonder Jesus says to us in Philippians 3:12,13, to “forget those things which are behind ...” I’m convicted that 2004 is not just another year, but a staging time for our Lord’s return. So what actions should we take during this momentous time to “reach forth unto that which is before” and “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”? What changes are needful to press closer to the Lord just before His soon appearing? Here are some priorities I’m setting for myself this year: 1. Draw closer to God through the study of His Word and the Spirit of Prophecy. 2. Spend meaningful time each day in earnest prayer. 3. Seek the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in my life. 4. Give out at least one piece of truth-filled literature each day. 5. Encourage at least one person each day to love and serve the Lord. 6. Ask the Lord to make my life a blessing to others. Let’s determine to make each moment count during the short time we have left before Jesus returns. Let’s live each day realizing we are the “translation generation” called as His remKingsley Whitsett nant people to uphold His commandments of love, having steadfast faith in Him! President

Summersville Gets Help From Shenandoah Valley Academy his fall, 39 volunteer students and adults from Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) in New Market, Va., came to the Summersville Adventist Church in West Virginia, to begin work on the construction of Phase II of the Community Health and Education Complex (CHEC). Under the direction of experienced contractors, electricians, and builders from the New Market area, the students installed electrical wiring and steel siding and vinyl soffits, dug drainage lines for the down spouts, and landscaped the grounds. Two weeks later, five of these adults returned to do further electrical work. Maranatha Volunteers International and church members were able to bring the construction project to near completion. With the help of the academy students and adults, the CHEC is now being used by the Community Adult Education GED class, and the large meeting room is functional for community meetings. Two after-school rooms will soon be available for community students to use until their parents get off from

work. The CHEC also includes the Community Clinic of Nicholas County, which provides services for those who cannot afford medical exams or prescriptions. A new gymnasium also forms part of this complex, which is located next to the Summersville church, school, and Friends-R-Fun community childcare center. All together, these volunteer helpers donated well over $100,000 worth of free labor. —Yvonne Michael

SVA students dig channels for drainage lines.

J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

Beckley Church Dedicates New Worship Center ate in 2002, Beckley’s 10-year dream reached a high point of fulfillment with the dedication of its new sanctuary—on spacious woodlands that serve as an inviting refuge from the tempo of urban life—throbbing just beyond its boundaries. One year prior to this dedication-Sabbath, Pastor Samuel Simuzoshya invited board members to gather on the five-acre property, which was home to a much-talked about plan to build a new church. All that the pastor said beforehand was, “Come this Sunday morning; I have a surprise for you.” At that time, the land was covered with thorny underbrush, beneath an impassable tangle of trees. Board members came at the appointed hour wondering what was afoot. There they saw their pastor in work clothes clearing the ground with a scythe. He said, “Good morning, everyone. This is the surprise. We are going to get to work today clearing this land for our new church building. If anyone cares to help, please go home and bring your tools.” Soon everyone returned equipped to assist. From that time onward, members labored at all the tasks necessary to prepare the ground and construct the sturdy multipurpose building. It includes a sanctuary, Sabbath School rooms, kitchenette, and bathroom facilities. Built with a view to efficiency and aesthetic appeal, the worship center is designed to provide seating for

Pastor Samuel Simuzoshya addresses congregation and visitors.

over 200 persons. Generous donors, and the sacrifice and service of church members, have kept this project free of all debt, except to serve God and the community, and that is precisely what Beckley Adventists are doing. Among the multiple ministries that Beckley church members conduct are a health food store and lifestyle guidance center in Fayetteville; a thrift store in Hinton; AIDS counseling and social services for clients in Raleigh, Summers, and Mercer Counties; and intensive Bible study outreach to the community. Adventists from both conferences represented in Beckley (Allegheny West and Mountain View) have a long-standing bond of united fellowship and combined efforts in ministry. This positive partnership was evidenced by the joining of the two congregations for the dedication service for the new church on Dry Hill Road in Beckley. Beckley Church Communication Services

The Batista brothers sing a scripture song at Beckley dedication service.

Mountain View

EVENTS January 11 Youth Council (Buckhannon)

January 12 Executive Committee

January 13 Ministers’ Meeting

January 15-18 Pathfinder Winter Camp

January 29-Feb 1 Youth/Young Adults’ Winter Festival

February 15-18 Teachers’ In-Service (Ohio) Beckley Church recently dedicated a new worship center. 34

VISITOR

New Jersey Conference 2160 Brunswick Avenue Trenton, NJ 08648 Phone: (609) 392-7131

J A N U A R Y 2004

Top Conference News Stories for 2003 he year 2003 has slipped into history. It was an extraordinary year for our conference; five of our churches were dedicated having their buildings paid in full. The members all rejoiced as they recited their history and reflected on the wonderful way God had blessed their desire to serve Him. Two other congregations paid for their buildings in full but it was not possible to schedule their dedication services during this year. They will have their dedication services during the first quarter of 2004. Also, the increased enrollment at Garden State Academy was a blessing in 2003. This past year has marked the most significant lay member participation from the local churches we have seen in a long time. Over four hundred went through the training and purchased the materials and equipment to conduct their own New Beginnings evangelistic series. We are praying that an even greater number will participate in 2004, the Year of World Evangelism. The year will start off with a bang: 250,000 Sow 1 Billion brochures will be distributed to the pastors on January 5. These will be given to church members for distribution in their neighborhoods. We are praying, and invite you to join us in praying, for God to pour out His Spirit and enable us to reap those He has prepared to enter into His eternal kingdom. Just imagine what the LeRoy Finck top conference news stories will be in 2004! President

Celebration of the Harvest uring November, 11 Spanish congregations, with their pastors and conference leaders, came together in Vineland to celebrate the harvest of souls. After a long year of hard work in the fields, after sowing the seeds and patiently waiting for many to accept Jesus, the day of rejoicing arrived. The guest speaker was Harold Lee, Columbia Union Conference president, who delivered a powerful message on the need to sow regardless of the ground where the seeds fall, and for all to have the patience to work in the fields regardless of the weather and perils that come with the seasons. This is exactly what the Lord wants us to do, he added, and then he gave us

the challenge to double the harvest for the next year. There were more than 700 lay workers present at the worship program. Conference leaders awarded each church representative with a plaque, acknowledging their hard work, and celebrated with the champions who reached and surpassed their goals, such as the Vineland and Bridgeton districts—reaching 102 souls. After such an enriching spiritual experience, everyone was treated to a fabulous lunch. Then our conference leaders conducted training seminars for the leaders of each church. After the seminars, José Cortés, conference executive secretary, delivered a powerful challenge to the laity. —Samuel Cartagena

There was a full house for the South Lay Festival.

J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

Literature Evangelism Student Gets “Cross Training” was depressed, and didn’t want to work that day. I was on my bed and felt impressed to read Ezekiel 3:18, where God commands His prophet, Ezekiel, to warn the people of what is to come. Difficult as it was, I knew God wanted me to go out and witness for Him.

Simeon Good, GSA student, shares literature in his neighborhood.

That same morning, a woman in her mid-20s answered the door, and asked if I was an angel. I assured her that I wasn’t, but she kept asking. Finally, she opened her hand to reveal a variety of pills, and said she had just been about to commit suicide before I came to her door. She bought Peace Above the Storm, (Steps to Christ)

because, she said, “I’ve been looking for peace for a long time.” A few days later an old woman answered the door. When she saw me, a strange look came over her face. She invited me in, gave me a drink, and said, “Young man, I’ve been waiting for you. Over 20 years ago I saw you—in a dream—knock on my door. There was an angel behind you. The angel told me to ask you for a purple book. It’s going to give me answers to the many confusing ideas about the Bible.” In shock, I handed her the book called God’s Answers to Your Questions. I was afraid to knock on the door. The neighbors told me that there was a vicious dog in the yard that had bitten a little girl. I prayed hard and ran to the door. The dog ran after me and (whew!) started to lick me. The owner of the house came out and invited me inside. He was amazed, because he said his dog was so mean, he was getting ready to take it to the pound to be put to sleep. They were so impressed and quickly bought some of my books. I was speechless and knew that, just as God had

New Pastor Joins New Jersey Conference astor Ramón Croussett and his wife, Mercedes, came to the New Jersey Conference from the Texas Conference. He will pastor the Laurel Springs and Vineland Spanish churches. Pastor Croussett loves to teach seminars on family life and hold lay training seminars. He has held crusades in several countries including Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Mercedes and Ramón have three children—Yaritza, Ramón, and Jonathan. We feel very blessed to

