Columbia Union Visitor--April 2004

Table of Contents

In Every Issue Editorial

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Newsline

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School Profile

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News & Features Extending the Family Celeste Ryan

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Hundreds of Seventh-day Adventists gathered in Southern New Jersey for a recent Hispanic Festival of the Laity. Complete with workshops and music, this was first and foremost an evangelism rally, which emphasized participation in the Sow 1 Billion campaign—a worldwide Adventist Church effort challenging every division and conference to distribute a certain number of Bible study invitation cards. Read about the commitments made by churches and members.

Member Profile

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Resource Guide

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Newsletters 17 Allegheny East 19 Allegheny West 21 Chesapeake 23 Columbia Union College 25 Mountain View 27 Mt. Vernon Academy 29 New Jersey 31 Ohio

Saved by a Priest Wilona Karimabadi

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Shelvan Arunan pastors Ohio’s Warren and Boardman Adventist churches. He also shares Christ’s love, mercy, and faithfulness with others by hosting local radio and television programs. Read about his remarkable journey from Hinduism to Adventism and daring escape from war-torn Sri Lanka to the United States.

33 Pennsylvania 35 Potomac 37 Takoma Academy

Healing Ministry

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Bulletin Board

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Editorial Dave Weigley 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.

Watermelons and Miracles

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I was two years and 1,500 miles removed from the situation when I called the elder of the church I had previously pastored to ask for help. I was trying to recall the name of a young woman who had shown interest in the Seventh-day Adventist Church but had not made a decision to join. This elder and I had visited with her and, on one occasion, she talked of the challenges in her life and mentioned that she might move home to the mid-western town of her parents. Now that I was conducting an evangelism series in that town, I again wanted to make contact. The elder confirmed that she’d moved, but only remembered a first name—Karen. With no other leads, I closed our conversation with prayer and wondered what to do.

Thankfully, God had a plan. On the third night of the series, to my surprise and joy, Karen came to the meeting with an amazing story to tell: Earlier in the week while visiting her mother, they decided to enjoy some watermelon. To catch the juice and seeds, her mother covered the table with old newspapers. As Karen scanned the paper, she noticed the advertisement for our “Insights to Prophecy” series and thought she recognized the name of the speaker. Curious, she decided to attend and see if this speaker was indeed her previous pastor. What a wonderful reunion! The best part of the story is that at the conclusion of the meetings, Karen, and several others who accepted Christ, were baptized.

Christ’s Method Alone I often reflect on this story. It’s a miracle that someone reading an old newspaper could connect with God’s Church through such a strange course of events. I attribute Karen’s joining the Church to three key elements evident in those building God’s kingdom: Prayer—Prior to the evangelistic meeting, the entire church developed a prayer covenant, asking God for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the preaching of His word to their community. I believe God rewarded their faith.

Personal Contact—Karen remembered our visits and the time we took to listen to her struggles and pray with her. She also remembered our counsel and encouragement. That personal contact made a powerful impact in her young life. Without a doubt, personal contact is valuable in reaching people for Jesus. Ministry of Healing, page 143 says, “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people.”

Preaching the Word—The preaching of the Word of God coupled with prayer and personal contact yields success. It is puzzling, but the Apostle Paul makes it clear that through the “foolishness of preaching,” the gospel is proclaimed. The Bible says that when Christ entered communities, He came preaching. The unique message that God has given to the remnant church found in the three angels’ messages is still very effective in reaching hearts. I think it has something to do with the fact that the Word of God “is quick, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.”

During this special “Year of World Evangelism,” I challenge you and your church to embrace these three elements of soul winning—prayer covenant, personal contact, and preaching God’s last-day message.

Dave Weigley is the president of the Potomac Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, headquartered in Staunton, Va.

Volume 109 ■ Issue 4

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Newsline New Jersey to Expand Secondary Education Options Last month, more than 250 delegates attended a special constituency session of the New Jersey Conference to discuss secondary education. Attendees were briefed on the latest trends in Adventist secondary education across North America. They were also given a report that revealed how parents in the conference view the current system and their preferences to have students educated closer to home and for less cost.

Delegates next received a proposal designed to address concerns that recommended modifying and expanding the delivery of secondary education to more heavily populated areas of the state. When a motion was made to accept the proposal without its recommendation to continue support of the conference’s only boarding academy, a number of delegates rose to speak for or against it.

After much discussion, the proposal was passed.

“This vote empowers the executive committee, in collaboration with our K12 board of education, to begin the process of transitioning to a new delivery system for secondary education in New Jersey,” said LeRoy Finck, president. “It is critical that we address the needs and concerns of our nearly 1,000, high school-aged youth and their parents who want the benefit of Christian education brought closer to home.” Finck, who presided over the session, noted that the vote does not authorize the committee to close Garden State Academy. He says the executive committee will begin addressing the major challenges—distance, affordability, and quality—that concern members, and move quickly to provide new options.

“When this takes place, hundreds of additional children will have the opportunity to receive the benefits of Adventist education,” said David Cadavero, education superintendent for New Jersey. “But it’s only going to work if the members take responsibility for the development and support of these new schools,” Finck concluded.—Celeste Ryan

Nonprofit Leadership Certification Offered in Ohio A two-level training and practicum offering the latest strategies and professional skills to successfully 4

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lead a nonprofit operation in the 21st century will take place April 19-23 and October 18-22 at the Kettering Adventist Church in Kettering, Ohio.

Columbia Union and conference officials, pastors, social service workers, and anyone with an interest, are encouraged to attend. Columbia Union College’s Center for Metropolitan Ministry, the North American Division’s Adventist Community Services and Philanthropic Services for Institutions, and Adventist Risk Management are sponsoring the program. The training will focus on nonprofit management, community outreach, and biblical principles of social justice and ministry. Visit www.plusline.org/events or call (800) 732-7587 for more information and to register.—Jerrica Thurman

WGTS Doubles Listener Base Following years of prayer, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) paperwork, and negotiations with competing entities, WGTS (91.9 FM) has relocated its antenna from the campus of Maryland’s Columbia Union College (CUC) to an Arlington, Va., location, greatly expanding its potential for spreading the gospel. “The new signal reaches about 2.5 million more listeners, giving us a coverage area of about 4.5 million people,” says General Manager John Konrad. With the old signal WGTS was the seventh most-listened-to, non-commercial, Christian station in the United States, according to spring 2003 Arbitron ratings. Excited about the increased potential for ministry, Konrad says, “The first few hours we had more than 200 calls from listeners across the region, clear into West Virginia.

Although initial efforts dated back to 1980, FCC rules, proximity to other frequencies, and contention from other stations prevented the station from completing the dream until February 26. Now the signal matches other full-power stations in the region and the ministry potential has more than doubled. WGTS is a self-supporting subsidiary of Columbia Union College. The station broadcasts uplifting, positive, and inspirational music interspersed with announcements about the college’s spiritual and academic programs, campus events, and Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church’s weekly Sabbath worship service.—Scott Steward

Newsline

Union ASI Convention Heralds Marketplace Benevolence LAVERNE HENDERSON pproximately 215 Columbia Union AdventistA laymen’s Services and Industries (CUASI) members gathered in Morgantown, W.Va., for last month’s annual convention. The theme, “Living Benevolence in Marketplace Acts,” was evident in both attendance and offering, which, according to CUASI President Denise Thomas-Ellis, were the largest to date.

“The mood was one of joyous fellowship as new friends were made and old acquaintances reunited,” says Thomas-Ellis. “Reports of mission ventures, plans to share Christ in the marketplace, and lives changed through witnessing, handshakes, hugs, smiles, and laughter abounded.”

Debbie Young, Sabbath speaker and national ASI president, was moved by a visit to Miracle Meadows School, an ASI self-supporting ministry. “It was a special treat to meet with staff who are passionate in their ministry for youth and to hear young people share testimonies of how their lives have changed,” she said.

Attendees also expressed their overall excitement and appreciation. “This was my first contact with ASI. I’d heard about their work and conventions, but it was nice to actually meet members, especially President Young—her sermon was very moving,” said one participant. “I liked seeing people personifying the work that Christ did,” chimed another.

“Our goal is to live a life of benevolence through giving, giving, giving,” says Thomas-Ellis, summing up ASI’s mission. “Stewardship principles are active, not passive. We must never be afraid to give our time, talents, and treasure to God because we can never out-give what He gives to us.”

Top: Attendees formed a “Circle of Ministry” to hear and share testimonies.

Above: Debbie Young, ASI national president, delivered a stirring Sabbath message.

Left: Delsie Park, prospective ASI member (left) shares her testimony while Mountain View President Kingsley Whitsett and his wife, Nancy, listen.

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Celeste Ryan emos gracias al Señor, demos gracias, demos gracias por su amor. Demos gracias al Señor, demos gracias, demos gracias por su amor.”

At the close of a sunny Sabbath day last February not far from Atlantic City, hundreds of Seventh-day Adventists packed the sanctuary of the Vineland Spanish church for the Southern New Jersey Hispanic Festival of the Laity. Upon entering, young and old alike joined the chorus giving “thanks to God for His love.”

“Por la mañana las aves cantan las alabanzas de Cristo el Salvador. Y aquí nosotros tambien cantamos las alabanzas a Cristo el Salvador.”

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José Cortés, executive secretary for the New Jersey Conference, challenged each member to contact 26 people for Christ in 2004.

More than a festival, it was a rally for evangelism complete with workshops, music, and a charge to participate in the Sow 1 Billion campaign—a worldwide Adventist Church effort challenging every division and conference to distribute a certain number of Bible study invitation cards.

“Our goal is to contact 330,000 people for Christ in New Jersey,” announced José Cortés, conference executive secretary, preaching in Spanish. “The English churches must contact 150,000; the French churches must contact 30,000; and the Spanish churches must contact 150,000. For you that’s 26 contacts per member. Can you do it?”

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“Yes!” “Sí!” came the answer.

It’s evident that in this conference, enthusiasm for evangelism is bigger than sharing a card or making a contact. “New Jersey dedicated five churches in 2003; let’s do more in 2004,” shouted President LeRoy Finck to the cheering response of the crowd. He recognizes the contributions these members have made toward the growth of the conference. Currently, more than half of the 10,400 Adventists in New Jersey are of Hispanic heritage, and their goal is to reach 15,000 by 2007.

Model Approach “Our Hispanic members are very committed to the mission of the Adventist Church. They’ve committed their lives to sharing Christ, and do so using the small group ministry approach,” Cortés later explained in an interview. “Jesus started His ministry with small groups; so we follow His model. Each of our 40 Hispanic congregations are organized into small groups that offer support, a sense of belonging, and opportunity to share food, fellowship, activities, and the gospel. These groups provide a very healthy environment for the members and keep people involved and connected to the church,” says Cortés, who has also written a book on the concept. “When people are involved in small groups, they have friends in church, which makes them feel committed and more stable.” He cites the ValueGenesis report that identifies lack of friendship as the biggest reason people leave church.

Making friends is not a random act for these Adventists; it’s strategic. Each year they identify a different target audience whom they consider “extended family.” One year it may be relatives; the next, co-workers; and the next, students. For 2004, the focus is on reaching neighborhoods where Adventist members reside.

First prayer warriors visit houses near the home of a member and leave door hangers that inform residents their neighbors prayed for them. On another visit, they pray for the family and invite them to participate in activities with a small group of neighbors.

They also offer whatever the family may need: language translation, assistance with medical visits, food for the family, help learning English, etc.

This approach also works especially well for youth.

Currently, New Jersey’s youth director, Laffit Cortés, has a number of young people participating in small

Each church pledged to reach a certain number of people with small group ministries, Bible studies, and friendship evangelism. group ministries. Studying the Bible and forming traveling singing groups are popular activities.

As people join the church, they reach out to other extended family targets and the cycle continues— growing churches and spawning new small groups.

According to Treasurer Raymond Jimenez, the approach is working. “Someone once said that the biggest failure in man is not in failing to achieve goals, but not having goals,” he said. “These members are excited about mission and evangelism, and it’s evident by how well-organized they are.”

progress and plan to contact 500 people this year.

Cape May congregants set a goal to reach 100 and announced plans to conduct two evangelism efforts.

The Landisville members set a goal of 200, as did Vineland, whose theme, according to Pastor Ramon Crousett, is “Each One Reach One for Christ.” Laurel Springs, a small congregation, hopes to reach 60 people through home-based groups and find a larger church. “It is our hope that Jesus will come—that is the reason we must preach the gospel to all the world,” declared Guillermo Saravia, an elder. Trenton Spanish, which saw 30 baptisms in 2003, set a goal to reach 100 new members through small groups hosted by 11 families. Mt. Holly, which has 80 members, aims to add 110 more and buy a new church building. Camden Spanish announced plans to reach “50 members of all races for the glory of God.” After each church had an opportunity to make a pledge, President Finck came to the microphone: “I pray that God will bless you as you strive to find your place in His work,” he said.

