Columbia Union Visitor--November 2006 by Columbia Union Visitor

Contents NOVEMBER 2006

In Every Issue 3 | Editorial 4 | Newsline 6 | Potluck

21 | Healing Ministry Newsletters

News & Features

25 Allegheny East

8 | The Holland Brothers: Making Money, Giving Back

29 Blue Mountain Academy

LaVerne Henderson Harvey, Larry, Nathaniel, and Ronald Holland are the proprietors of Bankers Financial Group. See how these brothers, who represent four of 16 siblings, run a successful business while supporting Adventist education and the community.

12 | Christians and Debt: A Dire Combination Billy Errico Christians, like the rest of society, are increasingly confronted with the burden of debt. Discover the causes, what the Bible has to say about it, and how you can get out of debt.

16 | Adventist Communicators Connect in Baltimore

27 Allegheny West 31 Chesapeake 33 Columbia Union College 35 El Telescopio 37 Mountain View 39 New Jersey 41 Ohio 43 Pennsylvania 45 Potomac 51 Shenandoah Valley Academy

51 | Bulletin Board 55 | Last Words

LaVerne Henderson Columbia Union members recently joined nearly 200 writers, graphic designers, broadcasters, filmmakers, and other communication professionals for the annual Society of Adventist Communicators Convention. Read about their experience.

18 | Innovators Meet and Dream in Columbus Celeste Ryan Blyden The Ohio Conference recently hosted its Second Annual Conference on Innovation. Find out how leaders grappled with the future of Adventism and were inspired to take some risks for God. 2 | VISITOR

About the Cover: The Holland brothersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;(left to right) Nathaniel, Harvey, Ron, and Larryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;are the proprietors of Bankers Financial Group in Greenbelt, Md. Photo by James Ferry.

Editorial SETH BARDU

Living is for Giving very night the 50 million people who live in the Columbia Union, the 300 million people across America, and the 6 billion people around the world go to sleep. But not everyone wakes up. Those of us who do wake up often ask the question, “Why am I here? What is my purpose? Why did God place me on this planet?” I believe it’s because He wants us to fulfill His will in our lives. God’s charge for us is found in Matthew 25:34-36, 40: “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited Me in, I needed clothes and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you came to visit Me. … Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me’” (NIV). From this passage we learn that in our daily lives we must ask God, “What can I do to touch those who are hungry, sick, or in prison?” I believe this is the reason God gave us wealth (though we may not see ourselves as wealthy). He wants us to look after those in need. But the reason some of us are unable to fulfill God’s will in touching the hungry, sick, or imprisoned is that we have misused our financial blessings. As one television commercial says, “We’re in debt up to our eyeballs!” Think about what we could do for others and for the Lord with the interest we pay credit companies!

GIVE TO LIVE Brothers and sisters, it’s time for us to re-evaluate the wealth God has given us and how we use it. We need to ask Him for guidance, make a plan, and use all the resources available to help us get out of debt. Then we must realize that living is for giving. After all, everything that God created gives. The birds give by singing. The clouds give rain. The beasts of the field provide meat. The flowers give beauty and a sweet scent. The trees give oxygen. Everything around us gives, and therein lies a lesson for all humanity. One of the reasons the Dead Sea is called by that name is that though it receives its water from the Jordan River, it does not move water to other places. It receives, but it does not give. Because of that and its high salt content, nothing can live in it. When we stop giving—we also begin to die. As you read this issue of the Visitor, which features one family’s example of giving back and helping others, may you also be inspired to ask the Lord how you can use your wealth for His honor and glory. To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). Seth Bardu is treasurer for the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

NOVEMBER 2006 | 3

Newsline LAVERNE HENDERSON

CUC Board Affirms College’s Future At last month’s meeting— while students gathered in prayer—the Columbia Union College (CUC) Board of Trustees voted to continue its current four-year, liberal arts program and fully implement its recently adopted strategic plan. This decision came after board members heard extensive presentations on two revised proposals—one from Adventist HealthCare (AHC) and one from CUC—outlining possible futures for the college. Both took into account the feedback

of the points calls for collaborating with AHC to develop a school of health sciences. “This is a new opportunity for all of us,” Wisbey announced to students after the pivotal meeting. “We’ll need the support of all our students, faculty, staff, alumni, church members, and the community.” Columbia Union president and CUC board chairman Dave Weigley agreed: “As we move forward, it is paramount that all our stakeholders step up to the plate and show their support in both voice and action for our college.” —Celeste Ryan Blyden

General Youth Conference Coming to Baltimore

received during the last board meeting and the ensuing listening period. Both put forth a three-school model that includes arts and science, graduate and professional studies, and health sciences, but eliminates some undersubscribed programs. Both outlined strategies for building a vibrant future for the college. Knowing that debt and maintenance needs were of major concern, CUC president Randal Wisbey presented a comprehensive look at how the school could—through cost reductions and the monetization of several non-academic assets—address these issues. In light of this, the board voted to implement a four-point action plan to strengthen the college. Even though they chose not to adopt the full healthcare format, one 4 | VISITOR

The fifth annual General Youth Conference (GYC) will be held December 27-31 in Baltimore. In addition to plenary sessions and seminars, some of the 3,000 attendees will go door-to-door taking surveys, signing people up for Bible studies, and inviting the public to a one-time evangelism event on the 30th. GYC is an independent entity that began in 2002 when a group of Adventist college students formed a multicultural, organization committed to training youth for ministry. Learn more at www.generalyouthconference.org.

World Youth Prayer Conference Planned James Black, director of Youth Ministries for the Adventist

Church in North America, is set to convene the first-ever World Youth Prayer Conference February 28-March 4, 2007, in Dallas. “Just Claim It: Experience the Power of Prayer—Claiming Communities for Christ” is the theme. “We want to draw serious attention to the challenges of senior youth, and empower them to reclaim their cities through service to others while bringing a message of hope,” he says. Congress attendees of all cultures can expect 120 hours of organized prayer, 225 workshops, a community mission project, speaking opportunities through “Youth Preach-Out,” a parade with 500 biblical floats, and a music festival with the 3,000-voice “Just Claim It” Mass Choir accompanied by a 1,000piece orchestra! To register, visit www.justclaimit.org.

Church Produces Christmas Program The Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America is releasing its fifth Christmas program, Love’s Pure Light. This hour-long show can be viewed on ACN and HOPE TV December 16, 17, 23, and 24. It will also be broadcast on many local affiliate stations in the United States, Canada, and Bermuda, as well as nationwide on the Trinity Broadcasting Network and the Hallmark Channel. Love’s Pure Light is the sequel to All is Bright, the 2005 Christmas show, and will include the same cast of Joseph Campanella, Ruta Lee, and Patty Cabrera. Musical guests are four-time Grammy winner Deniece Williams, Rudi Miceli, and Sandy Wyman Johnson. Visit www.nadadventist.org for local airdates.—George Johnson Jr.

Newsline

Delegates Pack Pennsylvania Session, Re-Elect Officers early 400 delegates packed the Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) church in Hamburg, Pa., last month for the Pennsylvania Conference’s 12th Triennial Constituency Session. Armed with nametags, secret voting ballots, and a one-inch thick report booklet themed “Living the Mission,” they settled in to discuss conference finances, entities, accomplishments, and plans. The daylong session began with inspiring contributions from young members. Two pint-sized Adventurers from the Hanover (Pa.) church (pictured) gave special music and helped lead attendees in singing the Pathfinder Song and reciting the Pathfinder Pledge. BMA Brass and Bel Canto bookended Columbia Union president Dave Weigley’s devotional with music. President Ray Hartwell’s report, presented by video, highlighted the accomplishments of the last three years. He also outlined areas that need additional focus in the future (children’s and youth ministries, community service, church planting, and more public evangelism by pastors and lay ministers). Next Rudolph “Mo” Pelley, who has served as treasurer for 19 years, presented an in-depth look at conference finances. In 2005 Pennsylvania’s 10,028

members gave over $10 million in tithe, a 9.6 percent increase over 2004. He explained how every dollar had been allocated, where the conference stands in terms of assets and liabilities, and what the auditors’ reports meant. He also fielded related questions and comments. “I am proud to see the growth of our financial assets,” said Vernon Bramble, a member of the Bucks County church in Warminster, Pa. “I encourage our leadership to develop measurable plans for the use of these assets to help us penetrate the vast mission field of Pennsylvania.” Just after haystack lunches, delegates overwhelmingly voted to re-elect their leaders for 20062009: president Ray Hartwell, executive secretary Barry Tryon, treasurer Rudolph Pelley, vice president for education Vaughn Jennings, stewardship and trust services director Floyd Dare, and youth director Kris Eckenroth.

“It’s a privilege to serve the Lord in these last days,” a grateful Hartwell announced. “There’s nothing else we’d rather do.” Additional nominating committee reports brought names for all the conference’s boards and committees. Three churches were disbanded and another—the Capital Area church near Harrisburg, Pa.—was officially voted into fellowship. Two items were discussed at length: whether to hire a separate ministerial director/evangelism coordinator, which delegates voted down; and the financial issues facing Adventist Whole Health Network. Near the end of the session, delegates heard from BMA principal Spencer Hannah who noted that during the last three years, $1.7 million in capital improvements have been made at the school, and 40 students have been baptized.—Celeste Ryan Blyden

Ray and Jeanne Hartwell, Barry and Lilly Tryon, and Diane and Rudolph Pelley will serve Pennsylvania members for the next three years. NOVEMBER 2006 | 5

Potluck BETH MICHAELS

In the Spotlight > Alfoncie Austin

What’s New?

ealthy and tasty. That’s the goal that motivated Alfoncie Bethea Austin to take some of Philadelphia’s best eats and make them palatable for the health conscious. Today she’s known throughout the “city of brotherly love” for her “Philly Veggie Steaks,” a vegetarian version of the famous (and fattening) Philly Cheesesteaks. “It’s one of my biggest sellers,” explains the owner of The Basic 4 Vegetarian Snack Bar, located in downtown’s Reading Terminal Market. Her journey to the old train station started in 1970 when she joined her husband as a member of Allegheny East’s Ebenezer church. Members soon noticed that Austin, a hospital food services administrator, brought delicious dishes to church functions. When they asked her to serve as hospitality leader, she confessed that she didn’t know how to make vegetarian food. With the advice “Just convert your recipes,” Austin began experimenting. In 1981, when she heard about the opportunity to open a business at the station, she took a leap of faith. Now homemade veggie burgers, soya chicken salad, carrot tuna salad, soya chicken croquettes, breakfast scrapple, and vegan sweet potato pie, etc., are popular menu items. Recently hundreds of long-time customers and supporters, including Philadelphia health czar Gwen Foster, gathered at the snack bar for Austin’s 25th anniversary celebration. “She’s filling a real need to provide vegetarian, gourmet cuisine that appeals to every culture,” Foster said. And it tastes good too!—Celeste Ryan Blyden

Books on Money >

The Ssese Principles Although it seems to go against the thought process of many Christians, accomplished author, entrepreneur, business consultant, and internationallyknown speaker Robert L. Wallace gives a solid guideline for why and how to build wealth. More importantly, he provides biblical references on how to appropriately use wealth for the glory of God. Throughout his book, The Ssese Principles: Guidelines for Creating Wealth Through Faith, Wallace highlights God’s direction for building wealth. He also reminds readers that wealth is given by God in different amounts to everyone and is based on our talents and desire to serve God. The Ssese Principles were derived from a spiritual revelation Wallace had after visiting the Ssese Islands of Lake Victoria in East Africa. Wallace and his family are members of Allegheny East’s Emmanuel-Brinklow church in Ashton, Md. Find his books at Barnes & Noble bookstores, or visit www.robertwallace.com.

Dollars and Sense From Grandmommy The soft-cover story and activity book Dollars and Sense From Grandmommy by first-time author Kathy R. Reid came about by need and desire. When a publishing company asked her husband, 6 | VISITOR

What You Bring to the Table G. Edward Reid, stewardship director of the Adventist Church’s North American Division, for a children’s book on money management, “He thought it would be a good project for me,” Reid recalls. “The Lord gave me the storyline, and I must say, the text came about fairly easily.” Using real characters and many actual situations between Reid’s mother “grandmommy” and her great-grandchildren, the author strives to teach children ages 5-8 biblical principles on money in a fun and memorable way. With activity sheets for each chapter, readers will be able to easily put what they learn into daily action. The 27-page appendix provides helpful notes for parents and teachers on how to use the book in a classroom setting. Learn more at www.omegabooks.com, your local Adventist Book Center, or Omega Productions at (301) 854-9546.

Web Watch www.healthconnection.org Although you’ve probably heard of their Listen and Winner magazines, Health Connection is a littleknown entity within the Adventist Church that has been providing health resources and tools for schools and outreach ministries for more than 35 years.

treasurer,” Sealey explains. Based on his successful book, Understanding the Spirituality of True Stewardship: God’s Love in Action, Sealey has created a Webbased resource for others to learn about this important aspect of Christian service. Through his website (www.chrissealey.com), readers can take an online, spiritual-gifts assessment; read sample chapters from his book; download stewardship resources (including a free e-book by Sealey on God’s promises to good stewards); and read presentation titles to schedule a seminar.

WholeHealth Water Your Heart

Technology > Stewardship Resources Online Although an engineer by education, and software developer and technical project manager by trade, Alexandria, Va.’s Community Praise Center member Christopher N. Sealey is using his many talents to teach others about stewardship. “The Lord has allowed me to research, teach, and gain experience in the area of stewardship for over 10 years, including five as a church

the least amount of water. Dr. Chan discovered something even more shocking: You have to drink water to protect the heart. In the study, those participants who drank the most non-water beverages, such as fruit juice, soda, coffee, and tea, increased their risk of a fatal heart attack. In fact, the study found that the women who drank the most non-water beverages increased their risk of a fatal heart attack two-and-a-half times, while men increased their risk by 50 percent. Our Creator provided us with the perfect beverage for a healthy heart—water! Feeling thirsty? Pour yourself a glass of water—and water your heart. —Timothy Arnott, MD

Are you a water drinker? More than a thirst quencher, water is powerful medicine for the most important disease in this country—coronary artery disease. Jackie Chan, MD, at the Loma Linda School of Public Health, found water to be heart-protective, as she looked at participants in the Adventist Health Study. She found that participants who drank the most water were at the lowest risk of a fatal heart attack—a 40 to 50 percent lower risk, in fact, than those drinking NOVEMBER 2006 | 7

THE HOLLAND

BROTHERS MAKING MONEY, GIVING BACK LaVerne Henderson o say that Harvey, Larry, Nathaniel, and Ronald Holland have made their mark in the financial world is an understatement. The brothers and proprietors of Bankers Financial Group did close to $100 million in mortgages last year, according to Nathaniel, president and CEO of the 18-year-old family establishment. But it’s about more than making money for this Greenbelt, Md., company. With philanthropic gifts to Adventist schools like Sligo Elementary and Takoma Academy in Takoma Park, Md., George E. Peters in nearby Hyattsville, and Oakwood College in Huntsville, Ala., the foursome are equally committed to giving back to the church and community. Perhaps even more noteworthy is that they represent four of 16 siblings (eight boys and eight girls) born to Elline and Burks Holland, Sr., of Indianapolis, Ind. Their parents, first generation Adventists, were deeply committed to Christian education and sent each of their 16 children to Oakwood College.