VISITOR

shut the lions’ mouths so many years ago, He protected me when I tried to bring His message to others. Through all of this, I believe God wanted to bring me closer to Him and to humble me. I thank God that no matter how discouraged I am, He tells me to be faithful, because He will come through! Simeon Good as told to Ruth Mohr Garden State Academy

JANUARY 1 3 4 5 6 10

11 12 16 17 19 20 20 21 24

welcome Pastor Croussett and his family to our conference. 25 27 30 31 31

Holiday - New Year’s Day ABC and Office Closed AY Coordinators’ Meeting-South ABC Open-9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Pastors’ Meeting Pastors’ Meeting Adventurer Coordinators’ Meeting with AY Directors’South/Center ABC Open-9:30-1p.m. Ski Trip at Big Boulder P.U.S.H. Conference-North MasterGuide Training-South Holiday - Martin Luther King Jr. GSA Finance - G - 4 p.m. HSH Board - G - 12:30 p.m. GSA Board - G - 6 p.m. Youth/Children Ministries Coordinators’ Meeting at Lake Nelson Leadership Emphasis Week New Teacher In-Service Meeting-10 a.m. Atlantic Union Adventurer’s Coordinators Day of Prayer P.U.S.H. Conference - North

New Jersey News Pastor Ramón Croussett with his wife, Mercedes.

is published in the Visitor each month by the New Jersey Conference President, LeRoy Finck Editorial Assistant, Aura Garcia Design, Kelly Butler Coe

Mission Ohio is published in the Visitor by the Ohio Conference P. O. Box 1230 Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 www.ohioadventist.org President, Raj Attiken Editorial, Bette Toscano

JANUARY

2004

A New Kind of Church is Born hat would a church look like in which most of the sermons are preached by teenagers, all church officers and ministry leaders are teens, the church board is comprised primarily of teens, worship gatherings are conducted by teens, and in which teens study, pray, envision and implement the plans that heaven unfolds to them? Such a church exists in the Ohio Conference. When the Mount Vernon City church had a pastoral vacancy, the members—at a church business meeting—voted to accept the offer made by the chaplains at nearby Mount Vernon Academy (MVA) to have students provide ministry leadership in the church. This historic vote meant that the over 20-year-old church would turn itself over to teens; that the church’s elected officers would no longer function in their elected roles; and that the adults in the church would primarily serve as mentors to the youth. In addition, a church board comprised primarily of students, a five-person Board of Trustees made up of members, was established. This group will be responsible for managing the facilities, maintenance, finances, and so on. MVA Chaplain Tim Soper, assisted by Chaplain Brooke Osborn, is providing overall coordination to (continued on next page)

Tina Rudy shared her experiences in faith in her sermon Sabbath morning.

NEWS Campus Ministry Program Thrives at Bowling Green Under the leadership of Pastor Michael Belknap, a campus ministry was initiated on the campus of Bowling Green State University in 2001. The initial efforts were directed at identifying Adventist students on campus and forming them into a community for discipleship and witnessing. In time, an inner city children’s ministry was developed that has met weekly for over two years. Additionally, student leaders have received mentoring and discipleship training. In October, evangelistic meetings were held on campus, under the direction of the student leaders and pastor. The group is in the final stages of acquiring a radio station, which will be mostly student operated. With over 80 colleges and universities in Ohio, significant opportunities exist for campus ministries for, and through, Adventist students.

Zeggara Joins Ohio Conference Robert Zeggara and his wife, Heidi Sabnani, come to us from the Kingsbury District in the New York Conference. As a student at Andrews University, Robert directed a FLAG Camp in Mislea, Romania, and FLAG Camp International in Berrien Springs, Mich. He participated in Benton Harbor Street Ministries and assisted in the youth departments at Pioneer Memorial church and the Berrien Springs church. We welcome Robert and Heidi to the Ohio Conference where Robert will serve as associate pastor for the Centerville Church.

New Members Added to Conference Executive Committee Two membership vacancies on the Conference Executive Committee were filled recently: Lisa Falkenstein, from Walk of Faith Fellowship, representing Northeast Ohio; and Cisa deOliveira, from the Bucyrus church, representing Central Ohio. J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

these efforts. They are able to use the resources of pastors and Ohio Conference personnel to teach, coach, and help develop the youth in their specific ministry functions. When information on the City church opportunity was made known to the students at MVA, approximately 70 students volunteered to be involved in various ministries. Besides planning and conducting the regular ministries of the church, one of the primary goals of the student leaders is to involve young people in mission, by implementing outreach ministries in the city of Mount Vernon. November 1 saw the Mount Vernon City church building packed to capacity, as students and adults studied and worshiped together, in a worship gathering designed and led by students. “It’s been over 15 years since I’ve seen City Sam Carney shared Bible promises on faith in his Church filled like this,” sermon Sabbath morning. observed one longtime member. “My heart is full of praise Kyle Kuehmichael led out in praise and prayer. to God for what I am seeing,” said another. “I applaud the members of the City church for acting boldly and demonstrating confidence in the young people,” observed conference President, Raj Attiken. “One of the biggest challenges that the Adventist Church in North America faces is to know how to hand over the ownership of the Church to emerging generations,” he claimed. “Our young people have the commitment, vision, skills, and energy to lead this church to new levels of faithfulness in mission and ministry—if we would only trust them—and trust God to guide the church through them.” Praise Team (left to right): Karie McGill, Elizabath Shinn, Charissa Bale, and Tim Soper.

VISITOR

JANUARY 2004

Reaching out Through You e will treat Pennsylvania as a mission field.” That is the conviction God has poured into our hearts. Under this, we are called upon to look at every activity, every ministry, every service done by our church, and ask ourselves, “Is what we are doing sharing the joy of Christ’s soon return with the lost and the misguided?” This is the Year of World Evangelism for the Adventist Church. In Pennsylvania, we have tremendous opportunities in a wide range of evangelism. Pastors, laypersons, and church families are conducting New Beginnings evangelistic meetings. Women’s Ministries are reaching out for the lost. We will have 250,000 Bible enrollment cards available—free to churches to offer Bible lessons. Along with organized activities, the greatest potential is for each one of us to be intentional in making friends for God. We can pray that God will open up relationship ministry opportunities in our neighborhood, workplace, and families. Ray Hartwell This year pray, that God will reach out through you! President

Lay People Lead Evangelism hile 2004 has been designated the year of evangelism, Pennsylvania has always maintained that emphasis. This was evident as evangelistic series were held in many different locations across the keystone state this fall. One of those locations was Pennsylvania’s newest church, Lewisburg. Two of the nine church members, under the leadership of Head Elder Kerry Stahl presenting the New Beginnings series, were young adults, Amy Spencer and Christina Stahl. Neither young woman had

Young adult Christina Stahl was one of nine lay people presenting the New Beginnings evangelistic series in Lewisburg.

ever preached a sermon before. Having young adult presenters attracted teenagers and young adults. Most of the 10-15 guests that came every night, attended as a result of personal invitations as well as previous contact with the church. Lay-led meetings were held in Gettysburg, with Tyree Berlin, and in Lancaster, with Dan Musser and Jim Hillman. Four people were baptized at Lancaster, including one father and his 12-year-old daughter. There is no church in Elkland, Pa., but that didn’t stop this group of lay people from holding a New Beginnings series. Two of the three women baptized had been attending a Bible study class led by Mary Stone, a church member. Rosemary Phelps, one of the presenters, states, “Sharing the gospel with others has deepened my own walk with God. I’m continuing by studying the Bible with my two granddaughters and a friend.” With about 30 people attending services each Sabbath, the New Castle church began their series with 40 guests on opening night. Pastor Shawn Shives presented the series with the help of Tom Morrow and Al Ranalla. Nine people have been baptized, with five more preparing for baptism in the future. While most of our series were led by lay people, Evangelist Hiram Rester spoke at the outreach in Indiana, where 19 people have been baptized so far. The Indiana church has grown from an average attendance of 30—three years ago—to 60-80 today, thanks in large part to the members’ willingness to reach out to their community and non-attending members.

J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

Café Feeds the Soul or 10 years, Jennifer Jill Schwirzer cherished the dream of doing an evangelistic series, and finally the perfect opportunity arose. The Chestnut Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church was willing to support Jennifer in giving a crusade right in its own Expressly Vegetarian Café, located on the ground floor of the church. Jennifer and her husband, Michael, had been meeting the public for almost two years since the café opened. The elders of the church wanted to try a new approach to evangelism. They told Jennifer to, “Preach on things people know they need, like help with their marriages and kids, help overcoming addiction, and help managing stress.” Jennifer took to her computer and began to write what would become “I Want It All,” a felt-needs evangelism series with such sermon titles as “Get Out of Your Own Way,” “Battle for the Brain,” and “Staying in Love.”

