Columbia Union Visitor--March 2004 by Columbia Union Visitor

Table of Contents

In Every Issue Editorial

Newsline

Member Profile

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News & Features

Newsletters 15 Allegheny East

Road Map to Change Hamlet Canosa

The Chesapeake Conference’s Executive Committee recently took an extended look at the future direction of K-12 education. Over a five-month period, a group of Chesapeake educators developed a strategic master plan called “Road Map to Change.” Read why this 70-page document may be the answer to the future of Seventh-day Adventist education within the Columbia Union Conference.

Sharing Perspectives: A Discussion About Adventist Education Rob Smith

Jean Audain, math and Bible teacher at Beltsville Adventist School; Doug Hess, a junior at Takoma Academy; and Prabha Borge, grandmother of a second-grader at Sligo Adventist School, recently sat down with Rob Smith, associate superintendent of schools for the Potomac Conference, to discuss Adventist education. See if their views mirror yours.

Students Participate in Mission Outreach

Wilona Karimabadi A key component of any Seventh-day Adventist academy experience is service. Just as algebra, English, and history are integrated into the curriculum, so are opportunities to serve. Discover what some of our academies and colleges are doing to reach out to those in need.

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17 Blue Mountain Academy 19 Chesapeake 21 Columbia Union College 23 El Telescopio 25 Highland View Academy 27 Mountain View 29 New Jersey 31 Ohio 33 Pennsylvania 35 Potomac 37 Shenandoah Valley Academy

Healing Ministry

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Bulletin Board

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Editorial Hamlet Canosa 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

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Publisher

Publishing Board: Harold L. Lee (chair), Celeste Ryan (secretary), Raj Attiken, Charles Cheatham, Dowell Chow, LeRoy Finck, J. Neville Harcombe, Ray Hartwell, James L. Lewis, Edward Motschiedler, Monte Sahlin, 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 President Harold L. Lee Edward Motschiedler Executive Secretary Dowell Chow Treasurer Vice President/Education Hamlet Canosa Robert Patterson Vice President/General Counsel Monte Sahlin Vice President/Creative Ministries Asst. to the President/Communication Celeste Ryan Harold Greene Information Technology Curtis Boore Plant Services Trust Services/PARL Robert Patterson Peggy Lee Revolving Fund 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 ■ www.myalleghenyeast.com ALLEGHENY WEST: James L. Lewis, President; Robert C. Lewis, Visitor Correspondent; 1339 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205. Tel. (614) 252-5271 ■ www.awconf.org 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 ■ www.mtviewconf.org NEW JERSEY: LeRoy Finck, President; Aura Garcia, Visitor Correspondent; 2160 Brunswick Ave., Trenton, NJ 08648. Tel. (609) 392-7131 ■ www.njcsda.org OHIO: Raj Attiken, President; Bette Toscano, Visitor Correspondent; P.O. Box 1230, Mount Vernon, OH 43050. Tel. (740) 397-4665 ■ www.ohioadventist.org PENNSYLVANIA: Ray Hartwell, President; Tamyra Horst, Visitor Correspondent; 720 Museum Rd., Reading, PA 19611. Tel. (610) 374-8331 ■ www.paconference.org POTOMAC: Dave Weigley, President; Janet Olsyne, Visitor Correspondent; 606 Greenville Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401. Tel. (540) 886-0771 ■ www.pcsda.org COLLEGES COLUMBIA UNION COLLEGE: Randal Wisbey, President; Angela Abraham, Visitor Correspondent; 7600 Flower Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912. Tel. (301) 891-4000 ■ www.cuc.edu KETTERING COLLEGE OF MEDICAL ARTS: Charles Scriven, President; 3737 Southern Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429. Tel. (937) 395-8601 ■ www.kcma.edu 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 www.adventisthealthcare.com KETTERING ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: Frank Perez, President & CEO; Kenneth Chaij, Visitor Correspondent; 3965 Southern Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429. Tel. (937) 395-8167 www.kmcnetwork.org Published by the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Printed at the Review & Herald Publishing Association. Volume 109 ■ Issue 3

Reaching the Density of Care “Communities of Care”—a trite Adventist mantra proffered in that steady stream of Adventist jargon or an apt descriptor of sincere and functional commitment to touch the lives of the hurting? Which is it? Consider Henri Nouwen’s perspective of true caring. Such an understanding might cause many to pause before ascribing to themselves the gift of “caring.” “The friend that can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing, and face with us “The friend the reality of our powerlessness— that is the friend who cares” (Out of that can … Solitude, Ave Maria Press). Perchance tolerate not Nouwen’s thoughts reflect his own knowing, not curing, intimate familiarity with Christ, the not healing, and face archetypical essence of a deep and abiding care, which touches and with us the reality of transforms the hurting soul. our powerlessness … To become or remain communiis the friend who cares.” ties of care requires extraordinary —Henri Nouwen understanding, compassion, commitment, and grace. No room for condescension here, my friends. For those who truly care, it’s much more a willingness, or even eagerness, to delve in the mire and brambles that ensnare not just the weak. It’s about risk-taking, moving far beyond our comforts or even safety. Adventist schools, at all levels, are demonstrating enormous giving capacities. Teachers and students give to and participate in national and international mission programs, city evangelism/soup kitchens, Bible distribution programs, etc. It is not unusual to find intra-school evangelism and Bible studies offered on many Adventist campuses. The bustle of constructive activity speaks well of our young people. Such activity, however, demonstrates only one dimension of care.

Living Sermons Adventist education will reach what I call “the density of care,” when every teacher and student instinctively thinks and lives genuine care on and off campus, to Adventists and others, every day, and every moment. When a campus is infected with a concentration of genuine caregivers, ever present and ever ready to simply “be there” for others, then and only then is a density of care approached. When the hearts, minds, hands, and spirit work as one, to hear and respond to the real needs of others, then critical mass is near. In order for our schools to be genuine communities of care, we must begin, maintain, and end each day’s journey with Christ, determined to follow in the steps of the Master servant leader. We can do no less. Living sermons are what we must be, seeking every opportunity to look for and listen to others’ cries for help. While we would have students always look to Jesus, unfortunately, they often look to us, their mentors and friends. Knowing this to be true, let us care for them in the manner that He cares for us. Let us always be ready to take up the towel and basin, and serve to the full measure of our calling. Hamlet Canosa is vice president for education in the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. MARCH 2004

Newsline Maryland School Earns Governor’s Citation Last fall, Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich’s office contacted Pamela Consuegra, principal of Eastern Shore Jr. Academy (ESJA), located in Sudlersville, Md., to say that the school had been selected to receive the Governor’s Citation for Outstanding Service to the Community. What prompted citizens of the surrounding community to notify the governor’s office? It was the positive impact this Seventh-day Adventist school had on community residents. Elisha Pulivarti, executive director for the Governor’s commission on Asian Pacific American affairs, recently presented the proclamation to Consuegra during the Eastern Shore Convocation at the academy. “While our expected outcome was not a Governor’s Citation, this served to help us realize that people were watching and had taken note of our activities,” said Consuegra. Desiring to make a difference in their community, ESJA’s staff and students armed themselves with notebooks, pens, and digital cameras. They visited nearby businesses, conducted interviews, and took photographs. This information was used to create Web sites for each establishment. On the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, students conducted a “Prayer Walk” through the community. Following Hurricane Isabel, which hit during a week of standardized testing, students were anxious to help. The staff decided that, despite the timing, reaching out to others was equally important so students spent a day replacing drywall and clearing debris from lawns. While driving through the streets, a resident of the Rock Hall community flagged down the school’s van and said, “I know who you are; everyone is talking about your willingness to help. Would you please help me move some furniture?” Other activities included collecting food for needy families during Thanksgiving and delivering gifts for children at Christmas. “With a commitment to service and a willing spirit, it is amazing how many opportunities we have been given to bless others,” says Consuegra.—LaVerne Henderson

Columbia Union Adopts Change for Departmental Ministries The President’s Council recently agreed to modify the Columbia Union Conference’s policy toward conference departmental ministries. Under the new approach, a Union coordinator will be selected for each area of ministry. This will occur during an April 20-22 Union Departmental Council. It will include in-service education sessions for departmental directors and become an annual event. Each Union coordinator role will be filled by a conference director who 4

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is nominated by their peers in other conferences throughout the Columbia Union. Special attention will be given to balancing the number of Union coordinators per conference. During the meeting, consideration will also be given to training events that would be more efficiently conducted at the Union level. The Columbia Union will collaborate with North American Division departments and resource centers to provide these “train the trainer” events. Monte Sahlin, Columbia Union vice president for Creative Ministries, will serve as contact person for conference departmental directors and oversee the implementation process.—LaVerne Henderson

Survey Reveals Increase in Church Name Recognition The Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America has surveyed the general public in each of the past four decades since 1970. The 2003 survey reveals a slight increase over the 1994 findings in the percentage of people who recall having heard of the Adventist Church, yet results still lag behind previous findings. The results are as follows: ■ ■ ■ ■

1970: 65 percent 1986: 70 percent 1994: 53 percent 2003: 56 percent

The data further showed that older people, women, and whites had higher name recognition scores. The 2003 survey is based on 1,284 telephone interviews, across the United States and Canada, conducted last summer. The Center for Creative Ministry and the North American Division Office of Information, Research, and Strategic Planning collaborated on the project.—LaVerne Henderson

ASI Prepares for Columbia Union Convention The Columbia Union Chapter of AdventistLaymen’s Services and Industries (ASI) will hold its 2004 convention at the Ramada Inn, Morgantown, W. Va., March 11-14. The Sabbath speaker will be National ASI President Debbie Young. Throughout the weekend ASI members and participants will share experiences about how they are fulfilling the worldwide mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church from their workplaces, communities, and churches. To register online, visit www.asiministries.org or call Denise Thomas-Ellis, Columbia Union Chapter president, at (301) 776-9162 or (240) 372-8066 for more information. Attendees desiring to have a booth should contact Bill Lowe of Advantage Plus at (800) 928-2844 or (301) 797-2844.—Denise Thomas-Ellis

Road Map T O

C H A N G E

Hamlet Canosa

he adage,“Those who fail to plan, plan to fail!” is quite applicable to Adventist education. Across the North American Division, one of the most pressing organizational challenges faced by unions and conferences alike is the state of K-12 education. Financing, physical and organization infrastructure, and decreasing enrollments are a few of a host of educational issues confronting conference officials annually. Escalating costs for medical insurance, retirement, facilities maintenance/capital improvements, and wage scale adjustments alone present a growing urgency to fashion a more strategic approach in providing education services to constituents. Yet, in all honesty, a number of denominational organizations have failed to fully embrace the value of strategic planning. This reality might be explained by the failure of

some managing committees and boards to effectively gauge the “payoff” that strategic planning or “road mapping” provides. Trustees, all too often, are focused exclusively on short-term issues at the expense of long-term viability. What is Organizational Strategic Planning? Strategic planning is a coordinated and systematic process of developing a plan that formulates a course and direction, which maximizes the organization’s potential to fully realize its purpose. It need not be complicated or time-consuming. It is, however, a must for organizations planning to successfully navigate the pressing challenges of our time. All institutions have a “strategic plan” even if it is a vague, unexpressed, or inert sense of mission. More sophisticated boards and institutions have a clearly articulated, appropriate purpose that casts an aligning vision for the future. Effective strategies and goals/action plans substantively contribute to advancing organizational mission. Less sophisticated, disconnected groupings fail to recognize that undertaking structured strategic planning actually saves resources and time, since the price paid for this oversight is costly. Chesapeake Accepts the Challenge During a Chesapeake Conference Executive Committee meeting last year, there was an extended discussion regarding the current and future direction of K-12 education. Concerns were expressed and key issues raised. The following questions were proffered: 1. What percentage of Adventist students are in the K-12 system? 2. Why are some Adventist students not in the system and how is this being addressed? 3. How much is being spent on K-12 education and what is the formula? 4. How does academy funding affect the rest of the K-12 system? 5. What are the theological and policy implications

for broader financial support (i.e., tithe dollars) of Christian education? The most frequently asked question was whether or not a conference-wide education “strategic master plan” existed. Ultimately, the committee voted to commission a group, chosen by the K-12 Board of Education, to create a plan or revisit and refocus any existing plan. Over a five-month period, a group of Chesapeake educators—with over 175 cumulative years of K-16 experience—developed a strategic master plan proposal for consideration by the K-12 Board and the Conference Executive Committee. Chaired by the Columbia Union Conference Office of Education, this ad hoc taskforce developed a comprehensive proposal entitled “Road Map to Change,” advancing 18 specific elements (goals), each with a proposed implementation strategy and target date for completion. The development of this 70-page document, including appendices, was deliberate, systematic, and the result of extensive research. The “Road Map to Change,” with minor revisions, was approved as a conference-wide, five-year, K-12 education plan in December 2003. Allowing for immediate initiation of several elements consistent with the conference’s interests and prioritizing the elements, implementation, and target dates to its needs, the Executive Committee voted to present the strategic master plan to the Chesapeake Conference constituency this October. No organization can effectively realize its purpose unless it is broadly owned by stakeholders and viewed as the organization’s central mission. Moreover, preoccupation with the present cannot stand in the way of charting a vision for the future of K-12 education. Therefore key decision-makers must facilitate the development of frameworks as “starters” for constituents to consider. A copy of Chesapeake’s “Road Map to Change” will soon be provided to each conference president and education superintendent in the Columbia Union. It is hoped that as these decision-makers become familiar with the document, many will be encouraged to consider the strategic planning process as an effective, productive planning tool. While the plan is not a “cure all,” it outlines a chosen journey for K-12 Adventist education. Building on Our Strengths Charting specific, mission-driven strategies is dependent, in large measure, on an intra-organizational commitment to effectively and accurately research past performance. Thus, avenues of openness and facilitation are key to accumulating reliable data from which future performance benchmarks can be established. System viability requires vigilant attention by those entrusted to shape and guide it; education systems are no less dependent. How a system may have been created and sustained over previous years cannot auto-

matically rule out the possibility of reshaping it— internally and externally—to more effectively address today’s realities. In short, good stewardship requires all stakeholders, in particular, trustees, to carefully oversee and direct system resources to maximize the realization of mission and insure long-term viability. A system’s future must incorporate its past; rich, historic narratives should never be lost. They encompass the necessary inspiration to build on that past. Our future is inextricably tied to our spiritual and educational heritage, which should be carefully noted and celebrated. System growth can also result from the intentional, strategic inclusiveness of those who may not be involved in the whole, yet desirous of participating in parts. Technology, for instance, is creating asymmetrical structures in the delivery of K-12 education that can no longer be ignored. Also, home schools should not be viewed as competitors—but as partners. And, because opportunities exist for reshaping the system, more can be done for students with special education needs. Human resources in education are vital to a system’s health. Equipping teachers with prime resources benefits all students. In order to attract and retain top-notch teaching talent, organizational quality must exist at all levels. This is crucial in identifying, selecting, and nurturing administrative talent and creating effective leadership teams at the local school level. Finally, the vitality of Christian education has rested on the wisdom, commitment, and interests of the constituents served. God has entrusted His Church, and its leaders, with the responsibility of educating His youth for service. The Adventist K-12 school system plays a key role in that process. Involving stakeholders in consistent, effective system analysis can only serve to strengthen His work and those called to advance it.