“Fly like eagles; preach the gospel to all New Jersey,” admonished Cortés. “Id por New Jersey y predicad el evangelio!”

“Go for New Jersey and preach the gospel!” they echoed in unison.

No doubt, they will.

Organized and Committed More than organized, they’re committed. After the charge and several presentations, representatives from each congregation marched to the front holding banners and flags and, introduced by their district pastor, made bold pledges to contact a certain number of people, give Bible studies, host small group meetings, and—through friendship evangelism—bring hundreds to Christ in 2004: “How wonderful it is to work for the glory of God,” said Germán Martinez, first elder of the Bridgeton Spanish church, standing next to a banner that read: “Bridgeton Spanish: Preaching for Jesus.”

He noted that they have almost 200 Bible studies in

F E B R U A RY 2 0 0 4

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School Profile LaVerne Henderson

Garden Aca

State

A Journey of Determination orth Plainfield Academy opened its doors in 1926, with a goal of providing a Christian training center for young people of the Garden State. Four years later, the worst economic slump in United States history, the Great Depression occurred. Precipitated by the stock-market crash of 1929, the depression lasted nearly a decade. Throughout these years of despondency, war, and stress, this New Jersey school struggled to fulfill its mission.

In 1940 the name was changed to Plainfield Academy and an Eighth Street location was secured.

Garden State Academy (GSA) was born in 1958, when Plainfield Academy closed its doors. With this new beginning came plans to purchase additional buildings for a dormitory. Years passed while graduates from this school of small beginnings represented

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the Lord while filling responsible positions in society.

Actions by the New Jersey constituency resulted in many changes in 1958. Housing units were purchased, departments added, and personnel acquired. Most important was the decision to relocate to a rural area.

After long and sometimes tedious negotiations, this goal became a reality on June 14, 1963. The 365acre Twin-Brookes Estate, near the village of Tranquility, was selected as the location for the development of the school. Construction of a dormitory and renovation of existing buildings for classrooms began immediately. To date, construction has included a girls’ dormitory, a gymnasium/classroom complex, a boys’ dormitory, and a new cafeteria/music department. The establishment of the Redwood branch of Harris Pine Mills in 1965 led to the development of a work-study program for GSA students.

Educating Mind, Body, and Soul Apart from a strong academic program for grades 9-12, GSA offers an Introduction to Healthcare course sponsored by Hackettstown Community Hospital and its president, Gene Milton, as well as driver education. There’s also a drama group, sacred choir, and a student-led, gospel choir consisting of 50 young people.

With students from many countries and regions, Garden State Academy has a multicultural, multiethnic school family. Of the 120 students, 7 percent are from the community. “These students not only complement our student body, they participate in all school activities and have experienced a personal relationship with Jesus as a result of this interaction,” says Principal Janet Ledesma. Together students and

Janet Ledesma (left), is principal to 120 students and 29 staff members at Garden State Academy (top, right), which is New Jersey's only Seventh-day Adventist boarding school.

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demy staff personify GSA’s mission to personally know and proclaim Jesus Christ and seek to reflect His excellence in every aspect of school life.

And how do the students feel about this school?

“I love GSA because we’re like a big family, and all the students and staff are so supportive,” says Ally Mohr. According to Gene-Clarie Saint-Ulysse, “GSA is a second home and family to me. I love it here!”

Katrina Cruz appreciates the “close relationship with the teachers,” while Danuel Brown remembers “stepping on campus for the first time and feeling so welcomed.” Seven young people were baptized during last fall’s week of prayer and the resulting Bible study class produced two more candidates.

In addition to preparing students for eternity, GSA cares for, and witnesses to, the community. Many students participate in the literature evangelism program. They prepare and distribute food for needy families during Thanksgiving. “Last Christmas, students secured a sizeable donation from Toys “R” Us for the Pediatric Unit at Morristown Hospital and they participated in a mission trip to El Salvador,” Ledesma says. “We also include the community in activities such as Patriotic Day and National Honor Society induction ceremonies. Our young people lead out in all activities. They are spiritual, intelligent, and extremely talented,” she adds.

Ledesma praises God for a dedicated, consecrated faculty and staff, daily friendship and inspiration from students, and support from the Tranquility and Hackettstown district churches and their pastor, Bradley Galambos.

The story of Garden State Academy and its predecessor, Plainfield Academy, is one of continual courage, faith, and perseverance by dedicated, Christian men and women. Although the school has experienced financial difficulties and an uncertain future for some time, like many Adventist institutions, its supporters are hopeful, committed, and above all, determined.

Garden State Academy is located on Route 517 North, in Tranquility, N.J. For more information or to receive a free video about the school, call (908) 8520300 or visit www.mygsa.org.

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KNOW? ■ GSA is a diverse, caring, sharing, and unified school with 120 students and 29 committed staff members.

■ GSA has 14 educators and a 1:17 student/teacher ratio.

■ As the only secondary institution in New Jersey, GSA serves 88 Adventist congregations.

■ GSA serves young people from the New Jersey, New York, Greater New York, Northeastern, Allegheny East, and Bermuda conferences.

■ GSA’s strengths are educational excellence, a strong spiritual life, recruitment, and work-study programs.

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Member Profile Wilona Karimabadi

Saved by a

PRIEST The Shelvan Arunan Story

Six members

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of my church and my

helvan Arunan is seated behind the microphone in a radio studio, beaming a message of redemption and truth to all who will listen. Pastor of the Warren and Boardman Adventist churches in Ohio, he is fulfilling a dream by sharing Christ’s love, mercy, and faithfulness with others.

Originally from Sri Lanka, Arunan was raised in the Hindu faith and born to an Oxford-educated, atheist father and a devout Hindu mother.

His father authored 16 books— including Where is God?—which debunked elements of Christianity.

His grandfather, Maduraiveeran Kirshnapillai, was pivotal in changing Arunan’s life. Kirshnapillai renounced Hinduism, accepted Christ, and became a Seventh-day Adventist. This brought great shame to the family—including Arunan, who at the time was a school-aged boy. He wrote to his grandfather and expressed his disdain. His grandfather replied by sending him Voice of Prophecy Bible lessons.

Family members tried to prevent this by intercepting and burning the lessons.

Arunan arranged to have the lessons sent to a local market and studied them during recess. He struggled with his newfound faith and eventually decided to be baptized at age 13. His family immediately severed ties with him. “Though I’d made my decision to follow Christ, it took about two years to get baptized,” Arunan says. “During this time I had no contact with

brother-in-law

my family; so fellow Adventist Christians became my family.”

A New Life in Christ

With grandfather Kirshnapillai’s encouragement, Arunan entered Lakpahana Seventh-day Adventist Seminary and College in Sri Lanka to study business administration, but soon decided to pursue a degree in theology. There he met his future wife, Rajee, who was a member of the Church of England. “Rajee wanted to become a preacher, but her church didn’t allow it,” he explains. “So she was praying about joining the Pentecostal church in order to become a servant of God. When we met and she learned that I was a ministerial student, we seemed to come together because of our love for the Lord.” She became a Seventh-day Adventist, they dated for a few years, and were married. “Rajee is a great soul mate and ministerial associate. Without her, I would not have made it.”

Arunan worked as an assistant pastor for a year before returning to Pakistan Adventist Seminary to complete his studies. He earned a degree in religious philosophy and applied theology—with a minor in health education—and resumed pastoral duties.

were killed

because they would not tell my

whereabouts.

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Taking a Stand At the time, Sri Lanka was in the middle of a brutal civil war. Arunan started a ministry for refugees by

collaborating with completed the clinical pasother Christian groups toral care program at to bring hope and Kettering Medical Center, and healing to war vicwent on to serve for 10 years tims. Because he’d as chaplain at Hinsdale written hundreds of Hospital in Illinois. While at poems, short stories, Hinsdale, Arunan earned a and articles about the master’s degree in counseling love of God, Arunan psychology, a doctorate in became a target pastoral counseling, and a of the Sri Lankan doctorate of divinity. He has government. completed coursework for a He was impristhird doctorate in psychology. oned twice; a severe When Hinsdale downsized, beating during one the Arunan family decided to incarceration left leave the Chicago area. him bedridden for Once he began pastoring three months. When the Warren and Boardman Above: Shelvan Arunan and his wife, Rajee, are partchurches, Arunan was 12 soldiers were ners in ministry at the Warren and Boardman churches. thrilled about Ohio killed near his vilBelow: Arunan answers questions from callers during Conference’s great emphasis lage, the government his weekly radio talk show, Spirit Alive Family on community involvedispatched the Rapid Ministry Talk Show. ment. While in Sri Lanka, Deployment Force he had been involved in and a killing rampage ensued. Arunan discovered that he was marked radio as a Christian devotional speaker. Desiring to for murder. “The soldiers came hunting for me,” he continue this media thrust, he began a radio program said. “Six members of my church and my brother-in- and later a television program. The radio program is law were killed because they would not tell my called Spirit Alive Family Ministry Talk Show. With a call-in format, Arunan handles questions about emowhereabouts.”

Then a Catholic priest hid him in their church. tional, psychological, and spiritual issues. The TV “Father Roberts saved my earthly life while the Sri program, Evidence, is fashioned after the Faith for Lankan government sought to end it,” he said. Roberts Today program of the same name. “I use the Evidence disguised Arunan as a Catholic priest/relief worker and programs for three weeks and one week of our verhe left the compound in a truck with three other sion, which is called Evidence in Ohio,” he says. Faith priests—leaving an actual priest behind so Arunan for Today became interested in our version and procould escape. “By God’s grace and providence, I made it vided funding. They are thinking of promoting a similar version to other conferences,” he adds. through 14 checkpoints without being identified.”

According to an article in the local Tribune Chronicle, He soon immigrated to the United States. Rajee and their two children, Keith and Angela, followed a few “Arunan doesn’t care to get bogged down in theological years later. Once in the United States, a chance meeting debates. He wants to broadcast firsthand accounts of how God’s love changes and with a former General saves lives. ‘I’m not interested Conference vice presiin people getting fixated on dent led to his placetheology, I’m interested in ment as associate paspeople getting fixated on tor of the Hyattsville Jesus,’ says Arunan. ‘Religion church in Maryland. builds behavior—but Jesus Unfortunately, due to builds character.’” funding, this position “I know from experience lasted only a year. that one’s superfluous selfArunan took a job love builds narcissism and as a security guard at love for one’s ‘knowledge’ of Washington Adventist God inflates the ego,” he Hospital and, because says. “But expressing love for he missed being a God and compassion for peopastor, volunteered as ple makes us humble souls a chaplain. for Christ. My goal in minIn 1991 he relocatistry is to live such a life.” ed to Dayton, Ohio, APRIL 2004

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TALKING ABOUT FREEDOM Did you know that the Columbia Union Conference has a religious liberty radio program?

Adrian Westney, who works for the Columbia Union Public Affairs and Religious Liberty office, hosts

Talking About Freedom.

Westney interviews weekly guests on various topics relating to religious liberty.

Airs each Sabbath, 7:30 a.m.

WGTS FM—91.9 www.wgts.org

Resource Guide Norma Sahlin

RESOURCES

FOR

Evangelism ith a number of special events planned during 2004—the “Year of World Evangelism” in the Seventh-day Adventist Church—now is the time to help others find, and embrace, the peace that passes all understanding. The following resources are available to equip pastors, leaders, and members to share the good news of the gospel with friends and neighbors:

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Bible studies, and creative ways to present the gospel.

A guide for follow-up evangelism is also included.

Reaching and Winning Author: (Various) International Institute of Christian Ministries Source: AdventSource at (800) 328-0525 or www.adventsource.org Price: $6.95 This unique series focuses on a variety of specific faith groups and explains their history, beliefs, and major differences—followed by biblical counsel. Reaching and Winning profiles Jehovah’s Witnesses, New Agers, Pentecostals, Roman Catholics, Mormons, and Occult followers. As Seventh-day Adventists our mission is to preach the good news of salvation to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.

Learning about differing backgrounds and belief systems helps us to communicate the gospel in a way that other groups can appreciate. Each booklet, which is sold separately, is divided into four units and can be presented as classes or discussed in groups.