One faithful attendee was fan of The series, held Friday, Saturday, the film The Matrix, which sparked and Sunday nights, attracted 80 visitors and has spawned yet another monthly forum at the café, which will be called “First Wednesday @ the Café.” This will be a prayer meeting-type event, which will open with guitarbased music, short presentations from the Bible, prayer, and food and social Eighty people attended Jennifer Jill Schwirzer’s hour afterward. evangelism series. Some patrons her curiosity on the prophecies of who did not attend the series have Daniel. She responded in the (very requested private studies on the enthusiastic) affirmative when asked material covered. One young man, if she would like to study the making a decision about a romantic prophecies. relationship, wanted to hear the presentation on marriage, which was shared with him. He is interested in other presentations as well. January 3

Pennsylvania Women’s Retreat Slated for March ust give me Jesus!” Paul summed up this prayer on the heart of many when he wrote, “My determined purpose is that I may know Him—that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His person more strongly and clearly” (Phil. 3:10, AMP. Providing opportunities for women to know Jesus intimately is the goal of the 2004 Spring Women’s Retreat, as Cheri Peters— author, speaker, and founder of True Step Ministries—presents her story March 19-21, 2004, at the Eisenhower Inn, Gettysburg. Kim Peckham, the only male writer for Women of Spirit magazine, will share his humorous look at Cheri Peters, author of life during the vesper service. Eight seminars by Miracle From the Streets local speakers and an anointing service on and God is Crazy About Sabbath will complete this weekend. For more You! will be the featured information, contact Tami Horst at (717) 442speaker for the 2004 9685 or e-mail daughterinawe@yahoo.com. Spring Women’s Retreat.

NAD Day of Prayer

January 23–25 Pathfinder Winter Retreat Laurel Lake Camp

January 26–February 15 Missions Abroad Trip to Nigeria

February 27–29 Couples Retreat with Willie and Elaine Oliver Paradise

March 12–13 Spring into Mission with John Kent Laurel Lake Camp

March 19–21 Women’s Retreat with Cheri Peters Gettysburg

April 16–17 Spring into Mission with John Kent Blue Mountain Academy

April 23–25 Blue Mountain Academy Alumni Weekend

Pennsylvania Pen is published in the Visitor each month by the Pennsylvania Conference, 720 Museum Road Reading, Pennsylvania 19611 (610) 374-8331, ext. 210. President, Ray Hartwell; Editor, Tamyra Horst; Secretary, Daisy López. 40

VISITOR

June 11–19 Camp meeting

Potomac People is published in the Visitor each month by the Potomac Conference 606 Greenville Avenue Staunton, Virginia 24401 Phone: (540) 886-0771 www.pcsda.org President, Dave Weigley Editor, Janet Olsyne

JANUARY 2004

First Things First o doubt you have heard of a book and even a seminar presented by a national workshop speaker that deals with arranging our daily lives according to our priorities. The question is asked, “If you were celebrating your 90th birthday, who would you want at the party and what would you want them to say?” Answering that question would affect how you lived every day—it would help an individual decide where to place the emphasis of his or her life. We might ask that question with regard to our lives and Jesus. What words would you want Jesus to share regarding the impact of your life here—how you responded to the gift of salvation and His unfailing grace. I would like to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21), at that milestone in my life. To bring a smile to God’s face would be, in my mind, a special and important accomplishment—just to know that I pleased my God. In I John 2:6 we find the words of inspiration, “He that says he abides in him should himself also walk even as he walked.” Pretty simple isn’t it? Basically our priorities should look like His. His #1 priority was and is to save lost people—that’s you and I and those we come in contact with every day. In 2004, please join me in keeping “First Things First”—seeking to share the hope in Dave Weigley Jesus with lost people. President

Churches Conduct Outreach Efforts eptember proved to be a very active month for the The last event of the month was a prayer breakfast, Arlington and Fairfax Adventist churches. They hosted by the women’s ministries department. The began with a week of prayer with guest speaker, speaker for the day was Gail Benn, women’s ministries Clarence Hodges, formerly vice president and religious leader at the Arlington church. liberty director for the Adventist Church in North Please continue to pray for the Arlington and Fairfax America. Hodges shared a series entitled “Our God is churches, as we reach out to our local communities, an Awesome God.” This was a unique week of prayer and share the important health message of our church. since the meetings alternated between the two churches. Pastor Brian Rhoades The following week both churches participated in a ARLINGTON/FAIRFAX CHURCHES Community Pride Day held at the community center in Arlington. They provided a health fair with “Celebrations” as the theme. DeWitt Williams, health direcArlington/Fairfax health fair participants line up for a free massage. tor for the church in North America, shared a 20-minute health talk. This motivated 82 people to take advantage of the free screenings, and follow-ups are now underway. County officials have responded very positively toward the health fairs hosted by the two churches. They have been invited to contribute to the weekly exercise program, at the local community center, by sharing nutritional meal planning and vegetarian cooking classes.

J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

Stuart Church Introduces People to Jesus at County Fair he Stuart Seventh-day Adventist Church shares Jesus every year. Our theme last year was “Sinners Anonymous.” The idea from an article in Adventist Review. “Come one come all, come just as you are,” was our invitation. We made several contacts, distributed over 300 pieces of literature, gave away Bibles and many signed up for Discover Bible lessons. A wonderful thing that came out of our fair booth last year—some denominational barriers were broken down in the community. This year our theme was the “Ministry of Reconciliation.” We purchased Walk Through the Bible by H.M.S. Richards to give away in a drawing. Again this year, we distributed over 300 pieces of literature, signed up 14 visitors for Bible lessons, and have plans to sign up approximately 30 more.

to see what God has planned for We had Scripture in the shape us. We do not know what the future of the cross. The cross beam was holds but we know Who holds the John 3:16,17. The body of the future. Pray for us that we will cross was made up of Romans remain surrendered, committed, 5:8-11 and II Corinthians 5:18,19. rooted, and grounded in His love. We want people to know that Jesus is already their Savior. He Larry Lawson has already paid the price and forLay Pastor given them for every sin they have STUART SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH ever committed or ever will commit. He has reconciled the entire world to Himself, not counting their sins against them and has given to us the “ministry of reconciliation” because by Jesus, we have received atonement. We are a very small congregation, Stuart Church sponsored an exhibit at the fair. but we are excited

Mission Trip Brings Three Sisters Together Again he global evangelism project, headed by Robert Folkenberg, brought three sisters together to Nueva Ecija, Philippines, after more than 20 years. Instead of a traditional vacation, the three sisters:

Ofelia Pangan, from Hawaii, Esperanza Mopera, from Virginia; and Mary Aquino from Maryland, decided they would venture out on a new concept of mission work. They were joined by Byron

A mission trip brings three sisters together. Front row, (left to right): Ofelia Pangan, Esperanza Mopera, and Mary Aguino. Back row, (left to right): Robert and Anita Folkenberg.

Comp from North Carolina, a first time speaker for the global evangelism series; Rose Marie Fereira from South Africa, currently at Andrews University; and Don Dildy, a trained Bible worker, from Tulara, Calif. Pastor Pangan from Hawaii and Pastor Zabat, from the Cabanatuan District, served as our mentors. During the mission, many youth and adults accepted Christ. The volunteer missionaries who worked many hours, under severe and trying conditions, stayed with us through thick and thin. They prepared the ground work of the crusade and they will continue to nurture the babies in faith. In that region of Nueva Ecija, 185 were baptized. We give honor and glory to Jesus and praise Him for this providential work. Esperanza Mopera TIDEWATER ADVENTIST

VISITOR

CHURCH

January 2004

Shenandoah Valley Academy 234 West Lee Highway New Market, VA 22844 Phone: (540) 740-3161 Principal: Mark Wile wilem@sva-va.org

Sparkling Recollections recent sunburst painted an aurora borealis on the Virginia skies in a way few of us had seen before. For me, this ignited memories of amazing northern light shows my wife and I witnessed while attending college in TM Canada. These panoramic manifestations were more brilliant than anything Disney could ever muster. Memories stay with us. Faces, scents, recipes, and the embrace of an old friend, all trigger past joys. The holidays are especially good at sparking recollections. Families commonly travel great distances just to connect with love ones. Each new moment is added to our growing bank of cherished memories. As a worshiping Christian community, what prompts our memories of God? Perhaps a verse, or story brings us to Him. Surely there are certain songs that express the very message of our soul. Many have found quiet moments in nature to be the most real connections with God ever experienced. The important point is that we actually have positive memories. These memories begin with a moment, and I pray our students will have such a moment on whatever campus they Mark A. Wile Principal may be on today.

