Columbia Union Visitor--December 2006

Contents DECEMBER 2006

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

12 News & Features 8 | Understanding the Power of Prayer

16 | School Profile 18 | Resource Guide Newsletters 23 Allegheny East 25 Chesapeake 27 Columbia Union College

Sue Shobe

29 Highland View Academy

It’s hard to imagine a Christian who doesn’t pray. Even Jesus couldn’t have survived without prayer. In this devotional, learn how to develop a powerful prayer life.

31 Mountain View

12 | Incredible Answers to Prayer Is God still answering the prayers of His people? Yes, and in a mighty big way!

Read some testimonies from Columbia Union members.

16 | Ramah Adventist Junior Academy: 80 Years of Christ-Centered Service

33 Mt. Vernon Academy 35 New Jersey 37 Ohio 39 Pennsylvania 41 Potomac 43 Spencerville Adventist Academy 45 Takoma Academy

51 | Bulletin Board 55 | Last Words

Tamaria Kulemeka Allegheny West’s Ramah Adventist Junior Academy recently celebrated its 80th anniversary. See the impact this school has on alumni, students, teachers, and parents.

About the Cover: Photo by Larysa Dodz

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Editorial DAVE WEIGLEY

It’s All About Perception n August 1970, just two months after graduating from Pennsylvania’s Blue Mountain Academy, I walked into the newly built Wilkinson Hall on the campus of Columbia Union College (CUC) to register. This was the place where I— the son of dairy farmers with not a lot of resources—would begin my college career. I was grateful for our Columbia Union school and for the financial incentive that made my enrollment possible.

To help defray the cost of my Christian education, I got a job as CUC’s night watchman. Coming from a rural area, I found it a little unnerving to be so far from home and so close to the big city of Washington, D.C. But the little walkie-talkie, that connected me to the Takoma Park, Md., police, kept me feeling relatively safe.

All went well until one unforgettable night that still impacts my life and ministry. My campus rounds included checking certain doors inside Sligo church. In the upstairs hallway behind the old baptistry, I had to check a door that led to a trap door on the roof. That evening as I opened it, I saw the boots of a very large man suspended from the ladder that went to the roof. My heart stopped, as he appeared to be descending. Panic stricken, I wanted to run. But my legs were frozen. As I continued looking up at this menacing figure, I realized that things were not as I first perceived. Instead, it was the pastor’s baptismal boots and hip waiters hanging on the ladder.

I can laugh now, but it’s still my scariest church experience. And it all had to do with perception. It taught me that the closer I look at something, and the more I try to understand it, the more it changes my perceptions.

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LOOK AGAIN Recently I returned to Wilkinson Hall, not as a student fresh from the farm, but as an administrator with a fresh perspective.

The more I look at CUC, the more I realize that our church’s relocation to Takoma Park over 100 years ago was no accident. Today we have valuable property in a small, family-oriented community just 20 minutes from the nation’s (and some say the world’s) capital. Our students don’t have to fly or take Amtrak to D.C., they work, intern, and do research there.

The more I look at CUC, the more I see how it’s preparing young people to impact the world for Christ. Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, Adventist World Church treasurer Robert Lemon, worldrenowned heart surgeon Leonard Bailey, MD, and countless faithful members have matriculated there and now witness where they work.

The more I look at CUC, the more I realize its potential role in helping the Adventist Church fulfill our mission to reach the 59 million people in the Columbia Union. Its location enables students to minister in major cities like D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Newark, where there are great needs.

The more I look at CUC, the more I see how it changes lives. Most of the 1,100 students are from our eight-state region. Adventists love that they can get real jobs that provide experience in their chosen field while studying with people of like faith. Those who are not Adventist appreciate going to a school where Christ is uplifted in class, worship, and events. They learn of our precious truths, and every year there are baptisms.

I was so pleased when the constituents affirmed the board’s commitment to keep CUC in Takoma Park and as an entity of the Columbia Union because the more I look at CUC, the more I see that God has a plan for us there. As union president, it’s my role to lead the team that will position our college for ministry and growth in the 21st century. It’s a great challenge, but an even greater opportunity.

As we move forward, we need your prayers, support, and ideas. Please let me hear from you by email at dweigley@columbiaunion.net or mail at 5427 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045.

Dave Weigley is president of the Columbia Union Conference and chair of CUC’s Board of Trustees.

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Newsline LAVERNE HENDERSON

College Constituents Endorse Strategic Plan ast month, more than 150 delegates from around the Columbia Union attended the quinquennial constituency session of Columbia Union College (CUC) at Sligo church in

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Takoma Park, Md. They readily endorsed the Board of Trustees’ October 18 decision to continue implementing its strategic plan,

retaining the school as a liberal arts college near the nation’s capital under the auspices of the Columbia Union Conference.

Constituents voted to change the size of the constituency from approximately 350 members to just under 170, and the Board of Trustees from nearly 50 to 31, giving both bodies greater efficiency and responsiveness.

The changes keep the same percentage representation among Columbia Union entities, lay leaders, alumni, and CUC employees. Attendees also voted to require the constituency to hold a mid-term session and raised the quorum requirement to 50 percent of the body.

Union president and CUC board chair Dave Weigley presented awards to CUC president Randal Wisbey (pictured), vice

CUC Board of Trustees 2006-2011 Seelan Abraham Raj Attiken Nancy Bailey Seth Bardu Donald Blake Larry Boggess Dean Bouland, Esq. Bruce Boyer Hamlet Canosa Charles Cheatham Joan Coggin Duane Dorch Phyllis Edmonds LeRoy Finck Ron Halverson Neville Harcombe Ray Hartwell

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Burton Johnson Sandra Laughlin James Lewis Margaret McFarland Donald Melnick Bill Miller William Robertson Timothy Shriver Carol Stewart Rob Vandeman Dave Weigley Randal Wisbey Alternates: Eileen Gill and Carolyn Hurst Faculty Representative Alumni President - Lee Wisel

president for academic administration Robert Young, and vice president for finance Patrick Farley, expressing his confidence and appreciation for their dedication and leadership on behalf of the constituents. “The ministry of the college reaches deeply in the lives of our students,” said Weigley. “I applaud your efforts.”

President Wisbey, D.Min., delivered his state of the college and five-year retrospective report, in part, using a “reader’s theater” (pictured below) presented by CUC students Genaye Channel, Brandon Hynum, Michael Martell, Megan Pagado,

Esther Saggurthi, and Aaron Tucker. Trustee Margaret McFarland, a corporate attorney, who attends many similar sessions, called it one of the best corporate presentations she’s ever seen.

Vice president Young updated attendees on the school’s growth, accreditations, and academic realignment, and vice president Farley’s report detailed the school’s income, expenses, and financial status. An independent auditor’s report showed CUC’s books to be accurate. He praised CUC’s Accounting Office and Board of Trustees for their hard work but pointed out areas of concern regarding the school’s present financial position.—Scott Steward

Newsline Ohio Appoints New Treasurer Andy Sutton was recently appointed treasurer of the Ohio Conference. Sutton started at the Ohio Conference in 1999 as the auditor and from there he became association treasurer.

“I love the Ohio Conference and am definitely on board with our mission to use innovative ways to reach lost people,” says the Ohio native. He graduated from Mt. Vernon Academy and later obtained a BA in Accounting from Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio. Married for 23 years to Margaret, the couple has three children: Valerie, Lindsay, and Christopher. (Read more in the Mission Ohio newsletter on page 37.)

New Union Departmental Coordinators Elected Columbia Union Conference departmental coordinators recently attended meetings at the union headquarters. They gave progress reports, discussed concerns and major issues, and outlined future goals. This inaugural group, whose term of service is now completed, also elected the following new group of coordinators to serve from 2006 to 2011: Bruce Atchinson – Adventist Community Services (ACS) (Pennsylvania) Bob Mitchell – ACS Disaster Response (Potomac)

Newly elected departmental coordinators for the Columbia Union include (left to right) Ray Nelson, Shirley Benton, Mike Stevenson, Barbara Manspeaker, John Appel, and Donald Miller.

Barbara Manspeaker – Children’s Ministries (Potomac) Donald Miller – Disabilities Ministries (Potomac) Chris VanDenburgh and Ray Nelson - Health Ministries (Ohio and Chesapeake) John Appel – Ministerial (Chesapeake) Shirley Benton – Women’s Ministries (Allegheny East) Mike Stevenson – Youth Ministries (Ohio)

Religious Liberty Forum Showcases Public Service Nearly 25 religious liberty leaders, pastors, and others gathered at the Columbia Union Conference office one Sabbath afternoon last month. The main objective was to understand more fully the role of public service and to foster a climate of support for those in this capacity. Participants were introduced to the “Mordecai Model,” which

emphasizes that service is not optional. The forum’s motto— “and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”—was taken from Esther 4:14.

“Non-elected civil servants fulfill the commission given to Christians to render under Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s,” stated Adrian Westney, associate director at the Columbia Union’s Office of General Counsel and

Religious liberty presenters (left to right) Adrian Westney, Mitchell Tyner, Olive Hemmings, and Walter Carson were assisted by intern Harry Valcourt.

meeting coordinator. “However it’s critical to maintain the proper balance between the secular and spiritual.”

The group also heard from presenters Mitchell Tyner, retired litigation specialist for the Adventist world church; Walter Carson, union vice president and general counsel; Westney; and Olive Hemmings, Columbia Union College associate professor of religion.

From the Pulpit What has God called you to do? What are you refusing to do? … God will not anoint what He did not appoint. … He does not give us brownie points for doing things that are not our assignment.

—Dupont Park church (Wash. D.C.,) pastor Emil Peeler speaking on John 17:1-5 at last month’s Columbia Union Executive Committee Retreat

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Potluck CELESTE RYAN BLYDEN

What’s New? Books > 2007 Teen Devotional While their parents talk about the journey to heaven, they’re just trying to make the journey out of bed each morning. While they may have their whole lives ahead, they can’t focus past the next day or so. While there may be practical solutions, sometimes life feels like a giant puzzle. “They” are teenagers, and for them life is an adventure full of questions, risks, twists, and turns. Fortunately God is big enough to handle their issues with identity, relationships, and religion. And thankfully, author Falvo Fowler wrote Solutions, a devotional that offers practical solutions to their puzzling ques-

WholeHealth The tiny flaxseed is a good example of something small that has powerful health-promoting benefits.

Flaxseed is rich in a fat— alpha-linolenic acid—that is essential to health, which the body cannot manufacture.

This essential fat reduces inflammation in the body, helps prevent blood clots that cause heart attack and stroke, helps protect against deadly heart rhythms, lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, and helps arteries open wider.

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tions. Fowler, communication projects manager for the Office of Adventist Mission at the Adventist World Headquarters, attends Chesapeake’s Spencerville (Md.) congregation with his wife and daughter.

“Through [Christ] you will find the ‘piece’ you’re looking for and solve the puzzle that is you,” he advises readers in a chapter called “Therapy.” Find this book and more answers at your Adventist Book Center.

Music > Just in Time Although this is Nadeen Edwards’ debut CD, she’s a seasoned musician with 25 years of professional live and recording experience. Edwards has performed with musical talents such as Harry Belafonte and for numerous political leaders. Her first R&B single, “Inside Track,” debuted on the CBS television show The Equalizer. In addition, Edwards—a high school math teacher—has trained and direct-

ed many youth and university choirs and received numerous awards.

Just in Time is a collection of collaborative worship songs with a smooth, jazzy, rhythm and blues mixture that will communicate inspiration to a variety of listeners. It’s also a project Edwards says “has been a long time coming—in the Lord’s timing, not mine.”

Edwards and her husband and musical collaborator of over 20 years, Derek, currently work together as musical directors for their church, the Pocono Community church in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. They have two daughters, Kaela (11) and Tereya (8). Order her CD at www.cdbaby.com/cd/nadeen or www.nadeenedwards.com. Look for her worship CD in the fall of 2007.—Beth Michaels

The Small—but Powerful—Flaxseed Doctors at Harvard Medical School found that individuals with the greatest intake of alphalinolenic acid had nearly half the risk of a fatal heart attack as those eating the least.

Another study revealed that when patients who experienced a heart attack were placed on a diet high in alpha-linolenic acid, their risk of dying was 70 percent lower after five years than those eating the standard post-heart attack prudent diet.

You can enjoy the powerful

benefits of alpha-linolenic acid by daily eating one to two tablespoons of whole flaxseed, freshly ground. Sprinkle and enjoy its nutty flavor on cereal, fruit, yogurt, salad, or toast.

It’s one small way to improve your health.— Tim Arnott, MD, Adventist WholeHealth Network, Reprinted from Dr. Arnott’s 24 Realistic Ways to Improve Your Health, Pacific Press Pub. Assn.

What You Bring to the Table 5 Minutes With > William G. Johnsson ext month, after 24 years as editor of the Adventist Church’s weekly flagship publication, the Adventist Review, William G. Johnsson will retire. This Sligo church (Takoma Park, Md.) member, who is also revered as a pastor, teacher, and theologian has written over 1,000 articles and 20 books. His latest is the 2007 adult devotional, Jesus, A Heart Full of Grace. Packed with unique stories—personal and biblical—that bring out simple and complex spiritual ideas, it gives readers a variety of perspectives on the many facets of Christ. We corresponded with Johnsson to get his perspective on the book, his ministry, and the next phase of his journey:

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What’s the overall message in this year’s devotional?

It’s about the incredible nature of grace—loving, saving, transforming, enabling, supplying all our needs, setting us free. I want everyone to experience it, not just read about it.

What has it been like to serve as editor of the world church magazine for 24 years?

It’s been an incredible ride, a huge privilege. It’s been work—the toughest job I ever had—but by far the most rewarding and fulfilling. I have been blessed!

(if not role) is the development and launch of Adventist World.

It’s going gangbusters—up to 1.3 million copies now, with even bigger plans ahead.

What’s next for you?

I intend to keep active; I’m waiting on the Lord to show me what form the new phase of ministry will take.

Missionary, editor, theologian, pastor, teacher, author.

Which has been your most meaningful role and why?

That’s really hard to answer. I enjoyed every role and a life packed with good things from the Lord of grace. Probably the most rewarding moment

There’s the writing ministry, local church ministry or involvement in the community, and I have offers to teach.

Plus, Noelene and I plan to travel, spend lots of time together—the beach, music (Mozart!), grandkids, gardening, reading. … We can hardly wait!

Any parting words of wisdom?

After a quarter of a century at the Adventist World Headquarters, my confidence is greater than ever that the Lord is in our midst. This Adventist family isn’t perfect, but it’s wonderful. The Lord is working out His plan, and He will not fail to bring it all together in the glorious climax of His second coming.

Keeping Score Median age in America

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Median age of Adventists in America

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Understanding the Power of Prayer Sue Shobe

s Christians, we couldn’t survive without prayer. There’s a lot of truth in the saying, “little prayer, little power; much prayer, much power.”

