Columbia Union Visitor--September 2018

Contents

ON THE WEB

photo by brad barnwell

LOVE IN PICTURES Love in Pictures is Alexis A. Goring’s second Christian novel about how faith and love intertwine.

Goring, a member of Potomac Conference’s Restoration Praise Center in Bowie, Md., says she hopes readers will come away realizing, among other things, that “God is good. God is in control, and true love should always win.” Read more at columbiaunionvisitor.com/loveinpictures.

4 | Newsline 6 | Noticias 8 | Feature

How I Know God Is Real

Shannon Kelly

Stephanie Grant was “sick and tired of being sick and tired,” she says, telling God, “‘If You exist, prove it.

Fix me. And by the way, God,’” she laughs, “‘don’t send me to a church to do it.’”

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About the Cover: Stephanie Grant was photographed by Brad Barnwell at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville, Md. Above: Read about Claudio Consuegra’s journey as a police chaplain on page 10.

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PRAY FOR SEPARATED FAMILIES Like many Americans, Sylvia Urrutia and Anissa Pérez, members of Potomac Conference’s Arise Hispanic-American Company in Silver Spring, Md., felt emotionally drained this summer, watching families being torn apart on the U.S./Mexico border while trying to enter the country.

Knowing prayer is powerful, Urrutia and Pérez started the Family Together Prayer Line, Monday and Friday evenings at 9 p.m. Read more at columbiaunionvisitor.com/prayerline.

IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS In his latest book, Perfect Grace, Ohio Conference Pastor Tom Hughes shares about his discouragement that came from the endless pursuit of perfection.

In the book, Hughes provides the remedy. Read more at columbiaunionvisitor.com/perfectgrace.

SUBSCRIBE TO VISITOR NEWS BULLETIN Get more news and upcoming event information from around the Columbia Union Conference each week by signing up for Visitor News Bulletin (VNB), our weekly electronic newsletter. Subscribe at columbiaunionvisitor.com/vnb. And, don’t forget to send your church events (including a web link) for consideration to visitor@columbiaunion.net.

Editorial dave weigley

What Will Our Legacy Be? Celeste Ryan Blyden n Editor and Publisher V. Michelle Bernard n News, Features and Online Editor Ricardo Bacchus n Newsletter Editor Kelly Butler Coe n Art Director and Designer Sandra Jones n Advertising and Circulation Manager The Visitor is a publication of the Columbia Union Conference reaching approximately 63,000 Seventh-day Adventist homes in the mid-Atlantic area. The Visitor provides news and information, inspiration for effective ministry and insight on issues with a spiritual focus to help engage members in experiencing the mission.

CONTACT n (410) 997-3414 n columbiaunionvisitor.com visitor@columbiaunion.net n To subscribe, change address or discontinue Visitor mailings, call your local conference, as listed below. Ask for the membership clerk. Free to members.

All others, $20 annually. Email sjones@columbiaunion.net.

PUBLISHING BOARD n Dave Weigley (chair), Celeste Ryan Blyden (secretary), Jorge Aguero, Emmanuel Asiedu, William T. Cox Sr., Henry J. Fordham III, Gary Gibbs, Ron Halvorsen Jr., Mike Hewitt, Bill Miller, Rick Remmers, Rob Vandeman

5427 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045 (410) 997-3414 n columbiaunion.org Dave Weigley n President Rob Vandeman n Executive Secretary Emmanuel Asiedu n Treasurer Celeste Ryan Blyden n Vice President, Communication and PR Frank Bondurant n Vice President, Ministries Development Walter Carson n Vice President/General Counsel and PARL Rubén Ramos n Vice President, Multilingual Ministries Donovan Ross n Vice President, Education H. Candace Nurse n Secretary/Treasurer, Revolving Fund Curtis Boore n Director, Plant Services Harold Greene n Director, Information Technology Tabita Martinez n Undertreasurer CONFERENCES ALLEGHENY EAST: Henry J. Fordham III, President; LaTasha Hewitt, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (610) 326-4610 n visitaec.com ALLEGHENY WEST: William T. Cox Sr., President; Bryant Smith, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (614) 252-5271 n awconf.org CHESAPEAKE: Rick Remmers, President; Andre Hastick, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (410) 995-1910 n ccosda.org MOUNTAIN VIEW: Mike Hewitt, President; Valerie Morikone, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (304) 422-4581 n mtviewconf.org NEW JERSEY: Jorge Aguero, President; Mario Thorp, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (609) 392-7131 n njcsda.org OHIO: Ron Halvorsen Jr., President; Heidi Shoemaker, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (740) 397-4665 n ohioadventist.org PENNSYLVANIA: Gary Gibbs, President; Tamyra Horst, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (610) 374-8331 n paconference.org POTOMAC: Bill Miller, President; Debra Anderson, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (540) 886-0771 n pcsda.org EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS KETTERING COLLEGE: Nate Brandstater, President; Jessica Beans, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (937) 395-8601 n kc.edu WASHINGTON ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY: Weymouth Spence, President; Douglas Walker, Visitor Correspondent Tel. (301) 891-4000 n wau.edu HEALTHCARE NETWORKS ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: Terry Forde, President & CEO; Thomas Grant, Visitor Correspondent Tel. (301) 315-3030 n adventisthealthcare.com KETTERING ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: Fred Manchur, CEO; Christina Keresoma, Visitor Correspondent Tel. (937) 395-8167 n khnetwork.org Printed at Pacific Press® Publishing Association in Nampa, Idaho.

Adventist® and Seventh-day Adventist® are the registered trademarks of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®.

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admire courageous people. When it comes to courage, we often think of Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer who took a stand to uphold the primacy of God’s Word; Abraham Lincoln, who signed the Emancipation Proclamation to end 265 years of slavery in the U.S.; and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who facing the advances of Nazi Germany during World War II, declared, “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.”

We also laud the biblical accounts of courageous people like Moses, who, at the age of 80, emancipated God’s chosen people; the prophet Elijah, who challenged Queen Jezebel and the prophets of Baal with an altar and a prayer; and Queen Esther, who risked her life to save her people, spurred by her Uncle Mordecai’s call to action: “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14, NKJV).

In more recent American history, we applaud the courage of Rosa Parks, who, in 1955, tired from a long day of work and the long days of injustice, refused to vacate her seat in the “colored section” on a Montgomery, Ala., bus.

Notably, more than a decade before Parks, Irene Morgan, a Seventh-day Adventist from Baltimore, was arrested for the same reason. On a hot day in July 1944, Morgan boarded a crowded bus in Virginia. She was relieved to find a place to sit in the section for “colored” passengers. When a white couple later boarded, the bus driver demanded that Morgan give up her seat. She resisted and was arrested for violating Virginia’s Jim Crow transit law. She took her case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which, in 1946, ruled segregation on interstate passenger travel unconstitutional. In 2001 President Bill Clinton acknowledged her courage with a Presidential Citizens Medal, inscribed: “When Irene Morgan boarded a bus for Baltimore in the summer of 1944, she took the first step on a journey that would change America forever.”

WHAT IT TAKES What causes people to stand for right in the face of wrong and despite great odds? For some, it is a matter of conscience or conviction. For others, it’s the answer to a calling. But for all, it takes a measure of courage. Courage that rises from somewhere deep within, and, in a moment in time, changes hearts, minds, lives and maybe the course of history. In their book about leadership, Al Gini and Ronald M. Green call it moral courage—the willingness to stand up and speak up for one’s deepest values. “A leader committed to the highest moral values—honesty, compassion or fairness—is useless unless he or she also possesses courage,” they write.

Like many of the seminal figures in history, each of us may face times in our lives and ministries when we will find ourselves at the crossroads of decisions that will challenge the status quo and determine the future.

Will courage be our legacy?

Dave Weigley serves as president of the Columbia Union Conference. columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 3

Newsline

ACSGW CELEBRATES 35 YEARS

Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington (ACSGW) leaders and volunteers recently celebrated the organization’s 35 years of ministry by hosting “Impacting East Montgomery” at the Seventhday Adventist World Headquarters in Silver Spring, Md. At the event, designed to raise awareness of the rapidly expanding social and economic challenges of eastern Montgomery County, Maryland, where ACSGW is located, representatives presented a certificate of appreciation to Montgomery

Montgomery County Council members Mark Elrich (left) and George Leventhal (right) present a proclamation of congratulations for ACSGW’s 35 years of service to Ken Flemmer (center), executive director.

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County Executive Isiah Leggett and several County Council members.

“The most serious poverty and food insecurity in Montgomery County is concentrated in this area,” says Ken Flemmer, ACSGW executive director. He added that 40 percent of ACSGW’s clients are from East Montgomery County and that ACSGW is already making an impact with the academic enrichment summer camps it hosts in that area.—Alicia Tucker

TRANSITION IN WGTS OWNERSHIP PLANNED

WGTS 91.9 is transitioning from Washington Adventist University (WAU) in Takoma Park, Md., to a separate nonprofit entity.

Pending Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval, it will soon be owned and operated by a new nonprofit called Atlantic Gateway Communications, Inc. (AGC), created specifically for this purpose.

This spring the WAU Board of Trustees voted to divest itself of the station’s operating license for $12 million. Pending FCC approval, the purchase will be completed sometime this fall.

“While ownership will change, our mission, programming, team and focus remains on bringing

and the broadcast tower. However, WGTS 91.9 will maintain studios on the WAU campus to continue its training and mentoring work with the university’s students.

Dave Weigley, Columbia Union Conference president, believes God has a special mission and purpose for the media ministry. “Through the ministry of WGTS, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is able to share Christ’s message of hope and wholeness with 600,000 listeners each week, which is remarkable!” he says. “As it continues to grow, this valued ministry will maintain its denominational status and strong ties to the Union.”—Jerry Woods

SUBMIT YOUR CHILD’S ARTWORK

The Visitor staff is working on the 2019 Columbia Union Calendar and needs the help of

photos by elias fuentealba, merle poirier

Caroliza Banaag, Yara Soares and Sofia Robinson enjoy time together at Potomac Conference’s Camp Blue Ridge in Montebello, Va.

our listeners in the Washington, D.C., region a message of hope and encouragement,” says Kevin Krueger, vice president and general manager. “We are so thankful for the foundation which has been built over the last 60 years at WAU.” Rob Vandeman, Columbia Union Conference executive secretary, who has served as board chair for the last seven years, and will continue in that role, says, “This governance shift will facilitate a nimbler operation, which will enable the ministry to stay relevant in the ever-changing, fast-paced arena of media and digital communication.

Overall, the change will provide the room and tools necessary for the team to grow stronger and serve the community in even greater ways.”

To facilitate this and other plans for growth, much of the media ministry operations will be relocated to a larger space that will provide greater access to advanced technology, equipment

Newsline

20 EDUCATORS SELECTED FOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

young Columbia Union Conference members, ages 5 to 15. Submit original artwork depictions of your favorite Bible stories by September 30, and we might feature you and your drawing in the calendar. Visit columbiaunionvisitor.com/2019callforart for full details.—V. Michelle Bernard

CREATOR OF HAYSTACKS PASSES AWAY

Ella May Hartlein, a former member of Potomac Conference’s Sligo church in Takoma Park, Md., credited with the creation of haystacks, a popular dish among Seventh-day Adventists, passed away this summer.

Hartlein created the dish, first known as “Hartlein Special” after her family moved to Idaho, an area that didn’t serve the family’s beloved tostadas at any restaurant. Someone shared the dish, a concoction of chips, beans, cheese and vegetables, with a local newspaper for an article.

From there the dish went forth, though it is unclear when people began referring to it as a “haystack.”—Wilona Karimabadi

The Bainum Family Foundation and NYC Leadership Academy recently launched the Advancement of Christian Education (ACE) Academy Leadership Coaching Program, a two-year intensive designed to help 20 school administrators maximize their impact and better serve students.