8 | VISITOR

“We were privileged to be reared by parents who learned to be comfortable within their means,” says Harvey, vice president and eldest of the four. “They were able to pay tithes, have a house and cars, and send their kids to college—on one income.” Their investment paid off, he says. “As one sibling would complete college they’d help the next one, and so on, until everyone graduated.” Astonished, he adds, “They also sent other kids to college!” It’s only natural that Bankers Financial Group would continue their parents’ legacy by supporting Christian education. They recently donated over $1 million dollars to Oakwood College to construct a new men’s dormitory, which will be named in honor of their parents. Bankers Financial Group has hired over 20 Adventist graduates—from Columbia Union College in Takoma Park, Md., Oakwood College, University of Maryland, and West Virginia University—through the years. And they recently created the Bankers Financial Group Foundation to raise funds for

education and other area charities. They’ve also developed an internship program, in conjunction with Fannie Mae, for students at Adventist colleges and universities.

Speaking Your Language “As far as we know, there are no other Seventh-day Adventist mortgage lenders in the Columbia Union,” says Harvey. “We understand the Adventist market; that’s why our slogan is: We Speak Your Language. Bankers Financial Group offers special loan programs for members, pastors, as well as conference, Columbia Union, and world church officials. “We basically help real people who have real needs,” says executive vice president Larry. For the numerous Adventist, licensed real estate agents in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, they plan to offer free, statemandated continuing education courses. These classes will be provided in conjunction with Fannie Mae and the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors. To educate members about the process of purchasing or refinancing a home, and eliminate the

NOVEMBER 2006 | 9

We don’t move unless all four of us are on board.—Nathaniel Holland most common fears and concerns of borrowers, the brothers give home ownership seminars throughout the region. “It’s simple,” says Harvey. “I see Bankers as a ministry to the community and the Adventist Church.”

Family First and Foremost So what’s it like being brothers and partners in a company with 30 employees? “This is definitely a family effort, and we start each day with prayer,” says Harvey, an Allegheny East Conference Executive Committee member who attends the Capitol Hill church in D.C. “Being the oldest, I hope I bring wisdom.” He incorporates his social work background when problem-solving and working closely with people. “We make decisions cere-

10 | V I S I T O R

brally, but we also work from the gut. It’s hard when you approve one person and have to decline someone else.” Larry, executive vice president and also a Capitol Hill member, has a law background and handles certain legal aspects. He also oversees the day-to-day operations. “It’s a lot of work,” he states. “Each of us brings a certain level of expertise to the table; we’ve meshed our talents together.” Vice president Ronald, a deacon at the Emmanuel-Brinklow church in Ashton, Md., handles marketing. “We are all unique individuals who put family first and foremost. It makes sense for us to be in business.” “We don’t move unless all four of us are on board,” says

Nathaniel, also a deacon at Emmanuel. Responsible for research and development, he notes, “We’d like to expand to Huntsville, which is one of the six fastest-growing communities in America.” They are also looking at Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, Ind. “Diversification is key,” adds Nathaniel. “We’ve added home construction and have a subsidiary company called Homes. We also operate Bankers Title and Settlements, and are looking into opening a real estate company.” He thanks God that they have created a company that helps “level the playing field.” Nathaniel readily acknowledges that their ongoing success is due to strong family ties and support. He is grateful for the expertise of nephew Burks Holland, III, who currently works as a vice president. Another brother Dwayne and sister, Deborah Aduba, also once worked for the firm. “We started out in 1989 in the basement of a townhouse in Columbia, Md.,” recounts Nathaniel. “We’ve seen other mortgage companies come and go, but by the grace of God, we’re still here.” For more information on Bankers Financial Group, visit www.bankersfinancialgroup.com.

Christians and Debt: A Dire Combination Billy Errico

ave and Melissa* have the perfect life: a beautiful house, two new cars, and children who are always dressed in the latest fashions. But appearances can be deceiving; they are living beyond their means and incurring enormous debt. This threatens their financial security and their relationship. The unfortunate reality is that many individuals, including Christians, are increasingly confronted with the burden of debt. “Overspending is like any other issue or addiction in our lives,” says Ronald Holland, vice president of family-owned Bankers Financial Group in Greenbelt, Md. It’s simple everyday decisions that influence how, and to what extent, people spend or save. These choices can lead to financial prosperity or financial ruin. “I would definitely say that debt has added stress to my life and marriage,” explains Melissa, who struggles to keep up with payments and avoid late charges. “It’s hard trying to balance everything.”

12 | V I S I T O R

Personal debt is at record levels. At least 71 percent of United States households receive some sort of credit card offer each month. Plus there’s the increased cost of living, and mortgage debt has approximately doubled in the past six years.** Soaring college tuition also contributes to this predicament. On average, college students are graduating with close to $20,000 of debt ($45,000 for graduate students). Also, 76 percent of undergraduates have at least one credit card while the average graduate student has close to six.** Why are Christians, in particular, increasingly caught in this financial quagmire? G. Edward Reid, author of It’s Your Money! Isn’t It?, identifies two primary reasons, including the aforementioned credit cards. “Homeowners and college students are inundated with credit offers,” he states. Next is society’s attitude toward spending. “We are less content with what we have and more impatient in terms of forgoing an item in order to save for it,” notes Reid. Mario,* an Adventist who’s struggled with debt in the past, concurs. “I think the problem with

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 6 | 13

credit cards is that they’re difficult to monitor,” he says. “If I have $100 in cash, I know when I’ve reached the limit. With credit it’s not as concrete; you don’t think about it when making purchases, so it’s easier to spend more.”

BREAKING THE CYCLE “The debt cycle starts when children are young,” says Ronald’s brother Harvey Holland, also a vice president at Bankers. “They sometimes feel that they are entitled to the same ‘American Dream’— the house, car, and high-paying job—as their parents, without having to make the sacrifice.” On the other hand, the company’s executive vice president, Larry Holland, says, “It’s understandable that parents want their children to have a better education and more material things than they did.” But, he’s quick to add, “God never intended for us to be in debt. He wants us to have necessities and to be comfortable.” According to Reid, good stewardship principles need to be taught from an early age in order to instill the proper tools to succeed financially. His wife, Kathy, author of Dollars and Sense From Grandmommy, agrees that the fundamental concepts of money management must be taught from

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. Proverbs 22:7 (NIV)

childhood. “Parents have to constantly differentiate between needs, wants, and desires,” she states. “These extremely important examples must be taught early on.” A child’s allowance can be used to reinforce these lessons. “They can spend it on something inexpensive or save it to purchase a more costly item,” Kathy says. “This simple choice offers a variety of practical learning experiences.” Christians of all ages can also learn from the Bible, which has plenty to say about money. “There are more verses pertaining to money than love, salvation, and the second coming,” notes Reid. He quotes Proverbs 22:7—“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender” (NIV)—to illustrate that when people borrow, they enter into bondage.

THREE STEPS TO DEBT RELIEF So, how can Christians like Dave, Melissa, Mario, and others become debt free? Reid outlines a simple three-step plan: ■ FIRST make the decision to get out of debt. “There also has to be a commitment to the Lord, yourself, and your family to change your spending habits,” echoes Bankers Financial Group president and CEO Nathaniel Holland. This is the most important step because it identifies a change in attitude. ■ SECOND make a covenant with God that any unexpected or extra financial blessings will be used to pay off debt. ■ THIRD list all debts by placing the largest (such as mortgage) at the top and credit cards at the bottom, since they have a higher interest rate. Listing these obligations on paper makes the financial situation clear. Then work, from the bottom up, to systematically pay off the debt. As each one is paid, Reid explains, apply those payments to the next item listed. Christians have a responsibility to be good financial stewards, and the Bible, filled with a variety of practical solutions, is our best guide. Adhering to its fundamentals, with God’s help, ensures financial success. Billy Errico is a congressional staffer who writes from Severn, Md. * Pseudonyms ** Statistics taken from “‘Generation Debt’ is Going Deep into the Red” by Vanessa Richardson, February 8, 2006, MSNBC.com, and “Is a Recession Around the Corner?” by Clive Crook, September 9, 2006, National Journal.

14 | V I S I T O R

Adventist Communicators

connect PHOTOS BY DICK DOWER AND VISITOR STAFF

IN BALTIMORE

LaVerne Henderson early 200 writers, graphic designers, broadcasters, filmmakers, and other communication professionals gathered in Baltimore, October 12-15, for the sixth annual Society of Adventist Communicators (SAC) Convention. Using the theme “Story: the Heart and Soul of Communication,” participants converged on “Charm City” to learn, network, and fellowship. George Johnson Jr., SAC executive director and associate director of communication for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, coordinated the event. “This year we had a lot of

first-time SAC attendees, and we received positive comments about the variety of speakers and workshop presenters,” said Johnson. “We also invited a number of communicators from the public media and other organizations. This allowed us to minister as they were pleasantly surprised by our welldeveloped communication structure.” One highlight was the SAC Awards Banquet, which recognized excellence in the Lifetime Achievement, Award of Merit, Young Professional, and Student Award categories. Johnson, also a Religion Communication Council national board member, won the Young Professional Award, which honors communicators age 35 and under who have made significant contributions. The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to William G. Johnsson who retires next month after 24 years as editor of the Adventist Review. During the banquet, Ray Dabrowski, worldwide communication director, shared a Statement of Ethics for Adventist communica-

Miroslav Pujic, communication director at the Trans-European Division and SAC Sabbath speaker, interacts with attendees. 16 | V I S I T O R

tors that was recently adopted by the world communication advisory. SAC held its inaugural gathering in 2000 at the Adventist World Headquarters in Silver Spring, Md. That conference signaled a merger with the Southern Society of Adventist Communicators,

which served the developmental needs of communication professionals and students in the southeastern United States for the previous 12 years. Nashville, Tenn., will be the site of next year’s convention. For more information, visit www.adventistcommunicator.org.

Columbia Union Communicators

Saturate SAC

This was my first time attending SAC. I especially enjoyed networking and learning about what’s going on in the church. As a book editor, my world can be narrow so it’s exciting to see what people working in other media are doing.—Penny Estes Wheeler (right), Book Editor, Review & Herald Publishing Association, Hagerstown, Md.

The seminars were a good opportunity to network with editors, public relations professionals, and others. It was exciting to talk to potential mentors.—Josef Kruger, Senior Religion & Philosophy, Pre-Law, and Intercultural Communication Major, Columbia Union College, Takoma Park, Md. I really enjoyed the media tour, especially the Baltimore Examiner offices. It was inspiring to meet—and get tips from—people who are successful in their career. Now I know that I have to “step it up” and do more internships to make myself more marketable.—Rachel Ponder (right), Senior Public Relations/Marketing Major, Columbia Union College, Takoma Park, Md.

It was my first time attending, and this was a great way to see how Adventist communicators represent themselves to the world. The workshops provided a great, streamlined approach to learning how to convey our message to others.—Ron Tayam, Computer Networking Consultant, Jersey City, N.J. N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 6 | 17

innovators meet and dream in columbus Celeste Ryan Blyden

aj Attiken (pictured), president of the Ohio Conference, has dreams of creating a culture of innovation in the Seventhday Adventist Church whereby leaders and members will “step beyond our comfort zone and take some risks for God.” That’s why he hosted the Second Annual Conference on Innovation in Columbus last month. His goal, and that of his “partners in innovation” (leaders from Kettering Adventist HealthCare, Andrews University, Kaiser Consulting, and the Columbia Union Conference, etc.), is to “foster conversations about the future of Adventism and how it will be expressed in churches, schools, and ministry.” Though the dream is embryonic, there are takers. For this second conference, 127 pastors, educators, and church members from Ohio, Michigan, Maryland, California, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky came with open hearts and minds to discover what innovation can do for their ministries—and their lives. Innovative ideas abounded at the three-day meeting and were freely dispatched by keynote speakers Leland Kaiser, his son Kevin, and daughter Leanne (pictured)— all of Kaiser Consulting in Colorado. California pastor Samir Selmanovic and Ohio pastor Mike Fortune gave stirring devotionals. Special guest presenters from Australia and the Czech Republic shared how their 18 | V I S I T O R

innovative ministries are helping the Adventist Church grow in very secular cultures. On opening night, attendees took a trip through “Innovation City,” where half a dozen church leaders showcased their forays into innovative ministry. Cincinnati pastor Gianluca Bruno (right), for example, talked about a new storefront bookstore called Agora that his church recently opened, so they could build relationships with community residents. “Our Chinese culture night attracted strong attendance from nonmembers,” he noted. Pastor Kevin Kuehmichel (left) of Cleveland told attendees about the youth center (Teen Esteem) his church operates and how their mentoring efforts are getting teens off the streets and Adventists noticed in the community. Throughout the event, motivation was a big part of the presentations given by the Kaisers. They sprinkled their talks about fear and other bottlenecks of innovation, the spiritual aspects of innovation, and how to fund innovative projects, with numerous how-to lists and thought-provoking nuggets: “You need to spend an hour a day ‘dancing’ with the Holy Spirit, because without meditation you’re just having a one-way conversation with God,” said the elder Kaiser, a well-known executive coach and organizational consultant. “Every day you need to ask God, ‘What do You need me to do today?’” Roundtable discussions afforded attendees time to share ideas, vent concerns, and ask questions. The event closed with small groups brainstorming action plans for implementing innovation in the areas of local church ministry, education, personal

why i attended “With change being an integral part of all aspects of life, I want to learn how to be open to it, not resist it. The workshops and discussions helped me learn how to prepare for change.”—Norma

“I came to learn new ways of doing outreach because I want to share our great advent message and make it relevant to all people.”—Shelvan Arunan, pastor, Warren (Ohio) church

Sahlin, Center for Creative Ministry

“I attended last year and it caused me to think of new ways to increase church growth. I also started a nonprofit organization in Ghana (Center for Youth in Crisis), which is in its infant stage. I came back to get more innovative ideas.” —Isaac Boateng, pastor, Columbus Ghanaian church

“We should stop saving for our next mission trip and start living like we’re on mission trips every day—right where we live.”—Mike Fortune

growth, philanthropy, community outreach, youth ministries, and healthcare ministry. Next year’s conference is slated for September 30-October 2. Learn more at www.sdapartnersininnovation.org.

Twyla Smith, director of Adventist Community Services in Newark, N.J., donates to the giving tree.

Re-Church Continues the Conversation

As the innovation conference ended, several dozen attendees stayed on for Re-Church (http://rechurch.wordpress.com), a network that encourages “Adventist leaders to engage in wider missional church conversation.” Pastor and national coordinator Ryan Bell and Monte Sahlin, vice president for Creative Ministries at the Columbia

innovative advice “The heavy weight that seems to press in upon you as the years go by is inertia. …The older you get, the heavier the load becomes. It can finally stop you in your tracks. You see this in the many people who “plateau” in middle life. They retire on the job or become sleeping members of the church. They carry around a sign on their neck that states, ‘Nothing new has taken place here in years.’ The antidote to inertia is innovation.”—Leland Kaiser

Union Conference, organized this bonus meeting. With the theme “Creative Leadership for Innovative Ministry,” they invited author and Baptist minister Alan Roxburgh to talk about creative leadership in this era of change. “God’s future always shows up in the most God-forsaken places and the most God-forsaken people,” Roxburgh said, reminding listeners about the kinds of people Christ chose to help fulfill His mission on Earth. He strongly suggested that to be effective in ministry with today’s culture—means doing as Jesus did. “Dwell amongst the people, listen to their stories, and engage them in relationships,” he suggested. “At the end of the day, it’s not about creating mission and vision statements and five-year plans; it’s about creating a space and story that opens the place for innovation.” Roxburgh, now a seminary professor, used his ministry methods to grow a small, dying urban church from 30 members to over 600. His book is called The Sky is Falling: Leaders Lost in Transition.