Evangelism for Youth Author: Darryl L. Howard Source: AdventSource at (800) 328-0525 or www.adventsource.org Price: $9.95 Seventh-day Adventist youth represent a dynamic evangelism force. If we are to reach all people, then the youth must be put to work too! If you would like to have a youth evangelism team in your church, this comprehensive training manual is a must. It includes an historical sketch of youth evangelism in Adventism, Christ’s five-point method of soul winning, a weekly program schedule, 14

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God’s Big Idea Author: Rosanne Tetz Source: Adventist Book Center at (800) 765-6955 or www.adventistbookcenter.com Price: $13.99 From Creation to God’s plan for a new world, the basics of the Bible are covered in a fresh, dynamic way in this book. It contains hundreds of big ideas for growing the souls of children ages 6 through 9.

Using fascinating facts about our world to teach truths about life, the author explores such things as what can be learned from a school of fish. Answer: traveling with a large group requires cooperation as well as being careful not to simply follow the crowd.

Family Evangelism– Bringing Jesus to the Family Circle Author: Karen and Ron Flowers Source: AdventSource at (800) 328-0525 or www.adventsource.org Price: $14.95 This 2004 resource reinforces the Adventist Church’s “Year of World Evangelism” theme by encouraging churches to find unique ways to evangelize through family ministry. Family Evangelism– Bringing Jesus to the Family Circle compiles sermons, seminars, children’s stories, and practical resources for creating and maintaining a thriving family ministry in the local church. The curriculum focuses on both intrafamilial relationships within the home and interfamilial evangelizing to other families. Combining these methods provides a balanced program to keep families healthy and reaching out to others.

APRIL 2004

“Fit 4 You” Fitness Camp Revamps and Revitalizes Lives healthy lifestyle is as much a part of being a Seventh-day Adventist as are biblical beliefs. Every summer, through Fit 4 You fitness camp, Allegheny East Conference (AEC) meets the needs of people who desire a healthier way of life that integrates all aspects of being whole—mind, body, and soul—in a unique way that gets results. This year it will be held July 11-25 on the AEC campgrounds in Pine Forge, Pa. During the two weeks participants spend at Fit 4 You, their current fitness levels are assessed in an effort to pinpoint exactly where improvements need to be made to achieve optimum health. Tutorial sessions are interspersed throughout the day and health and fitness professionals are on hand to educate campers on the principles of proper nutrition, fitness, time management, and spiritual wellness. In addition, Fit 4 You includes a cooking component where participants gain hands-on experience learning the basics of healthy vegetarian cooking. According to Leah Scott, health director for AEC, “Fit 4 You provides participants with information and resources whereby they can take a good look at their lifestyle and determine what changes they need to make to experience a life of quality and quantity—God’s ultimate goal for humankind.”

Of special value to fitness camp attendees is time spent on prevention, living with, and in some cases, the reversal of Type II diabetes and hypertension—chronic illnesses which are reaching epidemic proportions in the United States. Fit 4 You was started in 1977 under the direction of then AEC health director Gwendolyn Foster, who now works with Philadelphia Mayor John Street.

For further information about Fit 4 You, please contact the health ministries department of the Allegheny East Conference at (610) 326-4610, ext. 228, or e-mail lscott@myallegenyeast.com; cgomez@myalleghenyeast.com.

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Professional chef Gary West demonstrates healthy and delicious vegetarian cooking.

To burn off calories from dining on vegetarian delights, Fit 4 You campers do step aerobics.

Since Fit 4 You takes place during the summer, water aerobics are a popular and refreshing exercise choice.

APRIL 2004

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A Fresh Perspective: Jessica T. Johnson o one is harder on preaching than the preacher himself. Let me tell you about Jessica T. Johnson, who recently spoke to my soul. Jessica is a very focused, bright, talented, and gifted African-American young lady—a student leader, honors student, and president of the Class of 2005 at Pine Forge Academy (PFA). She was one of several student leaders chosen to speak for the Student Week of Prayer.

Each presenter spoke on a given topic. Jessica’s topic was “Worldliness.” The points of Jessica’s message were beautifully illustrated in the life cycle of Solomon. She explained how having been damaged or hurt in various experiences of life sometimes contribute to complacency, rebellion, and ultimately to worldliness and Jessica Johnson self-destructive behavior. As I sat and listened, I was blown away by how God used this young lady—full of wisdom beyond her years. While skillfully handling Scripture, Jessica spoke a language that her peers could understand. Preachers call it “contextualization.” Jessica offered to us—her listening audience— a tasteful measure of self-disclosure. It was without a doubt a “fresh perspective” of two things I love doing and talking about: preaching and PFA. George E. Thornton Sr., D.Min. Principal Thanks, Jessica, for reminding us of the urgency of the times.

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Class of 2003—Where Are They Now? t’s been almost a year since the Class of 2003 graduated and ventured out into the world beyond “the Forge.” Here is a quick look into what a couple of the members of the class are currently doing:

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Name: Avery Watkins Age: 19 Current Status: Freshman at Morehouse College, Atlanta, Ga. College Major: Computer science and computer engineering with a possible minor in Japanese.

Activities: “I am active in NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) and Atlanta Adventist Avery Watkins Collegiate Ministry—a group of young Adventists who come together, support each other, and do AYS programs at churches and community services.”

Future plans: “After graduation, I hope to work for a major computer company that builds computer components.”

What do you like best/least about your college experience? “The freedom of life and the possibility of seeing the world outside of the Seventh-day Adventist community. For the most part, I feel being outside of the Adventist community allows me to be a witness for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A con of my college experience, however, is not getting a chance to participate in certain events because of my faith.”

Advice for the Class of 2004: “Pay attention. Don’t just try to learn your teacher’s style in order to pass the class, but actually learn the class information. If you don’t learn the information, when you get in college, you’ll find yourself playing ‘catch-up.’ I see too many people in my classes trying to figure out things that they should have learned in high school.”

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Name: Makeda Hampton Age: 19 Current Status: Freshman at Oakwood College, Huntsville, Ala. College Major: Chemistry and music, with an emphasis in vocal performance.

Activities: Aeolians and Phase II (Phase II is a choral ensemble comprised of PFA choir members Makeda Hampton from the Class of 2003, attending Oakwood College).

Future Plans: A music and science youth community center developer.

How is college life different from life at PFA? “You have more freedom in the fact that you can come and go as you please. You also have more free time that comes with a less structured schedule. Having more free time poses a challenge, however, because you need to develop good time management skills so that you don’t fall behind.”

Advice for the Class of 2004: “Come to college with your head on straight because there are outside pressures and influences that can easily sway you negatively.”

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

APRIL 2004

Victory Church Appears on Television as “Church of the Month” he Victory Seventh-day Adventist Church in Delaware, Ohio, celebrated its 30th anniversary and made a special appearance on TV-42 WXCB. Their celebratory service on the occasion, was videotaped by TV-42 WXCB after they were named “Church of the Month” by the station.

A fellowship dinner was held immediately after services.

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The Victory Seventh-day Adventist Church was recently named “Church of the Month” by TV-42 WXCB.

Southeast Member Receives Women of Praise Award he Southeast Seventh-day Adventist Church congratulates Hazel Lee Gilleylen for recently winning the Women of Praise Award for Compassion, one of the three awards given during the gala banquet at the Radisson Hotel in Orlando, Fla. Gilleylen has a passion for helping people. As a job developer for the National Caucus and Center on Black Aged People, she helps senior citizens who seek employment overcome barriers that exist in the work force. Gilleylen travels throughout the United States as a lecturer and educator to build awareness of the needs of the elderly.

Her love for the elderly stems from being raised by her grandmother and she developed the Amanda Marzetta Brown Award in her honor, which is given to outstanding grandmothers who are rearing grandchildren and great-grandchildren, in their own homes.

Gilleylen has served on the boards of the Cleveland Early Childhood Association of Young Children and the American Society of Aging. Her personal ministry for the last five years has been selecting three worthy students attending college and/or academy and sending them special gifts, cards, and funds throughout the year. Gilleylen is a shining example of unselfish caring.

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Hazel Lee Gilleylen holds her Women of Praise Award for Compassion in recognition for her work with senior citizens.

Audrey Severns Communication Director SOUTHEAST CHURCH

Get Ready for Camp Meeting!

June 18-26

Stay tuned for Allegheny West’s Camp Meeting preview in the May issue of the Visitor!

APRIL 2004

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Waynesboro Church Celebrates Jesus he Waynesboro Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrated Jesus during the Christmas season. Area churches were invited and participated.

In addition the children of the church put on a very special program—a pageant which featured biblical and Christmas stories that were enjoyed by the audience. Refreshments were served at the conclusion of the program.

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—Joan Reynolds Shelto Waynesboro children take part in a Christmas pageant.

Melrose Church Conducts Successful Crusade

Melrose Church Honors Pastor

ocal elders James Muse, Patricia Hatch, and John Word conducted a successful three-week crusade at the Melrose Seventh-day Adventist Church in Roanoke, Va. The elders used the Triumphant Truth Bible Studies as a follow up to the meeting held by Pastor Jonathan Runnels. Each presenter captivated the minds of the attendees as many came to have their difficult questions answered. All who attended were blessed beyond measure.

—Jean Mills

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he Melrose Seventh-day Adventist Church of Roanoke, Va., recently celebrated Appeciation Month and recognized Pastor Jonathan Runnels during that time.

Melrose appreciates Runnels for his wonderful work in soul winning, his administrative gifts, visitations, and for the love he shows toward all he meets. Runnels was recognized by both his church and immediate families as gifts were sent from all over the United States in his honor.

—Jean Mills

Mt. Olive Church Holds “Heffian C. Jamison Day” effian C. Jamison of the Mt. Olive Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, was recognized for his 30 years of dedicated service to his church. Jamison has served as Sabbath School teacher, choir member, head deacon, head elder, member of the treasury department, Heffian C. Jamison personal ministries director, custodian, and lay pastor.

Jamison also delivers food baskets to the needy.

Jamison was presented awards for outstanding leadership, Christian service, and community service.

In addition, a special program was presented in his honor, where his favorite songs were sung and favorite foods served. Jamison and his wife were also given special recognition for their 36 years of marriage.

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—Sarah M. Jamison 20

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Pastor Jonathan Runnels, left, of the Melrose church, receives gifts of appreciation from his congregation.

Catch the Vision is published in the Visitor by the Allegheny West Conference 1339 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43205 Phone: (614) 252-5271 ■ President, James L. Lewis Editor, Robert C. Lewis ■ www.awconf.org

APRIL 2004

Making Small Groups a Big Concern he small group has played a vital role in the growth and expansion of the Church since its inception. The early church was very concerned about developing a sense of community and enjoying fellowship. Worship was largely conducted in small, house churches, and it was not until the onset of the medieval period that institutional worship became the norm.

Recent research has shown that a crucial characteristic of a healthy, growing church is the presence of a small group ministry—specifically a small group ministry that is holistic. A holistic small group is one that deals with the whole person—reaching the emotions as well as the mind. It goes beyond discussing the meaning of a Bible passage (a cognitive approach) to the application of its message to everyday life (the relational approach). It provides a safe place where people can be themselves and not feel condemned. It is a place where people can grow in Christ in an atmosphere of love and acceptance, and yet still be held accountable for their life in Christ. It also provides a place where members can be trained for evangelism.

Early Adventists saw the need for relational groups in the developing denomination. Their “social meetings” were characterized as a time of fellowship, testimony, and sharing the Christian life. Because Chesapeake members are so committed to reaching people who haven’t heard the truth of the gospel, we must be doing all within our ability to be faithful to Scripture and our Neville Harcombe President heritage by making certain that holistic small groups are a vital part of our churches today.

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NEWS Chesapeake Hosts Pathfinder Coordinator Convention Pathfinder area coordinators from six different conferences gathered at Mt. Aetna Camp/Retreat Center for a “We Are God’s Hands” convention. Hosted and organized by Chesapeake’s Youth Ministries department, this gathering provided a real opportunity for fellowship, networking, and training. Participants enjoyed times of devotional worship and a half dozen specialized seminars on enhancing ministry to young people.

Atholton Crusaders March Onward The Atholton Pathfinder Club scored high enough at the conference-wide Bible Bowl competition held First Place Atholton team. Back Row: February 28 at left to right, Tyler Elliott, Joylyn Crews, the Highland and Tori Hudgins. Front Row: left to right, View Academy Addi Hudgins, Benjamin Herzel, and church, to Aaron Blair. advance to the union-wide finals.

For the first time since the inception of the Bible Bowl competition, just one Chesapeake club has advanced beyond the conference level. The Crusaders will attend the Columbia Union finals in Morgantown, W.Va., April 3, and, if they score well again, will go on to the North American Division finals at Andrews University April 17.

The focus of this year’s competition is Proverbs. Next year, Acts will become the book of specialized study.