Let’s look at the life of Christ. His success can be contributed to His prayer life. The best example is His prayer in the garden of Gethsemane.

Jesus didn’t want to be separated from His Father, and He didn’t want to die. There was a real battle in the garden that night. Jesus knew that His death was the only way you and I would understand His Father’s love, so He prayed for strength and courage.

Jesus also asked the disciples to pray for Him. But each time He sought their strength and encouragement, He found them sleeping. “Had He found them praying, He would have been relieved. Had they been seeking refuge in God, that satanic agencies might not have prevailed over them, He would have been comforted by their steadfast faith,” says Ellen White in The Desire of Ages, p. 688. “They did not intend to forsake their Lord, but they seemed paralyzed by a stupor, which they might have shaken off if they had continued pleading with God. They did

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not realize the necessity of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation,” White continues.

Even prior to Gethsemane, Jesus submitted Himself to His Father’s will each morning. How much prayer will it take for you and me to overcome the tempter’s whispers in our ears and surrender completely to God’s authority? It may take a few sentences of prayer, or it may take weeks or months of consistent petitioning before we can experience the full power of prayer.

PRAYER BLESSES OTHERS We live in a world where Satan has dominion and God, out of love, doesn’t force Himself on anyone. So praying is crucial because it allows God the power to work in ways that He would not if we didn’t pray. I have seen individuals who wanted nothing to do with God, but when family members prayed for them they had a heart change. I don’t understand the dynamics of prayer, and probably won’t until eternity, but I do know that there is power in prayer. “To every sincere prayer an answer will come,” says White (Gospel Workers, p. 258).

If Jesus needed to be in continual contact with the Father to resist temptation, then I need it more.

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We should also pray for our leaders. The Bible says that God raises them up and takes them down. Praying for our leaders makes us sympathetic to them as people. I pay more attention to what they are doing, or not doing, and have more interest in the election of officers and leaders. It also gives God an opportunity to use them to accomplish His will.

Have you ever wondered what would have happened if the entire Jewish nation joined together to pray for Pilate or Herod? Regardless, we do know that God used them at that time to play out history. We will never know the full impact of our prayers for others until we get to heaven, but we do know that God is in control and knows what He is doing.

PRAYER TRANSFORMS US If Jesus needed to be in continual contact with the Father to resist temptation, then I need it more. Prayer changes me—especially how I relate to others. It reduces my anxiety level. Whenever I talk with the Lord about something that troubles or perplexes me, He has a way of putting it into perspective.

When my prayer life is consistent, I am more in touch with what is right and wrong. I desire to know what God wants for—and from—me. My mind is more open to God’s Word and voice. I have a tendency to be bold for Christ, and I’m able to stand up for what is right.

Prayer has helped me recognize who I am and who God is. He is all-powerful, and I can’t accomplish anything without Him and a prayer life.

Prayer gives me emotional, personal, professional, and spiritual power. It transforms my heart, my vision, my passion, my time, my beliefs, my desires, and my life!

Christ prayed for Himself and He prayed for others, but His ultimate prayer was that all of us would be with Him in heaven. As I remember His sacrifice and His gift of life, that’s my prayer too.

Sue Shobe, prayer coordinator for the Pennsylvania Conference, writes from Hamburg, Pa.

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7 Ways to Boost Your Prayer Life

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Keep an answered prayer or “thank you” journal.

Start a prayer ministry at your church.

Order Establishing a Prayer Ministry: A Manual for the Prayer Coordinator, by Ruthie Jacobsen, from AdventSource at www.adventsource.org or (800) 328-0525.

Pray for others. The Pennsylvania Conference has “prayer patch” partners who pray for specific academy students each year.

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Be silent, listen, and wait. (This is very hard to do.)

Pray with your Bible open; allow God to speak through His Word.

Find a prayer partner and pray together on a regular basis.

Incorporate the following prayer models: ACTS (Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, Supplication) ABC (Ask, Believe, Claim) Sanctuary (modeled after the furniture) Gates - Offer Praise and Thanksgiving Alter of Sacrifice - Confess Sins Laver - Cleansing Through God’s Word Candlesticks - Pray for the Holy Spirit Showbread - Ask for God’s Sustaining Power Alter of Incense - Intercede for Others Most Holy Place - Seek God’s Atonement

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answers TO PRAYER

The Bible says that the “prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).

Is God still answering the prayers of His people?

These Columbia Union members say, yes!

Here are their stories:

God Convicts in Iraq Edwin Humphrey, Emmanuel-Brinklow Church, Ashton, Md. y wife, Delores, and I had been leading out during Wednesday night prayer meetings at the Emmanuel-Brinklow church in Ashton, Md., for over a year. During the first seven months we were nearly killed, every evening, as we drove home. I knew then that the Lord had a plan, and the enemy was trying to stop it. But he has no power to stop God or His plans.

I had been unemployed for three years and carrying a serious financial burden when a company hired me to help design a database for the Marine Corp. This organization also had contracts with the government supporting the war in Iraq.

When an emergency arose in Iraq, they needed me to deploy immediately. On the Sabbath I was to catch a night flight to Texas for a final briefing and training, Delores and I were almost killed in an automobile accident by a man in a truck who was speeding, with the police in hot pursuit.

Miraculously we survived, and three weeks later I was standing in Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq.

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The Adventist chaplains were reassigned and Sabbath services for our soldiers were about to be suspended when I was asked to be the faith-based leader of the Adventist group.

I gladly accepted this responsibility, in addition to my other duties, and immediately began conducting prayer services. Soon every request that was placed in our prayer box was answered in a marked way.

We noticed that an Iraqi interpreter (pictured) started visiting us.* She worked for chaplain’s services, and they forbade her to have any deal-

God Changes Hearts June Musser, Lancaster (Pa.) Church y 15-year-old twin granddaughters, Tricia (left) and Dannielle, had gone to church school up through the eighth grade. They looked forward to attending Blue Mountain Academy (BMA), but their dad, Tony, said they couldn’t go. He and my daughter Donna have six children, and he said he couldn’t afford it and wanted the twins to stay home.

So the girls attended public school for ninth grade, but they felt so alone and out of place.

“Grandma, it’s bad!” they told me. So we began to pray. It was the beginning of August, and they didn’t think their prayers would be answered in time for this school year. I told them to keep praying because it was one week before school started when my parents said I could go to Philadelphia Academy many years before.

Well, the Friday before BMA’s registration, their mother gingerly asked Tony once again. “Well, I

guess the girls could go if the finances can be worked out,” he said. Everyone—family, members from their [Hershey (Pa.)] church, and friends— worked furiously, and those girls were at BMA two days later to begin the school year. Praise the Lord!

Their dad, who isn’t an Adventist, still doesn’t understand why he changed his mind. And we still don’t know how the finances will be met— but God knows.

ings with the Adventist group because we were classified as a cult. But she managed to come to us with questions that they couldn’t, or wouldn’t, answer to her satisfaction. Delores sent us Ellen White’s Conflict of the Ages series and Doug Batchelor’s Prophecy Code, which we studied together.

During my last three Sabbaths in Iraq, the interpreter freely attended our services because God had moved the chaplains who had restricted her or sent them to other parts of Iraq. As the Holy Spirit worked on her heart, she cried during services. It wasn’t long before she accepted Christianity over Islam, and her father immediately put a contract on her life. But God intervened, answered our prayers, and saved her. She was baptized into the Adventist Church by my replacement.

I truly believe that God designed and orchestrated the plan to send me to Iraq. Now that I’ve returned, Delores and I are doing Bible prophecy presentations.

Above: Edwin Humphrey poses in front of the Victory Chapel in Baghdad, Iraq.

Right: Humphrey sits in the chair of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein.

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*Name withheld to protect her privacy.

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God Heals Hearts G. Nicole Mattox, Dupont Park Church, Washington, D.C. n July 25 we learned that Cole, one of our triplet sons, had ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) or a hole in his heart, which would not close on its own.

To ensure the safety of our “firstborn,” we sought a second opinion. Our friends, the Hooks family, referred us to a group of cardiologists.

They had seen the Lord perform many miracles for their daughter, Brianna, through this same team of specialists.

We met James A. Thompson, MD, of Child Cardiologists Associates in Fairfax, Va., in August, and he confirmed that Cole had ASD. He indicated that our son might be a candidate for a cardiac catheterization, instead of open-heart surgery, to fix the problem. We prayed hard and decided to proceed with this team for several reasons: 1. Visual stimuli - Dr. Thompson used an actual device to demonstrate the procedure.

2. Intellectual stimuli - Instead of one person making the decision for cardiac catheterization, the team decided collectively.

3. Personal stimuli - Dr. Thompson has a twin son named Cole.

Our Cole was very brave. Grammie and Papi made him a king’s robe and crown so that he could be “King Cole” while in the hospital. Being

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God Spares Lives Richard Schimp, Distant (Pa.) Church t was March 28, 2002, and the pain in my shoulders and back took my breath away. I realized that I was having a heart attack and managed to take an aspirin before the pain knocked me to the floor. I managed to call my mom and the paramedics. I knew I was dying as I was lying there, so I began to pray. I told God that my life was in His hands, and I was ready to go.

I was still alive when we got to the hospital. The doctors discovered that I had 100 percent blockage and couldn’t believe that I was still alive! But I knew it was the Lord; He had a purpose for me.

Although they inserted a stent, a few months later, in August, I had another heart attack. This

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time I had 90 percent blockage. To this day I am still being treated and monitored.

Following those experiences, I decided to live life to the fullest. I reconnected with a good friend from my Blue Mountain Academy days, and we got married in 2002. We

a “Mattox man-in-training,” he worked it well to his advantage.

In September the procedure was successfully performed at Inova Fairfax Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Institute in Falls Church, Va. Praise God! Our main challenge was getting him to relax for a few days afterward. Cole is now recovering like any 5-year-old—wrestling, running, climbing, and jumping with his brothers, Marcel and William. He also couldn’t wait to return to school at Dupont Park in Washington, D.C. We are extremely thankful that the Lord has once again seen fit to work a miracle on our behalf.

The Mattox family: Edward, G. Nicole, and (clockwise) Cole, William, Marcel, and Carrington.

hadn’t been married long when Linda, my wife, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I was there to comfort and encourage her throughout the illness from which she recovered.

I’ve also become very active in my church and now serve as a church elder. Because of the Lord’s blessings, I helped bring six people into the church during the past four-and-one-half years.

While we were between pastors, I even presented the sermon every other week.

The members also asked me to direct the Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs. We now have four Adventurers and four Pathfinders, six of whom are from the community.

As I look back on everything, I can see why the Lord kept me around. It’s been fantastic since He started revealing all He has in store for me!

God Brings Closure After Katrina Ronald Anderson, MD, Capitol Hill Church, Washington, D.C. y 87-year-old mother-in-law, Dorothy Jacques, died in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. She was a New Orleans native and on life support in a nursing home there when the storm struck on August 29, 2005. Although she died September 1, due to the power outage, we didn’t know anything until FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) notified us on September 9.

My wife, Beverly, spent long hours on the phone trying to ascertain the whereabouts of her mother and her seven sisters and one brother, who lived in New Orleans and were subsequently scattered. Prayer sustained her during this stressful time of providing for the needs of her siblings.

She also worked with FEMA representatives, who were collecting historical information in an effort to identify the numerous bodies. But the fact that her mother had long hair, was on a feeding tube, and had a hip replacement wasn’t enough for a positive identification. Then Beverly’s sister reminded her that their mother had intraocular lenses implanted in 1996.

As an ophthalmologist, I knew I could identify her through those lenses, but we had to know the brand, type, and power. That’s when God stepped in and began to work on our behalf.

Through Medicare, we discovered where the surgery was performed. Then we had to find the doctor, who had moved out of the state. Next we contacted the hospital, and it just so happened that one of the managers remembered my mother-in-law. She went to the clinic and found the files, which were safe and dry on the second floor.

Then the files and lenses, which had been removed from the body, were mailed to me for confirmation. I sat down, said a prayer, looked at the records, evaluated the lenses, and found that they matched.

We held Dorothy’s funeral last December. This was an enormous relief for my wife, her siblings, and our family. We praise God for putting it all together and helping us find closure. And I praise Him for leading me into ophthalmology because He knew I would need these skills for this important event.

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School Profile TAMARIA KULEMEKA

Ramah Adventist Junior Academy 80 Years of Christ-Centered Service leveland’s Ramah Adventist Junior Academy, one of the oldest AfricanAmerican Seventh-day Adventist schools, recently celebrated its 80th anniversary. Hundreds of alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, and students filled the pews at the Glenville Adventist Church in Cleveland, Ohio, to celebrate the school’s momentous milestone.

Parents and grandparents shared testimonies of how God blessed them to send their children, and even grandchildren, to Ramah. Sabbath speaker Charles W. Drake III reminisced about his days at Ramah, when it was located in the Glenville church. Drake, vice president of administration for the Mid-America Union Conference, told the congregation, “We used to skate downstairs on the wooden floor.”

According to principal Mary Conwell, a former Ramah teacher and graduate, Drake is one of many distinguished pastors, nurses, teachers, doctors, and other professionals the school has produced.

Now located at 4770 Lee Road, the school was founded in 1926 at Cleveland’s Second

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Adventist Church, under the direction of J.E. Cox. Hazel Malone remembers it well. She was 10 years old at the time and attended for three years. “It was the foundation of my belief,” says the 90Second grade teacher Gary year-old, who is King Jr. and principal believed to be the Mary Conwell are both school’s oldest living alumna. Malone vivid- Ramah graduates. ly recalls the prayers and Bible class. “I strayed, but I remembered what I was taught as a child and returned.”

Ramah currently serves six Allegheny West Conference churches in the Cleveland area, including Glenville, Southeast, Bethel, Maranatha, Temple of Praise, and Present Truth. “It was a privilege to celebrate the sacrifices and investments made by the sisterhood of churches to support Christian education for their children,” said Ian Kelly, associate director of education for the Columbia Union, who attended the celebration.

“They view education as an investment rather than an expense.” School board chairman John Preston agreed and also complimented school officials for following God’s leadership, guidance, and will.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

A Ramah Adventist Junior Academy student participates in the school’s 80th anniversary celebration at the Glenville church.

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There’s definitely something different about Ramah Adventist Junior Academy. “You can tell the Holy Spirit is here because the atmosphere is really different,” said eighth-grader Allegra Jenkins.

The 13-year-old attended public school before her family relocated to Cleveland two years ago. Her father, Harry, teaches grades 6 and 7 at Ramah.

There are 104 students enrolled in grades K-8, with 40 percent coming from the community.

School Profile

The Ramah Academy choir prepares to sing “Celebration” during the ceremony.