This program paired 10 novice school administrators (“coachees”) with 10 personal leadership coaches within the Columbia Union Conference. This oneon-one training will benefit the pairs as they build skills to navigate the dynamic challenges of leading a 21st-century school, including balancing stakeholders, growing through their own leadership experiences and confronting inequities.

“As educators, we work to prepare our students for success in every way we possibly can, and to strengthen our schools, we must first strengthen our leaders, which is exactly what this program is designed to do,” says Jacqueline Messenger, associate director of secondary education for the Columbia Union.

“The ACE Academy Leadership Coaching Program is truly a godsend, and we are excited to have been selected to participate in launching this program.”

The following coaches (pictured on page 7 in Noticias) were selected to participate in the program: Nancy Melashenko, principal, Richmond Academy; Darren Wilkins, principal, Spring Valley Academy; H. Clifford Reynolds III, principal, Mayfair Christian School; Michael Gayle, principal, Huntingdon Valley Christian Academy; Judie Rosa, vice principal, Spencerville Adventist Academy; Wendy Pega, principal, Beltsville Adventist School; Jeanne Marie Fraino-Garcia, vice principal, Beltsville Adventist School; Ruth Nino, principal, Waldwick Adventist School; Elisa Maragoto, principal, Lake Nelson Adventist Academy.

The following coachees (pictured above) were also selected: (Back row) Ellenor Paul-O’Neil, vice principal, Spencerville Adventist Academy; Jennifer Hackley, principal, C. F. Richards Christian School; Timothy LaPierre, principal, Shenandoah Valley Adventist Elementary School; Alison Jobson, vice principal, Spring Valley Academy; Erik Borges, principal, Highland View Academy; (Front row) Valerie Green, principal, Worthington Adventist Academy; Beckie Carbaugh, principal, Frederick Adventist Academy; Miya Kim, vice principal, Atholton Adventist Academy; Jaymie Pottinger, vice principal, Pine Forge Academy; Elayna Moffitt, vice principal, Lake Nelson Adventist Academy.

For more information, visit columbiaunionvisitor.com/leadershipacademy.

—Amy Soper

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Noticias

TRANSICIÓN DE PROPIEDAD PARA WGTS WGTS 91.9 está en transición de la Universidad Adventista de Washington (WAU) en Takoma Park, Maryland, a una entidad independiente sin fines de lucro. En espera de la aprobación de la Comisión Federal de Comunicaciones (FCC), pronto será propiedad y será operada por una nueva organización sin fines de lucro llamada Atlantic Gateway Communications, Inc. (AGC), que ha sido creada específicamente para este propósito.

Esta primavera, la junta directiva de WAU votó a favor de desprenderse de la licencia operativa de la estación por $ 12 millones. A la espera de la aprobación de la FCC, la compra se completará en algún momento de este otoño con todos los activos transferidos a AGC. “Si bien la propiedad cambiará, nuestra misión, programación, equipo y enfoque seguirán brindando a nuestros oyentes en la región de Washington, D.C., un mensaje de esperanza y aliento”, dice Kevin Krueger, vicepresidente y gerente general. “Estamos muy agradecidos por el fundamento que se ha construido en los 6 | VISITOR September 2018

últimos 60 años en WAU”.

Para facilitar este y otros planes de crecimiento, gran parte de las operaciones de este ministerio se reubicarán en un espacio más amplio que proporcionará un mayor acceso a tecnología avanzada, equipos y la torre de transmisión.

Sin embargo, WGTS 91.9 mantendrá estudios en el campus de la WAU para continuar su capacitación y

MIEMBROS DE MARYLAND COMIENZAN LÍNEA DE ORACIÓN PARA FAMILIAS SEPARADAS Al igual que muchos estadounidenses, Sylvia Urrutia y Anissa Pérez, integrantes de la compañía bilingüe Arise de Potomac en Silver Spring, Maryland, se sintieron afectadas emocionalmente este verano al ver a las familias

Más de 300 acampantes se inscribieron para actividades divertidas como conducir buggies de dunas (Benjamin Lazo and Jordan Slifka en la foto) en el campamento de Laurel Lake de la Conferencia de Pensilvania en Rossiter, Pensilvania, este año.

fotos por jason lombard, jonathan borton

Giulia Balint, Julianne Paris y Mia Chow juegan al tira y afloja durante la Escuela Bíblica de Vacaciones en la iglesia de Spencerville de la Conferencia de Chesapeake en Silver Spring, Md.

trabajo de tutoría con los estudiantes de la universidad, así como también para necesidades de un estudio de respaldo y transmisión.

Dave Weigley, presidente de la Unión de Columbia, cree que Dios tiene una misión y un propósito especial para el ministerio de los medios de comunicación. “A través del ministerio de WGTS, la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día es capaz de compartir el mensaje de esperanza y plenitud de Cristo con 600,000 oyentes cada semana, ¡lo cual es notable!”, Dice. “A medida que continúa creciendo, este valioso ministerio mantendrá su estatus denominacional y sus fuertes lazos con la Unión”.

Lea más en columbiaunionvisitor.com/wgtsmoves.—Jerry Woods

Noticias siendo separadas en la frontera de Estados Unidos y México cuando intentaban ingresar al país.

“A medida que luchamos con sentimientos de impotencia, tratamos de encontrar formas de ayudar o hacer una diferencia en las vidas de estos preciosos pequeños y sus familias.

Constantemente están en nuestra mente y constantemente en nuestras oraciones”, dice Urrutia.

Sabiendo que la oración es poderosa, Urrutia y Pérez comenzaron una línea de oración por la Familia Unida, los lunes y viernes por la noche a las 9 p.m. Lea más en columbiaunionvisitor.com/ prayerline.—V. Michelle Bernard

ENVÍANOS UN DIBUJO DE TU HIJO

20 EDUCADORES SELECCIONADOS PARA PROGRAMA DE LIDERAZGO

La Fundación de la Familia Bainum y la Academia de Liderazgo de la Ciudad de Nueva York recientemente lanzaron el Programa de Entrenamiento de Liderazgo Académico para el Avance de la Educación Cristiana (ACE), un programa intensivo de dos años diseñado para ayudar a 20 administradores escolares a maximizar su impacto y servir mejor a los estudiantes.

Se formaron diez parejas, cada una de ellas está formada por un administrador escolar novicio (“coachee”) y un líder entrenador (“coach”) de la Unión de Columbia. Este entrenamiento personal beneficiará a las parejas contribuyendo a que desarrollen habilidades para sortear los desafíos dinámicos de liderar una escuela del siglo XXI, incluyendo el equilibrio de las partes interesadas, creciendo a través de sus propias experiencias de liderazgo y la confrontación de diferencias.

“Como educadores, trabajamos para preparar a nuestros estudiantes para el éxito en todas las formas posibles, y para fortalecer nuestras escuelas, primero debemos fortalecer a nuestros líderes, que es exactamente para lo que este programa está diseñado”, dice Jacqueline Messenger, directora asociada de educación secundaria para la Unión de Columbia”. El programa ACE de entrenamiento de liderazgo es verdaderamente un regalo del cielo, y estamos muy contentos de haber sido seleccionados para participar en el lanzamiento de este programa”.

Los siguientes “coaches” o entrenadores (en la foto) y “coachees” fueron seleccionados para participar en el programa inaugural: Entrenadores (en el fondo) Nancy Melashenko, directora de Richmond Academy; Darren Wilkins, director de Spring Valley Academy; H. Clifford Reynolds III, director de Mayfair Christian School; Michael Gayle, director de Huntingdon Valley Christian Academy; (adelante) Judie Rosa, vicedirectora de la Academia Adventista de Spencerville; Wendy Pega, directora de la Escuela Adventista de Beltsville; Jeanne Marie Fraino-Garcia, vicedirectora de la Escuela Adventista de Beltsville; Ruth Nino, directora de la Escuela Adventista de Waldwick; Elisa Maragoto, directora de la Academia Adventista de Lake Nelson.

El personal de la Revista Visitor está trabajando en el Calendario de la Unión de Columbia 2019, y necesita la ayuda de los niños de la Unión. Envía tus dibujos originales de las historias de la Biblia, y podríamos incluirlas en el calendario. Visita columbiaunionvisitor. com/2019callforart para obtener más información.—VMB

“Coachees” (página 5) Ellenor Paul-O’Neil, vicedirectora de la Academia Adventista de Spencerville; Jennifer Hackley, directora de la Escuela Cristiana C. F. Richards; Timothy LaPierre, director de Shenandoah Valley Adventist Elementary; Alison Jobson, vicedirectora de Spring Valley Academy; Erik Borges, director de Highland View Academy; Valerie Green, directora de la Academia Adventista de Worthington; Beckie Carbaugh, directora de la Academia Adventista de Frederick; Miya Kim, vicedirectora de la Academia Adventista de Atholton; Jaymie Pottinger, vicedirectora de Pine Forge Academy; Elayna Moffitt, vicedirectora de la Academia Adventista de Lake Nelson.—Amy Soper

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HOW I KNOW GOD IS REAL And Other Compelling Testimonies From Chaplains

By Shannon Kelly

MARIYA MARTON:

“NO LORD. I HAVE TWO KIDS!”

M

ariya Marton recalls with painful clarity the day her life turned upside down. She was pursuing a Master of Arts in Practical Theology and completing her residency at Ohio State University’s hospital in Columbus, when she started feeling dizzy and sick.

She went to check it out, and the doctor told her she had a brain tumor. The news hit “like a rock,” she recalls. “The doctor was talking to me, and I was not listening to him anymore. I said, ‘No, Lord.

I have two kids! There’s no way!’” The thought of

leaving behind her husband, two children, and the plans she thought were God-ordained was too much to bear.

She and her husband began desperately searching for a doctor who could help, but the near four-month pursuit was agonizing. “I talked a lot with God, [spent] a lot of nights struggling and talking,” she says. “It was a very dark time.”

During this time, Marton, a member of Ohio Conference’s Centerville church in Dayton, clung to the words of Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (NKJV).

“

My experience helped me understand and relate with patients on a deeper level. It has enhanced my inner empathy and compassion toward those who need to be listened to and cared for.

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Eventually she went to Kettering Adventist HealthCare, headquartered in Dayton, where she learned that she didn’t have a brain tumor but a brain aneurism. Though it appeared to exist in an inoperable area behind her eye, skilled physicians were able to remove the tumor and save her life.

Marton noticed that the spiritual support from the hospital staff was as incredible as the physical support, so much so, that after her recovery, she dedicated her life to chaplaincy and now serves in the same hospital. “By the grace of God, Kettering healed my life and gave me life for my family and kids, so I want to pay it forward; that’s why I’m here.”

Chaplain Marton, who serves at Kettering’s Southview Medical Center in Centerville, has spent almost five years offering spiritual support to patients.

Her passion for the work is deeply personal, because she herself was once the patient. It’s especially emotional when she is helping a patient through a similar diagnosis. “My experience helped me understand and relate with patients on a deeper level. It has enhanced my inner empathy and compassion toward those who need to be listened to and cared for,” she says. “I’m privileged to enter such sacred moments and take time to sit and hold their hand. I like to listen to their inspirational stories, and be there as they express overwhelming emotions, fears and regrets. This is where my care comes into action.”

At times she cannot help but question why God performed a miracle on her behalf and not for others.

“It’s been tough at moments, but knowing that God’s in control—that’s what helps me the most,” says Marton, who is now working to earn a Doctor of Ministry.

STEPHANIE GRANT:

“DON’T SEND ME TO A CHURCH”

A

fter years of being homeless and drugaddicted, Stephanie Grant finally hit rock bottom. “I was sick and tired of being sick and tired,” she says. “I had the audacity to tell God, ‘If You exist, prove it. Fix me. And by the way, God,’” she laughs, “‘don’t send me to a church to do it.’”

Grant carried a lot of baggage from her church days, and had no intention of going back. With the help of an old friend, she checked herself into rehab, and later joined a 12-step fellowship, where God gently began to reintroduce Himself to her. She then attended a world convention of her 12-step program in Baltimore. There she experienced a pivotal moment of seeing more than 10,000 former drug addicts—people like herself—now healthy and clean.