“We can’t depend on the plate and the 10 percent to fund all our projects. … All too often we look at how many dollars are available from traditional funding sources and ask what we can do within that budget. That is the wrong question and guarantees a corresponding answer.” —Leanne Kaiser Carlson

“I drew a small circle and left you out. Then I drew again. I drew a larger circle and brought you in.”—Leland Kaiser

Healing Ministry A NEWSLETTER ABOUT

A D V E N T I S T H E A LT H C A R E I N T H E C O L U M B I A U N I O N

Kettering Doctors Minister in Zambia Zula Mazimba and Mario Ceballos he was brought into the emergency room comatose. In the prime of her youth, she was only 29. Her husband, equally young and standing by the bedside looking at her on a respirator, was visibly concerned about her prognosis. Not long before, they had lost their only child and it seemed that he was thinking, “Death ... not again.” Dr. Zula Mazimba, an internal medicine intern from Kettering Medical Center (KMC), discovered that they had only been married for two years and that their only child had died with what the husband described as “the signs of HIV/AIDS,” an epidemic, in Zambia. The next day, Dr. Mazimba was summoned by a “CODE” to resuscitate the young woman, but she died. He can still remember the family’s tears as he prayed with them. The Spiritual Services and Missions department at Kettering Adventist HealthCare (KAHC), in conjunction with KMC’s residency program, sponsored two mission trips for resident physicians recently. Drs. Stanley James and Mazimba Dr. Zula Mazimba (right) examines a patient worked at the during a recent mission trip to Zambia. University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka, Zambia. UTH, a 1,200-bed facility is the largest referral hospital in the country. A typical day for the pair began with morning rounds. In the afternoon, the physicians would spend their time in the outpatient clinic or seeing patients in the ER. Most patients had infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS complications and malaria.

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Dr. Stanley James’ efforts as week of prayer speaker at a local church in Zambia led to 140 baptisms.

MAKING TIME FOR EVANGELISM The doctors were also invited to give a week of prayer at the local Adventist church. Dr. James was the main speaker. The meetings were enthusiastically received and attendance was “standing room only.” An extra blessing was the large number of local residents who came out each night. At the end of the week, roughly 140 people gave their lives to the Lord. Dr. Mazimba was also invited to be the keynote speaker at the fraternity of the Adventist medical students during their graduation ceremony. He spoke about the centrality of the divine calling in medicine and how essential it is to embrace the spiritual paradigm in the medical ministry. The mission was a complete success; diseases were healed and souls saved. The KAHC physician residents returned with a new awareness of God’s blessings—to them and the people in Zambia. Zula Mazimba, MD, is a Kettering Adventist Healthcare physician and Mario Ceballos, DMin, is director of Spiritual Services and Missions.

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Healing Ministry

Kettering College Celebrates Opening of Boonshoft Center for Medical Sciences t will be a little less crowded around Kettering College of Medical Arts (KCMA) this fall, thanks to the opening of the Boonshoft Center for Medical Sciences. A recent ribbon-cutting ceremony formally opened the new, $22 million facility. More than 700 individuals— including professors, students, and leadership from Kettering Medical Center (KMC) and the greater Dayton area— attended the event. “This is an extremely exciting time for us,” said Kettering College president Charles Scriven, PhD. “Classrooms were so overcrowded that it drew the notice of our credentialing bodies— and rightly so,” Scriven stated. “That situation could not continue, and our community and parent institutions rallied on our behalf.” Nationally recognized local philanthropist Oscar Boonshoft fueled the project with $5 million. The late Mrs. Virginia Kettering, who helped establish the college, also supported the expansion. Other advocates included Eva Miller, the late Jerome Epstein Jr., and The Kettering Fund. A total of 37 individuals and foundations will be recognized throughout the building for their contributions toward the project. The center was greatly needed as KCMA struggled to find space to educate its rapidly increasing study body. Prior to groundbreaking two years ago, KCMA had experienced a 33 percent increase in enrollment over a three-year period. The expansion has also facilitated the creation of new premed, pre-dental, and master’s programs. “Nurses, physician assistants, radiology technicians, and other allied health professionals are in great demand, and the vast majority of the Kettering College graduates have historically sought employment in Ohio,” said Kettering Medical Center president Fred Manchur.

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TAKING LEARNING TO A LOFTIER LEVEL Innovative use of color and interior design, an expansive student life center, and several contemporary teaching elements help make the Boonshoft Center a stimulating environment for learning. The entire building is wireless, and the new Learning Commons makes efficient use of its two-level design with electronic, high-density shelving. Outside the Learning Commons is a lovely courtyard that has been cut into the ground, providing a great spot for study and entertainment during good weather. “We’re bringing the most contemporary concepts of learning into this new space, and every aspect of design works to ingrain learning throughout the college community,” said Norman Wendth, PhD, dean of the college. The latest in audio-visual technology will allow instructors to teach students halfway around the world. “Our newest classrooms have eliminated the “power position” once held by the instructor at the head of the class,” Wendth added. “Now the instructor is a facilitator, sitting among the students, teaching them to think critically.”

Left to right: Charles Scriven, Kettering College president; Frank Perez, Kettering Adventist HealthCare CEO; Oscar Boonshoft, philanthropist; and Fred Manchur, Kettering Medical Center president, beam at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Boonshoft Center for Medical Sciences.

Healing Ministry

Da Vinci S Robotic System Gives Surgeons Unprecedented Control

The Da Vinci S robotic system gives Kettering Medical Center surgeons 15 times more magnification and is more delicate than the human hand.

ettering Medical Center (KMC) has a new robotic surgery system called Da Vinci S. With rapid instrument exchange and multiimage display capability, this loaded machine has great appeal for surgeons. KMC has given its Da Vinci S system the nickname “Dexter.” Webster’s defines the word dexterous as “skillful and competent with the hands.” So, it’s fair to say that Dexter is aptly named. With a skilled surgeon at the controls, Dexter is an extension of the doctor’s hands and provides unprecedented control, vision, and access. Patients enjoy the benefits of reduced recovery time, less pain, and better outcomes, which make Dexter well worth the $1.5 million investment. This latest in robotic surgery systems is equipped with three surgical arms and the ability to reposition itself on command. But for Safrat Zaki, MD, a urological surgeon at KMC, the real appeal is for his patients. “The main advantage is instead of a big 6- to 8-inch incision with traditional prostate resection surgery, there’s a small incision that will usually close with surgical tape,” Dr. Zaki said. “There is less pain and the average hospital stay is about two days or less. Also, the catheter stays in about a week instead of two weeks with traditional surgery,” he continues. “And, there is a lower chance of incontinence and

impotence, which were the two big complications of prostatectomy. There is also a better chance of total removal of the cancer and less chance of it coming back,” he added. Dr. Zaki was the area’s first surgeon to perform a prostatectomy with a laproscope, four years ago, and is equally thrilled to use Da Vinci S to serve patients. “It’s a misconception that a robot does the surgery,” he explains. “The reality is that the surgeon-operated robot has 15 times magnification over the human eye. It is also much more delicate than the human hand and wrist and can reach areas and do things that humans can’t.” Rick Mace, vice president for Clinical Services, says that KMC has been on the leading edge of technology. “We’ve incorporated the PET scan, bloodless brain surgery with Gamma Knife, and tools that allow a surgeon to view data the way a fighter pilot does,” he notes. “Dexter is an extension of that; soon surgeons at KMC will be using the device to assist in kidney, bladder, and cardiac surgeries. This will dramatically benefit our patients.”

Students from Kettering Fairmont High School are fascinated by the Da Vinci S robotic surgical system. N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 6 | 23

Healing Ministry—News Troops to Nurses Program a Winner The newly implemented Troops to Nurses program at Kettering College of Medical Arts (KCMA) is a win-win-win situation! Nearby Wright Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) wins because their medical technicians (med techs) have an innovative, convenient way to become registered nurses. KCMA wins because of the potential hiring stream of nurses who might choose to work at Kettering Adventist HealthCare (KAHC). And KAHC wins because the program strengthens the already solid bond between them and the base. Norman Wendth, dean of Academic Affairs at KCMA, explained that a med tech in the military is similar to an LPN in the civilian world. The Troops to Nurses program is specially tailored for med techs to become registered nurses. “Previously a lot of med tech training wasn’t transferrable to the civilian world,” said Wendth. “But we have analyzed the training on an individual basis and often an individual can enter Kettering College as a third semester nursing student.” Military students are also encouraged to take classes at other schools and much of their learning is offered online. KCMA faculty and administrators have gone to great lengths to work around med techs’ schedules and several professors travel to WPAFB to teach classes. The first graduation ceremony for the Troops to Nurses program will be December 2007.—Pam McGinnis 24 | V I S I T O R

Miamisburg High School students enjoyed assembling baby baskets for young expectant moms who sought care at The Victor J. Cassano, Sr. Health Center.

Students Assemble Baby Baskets for Expectant Mothers With fear and uncertainty often clouding the lives of expectant young mothers, The Victor J. Cassano, Sr. Health Center teamed with Miamisburg High School students and Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio, Inc., who donated $5,000, to make life a little more comfortable. “Two years ago we surveyed young mothers at Cassano Center, asking what resources and information they were lacking,” said Sherry Kovach, licensed social worker. “It was clear that many of them needed resources and didn’t know what to expect. We wanted to find a way to show we care.” “Vectren’s corporate support of Cassano Center means so much,” said Kelly Fackel, vice president of development at the

Grandview Foundation, of the company’s $5,000 donation. “Partnerships like this help us achieve our mission of caring for the underserved in the community,” she added. “I’d like to get one of these young mothers to talk to Vectren leaders, so they can truly understand what a difference they made.” A total of 84 baskets were given to young mothers who got prenatal care at Cassano Center. The baskets contained baby powder, bottles, wipes, a blanket, bibs, socks, and a copy of the book What To Expect When You’re Expecting. —Kevin Lavoie

For a complete listing of Kettering Adventist HealthCare locations and services, visit www.columbiaunion.org/ healingministry.html.

NOVEMBER 2006

Pine Forge Academy Celebrates 60 Years ine Forge Institute, now known as Pine Forge Academy (PFA), was founded as a school for Adventist youth 60 years ago in Pine Forge, Pa. Since then, it has blessed the world with teachers, preachers, doctors, lawyers, and world leaders. During alumni weekend, PFA sons and daughters, both past and present, took time to give God the glory for this ordained school.

PHOTOS: JOEL JOHNSON AND MICHAEL JONES

U.S. Senate chaplain Barry Black was the keynote speaker for the Sabbath worship service.

PFA was on complete display to visitors on Friday. There was a friendly game of golf and a presentation by various occupational professionals to the students for Career Day. Since its inception in 1947, the school has produced nearly 2,500 graduates, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in respectable professions: in the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, the Philadelphia Common Pleas Court, on Broadway, and at Student Association president Richard Martin numerous prestigious presented current principal Cynthia PooleGibson with one of the honorary awards for colleges and positive leadership. universities.

That evening the festivities took a more reminiscent turn during a ceremony commemorating the 18 past and present principals of PFA. The principals, or representing family members, were recognized for their time spent in guiding the academy. Each received a dedication from a student taught during their tenure, and a trophy. Currently holding this esteemed position is Cynthia Poole-Gibson. A weekend of bad weather could not deter what is now a 60-year tradition of Sabbath keeping. Started by early Pennsylvania settlers, this tradition was carried down to Thomas Rutter, the original owner of the territory known as Pine Forge. His mansion, a stop on the Underground Railroad, is still standing on the property—along with one other original structure, North Hall—and has been highlighted as a Pennsylvania state landmark. Saturday was a showcase of all of that the school has become known for, with a spirit-led church service featuring the PFA choir (pictured above), an alumni mass choir, and U.S. Senate chaplain Barry C. Black as the keynote speaker. In the afternoon, the Wagner Hall building was opened for its rededication. After 60 years, this campus landmark recently received an “extreme makeover.” The Sabbath was brought to a close with a music program, featuring talent from every era of PFA history. That evening, the final interaction between the students and alumni was the annual alumni basketball game—with a final score of Alumni-73, Falcons-64.—Christopher White, ’07 N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 6 | 25

Sharon Revival Converts 30 haron church’s Community Bible Revival started at the Dr. Samuel L. Banks High School in Baltimore. The revival touched many lives and concluded with more than 30 baptisms. Six weeks before the revival, The newly baptized converts at the Sharon Bible workers invited residents to church revival included a mother and come out and learn about Christ. daughter who were moved by the Spirit. Charles “C.D.” Jenkins, Sharon church pastor, said the focus of the revival was to spread the everlasting gospel to East Baltimore. For four weeks he tirelessly delivered heart-wrenching messages. Immediately following the revival, Sharon held a concert to celebrate their new brothers and sisters in Christ. Special guests included gospel recording artist Katheryn Kim; the Washington, D.C.-based group Grace; and Sharon Hodges, Pastor Jenkins’ daughter.—Marcia Omondi

Health Experts Treat Nicaraguans he Metropolitan Health Professionals Association (MEHPA) has been taking mission trips for more than 13 years. This year, 15 health

in one day. “I would not see that many patients in a week at home. However, these people had been sitting and waiting patiently all day. We had to help,” he said. Barnes and a local doctor performed more than 12 cataract surgeries with more than $4,500 worth of lenses and surgery medicine donated by the Alcon Corporation. Other Metropolitan church members who assisted were Duan Drakes, MD; Paul Occenad; Dorrel McLaren; and the following nurses:

First Church Youth Shadow Career Pros he Circle of Sisterhood (COS) ministry at First church of Washington, D.C. assists female youth ages 10 to 18 in learning how to build relationships with each other and, above all, with Christ through the leadership, training, and prayer of adult women of faith. The COS Career Match Project, one of this year’s new endeavors, was also opened to the church’s young men. Eight young ladies and three young men got the opportunity to shadow a church member or local Christian in a career field of their choice for one day. Coordinated and scheduled by co-director Alison Nooks, the matches were spread over a month this summer.

MEHPA sent 15 health professionals to help Nicaraguan citizens in need.

professionals from the Washington, D.C., area and beyond recently descended on Bluefields, Nicaragua, to provide essential medical care. The team, led by Avis Kelly, DDS, a member of the Metropolitan church in Hyattsville, Md., spent 13 days providing more than 1,000 individuals with special medical, dental, and visual care that they could not otherwise afford. Reginald Barnes, MD, an ophthalmologist and member of the Emmanuel-Brinklow church in Ashton, Md., cared for 92 patients 26 | V I S I T O R

Timothy Goode shadowed Alison Nooks, an officer for Corporate and Foundation Relations at a local company. He got to meet with corporate professionals and see the planning of a large-scale event.