Ramah has six full-time teachers and about 18 students per class. A major goal is to expand the curriculum, once again, to serve ninth- and 10thgraders. Ramah was a K-12 institution when it first opened. Then it decreased to 10th grade and eliminated 9th and 10th grades altogether in 1999.

“We’re in the middle of a strategic five-year plan to increase grades, because parents don’t want to send their kids [away],” says Conwell.

Carolyn Doss, one such parent, would love for her 13-year-old daughter, Danielle, to attend for two more years. “I know a lot of people who went to Ramah, and I see the quality and integrity instilled in them,” says Doss, 48. “Christian education is the best and highest education you can get because God is in it, and God is number one.”

Ramah’s teachers feel the same way. Daneen Howard recently wrote for and received a $1,250 grant from a Cleveland-based company, enabling her to introduce her students to different cultures.

Gary King Jr. says, “It feels good to know I’m helping out.” The 28-year-old never imagined he’d be a second-grade teacher, especially at his alma mater.

When asked what he appreciates most about his educational experience at Ramah, 13-year-old Chan Elston quickly says “Jesus.” Cierra Constant, another 13-year-old, concurs, “I think it’s OK that we learn about God, because He’s done so many things for us that the least we can do is take time to learn about Him.” It’s no wonder that 10 students were baptized in the past two years and another is preparing.

Ramah’s students leave the academy with a strong biblical foundation. They are also able to

compete with other students wherever they go.

“Our K-8 students score exceptionally high on the Iowa Test and leave here in the upper percentile,” said Conwell. In addition to expanding to grades 9 and 10, her priorities include stepping up science and math skills, establishing single classes for every grade, and getting more pastors involved in counseling and working with the students.

Alumnus Steven Rudd is especially grateful for the education he received at Ramah, which is why the 36-year-old enrolled his 7-year-old son, Michael, at the school. “People stress academics, but the truths and principles taught at Adventist schools expand your mind so that you are successful no matter where you go,” he says.

Seeing alumni return to celebrate the school’s 80th birthday was rewarding for LaJuan Marshall, who’s taught several grades there for 24 years.

“You see the fruits of your labor, and it gives you energy to continue,” said Marshall, who currently teaches third grade. “I love Ramah and will be there until the Lord tells me otherwise.” Her enthusiasm fulfills Ramah’s mission to prepare students for service in the home, church, community, and second coming of Christ.

Tamaria Kulemeka is a print journalist who writes from Columbus, Ohio.

4 Ways Ramah Students Serve the Community Reading to younger children at the local Headstart program Collecting gloves and scarves for the city’s mission during Christmas Sending school supplies to Hurricane Katrina victims Sending get-well cards to sick members of nearby St. Paul Methodist Church

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Resource Guide NORMA SAHLIN

Remembering Those Who Grieve veryone, sooner or later, will experience the loss of a loved-one and the grief that comes with it. Jesus knew that this pain could become overwhelming and gave a special promise in the Beatitudes: Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted (Matt. 5:4).

While the pain may lessen as time goes by, it’s especially difficult for many individuals during the holidays. Make it a point to remember the bereaved at this time. Although it’s sometimes hard to know what to say or do, physical comfort works hand-in-hand with spiritual. Here are some resources to make reaching out easier:

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Grief Recovery Participant’s Guide Author: Larry Yeagley articipants in a grief recovery seminar record their thoughts and feelings in this guide as they work through the activities and develop coping strategies. Price: $5.95*

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Grief Support Group Manual Author: Larry Yeagley specialist in grief recovery, Yeagley has spent nearly three decades counseling those who have experienced loss. This manual is both practical and personally compelling. Chapters include: “Grief Hurts, Why is it so Hard?,” “The Anatomy of Grief,” “Tasks of Grieving,” and “Moving Toward Recovery.”

Price: $14.95*

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How to Minister to Grieving Families Presenter: Larry Yeagley his video is a 55-minute seminar for those interested in learning how to help grieving members of their church or community. Price: $24.95*

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Helping Hurting Members Developed by: Andrews University esigned for pastors and other helping professionals, this handbook provides solution-focused, Bible-based action that will encourage and support members in your congregation who are hurting. Each chapter includes an overview, key definitions, intervention strategies, and biblical references for spiritual encouragement. Discover how to help individuals struggling with grief and loss, adultery, addictions, physical and sexual abuse, depression, divorce, and loneliness.

Price: $9.95*

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Life After Loss Author: Larry Yeagley his booklet is priced for sharing! Larry Yeagley, founder of grief recovery seminars, shares his time-tested insights into how to cope with grief. Topics include feeling, believing, hurting, saying goodbye, and refocusing. Price: $.95*

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*To order these resources, contact AdventSource at www.adventsource.org or (800) 328-0525.

DECEMBER 2006

New Jersey Scientist Awarded for AIDS Research ayne L. Greaves, MD (pictured, right), senior director for Global Clinical Development at the Schering-Plough Research Institute (SPRI), was honored recently by Science Spectrum magazine for his long-term work with HIV/AIDS research and other diseases.

Greaves, a member of the Adventist Church of the Oranges in New Jersey, was presented the 2006 President’s Award during the prestigious Emerald Honors awards ceremony in Baltimore.

The Emerald Honors are the premier awards for minorities working in the research sciences.

Greaves has devoted the past 25 years to finding solutions for some of the world’s most intractable viruses. Since joining SPRI in 1997, Greaves has sought new drugs to treat HIV/AIDS. He directs research at SPRI’s facilities in New Jersey and abroad, and interacts with affiliated labs and medical centers around the world.

“I am working on a new class of drugs that blocks the AIDS virus from entering cells,” said Dr. Greaves. “It is challenging but crucial if we are to stem the inexorable devastation caused by AIDS.”—Beth Michaels

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NEWS New Park Opened for Dupont Park School The Dupont Park Adventist School in Washington, D.C., has a new playground as the result of a generous gift from the estate of Marian Edwards. Edwards, a long-time member of the Ephesus—now Dupont Park—church, taught etiquette to young ladies. Dupont pastor Emil Peeler and Colin W. Brathwaite, Jr., conference director of Ministry Development, officiated at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.—Jerri McLean

Pottstown Member Gives Financial Seminar Walton Williams (pictured), a member of the Pottstown (Pa.) church, recently gave a one-day financial seminar to 17 faculty and staff at the state’s Cheyney University. Titled “Becoming Debt Free,” the seminar highlighted ways for attendees to put together a spending plan. Williams, MBA, a business consultant and Primerica Financial Services Agent, said he was asked to speak to the attendees, who were recently experiencing financial-related stress. Williams has conducted similar seminars for various churches in southern California. For more information, contact Williams at (610) 779-1216 or bajan06@hotmail.com.

—Wesley A. Plummer, PhD

New Pastor Welcomed to Beth-el Church Left to right: Attorney Andrew McDonald and first elder Shem Onditi of the Beth-el church in Jersey City, N.J., hand their new pastor, J. Melvin Janey, official documents of the church. Janey recently transferred from the Northeastern Conference.

Fourth Street Friendship Dedicated Dedication services for the new Fourth Street Friendship church in Washington, D.C., were held recently. There was a presentation by Alfred R. Jones, former pastor of First church in Washington, D.C., who initiated the development of the Fourth Street Mission. The ribbon-cutting service was led by Charles L. Cheatham, Allegheny East Conference (AEC) president. The dedication weekend was followed by a week of prayer.

The Fourth Street Friendship congregation is a result of two The ceremonial ribbon was cut by (left to right) Kenneth Anderson, curchurches in the capirent Fourth Street Friendship pastor; tol area merging in Jesse Reaves, Fourth Street 1989: Fourth Street Mission’s first pastor; AEC president Mission and Charles L. Cheatham; Bruce Flynn, a Friendship church. former Fourth Street Mission pastor; —Tijuana Griffin and first elder James Fulton.

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Allegheny East Prison Ministry Holds Annual Awards Banquet llegheny East Prison Ministry Federation officers, members, family, and friends recently welcomed honored guests to its 26th annual banquet held in Lanham, Md. Awards are presented to outstanding members, ex-offenders, corrections officials, and pastors who have distinguished themselves and the ministry by participating in and/or supporting the program.

Marcellus Robinson, pastor of the Emmanuel-Brinklow church in Ashton, Md., and area leader for the Washington Metro Ministry, was the keynote speaker.

Edith E. Tucker, president of the AEC Prison Ministry Federation, and other officers presented the Lifetime Achievement medals to

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supporters with 30 or more years of distinguished service to the ministry. One such award went to Tillman Peck, first parliamentarian for the Prison Ministry Federation.

Pastor Kenneth Anderson, of the Fourth Street Friendship church in Washington, D.C., received the Pastor of the Year award for making prison ministry a priority in action and deed. Another award was for Eliece Colburn, first president of the Extended Baltimore Chapter, which was accepted by her daughters, Lisa and Christine Colburn.

Other awardees not present included Carren Pulley, an exoffender who assisted with prison ministries at the Takoma Park (Md.) church. She received the Christian

Award presenters Edith Tucker (far left), president of the AEC Prison Ministry Federation, Daniel McManus (second from left), vice president, and Minnie McNeill (far right), facilitator, delivered a posthumous Lifetime Achievement award to Ola McNeil for her husband, Byron McNeil, first treasurer of the Adventist Prison Ministry Federation.

Endurance Award. Lennox Henry, prison ministry liaison for Takoma Park church, received the Good Neighbor Award.—Edith E. Tucker

Baltimore Revival Results in New Church or four weeks recently, Seventhday Adventist churches throughout Baltimore joined forces to present the powerful Park

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AEC evangelist “CB” Gentry (front) and new Garden of Prayer pastor Melvyn Hayden II appeal to attendees.

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Heights Community Gospel Explosion. Park Heights has been plagued with increasing crime, drug use, and HIV cases. “We designed the crusade to empower this impoverished neighborhood, both socially and economically, while still presenting the powerful gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Allegheny East evangelist Conklin B. “CB” Gentry.

One tent acted as a main pavilion where Gentry preached nightly. A second tent was designated as a community outreach post that became instrumental in serving the community with food, health screenings, and job training sessions. The spiritual revival resulted in more than 100 baptisms and a new congregation called Garden of Prayer.

Gentry’s efforts were supported by the many pastors, staff, and members of Baltimore’s Liberty, Cherry Hill, Berea, Miracle Temple, Sharon, Edmonston Heights, and United in Christ churches. Bible

workers from all around the Columbia Union, as well as local literature distributors, came to help.

June Mack and Mildred Lester have supported Gentry’s leadership for more than 20 years, and were there directing the Bible and field workers, as well as attending to those who desired to know more about God.—Goldie Louis

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

DECEMBER 2006

Have a “Mary” Christmas! on’t you think it is remarkable that at the time of the first Christmas, Mary couldn’t speak? She talked with an angel in Nazareth and she sang with her cousin Elisabeth in the hill country of Judea. But in the whole birth narrative there is no word of Mary recorded. It is as if the whole experience was too deep to be encompassed by syllables. It just says, “She kept all of these things, pondering them in her heart.”

Our culture has made Christmas into a time of tremendous activity and noise. But God best reveals himself in silent ways. He nudges us in our experiences. He whispers to us in the sweetness of common sense. He appeals to us through the gentleness of some new idea. God insinuates the sweet odor of Himself into the gentle things of life—not in the eros of big moments, but in the agape of the Spirit-filled times.

I challenge you to find some quiet time this Christmas season and to ponder like Mary, who was ready for anything because she put her trust in God. She didn’t hesitate to ask others for help. She sang the victory song of the human spirit, that the righteousness of God would finally prevail.

Rob Vandeman President Will you accept my challenge? May God bless you and give you a very “Mary” Christmas!

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NEWS Sabbath School Teachers Go Back to School Chesapeake Sabbath School teachers gathered at the conference office, and later at Eastern Shore Junior Academy in Sudlersville, Md., recently for afternoon seminars designed to enhance their teaching skills.

Adult Sabbath School presenters included Faith Johnson Crumbly, editor of Sabbath School Leadership magazine, and Frank Bondurant, Adult Ministries director. Pat Habada, creator of the GraceLink Sabbath School curriculum (http://gracelink.com), taught a seminar for the Children’s Sabbath School division leaders.

A class was also offered for Children’s Ministries lead-

Pat Habada (left), creator of the GraceLink Sabbath School curriculum, and Stacey Bondurant, Children’s Ministries director, showcase some of the resources available to children’s leaders.

ers on the Eastern Shore titled, “Kids In Discipleship” taught by Ann Hernandez-Roda (pictured), associate pastor of New Hope church in Fulton, Md. These classes were the second and third in a series of regional classes, the first being held in western Maryland. According to Bondurant, “These seminars represent the continuing commitment of the Chesapeake Conference to train local Sabbath School leaders and to serve as a resource center for our local churches.”

Church Members Witness at County Fair The Chestertown and Rock Hall (Md.) churches sponsored a booth at this year’s Kent County 4-H Fair recently. Church members were on hand to greet fair attendees and offer them a free, computerized health screening. They also distributed health literature and provided sign-up sheets for smoking cessation classes and weight control, stress management, and other follow-up programs. This is the fourth year the church has had a presence at the fair, and it is the only church booth offering a free community service. According to Virginia Moyer, a Chestertown church member and booth participant, “The health screening is a popular attraction with fair attendees, and it has generated a lot of goodwill in the community for our churches.”

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Glen Burnie Church Celebrates Centennial dventism’s story in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, began in 1906 when the young people of the Baltimore First church held a youth rally on First Avenue in Glen Burnie. This was followed by an evangelistic series by then conference president Morris Lukins. A branch Sabbath School was started and the small group grew. The Glen Burnie (Md.) church was officially organized in 1918, and it can truly be said that the rest of their story is “His story.” God has marvelously blessed this congregation and their ministry to the community.

The congregation set aside a week recently to mark and celebrate its 100 years of ministry and service to the county.

The theme for the week was “Come Home.” On Sunday a community open house was held for both the church and community service center. Mel Luterman (pictured), community program coordinator for the Governor’s Office of Service and Volunteerism and a former rabbi, was there to present to the congregation a certificate of appreciation for their service to the community. Tours were given, refreshments were served, and there was a media presentation summarizing the church’s history.

The culmination of the week was on Sabbath, with a full day of personal reflections, memories, testimonies, praise, and thanksgiving.

The spirit of the week was best captured by Ray Nelson, current pastor of the Glen Burnie church, who said, “To God be the glory great things He has done, and is doing.” The church has been at its present location on Aquahart Road since 1955.

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Chesapeake ACS: Making Prepared Servants ore than 90 Adventist Community Services (ACS) volunteers gathered at the conference office recently for a day of training, reporting, and networking.

The theme for the meeting was “Make Me A Servant— A Prepared One.” Chesapeake ACS coordinator, Evelyn Gates, led out in the discussion on several topics, including how to make ACS centers more client friendly. She also discussed how to operate centers more efficiently, and to transition them from old models of ministry to newer ones, which are more responsive to the urgent needs of today’s communities.