“I knew that day that God was real, and if He could do this for this many people outside of a church, that He was real,” Grant says. “That day changed my life, because it made me willing to kind of keep going.”

Grant, now 10 years free of active addiction, found herself back in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, a place she swore she would never return.

She felt God’s call to enroll at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md., to study theology, but she didn’t know exactly where her career would take her.

“I refer to my call as Abrahamic in nature,” Grant explains. “God says, ‘Go where I will show you.’”

So she went, and “the call to chaplaincy was revealed along the way,” she says. Her path led her to pursue a Master of Divinity, then into chaplaincy. For the past four years, she has served as a chaplain at Adventist HealthCare’s Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville, Md., where she is actively working to receive endorsement from the Chaplaincy Ministries department of the North American Division.

“

It is important to let people know that God is not confined to a church building.

He’s not small! And just ‘cause you don’t understand the way He works, don’t mean He ain’t workin’! This is probably why chaplaincy is for me.

Chaplain Grant, a member of Allegheny East Conference’s Emmanuel-Brinklow church in Ashton, Md., shares her story because “it is important to let people know that God is not confined to a church building,” she says. “He’s not small; He’s not small! And just ‘cause you don’t understand the way He works, don’t mean He ain’t workin’! This is probably why chaplaincy is for me.”

During her shifts, Grant works as a fully-integrated member of the interdisciplinary care team, visiting patients in their rooms to offer spiritual and emotional care to help “facilitate whole-person care and healing,” she says. “We are part of the emergency response team, so we respond to codes and any hospital crisis to provide emotional and spiritual support to family members and staff. We work with families who are struggling with loved ones at end of life to come to the best decision they can for treatment, and, following a death, we provide support.”

The final days of life can be painful, and watching others suffer has given her “the understanding of the fragility of life and a willingness to live life to its fullest.”

Though she loves her job, some aspects are difficult. Sometimes Grant cannot help but see family or friends reflected in a particular case or patient. She also struggles when a young person’s life is tragically cut short. “I’ve had two teenagers, at different times, drop on the basketball court. One made it, one didn’t,” she recalls. “When people are cut down early, those are hard places to journey because there are no answers! One of the things that I’m very aware of is that I don’t have the answers. … I don’t have a magic prayer,” she concludes. “I’ve never laid hands on 10 | VISITOR September 2018

somebody and had a miraculous, spontaneous resurrection. I don’t have that ability—that is God’s.”

CLAUDIO CONSUEGRA: “PART OF THE FAMILY”

F

or 30 years, Claudio Consuegra has been a volunteer law enforcement chaplain. Consuegra, a member of Potomac Conference’s Beltsville (Md.) church, and the director of Family Ministries for the North American Division, has served as a chaplain in six states.

Consuegra currently serves the Prince George’s County Police Department in Maryland, but his journey as a chaplain began while he was pastoring in Oklahoma. The local hospital needed volunteer chaplains, and Consuegra decided to try it. Shortly after, he learned the police department was also looking for chaplains. “I went there, and immediately I fell in love with that type of ministry, and I’ve been doing it [ever] since,” he says. Consuegra is a member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains, and has been through a great deal of specialized training to become a police chaplain.

His work has led him to build meaningful relationships in many places with police officers. Riding in police cars with the officers allows him to provide a listening ear, counsel and camaraderie—a chance to serve the officers who serve him.

The work is not always pleasurable, however.

Consuegra recalls serving in New York City following

the tragedy of September 11, 2001. He was stationed at what was called “the pile”—rubble towering a reported seven to eight stories where the Twin Towers had stood tall only days before. “… The smells and the sights, it was not very pleasant,” he reflects solemnly. “I would work around the pile every single day, and stop to talk to the cops, firefighters, emergency personnel. … It just gave me a greater sense of the work that we do, and a

greater appreciation for the work they do.”

One of the hardest responsibilities Consuegra shoulders is delivering death notifications. He recalls one of his first death notifications, occurring in Waskogi, Okla. “This lady was bludgeoned to death in her home, and the cops were asked to go there to see why she wasn’t responding or answering the phone ... that’s when they found her dead, and so they asked the family to come to the station.”

He remembers delivering the sad news to three siblings that their mother had died. “The first one just about fell apart,” he recounts. “A few minutes later, the second one came, and she said, ‘I knew it! I knew it was going to happen!’ A few minutes later, the other one came, and he was very angry. [He] just wanted to punch walls.”

As police officers are not trained for this duty, Chaplain Conseugra takes the lead with an officer nearby for his protection, should someone react in anger and attempt to harm the bearer of bad news.

Individuals react to the death of a loved one in a number of ways, ranging from rage to hysterics, and it is Consuegra’s job to remain with them in the wake of the notification to help them process the shock. At times a family member asks Consuegra to conduct a funeral for the deceased, particularly if the family does not belong to a church.

Despite its hardships, there is much to love about police chaplaincy. Consuegra considers one of the most rewarding parts of his job the bonds he forms with law

“

There are some battle-hardened cops that you can’t get two words out of. After a while, they do begin to lower their defenses.

When you finally gain their trust, police chaplaincy becomes very exciting because then you’re part of the family.

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enforcement officers. “There are some battle-hardened cops that you can’t get two words out of,” he notes.

“After a while, they do begin to lower their defenses, and many of them become very, very open. When you finally gain their trust, police chaplaincy becomes very exciting because then you’re part of the family.”

Consuegra does not sugarcoat the realities of law enforcement, but he encourages those with the desire to choose this path. “Law enforcement chaplaincy is not for everybody,” he cautions. “You see the worst in society. At the same time, you see the best in society.

It’s not for every pastor,” he concludes, “but it may be a wonderful blessing for those who choose to try.”

“

I have been blessed beyond measure by working with students! They show so much love to me in return for the love I show them.

TIM HARLEY: “JUST ABOUT

ANYTHING YOU CAN IMAGINE”

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et cetera, just about anything you can imagine.”

Some of Chaplain Harley’s most memorable experiences involve interfaith encounters and student baptisms. “We had a young lady from Korea who had a Buddhist background, and we talked about God and about prayer in Bible class,” he recalls. “And one day, someone had stolen her money that she had in her room for her plane ticket home to South Korea for Christmas, and she came to me and said, ‘Is it true that if you pray, that God can help you with things like that?’

And I said, ‘Absolutely.’ And so we prayed, and someone who had taken it felt guilty and returned it. And after that, she was very open, and ... she was baptized before she left here.”

Sometimes his role extends to students who no longer attend SVA. He recalls when a former student called him one day, out of the blue, to say that he and a group of friends had gotten involved in the occult. One of his friends seemed like he was being harassed by a supernatural force. Harley and another pastor agreed to meet with them. “He was very catatonic and seemed to be in a trance or spell. But we prayed over him, and he was delivered from whatever was harassing him,” Harley shares.

“I have been blessed beyond measure by working with students!” he adds. “They show so much love to me in return for the love I show them. I am also greatly blessed to see the ‘light’ come on when they get a deeper understanding of Jesus’ love and most of all, I am blessed when I have the opportunity to baptize them.”

photos by ty wright, brad barnwell, ashley swartz, carrie heilman

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or more than 22 years, Tim Harley has been serving Potomac Conference’s Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) in New Market, Va., including as head chaplain since 2004, and as the associate chaplain eight years before that.

Harley juggles many responsibilities in his job. He teaches Bible classes to sophomores and seniors; leads baptismal Bible studies; attends regular administration committee meetings; plans mission trips, weekend programs and activities; and helps supervise them on campus.

In addition to these responsibilities, Harley provides counseling to students. “I’ve had students come to me about suicide, cutting, to talk to me about friends they know are doing drugs or dabbling in the occult. I have students who come to me about parental issues, siblings who are incarcerated, and just general discouragement or depression,” he explains. “Sexual abuse,

CHAPLAINCY MINISTRIES EXPANDS

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he North American Division (NAD) reports that chaplaincy ministry in the Seventh-day Adventist Church began in Battle Creek, Mich., circa 1875. Then during World War II, a few Adventist ministers joined the military as chaplains and the first Adventist chaplain for a correctional institution served in California in 1959. Fifty-five years ago, there was only one certified/endorsed chaplain in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. “Now we have close to 700 endorsed chaplains across the U.S.,” says Paul Anderson (pictured below), an experienced military chaplain who currently serves as director of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries (ACM) for the NAD. He says that today’s chaplains may specialize in a particular area of ministry: military, hospital, law enforcement, school or the community. Yet, wherever their concentration lies, the main function of a chaplain is to provide spiritual counsel and support.

His department defines a chaplain as a “commissioned, licensed, credentialed minister of the church laboring for people at significant crisis points in their lives, caring and restoring as did Christ.”

Chaplains must also be prepared to serve in diverse, interfaith environments. “Whether you are African American, Jewish, male or female, the common needs of people are the same,” says Washington Johnson, assistant director of ACM and a Navy chaplain who will be promoted to captain of the U.S. Navy Reserve on October 1.

photo by robert l. sheldon, courtesy of gc archives

HOW TO BECOME ENDORSED

To become an NAD-endorsed chaplain, applicants must hold a Master of Divinity degree (72 credit hours minimum) and have two years minimum tutelage under a senior chaplain or practical pastoral experience.

The pastoral experience may include preaching with competency, performing baptisms, officiating or assisting with funerals and weddings, etc., says Anderson.

Additional certifications may be required of a chaplain applicant seeking denominational endorsement.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE

Requirements may also differ, depending on the type of chaplaincy. For example, a community chaplain may be required to have an Adventist Community Services certification. Military chaplains will undergo further training as required by whatever branch of the military they

Chaplain Joseph T. Powell and “Chaplain Barnes” spent time in Korea from December 1952–July 1953 with the Adventist Church’s War Service Commission. serve. “You learn how to minister in the particular culture you will be in, and chaplain school is a requirement,” Johnson explains.

AN EXPANDING MINISTRY

Ann Roda, vice president of Mission Integration and Spiritual Care for Adventist HealthCare (AHC) in Maryland, provides oversight for a team of 30 healthcare chaplains and says chaplaincy ministry often expands beyond spiritual support.

“People’s lives are very complex, and our chaplains recognize that you cannot take the physical, the mental and the spiritual apart from the whole,” she says. “Everything is interconnected, and many times, when our chaplains talk with patients, it’s not just about spiritual issues; it leads into so many other aspects of an individual’s life.”

AHC has recently adopted a collaborative model in which chaplains work more closely with physicians, social workers, therapists and other AHC team members to provide whole healing for patients. Patients tend to divulge personal information to chaplains that they withhold from physicians, nurses and other caretakers. The chaplains can share pertinent information with the rest of the team to provide a more complete picture of a patient’s life, and can help get them referred to an appropriate resource, such as a therapist for mental health, or a social worker.

AHC chaplains also partner with the employee assistance program, providing support to their fellow staff who may be facing personal struggles.

—Shannon Kelly columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 13

14 | VISITOR September 2018

Glenridge Hosts Community STEM Event

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he Glenridge church, located in District Heights, Md., recently held its first STEM event under the direction of youth leader Kenloy Morris. Attendees included Glenridge and community members, aged 10–15. “We wanted to encourage our young people to get involved early in the STEM subjects,” says Vernon Waters, pastor.

The event kicked off with speeches from professionals and students involved in the STEM fields. Tom McSorley, an export compliance officer for SpaceX, a company that designs, manufactures and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft, shared the latest developments in the pursuit to enable people to live on other planets.

Cassius Scott, a Glenridge member and an aircraft maintenance student at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (Va.), spoke about the multitude of opportunities available in the STEM field.

Donald Gordon, also a Glenridge member who currently serves in the IT Department of Medicine at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Md.), spoke on

staying focused to achieve success at any level.