Pathfinder leaders experiment with a form of charades as a tool for teaching young people key Bible truths.

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Churches Create Environment for Growth group of nearly 70 lay leaders and pastors from 20 Chesapeake churches spent the last day of February at the Columbia Union Conference office learning about the Natural Church Development (NCD) process. They studied under Lyle and Runette Litzenberger from the North American Division Evangelism Institute at Andrews University, and Judy Butler and Tamyra Horst from the Pennsylvania Conference.

The NCD process grew from a recent study by Christian Schwarz that distilled eight characteristics common to all growing churches. The presenters showed the validity of these characteristics as documented in the inspired writings of Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy. The NCD process was clarified by using a survey where churches can measure how well cultivated Wilna church representatives engaging in friendly debate they are in each of the eight characteristics. This process helps a on the eight characteristics of a healthy church. church discover whether it has a healthy environment for growth and what obstacles need to be removed for improvement.

The characteristics of the NCD process are not illusive dreams, but solid goals all churches can achieve. Just as a gardener—with God’s help—prepares the appropriate environment for a thriving garden, God’s wisdom leads church members to prepare a church environment primed for growth.

Due to the fact that this initial session was introductory, churches have the opportunity to decide whether they want to be a part of the NCD process and do the in-depth church survey. Eventually, interested churches will send an implementation team to Mt. Aetna Camp where they will analyze the results of their survey and prepare goals and action plans for strengthening their weakest areas. Each church will be assigned a coach to guide them through the implementation phase. The cycle of surveying and addressing the weakest characteristic will continue until each church reaches the point where it is scoring well on the survey and experiencing significant growth.

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Family Ministries Sponsors Couples’ Retreat hesapeake’s Family Ministries Department held its first annual Romantic Couples Retreat at the Dunes Manor Hotel in Ocean City, Md., Valentine’s Day weekend. Twenty-five couples enjoyed the lovely setting and service provided by the hotel staff.

The weekend program, organized and presented by Claudio and Pamela Consuegra, provided opportunity for reflection, discussion, humor, and a few tears. The highlight of the retreat was its closing segment—the sharing of communion and a service of commitment where couples renewed vows. At the conclusion of the service, a man asked if he could make a statement. He shared that he and his wife had been planning to end their marriage. But due to the encouragement and fellowship of the other attending couples, the issues discussed, and the time spent focusing on their relationship, they recommitted themselves to their marriage—for their family and God’s cause.

As a result, attendees broke into spontaneous applause and rushed to embrace the couple. At the conclusion of the event, many of the couples headed home, renewed and committed to promoting the importance of family minRetreat coordinators, Pam and Claudio Consuegra istries in their churches.

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Chesapeake couples reconnect at retreat.

The second annual Romantic Couples’ Retreat will be held February 11-13, 2005. Willie and Elaine Oliver from the North American Division will be the featured presenters.

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

Course Encourages Service Through Advocacy

Band Festival Thrills Audience

tudents in Columbia Union College’s (CUC) Contemporary American Politics class are learning to serve the community in a manner not often thought of as a ministry—advocacy. Professor Roy Branson, director of the Center for Law and Public Policy, requires each of them to perform 20 hours of community service with a local advocacy group.

“Getting students involved in positive cause-related projects like these are an extension of the college’s commitment to service,” says Branson. “I would like the students in this class to experience service in a way that can change and affect public policy.”

Lahai Allen, a senior print journalism major, volunteered for the Lion and Lamb Project to lessen the amount of violence in media marketed to children. Her projects included creating a PowerPoint presentation that was presented before the Federal Trade Commission.

A group led by Andrew King, senior documentary production major, produced a nine-minute video on sexual trafficking of children that aired on a local cable station. College President Randal Wisbey received a letter from the National Commander of the Salvation Army, commending the students and the Center for Law and Public Policy on this project.

Louise Lee, a senior broadcast journalism major who was already interning at Dateline NBC and working on a program segment about the sale of defective artificial implants, chose to distribute copies of the segment to members of the United States Senate oversight committee for the Food and Drug Left to right: Andrew King, Louise Administration.

Lee, and Lahai Allen “I was able to combine two things I love—media and children,” Allen said. “I learned that when you believe in something you shouldn’t be afraid to stand up for your cause. I didn’t even know I had it in me to do advocacy work until I did this.”

—Kelly Allen, Stefanie Johnson

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early 70 academy band members thrilled an appreciative crowd of nearly 250 parents, teachers, church, and community members at this year’s CUC Band Festival performance on Friday evening, February 13, at the Spencerville Seventh-day Adventist Church in Maryland.

The festival, which continued Sabbath morning, February 14, at the Takoma Park Seventh-day Adventist Church, showcased the God-given talents of students from Takoma and Spencerville academies in Maryland; Blue Mountain Academy in Pennsylvania; Richmond and Shenandoah Valley academies in Virginia; Fletcher Academy in North Carolina, and Spring Valley Academy in Ohio.

Students arrived February 11, checked in to their dorm rooms, and got to work. According to Bruce (Continued on next page)

Centennial Snapshot Acts of Service In 1917, students volunteered to help extend the paved section of Carroll Avenue all the way to campus—aiding workers in bringing in construction materials for Columbia Hall.

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■ Approximately 45 CUC students dropped their studies and left in three shifts during the week of November 11, 1985, to go to West Virginia. They left to serve as volunteers to the flood-devastated towns of Albright and Rowlesburg. The first group of volunteers left less than three hours after hearing the call for help.

After a 2003 classroom study on traffic safety concerns in nearby Langley Park, students ventured over to one of the area's busiest intersections—New Hampshire Ave. and University Blvd.—to help educate the largely, new-immigrant population on safecrossing practices, with the purpose of reducing the growing number of pedestrian fatalities.

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Mock Trial Team Claims Another Victory UC’s mock trial team recently defeated the University of Dayton 199-192—winning three of the last four annual competitions. Ashley Russell, a junior English and pre-law major, was named “best attorney” by the judges.

“I was absolutely surprised to receive best attorney because the witness that I crossed gave me an extremely difficult time,” said Russell. “I was able to keep my witness from testifying damaging information.”

This year’s team is made up of three attorneys: Ashley Russell, Cheryl Cathlin, and Ioana Rusu; and three witnesses: Tomeala Romeo, Estevanny Jimenez-Adames, and David Barnes. The Center for Law and Public Policy, under the direction of Roy Branson, sponsors the team. The team’s coaches are attorneys Robert Patterson and Kevin Robertson.

Members of the CUC Mock Trial Team. Back row: Kevin Robertson, coach; Estevanny Jimenez-Adames; David The CUC team has defeated other notable teams Barnes; Roy Branson, sponsor. Seated: Cheryl Cathlin, including UCLA and five-time national champion Tomeala Romeo, and Ioana Rusu. Not pictured: Ashley University of Maryland in exhibition matches. The team Russell and Robert Patterson, coach. does not participate in the official American Mock Trial Association due to Sabbath conflicts, and for the past five years has been the only Adventist college- or university-sponsored, mock trial team.

CALENDAR “It’s a very good experience, especially for those who are thinking about practicing law,” said Russell. “You don’t just learn the perApril formance, you learn the fundamentals of law and what you’ll be 2-4 doing in the court room.”

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For more information on the pre-law program at CUC, visit www.cuc.edu, e-mail enroll@cuc.edu, or call (800) 835-4212.

—Kelly Allen (Band Festival, cont.)

Alumni Weekend

4 Open House, Tastes of Takoma Park at CUC

17 Acro-Airs Home Show

Wilson, director of the Columbia Concert Winds and festival director, most students are accustomed to 45 minutes of practice per day.

However, this group worked all day Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday to prepare a number of difficult pieces for the weekend performances.

The students had the privilege of working with a guest conductor, James Hosay, director of the well-known U.S. Army Band, Pershing’s Own, who premiered two pieces at the festival: “Were You There?” based on the spiritual of the same name, and “Operatic—Overture” with strains reminiscent of classic 19th century overtures by Wagner Bruce Wilson conducts the Honors Festival Band at the Spencerville (Md.) church. and Mozart.

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26-28 Final Exams

30-May 2 Graduation Weekend

May 3-10 Summer Registration

10 First Summer Session begins

11 MBA Course Registration

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

APRIL 2004

Representative of the Lord ears ago when I had the privilege of being involved in literature ministry, we were taught how to decipher the interests of residents by observing the house, playground equipment, evidence of hobbies and vocation, pictures of the family, general appearance, etc.

I wonder what impressions people have when they see our facilities. Are our schools, churches, and institutions representative of the God we serve?

Right now our constituents are working with us to consider relocating our headquarters to a more central location in Buckhannon. Our current facility in Parkersburg is around 55 years old with a flat roof and sitting on a spring—which for years has caused leakage through the walls and floors of the two lower levels. Over two years ago, the car dealership next door offered to purchase our facility. Since then, careful study has been given by the conference executive committee to relocating, being careful that conference operating funds are not used in doing so.

Now, a special session has been called to give our faithful members an opportunity to Kingsley Whitsett President seek God’s will on this matter. Please pray for us!

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Wheeling Health Ministries Cares for Community ith the poorest health statistics in the nation, West Virginia leads in tobacco abuse, obesity, and poor dental care.

Adventists in Wheeling are concerned about the health of their community, and they’re doing something about it.

Wheeling church’s organic health food store, The Master’s Cupboard, hosts two vegetarian cooking classes each month. The classes are free to the community and cover many topics relevant to good health and nutrition.

The classes have also drawn considerable community interest with 20-25 persons attending each night.

Every session begins with a 15-minute health lecture on the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle and continues with instruction on how vegetarian cooking is versatile, appealing, and easy. These interactive classes offer live demonstrations and free samples.

“We’ve had many comments from class participants that our efficient teamwork and professionalism make it seem as if we’ve been doing this for years. God has blessed us with diligent, energetic members who help to make the class successful,” said store manager Dawn Wheeler.

In connection with The Master’s Cupboard, member Carol Richardson, M.D., has initiated Destiny Health & Lifestyle Consultants, a service group committed to providing health solutions for the community. The group helps individuals discover how they can maximize the quality of their life. They also provide valuable information through interactive lectures and health seminars on topics of current interest such as healthful nutrition and disease prevention.

The consultants also provide live blood cell analysis, which utilizes dark-field microscopy to reveal a picture of an individual’s overall health.

“The current statistics today are indeed grim,” explains Richardson.

“Multitudes are succumbing to systemic diseases due to poor health education and lifestyle choices. We want our community to know that their destiny is not a Addiction counselor and medical missionary Ruby Rouss, shows veg- matter of chance, but of choice.”

Plans are underway to offer its services to local churches, health clubs, etarian cooking class students how YMCAs, etc. The Wheeling church is reaching its community with the healing to prepare a “Totally Tofu” recipe. touch of Christ’s hand.

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Amy Garvick Communication Secretary WHEELING CHURCH

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Elkins Church and Highland School Dedicate Property fter a 15-year search, the Elkins church has purchased property for a new building. The church, which operates Highland Adventist School—a K-12 school serving the local community and church family is overcrowded.

As site preparation and construction began, the congregation met on the new property to dedicate it for service and to ask God for guidance and a blessing.

“Our church has grown in the past 10 years,” says Pastor Don Jacko. “Our sanctuary is filled almost to capacity every Sabbath. That along with the lack of fellowship facilities and adequate parking is challenging enough. Besides that, our school is bursting at the seams. For lack of classroom space, we have had to turn community students away during the past few years.”

Located along the Allegheny Bike Trail, this newly purElkins church members and students from Highland Adventist chased, five-acre parcel will be fully utilized in the School rejoice as they dedicate their property. church’s multistage building program that includes a school, fellowship/community hall, sanctuary, health food store and bakery, greenhouse, gymnasium, and school garden.

“Our congregation has made an impact on the local community through our education and health ministries.

We believe that our new facility will provide many more ministry opportunities. We are so thankful for God’s leading in the acquisition of this property,” Jacko concluded.

—Cheryl Jacko

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Spencer Church Broadcasts Adventist Message to Community he Spencer church recently began broadcasting the three angels’ messages on radio from its low power station, 105.7 FM, WMCC. Low power FM stations normally have a radial reach of three to five miles, and even less in mountainous terrain. The Spencer church is situated on the brow of a hill as high as any in the area.

Its 95-foot radio tower rises above the surrounding heights, thus giving an unexpectedly wide broadcasting range that extends 12 to 15 miles in all directions. Herb Perrine, the church’s station manager and head elder, anticipates that soon WMCC will be continuously broadcasting every day of the year.