According to Gates, “Gone are the days when little old ladies sit in basement corners of our churches sorting, sewing, and patching old clothing.” She added, “The ‘ACS umbrella’ is now a Evelyn Gates (left), Chesapeake ACS broad ministry that coordinator, and Kitty Juneau, encompasses a Chesapeake Disaster Relief coordinabroad spectrum of tor, welcome the conference community activiACS leaders.

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ties including, but not limited to, cooking schools, stress seminars, health fairs, literacy training, CPR and first-aid classes, food pantries, providing shelter for the homeless, and much more.”

May-Ellen Colón, the North America Division Personal Ministries and Community Services associate team coach, presented biblical and Spirit of Prophecy counsel for participants’ outreach efforts. Kitty Juneau, the Chesapeake disaster relief coordinator, along with several of her “yellow shirt” volunteers, gave a report on Chesapeake’s response to the 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes. She also briefed participants on future disaster response training seminars. For more information, contact Gates at (410) 995-1910 or egates@ccosda.org.

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

DECEMBER 2006

CUC Benefits Thousands During Service Day ore than 200 Columbia Union College (CUC) students recently volunteered for Service Day, an annual college event where students, faculty, and staff serve the surrounding community.

“We don’t have to go all the way around the world to help others. We can go out in our own community and help people,” said CUC chaplain Otis Coutsoumpos to a crowd of excited student volunteers

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Students helped clean stables, provide water, and show love and attention to sick horses.

The Food & Friends project was a lot more than just peeling, slicing, and packaging food. Students and administrators helped those unable to provide for themselves.

community,” said Berny Jacques, a sophomore history/ political studies major. “The motto of the school is ‘The Gateway to Service’ and we’re bringing that into action.”—David Barnes and Josef Kruger

Professors Take Education Outside Classroom aspar Colón, PhD (left), director of CUC’s Center for Metropolitan Ministry, and Zdravko Plantak, PhD, chair of the Department of Religion, represented CUC as presenters at the Adventist Community Services Convention in British Columbia, Canada.

Colón and Plantak presented five workshops on the convention’s theme, “Modeling Jesus: His Heart, Our Hands.” Many of their topics dealt with urban ministry and how to interact and “mingle” with people living in inner cities around North America.

“We discussed how we can model Jesus in contemporary ways in this modern, 21st century, and how we can be the body of Christ for today,” said Plantak.

Both Colón and Plantak hope they helped attendees grasp the ministry of service. “We need to develop ideas in the hearts and minds of our church leaders to make church something other than ourselves,” said Colón. “Often we make church about us and that’s a habit we need to [break].”

—Josef Kruger

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Students and faculty picked up trash and painstakingly searched for a foreign flower that is slowly killing native flora along Sligo Creek near the school.

at chapel. “We have Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Theresa, Gandhi, Esther, and prophets in the Bible as examples of those who led a life of service.”

Jean Warden, vice president of Student Life and Retention, read from Ephesians 6:7 saying, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.” She charged students to take on this mission—to serve the community as though they were serving God. Projects included passing out pamphlets on crosswalk safety, beautifying the area around an elementary school, revitalizing community parks, and serving the homeless at a soup kitchen.

“I knew this was an opportunity to really impact the

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Long-time Administrator Says Farewell he School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS) recently hosted a farewell reception for Linda Lundberg, a long-time employee of Columbia Union College. Lundberg worked at the college for 34 years and held several positions in the registrar’s office, Adult Evening Program (AEP), and as a faculty member. Her most recent position was executive director of operations for SGPS. “The most important assets we have as a learning organization are the people who study and work here,” said CUC president Randal Wisbey. “One of these remarkable individuals is Linda Lundberg.”

Juanita Gurubatham, associate vice president for Academic Administration and Institutional Research, has known Lundberg for more than 30 years and echoes the sentiment of many staff members: “She’s been a very dedicated and positive force for the institution, and I’m going to miss her.”

Lundberg has accepted a position with Griggs University, located at the Adventist World Headquarters in Silver Spring, Md., as an associate vice president for education. In this new position, she will continue her support of CUC and advise CUC students.

“I will miss the people at CUC. They are like family. We pray together, laugh together, and I enjoyed the interaction with the students,” said Lundberg, who graduated from the college in 1970. “I firmly believe in the mission and the Nora Delgado (left), SGPS office manager, and Janet Brode (right), SGPS role that we have in the nation’s capital.” enrollment counselor, say goodbye to Linda Lundberg, who worked at —PR Staff CUC for 34 years.

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Lady Pioneers End Season With Win olumbia Union College’s women’s soccer team, the Lady Pioneers (pictured), recently ended one of their most successful seasons to date with a win. According to head coach Antonio Azevedo, although the team did not have a winning record, they worked as a group.

“As the players became more familiar with each other, they gained confidence and started to play as a family,” said Azevedo, a 2005 CUC graduate. According to players, they received lots of support from their peers. “We just went out and had fun, played hard, and had lots of support from the fans,” said midfielder Victoria Saunders, a senior media studies major.

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“Since it was our last game, I really wanted to finish with a win,” said senior finance major Erika Basset, who came back to the team after a two-year absence.

Basset played defense and goalkeeper. According to the players, coach Azevedo encouraged them to play hard.

“Our spirituality on the team was good and people always volunteered to lead in our devotionals,” said Saunders.

The women’s soccer pre-season begins August 9, 2007, and coach Azevedo hopes to “win more than half the games and go to the United States Collegiate Athletics Association tournament.”

—PR Staff

CALENDAR

December 3 11-13 14-Jan. 8

Gateway to Christmas Banquet Final Exams Christmas Break

January 9 15

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Classes Resume Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Campus Closed Student Week in Spiritual Emphasis CUC Plex

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

DECEMBER 2006

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Seeing Through the Eyes of Shepherds nce again the Christmas season is upon us. Our thoughts are filled with family gatherings, good food, gifts, boots-and-coat weather, and the spirit of giving. Christmas is also a time of much reflection; reflecting on a starry night long ago, and what it might have been like to be there. If I could have been there, I think I would have chosen to see Jesus’ birth through the eyes of a shepherd. They heard the angel speak to them, “Don’t be afraid!

I have goods news for you, which will make everyone happy” (Luke 2:10, CEV). They got to hear a choir of angels of which Ellen G. White says, “The whole plain was lighted up with the bright shining of the hosts of God. Earth was hushed, and heaven stooped to listen to the song” (Desire of Ages, p. 48). They got to see baby Jesus so newly born that he was still lying in the manger. Perhaps they even got to hold him!

I’m sure the shepherds’ lives were never the same after that night. Or were they more like us, filled with the stresses and demands of everyday life? Did they soon forget the wonder of it all because, after all, they had new flocks coming under their care? I hope not. I hope they carried the experience of that night with them every day for the rest of their lives. I hope they still got goose bumps when they told their great-grandchildren about it. And I hope this Christmas season fills each of us with a never-ending joy of what Jesus did for us that night, and what Sheri Tydings Principal He continues to do!

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Class of 2007 “Survives” Senior Survival ince 1996 the senior classes at Highland View Academy (HVA) have started the year with Senior Survival. It is a weekend to focus on creating a spirit of cooperation and unity among class members, and to help students grow spiritually.

These weekends have varied throughout the years in terms of location, degree of “survival” elements, and length of stay. However one consistent practice is giving students tarp and duct tape with which to build their shelters! Surveying the shelters is always interesting.

Under the direction of several HVA faculty—Campus Ministries director Benjie Maxson, Bible teacher Stephen Herr, and English teacher Jenny Harlow—the Class of ’07 recently ventured out to the Sligo church camp in

Faculty Benjie Maxson (second from left) and Stephen Herr (far right) pray with students (left to right) Lauren Stough, Britney Mason, Ashley Dunbar, Chelsea Powell, Maxine Umana, and Carla Friday before their baptism.

Left to right: Seniors Sade Crews, Roberta Plantak, and Elora Welsh share worship time in their “tent” during Senior Survival.

Boonsboro, Md. Their survival weekend consisted of team-building activities, worship and prayer time, lots of food and laughter, late night talks, and just plain fun.

Student Roberta Plantak commented, “The weekend was all about bonding and learning to trust. We shared a lot of emotions that helped up grow closer.”

Despite a rainy weekend, the class achieved their goals—they bonded and deepened their relationship with Jesus. This year the weekend was made even more special when seven students chose to be baptized in the nearby creek.

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Science Department Receives Grants he HVA Science Department once again received grants for lab equipment, environmental education, and habitat restoration. The Commonweal Foundation grant provided approximately $5,000 for lab equipment and lab kits. This included molecular model sets, semi-micro organic chemistry glassware for distillation and extraction, conductivity meters, and micro-pipettes for biotechnology experiments. Lab kits on toxicology, forensic science, polymers, environmental impact of industries, waste disposal, food nutrient and water pollutant analysis, and soil science were also purchased.

The Chesapeake Bay Trust awarded the department $3,800 for the purchase of two backpack labs for water quality testing— for native trees and perennials, mulch for habitat restoration—and for environmental education through interactive field trips with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Backpack labs will be used by environmental science students to conduct water quality tests of Beaver Creek, Mt. Aetna Creek, and other bodies of water near Freshmen Arnold Becerra (left) and Katy Yeary use field pack supplies to test local stream water. the school.—Ophelia Barizo

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Students Enjoy New England Heritage Tour

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December uring a school home leave recently, HVA students and faculty members set out for an educational tour of New England. Trip coordinators Jennifer Payne, English teacher, and Stephen Herr, Bible teacher, planned this trip to increase students’ knowledge of Adventist heritage, to supplement the American literature and history curriculum, to provide a travel adventure, and to enhance the total educational experience. Ninthgrader Jennifer Calhoun said, “The chance to learn more about American and Adventist history, and have fun while getting to know my

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Senior Chad Banks (left) and Bible teacher Stephen Herr fellowship in foot washing at Ascension Rock on the William Miller farm near Hampton, N.Y. 30 | V I S I T O R

HVA students enjoy the beautiful fall colors at Walden Pond in Concord, Mass.

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Music/Drama Christmas Program Highland View Church, 7:30 p.m.

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ACT Administration Building, 8 a.m.

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Semester Exams

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End of First Semester

15-Jan. 2 Christmas Vacation classmates better, was awesome!”

The tour included a visit to the William Miller Farm near Hampton, N.Y., a focal spot in the Great Disappointment of 1844. They also toured the church of the first Sabbath-keeping congregation in Washington, N.H. Stops in Massachusetts included Walden Pond in Concord, Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster, and the city of Boston. The best parts of the trip for sophomore Katie Rent were “seeing the incredible fall colors, and visiting the William Miller farm. It was really interesting to hear some of the significant things that happened there.”

January 21

Art Appreciation Day

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Vermont Ski Trip

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Home Leave

February 2-4

Campus Ministries Bible Retreat

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

DECEMBER 2006

In the Fullness of Time hen the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son ... to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Gal. 4:4,5). The Savior’s coming was foretold in Eden. When Adam and Eve first heard the promise, they looked for its speedy fulfillment. They joyfully welcomed their firstborn son, hoping that he might be the Deliverer. But the fulfillment of the promise tarried.

But God’s purposes know no haste and delay. In heaven’s council the hour for Christ’s coming was determined. When the great clock of time pointed to that hour, Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Centuries ago those who loved the Lord brought their gifts to Christ, laying them at the Master’s feet. How good to bring a gift that can merit the blessing of heaven! In a time when gaily-wrapped packages are exchanged, it is good to remember that the lasting gift is the one that is given to Christ. Other gifts are used and quickly discarded, but a gift to Him who loved us and gave Himself for us is one that endures for eternity. Indeed, it can lead another to give his or her heart to Jesus.

In thinking of gifts you will give, don’t forget Jesus, the Light of the world. An offering sacrificially sent for Mountain View missions will help in leading men and women to accept Him as Savior and Lord. If you are led by the Spirit to make an extra special year-end gift, remember Mountain View Conference. May God richly bless you as you make your giving at this seaLarry Boggess President son a matter of earnest prayer.

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Family Life Seminar Attracts Area Professionals ore than 100 health, education, and welfare professionals streamed in from Nicholas County in central West Virginia to attend the four-session seminar “Raising Successful Children and Teens.” Presenter Blondel Senior, PhD, whose doctorate is in sociology and criminology, brought to his attendees far more than academic material. As founder and director of Advent Home Youth Services, Inc. in Tennessee, Senior deals with troubled teenage boys. He helps them find wholeness and freedom from behavioral problems that have brought them into conflict with parents and teachers.

Illustrating his presentations with fascinating personal and professional experiences, Senior held the attention of his audience during his four sessions, “Understanding ADHD Children,” “How to Raise

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Responsible Children,” “Anger Management,” and “Discipline Without Punishment.” Steven Shank, MD, Mountain View Family Life director, arranged with the state’s Department of Health and Human Resources, the Nicholas County Board of Education, Summersville Memorial Hospital, and other agencies to grant continuing education credits to all staff members who attended.

Blondel Senior, PhD, founder of Advent The warm Home, educates professionals on methods reception that of treating ADHD. the professional community gave to Senior convincingly expressed their appreciation for his practical how-to material.

Senior’s recorded talks and information about Advent Home are available through the website www.adventhome.org.

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Pastoral Couple Joins Charleston/Huntington District en Blundell, new pastor for the Charleston/Huntington district, led no ivory tower existence in his youth. Though raised in the church, Blundell went adrift during his teen years. Accustomed to hard work, his continued exposure to the church was in the form of working for an Adventist logging contractor in California.

While working in the woods he met his future wife, Sherry (both pictured).

They married and lived in Sacramento for about 20 years. Then they moved to Arkansas, where Blundell’s spirituality was revived, and he was rebaptized in 1996. Along with his conversion came an irrepressible desire to make Christ known to others. His success as a lay soul winner opened for him the opportunity to serve as a Bible instructor, evangelist, and pastor in California and Arkansas.

Blundell’s campaigns have taken him across the country, where his ministry of song enhanced his rich gospel presentation. Blundell says, “Effectual prayer and evangelism are the emphasis of my ministry. One cannot have really fruitful evangelism with enduring results unless everything you do is immersed in prayer.”

When asked what prompted him to accept the invitation to Mountain View Conference, Pastor Blundell answered, “One day I got a phone call from a very positive man whose belief in prayer and soul-winning were clearly genuine. That man was Larry Boggess, conference president. His emphasis and vision dovetailed with mine, and after much prayer, my wife and I saw the hand of the Lord in this call. We are glad we came. Our two flocks in Charleston and Huntington are beautiful, and it is a joy to work with them, and with the associate pastor/evangelist David Morgan and his equally evangelistic wife, Annie.”