Following the presentations, youth exhibited their own STEM projects, such as natural soaps, fragrant oils and perfume. Other community professionals also demonstrated their work, including electrical and architectural engineering crafts.

Mt. Calvary Member Honored for Community Service

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he U.S. Army recently recognized Sendry O. Pittman, Sr., a deacon at the Mt. Calvary church in Williamsburg, Va., for his dedication to volunteering. In

Sendry O. Pittman, Sr. (center), his wife, Doris, and Lieutenant Colonel Vincent B. Myers, commander of the McDonald Army Health Center, celebrate the newly named volunteer program.

recognition of his 30-plus years of serving his community, the Red Cross Volunteer Program was renamed the Sendry Pittman Volunteer Program. The ceremony took place at the U.S. Army Transportation Museum on the grounds of Fort Eustis, Va. Upon retiring from the U.S. Army in 1968, Pittman operated a regional family transportation company for 31 years, and served the community as the president of the Forest Glen Citizens Civic Association. After relocating to the Newport News, Va., area, he began 19 years of voluntary service in various capacities, 14 as an American Red Cross volunteer coordinator for the McDonald Army Health Center.

Pittman attributes his propensity for service to his parents, whom he watched assist others throughout his life. He also gives the U.S. Army credit for opening his eyes to the needs of others. “So many doors were opened for me, and I owe it to others to give back.”

At the age of 88, Pittman intends on continuing to volunteer as long as he is able. “I’m dedicated to living a life of service to our church, our community and mankind,” he says.

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AEC’s Health Retreat Celebrates 40 Years

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his year marked 40 years for Allegheny East Conference’s (AEC) health camp, a two-week adult camp centered around promoting healthy living through an exercise regimen, health education and healthy eating.

The retreat was first birthed by Gwen Foster, who served AEC as a Bible instructor. When reaching out to families, Foster discovered that a large majority of individuals with whom she studied had health concerns. She soon began to show families how to prepare healthy meals and practice other health principles. Recognizing Foster’s affinity toward Health Ministries, AEC administrators sent her to Loma Linda University (Calif.) to pursue a master’s degree in public health.

After she graduated, Foster engaged in a conversation with a renowned health professional who encouraged her to start a health camp at AEC, and, in 1978, that’s exactly what she did. She named it Fitness for Life Camp, based off a favorite phrase Foster once heard: “Preparing for life here and the life to come.”

Foster shares, “And that’s what I wanted the camp to do ... to prepare people for a healthy life on earth, and to receive eternal life as well.”

The camp consisted of a combination of exercise, healthy eating and Bible studies, which met the needs of most campers who had life-threatening diseases.

The camp continued to meet these needs, even after

Church and community members participate in a strength training class during the two-week summer camp retreat.

Attendees, including founder Gwen Foster (top left), gather during the early years of Fitness for Life Camp (now Fit 4 You Retreat).

Foster left her post to become the “health czar” in Philadelphia. AEC’s Health Ministries Department sponsored the event each summer, and, in 2004, changed its name when Leah Scott came on board.

“We had to change it for branding purposes, but we wanted to make sure the new name reflected the fact that the retreat was centered around the camper’s experience,” says Scott.

Many transformations have taken place for attendees over the years, from significant weight loss to lowered blood pressure and reversal of diseases. “They go to their doctors after the Fit 4 You Retreat™ and when [the doctors] see their blood work and test results, they tell them to keep doing what they’ve been doing,” expresses Scott.

The longevity of the Fit 4 You Retreat appears to be strong, as many attend faithfully each year, and some staff members have volunteered since the camp’s inception. There are also tentative plans to expand beyond the two-week summer camp. “I’d love to see a Fit 4 You Retreat Center on our grounds, where people can attend year-round to receive resources and encouragement to lead a healthy lifestyle,” projects Scott.

This year’s Fit 4 You Retreat theme was “Pathways to Health,” in which campers studied Florida Hospital’s CREATION Health program on the laws of health. For more information, visit fit4youretreat.org.

Allegheny East Exposé is published in the Visitor by the Allegheny East Conference n P. O. Box 266, Pine Forge, PA 19548 Phone: (610) 326-4610 n visitaec.com n President, Henry J. Fordham III n Communication Director, LaTasha Hewitt

16 | VISITOR September 2018

Harmony Uses Voices to Share Gospel

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armony is a gospel quartet, known for their a cappella harmonious sound. Their goal is to captivate audiences by singing the message of Jesus Christ.

“Saving souls one note at a time,” is Harmony’s motto, made up of singers (pictured clockwise) Haven James, Tirzah Hawley, Chris Upchurch and Samara Orr. As toddlers, and later in youth choir and praise team, these four formed a special bond at the Ephesus church in Columbus, Ohio. One Friday evening, they realized that this bond knew no musical bonds.

“The lead musician, Reyguel Nious, was playing the song ‘Silver and Gold’ after praise team rehearsal,” says Samara Orr. “We joined in singing, and that was the first time the four of us heard ourselves outside of other groups and choirs and instantly noticed we had an unique sound! That’s how the group got started!”

In 2008, at the age of 17, they started the group Harmony, and have had the opportunity to sing in area churches and travel outside Ohio to minister to other denominations.

“We want people to know that we are a group bonded by our love of music and our love for Christ, which empowers us to share the gospel through music. ‘Harmony’ stands for the parts that we sing and the type of unity we have for each other,” says Chris Upchurch. Haven James adds, “We are all different people in personalities and sing different parts, but we blend together to make one cohesive sound and group!”

John Boston, former pastor of the Central church in Ohio, and Noah Washington, pastor of the Ephesus church, opened their doors for Harmony’s first and second concerts. Since then they’ve performed many concerts and have been featured on stages with eight-time Grammy winner Joel Kibble of Take 6, five-time Grammy winner Larnelle Harris of the Gaither Homecoming group and 3ABN singer and director of world evangelism John Lomacang.

Harmony gives credit to many people who have helped and encouraged them along their path, such as music coordinator Elaine Arthur and Pastor Bron Jacobs of the Community Praise Church in Alexandria, Va., as well as Charde Hollins, the director of Young Adult Ministries for the Allegheny West Conference.

Also instrumental in their development, Grammynominated and Dove Winner Yvonne Lewis-Shelton; general manager of Dare to Dream Network and Grammy nominated singer Wintley Phipps; and

Harmony, a gospel quartet known for their a cappella harmonious sound, began their full-time music ministry in 2008, when they were only teenagers.

four-time Grammy nominated David Phelps have served as mentors to this 10-year-old group.

Many churches, conferences and schools are recognizing Harmony’s talents. Recently the Oakwood Alumni Association (Ala.) asked Harmony to sing their signature song, “These Are They,” at the 2018 alumni weekend. A couple months later, Allegheny East Conference organizers invited them to sing at the main pavilion during camp meeting and opened for Michael Kelly, senior pastor of the Mt. Rubidoux church (Calif.).

Harmony’s influence has stretched beyond the Adventist Church into other denominations. WVKO 1580, a local praise radio station in Columbus, has interviewed Harmony and has played their music numerous times. Harmony participated in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration event in Columbus.

Also, the Jerusalem Second Baptist church in Urbana, Ohio, led by pastor Michael Freeman and his wife, Tishia, have been a great and supportive influence through the years.

“Harmony is on a mission to be the millennials who help the Seventh-day Adventist Church finish spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost, struggling, hurting and forgotten world by our singing and sharing Him through music,” says Tirzah Hawley.

For more information about Harmony, email HarmonySingers2016@gmail.com, call (614) 484-2712 or find them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

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Ministry Builds Genuine Compassion in Pittsburgh

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effrey Baskin, former pastor of the Hillcrest church in Pittsburgh, made a life-changing decision to leave the safety of full-time conference employment to respond to the needs of those languishing on the highways and byways of life.

While driving one morning, he witnessed a homeless man buried beneath snow. Two very simple, but profound questions were audibly voiced from within.

“What are you going to do about it?” and “How compassionate are you as a Christian?” This was the defining moment of truth that challenged the genuineness and authenticity of his relationship with God. Through this experience, Bridges Community Outreach Ministries was birthed, “Bridges” referring to the challenges and obstacles of community-based ministry that must be transcended if the church is successful in building collaborative relationships with other community organizations. Bridges is a ministry

SCI-Greene inmates donate boots to homeless men as a result of the influence of members from the Bridges Community Outreach Ministries.

of compassion to those Jesus referred to as the “least of these.”

Baskin, director, along with members of the Hillcrest and Ethnan Temple churches and other volunteers have been working for the past six years in Homeless Ministries, Prison Ministries, Code Blue—which focuses on those impacted by tragedy in the Pittsburgh area—and “Come Up,” a pilot program that addresses the trauma needs of young men ages 13–17.

Their approach to Prison Ministries extends far beyond conducting religious services within the correctional institutions. Building positive relationships with administrators, and especially with the inmates, is imperative. Upon release, Bridges invites some ex-offenders to minister to homeless people, conducting Prison Ministries workshops and serving as mentors to at-risk youth through the “Come Up” program.

Evan Stanton is the perfect example. He was an inmate at SCI-Pittsburgh when he met members from Bridges. Upon release, Stanton became a part of the ministry. He obtained employment and made monthly donations to Bridges. Stanton is now married with two sons and a mentor in the “Come Up” program.

As a result of conducting Bible studies and preaching Christ to inmates, Baskin has baptized more than 100 prisoners. Bridges is looking to increase its impact in the areas of employment and housing referrals through funding and other resources to make this a reality. For more information, visit bcom.com.—Yvette Peterson

Parkwood Participates in Old West End Festival

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very year the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, brings thousands together from all over the country to celebrate diversity, enjoy tasty food and music and tour historic homes. The Parkwood church in Ohio is in walking distance from many of these historic homes. This year Parkwood members felt God calling them to establish relationships with the thousands of attendees by hosting a “Bridging the Gap!” training event.

Friday evening guest speaker Marquis Johns, pastor of the Allegheny East North Philadelphia church,

highlighted the importance of understanding the way different generations think and how their value system is important for people who want to share Christ.

On Sabbath the church changed its Sabbath School and divine service times to accommodate members to participate in the Old West End Festival parade.

Members distributed some 500 share cards, announcing ministry opportunities available at the church.

After the parade, Johns emphasized in a sermon that until the church changes its approach to ministry, there will be no change in the community.

Spirit is published in the Visitor by the Allegheny West Conference n 1339 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43205 Phone: (614) 252-5271 n awconf.org n President, William T. Cox Sr. n Communication Director, Bryant Smith

18 | VISITOR September 2018

Planting the Future

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rom the beginning, the early New Testament church and the early Adventist church were church planting movements. Members took the commission to “go into all the world” seriously. They understood they had a special mission to take the gospel to the dark areas of the world. Both the apostles and the early pioneers went to unentered cities, raised up churches and trained leaders, then moved on to the next unentered city. It was this method of ministry, blessed by the Holy Spirit, that enabled them to grow so rapidly and turn their world upside down (see John 17:6). This, too, is the calling of the 21st century church.

The Chesapeake Conference territory is a vast mission field of seven million people spread out over urban and rural communities, stretching from West Virginia to Baltimore to the Eastern Shore. Chesapeake has engaged in a bold initiative to reach the unentered parts of our territory that have no Adventist presence. In order to establish an Adventist church for every 50,000 people, we need to plant 50 churches, in places like Baltimore, Randallstown, Bel Air, Wilmington, Newark, Towson and beyond.

We cannot be content to just maintain what we already have; we must move forward to penetrate these unentered areas filled with people longing for hope. We must give them Jesus!

Has God placed a desire in your heart to plant a church, conduct a Bible study, David Klinedinst form a small group or begin a Branch Sabbath School in an unentered city near you?

Director of Evangelism Christ is looking for laborers. How will you answer the call? & Church Growth

Spanish Camp Meeting Aspires to ‘Reach One More’

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ispanic churches from around the conference came together this summer for Spanish Camp Meeting 2018. Inspired by Desmond T. Doss, the story of the Adventist World War II medic, organizers themed the conference, “Dame Uno Más, Señor” (Give Me One More, Lord), to encourage attendees to reach out to one more soul.