Spencer’s programming can potentially

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Mountain View

EVENTS April 10 Youth Rally Parkersburg

15-25 MV School Mission Trip La Vida Mission Spencer church broadcasts truth from its own low power station.

26 Executive Committee

May include up to 50 percent of its locally generated material adapted to the needs and interests of the community. Meanwhile, the station already serves as a vehicle for furthering the Adventist message and the announcement of the church’s locally sponsored events.

Spencer Church COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT

16 Board of Education

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

SpiriT MOUNT VERNON ACADEMY APRIL 2004

Is Boarding Academy for You? ecently I read a school newspaper from an Adventist day academy. In one feature two students debated opposing positions—one favoring a boarding academy and the other favoring a day academy. The writers presented fair points of view for both types of Adventist academies, but focused on the “freedom” found in each type of school. The day academy proponent argued that he was free from the harsh rules of a boarding school while the boarding school advocate favored being away from the harsh rules of parents and the day school.

Obviously there are rules wherever you go. So what else is there at a boarding academy that will help you mature as a Christian? Consider the unique opportunities offered at a boarding academy:

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It’s It’s ■ It’s ■ It’s ■ It’s ■ It’s ■ It’s ■ ■

a a a a a a a

place place place place place place place

where you develop independence by living on your own. that gives you confidence. where you learn to try new things. that helps you develop safe “social intelligence.” where you are with best friends 24/7. where you learn good habits for a lifetime. where you make friends for a lifetime.

Think about Mount Vernon Academy (MVA). We can help you discover Christ and yourself.

We’ve been doing this since 1893!

Dale Twomley Principal

MVA Undergoes Major Renovations rom a distance, the colonial architecture and wonderful old buildings of MVA that alumni remember fondly, still look pretty good. But today’s MVA students have a hard time learning to love the old steam radiators that bang through the night, the frayed electrical wires that “glow” in the dark, plaster that cracks and falls when you close the door, and windows that rattle with every breeze.

Over the past six years, nearly all of the buildings at MVA have undergone major renovations. Three years ago the cafeteria dining room was redecorated with new carpet, tile, drapes, and an acoustic ceiling that covers the spots where the old butter pads had been targeted for 35 years.

Two years ago the girls’ dorm, Linden Hall, received a $1.5 million makeover. All of the rooms have heating/air conditioning units, Internet connections, and intercom. Most of the rooms also have a shared bathroom suite. There’s a refurbished worship room and fitness room; a kitchenette, laundry, and parlor are provided on each of the three floors.

Maranatha Volunteers International helped us renovate the music building in 2002 into a beautiful facility without taking away the old building’s dignity. We now have three teaching studios, six practice rooms, and two rehearsal rooms that are covered with a new roof, protected by new windows, and heating/air conditioning for year-round comfort. The building even has its Mount Vernon Academy’s music building was own bathrooms. renovated in 2002.

This year the major renovation project is Hadley Hall—the boys’ dormitory built 63 years ago. Hadley Hall also boasts individual heating/air conditioning units and Internet in each room. Most of the rooms will have a shared bathroom suite as well. A new worship room, fitness room, and kitchen will help keep the boys happy on their side of campus. Completion for this $1.1 million project is slated for later this month.

You can now safely say, “MVA isn’t what it used to be,” because it is even better! Visit our campus and you will see what we mean.

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SpiriT Shaw to Graduate Academy as College Sophomore he primary reason I transferred to MVA for my last two years of high school was for their dual credit program. I really liked the idea of getting one year of college completed while in academy. I’ve already taken U.S. History, General Psychology, Jesus and the Gospels, Personal Finance, Pre-Cal, Healthier Living, Accounting, and Mass Media—all for college credit! When I graduate in May, I expect to have 24 hours of college credit finished.

And do you know what else? I think MVA is a really cool school. I have grown in my relationship with Jesus and I have been able to develop my leadership skills. The music and sports programs here are awesome too.

I’m going to college next year, and I will start as a sophomore—to me, that’s really cool!

Tyson Shaw

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Senior, SA President

Honor Roll Luncheon Recognizes Noteworthy Students t a special honor roll luncheon, 64 students were recognized for maintaining GPAs of 3.0 or higher throughout the first semester. In addition to academics, the honor roll requires satisfactory citizenship, attendance, and work grades.

Thirty-five of the students were on the principal’s list, which requires a GPA of 3.67 or above, and 14 students attained a perfect 4.0 GPA during second quarter.

MVA, in partnership with Columbia Union College, offers 12 classes for dual or college credit. Currently, 22 of the eligible juniors and seniors take part in this program.

Linda Taber

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Registrar

Senior Tyson Shaw has racked up enough college credits while still in academy, to enter college next year as a sophomore.

calendar of

events

April 13-17 Spring Week of Prayer

16-18 Academy Days

23-24 Alumni Weekend

25 Golf Tournament

29 Home Leave Begins

May 9 Mother’s Day Brunch and Spring Concert

10 Spring Picnic and Spring Concert

20-26 Senior Class Trip

24-26 Final Exams

28-30 Graduation

Berenice DeCastro (center) teaches Spanish II to honor roll students. Left to right: Samantha DeCastro, Greg Chardon, Jeff Lee, and Valerie Sutton.

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Spirit is published in the Visitor

by Mount Vernon Academy ■ 525 Wooster Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 Phone: (740) 397-5411 ■ Principal, Dale Twomley ■ www.mvacademy.org

APRIL 2004

Voices Matter young boy in a busy day-care setting immediately notices the voice of his mother. A teenage girl calling home in an emergency is assured by the steady voice of her father. Engaged couples laugh easily together as their voices blend in amusement. Grandparents rejoice as their youngest grandchild “talks” on the telephone!

For Jesus, it was no different. Hearing His Father’s voice was a touchstone—a reminder of where He had come from and why He was here. “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17). Jesus’ greatest trials would follow His baptism, and there, the voice would reassure Him again.

On a rugged mountainside Jesus had taken Peter, James, and John to pray. After a day spent blessing others, He felt the need to be near His source of strength. Pouring out His supplications on our behalf, again Jesus heard the voice of assurance.

He heard His father’s voice one last time. In the outer court of Jerusalem’s temple, Jesus’ soul was troubled. He saw what lay ahead—suffering, humiliation, and death. “But for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name,” He prayed. His Father responded, enclosing Christ in His light, “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.”

He has risen! Christ lives! “And when we give ourselves to Christ in wholehearted devotion, angels rejoice that they may speak through our voices to reveal God’s love” (Desire of Ann Calkins Lake Nelson church Ages, p. 297). Voices matter.

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God Smiles, Heaven Applauds as Churches are Dedicated n 2003, New Jersey Conference dedicated five mortgage-free churches to the Lord. A church dedication is a blessing for it is about more than meeting financial obligations. It is more than owning your a building and land— it is a tangible demonstration of a God-focused congregation. Churches get dedicated because members decidedly keep distractions from blocking their view of the Savior’s path for them. They allow God to replace the love of self and the world with His self-sacrificing love. And when a church is dedicated, members—one in purpose— see their congregation home as a safe haven reaching out to the community.

New Jersey Conference is proud of all of its congregations and congratulates those dedicated in 2003:

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December 13, 2003—Atlantic County English This was a most unusual mortgage-burning ceremony, as there was no mortgage to burn. For years members of the Atlantic County church had been faithfully giving money to their building fund. One day, a new church home became a tangible reality—it was purchased in its entirety from saved funds and dedicated two Sabbaths later.

Atlantic County English church

September 13, 2003—La Victoria This church bears a meaningful name—La Victoria— and as they met as a family with the pastors and leaders from the conference, they celebrated the dedication of a beautiful place of worship. And there was much rejoicing, as videos were viewed that La showed the transformation from a property Victoria church in ruins—to a marvelous house of God.

November 8, 2003—Maranatha Members celebrated a combined miracle of faith, perseverance, and creativity. Abundant blessings from God resulted in the dedication of a temple in which every detail speaks of the love of its members for Jesus. The Maranatha church building is located in a place where a building project seemed impossible. But now it stands (Continued on next page) APRIL 2004

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tall and beautiful, ready to announce to the community and the world that Jesus is coming soon!

November 22, 2003—Passaic II Passaic’s dedication was one of the most colorful activities in this series of church dedications. The police department closed the street and Pathfinders, in uniform, participated in a parade. A multitude gathered in front of the church Maranatha church to listen to Conference administrators and Passaic’s Mayor. All former pastors who had ministered in the church were present and participated in the ribbon cutting. Then, with rejoicing hearts, all members and visitors entered the new facility to participate in the dedication ceremony.

March 29, 2003—Sion Spanish This wonderful day was the first in a chain of celebrations of this kind. The congregation prepared a beautiful program and presented the fruits of their efforts to the Lord. They said goodbye to debts, and opened the way to a future of evangelism and service to the community. The members of Sion Spanish church, as well as all other churches who burned their mortgages in 2003, are a living testimony that New Jersey Conference is fulfilling its mission.

April 3 AY Federation Meeting-South Education Rally Collingwood Park Master Guide Bible Marathon

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

10 AY Coordinators’/Directors’ Meeting-South

11 ABC Open: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

13 Pastors' Meeting

17 VBS Training-South Father/Son Outing

24 Day of Prayer Adventurer's Coordinators' Meeting Master Guide Training

27 PUSH Conference-South

29 K-12 Principals’ Council

LeRoy Finck President NEW JERSEY CONFERENCE

Sion Spanish church

Get Ready for

Dilson Bezerra Joins New Jersey astor Dilson Bezerra; his wife, Lea; and their three daughters—Daline, 19; Darlene, 15; and Diana, 8—have joined the New Jersey Conference to pastor the Luzo Brazilian and Harrison Spanish churches. Prior to coming to New Jersey, the Bezerras pastored in Massachusetts and Texas. Welcome to New Jersey, Pastor Bezerra and family.

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The Bezerra family. Clockwise: Dilson, Daline, Darlene, Lea, and Diana.

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Camp Meeting!

English June 17-19 Spanish June 24-26 See the upcoming May Visitor for all the details!

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

APRIL 2004

Ohio State University: Mission Field for Adventist Student Organization n Adventist student organization has recently been formed on the campus of Ohio State University (OSU). The original group of three has blossomed into an active, registered student organization with about 10 regular members. They also maintain an e-mail list of around 50 other college students and young adults in central Ohio. Adventist Students for Christ is officially recognized as an active OSU organization, and has participated in the huge Winter Student Involvement Fair on campus. They have plans to host a lecture series and a health fair, as well as dramatic and musical performances in the near future.

The group also intends to develop a Web site and cooperate with other Christian student organizations in community service opportunities.

—Ted Orlet

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Special Features The Seven Habits of In-Effective Churches 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Ron Gladden, Author Nine out of 10 American churches have ceased their cycle of growth. If your church is one of the nine, this seminar will clarify exactly what needs to be done about it.

A Taste of Summer Camp 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Ages 7-12 Includes: pony rides, swimming, games, and adventure. $5 per participant.

Children’s Ministry Leadership Training

OSU’s Adventist Students for Christ view their campus as an open mission field.

Youth Camps June 14-18

July 4-11

Sports Camps

Junior 1

June 13-20

July 11-18

Blind Camp Epilepsy Camp

Junior 2

June 20-27

Cub Camp

July 18-24

Tween Camp

June 28-July 3 Family/Horse/ Extreme Teen

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

June 13, 2004 Campus of Mount Vernon Academy

Correction: In the March issue of Mission Ohio, camp meeting is listed as starting June 13.

It will start June 14.

APRIL 2004

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Ohio Hispanic Congregations Growing Hispanic group in Dayton was recently granted mission church status. This status places them firmly on the road toward full standing in the sisterhood of churches in the Ohio Conference.

Pastor Samuel González took charge of the Hispanic group in Kettering in the summer of 2002. The group— started with just four families—formed a Spanish Sabbath School class at the Kettering church. Through visitors and baptisms, the Dayton Central Spanish church now has more than 80 congregants in attendance. In addition to Sabbath services and weekly potlucks, a Spanish language AY meeting is held every Sabbath afternoon to meet the needs of young people and to encourage leadership and training.

Last year, the group outgrew the allocated space at Kettering College of Medical Arts. They now meet at a rented Baptist church in downtown Dayton that considers the Hispanic group a blessing and an answer to prayer.

The Dayton group had been asking God for guidance on how to reach the growing Latino community around them. God’s plans are always perfect and sometimes surprising!

Mario Ceballos has accepted the pastorship of this growing congregation. He is committed to the church’s mission of evangelism and has been active in bringing Pastor Jose Lombardo from La Voz de Esperanza (the Spanish-language version of the Voice of Prophecy) for a six-week series of meetings.