Strategic Planning Key for K-12 Education

Hamlet Canosa is vice president for education for the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. MARCH 2004

sharing

erspectives

A Discussion About Adventist Education

Rob Smith

s associate superintendent of schools for the Potomac Conference, I oversee seven Seventh-day Adventist schools in the Greater Washington area. It is my privilege to support and assist teachers and administrators as they engage students in the learning process and nurture their spiritual formation. Recently, I sat down with three individuals directly connected to Adventist education in Maryland schools—a teacher, student, and parent. Jean Audain teaches math and Bible to students in grades 6-8 at the Beltsville Adventist School. Doug Hess is a junior at Takoma Academy (TA) and a graduate of John Nevins Andrews (JNA) School, both located in Takoma Park. Prabha Borge has a granddaughter in the second grade at Sligo Adventist School, also in Takoma Park. This interview emphasizes the genuine mission of Adventist education, as seen through their eyes:

Rob: What makes Adventist education unique? Jean: As Adventist teachers we educate our students from the perspective of training workers for Christ. Therefore, my goal is to help young people discover their God-given worth and the gifts He has given them. I work to instill the desire to connect with God through a deep and lasting relationship with Him. This, in turn, is reflected in the way they treat others.

Jean Audain

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Doug: The spiritual aspect of Adventist education makes it unique. At TA you can pray whenever you want, and the school has regularly planned chapel programs. I always hear that our teachers are really different because they care a lot about you, but I have never been out-

side of the Adventist system. Sometimes I hear friends say, “I want to go to public school.” But it always seems like those who do end up coming back, because an Adventist school really offers something special. Prabha: What you are taught in Adventist schools—you never forget. It stays with you for a lifetime. They teach students how to be socially, physically, academically, and spiritually strong. I am especially pleased with the spiritual training. Rob: What opportunities for service and outreach have you found in Adventist schools? Prabha: They promote service to others, which changes your entire attitude. Wherever you are—on your job, shopping, wherever—people recognize that you are different. Doug: I’ve had many opportunities for outreach activities in Adventist schools. Last year during our week of prayer many of us went to local nursing homes to visit the residents and to Washington, D.C., to feed the homeless. As an eighth-grader at JNA, I went to Duckworth Elementary, a public school for students with disabilities, to coach them once a week. Jean: Adventist education helps students identify their gifts and talents and use them for God’s glory.

Doug: The weeks of prayer and chapels are a real blessing. Even the daily worships make a difference in my day. We recently returned from a history trip to Boston. It was great; my three roommates and I had a deep theological debate one Friday night. I have made many good friends who support me in my walk with God. Rob: What are some of the challenges facing Adventist education?

Prabha Borge

even greater focus on spiritual things—more worships and chapels as part of the curriculum. Jean: My dream is that Adventist schools will become a training ground for missionaries who don’t need to leave the country to serve and hasten Christ’s return. Prabha: I, too, believe that Adventist education can play a part in hastening the Lord’s coming. However, we need more of our children in Adventist schools. I want to see them shine for the Lord. Rob Smith is associate superintendent of schools for the Potomac Conference.

Doug: Adventist education must continue its spiritual focus. It is easy, with

A Discussion About Adventist Education Whether it’s leadership, singing, or dramatic presentations, these skills can be used as a future avenue to bring others to Christ. Rob: What blessings have you received, and imparted, based on your connection to Adventist education? Jean: It is a blessing for me to see my students grasp new concepts, to watch them grow in their relationship with Christ. I can be a blessing as I provide young people with opportunities to seek God’s love and discover His great purpose for their lives. Prabha: Adventist education emphasizes the blessing of the Sabbath. As a family, we always look forward to the Sabbath.

all of the “academic” requirements, to take time away from Bible classes and spiritual activities. This is a mistake. The spiritual aspect must be a priority. Jean: Dealing with the difficult home environments of some students is a major concern. It is a challenge to create order in the midst of the chaotic tempest swirling around them. It’s important always to remember that God can calm the storms in students’ lives and bring peace to them, their families, and teachers. There is always hope.

Doug Hess

Rob: What dreams do you have for the future of Adventist education? Doug: I would like to see an MARCH 2004

Students Participate in

Mission Outreach Wilona Karimabadi

key component of the Seventhday Adventist academy experience is service. Throughout a student’s time at any institution, opportunities to serve are integrated into the curriculum, just as much as time spent mastering algebra, English, or history. In the Columbia Union, schools regularly count mission trips as part of the curriculum during the course of the academic year. Here’s a look at what some of our academies and colleges are doing to reach out to the world:

10 days renovating the Goshen Youth Camp. They painted the church, built new cabins, and repaired the food service area. The second group—18 students and five faculty members— traveled to Miami, Fla., to build a house with Habitat for Humanity.

Garden State Academy Tranquility, New Jersey GSA students will go to Southern California this month to spend a week working at an orphanage.

Spring Valley Academy Centerville, Ohio Spring Valley students traveled to Romania from December 28-January 7. They participated in building projects for an orphanage, staffed a day camp, and presented worships. The group consisted of 23 students and nine sponsors.

Shenandoah Valley Academy New Market, Virginia SVA students will head to Arizona this month to help the Chinle School on the Navajo reservation.

Highland View Academy Hagerstown, Maryland HVA students will travel to Belize with other Chesapeake Conference Columbia Union College members. The 39-member group Takoma Park, Maryland includes 25 students and three faculty. In 1959, CUC was the first school in the North American Division to deploy Mount Vernon Academy student missionaries. The college’s Mount Vernon, Ohio commitment to service is world MVA students participated in two renowned. In January a group traveled mission trips last month. The first to Belize to build a church. Other group—33 students and eight faculty groups will travel to El Oasis, Mexico— members—went to Guyana and spent March 5-14—to work on an orphanage, and Zambia, Africa—May 28-June 12— for a preaching/evangelism effort. Photos from Spring Valley. Top: Craft time was a favorite of the orphans. Middle: Ohio & Romania—Forever bonded, forever changed. Bottom: Volunteers retiled the girls’ shower room at the orphanage.

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To find out how to organize a mission trip through your school or conference, contact your campus chaplain. Also, check out Maranatha’s Web site at www.maranatha.org.

As a bridegroom rejoices, so too does God rejoice.

Isaiah 62:5

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Member Profile Beth Michaels

Potomac Teaching Duo

40 After

Retires ob and Pencie Young never imagined they would spend 40 years teaching at the small Danville Seventh-day Adventist School. As they prepare for retirement in May, the Youngs are grateful that the Lord allowed them to touch the lives of hundreds of students and generations of families. The Youngs attended Adventist colleges and graduated from Andrews University before they found themselves at the two-room school in Danville, Va., Pencie’s hometown. With an average of 25 students per year, Pencie taught kindergarten through fourth grade and Bob taught fifth through eighth. They covered all subjects—including religion and athletics—and were responsible for running the school. “If you’re doing a service, the size of the school doesn’t matter,” says Bob.

Generations of Memories What kept them in Danville for 40 years? “The people had confidence in us and we were satisfied,” explains Pencie. They nurtured strong roots in the town of approximately 50,000 by “becoming a part of the community and participating in church activities,” says Bob. “I’ve been able to minister to nephews and nieces and see them baptized,” remembers Pencie. “It was very rewarding.” Randy Maxie, who recently finished a 12-year term as Danville school-board chair, was one of the Young’s first students when he graduated from eighth grade in 1972. “My father was not a Seventh-day Adventist,” he says, “so I always looked up to Mr. Young.” His fondest memory is of Bob’s 30-minute Bible readings after lunch. “He did it with me, my children, and he still does it.” For 1973 graduate Karen Pickeral, creative writing day, art class, and Christmas are great memories. “The Youngs taught us to get up front; many students have become leaders

as a result.” Both of Pickeral’s children graduated from the school. Gabriel Compton, who will graduate from 12

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Years

eighth grade this year, is following in the footsteps of his father, Simon, and brother, Joshua. Unhappy with the news of the teaching duo’s retirement, he says, “They have a connection with the students. You can always go to them for help.” Joshua, who graduated in 1989, says, “The Youngs dedicated their lives to the school. They never had children of their own and were like a mother and father to many students.” Joshua feels the stress of the Youngs’ departure as he plans to send his two young sons to Danville. A member of the school’s evaluation committee, he knows it will be hard to fill the shoes of this dedicated couple.

A World of Change Education, along with the world, is constantly changing. For the Youngs, recipients of the cherished Zapara Award for Excellence in Teaching, the additional pressure on students to excel quicker has been difficult. “It seems like you have to do more in less time,” explains Bob. Pencie is concerned with the emergence of more hyperactive children. With the advance of technology, Bob believes more hands-on education is vital. Pencie says Christian educators must continue to instill positive values. “For those who lose their way, the seeds are sewn,” she says. With retirement, the couple looks forward to traveling and other luxuries. However Pencie, in her devotion to children, will consider tutoring. After 40 years of distinguished, educational service, they are wished God’s richest blessings. Beth Michaels is a wife, mother, and freelance writer living in Washington, D.C.

Statement of Policy窶年ondiscrimination in Adventist Schools The Seventh-day Adventist Church, in all of its church-operated schools, admits students of any race to all privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at its schools and makes no discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, handicap, ethnic background, or national origin in the administration of education policies, applications for admission, scholarship or loan programs, and extracurricular programs. The governing body of the Church has ruled officially, and in practice abides by, the following policies:

2. Preferential hiring shall be practiced only on the basis of freely chosen adherence to Adventist tenets essential to the operation of an Adventist institution. 3. Compensation and benefits will be administered without regard to race, color, ethnic background, country of origin, creed, age, or sex except where age, or sex is a bona fide occupational qualification. 4. Decisions for the promotion of employees will be based upon the qualifications of an individual as related to the requirements of the position for which he or she is being considered. 5. Inasmuch as the personal life and professional identity of an individual are inseparable, all employees are expected to conform to the standards of conduct that are in harmony with Seventh-day Adventist practices. Allegheny East Conference: Baltimore Junior Academy, Calvary Adventist School, DuPont Park Junior Academy, Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Junior Academy, George E. Peters Adventist School, Hillside Seventh-day Adventist Church School, Mount Olivet Adventist School, Mount Sinai Adventist School, Pine Forge Adventist Elementary School, Sharon Temple Adventist School, Sojourner Truth Adventist School, Trinity Temple Adventist School, Wilbert F. Mays Adventist School. Academy: Pine Forge Allegheny West Conference: Columbus Adventist Academy, Ethnan Adventist Christian School, Ramah Adventist Junior Academy, Shiloh Adventist Prep School Chesapeake Conference: Atholton Adventist School, Baltimore White Marsh Adventist School, Berkeley Springs Seventh-day Adventist School, Crest Lane Seventh-day Adventist School, Crossroads Seventh-day Adventist School, Eastern Shore Junior Academy, Frederick Seventh-day Adventist School, Friendship Seventh-day Adventist School, Gateway Christian Academy, Martin Barr Seventh-day Adventist School, Mount Aetna Seventh-day Adventist School, Rocky Knoll Seventh-day Adventist School, Susquehanna Seventh-day Adventist School, Wilmington Junior Academy. Academies: Highland View, Spencerville Adventist Mountain View Conference: Buckhannon Seventh-day Adventist School, Charleston Adventist School, Greenbrier Adventist School, Highland Adventist School, Mountaintop

Adventist School, Parkersburg Academy, Summersville Adventist School, Valley View Adventist School, Willowbrook Christian Academy of Seventh-day Adventists New Jersey Conference: Cohansey Adventist School, Collingwood Park Adventist School, Delaware Valley Junior Academy, Lake Nelson Junior Academy, Meadow View Junior Academy, Parkway South Seventh-day Adventist School, Tranquility Adventist School, Waldwick. Academy: Garden State Ohio Conference: Cincinnati Junior Academy, Clarksfield Seventh-day Adventist School, Elyria Christian Academy, Greater Columbus Christian School, Hamlet Seventhday Adventist School, Ham-Mid Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School, Lancaster Seventh-day Adventist School, Mansfield Seventh-day Adventist School, Mayfair Junior Academy, Mount Vernon Seventh-day Adventist School, Newark Seventh-day Adventist School, Piqua Seventh-day Adventist School, Spring Valley Elementary, Toledo Junior Academy, Twin Oaks Seventh-day Adventist School, Zanesville Seventh-day Adventist School. Academies: Mount Vernon, Spring Valley Pennsylvania Conference: Blue Mountain Adventist Elementary School, Fairview Village Adventist School, Gettysburg Seventh-day Adventist Church School, Harrisburg Adventist School, Huntingdon Valley Christian Academy, Irvin Comstock Adventist Elementary School, Lake Erie Adventist School, Lancaster Adventist School, Lehigh Valley Adventist Elementary School, Mountain View Adventist School, Reading Adventist Junior Academy, Richland Christian School, Stroudsburg Adventist School, West Chester Seventh-day Adventist Christian School, Wyoming Valley Adventist Elementary School, York Adventist School. Academy: Blue Mountain Potomac Conference: Appomattox Seventh-day Adventist School, Beltsville Seventh-day Adventist School, C.F. Richards Junior Academy, Danville Seventh-day Adventist School, Desmond T. Doss Seventh-day Adventist School, Echo Valley Christian School, Fairmont Christian Preparatory School, Hampton Roads Seventh-day Adventist School, J.N. Andrews School, Olney Adventist Preparatory School, Powell Valley Christian School, Richmond Academy Elementary School, Roanoke Adventist Preparatory School, Robert A. Lewis Christian School, Shenandoah Valley Adventist Elementary School, Sligo Adventist School, Stanley Seventh-day Adventist School, Tappahannock Junior Academy, Tidewater Adventist Academy Elementary, Vienna Junior Academy, Yale Elementary School. Academies: Richmond, Shenandoah Valley, Takoma, Tidewater

Pastor, surf the web and enhance your ministry AdventSource provides the most comprehensive collection of resource materials available for Seventh-day Adventists today. Visit our web site or call us to find out which resources can help you maximize y o u r ministry.

AdventSource.org 800-328-0525 BOOKS DVD/VIDEO MINISTRY APPAREL ACCESSORIES eFILES

55-030725c 315.44b

1. Equal employment opportunities shall be afforded, with no discrimination in recruitment or hiring against any employee or application because of race, color, ethnic background, country of origin, age or sex except where age or sex is a bona fide occupational qualification.