Zirkle Award Presented to Welding Instructor

Rainmaker Award Given to Member of Plant Services

he Zirkle Award of Excellence is presented to SVA employees nominated by their colleagues for aptitude in creatively expanding the academic program in bold and innovative ways. Randy Poehler, SVA’s welding teacher, has been given the Zirkle Award for his vision and commitment to teaching practical skills in the trade of welding. In 1997, Poehler’s daughter Jessie, told her family that she wished to attend SVA. Even though Poehler had been teaching welding in the Maryland public school system for 15 years, after thinking about what was most important to his family, the Poehler’s decided in faith to move to the Shenandoah area. In order to instruct welding classes, Poehler decided to invest his own money in welding equipment. Within less than a year after his arrival, Poehler was established teaching beginning welding up through various certification levels. Now after five years, Poehler’s sacrifice has allowed SVA to build up the industrial technology program. Poehler has been a Shenandoah teaching instructor since 1998, when he took a leap of faith to establish a unique, industrial arts program. Randy Poehler has been awarded for his investment in creating an industrial welding program, expanding the school’s diverse instructional options, and has taught many individuals to be skilled in a practical trade, able to earn good wages. Around campus, Poehler can be found talking and building friendships with students. Brian Becker

he Rainmaker Award of Excellence is presented to a Shenandoah Valley Bill Osborne Academy (SVA) employee nominated by their colleagues for extraordinary customer service. Bill Osborne, a member of SVA’s plant services department, has been recognized for his consistently high level of customer service to students and faculty. Osborne has been a team member since 1989. He consistently works at various maintenance projects from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. During work hours, Osborne walks fast and works diligently, but will take time for the varying needs of people. Because Osborne knows that working at SVA “is like doing mission work 24/7” and it’s extraordinarily important, he commented, “It’s a work that I find satisfaction in.” When asked about his first reaction to receiving the award, Osborne replied, “Are you sure you’re choosing the right person?” Because of Bill Osborne’s humble spirit-of-service and consistent efforts, he more than deserves this award of excellence. Brian Becker

Enrollment Management

J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

Third Cathlin Sibling In Three Years To Graduate ena Cathlin chose to enroll Andrew as a student at SVA because it was financially possible to send all her four children to Christian education. As a single mother on one salary, she saw the Lord open many doors through encouraging finance officers, connecting her with resources in scholarships, financial aid, and student work opportunities. The combination of these resources has made it possible for Cathlin to afford the school bills. In addition, her students have attended SVA simultaneously; so have received the multiple-student discount. The Christian environment made Cathlin feel very comfortable on campus, as all of the staff she interacted with from Principal Wile to athletics instructor, J.J. Henline, went out of their way to make her students feel comfortable. She felt like her kids were important to the academy.

Cathlin was pleased that “the athletic programs were strong, and yet there was no problems with games scheduled or played on Sabbath.” All four of Cathlin’s students have played basketball for the SVA Stars. Cheryl Cathlin, a 2001 SVA graduate, now plays basketball for Columbia Union College. Chris Cathlin, a 2002 SVA graduate, now plays basketball—with no Sabbath conflict by special arrangement—on full scholarship at James Madison University. Andrew, as well as his younger brother Matthew, currently play varsity basketball for the Stars. Andrew enrolled at age 13 as a freshman at SVA, and has grown during his four years as a student, becoming a well-grounded and well-rounded individual. His spiritual growth has been evident to his mom when Andrew called her after a week of prayer with a renewed desire to serve the Lord, and in

Andrew Cathlin

response, destroyed all of his secular CD’s. When Andrew has had struggles, prayers on his behalf by staff and students who surround him, helped to get him back on track. As a senior at the age of 16, Andrew is a resident assistant in the boy’s dorm, Price Hall. He maintains high grades, and is considering Oakwood College and a degree in criminal justice.

Former Principal’s Son To Graduate or seven years, Derek Hunt watched his four older brothers become SVA fouryear seniors, while his father, Dean Hunt, was Derek Hunt the principal of the school from 1989-1996. A move from Virginia to California changed where Derek would enroll for academy; in 2000, however, Hunt asked his parents if he could apply as a freshman at SVA. But his parents were not ready for him, at the age of 13, to move alone to Virginia. Before his sophomore year, Hunt again asked to attend SVA, and his parents reconsidered. They trusted the faculty at SVA like family. In fact, it was during Principal Hunt’s administration that he had hired the head dean of Price

VISITOR

Hall, Gene Sigler, who would now be Derek’s dean. Because “Shenandoah Valley Academy is a solid school where faculty are like family,” Hunt’s parents allowed him to travel across the United States for academy. Hunt has been very happy in his three years attending SVA, where he so badly wanted to be a student. He has a take-charge personality, and SVA has given him his chance to shine in leadership as the 2004 senior class president. Hunt has earned his reputation of responsibility on his own: not returning to the Shenandoah Valley as a little brother of four previous Hunt siblings, or a son of the principal, but as Derek Hunt the individual. Hunt is a recognized leader among his peers, as class president, and for his achievement of high grades. He plans to return to

California and attend Pacific Union College for a degree in political science, as preparation for law school to become either a defense attorney, or corporate lawyer. Joi Becker Enrollment Management

calendar of

events

January 4 Winter Break Ends at 6 p.m.

January 5 Second Semester Begins

January 11 Snowshoe Ski Trip

January 14-17 Student Week of Prayer

January 18 SVA Recycling Work Day

January 31 Student Association Talent Show

EALING MINISTR IS A

NEWSLETTER ABOUT ADVENTIST

HEALTHCARE

w w w. a d v e n t i s t h e a l t h c a r e . c o m

■

IN THE

COLUMBIA

UNION

w w w. k m c n e t w o r k . o r g

Huber Health Center Turns 20 KEVIN LAVOIE

ime flies when you’re busy. That is why it’s almost hard for Brenda Farley, RN, BSN, to believe that the Charles H. Huber Health Center has been in operation for 20 years. “It’s been growing so much; it has been hard to keep up,” said Farley, the clinical nurse manager who has been at Huber Health since the beginning. “We started out seeing two to three patients a shift with Grandview, Good Samaritan, and Miami Valley hospitals providing shift coverage. The first time we ever saw eight patients in a shift I said, ‘We’re going to have to get more help.’ Now we see 50 patients in a shift and, if we have less than 25, we’re bored.” The facility, located in Huber Heights, had only six employees in 1983. An urgent care laboratory, X-ray, and registration were its only departments. Today Huber Health employs 44 people and offers MRI, CT scanning, mammography, pharmacy, physical therapy, pulmonary medicine, OB/GYN time-share suites, and a pair of full-time internal medicine physicians— Richard Winger, D.O., and Timothy Grigsby, M.D. “I think it’s an integral part of the community,” said Dr. Winger, who has served as medical director since coming to the center 10 years ago. “Patients come in all the time saying they don’t know what they would

Employees at the Charles H. Huber Health Center, a part of the Kettering Adventist HealthCare network, celebrate 20 years of service to Dayton’s Huber Heights community.

do without us. Our aspirations are that it will grow to offer a lot more services for the community.” Offering Kettering Medical Center Network’s only urgent care, Huber Health Center is ready for just about anything. “We transfer 15-20 patients a month, and we can handle pediatric or adult codes,” Farley said. “We can defibrillate and run the whole code if we have to, something we’ve done five or six times.” Farley adds that things are much better at Huber Health since Grandview Medical Center took sole ownership in 1996. The staff now has Grandview benefits and support, along with the opportunity to earn continuing education units at Grandview. In fact, Huber Health has become a chief referral source for Grandview Hospital and one of the most soughtafter workplaces for area nurses. “It’s the cat’s meow for a nursing job,” Farley said. “We only lose employees when they move to another state. We truly have a little family.” Kevin Lavoie is media relations specialist for Kettering Adventist HealthCare. J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

HEALING MINISTRY

Conference Points Leaders in PAM MCGINNIS AND CELESTE RYAN

ate last fall, Kettering Adventist HealthCare’s (KAH) Governance and Mission Conference tremendously enlightened, entertained, and inspired more than 100 of the organization’s leaders. The three-day event opened on a Thursday evening with a focus on governance where Troy Tyner, D.O., medical director for Grandview Medical Center, and Greg Wise, M.D., vice president of medical affairs at Kettering Medical Center, gave a rousing presentation on how quality improvement efforts have paid off in many ways at KAH facilities. They highlighted the many successes of the organization and showed how each positive step has created further growth and enhanced the ability of KAH to better serve its community. After that strong opening, former Kettering College President Peter Bath’s words were particularly inspirational as he repeatedly reminded the audience of KAH’s mission. Near the end of his presentation, the pastor and certified leadership trainer asked the audience to close their eyes and point in the direction they thought was north. Hands were aimed in every direction, until Bath, compass in hand, revealed the correct direction and his point that KAH should never lose its sense of direction and purpose.