Feature speaker Victor Burgos (pictured), president of the Metropolitan Ministry Association of El Salvador and head of the Youth Ministries Department in the MidCentral American Union Mission, encouraged members to reflect on their personal walk with Christ, make a commitment to follow Him and reach out to others in the process. Other presenters instructed members on leadership, the theology of the Sabbath and community service.

The weekend concluded with a graduation ceremony for 40 Spanish-speaking conference members (pictured) who completed the Theology School for

Disciples, a lay-evangelism training led by various instructors from Andrews University (Mich.) instructors and church administrators.

Eighty-year-old Rina Mendez, a member of the Fredrick (Md.) church, saw each training as a golden opportunity. “I am a fourth-generation Adventist, but the way we evangelized back then was different than the methods used now,” she says. “This training helps me broaden my way of thinking, helps me to refine my speech and teaches me how I can speak in public and give Bible studies.”

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Camp Meeting Empowers Members for Outreach

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any assembled from all regions of the Chesapeake Conference earlier this year to experience The Gathering 2018 Camp Meeting, themed “Go. Tell.

Serve.” The week was infused with faith-building worship, practical seminars, dynamic division programming for children, led by young adults, a women’s supper gathering and more.

Featured speaker Mike Tucker, speaker/director for Faith For Today Television began the week with a reminder that God can forgive anyone. Using the story of the woman at the well, Tucker extrapolated from the Scriptures that Jesus can use any forgiven person to spread the love and Word of God with others.

Leading out in “Mad About Marriage” seminars, Tucker reminded participants how communication patterns and expectations differ with each partner, and shared tips on how to navigate typical marital challenges.

Steven Mosley, a prolific author, presented creative morning family worships, encouraging all to actively model and share their faith in their daily lives.

Jose Rojas (pictured), president of MOVEmentum, also reinforced the camp meeting theme by sharing that Christians need to apply the Word of God to themselves first, so that they can properly bear witness to the Light. He also conveyed that taking time to Go. Tell. Serve. is not optional for Christ-followers, because faith involves action, not only believing.

The choir from the Washington Ghanaian church in Columbia, Md., sings during the Music and Mission program.

Anthony WagenerSmith (left), associate director of the NAD Evangelism Institute, stands alongside seminar participants.

A new feature at this year’s camp meeting was a STEM room. This hands-on experience provided all the opportunity to investigate and explore God’s natural laws, technology and other scientific elements.

Activities included launching paper-based air rockets, tablet-synched puzzle construction and operating remote-controlled robots.

The Faith Alive! Sabbath School program highlighted testimonies from people who recently joined the Chesapeake family and accepted the Adventist faith through the evangelistic activity of a local church. Elmer Malcolm, a member of the Williamsport (Md.) church, studied the Bible with John Anthony, a biker in the community. “I was looking for the truth, and I found that the only truth that I could find, as Jesus said, is through the Bible,” Anthony shares. One Sabbath morning, Malcolm invited Anthony to church. “I wasn’t even thinking of going to church that morning because I never observed the Sabbath. I walked into church in my Harley Davison attire, and I was received with open arms,” says Anthony.

The Music and Mission program interweaved recent mission trip testimonies with beautiful choral and special music features. The inspirational stories and musical diversity was a microcosm of the Chesapeake Conference family.

George Schurter, a member of the West Wilmington (Del.) church, was one of the voices among his church that participated in the program. “I enjoyed the mission focus of camp meeting because I believe in missions. It is the way to move God’s work the way Jesus intended it,” says Schurter. “I believe we’ve fallen short, and the more we can talk about mission and the needs, the more the world will be better.”

The Challenge is published in the Visitor by the Chesapeake Conference n 6600 Martin Road, Columbia, MD 21044 Phone: (410) 995-1910 n ccosda.org n President, Rick Remmers n Communication Director, Andre Hastick

20 | VISITOR September 2018

Evangelizing Through Children’s Ministries

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ne Sabbath Grandma dropped off her five grandchildren at church. She was familiar with the Seventh-day Adventist Church—and the Grafton (W.Va.) church, in particular—from visiting their food pantry and letting the children attend Vacation Bible School (VBS).

In addition to attending church services each week, the grandchildren participated in the summer Community Picnic and the Christmas program. One of the younger boys joined Adventurers. Whenever there was a social gathering, they were there, mainly because they were hungry. Each Sabbath they stayed for fellowship lunch and took a plate home for Grandma to eat.

Grandma is on disability with a limited income. Dad is in prison. Mom drifts in and out of the children’s lives, depending on her drug addiction. Thus, church members delivered Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets to the family and gave them gift cards to buy clothes or shoes. They also helped Grandma when she received a gas shutoff notice. Over the course of a year, these kids have bonded with the Grafton church family, and members of the congregation have seen a change in Grandma.

When she began bringing the children to church, she wouldn’t smile and it was difficult to engage her in conversation. Now Grandma is not only smiling, but laughing. She initiates conversations, calls and texts. She opens up about issues with the children and the problems with her daughter’s drug addiction. Grandma does not attend church services, but she allows the children to attend VBS and Christmas programs.

This is a perfect example of how we can win, not only the trust of children in our communities, but their parents and grandparents as well. In Ministry of Healing, we read that “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me’” (Ellen G. White, p. 143). This is Children’s Ministries. This is evangelism.

The top three programs under the Children’s Ministries umbrella to reach children in our Diane Gregg communities are Vacation Bible School, Adventurers and Children’s Health Expos. Please Children’s consider starting one of these programs in your church, and reach a child for Jesus.

Ministries Director

20 Children Attend ‘Sea of Miracles’ at Grafton

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wenty children participated in the “Sea of Miracles” Vacation Bible Xperience (VBX) at the Grafton (W.Va.) church this summer. The young people enjoyed hands-on experiences, as they worked their way through seven activity centers from the mountain top to the sea shore. Children from the community comprised half of the participants. Nineteen adult volunteers guided the children in their spiritual adventures.

“It was a beautiful experience in biblical events and themes for everyone involved, children and adults alike,” noted Diane Gregg, program director. “It was really wonderful.”—Jim Daddysman

A young boy enjoys working with his hands at the “Sea of Miracles” Vacation Bible Xperience.

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News Adventurers Gather for Awards Day Adventurer Fun Day recently took place at the Summersville Seventh-day Adventist School (W.Va.).

Adventurers from the Frostburg (Md.) church and the Grafton (W.Va.) church enjoyed a day of fun, food and activities.

Diane Gregg, Adventurer director for the Mountain View Conference, taught both the “Potato” and “Seasons” award in a fun, educational way. The children planted a potato, participated in a “Clothed for the Season” relay race and painted a picture illustrating Ecclesiastes 3:11.

Yvonne Durst, director of the Frostburg Adventurer Club, created an outdoor obstacle course that gave the Adventurers some exercise before lunch. “The children returned home with lots of good memories and two new awards,” says Sarah Shafer, the Adventurer Helping Hands teacher for the Grafton church.

Adventurers from the Frostburg and Grafton churches creatively illustrate Ecclesiastes 3:11.

Grafton last year. Principals in all three schools were impressed with the program and organization. Jeanne Gren, principal of Flemington, states, “Our students really enjoyed the activities.”

The Moorefield (W.Va.) church will soon be conducting a health expo, and the Glenville (W.Va.) church recently incorporated health expo material into their VBS Program.

“Training is available for any group or church who would be interested in hosting an expo in their community or local school,” says Diane Gregg, Children’s Ministries director.

Home School Music Class Prepares Youth for Service Youth from the Mountaintop and Frostburg Home School Music Class (Md.) utilize their talents by performing musical programs and plays. Their most recent play, held at the Mountaintop church in Oakland, Md., was titled In Ellen’s Footsteps, depicting Ella Robinson (played by Gabrielle Rinard) listening to her grandmother, Ellen White (played by 18-year-old Damari Hernandez), tell stories about her life (pictured).

Musical numbers were also sprinkled throughout the performance.

Four young women played the part of Ellen White as her story was told to Mountaintop church attendees. From 9-year-old Ellen to “Grandmother” Ellen, the girls shared life experiences from the past and revealed how God was such an integral part of Ellen’s life and ministry.

Adventist and community members previously attended a play on Martin Luther’s 500th year anniversary of the nailing of the 95 theses, as well as the annual Christmas musical program.

Churches Intentionally Reach Children Through Health A Children’s Health Expo is an avenue to gain access to children in the community. While sometimes it may be difficult to speak about Jesus, church members can portray Christ living in and through them to children and staff in public schools.

The Parkersburg Panthers Pathfinder Club (W.Va.) conducted an expo at the Franklin Elementary School in Parkersburg, and the Grafton (W.Va.) church members and friends conducted two expos—one at the Flemington Elementary School (W.Va.) earlier this year and the other at the Anna Jarvis Elementary School in

Mountain Viewpoint is published in the Visitor by the Mountain View Conference n 1400 Liberty Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101 Phone: (304) 422-4581 n mtviewconf.org n President, Mike Hewitt n Communication Director, Valerie Morikone

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Sharing Hope—Jesus Is Coming Again!

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ccording to Webster’s Dictionary, “hope” has several connotations based on the way you approach the usage of the word. We can “hope” that something will happen—“I hope I can win a new car in the drawing.” Or, we can state with assurance that our “hope” is based on trust and reliance that something will happen—“Jesus is coming again!” The hymn, “We Have This Hope,” is a strong affirmation of our faith and hope in the coming of the Lord, based on the promises found in God’s Word. Every time I sing this song, my spirits are lifted, and I am inspired to share the good news that Jesus is coming again!

In 1975 my family accepted a call to serve as missionaries in Indonesia. As we began to think about the relatives we were leaving behind—parents, brothers, sisters—it was easy to have second thoughts about going.

However, the hope in the soon coming of Jesus strengthened us, and we knew that we could look forward, with confidence, to see them again, either after our mission service term or in the kingdom of heaven.

It has now been more than 40 years since we left for mission service, and I fully expected the Lord to have returned by now. Yet, I have not lost my hope in Jesus’ coming, and New Jersey Conference members shouldn’t either. In fact, I have the added hope of looking forward to His return because I will be able to see my loved ones who have passed away since my initial service in Indonesia. To all of you who, like me, have lost your parents, you can still sing with confidence, “We Have This Hope,” and look forward to seeing your loved ones again when Jesus returns.

As a kid growing up in the 1940’s and 50’s, I remember listening to the Voice of Prophecy radio broadcast with H. M. S. Richards and the King’s Heralds quartet. The broadcast always opened with the quartet singing “Jesus Is Coming Again.”

Today we can see signs of the nearness of Christ’s second coming, as foretold in Matthew 24. Right now, many people in New Jersey do not know Christ as their personal Savior, and they live in fear of what is happening in the world. They do not know the good news of salvation through the grace of Jesus, who came to seek and save the lost. They do not have the blessed assurance of the promise that Jesus will protect them in the coming time of trouble.

Every member of the New Jersey Conference has a calling to “Lift up the Trumpet” and tell everyone about this good news. May our method and message focus on the joy and hope of His return, and not the doom, gloom and fear that is to come. That message is the good news, found in Revelation 21: “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ He who Jim Greene was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then He said, ‘Write this Former Executive down, for these words are trustworthy and true’” (Rev. 21:3-5, NIV).

Secretary May God help each of you to be faithful in sharing the hope that Jesus is coming soon!

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Robbinsville Church Hosts Community Fair

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hurch members from the Robbinsville (N.J.) church recently hosted a community fair to share the NEWSTART program and the love of Jesus with local residents.

Approximately 100 local adults and parents attended this event. As parents participated in the NEWSTART stations, Robbinsville volunteers organized a children’s area for some 200 kids from the community. Adventurers and staff played games with them, made balloon animals and painted their faces.