MARCH 2004

New Life Church Fulfills 18-Year Dream here were shouts of hallelujah and joy as the members of the New Life Seventh-day Adventist Church moved into their brand new facility in Gaithersburg, Md. The new facility was a dream—18 years in the making—and completed under the leadership of current Pastor Errol Stoddart and building committee chair Larry Vaughan. Members celebrated the achievement in style. After Sabbath School at the old facility, they paraded by car to open the new building for its first church service where Barry Black, chaplain of the United States Senate, spoke the word. A vespers dedication service included Allegheny East Conference (AEC) President Charles Cheatham, a gospel concert, wellA conversation between Donna Orr wishes from the pastors of other area (left) and Claudette Hargrove in 1985 churches, and awards and special led to the organization of the New Life thanks to many who helped make the Seventh-day Adventist Church that opening possible, including Claudette today has 200 members. Hargrove and Donna Orr. It was May of 1985 when these two women joked about how far each traveled to attend church, and how they wished for one closer to home. In June, the women met with EmmanuelBrinklow Church Pastor Henry Fordham (now conference secretary) who agreed to have his church sponsor the new Gaithersburg Company. The first Pastor Errol Stoddart (left) congratulates organizational meeting was held September 28 at Orr's home. The 14 families building committee Chair Larry Vaughan in attendance were an answer to prayer and a signal from God that this dream for helping the congregation realize its should be pursued. Waverly Massenburg was asked to serve as lay leader of dream of having a new church home. the group, under the guidance of J. W. Warren, a seasoned lay pastor. On October 16, the first prayer meeting was held at Kenneth Campbell's home, with five families. The next week, seven families attended and gave $24.37 for the first offering. When space became limited, the group moved to an area middle school for Sabbath services, where attendance continued to grow. From this small beginning of 30 members in 1985, to more than 200 today, came the New Life church.

Addressing Community Issues According to Pastor Stoddart, church members not only want to have a home in the community, they want to bring it new life. During the sniper attacks of October 2002, they went door-to-door encouraging frightened residents. Now they're going to take on gangs and youth violence. “We are greatly disturbed about the rising tide of violence in the area, especially among the youth,” said Stoddart. He says members (some are certified drug and youth counselors) plan to open the church to troubled youth and others in the community—offering anti-violence seminars, buddy programs, recreational activities, health seminars, and drug rehabilitation programs. —Rocky Twyman and Celeste Ryan

Couple Named “Washingtonians of the Year” esse and Mary Reaves (right), founders of the Fourth Street Seventh-day Adventist Soup Kitchen in Washington, D.C., were recently named “Washingtonians of the Year” for 2003 and featured in Washingtonian Magazine. The couple have coordinated meals for dozens of homeless persons every Sunday for 30 years.

MARCH 2004

Buzz Talk: The Lesson of the Bumblebee ’ve read somewhere that, according to the theory of aerodynamics, the bumblebee is unable to fly. This is because the weight, size, and shape of his body in relation to its total wingspan, make flying impossible. However, the bumblebee, being ignorant of these scientific truths, goes ahead and flies anyway—and makes a little honey everyday. What we are trying to instill in every young person that attends Pine Forge Academy (PFA) is that, no matter what the statistics are, or what negative news reports say about young African-Americans, they have an opportunity to beat the odds everyday and even make a little “honey” in the process. Our “bumblebees” recently produced “honey” on January 5, when the PFA Choir was the featured musical guest at the inauguration of Philadelphia Mayor, the Honorable John F. Street. As the PFA Choir sang the National Anthem acapella, and a soul-stirring rendition of “Someday,” the audience was brought to their feet. Continue to pray for these young “bees” as they spread their “wings,” and remember Isaiah 40:3: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall George E. Thornton Sr., D.Min. mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, Principal and not faint.”

PFA Choir: A Blessing to all Who Hear Them ord, I’ll get home someday.” The PFA Choir prayerfully and earnestly sings the closing line to Dr. Nathan Carter’s arrangement of the hymn “Someday.” The audience is moved by the deep and powerful lyrics, tears streaming down some of their faces. Now, receiving this type of reaction, it can easily cause a stirring in the performers’ egos. However, the unique attribute of this choir is that they, as well, are applauding and giving praise to God—with tears streaming down some of their faces. PFA’s choir has a strong tradition. It has consistently served as a strong organization producing a mature and harmonious sound that one would not ordinarily expect to hear from a high school choir. They have been blessed to take their ministry to most of the continental United States and a few international locations, such as Canada and Barbados. This year alone the choir has gone to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and North Carolina.

The choir is used by God to bless others wherever they go. The wonderful thing about the choir’s ministry is that the individual members of the choir are cognizant of their mission and it reflects in their actions and singing. Being in the choir also serves as a personal blessing to the members. “In Matthew 28, we are called to be witnesses for God, but not everyone can preach a sermon or teach Sabbath School. Choir is truly a tool God uses to minister to our audiences and to ourselves,” says Johntay Brown, junior, and second year choir member. Senior Rishee Smith has this to say about being in the choir: “Choir is important to me because it’s a source of relief. Whenever I’m stressed and just can’t take it anymore, singing about the love of God always makes me feel better and forget about my troubles.” Under the current leadership of Director Jason Max Ferdinand, along with the assistance of the PFA music department chair/principal accompanist, Toni Caldwell-Hall, and accompanist/PFA science instructor Neil Thomas, the choir still continues to make grounds, singing into all the world and making disciples for Jesus Christ. For more information regarding the Pine Forge Academy Choir, please contact (610) 326-5800, ext. 21. —Tiffany S. Taylor

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

The PFA Choir is used by God to bless others wherever they go. 16

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

MARCH 2004

The Thrills of Adventist Education sometimes ask myself why I have chosen education as a career. There are long hours to put in, grueling meetings to attend, and heart-wrenching decisions to make. And often I don’t get to see the results of my efforts. But then God reminds me of the “Angelas” who come into my world, and the answer becomes clear. Angela’s family was not Adventist, but she attended the local Adventist elementary school. Because of the positive influence of teachers and friends there, and her exposure to the academy and its programs, she determined to attend Blue Mountain Academy (BMA). During her seventh- and eighth-grade years, she —Spencer R. Hannah questioned that decision, largely because it would be financially impossible. However, God opened many doors for her with strong support from several donors and much encouragement from friends, and Angela was able to Angela Reager, Class of 2006 enroll as a freshman. Watching Angela grow continues to be exciting. She studies hard and is marching steadily toward graduation. Angela is also a valuable employee, often volunteering to do extra work when needed. And it is really fun to watch her take other students under her wing and encourage them. The greatest thrill was being present for her baptism last spring. Angela is a sophomore this year and continues to grow within the safe environment of BMA. NEWS We take God’s command very seriously: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and BMA to Host First Purity Conference when he is old, he will not On May 7-8, BMA will host our first purity depart from it” (Prov. 22:6). conference. Young people from across the For me there is no better place Columbia Union are encouraged to attend. Our to be than right here, working with, speakers are authors Dannah Gresh, The Bride and watching God work miracles Wore White, and Bob Gresh, Who Moved the in the lives of our students. God Goal Posts? Together, they will call our young gives me courage through prepeople to a commitment to purity. For more cious results that I can witness, information about this conference, and to find yet I know there is much more out how to reserve your spot, contact our happening that I may never hear chaplain’s office, (610) 562-6501 or e-mail about until Jesus comes. Pastor David Ferguson, davidf@bma.us.

The greatest thrill was

being present for Angela’s

baptism last

spring ...

Spencer R. Hannah Principal MARCH 2004

Alumni Weekend Slated for April veryone is invited to join us April 23-25 for a great weekend of activities! Our sixth Annual Golf Tournament will take place April 23. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at Hidden Valley Golf Course in Pine Grove. The shotgun start is at 11 a.m. The cost is $150 for a two-man scramble. The hole-in-one winner will receive a car. Other awards will be given for the first and second place teams, longest drive, and closest to the pin on all par 3 holes. Sabbath programs Dean Negri, David Ferguson, Duane Ferguson, begin at 7:30 p.m. on and Jesse Leone all geared up for a day of golf Friday. Sabbath School at BMA’s 2003 tournament. begins at 9:45 a.m., and the featured speaker for church is Elaine (Burnette) Watson, Class of ’79. Our 5K run is set for April 25. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the pavilion. The cost is $15 per person. Following the run will be our third Annual Alumni Brunch and Alumni Business Meeting at 10:30 a.m.

Honor Classes Lake Ariel Academy, Philadelphia Academy; Classes of 1944, 1954, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, and 1994. President: Karen Holland, holland5@mindspring.com, (843) 686-6086 1st Vice President: Joanne Kowlowitz, writejob@comcast.net, (800) 927-6879 2nd Vice President: Sylvia Garey, (207) 455-5920 Secretary/Treasurer: Kim Collins, (610) 562-5401 Philadelphia Academy: Frank DiMemmo, dimemmo@southern.edu BMA Alumni Relations: Kathleen Sutton, kathys@bma.us, (610) 562-4214 BMA Principal: Spencer Hannah, spencerh@bma.us, (610) 562-2291

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EVENTS March 5, 6 Elementary Music Festival

March 9-23 Pennsylvania Conference Mission Trip

March 10-21 Spring Break

March 26, 27 Tour Weekend

March 29-April 3 Focus Week

April 4 Junior/Senior Reception

April 9, 10 Tour Weekend

April 13-19 Senior Class Trip

April 14-18 Home leave

April 23-25 Alumni Weekend

April 23

Alumni Executive Committee

Sally Worley (center) shows her enthusiasm at the awards ceremony. Pictured with her are John Casillas and Karen Holland.

Coming

Please visit our Web site for more information about these special events and about our school. Log on to www.bma.us, or call to request applications.

Golf Tournament

April 25 5K Run Alumni Brunch

April 30 La Sonnette Home Concert

May 1 Bel Canto Vespers Band Concert

May 2 Aerial Aires Home Show

May 2, 3 Academy Days

Communiqué is published in the Visitor by Blue Mountain Academy ■ 2363 Mountain Road, Hamburg, PA 19526 ■ Phone: (610) 562-2291 Fax: (610) 562-8050 ■ Editor, Kathleen Sutton E-mail: kathys@bma.us ■ www.bma.us ■ Copy Editor, Louise Corbin

MARCH 2004

Inspiring Worship orship—sincere, genuine, and inspiring—is the very mainspring of the life of the church. A sense of mystery, awe, wonder, and praise must pervade the consciousness of the church. All too often this is lost in our busyness. Our faith then becomes pedestrian and trivial, lacking the ingredients which prompt true reverence. Worship must be the inspiration for all things in the life of the church. Every department or organization within the church exists for some specific purpose of relating people to God. The organizations are a means to an end, not ends in themselves. Everything in the church—teaching, finances, ministries, activities—must be undergirded by inspiring worship. Worship has issues in death—the death of self-centeredness. Worship, when it is inspiring, attunes us to God’s purpose. Worship does not satisfy our hunger for God, it whets our appetite. Our need for God is not taken care of by engaging in worship—it deepens. It overflows the hour and permeates the week. Too often we have argued about worship styles and not given enough attention to creating a worship experience that is of the highest quality—well planned, participatory, and reflective of the inner joy we have found in Christ. Each church must discover ways of making their Neville Harcombe worship experience inspiring to those who attend. It will lead to an increase in attendance President and an increased effectiveness in all that the church does.

NEWS Evangelism Rally to Feature Training On March 7, an intensive evangelism rally, “Preparing for the Harvest,” will be held at the Columbia Union Conference office. The rally will feature knowledgeable presenters such as Bob Folkenberg, Carolina Conference; Dale Galusha, Pacific Press; Gary Gibb, Adventist Television Network; Al Johnson, North American Division Adult Ministries; and Gary Lundsford, Ritz Audio/Visual. They will be sharing their expertise on conducting lay meetings locally, as well as overseas; following up the Sow 1 Billion initiative; operating a Discover Bible School in the local church; using the new DVD, Power Point, and media equipment; and giving personal Bible studies. The rally, which is scheduled to last from 9:30 a.m.– 5:30 p.m., requires pre-registration and there is a small charge to cover lunch and materials. Contact Frank Bondurant at (410) 995-1910, ext. 48.

Chesapeake Youth Plan Mission Trips to Belize Belize will be the focal point of Chesapeake’s teen mission trips over the next several years. Two groups of 42 participants will spend 10 days in Belize during the end of March (18-28) and the end of June (20-30). The long-range plan includes finishing the Hillview church and building schools in Hillview and Eden. Plans also include the construction of a repeater station in the town of Independence for Faith FM—the largest Christian radio station in the country.

Family Ministries Presents Romantic Couples Retreat Over the Valentine’s Day weekend, a group of 15 couples focused their attention on strengthening their marriages at the annual Romantic Couples Retreat sponsored by Chesapeake Family Ministries. Claudio Consuegra and his wife, Pamela, led out in the retreat, held in Ocean City, Md., at the Dunes Manor Hotel. Participants noted appreciation for the practical nature of the weekend’s programming and the overall quality of the retreat experience.

Camp Meeting Reservation Time Nearing Every year the demand for housing at camp meeting exceeds the available supply. Every effort is made to accommodate the wishes of our constituents while maintaining as fair a process as possible. The process is on a first-come-first-served basis, according to the envelope’s postmark. No reservations will be accepted postmarked before April 19. Hand-delivered applications will be stamped with the date of delivery as if postmarked on that date. Applications postmarked or arriving before the 19th will be remarked as if mailed on the 20th. An application blank is printed on the next page. Details of this year’s program will be published both in the Chesapeake Currents and the May issue of The Challenge.

MARCH 2004

The Challenge is published in the Visitor by the Chesapeake Conference ■ 6600 Martin Road, Columbia, MD 21044 Phone: (410) 995-1910 ■ Editor, Rob Vandeman ■ Editorial Assistant, Barbara-Lee Boyd 20

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MARCH 2004

Phonathon Contributes to Fund-raising Success wo times a year, Columbia Union College (CUC) seeks help to raise necessary funds to advance the ministries, academics, building projects, and other programs crucial to the college’s success. One is in March during the special offering dedicated to CUC. The other is the phonathon for Columbia Union College’s Annual Fund, which ended December 31, 2003. “This was the first year we’ve used an outside firm to help us. As a result, we’re more than 50 percent ahead of last year,” said Kristin Netteburg, the Fund’s assistant director. “Our supporters responded enthusiastically to our callers. Using an outside firm was an asset to our bottom line, not a liability. It gave us much better efficiency in reaching our goals and managing our resources.” The Annual Fund provides monies for scholarships, building maintenance, educational events, library improvements, and a variety of other necessities for the growth and stability of the school. In the past, the annual phonathon covered two weeks, draining staff, students, and other campus resources. CUC does not have proper facilities or equipment to efficiently reach thousands of people. Under the previous procedure, it would normally take several years to reach each supporter one time. During the recent campaign, more than one third of the list was contacted in less time than usual—without additional net costs. “When factored against the costs of doing it ourselves, we came out well ahead of last year. I was able to listen-in on many of the calls to assure their quality, and was nothing but pleased,” added Netteburg. “They demonstrated the highest levels of integrity and professionalism in exceeding our previous efforts.” Contributions to the Annual Fund are welcome and appreciated throughout the year, not just during the phonathon. If you’d like to contribute to this year’s Annual Fund, contact Kristin Netteburg at (301) 8914075 or at Knetteb@cuc.edu. And don’t forget the special offering to support your college March 6.

Kristin Netteburg, Annual Fund assistant director

Centennial Snapshot CUC has long been involved in making the greater Washington, D.C., area a safer, healthier, and more spiritually attuned place. ■ In the fall of 1918, the “Spanish flu” pandemic struck the area. More than 10,000 died in Maryland and 3,100 in Washington, D.C., as a result. Undertakers waited at the doors of hospitals to help keep beds open for living patients, but death was so frequent that even the funeral homes ran short of coffins. ■ In 1918, students from Missionary Training College (now CUC), H.M.S. Richards and Mark Hagmann, took up the grim task of grave digging to help the community. Richards is best known as the founder of the Voice of Prophecy radio broadcast.The above photo was donated in 1943 by W.T. Beard of Santa Ana, Calif. ■ If you have an historic photo of life at CUC, contact Lee Wisel at the Weiss Library, (301) 891-4222 or lwisel@cuc.edu.