Sherry is a committed homemaker and enjoys giving cooking schools. Welcome to this dedicated pair.

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Mountaintop Church Welcomes New Converts he evangelistic series held recently at Mountaintop church in Oakland, Md., started as planned and everything was going well. On the third night, local resident Rodney Uphold approached speaker Pastor Stewart Pepper of the Lewisburg, Richwood, and Rainelle (W.Va.) churches and asked, “Who is the Adventist pastor in this area?”

Pepper, a bit confused at his question, pointed to Geoff Starr, pastor of Mountaintop as well as the Morgantown and Grafton (W.Va.) churches. Uphold proceeded to tell Pepper that he had looked at the

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Mountaintop pastor Geoff Starr (left) and evangelist Stewart Pepper (right) praise God for helping resident Rodney Uphold accept the Adventist message.

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Also joyfully taking their stand for the truth during the seminar were Allen and Sylvia Green, who sealed their decision in baptism.

back of the meeting handouts to discover which denomination was conducting the meetings. He saw Amazing Facts listed and immediately went to the website where he watched some of speaker Doug Bachelor’s presentations.

Uphold continued, “I am convicted of the Sabbath and the state of the dead. I want to be in church this Sabbath.” Amazingly, Pepper had not presented the truth about the Sabbath or the state of the dead. Pepper and Starr were so elated that the work of winning Uphold’s heart had already been done by the Holy Spirit.

It was later discovered that Uphold had previously bought some books from some Adventist lay students who went through the area under the direction of Ed Rockwell, Kingwood (W.Va.) church pastor and conference publishing director. This story just drove home the point that it is not we who win souls to Him, we are just the messengers.—Geoff Starr

Mountain View

EVENTS December 11

Executive Committee

January 19-21

Pathfinder Winter Camp, Valley Vista Retreat Center & Timberline Ski Resort

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

DECEMBER 2006

God Sent You, Alumni and Friends he Lord has a great work to be done, and he will bequeath the most, in the future, to those who do the most faithful, willing service in the present life. The Lord chooses His own agents, and each day under different circumstances, He gives them a trial in His plan of operation” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 17).

I recently had dinner with a couple of Mount Vernon Academy (MVA) board of trustees members. We spoke about the major transformation that has taken place at the academy during the past six years. We specifically discussed the far-reaching support that was given to renovate the physical campus. Alumni and friends responded to His calling in a mighty way.

This year MVA opened its doors to the largest freshman class since the 1979-80 school year.

Those 53 students are here, in large part, due to the generous support of those alumni and friends. They believe in the school, and, more importantly, in the call that God has given them to share their time and resources.

God continues to show his favor on the “school on the hill” through the alumni and friends that are committed to seeing students attend each year. Because of them, the future of MVA looks positive and the preparation of young people for His kingdom continues. Thank you, alumni, for David Daniels allowing God to use you. Let’s look forward to continued success in preparing His children Principal for eternity.

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Freshman Orientation, New Mentor Credited for Growth od has truly blessed MVA this year with an amazing staff and student body. And because every student is special to us, and we don’t want to lose a single one, a plan was put into action to help with retention. To this effort, the position of freshman/new student mentor was developed. MVA teacher Ed Strunk (pictured) accepted the call with excitement and enthusiasm. Strunk genuinely cares for the students and will do whatever it takes to help them be successful.

His one-on-one, student-focused and individualized care system has already proven to be an effective tool in helping new students acclimate to their new environment.

New students at MVA know that no matter what happens, day or night, they have Strunk and their assigned campus parents to assist them. Some of the duties of freshman/new student mentor include: daily meeting with students; helping with homework; mentoring through social issues and concerns—encouragement, home sickness, family grief and concerns; adjusting to dorm life; helping students be accountable for their grades—including conferences with their instructors; and communicating directly with parents.

Another part of MVA’s retention effort is the threeday Freshman Orientation, which was held prior to the

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start of the school year. During this time, the freshmen participated in team-building activities, met and spent time with the staff and faculty, attended classes, and made the adjustment from living at home to life in the dorms.

Thanks to the efforts of Strunk and all of the MVA staff, we did not lose any freshman students due to homesickness, and currently have 100MVA freshmen patiently wait to regpercent retention for ister for the 2006-07 school year. that class.

“It was really great to meet all of the freshman students and staff members before school actually started,” said freshman Katie Schuen. “From day one we got to start bonding and making friends. Freshman Orientation was awesome, and I think MVA should do it again next year for the new students.”

—Margaret Sutton

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Campus Technology Gets a Boost or the past few years, Mount Vernon Academy has been working to keep up with the demands of progressive technology that influences the educational system. This school year MVA is in the process of making the campus wireless and has embraced other forms of technology to aide in the students’ learning.

The upgrades are all being made possible by a grant from the Ohio Conference. iPods are one of the most popular forms of technology on campus—students use them to listen to music. Now the faculty is incorporating them into their teaching and using them as tools to assist students in many areas, such as learning Spanish. They are also beneficial to many auditory learners by enabling them to hear the teacher’s lectures outside of the classroom. With the use of iPods, tests can be given audibly to students who will benefit from hearing as well as reading the test questions.

Many staff members are using iPAQs, a pocket PC, to stay connected with each other throughout the day. Additional uses of the iPAQ include taking class and supervision attendance wirelessly, sending and receiving emails, scheduling calendar appointments, filling out conduct reports, and Teacher Lesa Marshall uses her iPAQ saving classroom presentations. This to take attendance in her sophomore little handheld device has revolution- Bible Class. ized the campus.

SMART boards are helping to make the science and math classrooms more interactive. Students can be given individual remotes to answer questions posed by the teacher and can get immediate feedback on their answers. Teachers have the ability to print out notes that are taken during class as well as post their lectures online for students who missed class.

Students are growing up in an interactive, technology-driven society.

MVA is being proactive in facilitating technology, in a positive way, for both Juniors Jonathan Keplinger (left) and its teachers and students. MVA strives to provide the best opportunity for Nephrateri Lewis study together using the iPod for audio. learning by using the many new tools currently available.—Aaron Myers

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Did You Get the Message? imely communication with parents and students is a longstanding challenge at MVA. The boardingschool dilemma of getting messages out in a timely manner to parents located all over the United States, or end-of-the-day messages to village students, has now been eliminated.

Again technology came to the rescue. MVA recently purchased a service called OneCallNow. Getting an announcement out to the masses is as easy as picking up the phone, dialing the tollfree number, and recording a message. Within two minutes, every household and cell phone number on MVA’s roster will be called—365 in all. This messaging service accounts for busy signals, answering machines, cell phones, disconnected numbers, and many other scenarios: Just log onto the Internet to see your call report. Parents are excited and appreciative of the increased communication. A poll reported that 98 percent of the parents were in favor of this new communication tool.—Margaret Sutton

calendar of

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events

December 12–14

Semester Exams

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Christmas Concert

16–Jan. 2

Christmas Break

January 3

Classes Resume

15–20

Student Week of Prayer

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Senior Play

Spirit is published in the Visitor by Mount Vernon Academy 525 Wooster Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 ■ Phone: (740) 397-5411 ■ Principal, David Daniels ■ www.mvacademy.org Editor, Margaret Sutton

DECEMBER 2006

Fulfilling God’s Mission, Growing Churches esus has commissioned all Christians to be part of growing His vineyard here on Earth. We are seeing the evidence of faithful members fulfilling this commission. God has blessed the small groups and church-planting efforts, and His vineyard has increased by nearly 70 percent during the past 10 years. The world church has grown from about 9 million members to 14 million. This statistical information causes us to praise God for what He has done through His dedicated servants.

In the past 10 years, New Jersey has grown from 8,300 members to 12,000 members using the small group and church-planting principles. The conference leadership is committed to continue, and to accelerate, the process of planting new churches.

This is not, nor can it be, the work of the pastors alone. It can only be accomplished by pastorlaity unison, together accepting the commission of Christ. Just this year alone, nine new companies have been formed in New Jersey, for which we thank God. Ellen White wrote: “Upon all who believe, God has placed the burden of raising up churches” (Medical Ministry, p. 313). “New Churches must be established, new congregations organized. At LeRoy Finck this time there should be representatives in every city ...” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, President p. 24). With God directing our path, we will continue growing churches in New Jersey.

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NEWS Farewell to Pastor Hoyt

Hackettstown Spanish Promoted to Company

Pastor Robert Hoyt and his wife, Nellie (pictured), recently retired from full-time pastoral duties. The past 12 years of his ministry have been at the Browns Mills and Mt. Holly churches and the New Jerusalem company.

Pastor Hoyt dedicated approximately 17 years of his life to the selfsacrificing work of literature evangelism in the Southern New England, Georgia-Cumberland, and AlabamaMississippi (now known as Gulf States) conferences, as well as the Southern Union. In 1989 he became a Bible worker for the Pennsylvania Conference, and then in 1994 became a full-time pastor with the New Jersey Conference.

In March 1999 Hoyt was ordained to the ministry.

His consecrated life to the Master has been very fruitful. Pastor Hoyt has been tireless in his quest for souls for the kingdom. Remaining the ever vigilant and faithful servant, he is retired in name only and continues serving at Browns Mills church and the New Jerusalem company as a bi-vocational pastor.

The Hackettstown’s Spanish group celebrated their organization into company status recently. This celebration took place out of the common parameters: Instead of between the four walls of the church, it was celebrated amongst the beauty of Stokes State Forest near Branchville, N.J., during the district’s annual camp/retreat.

Dover church members, who are part of the same district, not only came to participate in the camping, but were also there to share in Hackettstown’s joy.

In the afternoon the officers of the conference joined the campers. Attendees enjoyed an inspiring sermon from José H. Cortes, executive secretary. He inspired members to work together in preparation for the second coming of Christ.

Conference president LeRoy Finck explained the process of the organization, and Bradley Galambos, ministerial secretary José Cortes (left), executive secretary, and and Personal Ministries and LeRoy Finck, president, Sabbath School director, gave encouraged cooperathe prayer of dedication for the tion among members of 37 members that now belong to the new Hackettstown this new company.

Spanish group and its —Pastor Ramon Croussett sister churches.

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First Haitian Church Established in Irvington long-time dream of Newark’s Maranatha French church came true recently when it gave birth to a new group nearby in Irvington, the Maranatha II company. The effort was initiated by former Maranatha pastor Wilson Mompremier and carried forward by his successor, Pastor Smith Olivier.

The passion to develop the group into a company weighed heavily upon Pastor Olivier’s heart. He first led the group to a new location.

Then he organized a special week-

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First Maranatha church choir presented special music.

end of prayer every month for the community at large. Through this powerful prayer ministry, the presence of the group was made known in the community. Within a few months the attendance grew from 30 to 50 people.

The group continued to grow through the diligent efforts of the members. They provided food for Sabbath meals, transportation for events, and, most of all, prayer.

This summer under the fiery preaching of Jean Michel Etienne (pictured), pastor of the New Brunswick Morija French and the Teaneck French companies, and the Philadelphie French church in Jersey City, the group conducted their first evangelistic series. The Lord blessed and nine precious souls were baptized. On the same Sabbath, the conference administration organized the group

Dover Spanish Celebrates Family Life Week he Dover Spanish church recently celebrated a Family Life Week, led by Pastor Ramon Croussett. The event saw a near perfect member attendance, plus there were visitors, several of whom attended every one of the church services.

The week concluded with all of the couples going to the Tranquil Valley Retreat Center in Tranquility where they had a very nice day sharing, eating, laughing, and, more importantly, being together.

Thirteen couples were blessed with topics like “Communication at Home,” “How to Identify and Solve Conflicts,” “How to Integrate the Faith in the Family,” “Who is the Head of the Home?” and studies about marital sex. A

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More than 60 people signed their names into the church book to become charter members of the Maranatha II company.

as a company. That day 65 people signed the membership book. This is the first Haitian Adventist presence in the city.

The mother church, Maranatha French, continues to be persistent in soul winning. They recently held their own evangelistic effort, and the Lord blessed them with 24 more precious souls.

December 3

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Executive Committee 10 a.m.

Pastors/Teachers Christmas Banquet 2:30–4 p.m.

ADCOM, 9 a.m.

Board of Education 10 a.m.

ABC Open 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

ADCOM, 9 a.m.

Principals Council 10 a.m.

ADCOM Office/ABC Closed

Pastor Ramon Croussett and his wife, Mercedes, led the Dover Spanish church couples retreat.

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key moment was at the conclusion of the week when couples were given a chance to renew their marriage vows.

—Pastor Ramon Croussett

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

DECEMBER 2006

Adventists Create Fun at County Event amily Fun Day, sponsored by United Way, is a popular annual all-about-family event held at the Knox County Fairgrounds in Mt. Vernon. More than 85 Adventist volunteers, including 60 Mt. Vernon Academy students, joined the activity recently. The volunteers provided booths, activities, and various general support services representing the Adventist Book Center, Mt. Vernon Elementary School, Pathfinders, Camp Mohaven, area Adventist churches, and the Ohio Conference.

The Family Fun Day planning committee and numerous community organizations enthusiastically rallied around a new event created and sponsored by the Ohio Conference staff, The Amazing Race: Family Edition. More than 1,000 individuals participated in this challenge to complete 10 of 18 checkpoints ranging from tasting healthy snacks to sport fishing to obtaining photo identification for children.

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The Amazing Race, the conference’s new event, attracted more than 1,000 eager “racers.” Location operators were (left to right) Mike Stevenson, youth director; Raj Attiken, conference president; and Cindy French, associate superintendent of schools.

The Teen Zone checkpoint, directed by a local physical education teacher, provided action for all ages. Sport fishing—shown in the background—was a Boy Scout’s checkpoint.

NEWS Two Pastors Ordained Mike Barnett was recently ordained to the ministry and is currently pastoring the Bryan, Defiance, and Hicksville churches. It was while operating his own locksmith business that God led Barnett to Walla Walla College (Wash.) where he completed a degree in theology. Barnett and his wife, Nancy (pictured with their daughter, Marie), are grateful that God has called them to work in this area.

Although recently ordained, Marcellus de Oliveira (pictured with his wife, Cisa) has been pastoring the Bucyrus, Galion, and Marion churches since August 2001. God has been leading in de Oliveira’s life since his baptism in 1987 in Salvador, Brazil. Though de Oliveira considered becoming a pastor, God led him on a detour of nautical engineering school and 10 years with the Merchant Marines navigating the globe. It was during a week of prayer at his home church that the de Oliveria’s

were moved by faith to relocate and move to Andrews University to study for the ministry.

New Conference Treasurer Appointed Andy Sutton was recently appointed treasurer of the Ohio Conference. He started at the conference in 1999 as auditor, and then advanced to association treasurer.