Robbinsville leaders gave NEWSTART participants an open invitation to join them on Saturday mornings for breakfast and fellowship, an initiative the church began six months prior to the fair. At the time, members weren’t sure why God had impressed them to begin this morning activity, but after the fair, it became clear.

“God started preparing us to meet the needs of our community when we chose to surrender and follow Him in faith,” says Michelle Fisher, head elder. “We are excited to see how God plans to continue to use the

Yaritzel Portanova (left), an Adventurer leader, helps children create artwork at the community fair.

Robbinsville church to share the message of His wonderful love and soon return.”

Harrison Spanish Members Volunteer at ‘Life for Lives’

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he Harrison Spanish (N.J.) church recently carried out the “Life for Lives” project at the Harrison Community Center.

Fifty-two volunteers taught and motivated 90 participants to make use of the eight natural remedies: sun, water, exercise, clean air, temperance, nutrition, rest and trust in God. Health professionals from the church

performed glucose testing, blood pressure measurements and body fat index. The New Jersey Blood Services also collected blood donations. Those who accepted the challenge to study 10 lessons from the “Faith of Jesus” Voice of Prophecy series received a free Bible.

The mayor of Harrison, James A. Fife, and city council officials Jesus Huaranga, Larry Bennet and Ellen Mendoza attended the fair and congratulated Pastor Pablo Cisneros and the Harrison church members for providing this free service to the community.

“We can affirm that we have the support of City Hall for upcoming events that will be held by the church for the benefit of the Harrison community,” says Cisneros.

Harrison city council officials Larry Bennet, Ellen Mendoza and Jesus Huaranga join Harrison Spanish church elder Moises Mariñez and Pastor Pablo Cisneros at the “Life for Lives” project.

New Jersey News is published in the Visitor by the New Jersey Conference n 2303 Brunswick Ave., Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Phone: (609) 392-7131 n njcsda.org n President, Jorge Aguero n Communication Director, Mario Thorp

24 | VISITOR September 2018

The Lord Does It Again at Massillon Connections

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photos by david halter

e “Did It Again” at the Gathering. The Massillon Connections church plant (Ohio) recently hosted a “Do It Again, For His Glory” Protestant Reformation service at the Massillon Community Park. More than 175 people from multiple churches gathered. Leaders shared that, while the spiritual landscape looks much like it did in the 16th century, “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (Ellen White, Life Sketches, p. 196).

He “Did It Again” in the Messages. The five Sola Scriptura messages included: The Bible Alone, based on 1 Thessalonians 2:13 and presented by William Rodriguez, district pastor of the Massillon Connections, Youngstown Spanish and Canton churches; By Faith Alone, with Hebrews 11:6 as the key text and shared by Ben Boggess, retired pastor from the Carrollton church;

By Grace Alone, on Genesis 6:8 by Glenn Allen, pastor of Allegheny West Conference’s Greater New Hope Community church in Canton, Ohio; In Christ Alone, based on 1 Corinthians 2:2 and given by retired pastor/ church plant coordinator Ken Ferguson of Massillon Connections; and For the Glory of God Alone, based on Psalm 115, a congregational response that became the clarion call to “Do It Again, For His Glory.”

He “Did It Again” in the Offering. Martin Luther loved giving to the poor. He once said, “God put fingers on our hands for the money to slide through

William Rodriguez, pastor of the Youngstown Spanish church, baptizes Sonia Castro in the new portable baptistery, donated by the Ohio Conference.

them.” More than $579 slid through the fingers of those present to benefit the Family Living Center, a Stark County homeless shelter in Massillon. An addition of $29 from members of Massillon Connections increased the offering to more than $600—enough to sponsor a room and house a homeless family for one year. This gift reflects Massillon Connections’ mission and vision statements: “Connections Made—Lives Changed”; “Connecting others to a Jesus-centered life that offers health, healing and hope.”

He “Did It Again” in the Specials. Highlights of the service included a skit on the life of Martin Luther by the Massillon Connections puppet team; a 32-voice combined chorus, directed by Robert Chu; several area churches sang anthems “I Come to the Cross,” “A Holy Sacrifice,” and “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” The hymn “We Have This Hope” closed the service, calling hearts to unity in witness and service in preparation for the soon return of the blessed hope.

A combined chorus sings at the Massillon Community Park, which necessitated overflow seating on the lawn.

He “Did It Again” in the After Service. After lunch, attendees witnessed the baptism of Sonia Castro, along with the baby dedication of her granddaughter Zoe, both members of the Youngstown Spanish church. Several other people made decisions to follow Christ and requested to be baptized in the near future. Truly, He “Did It Again!”—Cynthia Ferguson

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Vandalia Spanish Church Plant Membership Doubles

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small group, originally based in the Springfield Spanish church, met every week in private homes until they grew to about 14 baptized members. They then decided to plant the Vandalia church last December.

A strong vision of growth and a huge dependence upon prayer stabilized members. They started this project with a prayer program for 30 days, then decided to keep praying for 50 more days. After the 50 days, they decided to pray indefinitely every day at 5 a.m.

The church soon received new visitors every week interested in Bible studies from all around the community. Soon they had nearly 30 individual Bible studies.

Earlier this spring, Peter Simpson, Hispanic Ministries coordinator for the Ohio Conference, launched an evangelistic campaign at Vandalia. This resulted in 16 new souls added to this baby church and to the kingdom of God, doubling their membership in their first evangelistic effort.

“People are definitely thirsty for the gospel in Vandalia,” says Abner De Leon, Personal Ministries director of the Vandalia church plant. They have now three small groups working hard in the community in preparation for the next evangelistic series in the following months. Their goal is to become an organized

Enmanuel A. Freites Perez (in back), assistant pastor of the Vandalia church plant, baptizes (left to right) Marcia Hernandez, her son Christian and husband, Aslih.

mission church this year. “We just work and pray, but the growth is coming from on high, from the Lord Jesus Christ,” says Enmanuel Freites, pastor of the Vandalia, Springfield and Dayton congregations.

Hamilton Church Hosts Third ‘Hometown Camp Meeting’

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he Hamilton church, located in southwest Ohio, recently celebrated their third annual “Hometown Camp Meeting,” a special, spiritual weekend. Guest speaker Peter Bath, vice president of Mission and

Ministry for Kettering Adventist HealthCare spoke about the “Pathway Through the Psalms,” giving the attendees the opportunity to understand the structure of the Psalms, personally experience the book of Psalms and to learn to listen to the “heartbeat” of God. Vince Waln, pastor, says that this weekend, which attracted church members from more than 100 miles away, was an inspirational weekend of music, preaching and fellowship, reminiscent of camp meetings of the past.

Plans are in place for next year’s event, July 12–14, 2019, at the Hamilton church, with guest speaker Elizabeth Talbot, the speaker/director for the Jesus 101 Biblical Institute.

Peter Bath, vice president of Mission and Ministry for Kettering Adventist HealthCare, speaks at Hamilton church’s third annual “Hometown Camp Meeting.”

Mission Ohio is published in the Visitor by the Ohio Conference n P. O. Box 1230, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 Phone: (740) 397-4665 n ohioadventist.org n President, Ron Halvorsen Jr. n Communication Director, Heidi Shoemaker

26 | VISITOR September 2018

Reaching Everyone, Everywhere

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veryone, Everywhere” is the essence of Jesus’ command to “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Pennsylvania is included in the everywhere, but just who is everyone? The answer gets to the heart of our mission.

Pennsylvania is the sixth most populous state with 12.8 million people. They come from diverse backgrounds— each group a mission field requiring unique methods to reach for Jesus. As you look at the varied groups, ask, “What can I and my church do to reach them?” God may use you to plant a church among Indians, Chinese or Vietnamese people—we don’t have any churches for these nationalities. Or you may hear God say that you need to reach the millions of whites, blacks, Hispanics or other groups. There is so much potential for everyone, everywhere in our conference.

Total Member Involvement is necessary to fulfill Jesus’ command. As we each invest our time, talent, tithe and treasure to the work here in Pennsylvania, we will see God’s church grow exponentially. Together, we Gary Gibbs President can reach everyone, everywhere for Jesus!

Farmer and Chaplain Baptized at Camp Meeting

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oug Seipt is a fifth-generation dairy farmer from Eston. His parents taught him to work hard and do good. For a long time, Seipt believed those two things would be enough for salvation. His wife Bonnie’s strong Adventist faith was a constant reminder to him of what God desired, and when Seipt learned that Doug Batchelor, Amazing Facts president and speaker, would be at the Pennsylvania Conference camp meeting, his goal was to get baptized during this event.

Seipt studied the Bible twice a week—around snow storms and birthing calves—with David Muth, first elder of the Walnutport church. At camp meeting, Bonnie and her mom watched Mark Dekle, pastor of Walnutport, baptize Seipt (pictured).

Sandy Amorosa fell in love with God’s Word as a little girl and committed her life to serving Christ. After attending seminary, Amorosa worked as a chaplain in Prison Ministries for 17 years. One day a member from the Capital Area church in Mechanicsburg, gave her a magazine that had a “free Bible studies” ad inside.

She visited the Amazing Facts website and enrolled in Storacles of Prophecy, by Batchelor. “I wondered what he had to say that I hadn’t heard before,” Amorosa shares. “There was a lot.”

The study led her to the Sabbath, the Adventist church and she decided to be baptized by David

Sanner, pastor of the Harrisburg church, during camp meeting.

Last year more than 550 people chose to be baptized in Pennsylvania Conference churches— the most ever in one year. “It was such a blessing to see Doug and Sandy both give their lives to Christ in baptism!” states Gary Gibbs, president. “As everyone everywhere gets involved in this year’s Faith for Family evangelistic initiative, we believe God is going to do an even greater work,” says Tim Bailey, ministerial director.

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Lay Leadership Training Grows in Number, Locations

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ennsylvania Conference’s ten-month Lay Leadership Training program has expanded once again. Twentyseven individuals recently graduated from the training, led by volunteer lay pastor Lance Moncrieffe, and are now further prepared for service in the Lord’s work.

Over the past year, to facilitate wider training opportunities for students, the program has grown from one location to two—Reading in the east and Pittsburgh in the west. It has also grown from one training coordinator to three, adding Stewart Pepper, pastor of the Pittsburgh and New Brighton churches, in the west and volunteer lay pastor Clarence Harris from the Hershey church in the east. Four new instructors, Gary Banks, Orlando Moncrieffe, Andrea Parchment and Lillian Torres, joined the new program, bringing the total of instructors to 11.

An additional five-month enhanced lay-pastor training has been added to the program, which will run at a third location in Philadelphia. The five-month enhanced leadership curriculum includes training for efficient church administration, practical pastoral work, organized evangelism efforts, enlightened Bible study and sermon preparation, spiritual counseling and conflict resolution.

Conference lay pastor coordinator Lance Moncrieffe, flanked by President Gary Gibbs (left) and Stewart Pepper (right), introduce the Lay Leadership Training graduating Class of 2018.

Both the ten-month training and the five-month extended training began in August. Learn more at paconference.org.

Pennsylvania Pen is published in the Visitor by the Pennsylvania Conference n 720 Museum Road, Reading, PA 19611 Phone: (610) 374-8331, ext. 210 n paconference.org n President, Gary Gibbs n Communication Director, Tamyra Horst

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New Vice President for Education Joins Conference

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his past July, Stephen Laing joined the Potomac Conference as vice president for education. Since 2013 Laing served as principal of the Newbury Park Adventist Academy (Calif.). “Steve has more than 20 years of experience as a teacher and administrator,” says Bill Miller, president.

“He has a passion for strengthening academics, enhancing the learning experience, creating environments for healthy spiritual growth and moving Adventist education forward.”

In his time at Newbury, Laing helped incorporate advance placement programs, secured a six-year accreditation and developed a marketing/ development program. In addition, Laing has served as principal of Whispering Pines Elementary School (N.Y.), vice principal of South Lancaster Academy (Mass.) and as a history teacher in many schools, including Loma Linda Academy (Calif.), where he received an award for Teacher of the Year.