Jenieve Wallace, Graceland Drakes, Kathleen Freeman, and Carl Semper. Other participants were Monica Slack-Haynes, DDS, from Connecticut; Evangeline Hunter from New York City; and Brenda Roach from the Seabrook (Md.) church. —Beth Michaels

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

NOVEMBER 2006

Shiloh Church Dedicated or many years the members of Shiloh church in Huntington, W.Va., looked forward to adding a much-needed fellowship hall to their facility. The building was in need of repair and more space. The work was finally completed and a dedication service held recently. The guest speaker at the morning service was Derrick Moffet, PhD, former Shiloh pastor. Guest speakers for the afternoon dedication services included the three executive officers of the conference: president James Lewis, executive secretary Carl Rogers, and treasurer Zenobia Seward. Special music was provided in part by singers from Ephesus church in Columbus. Shiloh church pastor Perry Jennings presented a slide presentation of the construction process, showing its various stages of completion. It was a high day for the members.—Mary Anne Thornton

Adventist Men Gather, Dare to be Men pproximately 70 members of the Allegheny West and Ohio conferences gathered recently to attend the annual men’s retreat, created and sponsored by The Frank Loris Peterson Society of Adventist Men. This retreat provides an avenue for gentlemen of all ages to recharge their spiritual batteries. The retreat is held during the first weekend in August each year on the campus of Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. The retreat’s format offers a full range of seminars, including topics such as broadening a personal walk with Christ, improving interpersonal relationships, Christian manhood, family finances, etc. The theme for this year’s event was “Dare to Be a Man.” “Christian men who strive to overcome sin realize that we must move toward what God wants us to be,” explained Donald Cantrell, Sr., president of The Frank Loris Peterson Society and deacon of the Ephesus church in Columbus. Featured speakers were Corey Rowe (pictured above), pastor of Hillcrest and South Fountain churches in Dayton and Springfield, Ohio, respectively, and Kwame Ronnie Vanderhorst, outreach director and personal growth consultant for Prepare Our Youth, a ministry based in Washington, D.C.

The society was founded in December 1987 during a meeting of about 15 male members of the Ephesus church. Frank W. Hale, Jr., PhD, former Oakwood College (Ala.) president and former vice provost for minority affairs at Ohio State University, assembled the group and became its sponsor. The group was concerned primarily with providing an opportunity for the men of the church to achieve a more balanced role and take a more active part in church and community affairs. Among the important features of the society has been its annual men’s retreat. The organization was named in honor of Frank Loris Peterson, the first African American vice president of the General Conference and a former president of Oakwood College. Peterson pastored major churches in Los Angeles and Boston, and held numerous high-level administrative positions in the church. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the society seeks to continue growing and helping to meet the needs of men in the remnant church. For more information, contact Cantrell at (614) 476-2646, or David Harmon at (614) 274-1354.

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Conference Welcomes New Pastoral Leaders ugene Anthony recently joined the Allegheny West Conference team as the pastor of the Bethel church in Akron, Ohio. Pastor Anthony comes from the Lake Region Conference in Illinois, where he was the pastor of the Maywood Community church in Chicago. He previously served as the publishing director for Lake Region and has been in ministry for 29 years. He is married to Sheila and they have two sons: 24-year-old Mahalon is a senior at Oakwood College (Ala.), and 23-year-old Ornan is a senior at Union College (Neb.). Pastor Nathaniel Lyles (left) is the new associate pastor for youth at the Glenville church in Cleveland. Lyles comes from Winston Salem, N.C., and is a recent Oakwood College graduate with a BA in Theology. The conference also would like to note the transition of another leader. Pastor Joseph P. Lewis has transferred his leadership from the Lynchburg/Martinsville, Va., district to the Staunton/Waynesboro, Va., district.

Ohio Women Experience WOW erome Hurst, pastor of Hilltop Community Worship Center (HCWC) in Columbus, and his wife, Carolyn, had a long-time vision of a conference that would bring Christian women of different faiths together. One of its goals would be to encourage women to have a more intimate and loving relationship with Christ through daily study of His Word. The vision was shared with Lori Diaz, a young, devoted church member, and before long the Women of the Word (WOW) Conference was underway! The first four-day WOW Conference was held recently at HCWC. About 150 women from all over Ohio attended the day and evening seminars, and as many as 400 gathered for the Sabbath services. The theme of the conference was, “GOT W.O.R.D.?” which was an acronym for Wisdom, Opport-unity,

Approximately 150 women from across Ohio gathered for a chance to interact, study the Word, and learn about having a more intimate relationship with God. 28 | V I S I T O R

Restoration, and Destiny. The presenters were all powerful women of God from the Columbus area, including Shirley Benton, conference Women’s Ministries direc- Caroline Hurst, DPM, and her husband, Pastor Jerome Hurst, finally fulfilled their tor; Brenda H. Locke, member vision for a conference for women. of the Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church; Tamela Jo Dixon, member of the Shiloh Baptist Church; Pastor Voyd E. Burks of True Covenant Family Ministries; and Pastor Jacqueline Tripp of the New Covenant Believers Church. They were also graced with the presence of Rosa Banks, EdD, associate secretary of the Worldwide Adventist Church. The next WOW Conference is already being planned. It will be held August 15-19, 2007, with the theme “Speak Life!” For more information, contact Pastor Hurst at jeromehurst@gmail.com.—Veronda Conrad

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, Bryant Taylor ■ www.awconf.org

NOVEMBER 2006

New Faces Join Staff s soon as Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) graduates one class, another replaces them, and the cycle continues. Similarly, nearly every year God leads some great new staff members to the school. This year Mark Walker is the new associate dean of boys as well as photography and desktop publishing teacher. He spent the past four years as a dean at

Mark Walker (left) and Edwin “Danny” Vargas gear up for registration.

Jameson Hilliard and Keri Lundquist bring a lot of energy to the BMA staff as taskforce deans.

Bass Memorial Academy in Mississippi. Walker and his wife, Candace, survived Hurricane Katrina last year, and were married in Mississippi a week later. Michael and Angela Shofner from Manchester, Ky., also joined the staff. Shofner teaches sophomore and junior religion and world history. Last year he taught in a one-teacher elementary school, but decided God was calling him to work with teenagers. Angela is librarian and teaches English. Her interests include books, writing, and creating in the kitchen. Joining us from Puerto Rico is our physical education teacher and Aerial Aires coach, Edwin Daniel Vargas. “Coach Danny” has 13 years of gymnastics performance experience and has coached for six years. Vargas and his wife, Liz, have a 5-year-old daughter, Leidnaliz Zurisadai, and a 2-year-old son, Zilandiel Edrei. The taskforce deans bring something special to BMA. Keri Lundquist graduated from BMA in 2003 and returns from Union College (Neb.). Lundquist loves to talk about Jesus and has a deep longing to see young people learn more about Him. Jameson Hilliard comes

from Walla Walla College in Washington. He is an assistant boys’ dean and aviation teacher. Dave Sanner, who recently accepted the position of BMA church pastor, also teaches senior religion. He is a 1972 BMA graduate. Pastor Sanner’s wife, Theda, is teaching English. Joining the food service team is Jennifer Juntunen. She was recently baptized and is extremely excited

After Sabbath services recently, Michael and Angela Shofner get acquainted with Nancy Manente (right), who is now teaching art at the school.

about the opportunity to work with Adventist young people. She brings a variety of experience in food service to the job.—Spencer R. Hannah N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 6 | 29

Is BMA Industry in a Pickle? n the late 1980s, when it was determined that Harris Pine Mills was no longer a viable industry at Blue Mountain Academy, the school administration looked for ways to fill the student job void. Hence, BMA Industry was born. Through the years BMA Industry—generally referred to as “industry”—has packaged a great variety of products—from clothing to plastic ware—produced screw plates for construction, assembled mop heads and medical packets, and manufactured decorative baskets. In August a new product line was added through a partnership with Pa’s Foods, producers of Pa’s pickles and relishes. (Go to www.pasfoods.com for a complete listing of their products.) Under the new arrangement, student workers will re-pack bulk containers of Pa’s Foods products into retail-sized jars for distribution in the Northeast. Gary (Class of ’61) and Jeanette Reese, along with their son Steve (Class of ’93) are the owners of Pa’s Foods. Steve, who worked for industry manager Paul Matthews when he was a student, realized that by partnering with BMA, he could increase productivity, while also helping the industry program. BMA Industry is indeed “in a pickle,” and we believe it is just another way God is blessing the school. If you own a business and want to inquire about a possible partnership with BMA Industry, contact Paul Matthews at paulm@bma.us or (610) 562-6504.—Dave Morgan

Volunteer is Answer to Prayer olunteering is not new to Doug Wheeler, whose son, Steve, graduated from BMA in 2001. Wheeler retired in 2001 after teaching students to play band instruments for 32 years. Over the years he and his wife, Melody, have volunteered many times at BMA. From maintenance projects to decorating and planning events, the Wheelers are versatile and always willing to use their talents. When Wheeler learned that BMA needed to build a Volunteer Doug Wheeler helps the mainteroom for the nance staff prepare a special room for the new pickle school’s new pickle industry business. industry, he freed up time to help. Working alongside the school’s maintenance team, he helped keep the project on schedule. Wheeler’s efforts were an answer to prayer, as the project will be completed by the deadline. Volunteers are a vital part of BMA and are found in many areas. If you have a talent that you would like to share, please let us know.—Kathleen A. Sutton

September Correction: Robert Sweeney, who was mentioned in the “Military Father Leaves War to Attend Graduation” article, is actually a sergeant in the U.S. Army. We apologize for the error.

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Coming

EVENTS

November 3, 4 5 11 12 18 19 20-26

Senior Recognition Recognition Dinner Youth Church Fall Festival Performance Night Parent Day Thanksgiving Break

December 1-2 3 9

15 16

17 20, 21 21 21 - Jan 7

Wilkes-Barre Music Tour Club Christmas Parties Youth Church Student Association Christmas Party Messiah Concert, 7:30 p.m. Keyboard Concert, 4 p.m. Parent Advisory Council Meeting Band Concert, 8 p.m. Sunday School Semester Exams First Semester Ends Christmas Home Leave

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

NOVEMBER 2006

Count Your Blessings o you remember the old hymn “Count Your Blessings?” “Count your blessings/Name them one by one/Count your blessings/See what God has done.” I can’t think of blessings without thinking about the people I have gotten to know during the past 23 years. These are people from every nook and cranny of our conference who have given generously of their time, talents, energies, and resources to build up their local churches and schools. These are people who have given the gift of themselves through love and kindness, vigor and knowledge, and friendship and concern. And they have done this with no expectation of appreciation. That is not to say that we should not appreciate these dedicated individuals. It is just to say that they aren’t giving in order to derive some expression of appreciation from the rest of us. They are providing ordinary, everyday examples of how, I believe, our faith instructs us to use what we have been given—to use our gifts as offerings of our thanks. It is a time for thanksgiving, for counting and acknowledging our many blessings, for building on what our predecessors built for us, for nourishing and strengthening the faith of those around us, and for otherwise demonstrating our stewardship of the gifts God has given to us Rob Vandeman today. Thank you. You are appreciated. President

New Hope Church Celebrates Grand Opening colorful banner and eye-catching flags recently greeted the members and visitors to the new facilities of the New Hope church, now in Fulton, Md. This grand opening Sabbath was a day of festivities that included an early morning breakfast buffet, an international mass choir performance for the worship service, and an afternoon cookout with children’s activities. The celebration culminated in the evening with a family movie outside on the lawn. Total attendance for the two morning worship services was nearly 1,000 people. During the divine service, Rob Vandeman (pictured, right), conference president, presented a plaque to Phyllis Newman (center), real estate agent and wife of Pastor

David Newman. She was praised for her selfless service in securing the facility and brokering its purchase. Ramon Chow (pictured, left), treasurer of the Chesapeake Conference, presented a check for $25,000 as a first installment of the conference’s support of the church building project. Pastor Newman also used the occasion to introduce and invite the public to hear his new sermon series titled, “40 Days of Transformation.” (Read more about it on the church’s website: www.mynewhopechurch.com.)

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2006 Conference Education Report he educational ministry of the Chesapeake Conference involves a system of 15 schools, including a boarding academy, a day academy, two junior academies, and 11 elementary schools. A total of 1,104 students are enrolled in the K-12 program. An additional 42 are enrolled in local pre-kindergarten programs. The total enrollment is down 38 students, as one school—Gateway Christian Academy—closed and eight schools experienced a slight decline. One school had no change in enrollment, and six schools experienced an enrollment increase. Official opening enrollments for the 2006-07 school year are listed below:

Atholton (Columbia, Md.)

182

Highland View Academy (Hagerstown, Md.)

Baltimore White Marsh (Baltimore)

Martin Barr (Gambrills, Md.)

Berkeley Springs (W.Va.)

Mt. Aetna (Hagerstown, Md.)

Crest Lane (Westminster, Md.)

Rocky Knoll (Martinsburg, W.Va.)

Crossroads (Ellicott City, Md.)

Spencerville Adventist Academy

Susquehanna (Perryville, Md.)

Frederick (Md.)

Wilmington (Del.)

Friendship (Linthicum, Md.)

(Silver Spring, Md.)

Eastern Shore Junior Academy (Sudlersville, Md.)

319

Carole Smith, EdD, education superintendent, says, “We are blessed to have dedicated Christian teachers in Chesapeake who love teaching, and who work diligently to educate their students. Most of our principals are also teachers who go beyond the call of duty in ministering to their faculties. I am extremely proud of our team.”

NEWS Chesapeake Youth Leaders Improve Their Serve

Williamsport VBS Raises Funds for Orphans

Two hundred people gathered at Mt. Aetna Camp & Retreat Center in Hagerstown, Md., recently for the annual Youth Leaders’ Convention. Attendees were treated to a helpful mix of inspiration, practical instruction and training, and food and fellowship. The convention is an annual training conference sponsored by the Youth Department and is one of the highlights of the Youth Ministries calendar. The featured speaker was Cindy Tutsch, DMin (left), associate director of the Ellen White Estate at the Adventist World Headquarters. She challenged our leaders to find ways to include their youth in the evangelistic outreach of their church. She used examples from the early history of our church and the counsels of Ellen White to illustrate this point. Participants were able to choose from over 28 breakout seminars and receive certification within the eight leadership tracks. Chesapeake is one of the few conferences that offer certification in all eight tracks. This annual weekend convention is succeeded by a one-day training event held each spring. Attendance at both events is required to receive certification within a particular track.

During their annual VBS, big-hearted Williamsport members recently joined the little hands of the children in raising funds for orphans through International Children’s Care (www.forhiskids.org). According to Lisa Shockey, Williamsport VBS director, “The children were so excited about this project. It was Emily and Katie Shockey, members of the really touching to see their genuine desire to Williamsport church, attended VBS, which was lead by their mother, Lisa. help the orphans.” The goal was to raise enough money to sponsor three orphans, but by the end of VBS, the Williamsport members and their children raised $2,700. This amount was enough to sponsor nine orphans for one year.

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The Challenge is published in the Visitor by the Chesapeake Conference ■ 6600 Martin Road, Columbia, MD 21044 Phone: (410) 995-1910 ■ President, Rob Vandeman Editor, Frank Bondurant

NOVEMBER 2006

Columbia Union Seniors Enjoy College Days ecently 393 academy students from around the Columbia Union descended on Columbia Union College’s (CUC) campus for the annual College Days. This two-day event themed “Why D.C.?” showed prospective students the benefits of CUC’s location at the doorstep of the nation’s capital. “Our students have opportunities that most college students don’t have,” said Jonathan Scriven, executive director for Admissions and Enrollment Services. “Our goal during College Days is to show our visitors that attending CUC will provide them with an experience that is unmatched in the Adventist system.” Visiting students met with faculty members during the departmental showcase, took a boat ride down the Potomac River, visited historic Georgetown, and walked around the Iwo Jima Memorial. CUC’s Athletic Department also hosted the second annual Columbia Union Academy All-Star Basketball Game. “In addition to great academic programs, fun social opportunities, and a campus committed to spiritual growth, we offer students the ability to jump-start their careers through vigorous internship and co-op opportunities in Washington, D.C.,” said Scriven. Students from outside the Columbia Union can also plan to visit during non-union College Days held March 30 to April 1, 2007. For more information, contact Enrollment Services at (800) 835-4212, enroll@cuc.edu, or visit www.cucblog.blogspot.com.