Sutton is also known as the “tech” guy around the Ohio Conference. He has been responsible for the innovative sound and video productions at Ohio camp meetings, and is often spotted behind a soundboard at area meetings. Sutton has been married for 23 years to his high school sweetheart, Margaret (Koontz) Sutton.

Margaret has been the office manager at Mt. Vernon Academy for five years. The couple has three children: Valerie is a sophomore at Andrews University, Lindsay is a sophomore at Mt. Vernon Academy, and Christopher is in seventh grade at Mt. Vernon Elementary School.

New conference treasurer Andy Sutton (bottom right) gets encouragement from his family: (left to right) Christopher, Margaret, Lindsay, and Valerie.

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Unity Day A Success he churches of northeast Ohio recently celebrated a one-day camp meeting event at a public high school in Akron. Guest speaker was Pastor Mike Fortune of the Canton and Warren churches. He reminded all church members who gathered from Allegheny West and Ohio conferences that Jesus treated every day, conversation, question, and any ordinary thing as outreach. And when His followers finally left the upper room and followed His example, that was when the world turned upside down.

The Warren church praise band led worship services, and volunteers and pastors from area churches taught Sabbath School classes for all ages. After the fellowship meal, the Mt. Vernon Academy Bell Choir provided a wonderful concert. The rest of Sabbath fellowship included a scavenger hunt, a viewing of the Desmond Doss (an Adventist and Medal of Honor recipient) DVD The Conscientious Objector, and a

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Heather Winfield (left) and Rajee Arunan of the Warren church share a moment of fellowship during Unity Day.

“Hymnspiration” vespers followed by a game of volleyball after sunset at Mayfair Christian School in Uniontown.—Pastor Mike Fortune

Cleveland Members Say “We Care” to Community everal Cleveland area churches got together recently to organize We Care Expo, an outreach event for the community. The twofold intent of the event was to build a mission spirit among the churches, and to inform the community about Seventh-day Adventists and their love for people.

The group was granted a permit to use Edgewater State Park on the shores of Lake Erie, just west of downtown Cleveland. A large tent and stage were rented, and the Ohio Conference loaned the sound and video equipment.

Multicultural music and short, educational talks from the stage throughout the day drew in passersby. Four booths manned by various churches gave the public

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Plan to Attend Ohio Ministry University “Fire for your ministry … oxygen for your soul.”

Ohio Ministry University is an unprecedented weekend for leadership development for ministry leaders. Keynote speaker will be Caleb Rosado, PhD, former chair of the Campolo School for Social Change at Eastern University in Philadelphia, Pa. The event will be held January 13-14, 2007, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Columbus. For more information, call (740) 397-4665, ext. 165.

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The praise team from Walk of Faith Fellowship in Cleveland was one of the musical talents on display at the expo.

information about Adventists: one provided health information; one dealt with family issues; one specialized in social services; and the fourth focused on Bible study and prayer. There was also a prayer garden where church members could pray with people. There were door prizes for the public that included a new Bible and a $50 gas card. Balloons and gift bags were given away to the children.

These churches of the Ohio and Allegheny West conferences are already planning next year’s We Care Expo. For more information, contact Pastor Kevin Kuehmichel of Cleveland’s Walk of Faith Fellowship at (216) 941-3233.—Pastor Kevin Kuehmichel Mission Ohio is published in the Visitor by the Ohio Conference ■ P. O. Box 1230, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 Phone: (740) 397-4665 ■ President, Raj Attiken Editor, Bette Toscano ■ www.ohioadventist.org

DECEMBER 2006

Constituency Celebrates God’s Blessings elegates of the 12th Triennial Constituency Session of the Pennsylvania Conference heard many stories of God’s leading as reports from His work across the state were shared. This was shown through the increase in membership—which now exceeds 10,123; the number of Adventist groups working on church plant projects; the dedication of our teachers in our Adventist elementary, junior academy, and Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) campuses; the evangelistic work of our fine pastoral staff; and the initiatives of several local churches.

“The church is God’s appointed agency for the saving of souls,” Dave Weigley, Columbia Union president, pointed out during his devotional message. The officers and departmental staff take that very seriously and work with joy alongside members to carry forward Christ’s mission. The nearly 400 delegates overwhelmingly voted to re-elect their leaders for 2006-2009, as follows: Ray Hartwell, president; Barry Tryon, executive secretary; Delegates to the 12th triennial constituency session Rudolph Pelley, treasurer; Vaughn overwhelmingly re-elected Pennsylvania Conference Jennings, vice president for educaadministration: (left to right) president Ray Hartwell tion; Floyd Dare, stewardship and and his wife, Jeanne; executive secretary Barry trust services director; and Kris Tryon and his wife, Lilly; and treasurer Rudolph Pelly Eckenroth, youth director. and his wife, Diane.

About 20 years ago the conference was in severe financial trouble. Thanks to the faithfulness of God’s people and good management, it has grown strong financially.

Members are now called upon to prayerfully apply our current resources in the best way to foster growth in the local churches, support our educational ministry, and support new work among the populated areas where no church or work presently exists.

Adventist Whole Health Network (AWHN) outlined the challenges it has been facing in creating a new type of health ministry for which few observable models exist. However a new administrator (as BMA’s Bel Canto, under the direction of Hector reported on page 2) brings a wealth of experience and vision to this Flores, provided special music. ministry. A number of plans for reaching the community with lifestyle medicine and community wellness education and outreach are already being implemented.

BMA gave a good report about the approach used for the Christian education of our secondary students, and the intent to guide these young people in Christian leadership and service.

The conference established a church-planting resource fund to assist mission groups in planting new congregations. There is a need to strengthen and enlarge our Youth, Pathfinder, and Children’s ministries—especially to reach out to unchurched families and children. There is also a need to increase ministry to the various multicultural groups living in Pennsylvania—a foreign mission work, right here at our doorstep.

An exciting addition to conference work is the Lay Equipping University, which is taking the approach started

by Mission Training Station, and moving it up, utilizing instructors from the North American Division Evangelism Institute, who will come and help prepare lay leaders and lay pastors.

In many more ways, we are answering God’s invitation for Him to work through each one of us here in Pennsylvania. Please join me in prayer as we journey forward into living the mission.—President Ray Hartwell

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Lifestyle Ministry Dedicated ith new leadership and new programming under development, the future looks bright for Adventist Whole Health Lifestyle Medicine Center’s contribution to medical missionary work in the Reading area.

Dick Spotts (pictured) recently was appointed administrator of the Adventist Whole Health Network (AWHN), bringing with him more than 35 years of hospital administrative experience. Spotts conveys enthusiasm and optimism when he shares his vision for the future. “We are planning to make 2007 a banner year as we work with patients individually and in educational programs to promote the wellness of the residents of Berks County and surrounding areas,” he says.

Adding to the thrust of support from new leadership, a number of Adventist members recently attended a dedication service for AWHN. Led by conference president Ray Hartwell, participants united in prayer for the consecration of AWHN board members, staff, faculty, and services to reach the community with the good news of the health message.

During the weekend, Hans Diehl, DrHSc, MPH, founder of the Coronary Health Improvement Project (CHIP), presented a lecture series in the Reading area as a guest of AWHN. The event was held to raise awareness of lifestyle medicine and promote participation in the CHIP program, which is a regular part of the programs offered at AWHN. Diehl spoke at three of the Adventist churches in the area and spent personal time with recent CHIP graduates at a private alumni dinner. The weekend culminated with a community Take Charge of Your Health expo held at the local sports complex. Health screenings, food samples, a panel discussion, presentations,

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and other activities allowed participants to experience various aspects of the CHIP program.

For more information, call (610) 685-9900.—Steve Iuliano

December 10

Live Nativity and Open House Conference Office

January

Find Love in the Old West he next conference marriage retreat will take place February 23-25, 2007, at the Mountain View Inn in Greensburg—in western Pennsylvania. Built in 1924 this charming updated facility features mountain views, distinctly appointed rooms (accented with southwestern state antiques/reproductions), a fitness room, and a AAA, 3-diamond restaurant with chefcreated meals. The weekend price of $215 per couple includes: your room for two nights, a hot breakfast buffet Sabbath and Sunday mornings, a boxed lunch on Sabbath, all seminars, and fun surprises.

There will also be a “Love in the Old West” banquet on Saturday night where prizes will be awarded for the best western costumes in these areas: most romantic, most authentic, most unique. Our speak-

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12-14

19-21 26-28

Pathfinder Executive Council Camp Lakawana Hispanic Elders Retreat, BMA Pathfinder Winter Retreat, Laurel Lake Camp

February ers will be Dwight and Janita Herod (pictured) of Collegedale, Tenn.

Herod pastors the Bowman Hills church and was the Family Ministries pastor for the Collegedale church for many years.

Janita works in the Journalism Department at Southern Adventist University (Tenn.). For registration and further information, call Jeanne Hartwell, Family Ministries director, at (610) 374-8331, ext. 218.

—Jeanne Hartwell

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23-25

Conference Youth Rally, BMA Scrapbooking Retreat, Laurel Lake Camp Marriage Retreat Greensburg, 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

DECEMBER 2006

Lessons From the Road, Part 1 was excited! It was something I wanted, even needed, to do. With my black Harley Davidson motorcycle and some old friends, 10 days on the open road awaited me. This was a journey to be remembered, an experience to be savored. It was also God’s opportunity to teach me lessons from the road.

It did not take long for the first lesson to manifest itself. Several hours into the trip on the West Virginia turnpike, I passed one of the state’s finest.

“So where are you headed?” the police officer asked. I responded, “Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park.”

“Wow, that’s a long ways. Do you know how fast you were going?” the officer asked. “About 76,” I responded. The officer took my license and registration and soon returned with them and a yellow slip, a warning. The officer stated that he used to ride a motorcycle, and didn’t want me to start my journey on a sour note.

You may never go on a motorcycle trip, but as Christians we are all on a spiritual journey. Some have just begun; many have been on this road for years. We have received grace in our journey when we deserved a “ticket” for our offenses. Will you offer Christian love and grace to someone who just started their Christian journey? Let us remember, “God demonstrates His own Kurt Allen love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).

Vice President for Finance

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Meet Potomac’s New First Family otomac Conference is happy to introduce its new presidential family, Bill and Sally Miller (pictured).

When questioned about what led him into ministry, Miller said, “Ministry was not a place I intended on going, but during my freshman year in college, three unrelated incidents happened with people I looked up to—you could call them adult mentors. They each told me that they believed God had called me into ministry. I figured after the third time that maybe the Lord was trying to tell me something.”

Miller has a rich background in Youth Ministries and said, “You hear it all the time, ‘The youth are the church of tomorrow,’ but this is not true! They are an important part of the church today!”

Of his long-range goals for the conference, Miller stated, “I intend to continue building on the rich leadership heritage of the Potomac Conference. I would like to see every church become a healthy congregation. Without a healthy congregation, you cannot plant healthy churches or expect to have healthy schools.”

He wants to enable churches to focus more on community and outreach, to equip the laity to do spiritfilled ministry, to develop leadership, and help each member better understand what the Lord wants us to do as a church.

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Both of the Millers grew up in California and each has five siblings. They have three children: Dwight, Calvin, and Brianna.—Jeanie Allen

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NEWS Tribute to Donald Richard McGlauflin: 1933-2006 Cancer recently claimed the life of 73-year-old Donald McGlauflin (pictured), founder and former president of Potomac Adventist Prison Ministry Organization (PAPMO). McGlauflin was retired and a veteran of the navy, having served in the Korean Conflict. He and his wife, Elinor, who survives, were also volunteer missionaries in the Republic of Palau during the 1980s. McGlauflin devoted his time and energy to collaborate with Potomac Conference officials in creating PAPMO, which was founded and recognized in 1998. PAPMO’s current president, Hector Cruz, states, “Don was a mentor to many of us. He would advise, guide, and instruct us to be better officers.” McGlauflin’s other survivors include his four children: Wayne, Andrew, Narcisco, and Diane.

—Jeanie Allen

Sligo Pastor Ordained Conference officers recently joined Kermit Netteburg, Sligo church pastor for administration and communication, his wife, Ronnalee (both pictured), and their family and friends for his ordination service at Sligo church in Takoma Park, Md. Pastor Netteberg joined the Sligo staff two years ago, after more than 30 years of service to the Adventist Church as teacher and administrator.

According to Pastor Netteburg, nothing compares with the thrill of being a pastor—of visiting members, studying with people who want to join the church, teaching seminars on the Bible’s application to our life, and helping people discover and use their spiritual gifts.

He believes being a pastor is God’s highest calling, and His most rewarding one. He and Ronnalee have three adult children: Charity Pitton, Kristin Priest, and Olen Netteburg.

Takoma Park Members Build Church in India It began well over three years ago when Alan DeSilva, senior pastor of the Takoma Park (Md.) church, and his wife, Nimmie, visited Ramnad, India, to hold evangelistic meetings. Many attendees were converted and 272 people were baptized. With no building of their own to worship in, Pastor DeSilva promised the new believers a new church.

Subramanian Varadarajan, a Takoma Park church member, helped raise money for the project. The church building in Pamban was scheduled for inauguration in January 2005, but the infamous tsunami hit the community in December 2004. Many members lost their livelihood, but thanks to God, no lives were lost. The newly built church became a shelter for the homeless and a safe haven for the children. It also became a community center for distributing food and clothing to those affected.

The church accommodates 150 people and is fast filling due to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. More churches need to be built, and the church solicits prayers and contributions in this endeavor.—Derek Marley

Advent Hope Supports Work in India Bonnie Brooks (below, right), treasurer for the Advent Hope company in Salem, Va., presented a $6,500 check to Kurt Allen, conference treasurer, for the work in India.

Members recognized the importance of the church’s commission for overseas missions and decided to give so that fellow members would have a place to worship and a person to shepherd them.—Jeanie Allen

Sligo Student Crowned “Hostess” Adrianna E. Hayden (pictured), a fourth-grader and honor roll student at Sligo Elementary School in Takoma Park, Md., was recently crowned National Hostess East Coast USA. The pageant took place in East Brunswick, N.J. —Melvyn Hayden III

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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

DECEMBER 2006

Let’s Build an Army of Youth fter recently attending the Spiritual Academy Leadership Training (SALT) organized by the Columbia Union, I was inspired by the spiritual leadership demonstrated by our youth. SALT is a weekend event that high schoolers from around the union attend each fall.

The energy and enthusiasm of this generation of young people is stunning. I believe that the Lord is raising an army of young people that is going to move our church “out of the frying pan and into the fire.” Our youth are clearly turning up the heat in their desire to have a faith that has action. They are not content to sit around and talk about their faith. James 2:14 gives the battle cry of this movement: “My brothers, what good is it if someone says that he has faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, but his actions tell a different story? Can a verbal belief in Christ without corresponding actions save him?” (Clear Word) With this strong movement among the youth comes a corresponding opposite view, one of complete disinterest. It seems that the years of “Laodicea” have ended and our youth are polarizBrian Kittleson ing. There is fire and ice. Let us pray for a continued outpouring of the Holy Spirit to fan Principal the flames of this generation, because where there is fire, there is very little ice!