In his first months at the conference, Laing visited each school to meet administrators and assess how the education department can be a greater resource to each site’s needs. “Laing offers a wealth of experience and knowledge that will continue to grow Adventist education in our conference, both spiritually and academically,” says Miller. “We look forward to working with him as we continue to invest in the vision of our Potomac schools.”

The Potomac Conference operates 20 schools, educating over 1,700 students, from pre-k to 12th grade.

Impact Draws Thousands

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early 7,000 people collectively attended the two “Impact: Camp Meeting Re-imagined” events this year. The new format, which allows regional camp meetings be tailored to the needs of specific communities, started last year.

At the Virginia Valley Region, keynote speaker Nicholas Miller, professor of church history and

Thousands collectively attend the two “Impact: Camp Meeting Re-imagined” events this summer.

director of the International Religious Liberty Institute at Andrews University (Mich.), presented on religious liberty. Attendees had the opportunity of go on an all-day Legacy of Liberty Tour, where they traveled to Montpelier, home of former U.S. President James Madison. With Miller acting as the tour guide, attendees celebrated the heritage of religious liberty as Americans and Seventh-day Adventists.

The Hispanic Impact, themed, “Pentecostes Ahora Plus,” included speakers Arnaldo Cruz, a pastor from the Southeastern Conference; Abdiel del Toro, pastor from the Florida Conference; musical groups Ministerio Alabanza Pura and Cuarteto Eben Ezer; and soloist Felipe Garibo.

“We celebrated with an attendance of 5,968 people—including 812 visitors—and 11,000 online viewers,” says Jose Esposito, director of Hispanic Ministries. “We baptized 17 friends, 4,538 church members, made a commitment to each pray for five individuals and celebrated our 520 home churches with a parade. The world needs Christ and His grace. When He shines the darkness disappears!”

Next year the Impact events will be held in the D.C./ Maryland and Richmond/Tidewater regions.

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Tidewater to Hold Second Annual Health Fair

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ast fall nearly 100 people in the Tidewater (Va.) area received free dental checkups and hygiene and oral cancer screenings at a health fair planned by local church leaders. “We were very excited to be able to offer to this to our community,” says Elias Llerandi, a member of the Peninsula Spanish church in Hampton, Va., and a participating dentist who helped organize the event. “It’s rare to get dental screenings at a health fair. We were also blessed with the ability to provide follow-up referrals to ... culturally-sensitive, community-based clinics at low or no cost.”

The health fair offered nutrition and cooking workshops, a food bank, massage and various health screenings, presented by healthcare professionals and corporate partners. Attendees also had the chance to donate blood through the American Red Cross.

Additionally, a counselor provided veterans with guidance and information on available benefits.

“We welcomed nearly 300 guests from Virginia and North Carolina, including several local government officials, service providers and community volunteers.

Most of them hadn’t heard of a Seventh-day Adventist Christian before, and they are excited to partner with us this [coming] year for our second health fair event,” says Hector Caban, pastor of the Peninsula,

Elias J. Llerandi, a member of the Peninsula Spanish church; Donnie Tuck, mayor of Hampton, Va.; Jimmy Gray, Hampton council member; Hector Caban, pastor of three Hispanic churches; and Hector Cruz, Prison Ministries coordinator, celebrate a successful health fair.

Yenlis Caban, a health fair attendee, participates in a blood drive through the American Red Cross.

Chesapeake and Virginia Beach Spanish churches.

Caban challenged his members to coordinate the health fair. “We are blessed with an abundance of resources, and it is our spiritual and social duty to comply with this calling and share our blessings,” he shares. “Proverbs 3:27 says ‘Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.’”

Llerandi says the fair was a blessing, but so were the days leading up to it. “For days prior to the event, the weather was terrible. Rainy and stormy. The forecast didn’t look good for the day of [the event] either, but God blessed us by parting the clouds and giving us a lovely day to reach our community.”

This year, under the leadership of Pastors Willy Boyd, Cornel Stoien, Paolo Esposito and lay leader Michael Monroig, more churches have joined the initiative, allowing for an even broader reach.

The Tidewater Adventist Community Health Fair will be held on September 16, hosted by the Tidewater Adventist Academy in Chesapeake, Va. In addition to services offered last year, this year will also include mammograms, mental health workshops, an international food fair, a 5k-walk and family-oriented activities. “We pray to see you there,” says Llerandi. “If you cannot make it, keep us in your prayers!”

Potomac People is published in the Visitor by the Potomac Conference n 606 Greenville Ave., Staunton, VA 24401 Phone: (540) 886-0771 n pcsda.org n President, Bill Miller n Communication Assistant, Tiffany Doss

30 | VISITOR September 2018

In My Own Words

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oes Christian education make a difference? Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) staff are specifically called to impact students’ lives for Jesus Christ. They use four main pillars to focus the students on a life lived with Jesus: spiritual, mental, physical and social.

In her own words, recent graduate Janick Brun (’18) shares the distinction of a Christian education at BMA: “BMA is just like any other school. It offers English, math, history and sciences. But what really sets it apart is its integration of biblical and spiritual aspects.

I’ve been Seventh-day Adventist my whole life, but I never attended an Adventist school. It is very different for me to have that spiritual application. Ultimately, what we take to heaven is not our grades or whether we were in certain clubs, but really our heart. The fact that I’m able to have both the academic aspect and spiritual aspect is very important to me. I’m so grateful that BMA has provided that.”

To view her testimony, visit vimeo.com/261003938.

Alumnus Creates Docuseries

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lue Mountain Academy (BMA) alumnus and filmmaker Richard Morgan recently returned to campus to create a four-part docuseries examining BMA’s

four pillars of education. After graduating from BMA in 2009, Morgan studied film at Southern Adventist University (Tenn.). At the 2016 Sonscreen Film Festival, he won two awards for Best Documentary and Audience Choice.

Morgan shares, “Though it’s been almost a decade since I graduated, I’m glad to see the same values being taught. My years at BMA were some of the best of my life. I hoped to capture what was so important to me all those years ago and show that they are still practicing the fundamentals that helped me become the man I am today.”

Morgan says that he created this docuseries for two reasons: to provide information for those interested in learning more about BMA’s mission and values, and to remind those who attended BMA of the privilege they had to walk those halls.

To view the four videos, visit: Spiritual: vimeo.com/261002084 Mental: vimeo.com/261003938 Physical: vimeo.com/261004268 Social: vimeo.com/261328204 Richard Morgan (center) shoots and edits a four-part docuseries about the mission of Blue Mountain Academy.

Communiqué is published in the Visitor by the Blue Mountain Academy n 2363 Mountain Road, Hamburg, PA 19526 Phone: (610) 562-2291 n Fax: (610) 562-8050 n bma.us n Principal and Editor, Dave Morgan

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Academy Welcomes New Faculty

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s the 2018-19 school year opens, Highland View Academy (HVA) welcomes new faculty members and a few changes in responsibilities for returning staff.

The administration has hired David Nino to teach music, and his wife, Anaynsi, as school secretary.

Andrew Lay, HVA’s previous music teacher, is now focusing his roles as the academy’s advancement director and alumni coordinator.

David is a music educator who loves working with youth and making music for God’s glory. He says, “Early in my life, my love for music and teaching convinced me to pursue a career in music education.” He has a bachelor’s degree in music education, a master’s degree in music, with an emphasis in theory and composition, and recently started dissertation work for a doctoral degree in educational leadership, with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction. He previously taught at a variety of Seventh-day Adventist universities and academies.

David’s philosophy focuses on the value of music to impact the performer and audience equally. According to David, “The musical experience must be of value, not only for the one who performs it, but also for the one who listens to it. This balance should also be attached to the mission that we, as Christians, have to

Anaynsi and David Nino join Highland View Academy faculty as school secretary and music instructor, respectively.

Matt Price is the new head boys’ dean and also plans to build HVA’s gymnastics program. proclaim God’s message [by] using our talents.”

Another faculty member who is transitioning roles is Matthew Price, who is the new head of the boys’ dean. He joined HVA in January as the assistant boys’ dean. Price grew up in western Michigan, worked as a taskforce dean at Mt. Ellis Academy (Mont.), and holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Western Michigan University.

He says, “My favorite thing about being a dean is working with students on personal and academic dilemmas and figuring out the best solution for them.”

As the school year begins, he aims to “develop a brotherhood of support and growth with the boys in Hartle Hall, and give the boys a place that they can call home away from home. My goal is to help each boy become a better man,” he expresses. Price is also building the gymnastics program and teaching a history class. His wife, Krista, works as a nurse in the area.

Principal Erik Borges is excited about the changes.

“David Nino brings great experience with him, and will help take our music program to the next level,” he says, “and Matt Price brings excitement and passion to help keep the students engaged. We are excited about the things he has planned for the dorm and the gymnastics program.”

Highlander is published in the Visitor by the Highland View Academy n 10100 Academy Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740 Phone: (301) 739-8480 n Fax: (301) 733-4770 n highlandviewacademy.com n Principal, Erik Borges n Editor, Lori Zerne

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Mattox Triplets Journey Through Academy Years

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he Mattox triplets,” as they are affectionately known, attend Pine Forge Academy (PFA) and are members of the Class of 2019. Prior to arriving as freshman to PFA, Cole, Marcel and William attended Dupont Park Adventist School in Washington, D.C., from grades K–1 and Spencerville Adventist Academy (Md.) from grades 2–8. After eighth grade, the family of six talked and prayed about where the triplets would school next.

A host of Mattox family members have attended PFA, including father Edward “Kreis” Mattox (’83). So it seemed very likely the triplets would also attend the academy whose historic grounds sit along the Manatawny River. The Mattox family also selected PFA because, according to them, it was the best place to promote health and well-being.

The triplets mother, Geliette “Gigi” Mattox, says, “[My husband and I] both had boarding academy experience, and we wanted the same experience for our boys in preparation for college and the heavenly kingdom.” Nearly four years after making the initial decision, Gigi says, “It is rewarding to see the maturity, leadership and closer walk with God in each of the boys.”

When it comes to facing difficulties at PFA, Cole says, “Some of our main challenges came from being away from home, which made us mature quickly and built great character.”

Marcel adds, “Pine Forge Academy is truly a special kind of experience that you won’t forget for the rest of your life; whether it’s good or bad is dependent on your contribution!”

William shares how his family was able to afford to send all three to PFA: “Honestly, it was nothing but God! God placed a village of supporting believers in our lives that He has used for His glory. I can’t even begin to ‘guesstimate’ how many people have helped

Cole, Marcel and William, dubbed “The Mattox Triplets,” are Pine Forge Academy (PFA) Class of 2019 students who credit God and PFA for their spiritual growth. us from time to time. Some have made large contributions, while others have made smaller ones, but that’s the point; it’s truly a love support system that God has used to connect us for His purpose.”

The Mattox family truly believes in this purpose for their lives, as, together, they claim their favorite scripture: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jer. 29:11, KJV).

This fall Cole, Marcel and William will begin to prepare for life after academy by applying to college. Cole and Marcel, both active in PFA’s robotics program, plan to study engineering. William, who has served as class chaplain, plans to study neurophysiology.

Younger brother, Carrington, will arrive to the campus in the fall of 2019.

Post is published in the Visitor by the Pine Forge Academy n P.O. Box 338, Pine Forge, PA 19548 Phone: (610) 326-5800 n Fax: (610) 326-5152 n pineforgeacademy.org n Principal, Nicole Hughes n Editor, Dinah Jordan

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Spencerville Adventist Academy Welcomes New Staff

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he Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA) family is excited to introduce new staff members for the 2018–19 school year.

With more than 40 years of experience in teaching, staff development and training and education administration, Jim Martz is interim principal this academic year. Martz is a graduate of Andrews University (Mich.), and holds dual bachelor’s in Behavioral Science and secondary education. He received a master’s in reading instruction from Michigan State University. He is qualified to lead SAA during the upcoming year of transition while SAA searches for a permanent replacement.