Nearly 400 Columbia Union academy students got to experience college life in the nation’s capital.

Spaulding Leads Department of Communication and Journalism tacy Spaulding, PhD (pictured), was recently appointed chair of the Department of Communication and Journalism. Spaulding has worked at CUC for eight years, teaching and advising students as the journalism program coordinator. “I have good faculty, great students, and I’m looking forward to a great school year,” said Spaulding, who assumes the leadership position from professor Barry Casey, PhD. “I look forward to a very good start with Dr. Spaulding at the helm,” said David Miller, professor and coordinator of the Broadcast Journalism and Documentary Journalism programs. “Her heart lies with her students first.” Spaulding recently won two awards for her dissertation at the 25th Annual American Journalism Historians Association Convention in Wichita, Kan. She received an honorable mention for best article published in a scholarly journal, and the 2006 Margaret A. Blanchard Doctoral Dissertation Prize. —Alexis Goring

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 6 | 33

Faculty Advises Attendees at Marriage Conference laine Oliver (pictured), associate vice president for Student Financial Services, recently conducted “From This Day Forward,” a one-day marriage conference held in Florida. The event encouraged couples to improve their communication skills to create stronger marriages and families. “Initially, I got involved in this ministry because of my husband’s work [as a counselor]. People that come to a marriage conference want a woman’s perspective on marriage,” said Oliver, who has worked in partnership with her husband, Willie, for six years. “There isn’t a lot of couple modeling when it comes to marriage in the Seventh-day Adventist Church,” she added. Willie Oliver serves as the director of Family Ministries for the Adventist Church in North America. As a team, they both believe that family ministry is a very special calling. In addition to directing seminars, the Oliver’s host a radio program and contribute a relationship column to Message magazine, which dispenses counseling tips and marriage advice. “God wants us to have great marriages. When people are happy in their marriage they become a better witness and direct more energy into telling others about Christ,” said Oliver.—Rachel Ponder

Students Experience a WISE Week olumbia Union College recently celebrated its biannual Week in Spiritual Emphasis (WISE). Guest speaker Damein Johnson (pictured below, right) challenged CUC students to think about how they can help a troubled world. In keeping with his theme “Reach Higher,” Johnson (Class of 1998) compared the state of the world to the famine in Egypt mentioned in Genesis 45. “You are God’s donation to a starving world. You are God’s contribution to a troubled and under-

privileged society,” said Johnson, pastor of the Pennsylvania Avenue church in Washington, D.C. “I came here to tell you that the world you and I live in today is experiencing a great famine; it is starving for love.” He told students that they are 34 | V I S I T O R

urgently needed and that it is their responsibility to bring peace to the world. That responsibility includes their participation in the workforce. “The world is calling out desperately for nurses that truly care for their patients, teachers who will take a real interest in their students, and politicians that will make a difference,” said Johnson. “So when you are studying into the wee hours of the night, when you find yourself getting frustrated, when you’re ready to give up, remember that the Lord has giftwrapped you. You are God’s gift to the world.” Throughout the week, Pastor Johnson gave illustrations that showed students God has a dream and a purpose for them. He challenged the audience to leave the past behind and stop focusing on the future. Instead, they should look to God and act in the present. “It’s always nice to see alumni taking part, doing what they can to support the school, and Pastor Johnson did that,” said Johan Ng, 21, a junior engineering student. “I like how he related stories to practical life and spiritual maturity.” WISE is held during the fall and spring semesters. The special five days are designed to spiritually enrich and broaden the students’ understanding of the world, its challenges, and opportunities.

CALENDAR

November 1

Native American Indian Month Begins

Writers Conference

Student Association Cosmic Bowling

13-17

Gender Week and Student Association Spirit Week

May Graduation Contracts Due

Student Association Community Outreach Washington, D.C.

21-26

Thanksgiving Holiday

Christmas Tree Lighting CUC Commons

December 6

Columbia Concert Winds Performance

11-13

Final Exams

14Jan. 8 Christmas Holiday

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 ■ Exec. Dir. of Marketing and Communication, Scott Steward ■ Editor, Tanisha Greenidge

TELESCOPIO

NOVEMBER 2006

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

Retiro Juvenil Anual Hispano Transforma Vidas ecientemente, más de 300 jóvenes hispanos de toda la Conferencia de Potomac desafiaron los restos de la tormenta tropical Alberto para asistir al Retiro Hispano Juvenil anual en el Campamento Blue Ridge en Virginia. Eliasib Fajardo, pastor de la Iglesia Beltsville Hispana (Maranatha) en Maryland, y otros voluntarios trabajaron fervientemente para planificar este fin de semana. El lema de este año fue “Transformando Vidas.” El Pastor Homero Salazar de la Iglesia de Washington Hispana en Silver Spring, Md., fue el orador principal. Las actividades Cristo-céntricas dirigidas a los jóvenes incluyeron seminarios, grupos de oración matinal, caminatas en las montañas cercanas y otras actividades al aire libre, y juegos sociales. Los que participaron fueron bendecidos espiritualmente. El Pastor Homero Salazar, orador principal, Una de las cosas que más se destaco fue el bautismo el sábado por la ora por los que renovaron sus vidas a Cristo durante el Retiro Anual Juvenil Hispano. tarde, en donde dos jóvenes dedicaron sus vidas a Dios—Abraham Martínez y Juan Morales de la Iglesia de Beltsville Hispana. “Cuando el evento termine, todos los líderes desean regresar a sus iglesias locales y seguir trabajando para el Señor,” dijo el Pastor Fajardo. “Nos siguen escribiendo y agradeciendonos por el evento. Estamos contentos de poder tocar sus vidas.”—Jeanie Allen

Se Recuerda al Pionero de la Iglesia Hispana de Nueva Jersey osé Isabel Rivera (en la foto), antes pastor hispano de la Conferencia de Nueva Jersey y pionero de las iglesias hispanas, pasó al descanso recientemente después de 102 años dedicados a la obra del Señor. Rivera comenzó a trabajar en la Conferencia de Nueva Jersey en 1954 después de recibir un llamado para iniciar la obra hispana en el estado. Su hija menor, Tirsa Rivera-González, informa que su primera iglesia

se estableció en la ciudad de Paterson con diez inmigrantes recién llegados de Puerto Rico. Esta iglesia pronto se convirtió en una iglesia activa y enfocada en la obra misionera hasta tener más de 100 miembros. La obra que realizó Rivera se extendió hasta Newark, Perth Amboy, Elizabeth, Nuevo Brunswick, Hoboken, Union City, Jersey City, Mt. Holly, Vineland, Hammonton, y Lakewood. Se jubiló oficialmente en 1977, pero siguió trabajando como pastor estipendio por muchos años. Rivera comenzó su obra pionera con la población hispana como empleado de la Unión del Lago donde estableció varias congregaciones grandes en Chicago. Después de 10 años en este lugar, Rivera se trasladó con su familia a Takoma Park, Md., para completar sus estudios en el seminario Adventista (ahora localizado en Berrien Springs, Mich.). Mientras estudiaba, Rivera se aventajó de la oportunidad de establecer la primera congregación de habla hispana en esa área. Le sobreviven sus hijos José (Pepe), Loida, Rubén, Guidel, Josué, y Tirsa; seis nietos; cuatro bisnietos; y dos tataranietos. Fue precedido en fallecimiento por su primera esposa, Julita, y después por su segunda esposa, Josefina.—Beth Michaels

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 6 | 35

TELESCOPIO

Nuevo Recurso en el Web para Jóvenes os jóvenes de la Conferencia de Potomac (y de más allá) están atraídos a PCJovenes.com, un nuevo ministerio en-línea establecido por Eliasib Fajardo, pastor de la Iglesia Hispana de Beltsville en Maryland. El sitio—descrito como “con, por, y para jóvenes”—ofrece recursos para el ministerio, juegos bíblicos, rompehielos para programas, videos, libros electrónicos y más. Los navegantes pueden establecer amistades, listar sus cumpleaños, y hasta publicar fotografías de los eventos de su iglesia. Aunque comenzó a nivel local, PC Jóvenes es dirigido ahora por Fajardo y un equipo de ocho líderes de área, y ha sido adoptado como un ministerio oficial de la conferencia para coordinar eventos para los jóvenes entre 11 y 30 años de edad. Ellos han planificado programas para campestres, campamentos, juegos Olímpicos de verano, y el retiro anual juvenil. ¡Conéctate y participa!—Celeste Ryan Blyden

Carlos Torres Se Une al Equipo Pastoral de Nueva Jersey arlos Torres (en la foto) aceptó una invitación para servir como pastor de las Iglesias Hispanas de Vineland y Atlantic City. Torres, junto a su familia, vienen de la Conferencia Rocky Mountain donde sirvió como pastor en las iglesias de Denver Central Hispana y la Primera Iglesia Hispana de Denver durante los últimos seis años. Antes de esto, Torres trabajó como pastor en la Iglesia de Dallas Oak cliff Hispana en Texas. Comenzó en esta posición después de comenzar su ministerio en Venezuela, su país natal. La conferencia les desea a Torres y a su familia las bendiciones de Dios en su ministerio con la feligresía hispana.

EBV de Alexandria Alcanza a Otros a Iglesia Hispana de Alexandria (Va.) tuvo resultados excepcionales en su reciente Escuela Bíblica de Vacaciones (EBV) con casi 60 niños en asistencia cada noche. Diecisiete de los niños nunca habían asistido a una iglesia Adventista, pero muchos de ellos están aún asistiendo a la Escuela Sabática cada semana. Muchas veces, la EBV es el primer contacto que las personas tienen con la iglesia. Este fue el caso de Cecilia Tenorio, esposa de Luis Tenorio, pastor de la Iglesia Hispana de Alexandria. Tenorio recuerda asistir a la EBV en la iglesia Adventista local cada verano donde aprendía acerca de Jesús y sus primeras canciones cristianas. En ese entonces, no se daba cuenta que Dios estaba preparando su vida para servirle a Él. Tenorio añadió, “Porque EBV impactó mi vida, hoy me doy cuenta cuan importante es ministrar a los niños. Nunca sabemos cuales semillas son sembradas.”

El Telescopio es publicado por el Visitor cada mes por los coordinadores hispanos de las Asociaciones. Coordinador de Boletín, Beth Michaels ■ Phone: (410) 997-3414

36 | V I S I T O R

NOVEMBER 2006

A Faithful Church Spreads the Gospel t is obvious to me as I look around the world today that Jesus is coming soon! There seems to be a rapidly escalating series of events that, when pieced together, herald the last days of Earth as described in prophecy. As interesting a study as end-time events can be, what is most important in our age, and indeed any age, is that our church as a whole and, in turn, all individual members, be faithful. Faithfulness is a term often used in reference to paying tithe and obeying the Ten Commandments. Obviously being faithful stewards of our resources and obeying the law of God is crucial to faithfulness, and both stem from an ongoing relationship with Jesus. Yet I wonder how many people think of witnessing to those around them as part of their responsibility and directly tied to faithfulness to God? Does not Jesus command in Matthew 28 to “Go ye therefore and teach all nations”? Following that command is certainly a part of being a faithful follower of Christ. Pastors and other leaders in the Seventh-day Adventist Church obviously cannot adequately spread the gospel to the world without the entire church body getting actively involved. It is high time that we take seriously our mission and be faithful to God, doing our part to reach those Victor Zill around us. What have you done to witness to others, and what are your future ministry plans? Treasurer

NEWS Community Outreach Center Opens to Spencer Residents Living Waters Community Outreach (pictured) opened its doors recently in downtown Spencer, W.Va. It serves as the Spencer church’s evangelistic base for the county of Roane. Among the church-sponsored events scheduled at the

center are downlinked 3ABN and Hope Channel evangelistic series, a diabetes management seminar, Bible fair, Pathfinders, Living Waters Community Outreach quilting club, and Center recently held a prayer meeting for cooking classes. Spencer residents. The church also hosted a display at the state Walnut Festival. which draws thousands of people from all over West Virginia and neighboring states.

High Day at Central Hills Joy came to the members of Central Hills church in Clarksburg, W.Va., recently when Heidi James was baptized and Doris and Randi Watson joined by profession of faith (pictured). These new members previously attended meetings conducted by evangelist Leo Schreven, founder of All Power Seminars (www.allpowerseminars.com). They continued studying and faithfully attending church, where, even before their commitments, they vitally participated in Children’s Ministries, as greeters, and in other facets of congregational activity. Several Sabbaths later, 13-year-old Jessie Knoll and her adult neighbor, Kathryn Shaw—inspired to study the Bible by Knoll’s example—were baptized by Central Hills pastor Bill Clark and Tom Hughes of the Newark and Zanesville, Ohio, churches. This was the last official act for Pastor Clark, who has retired for health reasons. The church presented Pastor Clark with a gift and farewell dinner. The members have truly appreciated his ministry and pray for him to have strength to continue doing the work of the Lord.—Roberta Bunch

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 6 | 37

NEWS Oceana Radio Station—The manager of a local, secular radio station in Oceana, W.Va., inquired of Pastor Daniel Morikone (shortly before his transfer to the Parkersburg/Toll Gate District) about how to obtain at least two hours of Amazing Facts weekly programming for his station 98.3 FM. The manager was utterly astonished when he learned that an unlimited supply of programs were available to him free of charge. He plans to share the programming with his listeners. Inmates Join Parkersburg Church—Recently 10 inmates of an Ohio prison were baptized and joined the Parkersburg (W.Va.) church. Their conversion followed a thorough study of the Advent message under the instruction of chaplain George Huggins. Huggins conducts Sabbath school and church services every week at the prison, and the group attendance continues to grow. Clay Bible Study—When Bill Mann, French teacher for the Clay County school system, caught the vision of planting the gospel in the town of Clay, W.Va., he started meetings at the public library earlier this year. From this effort, a group of up to a dozen worshipers and inquirers meets every Sabbath afternoon for Bible study. This outreach is under the sponsorship of the Summersville (W.Va.) church where Mann serves as an elder and Religious Liberty director. Branch Sabbath School in Elizabeth—Growing out of a double mailing project of Steps to Christ and an abridged version of The Great Controversy to the community, a branch Sabbath School has formed at the Elizabeth (W.Va.) church. Presently they meet at the home of members Nelson and Betsy Mathers, who also operate a 38 | V I S I T O R

Christian lending library. One of the attendees has read many Adventist books in the past several months and is fully convinced of the truth. Elizabeth, the Wirt County seat, is being systematically blanketed with Adventist literature every month or so. “Time is short,” says Mathers (pictured below), a 78-year-old retired church-school teacher, “and the people must be given every opportunity to learn the three angels’ message. That is why we have moved here, and we shall press on with this work until the end of our earthly days.”

Adventist Community Services assisted residents in Elizabeth whose apartments were damaged by a tornado.