Fulfilling the Mission On Friday morning, attendees got a glimpse of the new, 100-foot, hot air balloon (pictured) featuring the “K for Life” motto of Grandview Medical Center and Kettering Medical Center. Next, Lawton Burns from the

Wharton School of Business presented his findings on The Healthcare Value Chain. Friday evening featured a dinner for board members and senior leadership at the Kettering Seventh-day Adventist Church. Afterwards, many employees joined board Peter Bath, keynote speaker. members in the sanctuary for the Mission Conference portion of the weekend. Through video clips, the program highlighted how KAH has fulfilled its mission, locally and nationally, within the many communities it serves. Attendees enjoyed being able to hear about current medical efforts, especially when Mario Ceballos, director of spiritual care, placed an international telephone call to staff doctors on location in Guatemala. He also presented five recipients with the organization’s Living Water Award that honors people who have gone beyond the call of duty to serve others. The 2003 recipients were Marian and Dr. Benjamin Schuster, for their work in China; Oakwood, Ohio, Mayor Judy Cook for her contributions to the annual Walk for Women’s Wellness; Anne Cassano, wife of the late Victor J. Cassano, Sr., for her support of the Victor J. Cassano, Sr., Community Health Center; and Connie J. McCarroll, D.O., and Alison A. Clarey, D.O., for their service efforts in LaLabor, Guatemala. The conference ended with a special Sabbath School featuring patient caregivers who help fulfill the KAH mission that included a paraphrased reading of 1 Corinthians 13 especially written for healthcare workers (see sidebar at right), and a stirring worship message by Pastor Bath who highlighted the role Adventist healthcare plays in bringing hope to communities around the world.

Kettering Adventist HealthCare administrators pose with the 2003 honorees of the Living Water Award. Left to right: Fred Manchur, president of Kettering Medical Center; award recipients, Benjamin and Marian Schuster, Ann Cassano, and Judy Cook; KAH president and CEO Frank Perez; and Roy Chew, president of Grandview and Southview hospitals. 46

VISITOR

HEALING MINISTRY

the Right Direction The Greatest is Love A Paraphrase of I Corinthians 13 for Healthcare Staff I may be an efficient nurse or doctor, but if I do not have the love of Christ motivating me, my work will lack the heartthrob of the Great Physician. And though I am able to teach others all I have learned, and understand thoroughly the principles of healing; and though I have faith that my care plan is correct, but have no love, my knowledge is only partial. And though I leave my own concerns behind and do not spare myself in caring for my patients, if the love of Christ does not constrain me, my sacrifices are worthless. The love of God enables me to understand the most difficult patient. He gives me the grace to be kind; His love does not permit me to be jealous of my colleagues who do better than I do, nor am I proud of my own accomplishments. God’s love does not allow me to be rude, nor selfish in my daily conduct, nor do I become irritated with those who do not grasp quickly what I am trying to teach them. He does not permit me to think evil of others, but to rejoice in the truth that He is able to set men free. His love empowers me to bear my responsibilities for the saving of life ... to hope when there is little hope left, and to endure as a dependable link in the healthcare team. This love of God in Christ will never fail. New techniques may prove disappointing; present-day treatments will be superseded, and health programs will one day cease. ... When I was learning, I reasoned as a student and the value of my work had not fully dawned upon me; but after working awhile I began to comprehend its vital importance. I still do not understand everything fully now, but one thing I know: That when medication has run its full course, and surgery has been perfected, when life is prolonged for yet a few years … the message of Eternal Life, which I have brought to my patients, will endure forever. Now abides faith, hope, and love in this ministry of healing ... but the greatest of all is love … God’s love in me. Paraphrase from To Light Your Path by Grace Scheresky, RN, Beulah Fern Stevens, RN, and Dena Guthrie, RN, 1985.

K for Life: A new, 100-foot, hot-air balloon markets the motto of Grandview Medical Center and Kettering Medical Center.

J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

HEALING MINISTRY—NEWS Kettering Enters Cooperative Agreement With Polish Medical Center Eastern European citizens needing specialized medical procedures will soon be coming to Dayton, Ohio, thanks to a cooperative agreement Kettering Medical Center Network (KMCN) recently signed with a company that created Poland’s first private hospital and westernstyle medical center. Called Swissmed Medical Center (SMC), the 55bed hospital in Gdansk, Poland, opens this month. While it will offer services and technologies unique to the region, SMC will refer patients to KMCN for PET scans and other medical imaging, neurosurgery, Gamma Knife procedures, and catheterizations and implantations to treat health problems like Parkinson’s disease and irregular heartbeat. “Ten to 12 percent of Polish citizens go outside the country for specialized care,” said Gary Lustgarten, director of special projects for KMCN. “We hope to become the provider of choice for these people.” Swissmed receive the benefit of medical, administrative, and operational expertise available from KMCN physicians and officials. “Our physicians will be able to be trained in the best hospitals overseas,” said Roman Walasinski, president of the new hospital. “We are very excited about this cooperative agreement,” said Frank Perez, president and CEO of Kettering Adventist HealthCare. “We’re the first American hospital network to really have this type of agreement with an eastern European hospital. We hope to be able to help many Polish citizens who would not have otherwise had access to state-of-the-art, western medicine. With our base of high technology, medical expertise, and experience in the 48

VISITOR

efficient delivery of quality healthcare, we have a lot to offer.”

Kettering Memorial Opens Bariatric Surgery Unit Obesity is one of our country’s most pressing health concerns, and now Kettering Memorial Hospital (KMH) has the Dayton area’s first facility designed specifically to address that problem. This month, the new, 21-bed, bariatric surgery unit and recovery center, that cost $1.8 million and first opened last August, will get final touches. Equipped with oversized chairs, doorways, and showers, the unit caters to the special needs of obese patients as they recover from surgery. KMH surgeons perform two types of bariatric surgeries that essentially alter the digestive systems of patients to limit the amount of food they can ingest. It is an option limited to the morbidly obese, or those 100 pounds or more overweight. A patient educator will let people know what to expect as they recover from their surgeries and aid their transition to a new, healthier lifestyle. In addition, patients will have a staff of 28 nurses specially trained to care for them. “Hopefully, the warmth experienced by the patient will generate the hope of a new beginning,” says Camille Wilson, RN, BSN, clinical nurse manager for the unit.

some of the significant programs that used to be provided at Franciscan and because so many former Franciscan employees have joined us, we felt it only appropriate that we should get the permission of the current owners to move the cross to Grandview and light it once again for the holidays,” he said. The Sister of the Poor Health Systems told Chew he could have the Cross but was responsible for moving it. As a result, the engineering team at Grandview removed the cross from the Franciscan building and worked in rain and snow to get it in place for the holiday season. John Murphy, vice-president of development for the Grandview Foundation, was particularly moved by the cross’s presence: “As a former employee of Franciscan as well as a community member who has appreciated the cross every year, it is gratifying to see it appropriately lit over our facility,” he said. Chew hopes the new adornment at Grandview will continue to be a beacon for the city of Dayton. “When you see the cross, be reminded of our desire to bring a message of hope to the Dayton community, the true meaning of Christmas, and the extent to which our employees will go to improve the lives of the people in the communities we serve.” —Kevin Lavoie

Beacon Of Hope Shines At Grandview For years it has been a beacon of hope shining above the city of Dayton, Ohio. When Franciscan Medical Center closed its doors in 1999, the lighted cross on their roof top went dark. Recently, Roy Chew, president of Grandview Medical Center inquired about acquiring the cross for Grandview Hospital. “Because Grandview took responsibility for

For a complete listing of Adventist HealthCare and Kettering Adventist HealthCare locations, visit www.columbiaunion.net/ healingministries.