—Erik Neives

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od’s guidance and prayer led 36 members of the First Hispanic church to plant another Hispanic church in the Cleveland area. They began meeting in June 1998 and officially became a mission church in July 1999. Meeting in a rented building, they continued to pray that God would provide a church home. Various money-making projects and a serious commitment from the members have resulted in the purchase of a church building. In December 2003, the Ohio Conference officially granted the new congregation church status. The Ebenezer Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church has 68 members and over 100 in attendance each Sabbath.

G Ebenezer Spanish church is the newest Latino congregation to form in the Cleveland area.

—Jeanette Diaz

hat began as a Hispanic ministry program with the Cincinnati Village Adventist Church, has developed into a mission church in the Ohio Conference. Pastor Dan Schramm and members of the Village church nurtured the group in its formative stages, and provided their current church facilities.

From its humble beginnings of a handful of believers in 1999, it has seen steady growth to a group of over 65.

With strong leadership from several of the Hispanic members, the group has grown and widened its ministry, and found ways to reach the Hispanic population in the Cincinnati area. Five ministry teams have been organized to handle the areas of fellowship, worship, discipleship, evangelism, and ministry. The most relevant community service achievement for the group has been the establishment of a food bank—open to the whole community—that serves families in need.

Pastor Joel Rivera, Hispanic evangelist for the greater Cincinnati area, is providing pastoral care to the group. In partnership with ASI's Youth for Jesus program, the Hispanic group expects to plant a new church in Hamilton.

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—George Perez

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Members of the new Hispanic church plant in Cincinnati pose after Sabbath services.

Mission Ohio is published in the Visitor by the Ohio Conference ■ P. O. Box 1230, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 Phone: (740) 397-4665 ■ President, Raj Attiken Editor, Bette Toscano ■ www.ohioadventist.org

APRIL 2004

Bring a Friend to Camp Meeting o many of us look forward to seeing familiar friends each year at camp meeting. But what about a new view on meeting friends this year at camp meeting? Why not introduce one of your friends to the joys and spiritual growth opportunities of camp meeting this year by inviting them to come with you? And I'm not talking about your friends from church, although we would love to have them. I'm talking about your friends who are not Adventist members.

This year we would like to start a fun, new trend: “Bring1 a-Friend” to camp meeting. We are planning a special concert on June 13 with Steve Darmody—an Adventist recording artist heard on many Christian radio stations—providing you with a wonderful opportunity to invite a friend to a special event. At that event we will highlight the entire camp meeting schedule, and give your friend an invitation to enjoy the entire week’s experience.

Last year, my wife Jeanne and I invited non-church friends. They attended family worship each morning and every evening meeting. Mark Finley personally prayed with them the second Sabbath. Our friends loved the spiritual week and were encouraged, so much so that they were baptized last November.

Camp meeting was originally created to share the beautiful message of Christ and His coming, and in Pennsylvania, that is our mission.

Who can you invite to camp meeting this year?

Pray now that God will give you a friend to share in this wonderful experience.

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Ray Hartwell President

1. Floyd Dare, from the trust services department, shares fresh popcorn throughout the week.

2. Children enjoy crafts, games, and making friends.

3. Baptisms—people publicly expressing their new commitment to Christ—is a camp meeting highlight.

4. Invite a friend to the Steve Darmody concert June 13.

5. Camp meeting holds many special memories for Michelle and Michael Lapcevic, who were baptized at camp meeting 2002, and married at camp meeting 2003.

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APRIL 2004

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APRIL 2004

Fredericksburg Jr. Academy Burns Debt Note he Fredericksburg congregation watched in anticipation recently as Dave Weigley, conference president, along with Roger Weiss, conference executive secretary, Cecil Franklin, and Pastor Lee Grady, burned the Fredericksburg Jr. Academy debt note.

Weiss presented the story of the widow of Zarephath, encouraging the Fredericksburg family with the thought, “There is much, much more after nothing.”

As the widow of Zarephath had given her last morsel of food and found there was always enough in the barrel to supply her daily needs, we too can find spiritual enrichment as we think about how the Lord has provided miraculous ways for the liquidation of the school debt, and plans for the re-opening of our school.

When the school officially closed down, it seemed there was not much left for our church. But we praise the Lord—God’s hand was over us in ways we did not know. As the widow of Zarephath saw how God restored her son to life, we also can see how God is restoring our school back to life, and we are able to say, as the widow did, “Now I know!”

Sherry Capman

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Children listen to a special story at the Norfolk church during a conference blitz.

Conference Staff Visits Tidewater Area Churches otomac Conference staff members recently participated in their third conference blitz—to 13 churches in the Tidewater area. Staff provided the sermons and prayer, enjoyed a fellowship meal with the members, and hosted an open forum to answer questions and discuss conference news and activities. These events provide great opportunities to build connections between members and staff. Watch for a conference visit to your area soon.

Janet Olsyne

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Communication Secretary

POTOMAC CONFERENCE

Stanley Church Conducts Community Bible Reading im Rickard and Kim Schneider of the Stanley church, coordinated a community-wide marathon Bible reading event which began on New Year’s Eve. They hoped that with the beginning of a new year, many would turn their focus to God’s word—the Bible. “The main thrust of the event was not the event itself,” Rickard stated, “but to put forth the principle of spending time in God’s word—the Bible.” The entire Bible was read in 90 hours by securing volunteers to read portions of text in 15-minute segments.

“If one person found a closer walk with God and his fellow man as a result of this outreach it was deemed a success,” Rickard said.

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Pastor Lee Grady (left), Cecil Franklin, and Dave Weigley burn the debt note.

APRIL 2004

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Fredericksburg Member Deployed to Iraq astor Lee Grady of the Fredericksburg church in Virginia, along with church elders, dedicated William “Pete” Clarkson to the service of God and to the work of a missionary going abroad to serve his country.

Grady committed Clarkson to the Lord with the words—“The Lord himself goes before you and will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deut. 31:8). A Clear Word Bible was presented to him, and he was encouraged to start his own Bible study group while on duty in Iraq. Clarkson was assured that the church family would take good care of his family while he is gone.

Sergeant Major Clarkson normally works in the office of the chief of engineers in the Pentagon. In Iraq he will be working as a C7 (engineer) operations sergeant major— making sure the missions are successful, the troops have what they need, and that the Iraqi people benefit the most from the work.

Sherry Capman

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Fredericksburg elders pray for Sergeant Major Clarkson.

Richmond Academy Student Pages for Virginia Assembly

New Church Started in Richmond ave Weigley, Potomac Conference president, recently conducted a special service for a newly formed church company in the far west end of Richmond, Va. The group of 75 has been meeting at the Holiday Inn conference room on Gaskins Road and Interstate 64. They started meeting in October and are concentrating on growth in the western sector of Henrico County and the eastern end of Goochland County.

This newly formed company was spawned from the Patterson Avenue church in Richmond, Va. Due to overcrowding and a need for evangelism in the community, approximately 20 families from the Patterson church as well as other area Adventist churches, stepped out in faith for a new beginning. At the present time the name, Far West End Seventh-day Adventist Church, will be used to identify the new congregation.

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Ethel Hare RICHMOND, VA. Far West End church children enjoy a story.

Communication Secretary FREDERICKSBURG ADVENTIST CHURCH

aura H. Hare, an eighth-grader at Richmond Academy, and a member of the newly formed Far West End Company of Richmond, was one of 32 teenagers selected from the Commonwealth of Virginia to be a page in the 2004 Session of the Laura Hare General Assembly. After a thorough review process by her local state delegate, Hare was recommended to the Speaker of the House of Delegates. The speaker made his final selection based on her academic achievement, her contributions to the community, and her recommendations.

The pages performed a multitude of duties while at the Assembly including collating, sorting and distributing bills, delivering mail, assisting the governor, and providing assistance to the speaker, clerk, and delegates of the House. Hare worked daily at the Virginia Capitol from January through mid-March. She maintained her regular school assignments as well as swimming competitions for the YMCA. Hare is the daughter of Joseph and Pamela Hare and granddaughter of Ethel Hare, all of Richmond.

Ethel Hare

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RICHMOND, VA.

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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04 20 L RI AP

Mission in Action recently received a letter from a man who had refereed a varsity basketball game at Takoma Academy (TA). “In my years as a basketball official, I’ve been in hundreds of gymnasiums and heard literally thousands of fans,” he wrote. The letter went on to share how he and his wife were impressed with the students at TA and how they had been made to feel like family. “They were the absolutely nicest people,” his wife declared.

That letter meant a lot to me; it showed that we’re successfully living our mission. At chapels, I often challenge our students to be intentional, diligent, and bold in standing up for what they believe—as Christians who live their faith. One of the spiritual objectives included in our mission states that we aim to help students live as practicing Christians in a secular world.

Beyond memorizing Bible verses and learning our fundamental beliefs, our students must learn how to live our mission in action. We encourage them to pray together and represent Christ wherever they go and with whomever they meet.

The letter from the referee is evidence that our teachings are hitting home. The referee concluded that the difference at TA was that they felt like they “were with family—God’s family.”

Ken Knudsen That is mission in action, and that is why TA is here.

Principal

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NEWS Student Artists Design City Mural A group of Marquita Halstead’s advanced art students were recently invited to design and paint a mural in Takoma Park. The piece is for the Takoma Park Arts and Humanities Community Murals Project.

Liz Hines, Ben Odinma, Guillermo Reyes, and Britney Whiten—all seniors—designed two panels interpreting the theme, “What it Means to Live in Takoma Park.” “It depicts a map of Takoma Park with bubble pictures magnifying different sections of the city,” describes Odinma. “In the mural I incorporated the different pictures the students designed.”

The panels are hanging on the construction fence of the work site at the city’s community center. They will be displayed for 18 months and visible from Maple and Philadelphia Avenues, Britney Whiten (left), Ben Odinma (right), and Teacher with a plaque identifying Marquita Halstead work on Takoma Academy stuthe mural. dents as the artists of the 4' x 8' mural.

“It has been fun making something to depict a community at its best,” remarked Hines.

—Michele Beach-Izzo

Gospel Choir Performs at National Geographic Society TA’s Gospel Choir recently provided the music for “A Day of Reflection and Celebration” celebrating Black History Month at the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C. This event was organized by the African Leadership Forum as part of Sodexho USA’s Black History Month activities.

Rear Admiral Barry Black, chaplain of the United States Senate and a Seventh-day Adventist, gave the keynote address.

The choir, under the direction of Denise Barclay—TA guidance counselor and recording artist—sang three pieces. Barclay also performed singing “When I Rise.”

“We are very proud that after hearing and seeing our young people, it was noted that our future has promise if it is represented by Takoma Academy students, ” says Barclay.

Principal Ken Knudsen also noted, “The audience responded with enthusiasm to our students, seeing hope and progress in our youth.”

The invitation came through Barclay’s connections with Sodexho, a worldwide French-food industry proud of its international and ethnic diversity, for whom she formed a corporate choir two years ago.

The recently formed, 40-member choir practices after school once a week.

—Michele Beach-Izzo

APRIL 2004

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Student-Produced Television Show A Hit t 18, Katie Brillhart is executive producer of her own television program—Tiger Entertainment Television (TET), a student-led production at TA. Interestingly, she’s also the floor director; show director, and assistant editor. She fell into this role because of her passion for entertaining people and her desire to help students get a meaningful experience from their Television Production class.

“I think a lot of students used to take this class for easy credit,” she says. “I thought creating something real for them to work on would engage them in something they would care about.”

So she created a 12-minute show where students taking the class could write, serve as anchors, and generally learn how to produce a television program. According to Brillhart, the goal is to share information, raise stuKatie Brillhart’s idea to produce a televident and teacher spirit, and bring attention to issues. To help defray costs sion program became a reality called and get more students involved, she and her volunteer team air studentTiger Entertainment Television. produced, Christian commercials for $5.

The first three shows, one featuring area youth Sabbath School options, were beamed into classrooms on the school’s TV 1 Network and were an instant hit. “Everyone asks when the next one is coming,” she says.

While Brillhart, a senior headed to one of the top colleges for film production next fall, is glad the program is going well, she really wants to see it continue after she graduates. “I’m trying to give back through this broadcast,” she says. “I’m also trying to make it become a class so future students can enjoy it as well.”

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—Celeste Ryan

TA Student Pages for State Assembly arlier this spring, TA was excited to learn that two students— Nayo Matthews and Simone Washington—were chosen to serve as pages for the Maryland General Assembly, which meets at the state House in Annapolis for 13 weeks each year.