Tornado in Elizabeth—

Kingwood Expansion—In the past year, thanks to diligent evangelistic labor, the Kingwood, W.Va., congregation has grown from three to 35 members under the leadership of Pastor Ed Rockwell (left), who also serves as Mountain View Conference publishing director. Last month the church purchased the town legion hall, which they were renting for Sabbath services and prayer meetings. Church members plan to remodel this hall to make it look like a church and to create rooms that will best serve the ministries of their growing congregation. The church is visibly situated by State Highway 7, just west of Kingwood, in the area of the town that is expanding most rapidly.

Residents of Elizabeth, W.Va., could not have been more surprised when a tornado briefly touched down in the center of town recently. It damaged just one building, a historic edifice that housed the Wirt County independent newspaper, a community thrift store, and two top-floor apartments, both of which were utterly demolished. Adventist Community Services provided a month’s rent to help the occupants of one apartment to get resettled.

Mountain View

EVENTS November 5 12

Board of Education Youth Council, 10 a.m. Buckhannon Church

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

NOVEMBER 2006

Using Our Talents Unselfishly s we enter the fall season, our thoughts often turn to Thanksgiving and the warmth and love associated with it. As I reflected on this, I came across the sentence, “With joyful hearts they should dedicate to the Creator the first fruits of their bounties—their choicest possessions, their best and holiest service” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 339). Our very best should be given to our precious Savior, who gave His very best so He could give us eternal life. As we count our blessings, our hearts and lives should overflow with His goodness. What additional joy and praise will flood the hearts of those who faithfully planted seeds that God nurtured. Our God lends us talents and the means to be used to produce a harvest for His kingdom, and when we unselfishly use them for His glory, He gives us the credit. Wow! What a loving heavenly Father we have. The mission and vision of the New Jersey Conference is to expand God’s vineyard. We can do this through preaching, teaching, and living the unique and compelling message of the gospel before the 9 million people who make up the cross-cultural communities of our state. So when you see autumn leaves, the harvest moon, and frost on the pumpkins, remember it is your LeRoy Finck unselfish use of the talents He has lent to you that will make it possible for us to fulfill President Christ’s commission.

Conference Hosts 38th Hungarian Bible Conference he 38th Hungarian Bible Conference was held recently at Tranquil Valley Retreat Center in Tranquility, N.J. The event, hosted by the Perth Amboy (N.J.) Hungarian church and under the leadership of Pastor Csaba S. Orbán, welcomed nearly 200 Hungarian attendees from all over the United States, Hungary, Romania, Yugoslavia, and Spain. Using Hebrews 10:37 as a motto, the meeting speakers encouraged attendees to remain steadfast “for yet a little while.” Hungarian pastors from the United States, The meetHungary, Romania, Yugoslavia, and Spain led the 38th Annual Hungarian Bible Conference ings started in New Jersey. on Friday night with voices joining together to sing the theme song “Lift Up the Trumpet.” With his timely words, guest speaker LeRoy Finck, conference president, reminded

everyone that heaven is worth the wait. On Sabbath morning, Pastor Osz Farkas Erno, the Hungarian Union secretary, encouraged attendees to always be ready and to focus on Jesus’ return rather than on daily struggles and tribulations. A youth program was held in the afternoon, giving many young people the opportunity to praise the Lord by sharing their talents through song and poetry. Pastor Edward Marton of the Cleveland Hungarian church, concluded the youth program with a sermonette. Everyone enjoyed worshipping outside around a giant campfire for a special Sabbath sundown vespers. And the closing service on Sunday morning emphasized the peace that can only be found in Jesus. As Pastor Orbán expressed in his welcome, “We hope that through this conference, the Holy Spirit will convict us to effectively utilize our remaining time in this world for His service, grant us spiritual growth and knowledge, and ignite the spark of hope for Christ’s second coming in our hearts.” The success of this conference was due largely in part to the helpful staff at the retreat center and director Ramon Merle.—Andrea Ulvoczky

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 6 | 39

NEWS Carlos Torres Joins Pastoral Team Carlos Torres recently accepted an invitation to serve as pastor of the Vineland and Atlantic City Spanish churches. Torres brings his family (pictured, clockwise from top left: Lilia Noemi, Carlos, Karla Naomy, and Carlos Isaac) with him from the Rocky Mountain Conference, where he served as pastor of the Central Denver Spanish and Denver First Spanish churches for the past six years. Before that Torres pastored the

Dallas Oak Cliff Spanish church in Texas. He started that position after beginning his ministry in Venezuela, his birthplace. New Jersey Hispanic Church Pioneer Remembered Former New Jersey Conference pastor and Hispanic church pioneer José Isabel Rivera recently passed away after 102 years of dedication to the Lord. Rivera started his work for the New Jersey Conference in 1954, when he was called to initiate work among the Hispanic population in the state. Rivera’s youngest daughter Tirsa Rivera-González reports that His first church was in the city of Paterson, which started with 10 recent immigrants from

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Puerto Rico. This church soon became an active, missionaryminded church with more than 100 members. The work under Rivera’s direction expanded to Newark, Perth Amboy, Elizabeth, New Brunswick, Hoboken, Union City, Jersey City, Mt. Holly, Vineland, Hammonton, and Lakewood. He formally retired in 1977, but remained a stipend pastor for many years. Rivera began his pioneer work with the Hispanic population as an employee of the Lake Union, where he established several large congregations in Chicago. After 10 years there, Rivera moved his family to Takoma Park, Md., to finish his master’s program at the Adventist seminary. While studying, Rivera took the opportunity to establish the first Spanish-speaking congregation in that area. Rivera is survived by his children José (Pepe), Loida, Ruben, Guidel, Josue, and Tirsa, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Julita, and then his second wife, Josefina.—Beth Michaels Toms River Church Dedicates Nine Through Baptism The Toms River Church recently celebrated a remarkable commitment of nine new converts to the Lord through baptism, pictured here with Pastor J. Wayne Hancock (center). The converts are (pictured above, left to right) Brittany Dabney, Gabrielle Christensen, Jerry Christensen, Dezmond Dabney, (not pictured)

Mark Alteros, Brenda Broomes, Gloria Broomes, Daniel Smith, and Desmond Woodward Jr.

November 2

Association Board Executive Committee

English Festival of the Laity North ABC Open, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Pastors Meeting Directors Advisory Christian Lifestyle Seminar

Spanish Festival of the Laity South ABC Open, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Spanish Festival of the Laity North

21 23

ADCOM

26 28

Thanksgiving— Office/ABC Closed Youth Ice Skating ADCOM Curriculum Committee

Technology Committee Finance/ABC Committee

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

NOVEMBER 2006

Cincinnati Junior Academy Expands, Initiates International Teaching Program he first week of this school year at Cincinnati Junior Academy (CJA) started with a flurry of activity, with 50 new students and six new staff—an increase of 300 percent. The previous year—my first at CJA—started quite differently. With only two staff and 16 students from grades 1 to 6, the school soberly faced the prospect of closure at the end of the school year if the budget didn’t balance. The catalyst for change was an idea planted randomly one afternoon, spurred from my previous experience as a mentor for dedicated mission teachers in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Under Ohio State law, a multi-grade classroom must have a teacher’s assistant in order to run a kindergarten program. And the school needed a kindergarten program to increase attendance, but could not afford an aide. We soon started a program called Edumentor International (www.EduMentorInt.org). Raynold Sikepitu became the school’s first teacher’s assistant (pictured teaching math to the students). He had received his Education degree from Fulton College in Fiji and was teaching at a remote mission school high in the Guadalcanal Mountains in the Solomon Islands. Sikepitu excitedly accepted the call to work as a volunteer in the United States for 12 months and joined the small group at CJA in September 2005. His presence in the room made an immediate impact. During that first school year, the staff worked hard to gain the confidence of the local church community. Communication was reopened with the churchsponsored day care and preschool by inviting their 4-year-olds to visit the school for an hour each day. This got them excited about “big school,” and by January seven of them pre-registered for kindergarten. A visit during the school year by the union review team resulted in CJA being rewarded a six-year renew-

Cincinnati Junior Academy K-2 students gather with (middle row, left, center, and right) Jannelle Erick, Cherolyn Tasa, and Olence Kao, all volunteer teachers from the Solomon Islands.

al of its facility license. By mid-year the enrollment had climbed from 16 to 19. Then came another bright spot on the horizon. EdChoice scholarships were being introduced into Ohio. CJA was accepted into the program and began the task of marketing the school to the surrounding community. Enrollment continued to increase and staff made a major commitment to all prospective parents and students: We promised to provide two teachers in every classroom that had over 14 students. The lead teachers, hired in the United States, are each assisted by a volunteer teacher from the Pacific. CJA currently has four volunteer teachers, plus a special needs assistant, all from Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Sixty-five students are packed into a building now too small, and thoughts of expansion are constantly with us as we look ahead to the next school year. There is already a waiting list for grades K-3. CJA has been blessed beyond its wildest dreams.—Principal Sherree Herdman N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 6 | 41

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NOVEMBER 2006

Is Your Church With the Community? t is significant that in the Gospel commission of Matthew 28:20, Jesus finishes with the words, “and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (NKJV). He could have said, “I will be in your midst,” or “heaven’s interest will always be directed to you.” But He said, “I am with you.” As the body of Christ, is your church “with” the community Christ has sent you to? Gaspar Colón, PhD, of Columbia Union College’s Center for Metropolitan Ministry is training some of our churches to recapture an early Adventist style of mission, by realizing that there are three kinds of churches. First, there is a church that is merely “in” a community. Members attend the church, but the church has little, if any, impact on the community around it. Then there is a church that gives “to” the community. It takes programs and ministries to the community, hoping to reach people in some way. The third kind of church is “with” the community. It endeavors to learn what the community needs, then tailors its ministry activities to be with the community. In this way the community is more prepared to hear the gospel and the last day Biblical message Christ has entrusted us with. As your church desires to grow and reach the mission field around it, look for ways to be Ray Hartwell President a church that is with your community.

Reading Junior Academy Reps Change Lives in Belize yan Snell wanted to be a missionary since he was 5 years old. Recently his dream came true as he joined the conference’s overseas evangelism trip to Belize. Snell, now 9, traveled with his mother, Suzanne, his teacher Darlene Peterson, classmate Josh Stahl and his mother and teacher, Wendy. This tiny group from Reading Junior Academy was part of a 16-member team led by Jean Cusack, overseas evangelist coordinator, who (left to right) Wendy Stahl, Josh Stahl (11), held evangelistic teacher Darlene Peterson, Wyan Snell (9), series at several and Susanne Snell shared the good news sites in this of Jesus with children in Belize on a Central American recent overseas evangelism trip sponcountry. sored by the Pennsylvania Conference.

The group was struck by the poverty they saw in Belize City. One family with seven children lived in a small “house” built on poles in a marshland. Mosquitos and alligators called the area home too. The family bred rats to eat because food is extremely expensive. Children attending the meetings where Snell and Stahl spoke ranged in age from 4 to 14. Snell shares that the children got especially quiet and listened more attentively when he presented the evening meeting. Eleven-year-old Stahl saw the children laugh, participate, and respond to their messages. Both boys agreed that teaching the children about Jesus was their favorite part of the trip. The children were drawn to hearing about Jesus from these two young men from the United States. Many arrived early and helped set up the meeting room. When it started raining one night, the children quickly began carrying things inside. Twenty-four children made decisions for Christ as a result of these meetings.

Pennsylvania Marriage Retreat Planned Mark your calendar for the conference marriage retreat, February 23-25, 2007. It will be held in western Pennsylvania. Watch for further details, or contact Jeanne Hartwell at (610) 374-8331, ext 218. N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 6 | 43

Help Share Jesus With the World ike the missionaries featured in the story on Belize, you also can go into the world to share Jesus’ love. Journey to India, February 26-March 20, 2007, or travel to Uganda, July 10-30. The cost for each trip will be approximately $2,300. Those able to spend extra time in Africa have the option of spending a week in Kenya’s game reserve. The additional cost will be approximately $1,000. Both trips are life-changing opportunities—both for you and for those God will send you to. People of all ages are invited to experience a new and different walk with Jesus. Training and materials are provided. Download a brochure at www.paconference.org by clicking on “Ministries” and then “Overseas Evangelism.” You may also contact coordinator Jean Cusack at tcjc97@aol.com or (814) 864-8124.

Churches Learn to SALT Their Communities embers from four Pennsylvania Conference churches— Washington, Harrisburg, Chambersburg, and Lancaster Spanish—are participating in SALT, a community-based pilot project. It is led by Gaspar Colón, PhD, director of the Center for Metropolitan Ministry at Columbia Union College. SALT stands for Social Action Leadership Team. The aim is to follow Christ’s example of holistic

Approximately 20 people from four different Pennsylvania churches are reaching their communities with new tools they have acquired through SALT, a communitybased pilot project taught by CUC’s Gaspar Colón, DR.

ministry: find needs in the community, meet those needs, and win the people’s trust before asking them to follow Jesus. Teams have met with Dr. Colón for three weekends. During their first weekend together, Colón taught the groups how to identify and survey their communities. They went home and did just that. When the team met 44 | V I S I T O R

again, each reported their findings. As the presentational and charted reports came in on demographics, community needs, and analysis of local church resources, it became clear that there is rich, untapped potential in each of the SALT locations. The teams took hold of the work with creativity and energy, interviewing local community leaders and doing on-the-spot surveys. They enlisted the help of their local church members, each accomplishing the task in unique ways. After the reports, the teams spent several hours laying out detailed timelines for the next crucial step, educating their neighboring churches on their findings and enlisting their participation. This must include time spent in interviewing, team building, and brainstorming activities. The Lancaster Spanish church planned a special evening vigil with prayer time, a musical guest, and group activities. They discussed possible barriers and prayed for wisdom in implementing their plans. Prayer and praise time was a big part of each training weekend as well. SALT teams are refreshed and excited about what God is doing. During the next year, each team will continue working with their assigned coach as they continue learning the needs of their communities, meeting those needs, and sharing the gospel. —Linda McCabe

November 3-4

3-5

Christian in Action Leadership Laurel Lake Camp Pathfinders and Adventurers Retreat Laurel Lake Camp

December 10

Live Nativity and Open House Conference Office

February 2007 23-25

Marriage Retreat Western Pa.

26March 20 Overseas Evangelism, India

March 16-18

Women’s Retreat Gettysburg, Pa.