MARCH 2004

Music Groups Return From West Coast Tour UC’s New England Youth Ensemble (NEYE) and Columbia Collegiate Chorale (CCC) presented 21 concerts in 13 days during their Christmasbreak tour through California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. One of the first stops was at a Southern California correctional facility for inmates ages 13 to 25. “The audience was simply riveted,” said James Bingham, CCC director, “I saw tears trickle down their eyes.” Surrounded by armed guards, the orchestra and choir gave a majestic performance. “By the time the inmates left they were smiling and enthused,” said Bingham. “Prison officials told me this was exactly what the jail needed. We often see the power of the Holy Spirit move through the crowd. That is what keeps us going.” CUC’s music groups touched hearts during their recent West Coast tour. Dave Skaggs, a chaplain for the California Youth Authority, was deeply impressed. “Wow, what a blessing! There was a tremendous message in the music. Virginia-Gene Rittenhouse (director, NEYE) is a precious lady and the whole program won my heart. If there’s any way to get them back here again …” said Skaggs. “When you get to listen to the orchestra play spiritually-moving pieces every night, it’s a blessing. There is a connection to God through the music,” said Natalie Cochran, a soprano and senior music major. This exciting ministry tour touched scores of lives—among attendees and performers alike. As the students witnessed the responses, they became excited to see how God was using them in a special way. Even on those nights when some were tired from the long trip, they still presented a blessing. Bingham credits this to divine intervention. “When things aren’t sounding as they should, I believe there must be angels configuring it before it gets to the audience,” said Bingham. “When you give everything, God makes up the difference for His own glory. That is what we are there for.” —Wayne Binkley

Students Journey on Service Mission to Belize UC students are busy winning the hearts of people around the world through service to God and humanity. Recently, students and faculty members embarked on a journey to Belize to complete work that started two years ago. This year’s students finished the construction of a church in San Ignancio, including the roof, and helped members celebrate by holding the first Sabbath service in the new building. “When the students left two years ago, they put up the foundation and the four walls. We constructed the triangular shape (for the roof line) of the church,” says Ruth Charles, a junior in religion and education. When asked what she gained from the mission trip, Charles replied, “I realize how much I take for granted. I have so much and

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they have so little, yet they are still content with what they have.” The mission team hopes that the new church building will bring the community together. “Part of CUC’s mission is to breed a culture permeated with service. We hope to plan a local (within the U.S.) short-term mission trip in the coming year. At this time we are gearing up for this summer’s trip to Zambia,” said CUC Chaplain Sabine Vatel. During that trip, May 28 to June 12, students will do an evangelistic series and provide other ministry and service. For more information, contact the chaplain’s office at (301) 8914112 or chaplain@cuc.edu. CUC student John Pak contributed to this article.

CALENDAR

March 5-14 Spring Break Mexico Mission Trip

6 CUC Offering

19-21 Parent Weekend

April 2-4 Alumni Weekend

4 Open House Tastes of Takoma Park

Gateway is published in the Visitor by the Columbia Union College 7600 Flower Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912 Phone: (800) 835-4212 ■ www.cuc.edu Randal Wisbey, President ■ PR Director, Angela Abraham

TELESCOPIO

MARZO 2004

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

La comunidad Adventista de Burke celebra la organización de su primera iglesia hispana ás de setenta laicos hispanos se reunieron en Burke, Virginia el pasado 31 de enero para celebrar la organización de la primera iglesia hispana en esa ciudad. Brenda López y su esposo, forman parte del pequeño grupo que comenzó la congregación hace tres años, a pesar de muchas pruebas y varios retos que enfrentamos, alabamos y damos gracias a Dios por los setenta miembros que felizmente firmaron el libro de nuevos miembros durante la ceremonia de dedicación. El evento también incluyó el bautismo del joven Josué Serna de 17 anos de edad y la presencia del Presidente de la Conferencia de Potomac, David Weigley, el Vicepresidente de Administración, Roger Weiss, y el Coordinador de Ministerios Hispanos, Ruben Ramos. Los miembros de la iglesia se han propuesto cumplir un sin numero de proyectos de evangelismo y de beneficio a la comunidad durante el 2004. La Iglesia Hispana de Burke es pastoreada por el Pastor Walter Castro y se reúne en el 10125 Lake Haven Ct., Burke, Va.

Dave Weigley, Presidente de la Conferencia de Potomac, acompañado por Roger Weiss, Vicepresidente de Administración, ora ante la congregación durante la organización de la Iglesia Hispana de Burke.

El Pastor Walter Castro se prepara para bautizar al joven Josué Serna el día de la organización de la Iglesia Hispana de Burke.

El Presidente de la Conferencia de Potomac Dave Weigley y el Vicepresidente de Administración Roger Weiss entregan a Carlos Lopez, Primer Anciano de la Iglesia de Burke, un equipo nuevo para celebrar Santa Cena, durante la organización de la iglesia. De izquierda a derecha: Pastor Walter Castro, Milly Jordan, Raul Lopez, Carlos Lopez, Pastor Dave Weigley, Pastor Roger Weiss, Pastor Ruben Ramos, Hector Jiménez, José Rigel y Arístides Alaña.

MARCH 2004

TELESCOPIO

Se organiza la Iglesia Hispana de Manassas l 6 de diciembre, la congregación hispana de Manassas celebró la apertura de su nuevo templo. Después de haber pasado muchos meses pintando, reparando y construyendo algunas divisiones dentro del templo, los hermanos finalmente tienen ahora la alegría de poder abrir oficialmente las puertas de su iglesia. Kurt Allen, Vicepresidente de Finanzas de la Conferencia de Potomac, predicó un sermón muy significativo que desafió a la congregación a seguir la voluntad del Señor con sus esfuerzos de crear una comunidad de creyentes en esa zona. El Presidente de la Conferencia Potomac David Weigley, y el Vicepresidente de Administración Roger Weiss, también participaron en la celebración de este acontecimiento especial. Dimos gracias al Señor por dirigirnos en la compra de la propiedad. La Iglesia Hispana de Manassas se congrega en También le expresamos nuestro agradecimiento a la congregación y a Brentsville Presbyterian Church localizada en el 12305 Bristow Road, Bristow, Virginia. su pastor, Luis Begle, por su gran dedicación y trabajo. ¡Una vez más nosotros vemos que la única manera de expandir y traer más almas al reino de Dios es por medio de la oración, el sacrificio y la dedicación de nuestros hermanos pioneros! Ruben A. Ramos

La congregación de Passaic II celebra la dedicación de su iglesia l 22 de noviembre del 2003, la Iglesia de Passaic II dedicó su iglesia al Señor. El programa dio inicio el viernes por la noche con los servicios de consagración y santa cena. El sábado durante el día la iglesia se vio llena de miembros y visitas, quienes llegaron de la Florida, Pensylvania, Virginia y Nueva York. El Pastor Leonel García quien fue pastor de esta iglesia tuvo la lección general de Escuela Sabática. Para el Culto Divino el Pastor José Cortés, Secretario de la Asociación de Nueva Jersey nos trajo un mensaje muy espiritual. Inmediatamente después se brindó un delicioso almuerzo a visitas y miembros. Fuimos honrados con la visita del Alcalde de la ciudad de Passaic, Samuel Rivas, quien entregó una placa de reconocimiento al pastor Efraín Duany por la labor que la iglesia desarrolla en esa comunidad. La cinta de dedicación fue cortada por los pastores Nelson Gómez y Leonel García. Por la tarde fuimos amenizados con un concierto por el grupo Four24 el cual nos visito desde Filadelfia. El pastor Nelson Gómez, quien fue pastor de esta iglesia narró la historia de la iglesia. Maricel Marrero tesorera actual de la iglesia y Raymond Jiménez, Tesorero de la Asociación de Nueva Jersey en compañía del Pastor Nelson Gómez quemaron el documento de hipoteca de la iglesia. También asistió al evento el Presidente de la Asociación de Nueva Jersey, el Pastor LeRoy Finck, quien tuvo el servicio de dedicación y el Pastor José Cortés finalizó el servicio con la oración de dedicación. Leslie Pérez

Coordinador de Ministerios Hispanos CONFERENCIA DE POTOMAC

Secretariade la Iglesia de Passaic II 24

VISITOR

El Telescopio es publicado por el Visitor cada mes por los coordinadores hispanos de las Asociaciones. Contacto, Wilona Karimabadi ■ (410) 997-3414, ext. 282 Editor de Contenido, Iris Argueta-Sibrian

MARCH 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

A Message to Our Alumni lumni weekend is just around the corner, and we at Highland View Academy (HVA) are gearing up for the festivities. Alumni weekend is such an important event for us—it’s right up there with graduation weekend. Our alumni show the lasting quality of HVA and they are our greatest advertisers. It’s such a great feeling of pride to see our former students come back to visit with so many stories of success, both professionally and personally. It is an unbelievable feeling to have a former student walk up to you and tell you that you made a difference in his or her life. Our students are an extension of our biological families and they are no less precious to us than the children who live in our homes. We look forward to their return to HVA. If you are undecided about attending alumni weekend, please take heart and decide to come. This is a great time to renew old friendships and catch up. There are always lots of hugs, laughter, and sharing. Your attendance will be noticed and rejoiced, not only by your classCandy DeVore Director of Marketing mates, but also by the staff who miss you. Come join us for this “family” reunion.

Kim Receives “Student of the Month” Award VA has been blessed with many talented students and we are proud when they are recognized for their gifts. Two of our students have received the Maryland Symphony Orchestra/NBC 25 Student of the Month award and were recognized with a spotlight on NBC Channel 25. Caitlin Potts, now a junior, received this award last year for her outstanding vocal talents. This year Jeong-Hyun Kim, a senior who maintains a 4.0 grade point average, was recognized as the Instrumental Student of the Month for his exceptional skills at the piano. Kim began his studies in his home country of Korea and continued when he came to HVA last year. His impressive skill and talent soon earned him the position of accompanist for both the Highlanders choir and the Chamber Singers. He also plays percussion in the HVA school band. In addition to the Maryland Symphony Award, Kim also was chosen to be the featured performer at the Andrews University Keyboard Festival, and his peers recognized his talent when he won grand prize at the HVA Talent Show. Kim is one of many talented students at our school, and we congratulate him for his many accomplishments and deserved recognition.

MARCH 2004

Coming Events here are several upcoming events at HVA that we invite you to attend. If you are interested in attending any of these events, please contact us for more information at (301) 739-8480.

Senior FUNd-Raisers Our senior class is very busy raising money to offset the cost of their class trip. Come enjoy their efforts on March 6 and 7 for the senior class play “The Sound of Music.” The March 7 showing will begin with a delicious meal with entertainment to follow. March 13 is the date for our annual Donkey Basketball game. This is a highlight of our year at HVA and provides hilarious entertainment. If you are interested in attending the play and/or the basketball game, please contact Jennifer Payne at ext. 243.

Western Maryland Youth Rally The Highland View Academy church is hosting the first Annual Western Maryland Youth Rally April 2-4. Pastor Vladimir Corea has planned a wonderful weekend, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday, with a concert by the contemporary Christian group Jakob’s Night. This group originated at Columbia Union College and is well known for their exceptional music. The highlighted speaker will be Chris Eckinroth from Southern Adventist University. There is a special Sabbath activity planned, which will conclude with an organized social event after sundown. Meals will be provided and lodging can be arranged for those coming from a distance. If you would like to register or need more information, please contact Pastor Corea or Michelle DeVore at ext. 234.

HVA Open House You are encouraged to attend our open house April 5, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This is an opportunity for parents and prospective students to tour our school grounds as well as sit in on regular academy classes. Preregistration is not required; however, if you have any questions, you may call Candy DeVore at ext. 225.

Week of Prayer Each semester at Highland View Academy we set aside one week for spiritual emphasis. Our week of prayer will begin on March 29, and we are looking forward to a break from our normal routine to be able to focus on prayer and spiritual growth. Our speaker is Chris Eckinroth from Southern Adventist University. There will be morning and evening meetings, and the week will conclude with the first annual Western Maryland Youth Fest. If you would like to attend any of our meetings, please contact Candy DeVore at ext. 225. We extend a special invitation to homeschooled and public school students.

Alumni Weekend HVA’s Alumni Weekend will begin on the Black Rock Golf Course at 8 a.m., April 30. We will welcome the Sabbath with a special music program in the HVA church, and the weekend will continue with meetings and reunions until Sunday afternoon, ending with the annual alumni soccer game. Please plan to attend as many meetings as you can. For more information about the weekend, please visit our Web site at www.highlandviewacademy.com or call Monty Murdoch at ext. 224. If you are interested in participating in the golf tournament, you may contact Candy DeVore at ext. 225 or e-mail your information to hvatournament@hotmail.com. 26

VISITOR

Don’t miss these exciting events. Plan now to attend!