Children bring real blessings into the home. Psalm 127:3

Childhood illnesses. Failing grades. First dates. Even with the Lord’s help, sometimes Christian parenting can seem overwhelming. And if you can’t be there, who will guide your children toward an Adventist lifestyle? Trust Services understands that families need to plan for the unexpected, so we show you how legal documents can express your wishes. With a Trust Services relationship, we’ll be there whenever we’re needed, usually at no cost to you or your estate. To find out more, call Trust Services today. 1-877-WILLPLAN

www.willplan.org

C o l u m b i a U n i o n C o n f e r e n c e Tr u s t S e r v i c e s

BULLETIN BOARD Visitor Advertising and Subscription Information The Columbia Union Visitor accepts display and classified advertising as a service to its members. Announcements such as baptisms, events, legal notices, obituaries, and retirement of church workers will be printed without charge on a space-available basis. The Visitor reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or announcement and does not guarantee the integrity of any product or service advertised. First-time advertisers who are members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church must submit a letter of recommendation from their pastor. Contact information must also be submitted (name, address, phone number and/or e-mail address). First-time advertisers who are not members of the Adventist church must submit letter(s) of recommendation from business members of their community or credit bureaus, as well as their contact information. Payment must accompany all advertisement(s). We do not bill for classified or display advertising. Tear sheets are not provided unless requested. Checks and money orders are accepted. Make checks payable to Columbia Union Visitor and mail together with your advertisement(s) and recommendations (if applicable) to: Sandra Jones, Columbia Union Visitor, 5427 Twin Knolls Rd., Columbia, MD 21045. For display advertising, send your payment to Wilona Karimabadi at the same address. Rates for classified advertising are calculated on a per insertion basis in our 12 issues. Minimum charge is $38 for 50 words or less for ads originating within the Columbia Union Conference, and $48 for all others. Additional words: 60 cents each—inside the Union—and 75 cents each—outside the Union. A 20 percent discount is given for 12 consecutive insertions. Column ads are also available (classified ad in a box), with a maximum word count of 75. The rate is $100 per insertion inside the Union and $125 outside the Union. Ads must be placed a minimum of four weeks before the issue date. Word count is based upon the spaces between words in normal usage. Display Advertising: For rates and information, go to www.columbiaunion.org/visitor/advertising/advertising.html/ or call (888) 4-VISITOR and ask for Wilona Karimabadi at ext. 282. Subscription Information: If you’d like to be added to our mailing list, or are on the list but have an address change, please e-mail visitorlist@columbiaunion.net; call toll-free (888) 4-VISITOR; or mail to the address above (under the Payment section). Please include the name of the conference where your membership is held and your telephone number. If an address change, please send your previous address as listed on the magazine label and your new address. If you live outside the Columbia Union Conference territory, a year’s subscription (12 issues) is $15. Please make your check payable to: Columbia Union Visitor.

EMPLOYMENT LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY SEEKS CHAIR OF ARCHIVES/ SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AND DIRECTOR FOR WHITE ESTATE BRANCH OFFICE. Administers programs, collections, and services. Required: Master's degree (prefer religion or history); must be Adventist; have leadership abilities/ team-building skills; knowledge of Adventist history/ beliefs, including Ellen White and her writings; good written and oral communication skills in English; computer literate. Desirable: public speaking ability; knowledge of latest archival trends; and promotion of scholarly interchange. Call (909) 558-4581, or e-mail webblibrary@dwebb.llu.edu for information.

VISITOR

COLUMBIA UNION COLLEGE SEEKS A FULL-TIME ACCESS SERVICE LIBRARIAN. Master's degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or its foreign equivalent. Submit CV and letter to Human Resources, Columbia Union College, 7600 Flower Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912. E-mail hr@cuc.edu; fax: (301) 891-4020. URGENTLY NEEDED. Taiwan Union Mission urgently needs teachers with the following qualifications: (1) minimum bachelor's degree for English Bible School, (2) minimum bachelor's degree for elementary school, and (3) minimum secondary certification for collegeprep school. Stipend, transportation, accommodations, opportunity to travel, experience new cultures and be a very real part of finishing God's work. Please contact Bob Evans at 18717-233 Mill Villa Rd., Jamestown, CA 95327. Phone: (209) 588-9344 or e-mail: aspac2003@yahoo.com.

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY SEEKS AN ADVENTIST BIOLOGISTEDUCATOR committed to involvement in undergraduate student learning and research for fall 2004. Ph.D. preferred. Send CV, statement of teaching philosophy, research interests, and names of three references to: Dr. Stephen Nyirady, Chair, Biology Search Committee, Southern Adventist University, Collegedale, TN 37315. Fax: (423) 238-2197; e-mail: nyirady@southern.edu. Minorities especially encouraged to apply. SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY SEEKS A FULLTIME COMMUNICATION PROFESSOR to teach speech and other communication classes. Position opens summer 2004. Doctorate in communication field strongly preferred, ABD and MA with significant relevant experience considered. Please send CV/ resume to Volker Henning, Dean, School of Journalism and Communication, Southern Adventist University, Collegedale, TN 37315. Fax: (423) 238-3159, or e-mail materials to henning@southern.edu. For more information, call (423) 238-2733. WALLA WALLA COLLEGE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS SEEKS APPLICANTS for a tenure-track teaching position in either statistics, quantitative methods, and computer-related courses, OR in management and marketing, beginning as early as January 2004. See details at www.wwc.educ/services. Interested Adventists contact Clarence Anderson, School of Business, Walla Walla College, 204 S. College Avenue, College Place, WA 99324. Andecl@wwc.edu. UNION COLLEGE SEEKS TO FILL TENURE TRACK POSITION WITH QUALIFIED ADVENTIST NURSING INSTRUCTOR— beginning summer 2004. Experience in management and leadership and nursing research preferred. Doctorate with teaching experience preferred, MSN with teaching and/or professional experience required. Submit resume to Jeff Joiner, Nursing Program Director, Union College, 3800 S. 48th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506 or e-mail jejoiner@ucollege.edu. HUNTINGDON VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY IS SEEKING A K-10 PRINCIPAL for the 2004-2005 school year. A master’s degree and experience required. Team building, curriculum planning, supervision of staff, and strategic planning skills are desired. Contact Wayne Wentland, Vice-President for Education, 720 Museum Rd., Reading, PA 19611; e-mail waynewayne@nni.com; (610) 374-8331, ext. 213.

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND PSYCHOLOGY SEEKS PSYCHOLOGY PROFESSOR. Clinical/counseling psychology and/or other counseling degree/experience preferred, doctoral degree in any area of psychology will be considered. Duties include teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses along with additional faculty responsibilities. Candidates should submit transcripts (undergraduate and graduate) and curriculum vitae to the SEP Dean, P. O. Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315 or adossant@southern.edu. LASIERRA UNIVERSITY SEEKS APPLICANTS for the following positions—STAFF: cataloging librarian; director of the library. FACULTY: biology assistant/ associate professor; chemistry/ biochemistry assistant/associate professor; physics/biophysics associate professor; School of Business Management marketing track tenure position; School of Education—curriculum and instruction associate professor; associate professor—special education; social work program assistant/associate professor; English and communication assistant professor. For more information, contact (909) 785-2088; fax: (909) 785-2087; e-mail sedwards@lasierra.edu.

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS NEEDED Shawnee Mission Medical Center (SMMC), a Seventhday Adventist community service, has a variety of openings for healthcare professionals. SMMC is a 383-bed, acute care facility located in Johnson County, Kansas. This family-friendly community offers a safe and relaxed atmosphere, high-quality schools, and easy access to museums, cultural arts, and professional sports teams. Please contact the job line: (800) 845-6212 or click on Employment: www.shawneemission.org for a listing of open positions. Contact: Brad Hoffman, Administrative Director of Human Resources, (913) 676-2020 for more information. Resumes may be faxed to (913) 676-2019.

BULLETIN BOARD SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY SEEKS PROFESSOR FOR SOCIAL WORK AND FAMILY STUDIES PROGRAM. Master's degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education required. Doctorate preferred. Candidate must demonstrate successful undergraduate teaching experience. Persons of color are especially encouraged to apply. Candidates should submit transcripts and curriculum vitae to Dr. Rene` Drumm, Dean, P. O. Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315 or rdrumm@southern.edu.

MISCELLANEOUS BARLEYGREEN/BARLEYLIFE TM The greatest source of nutrition on the earth today! Doctorrecommended for its preventive value. Give your cells the food needed for a healthier you. Ask about HERBAL FIBERBLEND Colon Cleanse and our wholesale, money-back guarantee. Improve the quality of your life: (301) 2923397 or (800) 325-6452. CONSIDERING HOMESCHOOLING? Home Study International is the only Christian, accredited, course provider for preschool through college. All courses can be taken individually or as a total curriculum. Earn a high school diploma or finish a college degree. Home Study International, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 209046600; (800) 782-4769; www.hsi.edu. THEFUTUREEVENT.COM—a new Christian Web site on key last day events and very important artifacts concerning Christ's second coming. Please check it out! Then share with friends and relatives, www.TheFutureEvent.com. Thank you and God bless! FOR SALE: Two adjoining burial sites, located in Richmond, Va., at the Riverview Cemetery. Worth $2,500, asking $1,700. Call Knick at (301) 498-6396 or (301) 526-7167. PUBLISH YOUR BOOK! Authors call for our publishing and marketing information. We publish and distribute to Adventist Book Centers, health food stores, and Christian booksellers worldwide. Call (800) 367-1844 or visit our Web site: www.tsibooks.com. HEALTH EVANGELISM MADE EASY: PROJECT: Steps to Christ introduces PROJECT: Steps to Health, four easy steps to reaching your community with the Adventist health message. Program includes health evangelism booklet mailing, Web site: www.projectsth.org and free health video/DVD. Call (800) 728-6872 to learn how you can sponsor a mailing in your area.