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Nayo Williams, who has a 4.25 GPA and is ranked third in her class of 109 students, served as a page for the Maryland General Assembly.

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For two non-consecutive weeks, the students assist members of the House of Representatives, getting refreshments, making copies, distributing papers, organizing materials, and doing whatever is needed.

For their trouble they are housed by area residents, paid $44 per day, given the opportunity to meet their county representatives, and allowed to hang out in the page lounge.

“It was a great experience,” says Williams, a 17-year-old senior who was among only 30 students chosen from Montgomery County schools. “These are the people who make your state what it is. When I was there, the representatives overrode the governor’s vetoes.”

Williams got to meet with her county delegate and was featured in a story in the Baltimore Sun. —Celeste Ryan

2004

Commencement Events June 11 Consecration Sligo Church 7 p.m.

June 12 Baccalaureate Sligo Church 11:15 a.m.

June 13 Commencement Takoma Academy Gym 10 a.m.

TA Today is published in the Visitor

by Takoma Academy ■ 8120 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912 ■ Phone: (301) 434-4700 ■ Principal, Ken Knudsen www.ta.edu

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EALING MINISTR A

NEWSLETTER ABOUT ADVENTIST

HEALTHCARE

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

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IN THE

COLUMBIA

UNION

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

Meeting the Needs of Family DEBORAH A. YANCER

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ften, in a work setting, we are given the opportunity to minister to the needs of coworkers. I want to take this opportunity to share the story of Ludmila Egorenkov, a young woman who lost her battle with cancer. She was one of Shady Grove Adventist Hospital’s pharmacists.

It is a touching story of how Ludmila’s colleagues and friends ministered to her and her family during this time of need.

Ludmila completed pharmacy training in Russia in 1995, and moved to the United States in 1997 with her son. She joined Shady Grove Adventist Hospital’s pharmacy department in October 1998, where she worked as a certified technician while completing her foreign equivalency exams to become a certified pharmacist in the United States.

In March 2003, Ludmila, 32, was diagnosed with stage IV gastric cancer. With her family in Russia, our pharmacy staff stepped in and did what relatives would do. Her peers, friends, and staff members served as primary caregivers and took her to and from her many medical appointments. In periods when she could work, they provided a safe and supportive environment and helped with daily activities.

When she worsened, they spent many hours at her bedside ministering to physical, personal, and emotional needs.

The pharmacy staff, and other hospital employees, donated thousands of dollars in vacation time so that Ludmila would continue to receive a paycheck while undergoing treatment. As her health began to deteriorate, co-workers coordinated 24-hour companionship, seven days a week, to care for her every need.

One of Ludmila’s last wishes was to have her mother, who lives in Russia, by her side. This was difficult to do, as there are complicated restrictions regarding last-minute international travel. However, her co-workers were successful in making arrangements and Ludmila’s mother made it to her bedside just hours before her passing.

The pharmacy staff, and other hospital employees, donated thousands of dollars in vacation time so that Ludmila would continue to receive a paycheck while undergoing treatment.

Ludmila lost her battle with cancer on January 22.

Her mother, son, and work family will miss her dearly.

The assistance from her hospital family, however, did not end with her death. Co-workers paid for funeral expenses and set up an education fund for her son.

The Greatest of These Ludmila’s story brings tears to my eyes. It was a tragic loss for her family and our hospital family. The blessing is that a number of individuals ministered to Ludmila’s personal needs, showing tremendous love and compassion for her and her family.

It reminds me of a verse from the Bible in which we are called upon to care for one another.

1 Corinthians 13:13 reads, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love” (NIV). I’m thankful Ludmila experienced that love.

Deborah A. Yancer is president of Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Rockville, Md.

APRIL 2004

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HEALING MINISTRY

Shady Grove

Adventist Hospital LORI RYPKA

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hat are the critical elements of a community? Often people think of a community’s infrastructure as the roads, schools, parks, and homes. All of these are vital components, but there’s one more—the hospital. It’s a place where life begins, healing takes place, and lives are saved. It’s where mothers and fathers experience the joy of seeing their baby for the first time, where families find relief in successful medical intervention, and where nurses and staff comfort families and patients during difficult times. Shady Grove Adventist Hospital is a community asset—a center for healing, joy, compassion, and faith. This year, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital is celebrating 25 years of serving the community.

What began as a community of rolling farmland and sparsely populated subdivisions, has transformed into a growing, dynamic region that is one of the leading biotech centers in the country. Hundreds of thousands of people over the years have sought care at our hospital, for themselves or loved ones. They

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have entrusted their healthcare to our physicians, nurses, and other team members.

When the hospital opened it had 41 beds in two medical/surgical units, an emergency department staffed with one doctor and two nurses, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and ancillary areas such as the laboratory, radiology, and admitting departments. How times have changed.

Today, the 274-bed, acute care facility in Rockville, Md., is poised for even more change as the surrounding community continues to grow. The population of Montgomery County, where the hospital is located, is expected to exceed one million by the year 2020, with more than half the residents being female, a quarter children, and double the number of elderly.

Clarksburg, a rural stretch of land, home to a few thousand people within the hospital’s service area, will soon transform into a bustling community of 40,000.

Still Growing During this 25th anniversary year, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital continues its recent focus on enhancing services and facilities to serve the community now and into the future.

In 2003, Shady Grove introduced the branding of the Women’s and Children’s Center that provides an umbrella of services from maternity to neonatology and emergency to surgery. The hospital delivered more than 4,700 babies in 2003, with a number of them being multiple births and in the high-risk category. The community benefited from the specialized skills of the hospital’s perinatologists and neonatologists for this very reason. In addition, an increasing number of women are having children later in life, which raises their risks as well. Shady Grove offers a full range of services, so women and their families do not have to travel far for care.

Hospital officials are also working diligently to ease the space constraints that exist due to the increasing demands for services. The groundbreaking on a new patient tower and the issuing of necessary regulatory approvals are anticipated this year. This

HEALING MINISTRY tower is the first of several expansions the hospital expects to complete within the next two decades—all aimed at achieving the same goal, meeting the healthcare needs of a growing community.

The expansion will bring additional space for emergency services, surgery and private postpartum rooms, and other services. In 2003 the hospital had more than 85,000 emergency room visits—the second highest volume in the state—topped only by Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, a facility three times the size of Shady Grove.

A Family of Workers The hospital family has roots as deep as the foundation of the hospital. There are 28 current staff members who were there when the hospital opened, some of who still work in the same capacity. These women and men bring a rich history, telling stories of how Shady Grove Adventist Hospital has changed over the years. What remains constant is the hospital’s commitment to staff—by providing a workplace where people can take pride in being part of a team— and to those served, with excellent healthcare.

Shady Grove also continues its efforts to educate

the community through the Prevention and Wellness Department by offering health screenings, exercise programs, support groups, free immunizations, health fairs, and a host of other programs designed to promote healthy living.

Shady Grove Adventist Hospital embraces the challenges of the future by holding fast to its faith-based founding mission of service through a ministry of physical, mental, and spiritual healing.

Lori Rypka is communications manager at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Rockville, Md.

An artist’s rendition depicts the proposed expansion of Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, which will include a new four-story patient tower and an updated entrance.

A Quarter Century

of Care APRIL 2004

41

HEALING MINISTRY—NEWS

25 Years of Loyalty

T

hese days, finding an employee who has been loyal to an organization for 25 years is rare. These are the employees who can tell the best stories of the “good old days” and “my how times have changed.” Twentyfive years ago, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital opened its doors with a handful of nurses. It is a source of pride that a number of those nurses still work for the hospital. Following are some of their reflections: “I remember our charge nurse called us together and suggested we draw straws to see who would admit the first medical/surgical patient. I drew the short straw and admitted the first cataract surgery patient,” said Joanne Genevish, RN. Genevish currently serves as physician relations director. She remains close to a number of nurses who were with her when the doors opened and are still there today.

Before the hospital opened, the nurses sometimes had to pitch in on jobs that were far from clinical.

Mei Ju Fan admitted the first patient to the ICU. Still an ICU nurse today, she fondly recalls how the nurses brought in sewing machines and made curtains so the patients could have privacy. The original critical care unit had four rooms, now there are 28.

Kathleen Brannigan was working in the Emergency Department when a woman came in complaining of abdominal discomfort, which turned out to be labor pains. A series of events led to her delivering Shady Grove’s first baby, a little boy. This was the start of a long career as Kathleen continues to work as a Shady Grove labor and delivery nurse. The hospital now delivers 4,700 babies a year.—Lori Rypka Among the “founding nurses” are (left to right) Joanne Genevish, Mei-Ju Fan, and Kathleen Brannigan. Twenty-five years later, they are still employed by the hospital.

Adventist HealthCare Develops New Strategic Plan Vision—the ability to chart and manage a course for the future—is an essential part of success for any organization, whether a church, school, or healthcare organization.

For Adventist HealthCare, vision becomes a reality through the accomplishment of the strategic plan.

In January, the Board of Trustees for Adventist HealthCare approved the organization’s 20042006 strategic plan. Given the changing times, several new strategies were identified and approved as a part of the plan.

“The new strategic plan will help ensure that we remain focused on serving the healthcare needs of our community, a special challenge and responsibility for a faith-based healthcare organization,” said Bill Robertson, president and chief executive officer of Adventist HealthCare. “The 42

VISITOR

plan is an important part of creating an environment where our employees, physicians, volunteers, and others feel welcomed and valued as partners in serving the community.”

For example, one strategy highlights the “Development of an Innovative Workforce,” which focuses on providing support for employees in an environment of changing technology and new standards of care in the 21st century. Another strategy calls for “Nurturing a Culture of Safety.” This strategy, once implemented, will ensure that Adventist HealthCare is distinguished as a leader in high quality, safe healthcare.

“We have a responsibility to deliver a level of unparalleled excellence for our community,” said Robertson.

“Our new strategic plan is a road map that keeps us on this course.”

International Expert Joins Potomac Ridge Staff John Hunter, M.D., one of the world’s foremost clinical experts

on adolescent sex offenders, has joined Potomac Ridge Behavioral Health System to lead the facility’s Adolescent Sexual Offenders Program. As consultant for the Rockville, Md.-based facility, Dr. Hunter will review the current treatment program, evaluate its strengths, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes.

“John Hunter brings to Potomac Ridge 25 years of experience with juvenile sex offenders,” says Craig Juengling, president of Potomac Ridge Behavioral Health System. We look forward to benefiting from his unparalleled expertise.”—Robert Jepson

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

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 your ministry.

BOOKS DVD/VIDEO MINISTRY APPAREL ACCESSORIES eFILES

Plans are established by wise counsel.

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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 ANDREWS UNIVERSITY SEEKS CLINICAL ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN NURSING Master’s prepared acceptable.

Current acute/care clinical skills, maintenance of current practice, good interpersonal skills, work as team member, accountable, and dependable. Teaching and clinical skills in the skills lab. Committee assignments, advising and coordinating student re-assessment of skills, CPR certification, etc.

Adventists apply at ww.andrews.edu/HR/ emp_jobs.html.

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY SEEKS ASSISTANT RESIDENCE HALL DEAN Full-time June 2004. Requires energetic, positive, flexible, committed Adventist individual to work with college-age men and women. Bachelor's degree required; master's preferred.

Previous residence hall experience also preferred. Send resume with references to Pat Coverdale, Human Resources, Southern Adventist University, Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315.

Phone (423) 238-3397; fax (423) 238-2454; e-mail plcoverdale@southern.edu.

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 383-bed 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

44

VISITOR

ANDREWS UNIVERSITY SEEKS ASSISTANT, ASSOCIATE, OR FULL PROFESSOR IN NURSING Doctorate preferred, master’s accepted. Specialty in psychiatric nursing and certification. Teaching experience in a formal academic setting needed. Teaching, advising, committee assignments, research, publications, and maintaining practical experience. Adventists apply at www.andrews.edu/HR/ emp_jobs.html.

ANDREWS UNIVERSITY SEEKS ASSISTANT, ASSOCIATE, OR FULL PROFESSOR IN NURSING Doctorate preparation preferred, master’s accepted. Faculty experience in a formal setting required. Certification and/or master’s degree in medical/surgical nursing. Teaching, advising, committee assign-ments, research, publications, and maintaining practical experience. Adventists apply at www.andrews.edu/HR/ emp_jobs.html.

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.

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.

ANDREWS UNIVERSITY SEEKS CLINICAL ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN NURSING Doctorate preferred, master’s prepared in nursing accepted.

Formal teaching experience required. Practicum teaching, advising, committee assignments, and maintain current clinical skills.

Good interpersonal skills and able to work as team member. Adventists apply at www.andrews.edu/HR/ emp_jobs.html.