CALENDAR March 6-7 Senior Class Dinner Theater

March 13 Donkey Basketball

March 17-28 Home Leave begins at 5:30 p.m. Chesapeake Conference Mission Trip

March 29-April 2 Week of Prayer

April 2-4 Western Maryland Youth Rally

April 5 Highland View Academy Open House

April 10 COVENANT to Blythedale church Bells to Pasadena church

April 14-18 Home Leave Music Trip to Florida

April 25 Olympic Day

April 30-May 2 Alumni Weekend

Highlander is published in the Visitor by the Highland View Academy 10100 Academy Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740 ■ Phone: (301) 739-8480 Fax: (301) 733-4770 ■ Editor, Candy DeVore www.highlandviewacademy.com

MARCH 2004

The Functional Family verse in one of my favorite songs expresses the joy in my heart as a Seventh-day Adventist: “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God ...” You may be far from home, but when you enter an Adventist church, you feel like you’re with family. Back in the hills and “hollers,” you might hear the expression, “If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!” Satan well knows that if he can cause our families to be full of fussing, fuming, and feuding, “ain't nobody” going to be happy in the home, or church family. It’s Satan’s purpose to cause God’s remnant people to be faultfinding, fussing, and feuding over any number of issues. While we can be most grateful for the Lord’s admonition regarding Christian standards, these standards are for us to apply to our lives, rather than to be used in finding fault with others. Jesus says we should “be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honor preferring one another” (Romans 12:10). When we criticize and disparage others, it is harmful and makes the church family dysfunctional and ineffective in the work of God. By God’s grace, let’s look for the good in others Kingsley Whitsett and encourage them with our words and actions. President

Better Living Center Brings Help and Hope to Community ince opening its doors last year, Greenbrier Better Living Center in Rainelle, has been a hub of grace and practical ministry in this poverty-pocket of Appalachia. Kester Erskine, member of the Lewisburg church and founder of the Greenbrier Better Living Center, helped launch the project. Well-organized stock arranged along spacious, well-lit aisles in this 2,000 sq. ft., store on Main Street, make it a pleasure for locals to come and buy clothing, appliances, sundry household items, and books at affordable prices. Customers receive free gospel literature and Bible study enrollment cards with every purchase. Currently, priority is given to the needy. Victims of personal calamity or natural disaster, such as the November 15 flood in Rainelle, receive all items and services free. This includes assistance with utility bills, replacement of damaged or destroyed appliances—such as refrigerators and stoves—as well as clothing and other necessities. “More are likely Greenbrier Better Living Center

to apply for aid in connection with this disaster,” says Naomi Mattingly, store manager. “Some people, who haven’t been able to return to their homes and are staying with Satisfied customers friends and relatives in the community, come here for stopgap assistance. We’re simply a conduit—most donated items come to us from local residents and the money we provide for utility assistance comes from paying customers.” Recently, a local resident came by with several bags of clothing and boxes of household supplies. “Next week I’m bringing a small truckload of things my family inherited,” he said. “We like donating here because this operation exists for the benefit of the community.” One customer told us, “I came here after the flood, needing an electric heater. They had only one left, which they were using to keep warm. But they gave it to me. I know these people love Jesus and really care for us.” —RAINELLE

CHURCH

MARCH 2004

Michigan Members Evangelize Hinton t’s a story of vision, courage, faith, sacrifice, and missionary enterprise conducted with extraordinary vigor and zeal. From late December through early January, 29 members from the Twin Cities Adventist Church in Michigan, converged on Hinton, W.Va., to mount an intensive outreach to the community. This group had long planned for a mission effort in another state. Through a providential meeting with a Christian social service worker, Nancy Drumm learned of some of the spiritual and humanitarian needs in West Virginia. She reported this to her pastor, Jeff Freeman. Under Pastor Freeman’s energetic leadership, able volunteers with building and witnessing skills set out to Hinton with the light of the three angels’ messages. Their base of operations was Bettys’ Bargains, a thrift store operated by retired school teachers Betty Park and Betty Tope, both members of the Beckley church. The group “camped” in two vacant apartments above the Bettys’ store. During their 10 days in Hinton, this band of missionaries accomplished the following:

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Professionally remodeled an area in Bettys’ Bargains for use as a vegetarian restaurant, better living center, and branch Sabbath School. Daily house-to-house visitation in a selected area of town. Conducted a vibrant Vacation Bible School attended by over 20 local children and their parents. Conducted a health fair including displays, instruction, and heath screening. Cooked two, full-course, vegetarian meals offered free to the community.

Julie, one of the house-to-house workers, met a lady who said, “For many years I have been praying that something like this would come to Hinton. The town is rife with crime and drug addiction and is one of the major centers of the Wicca movement (witchcraft), including their school and publishing house.” This information about Hinton was new to the Michigan group and confirmed that God had led them to this place so critically in need of the gospel. Except for $1,000 from Mountain View Conference, members of Twin Cities church raised all the funds for this mission, including the cost of building materials, evangelistic supplies, travel expenses, meals, etc. Their endeavors culminated in a four-session Bible prophecy seminar. Seven of the 19 community members present on closing night took a stand for Jesus. Afterwards several others indicated to Pastor Freeman that they would look further into the subjects he presented. These new converts are now meeting on Sabbath afternoons at Bettys’ Bargains, with district Pastor Samuel Simuzoshya leading out. Nancy Drumm’s testimony epitomized the feelings of the whole group, “It has been a joy to serve in Hinton. It has brought revival to my family that has led us all spiritually on to higher ground.” Mountain View Conference extends its warmest thanks and appreciation to our fellow believers in Michigan. Missionaries post evangelistic notices at Hinton Public Library. 28

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—BECKLEY COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT

Volunteers educate Hinton's youth on the hazards of caffeine use.

Mountain View

EVENTS March 13 Elementary Music Festival Summersville

March 21-24 Ministers’ Meetings Pennsylvania

March 26-28 Children & Youth Ministries Training Valley Vista

April 3 Unionwide Pathfinder Bible Achievement West Virginia

April 4 Special Conference Session Buckhannon

April 15-25 Mtn. View Schools’ Mission Trip La Vida Mission School

Mountain Viewpoint is published in the Visitor by the Mountain View Conference 1400 Liberty Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101 ■ Phone: (304) 422-4581 President, Kingsley Whitsett Editor, Brian Jones ■ www.mtviewconf.org

MARCH 2004

At Dawn’s Early Light t was a bitter cold winter morning. The frozen earth was blanketed with a soft-hued rosy glow from a soon-to-rise sun. Frosted fields of stubbled corn, and birds on the wing, took on the colors of morning's luminescence. There was something there—something in the quiet crystal air that permeated my car and my heart. Suddenly, yesterday with all its unsolved problems—the night of restless sleep, tomorrow's perplexities—didn't matter. Their importance dissipated. I looked into the pale blue light of heaven, cognizant of the love that had sent the dawn. Reverently I whispered, Thank you for… and I stopped. I searched for words… the morning, the new day, the beauty of your love, but these words seemed so inadequate. I wanted to express not so much what I saw, but how it made me feel— its affect upon my being. So I started over, this time trying to pinpoint the difference I felt before leaving home and now, driving through the uniqueness of dawn. Thank you for, hesitating momentarily, checking my inner self—peace, came the word. Peace, I thought; close, but incomplete. I added, hope. Yes, indeed dawn does bring hope, but there was still an expression void. Again I felt for a word, searching the unseen, and to my surprise, joy popped out. Strange, I had always equated joy with balloons and special occasions like vacations. Rather surprised at my responses, I reviewed them—peace, hope, and joy. The words startled me. Those are Christmas words. And yet this was different. I understood our Savior's birth; I understood the words when tied to thoughts of the greatest gift—our redemption. But this was an everyday dawn, not a long anticipated birth. How could the emotions of the angels at Christ’s birth evoke the same response in me as was intended from the shepherds? Perhaps, however, the feelings and emotions produced in the hearts of the shepherds, with its resulting peace, hope, and joy, occur on other occasions throughout our lifetime. Perhaps this dawn was just such an event—heaven communing with earth. It wasn't just the erasing of yesterday, or looking forward to tomorrow. It was to be able to experience today. The dawn LeRoy Finck President said to me, “It isn't what was, or what will be, but what is.”

Best Friends Converted rian Elge had been attending the Mt. Holly church, but now attends Browns Mills. Last year he came to one of Pastor Hoyt's seminars at Mt. Holly. This resulted in his best friend being baptized. Elge, however, struggled with issues that made his heart hurt, but he could not settle them.

Brian Elge, Browns Mills member

A few weeks ago, Pastor Hoyt made an appeal and Elge came forward for baptism. After prayer with Pastor Hoyt, he decided that God would lead him through his struggles. Charles St. Ange had likewise been struggling with himself. A member of the Burlington church, St. Ange, under pressure to work on Sabbath a few months ago, caved in on just one occasion. This, along with other issues in his life, told him he needed to be strong in the Lord and let Jesus take over his life. St. Ange has dealt with the Sabbath issue, and with Pastor Hoyt's help, he notified his employer that he was going to keep God's Sabbath. A snowy Sabbath blizzard tried to deter St. Ange’s effort for

Charles St. Ange was baptized by Pastor Bob Hoyt.

baptism, but only managed to change the date. God is with Charles St. Ange as he begins his new life with Christ. Bob Hoyt

AND

Pastor BROWNS MILLS, BURLINGTON, MT. HOLLY ENGLISH CHURCHES

MARCH 2004

Passaic II Spanish Church Dedicated n November 22, the Passaic II Spanish Church was dedicated to the Lord. The program started with consecration and communion services on Friday evening. We had a full house with members and visitors who came from Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New York. Former Pastor Leonel García presented the Sabbath School lesson, and Pastor José Cortés delivered a very spiritual message for the worship hour. After worship we had a delicious lunch for everybody. We were honored with the attendance of Passaic's mayor, Samuel Rivera, who gave a recognition plaque to Pastor Efrain Duany for the service the church provides to the community. Former pastors Nelson Gómez and Leonel García cut the inauguration ribbon. We had a mini-concert featuring the Four-24 Group from Philadelphia, Pa., and Pastor Nelson Gómez reviewed the history of the church. Raymond Jimenez, New Jersey Conference treasurer, and Maricel Marrero, church treasurer, conducted the ceremonial burning of the mortgage. Also in attendance was LeRoy Finck, president of the New Jersey Conference, who officiated at the dedication service, and Pastor José Cortés, Conference executive secretary, who gave the dedication prayer. Leslie Perez

Raymond Jiménez (left), Pastor Nelson Gómez (center), and Maricel Marrero (right), conduct the ceremonial burning of the mortgage.

Church Secretary

March 4 K-8 Curriculum Committee Meeting

March 6 AY Federation Meeting-South Master Guide Training-North/Central

March 7

NEWS

9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. ABC Open AY Federation Meeting-North

Sotos Join New Jersey Conference

March 13

The members of the Bridgeton Spanish, Cape May Court House Spanish Group, and Landisville Spanish churches had the honor of welcoming Pastor Joel Soto, his wife, Carmen, and their children—Christian Joel, 17; Michael Alexander, 16; and Jonathan Daniel, 13. We are happy to have them and look forward to the Lord's working through their leadership. Pastor Soto had previously worked in Albuquerque, N.M., for the Texico Conference; El Paso, Texas; Los Angeles, Calif.; and Northern Mexico.

Youth/Children Leadership Enrichment Sabbath Education Rally-Waldwick

Pastor Joel Soto and his wife, Carmen

March 14 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. ABC Open Special Constituency

March 21-24 CU Ministerial Convention

March 25 K-12 Technology Committee

March 27 VBS Training-North Day of Prayer Education Rally-Parkway South

New Jersey News is published in the Visitor by the New Jersey Conference 2160 Brunswick Ave., Trenton NJ 08648 Phone: (609) 392-7131 ■ President, LeRoy Finck ■ Editor, Aura Garcia ■ www.njcsda.org

VISITOR

MARCH 2004

How God Changed Everything efore we tell you anything about how God has been using us to reach out to the homeless, we thought we should tell you how God changed our hearts and brought us all together. You have to know a little about us to know that most of us were very unlikely candidates to work with the homeless. For starters, two of us are “germ-a-phobics” and we’re all big on personal hygiene. But that is what is so awesome about God—He can change anything.

Sharon's First Experience With Germs God began to work on my germ fear during the Billy Graham Crusade that came to Cincinnati in the summer of 2002. A few friends and I had gone to the concert and sat behind this old man who kept wiping his nose…I mean a lot—with the same tissue—and switching it back and forth between both hands. Inside I heard this voice that said, “Shake his hand.” I said, “I can’t shake his hand.” The voice said again, “Shake his hand.” I again wrestled with this thought. Finally the voice said, “He is my child and I love him. Shake his hand.” So finally I tapped on his shoulder and shook his hand and introduced myself. The man was alone and we talked briefly, my fear and disgust vanished. I believe God was preparing me for a journey I did not know I was going to be taking. It wasn't long after, that Mickey and I began looking for a place to volunteer. He found the Drop Inn Center on the Internet and thought we should check it out. We made an appointment, visited the shelter, and decided to start out by doing snacks once a month, on Saturday evenings.

Amy's Struggle with Volunteering It all began in August 2002, I felt that God was calling me to do His work, I just didn't know what. I had already prayed for a new job and the Lord had led me to become a realtor, so I was working full-time, while going to school to get my license. The plan was to work my first job while getting my real estate career started so that I could have time to volunteer. I went to the young adults’ Christmas party with my church, and the pastor volunteered me to lead out in the outreach program that they wanted to start. My initial reaction was that I didn't have the time. I was already working two jobs, but he insisted. January rolled around and we began to make sack lunches to take to the homeless people in Washington Park, just one block from the Drop Inn Center. That day is when the Lord put it on my heart that there was more to be done here. We started taking the lunches every-other Saturday afternoon. I felt very convicted about the need to reach out to these people. One day in early spring, my mom called me and said that she and some friends were going to the shelter that evening to pass out snacks and she thought they could use some help. That day was the start of it all, the day the Lord brought Mickey, Sharon, Emma, and me together. We not only fed the homeless, but it drew us closer together and closer to the residents at the Drop Inn Center.

Emma's Journey My journey into the homeless ministry was a simple one. I heard about what was going on and asked to go along. I began going downtown with Mickey, Sharon, and Amy to feed the homeless once a month. I have to admit I was a little afraid of the neighborhood, and I was careful not to touch anyone. I wanted to minister to someone but had to learn what ministry really meant. It did not take very long for me to realize that I could be right where they are, but for the grace of God. I began to pray that God would take away the fear and help me love them the way He loves me. Slowly, I began to glimpse a different kind of world, a world full of people who not only need physical food, but spiritual food as well.

The Miracle Concert Micky and Sharon Morton, Amy MacDonald, and Emma MacDonald

Sharon called the administrator to ask if it would be possible for Emma to do a Christian

MARCH 2004

“God’s perfect timing is

concert at the shelter. The administrator said she could, but only if she did not pray openly and did not speak to them about Jesus Christ. On the night of the concert, a few of us went down to the park to invite people to come hear her sing. A man named John said he'd come up for a banana, but didn't care to hear her sing. It was a hot August night—so hot you could barely breathe. We took all the equipment in, set everything up, and Emma began to sing the first song. The sound system died along with her microphone. We were all sitting and praying silently. Just then, she announced that she would just do her best without it. One of the employees turned off the fans so we could hear her better—and everyone moaned. You have to imagine, about 150 people packed into this steamy, 100 degree building and they turn the fans off! We prayed again, and almost instantly it cooled down, everyone stopped talking and her voice projected like never before. John, from the park, was sitting in the first row. He came up to me during the second song and thanked me. I asked for what, and he replied, “This wonderful blessing—does she have a CD I can get?” It was amazing to sit back and watch the Lord work.

amazing! With each new project the Lord puts on

our hearts, He has faithfully provided the means.”

Peeling Potatoes and Worshiping It was in the kitchen while peeling potatoes that we had one of the best worship services we’ve ever experienced. We had started to sing some worship songs and a couple of the guys from the drug rehab program came and joined in. They sang some new songs to us and shared their poetry. You could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit filling the room. Our group got together and prayed and thanked God for the experience. It was from this encounter that we made some new friends, and the four of us started a Bible study with a few of the gentlemen in the program on Sunday afternoons. We can’t even begin to express how blessed we are to know these guys.