55 OR OVER? Be part of our Florida Living Retirement Community. $859 per month for Garden Court rental room, near Orlando. Includes three vegetarian meals daily, utilities, cable, 3ABN, and activities. Heated pool, church on grounds. Close to camp meeting and shopping. Conference owned and operated. Call Sharon: (800) 729-8017 or e-mail SMcKeeverFLRC@aol.com. DON'T THROW OUT THOSE BOOKS! We buy and sell Adventist books written by, published by, or about Adventists. Missing a volume? Looking for an old favorite? Call (800) 732-2664 for information sheet or visit our Web site: www.lnfbooks.com. 2004 SUMMER OPPORTUNITY. Cool summers at almost 3,000 feet—Looking for energetic retired or not retired couple to manage quiet campground in the Laurel highlands of western Pa., near Frostburg, Md., May through October. Lodging provided. Call (301) 689-2769 or (301) 689-8555. RV experience a plus.

REAL ESTATE PHYLLIS NEWMAN SELLS MARYLAND REAL ESTATE ... for both buyers and sellers. Call (800) 586-4669 Re/Max Realty Center, Inc. See our Web site at: www.homesdatabase.com/ realestate. This site gives you MLS access by state, county, zip code, price range, bedrooms/bathrooms, etc. Call me or e-mail phyllisnewman@realtor.com. SCENIC VIEWS AND QUALITY HOME FOR SALE. Built in 1997 on 22.17 acres of land near Asheville, N.C. Five bedrooms; 4.5 baths; two-car garage. Hardwood floors, marble, whirlpool, Anderson windows, fireplace, creek. $349,000. Call Charles Griffin, Chesapeake Conference Association, (410) 995-1910. SHENANDOAH VALLEY RELOCATION SERVICES! Are you thinking about buying or selling a home? Relocating to the New Market area in Virginia? Kids coming to SVA? If so, let me help you with your real estate needs. Call Florin at (800) 701-3176 or (540) 335-8330. Visit www.yourvirginiahome.com for more information. FARM FOR SALE—83 acres located two miles from twoteacher Adventist school and church in Yale, Va., Sussex county. Growing timber. Good pond site. 20 acres—open land. $140,000. Call (434) 246-5004. SELLING OR BUYING ... Clyde and Phyllis Kinder are on your side! We know Adventists; we know Maryland; we know real estate. (301) 776-3380.

HOUSE FOR SALE IN N.E. WASHINGTON, D.C., Michigan Park area, 2 bedrooms, family room, 1.5 baths, 2 kitchens, hardwood floors, one-car garage. $200,000 Call (301) 855-9556.

SERVICES MARYLAND ADVENTIST DENTIST: David Lee, D.D.S., PA, has a comprehensive dental office in Silver Spring and in Ellicott City, Maryland. He is excellent with children and adults, and is highly trained in Cosmetic Dentistry and Implants. For appointments call: Silver Spring (301) 649-5001; Ellicott City (410) 461-6655. Mention this ad and receive 10% discount on all services (excludes third party payors). Our office is a participating provider with Adventist Risk Management.

ANGELS-AT-HOME CARE is a nonmedical, private-pay registry in the Washington, D.C. metro area for the home care needs of the elderly, shut-in members, and post-hospitalized of our Adventist community. We are a committed, Christian-care provider agency. Please call (301) 933-1534 or visit www.tagnet.org/angelsathomecare. MARYLAND ADVENTIST PODIATRIST: Dr. Scott Nutter, highly trained, experienced, and board certified, is available in several locations to help your foot/ankle problems, including arthritis, heel pain, spurs, diabetes, callouses, ingrown nails, sprains, fractures, warts, bunions, etc. Surgery, if it is needed, at Adventist hospitals. Laurel, Md.—(301) 317-6800; Greenbelt, Md.—(301) 345-5200; or Columbia, Md.—(410) 531-6350.

WWW.PHONECARDUNLIMITED. COM—connecting you to the world at unbelievably low rates. Say goodbye to phone bills. At home or away, remember ... www.PhoneCardUnlimited.com whenever you want to reach a loved one ... go to www.PhoneCardUlimited.com. They will answer.

ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN WHO’S BEING PRICED OUT OF HEALTH INSURANCE? Cut your healthcare expenses in half. Join over 50,000 Christians who share one another’s medical bills. Choose any doctor, any hospital, anywhere in the world. Check out nonprofit, Christian Care Medi-Share. For a free guidelines booklet, call toll-free (888) 346-7895.

CHRISTIANSINGLESDATING. COM, FREE 14-day Trial! Join thousands and thousands of Adventist Singles online. FREE Chat, Search, Detailed Profiles, Match Notifications! Date Chat, 2-way compatibility match, 10 photos in your album, voice profiles, confidential online mail. Love, penpals, marriage, dating, articles, surveys, resources, weblinks. Matching Adventists since 1993! Adventist owned and operated.

SINGLES SERVICE: Introducing Adventists discreetly and confidentially since 1987. We have a magazine format with personal ads, plus enlightening and uplifting articles. If you desire information on obtaining friendship, fellowship, or companionship, mail a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope to: DISCOVER, 15550 Burnt Store Road, #153, Punta Gorda, FL 33955.

MOVING? Special Adventist rates and guarantees! Air Van northAmerican is a nationwide mover. Whether you're moving a few items or a truckload, don't move before calling Air Van. It will insure peace of mind and a cost-effective move. Please call (800) 525-1177 to speak with a representative. ELTERNHAUS, INC. Adventist Care for Adventist Seniors. We are thankful for the past, living in the present, preparing for the future. Come join us in the journey. We are an assisted living, Adventist family with a medical component, believing in lifelong care. For information, call Diane Crane: (410) 707-7071 or (443) 535-8881.

Successful Computer Dating Exclusively for Adventists Since 1974

ADVENTIST CONTACT P.O. Box 5419 Takoma Park, MD 20913 (301) 589-4440

PREMIER PODIATRY SERVICES, LLC, is eager to help you get "back on your feet." Dr. Rhonda Nelson, an Adventist podiatrist and graduate of Oakwood College, seeks to provide you and your family with the finest podiatric care, while relieving your foot and ankle discomfort. Office location: Largo, Md. (301) 773-1199. ARE YOU MOVING SOON? Before you rent a U-Haul and do it yourself, check our price and save yourself the hassle. Plan ahead now and reserve a time slot. Fast, direct, and economical. Contact Gary Erhard, Erhard Furniture, 6681 U.S. 31, Berrien Springs, MI; phone (269) 471-7366 evenings from 8-11 p.m., E.T. FREE COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS. 300,000 plus private sector scholarships available for undergraduate and graduate students at accredited colleges in the United States regardless of GPA, finances, age, or citizenship. No repayment. Send a $5 money order for application payable to: Scholarship Service, 29435 Dorsey Street, Sun City, CA 92586. E-mail: willett@mchsi.com; www.sdamall.com/fundcollege. J A N U A RY 2 0 0 4

BULLETIN BOARD TRAVEL/VACATION RV'S!! Adventist owned and operated RV dealership has been helping Adventists for over 30 years. Huge inventory. Courtesy airport pickup and on-site hookups. Satisfied Adventist customer list available. Call toll-free (888) 933-9300. Lee's RV City, Oklahoma City. Visit our Web site www.leesrv.com or e-mail LeesRVs@aol.com. 10-DAY SCANDINAVIA/ RUSSIA CRUISE for health professionals, families/friends—July 12-22, 2004. Includes Denmark, Estonia, Russia, Finland, Sweden, and Germany. Earn 10 hours continuing education credit from LLU Schools of Medicine/ Dentistry. Daily devotions with Dr. Randy Roberts. CME credit: (909) 558-4968; CDE credit: (909) 558-4685; cruise only, call University Travel: (800) 362-3389 or utravel@carlsontravel.com. VACATIONERS—Motel room at Florida Living Retirement Community near Orlando. Twin beds, refrigerator, microwave, TV, heated pool, (no phone). Vegetarian meals available. Church on grounds. Shopping and camp meeting within walking distance. Occupants must be 35 or older. No pets. Owned by Florida Conference. Call Sharon for reservation: (800) 729-8017 or e-mail SMcKeeveFLRC@aol.com. 2004 GREAT CONTROVERSY TOUR, June 10-24, with Dr. Gerard Damsteegt of Andrews University. See prophecies of Daniel and Revelation come alive. Visit Rome and the Reformation sites in the Waldensian Valleys, Switzerland, Germany, and France. A most exciting experience. Call or fax (269) 471-5172. damsteeg@andrews.edu. 2004 OGDEN ADVENTIST GROUP TOURS: Russian River Cruise, July 5-18 with optional pre-cruise to Helsinki, July 1-6 and post-cruise to the Baltics, July 18-25. SOUTH PACIFIC TOUR, September 26-October 21, including Australia, New Zealand, with Fiji option. SOUTH AFRICA TOUR, Nov. 1-18, with wildlife Safari. Each tour includes visit to Adventist churches and schools. Contact Dr. Merlene Ogden, at (269) 471-3781/ ogden@andrews.edu or Judy Zimmerman: (269) 471-7004/ zim41634@aol.com.