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

NOVEMBER 2006

Working Together to Improve God’s Work y wife, Sally, and I are filled with excitement, anticipation, and promise as we join the Potomac Conference. It was during my college experience, while working at summer youth camps and working in local churches, that I developed a passion for and began to understand the challenge called “leadership.” As we look to the future together, building on what God has already done in Potomac, we know He has many more blessings in store for us. Together, by God’s grace, we can continue to grow healthy churches and schools, plant new ones, cultivate leadership of all ages, grow through spiritual formation, and empower our lay people so we can finish William (Bill) K. Miller the work that the Lord has given us. I look forward to meeting all of you! President From your fellow disciple on the journey…

NEWS Southwest Virginia Camp Meeting Highlights Nearly 400 people were able to escape the demands of life to enjoy the fourth annual Southwest Virginia Camp Meeting held in Rural Retreat, Va. Featured speaker Dave Weigley (left), Columbia Union president, led the spiritfilled weekend. Weigley shared powerful and timely messages, challenging attendees to tell the three angels’ messages to every person on Earth. Homer Trecartin, planning director for Adventist Mission, captivated attendees with his stories about missions and the masses of people around the world who have yet to hear the gospel. One highlight of the weekend was the seven baptisms, including five young people. Simply His (pictured below), an Ozark Mountain gospel, bluegrass group from Missouri, provided music for the weekend. Much of their music was played on beautifully handcrafted traditional and biblical instruments. Carol Bearce, a certified nutritionist working at Wildwood Lifestyle Center in Georgia, shared her testimony on learning to trust God during one of her wellattended health lectures. Plan to join us next year and expect to be blessed!—Jeanie Allen

Beltsville Church Celebrates 50 Years The idea of establishing a church in Beltsville, Md., was first embraced by the late Lawrence Malin, MD,

chaplain Leslie Scofield, and the late M. Anita Doyle. Upon formal organization, the 67 charter members of the Beltsville (Md.) church agreed to first build a school, which was completed in 1958. The church worshiped in the Mitchell Henson, former Beltsville church pastor, was the guest speaker for Beltsville the divine worship service during the 50th Adventist anniversary celebration. School facility until a church building was completed in 1971. In 1976, the church was dedicated, debt-free. Beginning with its first pastor, Ned Ashton, Beltsville church has been led by 12 pastors. Many former members returned to celebrate the anniversary weekend. Highlights included performances by several Columbia Union College (CUC) music groups. Mitch Henson, a former pastor at Beltsville, was the featured Sabbath worship speaker. Sonia Perez, current associate pastor, presided at the baptism of a new member, Lauren French. The Saturday evening vespers featured reminiscences by former and current members, including charter member Howard Porter.—Gwen Ashley

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 6 | 45

NEWS Potomac Welcomes New Information Systems Associate Joe Lipscomb (pictured) recently joined the conference as an associate in the Information Systems Department. Lipscomb will also provide technical support for the Potomac Adventist Book Center. Lipscomb previously worked in the Information Technology Department at Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA), taught photography, and was involved with video production. He spent most of his life in Virginia, and is an SVA graduate. That is where he met his wife, Esther. Lipscomb has a passion for ministry and looks forward to integrating technology with evangelism. His knowledge and variety of skills will be an asset to the conference.—Jeanie Allen

Many times VBS is the first contact nonmembers have with the church. This was the case for Cecilia Tenorio (pictured, far right), wife of Luis Tenorio, Alexandria Spanish church pastor. Tenorio recalled attending VBS at the local Adventist church every summer where she learned about Jesus and her first Christian songs. At the time, she did not realize God was preparing her life to serve Him. “Because VBS had such an impact in my life, it makes me realize how important it is to minister to children,” Tenorio added. “We never know the seeds that are planted.”

Annual Spanish Youth Retreat Transforms Lives Over 300 Hispanic youth from across Potomac Conference braved the remnants of tropical storm Alberto to attend the annual Spanish Youth Retreat at Camp Blue Ridge in Virginia recently. Eliasib Fajardo, pastor of the Beltsville (Maranatha) Spanish church, along with many Denny Grady (left), Youth Ministries director, and Eliasib Fajardo, pastor of the volunteers labored fervently Beltsville (Md.) Spanish church, led over to plan this week- 300 youth at their annual retreat. end with youthoriented and Christ-centered activities. The theme this year was “Transforming Lives.” Pastor Homero Salazar, Washington Spanish church pastor, was the featured speaker. Those who came were spiritually blessed. One of the highlights was a baptism on Sabbath afternoon, when two young people dedicated their lives to God—Abraham Martinez and Juan Morales of the Beltsville Spanish church.—Jeanie Allen

Staunton Member Stands Up for Sabbath at Graduation When Khari Janay Wright graduated this year from Robert E. Lee High School in Staunton, Va., the commencement exercise was scheduled for Saturday. When Wright realized this, she notified her principal that because she was Adventist she would not be able to participate. He informed her that in all of his years as principal, this was the first time a request of this nature had been made. He promised to do everything possible so that Wright could participate in her graduation celebration. The principal took the matter before his administrative staff and they agreed to hold the graduation ceremony on Friday to accommodate Wright. She was even allowed the privi- Public school student Khari Wright poses lege of choosing with her principal at graduation. the speaker. God must have smiled on the occasion. Wright now attends Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas.—Marie McIntrye

Alexandria Spanish VBS Reaches Out The Alexandria (Va.) Spanish church got an outstanding turnout for their recent VBS, with nearly 60 children every evening. Seventeen of the children had never been to an Adventist church, but many of them are still attending Sabbath School each week. 46 | V I S I T O R

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, Bill Miller ■ Comm. Asst., Jeanie Allen

NOVEMBER 2006

A Spiritual Journey Back to SVA am returning to Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) after 28 years. I served as principal from 1974-78. Since then I have taught at Andrews University, was president of Worthington Foods, Inc., and most recently was principal of Mount Vernon Academy in Ohio. My wife, Connie, is a pianist by training and has most recently been involved in teaching choir and hand bells at the Adventist elementary school in Mount Vernon. I must tell you we are excited to be at SVA because it gives us the opportunity to be with the age group we love and are passionate about working with—teenagers. We are here because we feel we have had a spiritual calling to SVA. We sense a tremendous amount of support from the students, parents, board, alumni, and the New Market community. We look forward to meeting the parents we do not know yet. You should know that we are committed to making SVA a safe school for students, both physically and spiritually, and a place where they will grow academically and in their love for Jesus. I truly feel that SVA will become the school of choice for students and parents that want a quality, Christian education in a Christ— Dale Twomley, PhD centered environment. Connie and I solicit your prayers and support in a special way as Principal we renew our spiritual journey at SVA.

NEWS Hadley Hall Renovated

Students Remember 9/11

Over the summer a lot of exciting things happened at the girls’ dorm. Shenandoah was blessed to have Louise (Hart) Phanstiel and her husband Howard pledge $1 million to be spread over the next three years. This summer the girls’ dorm lobby and bathroom suites were renovated, completing the room renovations that were started in 2001 with help from Maranatha volunteers. Additional future projects include installing air conditioning into the girls’ dorm and upgrading other areas of the campus designated by the donor.

A school trip to Shanksville, Pa., recently was a growing experience for many students. Remembering Flight 93, and seeing a sight of dedication to these fallen

Students Witness to Homeless Every year SVA takes many trips into Washington, D.C., to feed and give clothes to the homeless. We took our first trip of the year recently, which, as always, was an eye-opening opportunity for all who went. The students spent time talking with the homeless about God and how much He loves them. The recipients were all very appreciative of the students giving their time to make their lives better.

On a recent trip to Shanksville, Pa., SVA students got to pay their respects to the heroes of Flight 93.

Americans gave the faculty a chance to tie the memorable day to current life situations. The group discussed how they could learn about the team effort these simple heroes gave in overcoming evil, and how the students might be able to do the same on their campus. They agreed that as a unified team, with strength from the Lord, all obstacles can be overcome.

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 6 | 47

New Faces Join SVA Faculty onathan Borne (pictured) is the new science teacher. He came from Weslaco, Texas, and has been a teacher for nine years. Borne was a premed student in college until a job at summer camp abruptly changed his plans. He decided telling kids about his passion for God, and helping them to grow closer to God is his life mission. He is married to Laura and they have two daughters, Rebecca and Courtney, and a son, Jonathan Michael II. Gail Daneker (pictured), the new girls’ dean, came to SVA from Baltimore, Md. Her mission in life is to work with kids and tell them how much God loves them. She says, “I love the Lord, I love my family, and I love teenagers.” Daneker is married to Million and they have two daughters, Angie Cerpas and Nicole Daneker. SVA students say they can see that Daneker really cares about them, like a parent. There are two new assistant girls’ deans. Shannon Smith from New Market, Va., is a graduate of Southwestern Adventist University (Texas) and an SVA alumnus from the Class of 2002. Smith has always wanted to work with young people, and enjoys their energy. Angela Gilliam from Casper, Wis., will be graduating this May with a degree in Elementary Education. She likes music and helps out at SVA. There are also two new assistant boys’ deans. Cassie Harris from Laurel, Md., attended the University of Maryland. He also is an alumnus of SVA from the Class of 2001. He likes to play sports, including basketball and soccer. Bill Patten from Libby, Mont., graduated from Walla Walla College (Wash.) with a degree in physical education. He enjoys working with young kids and has a passion for sports.

Left to right: Angela Gilliam, Shannon Smith, Cassie Harris, and Bill Patten are the new assistant deans.

calendar of

events

November 5 17 17-19 18

Junior High Soccer Tournament Senior Recognition Parents Weekend Sacred Music Concert, 4 p.m. Senior Extravaganza, 7 p.m.

December 15 16 20-Jan 2

Sacred Candlelight Concert, 8 p.m. Secular Candlelight Concert, 7 p.m. Christmas Break

Happenings is published in the Visitor by Shenandoah Valley Academy ■ 234 West Lee Highway, New Market, VA 22844 Phone: (540) 740-3161 ■ Principal, Dale Twomley, PhD www.youracademy.org ■ Editor, Tim LaPierre

Check out our Website

www.shenandoahvalleyacademy.org 48 | V I S I T O R

Bulletin Board Advertising Guidelines and Rates The Columbia Union Visitor accepts classified advertising as a service to its members. Announcements for Adventist church-sponsored events, legal notices, and obituaries will be printed without charge on a spaceavailable basis. The Columbia Union Visitor editors reserve the right to refuse or discontinue advertisements at any time and may edit classified ads to comply with editorial policies. The Visitor also 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 or conference leadership. First-time advertisers who are not members of the Adventist church must submit letters of recommendation from business members of their community or credit bureaus. Payment must accompany all advertisement(s). We do not bill for classified or display advertising and tear sheets are not provided unless prior arrangements are made. Checks and money orders are accepted. Make checks payable to Columbia Union Visitor and mail together with classified advertisement and recommendations (if applicable) to: Sandra Jones, Columbia Union Visitor, 5427 Twin Knolls Rd., Columbia, MD 21045, and display advertising to Celeste Ryan Blyden at the same address. Rates for classified advertising are calculated on a per insertion basis in our 12 issues. Minimum charge is $40 for 50 words or less for ads originating within the Columbia Union Conference, and $50 for all others. Additional words: 60 cents each. A 15 percent discount is given for 12 insertions, a 10 percent discount for six insertions, and a five percent discount for three insertions. A column ad (classified ad in a box) is $105 inside the union and $125 outside the union, with a maximum word count of 75. Ads must be placed a minimum of four weeks before the issue date, which is the first of every month. Word count is based upon the spaces between words in normal usage. Display Advertising: For rates and information, go to www.columbiaunion.org or call (888) 4-VISITOR and ask for Celeste Ryan Blyden at ext. 220.

EMPLOYMENT ANDREWS UNIVERSITY seeks a full-time marketing professor to begin July 1, 2007. Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in marketing and show evidence of success in teaching and scholarly research. For details: www.andrews.edu/HR. Submit resume to Marketing Professor Search Committee, School of Business, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI 49104-0022. POSITION AVAILABLE: ADVENTIST RISK MANAGEMENT, INC., a General Conference institution, is looking for a Design & Web Master. If you have a degree in graphic design, multimedia, communications, or related field, please contact: Dorothy Redmon, HR Director, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904; dredmon@adventistrisk.org. ANDREWS UNIVERSITY is accepting applications for Dean of the School of Business. The School of Business offers both graduate and undergraduate business degrees and is actively seeking AACSB accreditation. For details, go to www.andrews.edu/HR. Submit resume to Dean's Search Committee, School of Business, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI 49104-0022.

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

TRAVEL ASSISTANT TO CEO Founder and CEO (male) of wood waste recycling company seeking energetic and motivated individual to assist with travel needs. Patience and persistence a plus, as communication and mobility are a challenge at times. This is a part-time position with no weekend requirements. College degree preferred but not required; able to work flexible hours to include some overnights, with good social and verbal communication skills, trustworthy, with sound judgment. EMT experience a definite plus. Must be nonsmoker. Responsibilities include transport of CEO to and from office, appointments, etc. Travel to various facilities with the potential for overnight stays. Assist CEO with mobility as required. Run errands as requested. Please mail, or fax resume and salary history to: Hiring Manager, 9841 Broken Land Parkway, Suite 302, Columbia, MD 21046 or fax (410) 290-6660. SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks nursing faculty members to join our progressive, missionfocused undergraduate/graduate team. Successful candidates will contribute to a diverse student population through teaching, service, and research. Requisite qualities include successful teaching and clinical experience, enthusiasm, flexibility, and commitment to nursing and Adventist education. Candidates must have MSN; earned doctorate is preferred. Send curriculum vitae or inquiries to Dr. Desiree Batson, Search Committee chair, drbatson@southern.edu. SAU School of Nursing, P. O. Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315. ALLEGHENY EAST CONFERENCE seeks a full-time, task-oriented, administrative assistant. Person must possess proficient computer skills, secretarial skills, organizational know-how, and exceptional people skills. Some knowledge of photography would be a plus. Writing ability is also necessary. Should be passionate about good health and energetic. Must be willing to relocate. Benefit package available upon request. Call (610) 326-4610, ext. 217 or 214. Resumes are being accepted at the following address: Allegheny East Conference, Attention: Robert L. Booker, P.O. Box 266, Pine Forge, PA 19548. NEEDED: CAMPGROUND MANAGER for about six weeks, summer 2007. Beautiful, quiet location near Amish communities and Frostburg, Md. Position would be great for a retired couple or anyone who enjoys camping. Call (301) 6892769 or (240) 580-6848.

MISCELLANEOUS PREPAID PHONE CARDS: Multiple types and rates for the continental United States and international countries. Multiple types ranging from 1-1.5 cents per minute (no connection fee). Consider using these for your missionary endeavors, gifts for students, or travel. Call LJ PLUS (770) 441-6022 or toll-free (888) 441-7688. KAHILI LIFE ENRICHMENT SEMINARS-2006Kauai, Hawaii. 5-day (evenings only) or weekend seminars October 23-27: Nancy VanPelt "Highly Effective Marriage"; November 6-10: Kay Kuzma "Growing Great Kids"; December 1-3: Uchee Pines Lifestyle Retreat; December 11-15: Brenda Walsh "Power of Prayer." For more information, housing, and reservations: (808) 742-9921 or www.kahilipark.org. WHITE MEMORIAL MISSIONARY COLLEGE: Distance education, not-for-profit, liberal arts college emphasizing health professions. Seeking general education faculty as well as RRT respiratory therapy instructors. All faculty work from home. Visit www.wmmc.info for more details. STUDENTS NEEDED: Spiritual atmosphere in quiet country setting. Learning opportunities include CNA, dietary, housekeeping, auto mechanics, building trades, gardening, landscaping, and more while getting an academy education. Natural setting includes waterfalls, canyon, rock formations. (423) 775-3339. FREE MISSION AVIATION STORIES!! Contact Adventist World Aviation for a free quarterly newsletter. Write Adventist World Aviation, Box 251, Berrien Springs, MI 49103, or email info@flyawa.org, or register online at www.flyawa.org. LOOKING FOR GREAT HEALTH? What's the secret? Get good nutrition in and toxins out, and your magnificently-designed body can heal itself. Free DVD. Research shows BarleyLife to be the richest nutritional source. Additional products available to support good health. Free health newsletter. New 20% bonus. Toll-free: (888) 707-3663, email: ray@abundanthealth.info.