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Students Attend Leadership Training ttending Spiritual Academy Leadership Training is something I have looked forward to each year as a member of the student council at Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA). This year’s theme was IQ+EQ+GQ=LQ. The students were not quite sure what to expect from a theme with this unique title.

There is something very special about being with people the same age, from different areas, who all have the same goal—to become a better Christian leader. The keynote speaker, Shirani de Alwis-Chand, EdD, educational consultant from San Bernardino, Calif., spoke about the three building blocks for helping one become a better leader: Intelligence, Emotional understanding/ strength, and God. Simple, yet it was presented in such a way that it moved the students to realize what was lack- SAA student leaders enjoyed the opportunity to fellowship with ing in their Leadership capabilities and helped to improve one another while attending SALT. their God-given talents.

One of the best parts of SALT is the fellowship experienced among classmates and with sister schools. Apart from the presentations, students were able to enjoy some free time to go hiking, do community service, go out on the lake, sing songs, or just hang out.

Saturday night was the highlight of this leadership weekend. There was a very special worship directed by Dunbar Henri, the principal of Takoma Academy in Takoma Park, Md. After presenting his topic of sacrifice and selflessness, he had the students write down one thing that was keeping them from totally surrendering to God. They then put these pieces of paper in a box, took them out to the parking lot, and burned them as a symbol of “getting rid” of those specific hindrances.

As students sang a few songs and watched the fire grow, they felt extra warmth knowing that, although everyone struggles with sin, there is a wonderful God that is more than willing to comfort and lead us in our walk with Him. As an added blessing, He puts others in our lives who can help nurture our individual faith.—Michelle Park, ’07

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 6 | 43

Class of 2007 Dedicated special dedication for members of the Class of 2007, from SAA as well as other area high schools, was held during the Sabbath service recently at the Spencerville (Md.) church. Associate Pastor Charlotte McClure gave a sermon geared especially toward the seniors on the topic of moral courage and its’ importance in their lives. Youth pastor Jason Brooks offered a special prayer, asking for protection for each student throughout the school year. Principal Brian Kittleson, vice principal Carole Coggeshall, Bible teacher Jim Zeismer, as well as science teacher and class sponsor Paty Guzman all participated in the service. The SAA choir and bell choir also provided special music for the day.

This dedication was special because each senior SAA’s Class of 2007, along with seniors from other area was “adopted” by an elder or elder couple in the schools, were dedicated in a special service at Spencerville church recently. church, who promised to provide guidance and to pray for them. An exchange of tokens took place in front of the entire congregation. Each senior gave a personalized scroll to their elder. The elders then gave each student a white carnation. The senior year is challenging and the church family wanted each student to know that there is always someone to support them.—Joanna Saggurthi, ’08

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NEWS Two Seniors Earn Scholar Awards Christopher Ng and Victoria Hudgins, two SAA seniors, recently received Commended Scholar Awards from the PSAT National Merit Scholarship Program. Both students were surprised with letters of recommendation during a special presentation at chapel. Commended students are those who rank in the top 5 percent of the more than 1.4 million students who take the PSAT National Merit Scholarship qualifying test each year.

December 7 9 10 14 20 Left to right: Christopher Ng, vice principal Carole Coggeshall, and Victoria Hudgins glow in the news that these two students received the PSAT Commended Scholar Award.

School Wears Denim for Cause Spencerville Adventist Academy once again participated in the Lee National Denim Day fund-raiser to benefit breast cancer research. For a donation of $5, students got to take a day off from wearing their khaki uniform pants and wear a pair of jeans instead. Many staff also participated in helping this worthy cause.

This is the eleventh year that Lee Jeans has sponsored National Denim Day. During this time they have raised more than $61 million. This year SAA raised its record amount—$887. The school is happy to be able to contribute to the Women’s Cancer Programs of the Entertainment Industry Foundation Initiatives.—Heidi Wetmore 44 | V I S I T O R

CA L E N DA R K-5 Christmas Concert SC Christmas Banquet ACT 6-12 Christmas Concert Christmas Break

January 3 10–12 16 29

School Resumes Finals No School—Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 100th Day of School

Spotlight is published in the Visitor by the Spencerville Adventist Academy 15930 Good Hope Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20905 ■ Phone: (301) 421-9101 www.spencervilleacademy.org Principal, Brian Kittleson Editor, Heidi Wetmore

6 R 2 00 BE CEM DE

Making Christ’s Agenda Ours is the season! It is the time of year when we should not forget the ministry of Jesus Christ and His birth.

Although there are varied beliefs about when Jesus was born, we should, nevertheless, acknowledge His birth and “celebrate” with Christendom. We hear so much about His gift, but what about our gift to Him? Jesus desires us to be “hot” for Him rather than to be “lukewarm” (Rev. 3:15). There are so many attacks against God’s church that we need to be sure that we are vocal in our relationship to Him and continue to be the lights on all of our “hills.” Praise the Lord for His birth.

Takoma Academy’s (TA) enrollment is up. We budgeted for 270 students and have 291 as of October 16. God has truly blessed us. I want to assure all current and prospective parents that we have a strong spiritual and educational program. There is so much talk about TA relocating. Yes, that is still a possibility. However, you must know that no matter what happens now or in the future, we will have a strong spiritual and educational program for as long as I am principal. That is my priority for our students. God is blessing, and as long as we maintain keeping Christ first at TA, I know that God will continue to bless in ways that He deems appropriate. Continue to pray C. Dunbar Henri that our “personal” agendas will always be Christ’s agenda.

Principal

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PHOTOS BY DUNBAR HENRI

NEWS Senior is National Merit Semi-Finalist It has been quite a few years since Takoma Academy received notification about having a National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalist. Lehdeen Bennett (pictured), graduate of Beltsville (Md.) Adventist School and a four-year senior at TA, received notification that she is one of 16,000 in the entire nation of 1.4 million students who received semifinalist status. Bennett credits her success to hard work and prayer to do her best for the glory of God in everything that she does. Bennett has chosen to take whatever classes she can and does not avoid the “hard” classes. What an inspiration to all, that “with God all things are possible” (Phil. 4:13).

Fine Arts teacher Tim Vandeman conducts TA’s Camarata at their recent performance at Capital Memorial church in Washington, D.C.

Park, Md. The student and community participant members practice after school every Thursday at TA, and perform around the community and in various churches.

Vandeman Directs Camarata Takoma Academy’s Fine Arts program remains strong under the leadership of Tim Vandeman. Taking on more responsibility, Vandeman is now the director of Camarata, the choir, band, and strings program. Busy, yes, but he finds it rewarding to be able to lead students in their spiritual walk through the music program.

Camarata and the drama club students look forward to going to England and Scotland for spring break.

Vandeman also recently started the school-based Community Strings group at Sligo church in Takoma

Fall Fest a Success TA would like to thank all who participated in its second annual Fall Fest. It was a pleasure having the Review and Herald Publishing Association and the Potomac Adventist Book Center present for the book fair. It is hoped that they will return again next year.

Games were provided by Carnival Day, a Wheaton, Md., based business owned by Travis Percy, a former student of Takoma Academy. Percy was instrumental in making the day go well.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 6 | 45

outh/Young Adult pastor Terry Johnsson (below) of Sligo church in Takoma Park, Md., coordinated Takoma Academy’s recent Week of Prayer. The week’s theme was “Changed Lives,” and several Sligo pastors came to share experiences with the TA students. Pastor Johnsson talked about how God can change a person who struggles with education.

Children’s Pastor Mark Sigue (left) shared how God can change a physical life. He was burned severely as a child, and yet there are minimal scars.

Assistant Youth Pastor Kitty Pilli (right), graduate of TA, shared that God can take a shy, quiet person and turn them into preachers for the Lord.

She is now a senior theology student at Columbia Union College (CUC).

Pastor Otis Coutsoumpos (left), another graduate of TA and current CUC chaplain, shared about his decision to follow Christ— despite what other students

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were doing around him—and how that solidified his relationship with Christ. Youth Pastor Pete Garza (left), another graduate of TA, wrapped up the school Week of Prayer by sharing how God took him from gangs and drugs to a strong relationship with Christ.

For several days during the week, many students stayed after the worship services to pray together. Finally on Sabbath after-

PHOTOS BY MELANIE SCHIMPF

Week of Prayer Impresses Students

Linda McLaughlin, alumni and development coordinator, performed “With All My Heart” for special music, a song by recording artist Babbie Mason.

TA’s Drama Spoken Choir gives a special performance for worship.

TA Events December 2, 3

John Graham Tournament 8 Christmas Program 15 Noon Dismissal 15-January 1 Christmas Vacation Students were inspired to pray together after the Week of Prayer presentations.

noon, Melvyn Hayden III, yet another graduate of TA and current youth pastor at Community Praise Center in Alexandria, Va., and part-time Bible teacher at TA, had an open-mic session for students to share their relationship with Jesus Christ. Eleven students indicated their desire to be baptized. That is what Week of Prayer is all about, to allow students to commit and recommit themselves to Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit worked in a powerful way.

January 2 11, 12 15

16 29

School Resumes Semester Exams No School— Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Teacher Inservice, Noon Dismissal Back to School Night

TA Today is published in the Visitor

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

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 $45 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 $110 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.

NURSING HOME ADMINISTRATOR Sycamore Glen Retirement Community is accepting applications for a licensed Nursing Home Administrator, to work in a faith-based, nonprofit organization.

Candidate must be a leader who is focused on quality outcomes and customer satisfaction. Other qualifications include: strong focus on short-term rehabilitation, financial strength, solid clinical knowledge, and excellent survey results.

Excellent salary and hospital-based benefits.

Submit confidential resume and application to rachel.drusen@kmcnetwork.org Sycamore Glen is part of the Kettering Medical Center Network, a Seventh-day Adventist Healthcare System, in Dayton, Ohio.

THERAPY PROFESSIONALS Rehab Manager OT/COTA—PT/PTA

EMPLOYMENT THE BLACK HILLS HEALTH AND EDUCATION CENTER has the following positions open: Front office secretary with computer skills, massage therapists, kitchen assistant & housekeeper. Come join us in the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota. Call (800) 658-5433 or www.bhhec.org for more information.

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks applicants for a full-time teaching position in the Chemistry Department beginning July 2007.

Candidates must have an earned doctorate in any area of chemistry, but preference will be given to candidates with a specialization in nontraditional chemistry fields such as forensic chemistry. Please submit vitae and three letters of reference to Dr. Rhonda Scott, Chair, Chemistry Department, Southern Adventist University, P.O. Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315; (423) 236-2932; email: rjscott@southern.edu.

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.

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

Experience the satisfaction of working at Sycamore Glen Retirement Community, a faith-based, nonprofit organization. Our therapy department specializes in serving patients living in our short-term “rehab to home” unit, where treating the whole person always comes first.

Enjoy competitive compensation and benefits, flextime, career ladder, and ongoing educational opportunities—plus all the advantages of a major metropolitan area combined with Dayton’s relaxed lifestyle.

Graduation from an accredited school and applicable license required. Previous experience preferred; recent grads are welcome to apply. Full-time, part-time and resource/PRN opportunities are available.

Apply confidentially online at www.kmcnetwork.org or fax resume to (937) 384-4824.

Questions?

Call Rachel Drusen, HR Manager (937) 384-4842.

Sycamore Glen is a division of Kettering Medical Center Network, a Seventh-day Adventist Healthcare System.

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; email dredmon@adventistrisk.org.

CDL DRIVER NEEDED. Tired of Sabbath problems? Drive for an Adventist trucking company and never drive on Sabbath. Home most weekends. Two years experience preferred. Hiring in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. Call Tony Express Inc. at (301) 526-2328.

ELTERNHAUS SEEKS SPECIAL CAREGIVER. Howard County, Maryland, assisted living, seeks adaptable, trainable, trustworthy, loving, patient, noncritical hostess, personal-caregiver, cook, housekeeper, for varying 8-hour shifts.

This position represents the management (exemplifying our Adventist lifestyle and vegetarian diet while on the premises). Live-in preferred. Conversational, reading and math skills, CPR, first aid, and dementia training essential. Med tech and nursing assistant certificates, activities leadership desirable. 80% medical reimbursement on pre-approved out-patient treatment/drug plan, parking space, utilities, private room, bathroom, and vegetarian food provided, in addition to competitive salary. All taxes paid. Call (410) 707-7071 for interview.

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, an Adventist Health System 63bed acute care facility located in beautiful Southeastern Kentucky’s Daniel Boone National Forrest, has various openings for missionminded healthcare professionals.

For current postings, visit www.manchestermemorial.org and click on Employment or contact the job line at (800) 8728616. Resumes and applications may be faxed to (606) 599-2506.

Contact Joe Skula, human resources director at (606) 5984510 or joe.skula@ahss.org for further information.

MISCELLANEOUS BLACK HILLS HEALTH AND EDUCATION CENTER is offering Massage and Personal Training Certification Programs, which will provide training in a professional Christian-based environment. Students will be eligible to take National Certification exam. Classes begin Feb. 4. Call (800) 658-5433 or www.bhhec.org for more information.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 6 | 51

Bulletin Board 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."

Information/ housing/reservations: (808) 742-9921 or www.kahilipark.org.

STUDENTS NEEDED, spiritual atmosphere, 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.

FOR SALE: 2 BURIAL PLOTS at Parklawn Memorial Park in Rockville, Md. Moving out of area. $2,000. Call Bill or Pat Tipton. Call (301) 753-9265 or (240) 346-4248.

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.

REAL ESTATE 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.

BEAUTIFUL HOMES FOR SALE IN KENTUCKY. Currently offering a lovely three bedroom, two bath, ranch for $108,000. Will build to suit on remaining lots. Many with exceptional views. Friendly, conservative Adventist church and community. Call (606) 7876778 or visit our website at KentuckyLandDevelopment.com.

BUILDING AVAILABLE: 43,000 sq. ft. building on fenced five acres in Texas (1986). Well designed for education, clinical, independent living, assisted living, health lifestyle center, etc. Four identical wings with 14 qualitytype motel rooms in each wing.

Also 3,500 sq. ft. classroom, 2,000 sq. ft. dining room, 1,260 sq. ft. kitchen, and chapel in quiet, secluded residential area.

Call (903) 278-5388.

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.

DOLLY RECORD ASSOCIATE BROKER WITH LONG & FOSTER REAL ESTATE, INC. Over 13 years of excellence, honesty, and integrity in the real estate market.

Dolly Record—exceeding your expectations.

Call for all your real estate needs.

(301) 384-8700 (office) (443) 745-4017 (cell) Email: dolly.record@ longandfoster.com

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?