LEGAL NOTICES New Jersey Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Special Constituency Meeting Notice is hereby given of a special constituency session of the New Jersey Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. It will 54

VISITOR

convene at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 14, 2004, at the Meadow View Seventh-day Adventist School, 241 Bordentown-Chesterfield Rd., Rt. 528 (Chesterfield Township), Trenton, N.J. The purpose of this meeting is to take action on the recommendation of the constituency to study the issue of secondary education in the New Jersey Conference, as voted in the 37th Regular Constituency Meeting on March 23, 2003, and transact such other educational-related business that may properly come before the constituency at this time. Each church is entitled to one delegate for its organization and one additional delegate for each 50 members or major fraction thereof. The delegates-at-large shall be composed of the conference executive committee members, the credentialed and licensed employees of the conference, and members of the executive committees of the Columbia Union Conference and the General Conference who may be present. LEROY FINCK, President JOSÉ H. CORTÉS, Secretary

ANNOUNCEMENTS BLUE MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL in Hamburg, Pa., will celebrate its 50th anniversary on April 25, 2004, with an open house, program, and reception. Former students and staff please contact the school at bluemtelementary@hotmail.com or telephone Mrs. Edith Galambos at (610) 562-7363. “BUILDING A STRONG MARRIAGE”—Discover what keeps couples together. A marriage enrichment seminar for married and engaged couples. It all starts with supper at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Feb.13. Contact the Family Life Ministry Department at the Mountain View Conference for more information and registration: (304) 422-4581. Early bird registration deadline: Feb. 2.

NAD Youth Ministries’ Leadership Convention February 19-22, 2004

Adams Mark Hotel & Convention Center Denver, Colorado Join 4,000 pastors, youth, Pathfinder, Adventurer, Master Guide, young adult, campus, and camp ministries leaders for all levels of leadership training. Theme: “Stand Still...See God’s Salvation.” For more information, visit

www.adventistyouth ministries.org

Baltimore Cincinnati Cleveland Columbus Jersey City Norfolk Parkersburg Philadelphia Pittsburgh Reading Richmond Roanoke Toledo Trenton Wash., D.C.

Jan. 2 4:54 5:27 5:08 5:18 4:40 5:00 5:14 4:47 5:04 4:49 5:03 5:14 5:15 4:44 4:57

Jan. 9 5:01 5:33 5:15 5:24 4:47 5:06 5:21 4:53 5:11 4:55 5:09 5:20 5:22 4:51 5:04

Jan. 16 5:08 5:40 5:22 5:32 4:54 5:13 5:28 5:00 5:18 5:03 5:16 5:27 5:29 4:58 5:11

Jan. 23 5:16 5:48 5:31 5:40 5:02 5:20 5:36 5:08 5:27 5:11 5:23 5:34 5:38 5:06 5:19

Jan. 30 5:24 5:56 5:39 5:48 5:11 5:28 5:44 5:17 5:35 5:19 5:31 5:42 5:47 5:15 5:27

SUNSET CALENDAR EIGHT WEEKS TO WELLNESS, A LIFESTYLE EMPOWERMENT SEMINAR, will be conducted by Dr. Jim Sharps of the Atholton church in Columbia, Md., beginning January 29 and continuing weekly on Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m., at the Hawthorne Village Center in the Hickory Ridge Village. To register or for further information, please call (410) 884-9319.

OBITUARIES FLEAZACK, Kathryn, born February 22, 1905; died June 27, 2003. She was a member of the Robbinsville (N.J.) church. She is survived by her daughter, Esther Fleazack. HIRSCH, Arthur Julius, born July 5, 1919, in Jersey City, N.J.; died September 14, 2003, in Annapolis, Md. He graduated from the Washington Missionary College (now Columbia Union College), in Takoma Park, Md. While in college he met and married Glenna LaVerne Sandridge and they had two children: Glenna LaVerne and Arthur Jay. He served the denomination as a church pastor, evangelist, and educator. Chesapeake and Potomac conferences were two of the many areas where he pastored. He also taught sociology as a college professor at Columbia Union College. Besides his immediate family, he is survived by one grandson, Raymond Earl Kingsfield of Basye, Va.; one granddaughter, Pamela Renne Vallandingham of Deale, Md.; four great-grandchildren; his brother, Otto Hirsch of Nashville, Tenn.; his brother, Rudolph Hirsch of Arlington, N.J.; and his sister, Ruth Kovalski of Metuchen, N.J.

HOFFMANN, Lorraine P., born August 21, 1927, in Guttenberg, N.J.; died November 17, 2003, in Narrowsburg, N.Y. She was a member of the Honesdale church. She is survived by her sons, Herbert, Craig and Dean; brother Frank Klein; and granddaughters, Lorraine and Rachel. KERR, Robert H., born April 16, 1919, in Pittsfield, Mass.; died December 2, 2003, at his home in Miamisburg, Ohio. Kerr served as a pastor in the church for 59 years, 44 years as a full-time pastor, and 15 years as an interim pastor during his retirement. He served the Columbia Union in the Chesapeake and the Mountain View conferences. Kerr’s ministry carried him to 14 of the eastern states, and he was instrumental in organizing seven new churches. Kerr was preceded in death by his sister, Alice Miriam Kerr. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Juanita Moffitt Kerr; his son, Elton Kerr of Dayton, Ohio; his daughter Sharon Kerr Jenks of Orlando, Fla.; his brother, James Kerr of Columbia, S.C.; and five grandchildren. A Celebration of LIfe Service was held December 7 at the Miamisburg (Ohio) church. Memorial contributions may be made to the children’s ministry program at the Kettering, Ohio, church or to 3ABN. PERCY, Kay, born January 3, 1914, in Pittsubrgh, Pa.; died September 9, 2003, in Dayton, Ohio. She was a faithful member of the Centerville (Ohio) church. She is survived by her daughter, Sue Quackenbush of Dayton, Ohio; her son, David Percy of Reynoldsburg, Ohio; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

BULLETIN BOARD QUACKENBUSH, Dorothy Bramble, born December 26, 1908, in Rock Hall, Md.; died September 22, 2003, in New Market, Va. She was a member of the New Market church. Her husband, Curtis, served as pastor in the Chesapeake and Potomac conferences. She is survived by daughter Jean Strickland, two grandchildren: David Strickland and Jan Osborne; and a great-granddaughter, Rebecca Wilson. REDMAN, Ruth A., long-time resident of Takoma Park, Md., and a member of the Takoma Park church for 67 years, died Friday, November 28, 2003. Born and raised in Bucyrus, Ohio, Mrs. Redman graduated from Mount Vermon Academy. She came to Takoma Park to attend Washington Missionary College (now Columbia Union College), where she graduated in 1935. She worked as a secretary at the Review and Herald Publishing Association, where she met her husband, Leon Redman. After retiring from the Review and Herald, Mrs. Redman worked parttime for several years at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. She is survived by her sister, Mary Stockard of Silver Spring, Md.; her sister-in-law, Evelyn Hermann of Ft. Myers, Fla.; and five nieces and nephews. WRIGHT, Silva A., born November 13, 1914, in Scioto County, Ohio; died October 26, 2003, in Logan, W.Va. She was a member of the Logan church. Mrs. Wright was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Ronald Edward (Eddie) Wright. She is survived by a daughter, Brenda Wright; a son, Elbert Wright; grandchildren: Melissa Kidd, Michael Wright, and Robert Kinser; four greatgrandchildren; and three stepgreat-grandchildren.