Operation Winter Warm-Up Once it started getting cold, the Lord put it on our hearts to try to get coats to those in need. We took the names of 88 people, in faith that the Lord would provide. That Monday, I was informed that the donations collected at Clifton church, Village church, Pharmco and through friends, totaled just enough to buy the 88 coats needed! Since then we have been collecting clothes and coats and the response has been overwhelming. With each new project the Lord puts on our hearts, He has faithfully provided the means. God's perfect timing is amazing. Although we didn't all know each other, at the same time, we all felt compelled to reach out, but weren’t sure how. Then in January, we all started working in the same area, with the same focus. We just thank God so much for putting it on our hearts to work with the homeless. It has changed our lives so much. Sharon, Emma, and Amy are no longer afraid of germs because we know that God is our protector. Now we hug everyone and try to show him or her God's love. The truth is, if God had not taken hold of our lives, and made the many changes necessary, we would have never been near the Drop Inn Center. We thank God for the tremendous and unexplainable blessings we have received from helping others and making new friends along the way. To God be the glory! —Mickey and Sharon Morton, Amy MacDonald, and Emma MacDonald

Get Ready for Campmeeting! English: June 13-19 Spanish: June 19

VISITOR

Mission Ohio is published in the Visitor by the Ohio Conference P. O. Box 1230, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 ■ Phone: (740) 3974665 President, Raj Attiken ■ Editor, Bette Toscano ■ www.ohioadventist.org

MARCH 2004

Yes, You Can Take It With You hat which is not learned here on this earth will be lost forever. This is a solemn thought. Are we responsible for our talents—used and unused? The answer is a resounding yes! If we are true to our talents, we will one day hear these encouraging words: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Matt. 25:21). “God has given natural talents and spiritual talents to each person. God’s counsel is to improve upon your talents until He comes. Our citizenship is not here. The use or abuse of our talents will determine our position and trust in the world to come” (Review and Herald, Feb. 14, 1888, p.7). Good news for Christian education is where the process of teaching and training take place along with the development of knowledge, mind, and character. Nobel aspirations and the love of righteousness are not inherited. Wishing, sighing, and dreaming will never make you great or good. We will take our character—the work of a lifetime—with us. The talent of knowledge, sanctified and put to use in the Master’s service, is never Wayne Wentland lost. So, plan on taking it with you. Vice President of Education

Nature Calls Students to God ature has been called God’s second book, revealing who God is and what He is like. Adventist schools in Pennsylvania, recognize the valuable lessons found in nature and know that many of their students have little opportunity to experience the outdoors—as their knowledge of it may be limited to sidewalks and playgrounds. Because of this desire to share God through His creation, “outdoor school” was formed. Several schools come together at the youth camp at Laurel Lake for a week of studying nature instead of books. Students learn about rocks and minerals, fossils, math in nature, trees, birds, art in nature, language arts in nature, etc. These firstthrough 10thgraders rotate through four, halfhour classes each day. Spiritual lessons are drawn in each class period. Students enjoy the opportunity to The group also learn about nature and God in a fun way—with no books! gets time for

recreation and a treasure hunt. But the best part of the day is worship. These include singing, evening campfire, stories, prayer, skits, and nature hunts. One of the adult chaperones attending was amazed at what she learned as she helped students look up Bible verses to go with their lessons. As a result of her experience at outdoor school, she was baptized the following August, and now serves as the school’s home and school leader—helping to raise enough funds so that all students can attend outdoor school each year. Many of the 60-80 students attending are not Adventist. Last year, two of these young people gave their hearts to Christ at outdoor school and requested baptism when they arrived home. This spring a conference-wide outdoor school will be held at the youth camp, with students from small schools joining forces with each other to learn more about God and nature. One principal shares, “It's a time of hard work for the teachers and chaperones, but introducing the children to this special side of Jesus is worth it. It is such an awesome joy to see them get excited about nature and nature’s God.” —Linda Small

MARCH 2004

Blue Mountain Elementery Celebrates 50 Years s construction began on Blue Mountain Academy in 1954, Blue Mountain Seventh-day Adventist Elementary (BME) accommodated its first six students and their teacher, Gladys Lay, in a farmhouse nearby. Later, the school occupied the academy's current choir room. On January 12, 1969, Principal Mildred Wuchenich, teacher Edith Galambos, and 43 students moved into the oldest part of the school's current facility. Today 44 (including nine “second generation”) students and their teachers Laura Ames, BME graduate Rachel Wardecke, and Pat Giese, enjoy a library and music room, a computer lab, a multipurpose area, and three classrooms. BME will celebrate its 50th anniversary April 25, with an open house beginning at 9 a.m., a brunch buffet at 11 a.m., and followed by a program at noon. Friends, former students, staff, board members, and constituents are invited! Contact BME at bluemtelementary@hotmail.com, or call Edith Galambos at (610) 562-7363. —Margaret Christian

This year Blue Mountain Elementary celebrates 50 years of educating students in the Hamburg area.

Schools Expand to Better Educate Students wo schools in Pennsylvania Conference felt the need for larger buildings. New space would not only allow more room for the students, but would enable the schools to offer additional opportunities for education—opening up the possibility for new students as a result. Lehigh Valley had a good school facility, but was in need of additional classrooms, a library, and an allpurpose room for music, art, and extra programs. Under the visionary leadership of projects chairperson Jean Becker, the three constituent churches—Allentown, Bethlehem, and Walnutport—raised funds for the needed endeavor. God’s leading was evident as funds would arrive just as payments were needed. Each stage of the addition was paid-in-full as it was completed. A kindergarten program with nine students was started, and adequate facilities for music and art programs, as well as a centralized library, are being enjoyed. Fairview Village Adventist School began plans for a larger school facility. Following a lead from Wayne Wentland, vice president of education, Dominic Tessari and Brad Smith went out to look at two module units for sale. When the board

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March 5-7 Pathfinder Leadership/Honors Weekend

March 5-6 Elementary Music Festival Blue Mountain Elementary

March 9-23 Youth Mission Trip The new addition of the Lehigh Valley School provides space for a kindergarten program, rooms for music, art, and a centralized library.

heard that they were in excellent condition, they voted to make an offer. In the meantime, the person selling the modules decided to donate them because Fairview Village was a Christian school. The units were moved to the land behind Fairview Village Adventist Church, which currently houses the school. Each time obstacles surfaced in the renovating process, volunteers stepped forward to help. Others donated money and muscle power to clean, paint, and sweep! The students and teachers plan to be in the modules very soon. —Charles Rutt and Trudy Shiroma

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

April 23-25 Adventurer Family Picnic

June 11–19 Camp Meeting

Pennsylvania Pen is published in the Visitor by the Pennsylvania Conference 720 Museum Road, Reading, PA 19611 Phone: (610) 374-8331, ext. 210 President, Ray Hartwell ■ Editor, Tamyra Horst ■ Secretary, Daisy Lopez www.paconference.org

MARCH 2004

Minutes from Satan’s Council Chambers ... here have you come from?” the Lord asked Satan. And Satan answered the Lord, “I have been going back and forth across the earth, watching everything that's going on” (Job 1:7, NLT). “It makes me so angry! Look at this—pastors from Olney to Takoma Park, Richmond to Powell Valley, up through the Shenandoah Valley, and many points in between with Bibles open, teaching children the truth about God.” It should not be a surprise that on any given school day in Potomac classrooms, educators faithfully instruct young people. What may not be as well known is that our pastors also may be found teaching and inspiring the young people in a variety of ways: Baptismal classes taught by Bill Knott and Sonia Perez at Beltsville; Clinton Adams at Tappahannock Junior Academy; and Ismael Gama at Sligo Adventist School. At C. F. Richards Jr. Academy, three local pastors—Larry Bissell, Harry Sharley, and Jeff Taylor—each take a nineweek segment teaching upper grades Bible. In Roanoke, Pastor Pete (Watts) actively involves the K-3 students in puppet ministry. Each Takoma Park pastor has adopted a J.N. Andrews classroom. At Powell Valley Christian School during Pastor Neff’s weekly worships, his enthusiastic singing is heard echoing through the hall. The children at Yale love to hear Pastor Teacher Tom McNeilus, right, works on an experiment Jimmy Munoz sing and tell stories. At Robert A. Lewis with a student at Shenandoah Valley Academy. Christian School, where many students do not attend the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Wayne Spangenberg has “literally become their pastor.” Back at the headquarters of evil, Satan could be heard muttering: “And if that isn’t enough, those teachers can’t limit themselves to 40 minutes a day. They insist on mingling those so-called godly principles in classes like math, history, and science.” Numerous examples of educational excellence in Potomac can be shared: Shenandoah Valley Academy is blessed with a dynamic Christian math and physics teacher, Tom McNeilus. Just a few projects developed by his students include a hydrogen engine prototype, a life-sized Trebuchet catapult, a Sterling engine, and a flame tube. McNeilus’ philosophy: “God did not create the world haphazardly. Every atom and molecule contributes to His wonderful plan. If our Creator could develop all of the laws of physics and mathematics, he can definitely take care of all of us today.” The goal for sixth-grade computer students at SVA Elementary (SVAE) is to reach 35 wpm with 90 percent accuracy—which most students attain. Eighthgrade students become competent in Windows Office XP including PowerPoint, Excel, Access, and other programs. Bell choir students, under the direction of Patti Short at C. F. Richards Junior Academy, perform music on level four and five (the most difficult). Quite a feat for students grades 710 with a school size of just over 60. “I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest” (John 10:10, CEV). Adventist Christian education recognizes the value of students receiving more than basic academics. A sampling of classes enriching Potomac students includes: Seniors at Tidewater Adventist Academy attend a weekly tax preparation class; Takoma Academy seniors role play interviewing skills with staff members; and Olney Adventist Sonia Perez studies the Bible with Beltsville students.

MARCH 2004

Preparatory School furnishes students with a life-skills class called Etiquette that will contribute to doors opening for them in the future. At schools like Beltsville, J.N. Andrews, Olney, or Sligo, students may learn Spanish on the elementary level. Changing car oil and basic carpentry (including building a shed for use on the school premises) are included in the industrial arts class at C.F. Richards. First semester students perfected cooking skills in “creative living” class. Adventist education values the contribution of art and music in educating the “whole man.” In every one of the 23 schools in Potomac Conference, music (usually singing) is included and several teach bell choir and band. Visit J.N. Andrews and you may hear the beat of steel drums; strings at Sligo; brass quintet at SVAE; hand chimes at Echo Valley; and tone chimes at Stanley. Physical activity opportunities abound—basketball, soccer, volleyball, pingpong, flag football, softball, and gymnastics, just to name a few. “Equally troubling, if I may point out, Master Satan, is the interest Takoma Academy music teacher Tim Vandeman these schools seem to place on other people—these children and poses with a boy from a Russian orphanage. young adults truly care about others.” A characteristic rare these days, but of great value, is regularly cultivated in Potomac schools—a tender heart toward others: SVAE students donated $450 for a Christmas party for nine underprivileged families. The hand bells frequently perform for groups including the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, and other community organizations. Other programs students participate in include Walk for Homeless, blood drives, food drives, toy drives, students partnering with special needs students, Pennies for Patients for the Leukemia Society, and so many more. Potomac students and teachers impact the communities where they live! And the King will tell them, “I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” (Matt. 25:40, NLT) “And a particularly troubling phenomenon, they have now moved this ‘kindness’ and ‘thinking of others’ drivel to other parts of the world!” Other areas and countries outside the United States also feel the generous spirits of young adults and their mentors through mission trips: Vienna Adventist Academy—Bahamas; Richmond Academy and Tidewater Adventist Academy—Brazil; SVA students—Dominican Republic and Chinle, Ariz.; Takoma Academy—Ghana and Russia. Although every student may not physically travel to far away places, their contributions come in various forms: Takoma Academy collects coats for an orphanage in Russia; Echo Valley students raise mission project money for ADRA; Richmond and Tidewater academies hosted Korean exchange students; Yale students send gifts to children in a foreign country, and this year students are pen pals with children in the Philippines. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations …” (Matt. 28:19). “Much more important, what are we going to do to stop that so-called Christian education?” “I have been thinking about it, Master Satan. I’ve got an idea.” “Well, out with it!” “Just one area of assault is not enough. For the greatest damage, we should hit from many sides: “First, let’s make sure there are jealousies, critical spirits, disharmony, and discord. Not just the teachers—but parents, principals, and pastors too. ‘Friendly fire’—such an effective tool. Second, let’s price it out of range for the average parent. And a very effective method is to influence the boards to make unwise financial decisions—raise those tuition prices higher. Third, let’s depreciate the value of Christian education compared to other worthy projects.” “Excellent. You have thought about this much. Is there more?” “Oh, yes. Fourth, let’s make sure those educators have no distinctive Christian characteristics. If we can just make sure these schools are just like every other school, there is no purpose in their existence.” But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14). Potomac education is looking for investors—investors who will share their time, prayers, resources, and ideas in building up children and young adults for the kingdom of God. Keep Adventist Christian education strong! “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 4). Patty Marsh OFFICE Potomac People is published in the Visitor by the Potomac Conference ■ 606 Greenville Ave., Staunton, VA 24401 Phone: (540) 886-0771 ■ www.pcsda.org ■ President, Dave Weigley ■ Editor, Janet Olsyne

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EDUCATION

MARCH 2004

True Education: Realizing a Loving God ur recent Student Week of Prayer moved me to tears. The moment when a young person first realizes just how loving God is, and testifies their love for Him, is the moment true education begins. There is much chatter out there about the definition of educational excellence. Families are placing this tag on public, private, and parochial schools alike. However, pre-requisite to this determination, a parent should answer the following question—“Does my school openly foster Christian principles, and is it safe for my young person to publicly declare their love for God?” Excellence cannot be divorced from this variable. While not shocked, I am disappointed with the terrible odds facing our teens today. The poisoning influences are everywhere. To entrust our young people to a school that combines our unique Adventist ethos, and an honor code for character education, is a positive step Mark A. Wile Principal every parent should consider as absolute.

Freshmen Twins Add to Student Body n March 25, 1989, fraternal twins named Michael and Lisa were born into the Pichette family. Michael was born one minute before Lisa, so he claims to be the “older sibling having the authority,” but Lisa reminds him, “60 seconds is not a big deal.” After graduating from Shenandoah Valley Adventist Elementary, they enrolled this fall as students at Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) as the second pair of twins in the freshman class, and the third set of twins in the student population. Both are musically talented; Michael plays the trumpet and Lisa plays the violin. They both said their favorite subjects at SVA are Bible and biology. Michael’s favorite Bible story is Noah’s Ark, and how Noah might have transported the countless types of fish two by two. Michael has his own fresh water tank that he inherited along with a fish named “Eve” from his older sister, Danielle. There was another fish named “Adam,” but he died. Lisa has one fish in Michael’s fish tank, but the rest of the eight fish are his; named after various foods. They differ in what they like to do in their free time. Michael enjoys mountain biking while Lisa enjoys horseback riding. Michael can be found building a computer rather than reading, like Lisa. And Michael races professional remote-control cars; while Lisa races for a touchdown—if the guys will let her play football. Lisa dislikes traveling in a car and would rather go horseback riding somewhere, or take an airplane if she cannot get there by horse. Michael does not mind the travel by car, especially if it is a “race car!” These twins are unique individuals who closely resemble each other; moreover, they claim that they are “pretty good friends.” This is true because like the account of Noah and the ark, they also are often found about the campus Lisa, left, and Michael Pichette are one of three sets of twins in SVA’s student body this year. This month, they will turn 15. “two-by-two.”