REAL ESTATE LULA BERHANE, REAL ESTATE AGENT IN MARYLAND. Serving both buyers and sellers. Call (301) 213-4029 (cell) or (301) 681-0400, ext. 214 (office); email: lberhane@weichert.com. N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 6 | 51

Bulletin Board BORDERING THE GREAT SMOKEY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK in Tennessee: Pure, sweet, spring-fed water flows into this mountain stone 5BR, 4BA, 5,000 sq. ft. home, located on 10.5 acres with pasture/garden, shed-barns, refrigerated food storage room, 5-car garage, and much more. Get a virtual tour at www.sylviacollings.com; for audio information call (800) 398-3207, ext. 9237. BUYING OR SELLING IN MARYLAND OR D.C.? A home is your most important financial decision. To obtain the best results in this complex, dynamic market requires a knowledgeable and dependable agent. Clyde and Phyllis Kinder/Weichert Realtors offer expertise, knowledge, and experience. Free market analysis. For information without obligation, call (301) 776-3380; email jckinder@mris.com. SUMMIT RIDGE RETIREMENT CENTER, 15 miles from Oklahoma City, and operated by the Oklahoma Conference, needs you. There are several homes, duplex units, apartments, and mobile home sites to choose from. A friendly church is located on campus, and many new friends await you. Call Bill Norman, (405) 454-6538, for details.

THE CARRENO CONNECTION Mel & Lisa Carreno, experienced real estate agents with Keller Williams Realty, would be honored to help you buy or sell a home in Maryland, D.C., or Virginia. What is your home worth? Are you ready for a move? Weighing your options?

PHYLLIS NEWMAN SELLS MARYLAND REAL ESTATE ... for both buyers and sellers. Call (800) 586-4669 Re/Max Realty Center, Inc. See our website at: www.homesdatabase.com/ realestate. This site gives you MLS access by state, county, zip code, price range, bedrooms/bathrooms, etc. Call me or email phyllisnewman@realtor.com. FOR SALE: 1-year-old townhouse located on the DC/Maryland line in Oxon Hill. 3 BR/4 Bath; separate living room, dining room, eat-in kitchen; with private double deck. Finished den/family room. Close to Metro Station, I-295/495 Downtown D.C./ Va. Close to Adventist churches and school. For more information, call (301) 894-4380. FOR SALE: LUXURY HOME near Tampa, Fla., a popular retirement town, with Adventist hospital, churches, and school; and nursing homes within minutes. Located in a golf community, the house has 4BR/3BA, 3-car garage with den, heated pool, and a dual master suite floor plan. For more information, go to www.buyowner.com, listing TPA61623. COLLEGEDALE, TENNESSEE. 2BR duplex, each with 2-car carport and laundry room, including washer and dryer and storage area. Includes detached double RV port, providing full hook-ups, shop, and storage area. One mile from university. Phone: (865) 856-3750 or (865) 806-3046. BEAUTIFUL HOMES FOR SALE IN KENTUCKY. Currently offering a lovely 3BR, 2BA ranch for $108,000. Will build to suit on remaining lots. Many with exceptional views. Friendly, conservative Adventist church and community. Call (606) 787-6778 or visit our website at www.KentuckyLandDevelopment.com.

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52 | V I S I T O R

ON THE BORDER OF THE GREAT SMOKEY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK in Tennessee, there are 56 beautiful secluded, wooded acres available in 5-acre or larger tracts. Mountaintop or valley bordering spring-fed streams. Call (865) 856-3750 or (865) 806-3046. LOOKING FOR THAT PERFECT PLACE IN THE COUNTRY? Has God’s counsel for country living been on your mind? Need help? Professional land location team can help find the perfect place. We specialize in finding country properties that meet all the requirements for selfsufficiency. Our fee paid by seller. (800) 864-1704. HOUSE FOR SALE: Good for ambitious or retired persons. Much remodeling done and more needed. Price reasonable. Big garden space. Near Adventist church that would welcome new help. Contact Burleigh Real Estate, 116 East Locust St., Clearfield, PA 16830; phone: (814) 765-9660. HOUSE FOR SALE IN WESTERN TENNESSEE. Secluded 10-year-old, part stick/part manufactured, 2,900 sq.ft. home; 4BR, 3BA on 5 acres near state park. Price reduced. Must sell. Possible land contract or cash discount available. (863) 859-7054.

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email: dolly.record@ longandfoster.com

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

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 assure 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, seeks to provide you with exceptional podiatric care while relieving your foot and ankle discomfort. Flexible office hours are available. Office location: Largo, Md.; (301) 773-1199. ATTENTION: PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES: Are you an employee of Prince George’s or St. Mary’s County Public Schools? If so, we are approved TSA providers in your school district. Whether you’re a new employee or nearing retirement, The Passage Financial Group has special retirement information for you. Call Cynthia Timpson Brame at (301) 839-6780. Securities offered through Pension Planners Securities, Inc. Member NASD, SIPC. SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST FINANCIAL ADVISORS An experienced Christian financial advisor can help you answer important questions such as: • How do I properly establish or build my retirement nest egg? • How and when should I take distributions from or rollover my retirement account? • Am I adequately insured? • What are my options for creating a quality benefits package for my business? • How can I save for my child’s education? Contact us at The Passage Financial Group to schedule a complimentary consultation. DC Metro: (301) 839-6780 Toll-free: (888) 839-6780 www.passagefinancial.com Securities offered through Pension Planners Securities, Inc. Member NASD, SIPC

Bulletin Board MARYLAND ADVENTIST PODIATRIST: Dr. Scott Nutter, highly trained, experienced, and board certified, is available in several locations to help your foot/ankle problems, including arthritis, heel pain, spurs, diabetes, callouses, ingrown nails, sprains, fractures, warts, bunions, etc. Surgery, if it is needed, at Adventist hospitals. Laurel (301) 317-6800; Greenbelt (301) 345-5200; or Columbia (410) 531-6350. MOVE with an award-winning agency. Apex Moving & Storage partners with the General Conference to provide quality moves at a discounted rate. Call us for your relocation needs. Adventist beliefs uncompromised. Call Marcy Dante' at (800) 766-1902 for a free estimate. Visit us at www.apexmoving.com/adventist. SINGLE AND OVER 40? The only interracial group exclusively for all singles over 40. 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 ASO40 or Ebony Choice ASO40, 2747 Nonpareil, Sutherlin, OR 97479. MARYLAND ADVENTIST DENTIST: David Lee, DDS, PA, has a comprehensive dental office in Silver Spring and in Ellicott City, Maryland. He is excellent with children and adults, and is highly trained in cosmetic dentistry and implants. For appointments call: Silver Spring (301) 649-5001; Ellicott City (410) 461-6655. Mention this ad and receive 10% discount on all services (excludes third-party payers). Our office is a participating provider with Adventist Risk Management. ASSISTED LIVING. We have a dedicated and caring staff to provide support for those who require supervision and assistance with activities of daily living and access to necessary healthcare. Jackson House Assisted Living, Boston, Va. (at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains), (540) 987-8746. ARE YOU MOVING SOON? Before you rent a U-Haul and do it yourself, check our price and save yourself the hassle. Plan ahead now and reserve a time slot. Fast, direct, and economical. Contact Gary Erhard, Erhard Furniture, 6681 U.S. 31, Berrien Springs, MI; phone (269) 471-7366 evenings from 8-11 p.m., E.T.

TRAVEL/VACATION RVS! Adventist owned and operated RV dealership has been helping Adventists for over 30 years. Huge inventory. Courtesy airport pickup and on-site hookups. Satisfied Adventist customer list available. Call toll-free (888) 933-9300. Lee's RV City, Oklahoma City. Visit our website: www.leesrv.com or email: LeesRVs@aol.com. VACATION ON KAUAI, HAWAII: "The Garden Island." Kahili Adventist School operates a scenic mountain park with 1-4 room cabins, sleeping 2-6 persons. All have kitchens complete with pans, utensils, dishes, etc. See pictures and rates at www.kahilipark.org. Reservations (808) 742-9921.

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Baltimore

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Cincinnati

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Cleveland

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Columbus

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Jersey City

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Norfolk

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Parkersburg

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Philadelphia

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Pittsburgh

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Reading

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CHRISTMAS HARP CONCERT by Robin Roys and guest instrumentalists. Friday, December 1, 7:30 p.m. at Spencerville Adventist Church, 16325 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, Md., (301) 3842920. Free-will offering.

Richmond

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Roanoke

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Toledo

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Trenton

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KINGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HERALD CONCERT Monday, November 6 at 7 p.m. at the Baltimore First Adventist Church, 3291 N. St. John's Lane, Ellicott City, Md. For more information, call (410) 292-1558. SWAU HOMECOMING ANNOUNCEMENT Southwestern Adventist University's Homecoming Weekend is April 12-15, 2007. Alums and friends are invited to participate in the 25th reunion concert of the Keene Camerata, April 14, 2007. Honor Classes: '32, '37, '42, '47, '52, '57, '62, '67, '72, '77, '82, '87, '92, '97. For more information, please email bevm@swau.edu or visit our website at www.swau.edu.

OBITUARIES LEWIS, Ellen Jane Jones, born in Salisbury, Md., the daughter of the late Vernon G. and Myra Lloyd Robertson; died July 24, 2006, in Salisbury, Md. She was a member of the Park (Md.) church. She is survived by her husband, Cecil F. Lewis Jr.; her son and his wife, Samuel and Joan Davis of Laurel; her granddaughter and her fiancĂŠe, Sammie Jo Davis and Nick Jewell; one great-grandchild, Breann Nicole Jewell; two stepdaughters, Jodie Long and her husband Tom Long, and Bonnie Lewis; three stepsons, Mark Lewis, Fil Lewis, and David Lewis and his wife, Gai; a sister, Pat Moody of Raleigh, N.C.; a brother, Donald Robertson and his wife, Louise, of Selbyville,

SUNSET CALENDAR Md., five stepgrandchildren; and two great-stepgrandchildren. ROSS, Andrew, born June 10, 1930, in Germany; died Sept. 19, 2005, in Greencastle, Pa. He was a member of the Williamsport (Pa.) church, but formerly a member of the Hyattsville (Md.) church for 40 years. A dedicated church member, Andrew was a Sabbath School teacher and elder for many years. He was passionate about sharing his faith with customers, neighbors, and friends. Survivors include his beloved wife of 53 years, Gertrude; two sons: Andrew L. Ross and his wife, Mary, of Alberquerque, N.M., and John Ross and his wife, Donna, of Frederick, Md.; a daughter, Susan Leyzac and her husband, Rick, of Courtice, Canada; and four grandchildren, Erik and Peter Leyzac, and Maxfield and Grace Ross.

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

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Bulletin Board Calling All Centenarians! The Columbia Union will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2007, and the Visitor would like to recognize members who are 100 years or older. To be included in this spotlight, please do the following: • Send a photo (headshots only) of each centenarian in your family or church. • Write a short biography including their name and age; spouse’s name; number of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren; name of their church and conference; and any interesting historical information. • Get a quote from them on what factors contributed to their longevity and a quote from their pastor or a member at their church on what makes them special to the church. • Include a contact phone number. Please email photos and biographies to: lhenderson@columbiaunion.net mail to or call: LaVerne Henderson Columbia Union Visitor 5427 Twin Knolls Road Columbia, MD 21045 Tel: 410-997-3414, ext. 270

Deadline is December 15

54 | V I S I T O R

Last Words MONTE SAHLIN Celeste Ryan Blyden ■ Editor LaVerne Henderson ■ Associate Editor for News & Features Beth Michaels ■ Associate Editor for Newsletters Kelly Butler Coe ■ Art Director & Designer Sandra Jones ■ Copy Editor & Bulletin Board Editor Monte Sahlin

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Publisher

PUBLISHING BOARD: Dave Weigley (chair), Celeste Ryan Blyden (secretary), Raj Attiken, Seth Bardu, Larry Boggess, Charles Cheatham, LeRoy Finck, J. Neville Harcombe, Ray Hartwell, James L. Lewis, Bill Miller, Monte Sahlin, Rob Vandeman 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. All others—$15 per year. COLUMBIA UNION CONFERENCE Dave Weigley President Executive Secretary J. Neville Harcombe Seth Bardu Treasurer Hamlet Canosa Vice President/Education Vice President/General Counsel Walter Carson Monte Sahlin Vice President/Creative Ministries Celeste Ryan Blyden Asst. to the President/Communication Information Technology Harold Greene Curtis Boore Plant Services Walter Carson Trust Services/PARL Revolving Fund Peggy Lee Carol Wright Undertreasurer CONFERENCES ALLEGHENY EAST: Charles L. Cheatham, President; Robert Booker, Visitor Correspondent; P.O. Box 266, Pine Forge, PA 19548. Tel. (610) 326-4610 ■ www.myalleghenyeast.com ALLEGHENY WEST: James L. Lewis, President; Bryant Taylor, Visitor Correspondent; 1339 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205. Tel. (614) 252-5271 ■ www.awconf.org CHESAPEAKE: Rob Vandeman, President; Frank Bondurant, Visitor Correspondent; 6600 Martin Rd., Columbia, MD 21044. Tel. (410) 995-1910 MOUNTAIN VIEW: Larry Boggess, 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: Bill Miller, President; (vacant), Visitor Correspondent; 606 Greenville Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401. Tel. (540) 886-0771 ■ www.pcsda.org COLLEGES COLUMBIA UNION COLLEGE: Randal Wisbey, President; Scott Steward, 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. “Bill” Robertson, President & CEO; Ray Tetz, Visitor Correspondent; 1801 Research Blvd., Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel. (301) 315-3030 www.adventisthealthcare.com KETTERING ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: Frank Perez, President & CEO; Kenneth Chaij, Visitor Correspondent; 3965 Southern Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429. Tel. (937) 395-8167 www.kmcnetwork.org Published by the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Printed at the Review & Herald Publishing Association. Volume 111

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Innovation—Dangerous or Demanded by God? wo in five Seventh-day Adventist pastors in the United States feel that, “My congregation welcomes innovation and change.” One in five disagree, while another 39 percent fall somewhere in between. Perhaps the most important thing that research shows is the strong correlation between agreement with this statement and church growth. In other words, Adventist congregations who embrace innovation are more likely to thrive and evangelize. Innovation and change can also be controversial. There are some Adventists who see any suggestion of innovation as subversive of the mission and message given to our church by God. Frankly, this fact never ceases to surprise me. As a fourth-generation Adventist, I was brought up on The Great Controversy and taught to believe that religion based on tradition is wrong; that God guides His people with present truth. Yet, today there is a strong traditionalist segment in the remnant church.

CHANGE IS GOOD Our world has become saturated with change, and I can understand those who need a place to hide out from the constant changes. My daughters can tell you that they don’t make the same kind of shoes that I bought for so many decades. And my poor wife searches for shampoo they don’t make anymore because I don’t want to change. But, does God want His church to be reconstructed as a haven of tradition and a respite from change? Is that what the Adventist message is really all about? “I am making everything new!” (Rev. 21:5, NIV), says Jesus Christ of His immutable character. He challenges us to be born again; we must be converted every day. “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3). Unless we find the openness and flexibility—the capacity to learn new things—of a young person, we cannot grow in Christ and follow Him into His kingdom. The true character of a Christian is to accept the change that results from God’s leading. The Holy Spirit is the real source of innovation. He calls young pastors to plant new churches and engage new generations. He plants seeds of new ministries so congregations can transform communities. Finally, He is the reason why research finds a strong correlation between congregations who embrace innovation and church growth. Monte Sahlin is vice president for creative ministries in the Columbia Union Conference. Communicate with him at msahlin@columbiaunion.net or (800) 438-9600.

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