CFO/CONTROLLER NEEDED The Hulsey Foundation in 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.

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!

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.

2004 SUMMER OPPORTUNITY. Cool summers at almost 3,000 feet—Looking for energetic retired or not retired couple to manage quiet campground in the Laurel highlands of western Pa., near Frostburg, Md., May through October. Lodging provided. Call (301) 689-2769 or (301) 689-8555. RV experience a plus.

ORGAN FOR SALE. 1955 Hammond small organ for church or home. Very good condition. Model RT-2 with tone cabinet: 57x47x48; weighs 522 lbs. Best offer.

Contact Bonnie by phone: (717) 294-6690; or e-mail pine1ridge1@pa.net.

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.

BULLETIN BOARD 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.

GUARANTEED LOWEST RETAIL PRICE FOR TWOQUART MILK MACHINE Make better tasting "milk" from many seeds, nuts, and grains in your own kitchen for pennies per quart. Recipes included! (800) 348-8694.

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.

NEDLEY DEPRESSION RECOVERY PROGRAM Dr. Neil Nedley, physician, international lecturer, and author of Depression The Way Out, will host an intensive,19-day, residential Depression Recovery Program at Lifestyle Center of America in southern Oklahoma, August 15-September 2, 2004.

This effective program will provide personalized lifestyle counseling, and medical-based treatments to help each individual break free from depression.

For free information, call (800) 213-8955 or www.lifestylecenter.org.

DWIGHT NELSON'S SERMONS preached from the Pioneer Memorial Church are now available to the world church in DVD and VHS formats. Don't miss his latest series, America Adrift.

To order, call toll-free (877) HISWILL. For more information, see Web site: www.pmchurch.tv.

KENNYSWEBSITES.COM Need a Web site for your small business, club, or organization? Call or log on to KENNYSWEBSITES.COM. We build the site the way you want it to look and publish it on the Internet for you at low prices.

Call (443) 745-2265.

BOOKS— BUY, SELL, OR PUBLISH We print, buy, and sell Adventist books. Find out-of-print titles fast.

Get your book printed quickly. We do it all. Call (800) 732-2664 for information, or visit our internet site: www.LNFBOOLS.COM.

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.

HOME FOR SALE NEAR ASHVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA Two-story, three-bedroom, office, 2 1/2 bath home on large, level lot with fruit trees. Also attached mother-in-law apartment.

Detached garage with workshop.

Covered picnic area. Less than five minutes walking distance to Fairview Adventist Church. $289,500. Call (828) 654-6410.

REAL ESTATE

SERVICES

QUALITY AFFORDABLE HOMES ARE STILL AVAILABLE in Hagerstown/Washington County, Maryland, near the 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 / (301) 790-1700, ext. 129.

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, 6681U.S. 31, Berrien Springs, Mich.; phone (269) 471-7366 evenings from 8-11 p.m., E.T.

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.

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.

FOR RENT Relocating to Loma Linda?

Beautiful, brand new home 18 miles from Loma Linda. Three minutes to Mesa Grande Academy, with two other academies close by, Four bedrooms, two baths, 3,000 sq. feet, three-car garage, two fire places, granite counters, other custom features. 3,000 ft. elevation with spectacular mountain views.

Call (707) 965-2750.

LOVELY VICTORIAN HOUSE FOR SALE Ten rooms with two baths on 2.67 acres, including large outbuildings.

Needs some repairs. Located one mile from two-teacher Adventist school and church in Sussex County, Yale, Va. $115,000. Call (434) 246-5771.

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

ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN WHOSE 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.

MARYLAND ADVENTIST DENTIST David Lee, D.D.S., PA, has a comprehensive dental office in Silver Spring and in Ellicott City, Maryland. He is excellent with children and adults, and is highly trained in Cosmetic Dentistry and Implants. For appointments call: Silver Spring (301) 649-5001; Ellicott City (410) 461-6655.

Mention this ad and receive 10% discount on all services (excludes third party payors). Our office is a participating provider with Adventist Risk Management.

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.

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.PhoneCardUnlimited.com.

They will answer.

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.

MOVING? Special Adventist rates and guarantees! Air Van northAmerican is a nationwide mover. Whether you're moving a few items or a truckload, don't move before calling Air Van. It will insure peace of mind and a cost-effective move. Please call (800) 525-1177 to speak with a representative.

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 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.

MARYLAND ADVENTIST PODIATRIST Dr. Scott Nutter, highly trained, experienced, and board certified, is available in several locations to help your foot/ankle problems, including arthritis, heel pain, spurs, diabetes, callouses, ingrown nails, sprains, fractures, warts, bunions, etc. Surgery, if it is needed, at Adventist hospitals. Laurel, Md.— (301) 317-6800; Greenbelt, Md.— (301) 345-5200; or Columbia, Md.—(410) 531-6350.

Successful Computer Dating Exclusively for Adventists Since 1974

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

APRIL 2004

45

BULLETIN BOARD SINGLE AND OVER 50?

The only interracial group exclusively for all singles over 50. STAY HOME AND MEET NEW FRIENDS in the United States 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.

CONSIDERING HOMESCHOOLING? Home Study International is the only Christian, accredited course provider for preschool through college. All courses can be taken individually or as a total curriculum. Earn a high school diploma or finish a college degree. Home Study International, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600; (800) 782-4769; www.hsi.edu.

ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN WHO'S BEING PRICED OUT OF HEALTH INSURANCE? Cut your healthcare expenses in half. Join 50,000+ Christians who share one another's medical bills. Choose any doctor, any hospital, anywhere in the world.

Check out this nonprofit program. For a free guidelines booklet, call (888) 346-7895 or visit our Web site at www.healthcaregodsway.com.

TRAVEL/VACATION 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 semi-contemporary 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 fencedin 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.

ADVENTIST GROUP VACATIONS! 7-day Alaska Inside Passage cruise, sailing August 1, 2004; 12day 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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS GRAND RAPIDS JUNIOR ACADEMY (Michigan) Celebrate with us on our 100th birthday and alumni homecoming October 1-3, 2004. For information, call (877) 261-6353; e-mail brice@misda.org , or visit www.grja.org. Please come enjoy a wonderful weekend. RSVP if possible.

2004 WORKSHOP ON NATURAL REMEDIES AND HYDROTHERAPY at Andrews University Seminary from July 11 till July 16. Graduate credit and CEUs available. For information and pre-registration, call Fran McMullen at (269) 4713541; e-mail fran@andrews.edu; or visit the Web site at www.andrews/edu/visitors.

COMPUTINGANDMISSIONS. NET2004 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. Details at www.ComputingAndMissions.net.

SINGLES' SPIRITUAL RETREAT

VISITOR

Apr. 2 6:32 7:03 6:53 6:58 6:23 6:29 6:51 6:26 6:46 6:30 6:34 6:44 7:01 6:25 6:33

Apr. 9 7:39 8:10 7:01 7:05 7:30 7:35 7:58 7:33 7:53 7:37 7:40 7:50 8:09 7:32 7:40

Mount Aetna Retreat Center Hagerstown, Md. Bob Banks, Doctor of Divinity, will be the featured speaker.

His topic: "Know God—Know Yourself." Deepen your fellowship with Christ and your closest human relationships.

Reservations are due by April 8.

CALL (301) 854-2221 Weekend cost: $65 Sabbath only: $35

Apr. 16 7:45 8:17 7:09 7:12 7:37 7:41 8:05 7:41 8:00 7:44 7:47 7:56 8:17 7:39 7:47

Apr. 23 7:52 8:24 7:16 7:19 7:45 7:47 8:12 7:48 8:08 7:51 7:53 8:03 8:24 7:46 7:53

Apr. 30 7:59 8:31 7:24 7:26 7:52 7:53 8:19 7:55 8:15 7:58 7:59 8:09 8:32 7:54 8:00

SUNSET SUNSET CALENDAR CALENDAR THE ASSOCIATION OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST LIBRARIANS (ASDAL) is open to all Adventist librarians in school, academic, public, or special libraries. ASDAL communicates to its members via its publication, ASDAL Action and the SDALibrarians Listserv. It hosts an annual conference and provides the D. Glenn Hills Scholarship to students enrolled in library school.

ASDAL is also a sponsor of the Seventh-day Adventist Periodical Index. The next conference, "Thinking Outside the Box," will be held in Orlando, Fla., June 20-23, 2004. Contact Genevieve Steyn (gsteyn@southern.edu or PO Box 629, Collegedale, TN 37315) for membership information. Find out more about ASDAL by visiting its Web site at http://www.asdal.org.

OBITUARIES April 16-18, 2004

Sponsored by the Chesapeake Conference Singles' Ministry

46

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

BOYEK, Antoinette, born June 6, 1908, in Glen Lyon, Pa.; died August 23, 2003, at Washington Adventist Hospital in Takoma Park, Md. She had been a member of the Berwick church, but relocated to Maryland in 1995. In addition to her husband of 62 years, Walter J. Boyek, who died April 24, 1990, she was preceded in death by a brother, Stanley Hoynoski, and three sisters: Helen Holstein, Marcella Sibiskie, and Sophie Tereshinski. Survivors include two daughters: Joan A. Boyek, Silver Spring, Md., and Ann Laurence, Laurel, Md.; her foster daughter, Ellen Morgan, of Pasadena, Md.; three grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

CRAFT, Marguriette, born November 7, 1910, in Lanes Mills, Pa.; died January 30, 2004, in Brockway, Pa. She was a member of the Brockway church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Craft, and son Neil. Survivors: daughter Donna McKay, Brickway, Pa.; brother Leroy Kellar, Freehold, N.J.; and six grandchildren.

DILSAVER-SMITH, Irene E., born February 24, 1942, in Galion, Ohio; died February 13, 2004, in Fredericktown, Ohio.

She was a member of the Fredericktown church, and an alumna of Mt. Vernon Academy.

She is survived by her husband, Ron Smith, and a sister, Georgia Cotton. Irene was preceded in death by her mother, Oma Mae Lehman; father, George L. Dilsaver; a sister, Doris Freese; and a brother, Warren Dilsaver.

FISHER, Dorothy H., born July 12, 1912, in Fayette, Pa.; died November 6, 2003, in Fayette, Pa. She was a member of the Uniontown Hilltop church. She is survived by her daughters, Joan Halbrook and Amanda Fisher, both of Uniontown, Pa.; two sons, Ralph Fisher Jr. and David Fisher, both of Hamburg, Pa. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Fisher Sr.

OBITUARY SUBMISSION Phone toll-free: (888) 4-VISITOR or e-mail: sjones@columbiaunion.net A form will be sent to you for completion. Obituaries are printed in the order they are received on a

space-available basis.

BULLETIN BOARD SATHYASHEELAPPA, Jayaraj, born November 27, 1935, in Mugoor, India; died January 1, 2004, in New Carrollton, Md. He was a member of the Seabrook (Md.) church. He studied Theology at Spicer Memorial College, Puna, India, and was one of the first to bring Adventism to Mangalore, India.

He was also actively involved with the Southern Asia Adventist Association and a founding member of Adventist Fellowship International. His wife, Ruth Prabavathi, preceded him in death. Survivors: his son, Vinaya Sathyasheelappa; his daughter, Angeline Sathyasheelappa; two sisters, Lily and Jane; and a brother, Sunder.

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

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 your ministry.

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55-030725c 15.44b

ZAGER, Carl W., born May 2, 1913, in Menomonee Falls, Wis.; died Sept. 20, 2003, in Roanoke, Va., and his wife, ZAGER, Beulah Grace (Beasley), born Oct. 14, 1911, in Idaho; died Mar. 9, 2004, in Roanoke Va. Both Carl and Beulah worked at the Columbia Union College— Carl for over 40 years—Beulah for 16 years. They were both members of the Homestead (Fla.) church, and are survived by a daughter, Sandra Sherburne of Lexington, Va.; three granddaughters, Cheryl Montgomery and Anne Ferrell, both of Richmond, Va., and Sarah Jones of Harrisonburg, Va.; five great-grandchildren; and Carl’s brother, Earl J. Zager of Lapeer, Mich. A double memorial service will be held in the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church Office Chapel, Takoma Park, Md., Saturday, April 24, 2004, at 3 p.m., and in the Rockbridge Memorial Gardens, Lexington, Va., Saturday, May 1, 2004, at 2:30 p.m. For further information, call Earl J. Zager, (810) 664-0673.

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For more information about YOUR PLACE at BMA and the 2004 Academy Days, contact Barb Johns, Recruiter, at 610.562.2291 ext. 254 • barbj@bma.us Designed by Lisa Muth, Class of 1990 • Omnigrafix