MARCH 2004

McNeilus Wins Teaching Award om McNeilus was chosen as one of 15 classroom instructors who has been presented the 2004 Excellence in Teaching Award. He was honored in Arizona along with his 15 colleagues; only two of whom were chosen from the East Coast. This award was created by the Alumni Awards Foundation, partnered with the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, to recognize secondary instructors who are dedicated to quality in Christian education. Both McNeilus and his wife, Sharon, graduated from SVA in 1972. Twenty-five years later, in 1997, McNeilus returned with a master’s degree in mathematics to the Shenandoah Valley as the instructor of mathematics and physics at his alma mater. He has just completed his second master’s degree in physics. McNeilus’ two Tom McNeilus, winner of daughters are currently attending SVA; Jessica is a senior graduating this June, and the 2004 Excellence in Allison is a freshman. Teaching Award. It has been said that McNeilus is “a college professor teaching in an academy.” Indeed, he is a tough instructor of rigorous courses for college credit such as honors physics and advanced placement calculus. Along with the recognition of excellence in his classroom instruction, McNeilus was awarded a personal $1,000 cash grant. No amount of money can repay all of the excess hours given freely to enrich a boarding academy’s program offerings. However, this award is a symbol of the value placed on a quality educator, such as McNeilus, who prepares students for a lifetime of academic advancement.

Students Lead Worship Services total of 50 students were involved in Student Week of Prayer in various capacities such as organization, music, skits, as well as speaking to their peers. All of the class-elected pastors led out in some way. Twenty students from various grades spoke to their classmates and peers sharing their gripping personal testimonies. This worship-education of sharing personal experiences and trust in God is what makes a Christian school so unique. Morris Venden made the observation, “on a Christian campus, 20 percent of students are committed to a relationship with Jesus, 20 percent are somewhat hostile to God, and 60 percent are willing to be led.” People are willing to be led if they trust who is leading them. Our monetary system Nikki White shares her personal experience in America prints, of accepting Jesus. “In God we trust” but this statement has little value unless we really do trust in God. When religious training allows students to be involved in spiritual leadership—such as student week of prayer—personal testimony of trusting God strength-

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ens the audience as well as the speaker. This week of prayer turned out to be the “spiritual highlight of the year thus far” said Chaplain Tim Harley. SVA’s ministry is to train students to be leaders for God and followers of God—for we have to be able to do both.

calendar of

events March 8-18 European Music Tour

March 10-21 Spring Break

March 10-21 Arizona Mission Trip

April 4 and 5 Academy Days

April 5-9 Week of Prayer

April 16 and 17 Alumni Weekend

Happenings is published in the Visitor by Shenandoah Valley Academy ■ 234 West Lee Highway, New Market, VA 22844 Phone: (540) 740-3161 ■ Principal, Mark A. Wile E-mail: wilem@sva-va.org ■ Editors, Brian and Joi Becker www.youracademy.org

EALING MINISTR IS A

NEWSLETTER ABOUT ADVENTIST

HEALTHCARE

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Caring for the Whole Person ROY CHEW he cure of many diseases is unknown to the physicians … because they are ignorant of the whole. For the part can never be well unless the whole is well. This is the greatest error of our day in the treatment of the human body.”—Plato

Osteopathic physicians

Looking at the whole person is what osteopathic physicians (DO) are trained to do. Understanding that a person needs more than treatment of symptoms, DOs focus on treating each patient as a whole. Since each of our body’s systems connect to one another, problems in one can affect others. Attention is therefore given to the bones and muscles as they impact all systems.

with listening to their

A Century of Healing For more than a century, osteopathic physicians have practiced a philosophy of medicine that looks at the unity of the body parts. A large thrust of this philosophy is the understanding that the human body can heal itself through proper diet, exercise, and preventive medicine. Acting as teachers, DOs work to help patients take more responsibility for their wellness and to change unhealthy habits. Health risks— such as stress, high levels of cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, and other lifestyle issues—are reviewed in each patient. Among the fastest growing segments of healthcare providers, the number of DOs is expected to exceed 80,000 by the year 2020. Currently, six percent of all physicians in the United States are osteopathic physicians, specializing in family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics/gynecology. Often, DOs fill the critical need for doctors in rural areas of the country as they care for entire families and communities.

combine medical technology patients, hands-on techniques, and a wholistic view of the patient.

Today, osteopathic physicians are on the cutting edge of healthcare. They combine medical technology with listening to their patients, hands-on techniques, and a wholistic view of the patient. This wholistic approach to medicine has been a part of Kettering Adventist HealthCare from its inception, and is furthered by the osteopathic physicians who work at all of our hospitals. In Dayton alone, DOs care for a quarter of a million people with over one million patient visits each year. Roy Chew is the president of Grandview Hospital and Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio.

MARCH 2004

HEALING MINISTRY

Kindred Spirits Osteopathic Medicine and Wholistic Healing

Merge at Kettering

J. THOMAS HARDY

n 1999, Dayton, Ohio’s two osteopathic hospitals merged with the region’s three Adventist hospitals to create Kettering Adventist HealthCare (KAHC). This merger has garnered local, state, and national recognition for clinical quality while demonstrating solid financial performance and a steady increase in market share. Its success can be traced to the dynamic and visionary leadership of Frank Perez, KAHC president, the loyalty and support of the medical staff, and the remarkably similar healthcare philosophies of the osteopathic profession and Adventist healthcare.

A Look Back Their respective founders, Ellen G. White and Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., espoused these philosophies over 150 years ago. Many are familiar with the origins of healthcare within the Adventist Church

and the Otsego, Mich., vision of Ellen White, which revealed the Lord’s integrated system of health principles. White’s Otsego vision came while she struggled to improve the health of her husband, James, using the less than adequate medical modalities available in mid-19th century America. Driven by the power of White’s vision, the Adventist Church adopted the “radical idea” that a patient’s health could be improved with “natural remedies” such as fresh air, sunlight, water, exercise, and a balanced diet; preferably in a country setting— away from the noise and pollution of the city—where the infirmed could develop new trust in God. While White and the Michigan Conference worked diligently to create what would become the Battle Creek Sanitarium, Still, a frontier physician, was articulating the basic principles of osteopathic medicine. The son of a Methodist minister and physician, Still was born in Virginia in 1828. He decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and became a licensed medical doctor in the state of Missouri. In the early 1860s, he completed additional course work at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Kansas City and served as a surgeon in the Union Army during the Civil War. Following the war, Dr. Still lost his three children to spinal meningitis in 1864. He concluded, as White had, that orthodox medical practices were frequently ineffective, and sometimes harmful. He devoted the next 10 years to studying the human body in search of better ways to treat disease. Still’s research and clinical observations led him to believe that the musculoskeletal system played a vital role in health and disease and that the body contained all the elements needed to maintain health—if properly stimulated. He believed that by correcting problems in the body’s structure, through the use of manual techniques now known as Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, the body could better function and heal itself. Like White, Dr. Still promoted the idea of preventive medicine and endorsed the philosophy that physicians should focus on treating the whole patient, rather than just the disease.

The Osteopathic Philosophy

Ellen G. White 40

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The philosophy of osteopathic medicine is based on the thesis that the human body constitutes an ecologically and biologically unified whole. Body systems are united through the neuroendocrine and circulatory systems. Therefore, in the study of health and disease,

HEALING MINISTRY

no single part of the body can be considered autonomous. Health and the treatment of disease must incorporate the study of the whole person and its relation to internal and external environments. The name osteopathy stems from the Latin words osteon and pathos, which mean suffering of the bone. This causes confusion because some people believe osteopathic physicians only treat conditions of the bone. Dr. Still chose this name because a properly functioning body relies on the balance and the interaction of somatic (musculoskeletal) and visceral systems. An imbalance within one system is reflected in symptoms in the other. For example, gallbladder disease (representing the visceral system) frequently manifests itself as shoulder pain (in the musculoskeletal system). This emphasis on a well-balanced, properly-functioning body are themes that unify the Adventist healthcare philosophy and the osteopathic approach to patient care. Osteopathic physicians (DOs) and allopathic physicians (MDs) practicing within KAHC share many similarities as well: ■

DOs and MDs complete four-year undergraduate degrees emphasizing scientific courses.

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DOs and MDs complete four years of basic medical school.

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DOs and MDs select specialties such as psychiatry, surgery, or obstetrics and complete a two- to sixyear residency in that area.

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DOs and MDs must pass comparable state licensing examinations.

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DOs and MDs practice in fully-accredited and licensed healthcare facilities.

In addition to coursework, osteopathic medical students take approximately 200 additional hours of training in the art of osteopathic manipulative medicine. This system of hands-on techniques helps alleviate pain, restore motion, support the body’s natural functions, and influence the body’s structure to function more efficiently.

Andrew Taylor Still, M.D. and productive lives. When Still died in 1917 at age 89, there were more than 5,000 osteopathic physicians practicing in America. When White died in 1915 at 91, there were 26 Adventist sanitariums and treatment facilities in the United States and abroad. White and Still, both motivated by family members to find more effective models for healthcare, created a legacy that has endured into the 21st century and extended their vision of better health worldwide. The Adventist health system consists of more than 400 medical facilities in 69 countries and includes a renowned medical center at Loma Linda University—which trains physicians, dentists, nurses, and public health specialists. The osteopathic profession now boasts 20 fully accredited medical schools nationwide, with over 60,000 osteopathic physicians in practice. Since the merger of the osteopathic and Adventist hospitals in Dayton, a greater understanding between the respective hospital medical staffs has evolved. In the past four years, joint educational and research efforts have ensued and the unique contributions of osteopathic medicine and Adventist healthcare have created a culture of mutual respect within Dayton and Kettering Adventist HealthCare.

Mutual Respect Still and White were contemporaries; he was born in 1828 and she in 1827. Both lived remarkably long

J. Thomas Hardy, D.O., M.S., is vice president of Medical Affairs for Grandview Medical Center. MARCH 2004

HEALING MINISTRY—NEWS Grandview Earns Award for Clinical Excellence HealthGrades, the healthcare quality company, nominated Grandview Medical Center to receive the 2004 Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence. Grandview is now

stimulator can also alleviate pain in the hands, legs, and other areas when electrodes are placed on different sections of the spinal cord. This surgery is one of many cuttingedge therapies offered at WKNI, one of Dayton’s leading research centers.

Sycamore Glen Residents Help Needy Children

among the top 3.5 percent of acutecare hospitals in the country. “We feel very honored to receive this distinction from HealthGrades,” said Roy Chew, president of Grandview Medical Center. HealthGrades analyzes the quality of care at more than 4,700 hospitals across the United States and publishes annual ratings based on performance in cardiac, stroke, orthopedic, pulmonary/respiratory, vascular, and other procedures.

WKNI’s Spinal Cord Stimulator Reduces Chronic Pain Kettering Medical Center’s Wallace-Kettering Neuroscience Institute WKNI uses spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of chronic pain. During surgery, an implanted, pacemaker-like battery sends electrical impulses to the spine to reduce pain. Chronic pain is responsible for an estimated $100 billion a year in medical costs, including 515 million lost workdays and 40 million doctor visits, according to the March 1, 1999, issue of Business Week. According to Gary Kraus, a neurosurgeon at (WKNI), “Pain medicines are very expensive, habit forming, and often do a poor job of actually relieving the discomfort. With this procedure, many patients have been able to stop taking their pain medications.” The 42

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When Robert Cartwright invited a fellow Sycamore Glen Retirement Community resident to his room to talk, little did he know that they were on to something big! One year later, the 25 to 30 members of the “Koffee Klatsch” have moved into a conference room in this high-rise community and meet every Wednesday morning. In addition to fellowship and refreshments, the group recently took on a project. They solicited donations from residents to purchase toys and clothing as part of a county-wide program called For the Love of Children. This year the Koffee Klatsch collected $700—twice what they raised last year! Cartwright, Martha Hobbs, Virginia Steinberg, and Gaye Fraley, marketing manager for Sycamore Glen, headed to Wal-Mart and purchased over $800 in coats, mittens, hats, and toys. “They gave us discounts and we didn’t have to pay tax; so we got more for our money,” said Cartwright. The items were wrapped and distributed to needy children for Christmas. In addition, 94-year-old resident Muriel Phillips hand-knitted hats,

mittens, and sweaters. The Koffee Klatsch, which includes writers, poets, singers, and a physician, went beyond their social circle to reach out to others in the community.

Kettering College Welcomes New Chaplain Clive Wilson has accepted an invitation to serve as the chaplain of Kettering College of Medical Arts. Wilson, who holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich., began work last month. Originally from the United Kingdom, Wilson earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Teesside and worked extensively in the business world as an accounts manager. He has also

served as a church elder, youth worker, and chaplain. Wilson, who is married and has four children, believes his varied life experiences have made him “astute and sensitive to the essential needs and worldview orientations of many individuals” and have given him “insight into how best to introduce people to Jesus.” As chaplain, Wilson will be responsible for coordinating the programming services of campus ministries and ultimately fostering a Christian environment where students of various faiths can feel comfortable interacting and worshipping.

For a complete listing of Adventist healthcare locations, visit www.columbiaunion.net/ healingministries.

BULLETIN BOARD Advertising Guidelines and Rates The Columbia Union Visitor accepts display and classified advertising as a service to its members. Announcements such as 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, and tear sheets are not provided unless requested. Checks and money orders are accepted and should be made payable to: Columbia Union Visitor. 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.

EMPLOYMENT NEEDED: CHEF/MANAGER for a new total vegetarian deli/restaurant located in a health food store. Prefer mission-minded individual who will also participate in health education. Other positions are also available. Opening date—early fall. Located in Ardmore, Okla., midway between Dallas and Oklahoma City. For more information, call Health Advantage Center, (580) 2262424, Velda Lewis. UNION COLLEGE ANNOUNCES ITS SEARCH for a professor of Composition and Rhetoric, beginning fall 2004. Desirable qualifications: experience in teaching composition, willingness to serve as campus writing coordinator, and a record of scholarship. Ph.D. strongly preferred. Apply: Humanities Division, Union College, 3800 South 48th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506 or e-mail: evcornfo@ucollege.edu. WALLA WALLA COLLEGE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND PSYCHOLOGY seeks applicants for tenure-track position teaching courses in general psychology, human development, and psychological assessment, beginning September 2004. See details at www.edu/services. Contact Mark Haynal, School of Education and Psychology, Walla Walla College, 204 S. College Avenue, College Place, WA 99324. 44

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HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS NEEDED Shawnee Mission Medical Center (SMMC), a Seventh-day Adventist community service, has a variety of openings for healthcare professionals interested in immediate placement. SMMC is a 383bed, acute care facility located in beautiful 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. For more information, contact: Brad Hoffman, Administrative Director of Human Resources, (913) 676-2020 Resumes may be faxed to: (913) 676-2019

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. ADVANCEMENT VICE PRESIDENT—Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas, seeks seasoned development professional to lead and manage staff in alumni relations, annual giving, major and planned gifts, and corporate and foundation relations. Master's degree required. Contact President Don Sahly, (817) 645-3921, ext. 201. WALLA WALLA COLLEGE ANNOUNCES TENURE-TRACK POSITION IN COMPOSITION AND AMERICAN LITERATURE beginning September, 2004. Position open until filled. Master's in English required; Ph.D. preferred. Details at www.wwc.edu/services. Interested Adventists contact Nancy Cross, English Department, Walla Walla College, 204 S. College Avenue, College Place, WA 99324. E-mail crosna@wwc.edu. WALLA WALLA COLLEGE INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR TEACHING POSITION IN SPANISH beginning September 2, 2004. Position open until filled. Master's degree in Spanish required; Ph.D. preferred. See details at www. wwc.edu/services. Interested Adventists contact Jean-Paul Grimaud, Modern Languages Department, Walla Walla College, 204 S. College Avenue, College Place, WA 99324. grimje@wwc.edu. CFO/CONTROLLER: The Hulsey Foundation, Collegedale, Tenn., is looking for a finance executive. Education required in accounting/ finance fields. Experience in the open market, technology applications, and familiar with institutional, church, or educational operations desired. Send resume and wage request to HR@hulseyfoundation.org. COLUMBIA UNION COLLEGE SEEKS A VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION. Master's degree in business or finance, and four to 10 years related experience preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 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.