Whether you are thinking of selling, buying, or investing, contact us for a no-obligation consultation.

You can also visit our website to search properties or to get free home seller or buyer reports at www.carrenoconnection.com

Mel: (301) 237-1650 Lisa: (410) 905-8282 Office: (443) 574-1600 melandlisa@comcast.net Se habla EspaĂąol

52 | V I S I T O R

SUMMIT RIDGE RETIREMENT CENTER, 15 miles from Oklahoma City, and operated by the Oklahoma Conf., 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.

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.

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.

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) 3455200; or Columbia (410) 5316350.

SERVICES

ARE YOU MOVING SOON? Before you rent a U-Haul and do it yourself, check our price and save yourself the hassle.

Plan ahead now and reserve a time slot. Fast, direct, and economical. Contact Gary Erhard, Erhard Furniture, 6681 U.S. 31, Berrien Springs, Mich.; phone (269) 471-7366 evenings from 8-11 p.m., E.T.

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.

MARYLAND ADVENTIST DENTIST: David Lee, D.D.S., PA, has a comprehensive dental office in Silver Spring and in Ellicott City, Maryland.

He is excellent with children and adults, and is highly trained in cosmetic dentistry and implants. For appointments call: Silver Spring (301) 649-5001; Ellicott City (410) 461-6655. Mention this ad and receive 10% discount on all services (excludes third party payers). Our office is a participating provider with Adventist Risk Management.

PLANNING AN EVANGELISTIC SERIES OR HEALTH SEMINAR? Or SHARE HIM/Global Evangelism series? If you need affordable, professionally-prepared handbills, brochures, supplies, signs, banners, and mailing services, call Daphne or Ray toll-free at (800) 274-0016 or visit www.handbills.org. Your friends at Hamblin's Hope offer first-rate, on-time service for all your evangelism supply needs.

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.

SHENANDOAH PLACE, a brand new assisted living facility is now open directly across Hwy. 211 from the New Market (Va.) church, Shenandoah Valley Academy, and Potomac Conference camp meeting.

Featured are spacious rooms with private baths, luxurious appointments, delicious meals, and wireless Internet in an Adventist setting. Also convenient to local hospitals, shopping, and recreation. Please phone (540) 740-4300, email info@shenandoahplace.com and web address www.shenandoahplace.com.

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.

FREE 14-DAY TRIAL! Join thousands and thousands of active Adventist singles online.

Free chat, search, detailed profiles, and match notifications!

Date chat, two-way compatibility match, 10 photos, and confidential online mail. Witnessing opportunities to the world through articles, friendships, chat, and forums. Since 1993. Adventist owners. Thousands of successful matches. Top ranked.

Bulletin Board Successful Computer Dating Exclusively for Adventists Since 1974

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

ADVENTIST LEGAL PROFESSIONALS: If you are a lawyer, judge, or law student, check out and register at the website provided for you by the General Conference Office of General Counsel: www.AdventistLawyer.com.

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Call toll-free (888) 933-9300. Lee's RV City, Oklahoma City. Visit our website at www.leesrv.com or email LeesRVs@aol.com.

Baltimore

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Cincinnati

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Cleveland

4:57

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Columbus

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Jersey City

4:29

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Norfolk

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Parkersburg

5:03

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Philadelphia

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Pittsburgh

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Reading

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SIXTH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The Sanctuary Choir of the Seabrook Seventh-day Adventist Church, under the direction of David L. Green, Sr. and Dr. Laddie P. Bell, Jr., organist, will present “A Medley of Carols” at 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 9, at 8900 Good Luck Road, Lanham, Md. Special guests will include three talented tenors of the Washington Metro area: Reginald Bouknight, John LeSane, and David Simons. The concert is free and open to the public; however, an offering will be taken. Call Dorothy Green at (301) 390-8001 or the church office at (301) 5776342 for additional information.

Richmond

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5:00

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Roanoke

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5:16

Toledo

5:04

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5:12

5:18

Trenton

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2007 GREAT CONTROVERSY TOUR, June 14-28, with Gerard Damsteegt of Andrews University.

See prophecies of Daniel and Revelation come alive! Visit Rome, Italy, and reformation sites in the Waldensian Valley, Switzerland, Germany, and France. A most exciting experience! Call or fax (269) 471-5172; email ctours@mac.com.

TRAVEL/VACATION CARIBBEAN CRUISE AND ALASKA CRUISE/TOUR: April 8-29—Caribbean Cruise to San Juan, St. Maarten, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Tortola, Cayo Levantado. Alaska Cruise/ Tour, August 30-Sept.11— Seattle, Vancouver, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Hubbard Glacier, Anchorage, Denali wild life tour, Fairbanks, Paddlewheel Cruise. Bob & Kathie Foll. Call ASAP (863) 453-7196.

SINGLES MISSION TRIP, February 22-March 5. Enjoy helping in health and public outreach and building a church in northeast Brazil. Activities will include a tour through local villages and being by the sea coast. Obtain information at: www.asamchesapeake.com/ or contact Dirci: (240) 315-2112 or (301) 662-5200, dirci@missionserv.org; or contact Carina: (301) 748-7813, carina@grantops.com.

VACATION ON KAUAI, HAWAII, "The Garden Island." Kahili Adventist School operates a scenic mountain park with one to four-room cabins, sleeping two-six persons. All have kitchens complete with pans, utensils, dishes, etc. See pictures and rates at ww.kahilipark.org.

Reservations at (808) 742-9921.

SINGLES CRUISE following Adventist Single Adult Ministries National Convention, July 5-7, in Orlando. Western Caribbean, four days, MiamiCozumel, on Carnival's Fascination. For brochure, contact Lorraine Thomas.

(951) 929-4178; email LThomas@ASAM@aol.com; or www.asampuc.org.

Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Dec. 22 Dec. 29 Jan. 5

TWO ACCLAIMED PIANISTS will be in concert, Saturday evening, December 30, at 7 p.m., at the Hagerstown (Md.) church, 11507 Robinwood Dr., Hagerstown.

Anyone who has seen the NET evangelism meetings has experienced the wonderful music of Kelly Mowrer, probably best known as the “NET” pianist. Rick Labate, co-winner of four U.S. gospel music awards, Don’t miss this very special music event.

JOHN NEVINS ANDREWS (JNA) SCHOOL IS ANNOUNCING PLANS FOR ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY celebration the weekend of October 27. JNA is seeking contact information for all alumni, attendees, faculty, staff, and friends of the school. The anniversary celebration will take place both at the Takoma Park church and at JNA School. Please email or mail the following contact information: Current name, name used during school years, address and email, phone number, date of graduation, years and dates of attendance at JNA. Email: alumni@jna.org, or write: John Nevins Andrews School, 117 Elm Avenue,Takoma Park, Md. 20912.

SUNSET CALENDAR UNION COLLEGE HOMECOMING Alumni, friends, and former faculty are invited to “Meet Me at the Rock Pile,” April 5-8. Honor classes are 1937, 1947, 1952, 1957, 1967, 1977, 1982, 1987, and 1997. For more information, contact the alumni office at (402) 486-2503, 3800 South 48th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506 or alumni@ucollege.edu.

DELAWARE VALLEY JUNIOR ACADEMY in Deptford, N.J., is planning a alumni homecoming for anyone who has attended the school. We are looking to gather as many names and mailing and/or email addresses as possible, so that everyone will be given the chance to attend. Please email your name and address, and include any names and addresses of friends, to delores_08027@ yahoo.com. Please feel free to forward this email address to as many people as you can.

BETHLEHEM VILLAGE VBS, at Highland View Adventist Church, Dec. 11-5, from 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Authentic Bible-times crafts, the smell of freshly baked flat bread, noisy animals and merchants, drama and “tribe time” to process learning, for adults and children alike. The church is located at 21600 Academy Ter. in Hagerstown, Md. Visit www.fullylive.com or call (301) 739-3144.

VISITOR SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Would you like to receive the Visitor, or are you on the mailing list but have an address change?

Please email or call toll-free: visitorlist@columbiaunion.net (888) 4-VISITOR

or mail to: Columbia Union Visitor Subscription Services 5427 Twin Knolls Road Columbia, MD 21045

Please include the name of the conference where your membership is held and your telephone number. If an address change, also send your previous address as listed on the magazine label.

If you live outside the Columbia Union Conference territory, a year’s subscription (12 issues) is $15.

Please make your check payable to: Columbia Union Visitor and mail to the above address.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 6 | 53

Bulletin Board ALL IN THE FAMILY Pennsylvania Conference Margaret Kitchen celebrated her 97th birthday on August 4, with members of the Stroudsburg Adventist Church, where she has been a member for 72 years. She was a volunteer at the church's Community Service Center for 64 years.

The South Central Mission district has welcomed Pastor David Clevinger and his family to their district, which includes the Carlisle, Shermans Dale, Hershey, Lebanon, and Pleasant View churches. Clevinger has previously pastored in Mississippi, Alabama and Montana.

Pastor Mark Dekle has moved from the Lancaster/Ephrata (Pa.) church district to the Bethlehem/ Walnutport churches. Dekle has previously pastored in Alaska and Micronesia, as well as in the Johnstown/Indiana/Somerset district and Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton district.

Pastor Ken Lytle and his family have joined the Pennsylvania Conference church family.

Residing in King of Prussia, Lytle is pastoring the Havertown/West Chester churches. He previously pastored in North Dakota. Lytle and his wife Jeanette have two sons, Timothy and Cody, who attend the Fairview Village Seventh-day Adventist School.

Pastor Mike McCabe has moved from the Honesdale/ Scranton churches to pastor the Reading Kenhorst Boulevard and Fleetwood churches. He and his wife, Linda, have previously served the Hershey/Lebanon and York/Hanover districts. Their son Ryan is a freshman at Union College, Lincoln, Neb., while son Cody is a student at Blue Mountain Academy, Hamburg, Pa. Pastor Conrad Reichert, his wife Candy, and their three children have joined the Gettysburg/York Springs churches. They moved from Indiana where he pastored the Marion/Markle/Hartford City churches.

Pastor Jody Swart has moved from the Indiana/Johnstown churches in western Pennsylvania, to the Lancaster/Ephrata church district in the southeastern part of the state.

Pastor Dave Sanner has moved from the Allentown church to pastor at the Blue Mountain Academy church in Hamburg, where his wife, Theda, teaches English. They have two young adult children who are both students at Andrews University.

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Pastor Bob Snyder has been serving as an army chaplain in Kuwait and has recently returned home to pastor the Everett and Altoona churches.

Pastor Lonnie Wibberding and his wife, Melanie, have joined the Mifflintown/State College churches. They previously pastored in Alaska.

OBITUARIES ACHESON, Naomi B., born March 19, 1916, in Craigtown, Md.; died August 22, 2006, in Lancaster, Pa. She was a member of the Rising Sun (Md.) church. She is survived by her sister, Ruth Smith.

BLAKELEY, Marion, born July 26, 1923, in Level, Md.; died April 12, 2006, in Rising Sun, Md. He was a member of the Blythedale (Md.) church. Marion was a farmer all his life. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jean Blakeley, of Colora, Md.; his three sons: David of Colora, Leonard of Ellenton, Fla., and Timothy of Eglon, W.Va.; his daughter, Carol Williams, of Conowingo, Md.; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; four brothers; and three sisters.

GARDNER, Evelyn Taylor, born October 12, 1909, in Terrell, Texas; died February 16, 2005, in Loma Linda, Calif. Evelyn taught grades 7 and 8 at South Lancaster, Mass., and was guidance counselor at Takoma Academy for over 20 years, where she pioneered the organization, implementation and administration of a full-service guidance department that became the prototype for Adventist academies. She also launched the Takoma Academy Chapter of the National Honor Society. She is survived by her niece Carol Ann Retzer.

GARDNER, Thomas Roy, born October 2, 1909, in Rockport, Miss.; died April, 2006, in Loma Linda, Calif. He served as secretary-treasurer of the Texico Conference, ArkansasLouisiana Conference, and the Atlantic Union and Columbia Union conferences. His wife, Evelyn, and daughter Lynda Gayle predeceased him. He is survived by brothers Eugene and Norman, and sister Mary Gardner Killen and their families.

KIMBLE-CARNEY, Michele L., born January 2, 1979, in Honesdale, Pa.; died October 11, 2006, in Honesdale, Pa. She was a member of the Honesdale church. She is survived by her husband, Travis Carney; father, Ed Kimble; mother, Terry Fletcher; step-siblings, Chris Fletcher, Julia Fletcher, and Avery Fletcher; stepmother Nancy Kimble; and grandmother Gloria Frechen.

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 January 15.

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 J. Neville Harcombe Executive Secretary Treasurer Seth Bardu Hamlet Canosa Vice President/Education Walter Carson Vice President/General Counsel Vice President/Creative Ministries Monte Sahlin Celeste Ryan Blyden Asst. to the President/Communication Harold Greene Information Technology Plant Services Curtis Boore Walter Carson Trust Services/PARL Peggy Lee Revolving Fund Undertreasurer Carol Wright 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

How Old Is Your Church? am not asking about the age of the members, but how long has your local church existed? This is a significant question because research shows that the longer a congregation exists, the more difficult it is for that church to grow. Most church growth is experienced during the first 40 years. It holds its own at a stable number for another couple of decades, and then decline sets in.

There are exceptions of course. And, it is important to note that we are talking about the number of active participants rather than the official membership statistics.

There are also a limited number of churches that are reborn in old age. This results from something quite severe, such as the church moving to an entirely new location, or a large number of new people (perhaps from a different ethnic group) transferring in and taking over leadership, or a disaster like the church burning down. Occasionally it happens from a change of will on the part of a group of key leaders.

Most often it goes like this: A newly-organized Adventist congregation purchases a building (or has one built), the membership plateaus at that point, and several decades later it goes downhill. Very little growth occurs once a congregation owns a building. That’s why it may be best to delay ownership and keep renting as long as possible.

This research also explains why so much of our growth is among immigrants. There are many new congregations in immigrant communities and relatively few among the native-born population. Similarly, when researchers look at the few immigrant churches that have attained 40 or 50 years, they also lack the same growth rate of more recently formed immigrant churches. In fact, their growth rate mirrors that of native-born congregations.

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WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? The Seventh-day Adventist Church must plant lots of new congregations to renew its vitality—even though a lot of nonimmigrant church plants fail.

These congregations reflect the energy and witness of new generations of young adults. Perhaps we’ve lost the art of church planting. Well, we need to re-invent it in order to continue to be faithful to the mission Christ has given His remnant people!

Monte Sahlin is vice president for Creative Ministries in the Columbia Union Conference. To share your comments and suggestions for future topics, email msahlin@columbiaunion.net or call (800) 438-9600.

Published by the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Printed at the Review & Herald Publishing Association.

Volume 111

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Issue 13

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