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY SEEKS PROFESSOR FOR SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATION. Ph.D. strongly preferred, but M.A. and significant relevant experience will be considered. Teaching responsibilities will be split between journalism/writing and other communication courses. Position opens July/ August 2004. Send resume to Volker Henning, Dean, School of Journalism and Communication, P. O. Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315. E-mail: henning@southern.edu; phone (423) 238-2733. WALLA WALLA COLLEGE SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR TENURE-TRACK POSITION in billings, MT, beginning September 2004. Doctorate in social work or related area, MSW degree and two years post-MSW practice experience required. Details at www.wwc.edu/services. Interested Adventists contact Wilma Hepker, School of Social Work, Walla Walla College, 204 S. College Avenue, College Place, WA 99324. SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY IS SEEKING VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT. Bachelor's degree in related area required. Advanced degree preferred. Must have proven experience in fund raising and administering a multifaceted fund-raising program, including capital campaigns. Send letter and resume to Dr. Gordon Bietz, President, Southern Adventist University, P. O. Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315; e-mail: bietz@southern.edu; phone (423) 238-2800. NEEDED: CHEMISTRY TEACHER—Kettering College of Medical Arts (Kettering, Ohio), is seeking a chemistry teacher to teach general and organic chemistry beginning fall 2004. Interested candidates should have a Ph.D. in chemistry or related field, or be near completion of the degree. Previous college teaching preferred. Contact: Paul.Delange@kcma.edu or (937) 298-3399, ext. 57016. MAINTENANCE/BUILDER: Person with general skills needed for newly re-opened, self-supporting academy on country campus. Able to work with students and assist with industry. Financial and benefit package. Contact Pastor J. Julies, (304) 782-4095.

MISCELLANEOUS 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!

BULLETIN BOARD 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 Pennsylvania, near Frostburg, Md., May through October. Lodging provided. Call (301) 689-2769 or (301) 689-8555. RV experience a plus. SOW 1 BILLION: PROJECT: Steps to Christ can help you or your church place a Sow 1 Billion Bible study invitation in every home in your community, combined with our Steps to Christ bulk-mailing program. Call (800) 728-6872 for more information or visit us on the Web at: www.projectstc.org/ Sow1Billion.htm. 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. SUMMER CAMP OPPORTUNITIES—Mt. Aetna Camp is currently recruiting summer camp staff for 2004. We are looking for positive, Christ-centered youth that have a passion to share the gospel with young people. We are located in the gorgeous mountain areas of Hagerstown, Md. For more information, please call (410) 995-1910 or e-mail us at areynolds@chesconfsda.org.

BETTER THAN GREENS TASTES BETTER! WORKS BETTER! AND HALF THE $$$ of BarleyGreen, BarleyMax, and BarleyLife (not MLM)! Detox the liver and build the immune system at the same time. Replace your multivitamin with REAL FOOD! ONLY $25 (plus shipping) for a 20 ounce jar! Buy three—we ship for FREE! Call (888) 332-6343 for FREE SAMPLE Write to: Better than Greens 6810 N. Ridge E. Geneva, OH 44041 E-mail: betterthangreens@yahoo.com Order online: www.betterthangreens.com.

NEW FOOD TECHNOLOGY BURNS FAT while removing toxins and parasites. In 9 days I lost 9 lbs. My blood pressure came down 24 points. Heartburn left. Joint pain vanished. I’m thinking clearer and feel 20 years younger. Energy through the roof! Message from Donna Pedrick, call toll-free (888) 354-4192; dkoliadko@juno.com.

MAUI OCEANFRONT STUDIO CONDO on 10th floor, for rent on Kahana Beach. Beautiful unit with almost all home comforts, with gorgeous view. Excellent whale watching in season. Sightsee or relax. $115 nightly + tax. Visit www.sdamall.com to view property. E-mail to: denmarge@frontiernet.net; Marge McNeilus: phone (507) 374-6747.

NEW SKIN CREAM LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE NATURALLY. Data from patient trials are available with the Plus 15 Health Plan. 15 product aides are available with the program. 15 ways/15 days--call for more details: (301) 589-0550. Distributors invited.

ENJOY LIVING IN RESORTLIKE SETTING on 4 1/4 acres in the refreshing climate of Tennessee. 4,207 sq. ft. home with 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, 11 closets, large family room with fireplace, large game room, large garage, circular drive, two ponds, tennis court, swimming pool, and spa. Near Adventist church, school, and academy. $190,000. Call (931) 863-3901.

BOOKS—BUY, SELL, OR PUBLISH. We print, buy, and sell Adventist books. Find outof-print titles fast. Get your book printed quickly. We do it all. Call (800) 732-2664 for information, or visit our internet site at WWW.LNFBOOLS.COM.

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. 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. SELLING OR BUYING ... Clyde and Phyllis Kinder are on your side! We know Adventists; we know Maryland; we know real estate. (301) 776-3380. COUNTRY LIVING AT ITS BEST IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY—1999 hypoallergenicbuilt cedar home for sale (future site of hyperbaric biosphere dome and lifestyle center nearby). House on 2 1/2 acres; 2,300 sq. ft.; open design with cathedral great room, dining, and kitchen. Three to four bedrooms; utility room; Anderson windows; central air and heat; well water; 2 baths and whirlpool tub; oak floors and tile in bath, kitchen, and utility; gas fireplace; detached two-car garage. Call Jannette (540) 8853570 or (540) 290-3169; e-mail koliadko@msn.com. Price: $298,000.

QUALITY AFFORDABLE HOMES ARE STILL AVAILABLE in Hagerstown/Washington County, Maryland. Close to Review & Herald Publishing Association, Highland View Academy, Mt. Aetna Youth Camp, and Adventist churches. Visit www.draperrealtygroup.com for community information, school reports, area attractions, and homes for sale. Mike Draper / Century 21 MG Realty / (800) 733-2121, ext. 129. 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.

SERVICES CHRISTIANSINGLESDATING. COM ... FREE 14-day trial! Join thousands and thousands of Adventist Singles online. FREE chat, search, detailed profiles, match notifications! Date chat, 2way 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. 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 costeffective move. Please call (800) 525-1177 to speak with a representative. MARYLAND ADVENTIST CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT: income tax preparation, accounting, auditing, small business services, corporations, nonprofits. Located in Columbia, Md. Contact: Bernetta L. Taylor, CPA, (410) 730-1427.

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. ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN WHO IS 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. 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 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, Mich. Phone (269) 471-7366 evenings from 8-11 p.m., E.T. FOOT AND ANKLE MEDICAL OFFICE: Premier Podiatry Services 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 with the finest podiatric care, while relieving your foot and ankle discomfort. Office location: Largo, Md. (301) 773-1199. ADVENTIST JOBNET is the source for finding jobs or finding employees. Designed for Adventist businesses and professionals, we offer a hiring bonus of up to $500 to applicants hired through us. Geared for all professionals—teachers, lawyers, doctors, nurses, etc. New jobs listed daily. Visit us today at www.AdventistJobNet.com.

Successful Computer Dating Exclusively for Adventists Since 1974

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

MARCH 2004

BULLETIN BOARD 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: (301) 317-6800; Greenbelt: (301) 345-5200; or Columbia: (410) 531-6350. SINGLE AND OVER 50? The only interracial group exclusively for all singles over 50. STAY HOME AND MEET NEW FRIENDS in the USA with a Pen Pal monthly newsletter of members and album. For information, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to ASO50 or EBONY CHOICE ASO50, 2747 Nonpareil, Sutherlin, OR 97479. 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 payers). Our office is a participating provider with Adventist Risk Management.

TRAVEL/VACATION ADVENTIST GROUP VACATIONS! 7-day Alaska Inside Passage cruise, sailing August 1, 2004; 12-day New England Eastern Canada cruise on new Queen Mary 2, hosted by Lonnie and Jeannie Melashanko, 9/17/04; 7-day Hawaiian Islands cruise, hosted by Dan and Betsy Matthews, 1/9/05. Mert Allen, Mt. Tabor Cruise. (800) 950-9234, (503) 256-7919, mallen@renpdx.com. FAMILY VACATION PLANNING Try our 31 ft. home on wheels. No flights to catch, no long lines, no lost luggage, and no expensive hotels—just great family fun. Call Adventist owned and operated SAM’s RV’s for carefree, comfortable, cost-effective family fun. SAM’s RV’s (410) 674-4858 or e-mail William@sams4rvs.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. 46

VISITOR

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. CAPE COD VACATION: An Adventist family will rent weekly, biweekly, etc., their lovely, fairly new, spacious, and semicontemporary vacation home on beautiful Cape Cod, MA. Three bedrooms, one and one-half baths, jacuzzi tub, washer/ dryer, cable TV, dishwasher, microwave, and a great room with a cathedral beam ceiling and skylights, an outdoor shower, a huge deck and fenced-in back yard with a small swing set, and a sandbox on one-half acre just 900 feet from a great beach. Call (301) 596-9311.

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 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, voted at the 37th Regular Constituency Meeting on March 23, 2003. The purpose of this meeting is also to consider all options, including dissolution of existing school, if necessary, and transact such other educationalrelated 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

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

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SUNSET CALENDAR Mountain View Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Special Constituency Meeting A Special Session of the Mountain View Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will convene at 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 4, 2004, at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Brushy Fork Road, Buckhannon, W.Va. The principal purpose of this specially called meeting is to give consideration to the recommendation of the Conference Executive Committee to relocate the Mountain View Conference office. KINGSLEY WHITSETT, President LARRY BOGGESS, Secretary

ANNOUNCEMENTS MADISON ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INVITES YOU to join us for a once in a lifetime Madison Academy event, as we celebrate 100 years of Christian education on our campus—April 23-25, 2004. Come and enjoy a weekend look back at the history of the academy we all know and love ... from groundbreaking in 1904 to present-day graduates. Please plan now to attend. Visit our Web site at www.madisonacademyalumni. com, or contact Lynn Grundset at (615) 851-0044 or e-mail grundset@bellsouth.net for alumni details and to sign up for the golf tournament. To reserve your tickets for our fund-raiser, “The Academy Awards - A Night of 100 Stars,” there are forms available at the church office and on the Web. Open to all.

NEEDED: Missionary Volunteer Kits (Program Planning Helps for Adventist Youth from 1951-1976). These were referred to as MV Kits. Please contact Julia Lewis, Smyrna Seventh-day Adventist Church, at (434) 386-9545. COMPUTINGANDMISSIONS. NET 2004—a weekend of meetings to encourage innovative use of computing technologies in all areas of local ministries and global missions, will be held on the campus of Southern Adventist University, April 16–18. No registration fees. For details, visit our Web site at www.computingandmissions.net.

BULLETIN BOARD

THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST VETERANS OF AMERICA invite all interested military veterans to attend our third annual reunion, July 22-25, 2004, in Thornville, Ohio. Come and bring your family. Enjoy a time of good fellowship, good food, and spiritual reflection with our Adventist heroes. For more information, contact E. W. Bailey, (937) 855-3550, or sdavets@yahoo.com.

OBITUARIES KOVALSKI, Peter, born January 21, 1924, in Perth Amboy, N.J.; died November 3, 2003, in Metuchen, N.J. He was a member of the New Brunswick (N.J.) church and served as the church clerk and a deacon for many years. Survivors include his wife, Ruthe (Hirsch) Kovalski; two sons: Ken Kovalski of Apopka, Fla., and Peter J. Kovalski of Metuchen, N.J.; two grandchildren: Jenny and Connie; and two brothers: John Kovalski of Crystal Springs, Fla., and Paul Kovalski, of Falling Waters, W.Va. NORRIS, Henry John Sr., born December 1, 1913, in Chagrin Falls, Ohio; died February 3, 2004, in Woodstock, Va. He was a member of the Strasburg (Va.) church. Surviving are his wife, Ellen W. Norris, of Woodstock, Va.; a daughter, Connie McDonald, of Woodstock, Va.; four sons: Gerald Norris of Maurertown, Va., Vern Norris of Cartwright, Okla., Dennis Norris of Hanahan, S.C., and Henry J. Norris, of Woodstock, Va.; 15 grandchildren; 40 greatgrandchildren; and nine greatgreat-grandchildren. PINE, Martha Faye, born August 13, 1922; died January 6, 2004, in Collegedale, Tenn., after an extended illness. She was active in the Seventh-day Adventist Church for over 50 years teaching and assisting her husband, Pastor Carl Pine. She was preceded in death by her husband, of 58 years, in 1998. She is survived in life by three daughters: Jean Pine of Millington, Tenn., Carleen Adams and her husband, Bob, of Millington, Tenn., and Jody Lay of Collegedale, Tenn.; four grandchildren: Paul and Melissa Deaux of Collegedale, Tenn., and Sean and Brett Adams of Millington, Tenn.; one great-grandchild, Kaitlyn Deaux of Chattanooga, Tenn.; and two sisters: Virginia Lee Self, of El Dorado, Ark., and Minnie Kate Braswell of Dewitt, Ark. Donations or memorials can be made to the Pine Family Foundation for Catastrophic Disease Research, 401 W. 37th St., Austin, TX 78705, or to an organization of your choice.

SCHNEIDER, Anabel E., born November 17, 1910, in Honesdale, Pa.; died November 30, 2003, in Austintown, Ohio. She was a member of the Boardman church. She assisted her husband’s ministry as he pastured churches in Lima, Cincinnati, Tampa, and Miami for the first 13 years. For the remainder of their years in ministry, they were missionaries in Jamacia, the Bahamas, and Panama. Survivors: a daughter, Carol Ann Schneider; sister Millie Sumner of Eaton Rapids, Mich., and sister Nancy Peterson of Franklin, N.C.; a brother, Francis Bush of Middleburg, Fla.; and two grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. Her husband, Pastor Edward H. Schneider; a sister, Margaret Mondics; and three brothers, Earl, Kenneth, and Vernon Bush preceded her in death. SCHUBERT, Lillian Virginia (Sanford), born October 20, 1917, in Overlea-Baltimore, Md.; died July 20, 2003, in Hampstead, Md. She was a member of the Westminster (Md.) church. Survivors: her husband, Albert; daughters: Carol Lee Murray, Marian Phillips, and Janice Weber; sons, Jack and Thomas Schubert; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandson. She was predeceased by a daughter, Betty Jane Schubert.

Visitor Subscription Information If you’d like to be added to our mailing list, or are on the list but have an address change, e-mail to: visitorlist@columbiaunion.net phone toll-free: (888) 4-VISITOR or mail to: Columbia Union Visitor Subscription Services 5427 Twin Knolls Road Columbia, MD 21045 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 and mail to the address listed above.

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MARCH 2004

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ANNOUNCEMENTS