Ellenor Paul-O’Neil joins the administrative team as high school vice principal. A graduate of Walden University (Md.) with a master’s in education, she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Health Education from the same university.

Leah Jordache joins the staff as one of the high school Bible teachers and the middle school chaplain. A graduate of Southwestern Adventist University (Texas) with a bachelor’s in theology, Jordache is currently pursuing her master’s in theology through Fresno Pacific University Biblical Seminary (Calif.). She has been a educator, pastor and Discipleship Ministries coach.

John Musselman, who has a love for his subject matter, will be teaching geometry, pre-calculus and personal finance. An educator who most recently taught at Blue Mountain Academy in Hamburg, Pa., Musselman has a bachelor’s in mathematics education, with a certification in secondary education from Andrews University (Mich.).

Also new to the high school is Yekaterina Unnikumaran, who will help expand SAA’s STEM curriculum and instruction that incorporates authentic learning experiences.

Unnikumaran has a bachelor’s in biology from Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md., and a master’s in education from the University of Maryland.

Alumna Lisa Froelich (’10) is the new band teacher, and will divide her time between SAA and Atholton Adventist Academy in Columbia, Md. She tries to make music a fun and rewarding experience.

Shelley Tenali will be teaching first grade. Tenali earned her bachelor’s in elementary education from Andrews University and her master’s in education, with an emphasis in reading from Johns Hopkins University (Md.). She brings 18 years of experience teaching grades K-2 and is dedicated in helping children grow spiritually.

Teaching third grade is Liza DaCunha, who graduated from the University of West Florida with a bachelor’s in elementary education and a master’s in special education. She is dedicated to creating an interactive and encouraging classroom environment where students feel accepted and appreciated.

The new sixth-grade teacher is April Nixon, who has a bachelor’s in English from Oakwood University (Ala.) and a master’s in teaching, with an emphasis in English from Andrews University.

She brings a wealth of experience and passion.

Spotlight is published in the Visitor by Spencerville Adventist Academy n 2502 Spencerville Road, Spencerville, MD 20868 Phone: (301) 421-9101 n spencervilleacademy.org n Principal, Brian Kittleson n Editor, Heidi Wetmore

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First Phase of New Facility Completed

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he first phase of the Worship and Performing Arts Center project on Spring Valley Academy’s (SVA) campus has been completed. This 450-plus seat venue is the realization of a 50-year SVA dream.

Although missing a few details, SVA was able to hold its 2018 graduation ceremonies for both middle school and high school in the new facility. Work continued over the summer months and was ready in time for the 2018-19 school year.

“What a blessing it is to have this awesome new space to start our 50th anniversary jubilee year,” says Darren Wilkins, principal. “It was a dream of the original founders of our school to build a chapel, but the funds just weren’t there at the time. It’s a testament to God’s leading and the generosity of the SVA community that we’ve been able to realize this dream 50 years later.”

The first phase of the project, which included the

SVA holds its 2018 graduation ceremonies at the nearly completed facility.

photo by scott cassell

main chapel, cost approximately $5.5 million. The funds have nearly all been raised through donations from organizations and individuals, with just a couple hundred thousand more to raise.

The Save Your Seat campaign is currently underway to finish the fundraising for the project, which offers the opportunity to name a seat in the new chapel space.

For more information, visit springvalleyacademy.org/ saveaseat.

“It has been humbling to watch God work through our school family with this project,” says Wilkins. “He has blessed our efforts, and He continues to lead.”

—Angie Peach

SVA to Hold Golden Gala in October

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he Spring Valley Academy (SVA) Golden Gala Auction will occur October 21 on campus. The evening will celebrate the 50th anniversary of SVA and will include dinner, silent and live auctions and a performance from SVA musicians, under the direction of Donald Huff. All proceeds will go toward the new Worship and Performing Arts Center. Collectively, past auctions have already helped to raise more than $750,000 for the campaign.

“We’re thrilled to be able to host this event on our campus this year as we celebrate our 50th year anniversary,” says Darren Wilkins, principal. “The auction has raised significant funds for our new building, and we hope to close out that campaign with another successful auction.”

For more information on event sponsorship or auction item donations, please visit springvallyacademy.org/gala.

Connections is published in the Visitor by Spring Valley Academy n 1461 Spring Valley Pike, Centerville, OH 45458 Phone: (937) 433-0790 n springvalleyacademy.org n Principal, Darren Wilkins n Editor, Salena Featherstone

columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 35

I Heard the Sweet Sound of Student Learning Laura Hoffman, mother of Annicka (’21), a musician, home educator and principal of Boulevard Adventist Academy in Charleston, W.Va., shares her perspective on how Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) is positively impacting students:

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s a homeschooling parent who is deeply involved in my children’s education, boarding academy wasn’t really on my radar. However, growing pains during the early teenage years, compounded by a small church with few youth and having to make increasingly more accommodations to avoid extracurricular activities on Sabbath, led my husband and I to realize that perhaps we needed more support for high school. That is when SVA came into the picture in a way marked by God’s providence and care. It was specifically an article written by Orchestra Director Kelly Wiedemann in the April 2017 Visitor about SVA’s music program that first caught my attention.

Prayerfully, my husband and I submitted to this new education path for our oldest and settled her into dorm life. We make an effort to stay connected to her from 256 miles away in West Virginia. Principal Donald Short’s Weekly Update email, social media and the SVA Parent Association help us stay informed and involved. Regular visits to campus and homeleave breaks each month are important—and wonderful!

Recently I was blessed to experience SVA student life by shadowing my daughter in her classes. My takeaway from a day spent with enthusiastic, industrious teenagers, is a clear idea of the value of the education my

Class of 2021 students Heidi Davis, Allison Erdelyi, Annicka Hoffman and Hope Griseto take a break during Physics class. daughter’s grade reports represent. I am encouraged and confident about the quality of academics, spiritual support and care that students receive at SVA. The teachers are impressively specialized in the subjects they teach and the teen that walk through the classroom doors are met by a staff who are prepared, organized and adept at navigating the challenges and potentials of youthful minds.

During my few hours there, religion teacher Buz Menhardt presented a beautiful lesson on Sabbath rest in class; English teacher Debbie Whitegave gave a no-nonsense rundown of a “stretch” grammar skills packet and expectations through year-end; Physics teacher Tom McNeilus led an interrogative lecture on the physics of sound. “At what decibel will sound damage the human ear? Or bring down Jericho’s walls?” he asked. Gathering the class around, he placed a tiny music box under a glass bell and created a vacuum by removing the air (pictured). “Can you hear it?” he asked, as the teens fell silent, leaning in to listen. I heard the sweetest sound, and it wasn’t the music box—it was the sound of students learning!

Thank you SVA for providing an education nested inside the context of faith, in a community of faith! Thank you teachers and staff for doing what we could never have done locally for our daughter. What an immense blessing it is to have this option for our family and to see our daughter well cared for and thriving!

Impact is published in the Visitor by Shenandoah Valley Academy n 234 West Lee Highway, New Market, VA 22844 Phone: (540) 740-3161 n shenandoahvalleyacademy.org n Principal, Donald Short n Editor, Janel Haas Ware

36 | VISITOR September 2018

25-Year Alumna Addresses New Alumni

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t homecoming this year, Celeste Philip, M.D., M.P.H., celebrated 25 years as a Takoma Academy (TA) alumna, and, in June, she was privileged to be the commencement speaker for the Class of 2018.

Although commencement speeches are standard for Philip, she said this was the most important one she’s ever done. “To come back to your old high school, to speak to the children of friends, with family, friends and former teachers in the audience, it was a little frightening,” says Philip. “At this stage for them, graduating from high school is their biggest accomplishment, and I wanted to make my speech as meaningful as possible.”

She focused her address on Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (NIV). She shared that while attending medical school at Loma Linda University (Calif.), she injured herself during intramurals. She used the recovery time to earn a master’s degree in public health in 2002 and finished her medical degree in 2003.

Philip is a product of Christian education. She attended Sligo Adventist School (now Takoma Academy Prep) in Takoma Park, Md., and graduated from Takoma Academy in 1993, also located in Takoma Park.

In 2016 the Governor of Florida, Rick Scott, appointed her as surgeon general and secretary of

photo by richard joseph gordon

Calendar of Events S.A.L.T.: Spiritual Academic Leadership Training: September 20–23, 4:00 p.m., Pine Forge Academy, Pine Forge, Pa. WAU Campus Preview: September 25–26, 10:30 a.m., Takoma Park, Md.

Celeste Philip gives a heartfelt graduation speech to the Takoma Academy Class of 2018.

the Florida Department of Health. Prior to that, Philip served as the department’s deputy secretary and deputy state health officer for Children’s Medical Services.

She is board certified in family medicine, public health and general preventive medicine.

Philip serves on the board of directors for the Public Health Accreditation Board and the National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention.

She is the immediate past president of the American Heart Association’s (AHA) six-state Greater Southeast Affiliate and serves on a number of national AHA committees. She was named the 2016 Outstanding Public Health Woman of the Year by the University of South Florida’s College of Public Health.

“It was great to have Dr. Philip here as our commencement speaker. She is a great example of how far you can go with a TA foundation,” says Pearl Parker, a graduating senior, bound for Andrews University (Mich.) this fall. Parker had a chance to speak with Philip oneon-one. “She told me to keep in touch and let her know if she could do [anything] for me moving forward.”

—Cymando Henley

Pathfinder Camporee: October 4–7, Camp Blue Ridge, Montebello, Va.

TA Today is published in the Visitor by Takoma Academy n 8120 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912 Phone: (301) 434-4700 n ta.edu n Principal, Carla Thrower n Editor, Salena Featherstone

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news

WGTS Staff Enjoy Summer With Listeners Whether it was a summer concert or an ice cream stop, WGTS staff came together with listeners to experience the joys of summer, broadcasting live from various spots around the region. “It’s always great to rub shoulders with our listeners in person. We feel like we’re getting together with family,” says midday show host Becky Alignay.

Our summer concerts included a rainy Friday evening concert with Mandisa at Tysons Corner Plaza in Virginia. We also welcomed Sidewalk Prophets to the plaza.

For a listener appreciation concert in Olney, Md., over a thousand listeners showed up to sing along with the group Stars Go Dim. While no admission tickets were required, a bumper sticker check station was set up at the entrance. “The idea was a bumper sticker gets you in,” says promotions director Jerry Woods. “If you didn’t have one, we were happy to put one on for you. It’s great walking around a parking lot and seeing hundreds of cars that all have the sticker on them.”

We served ice cream at each of the concerts and also did ice cream stops in Mannasas, Va., and North Beach, Md. At each of these events, our afternoon on-air team, Johnny and Stacey Stone and Tom Miner, did a live broadcast and our prayer team was there to talk and pray with listeners. “Each time we have an opportunity to connect with our listeners, we are so grateful. Beyond offering encouraging music and words on-air, it is that time being with our listeners that we love to do,” says general manager Kevin Krueger.

Listeners Donate Diapers to Help Area Families Listeners gave generously for a recent Hands and Heart project as part of our summer concert series with Christian artist Mandisa. “Several hundred boxes of diapers and wipes were donated,” says general manager Kevin Krueger. “WGTS wants to be about bringing community together. It is so gratifying to watch listeners step up time after time to help those who are struggling in the greater Washington D.C. area.”

The diapers and wipes will benefit the organizations House of Ruth in Maryland and Doorways for Women and Families in Virginia, who provide services for women and children who have experienced domestic abuse. “We appreciate the opportunity to participate in this event,” says House of Ruth relations coordinator Cassie Kelly. “It gives us an opportunity to let families know that there are resources and that there is support from the community.”

Scripture Verses Reach Listeners “With a goal of being always encouraging, every day we share a scripture verse that we pray will be uplifting and bring hope to our listeners,” says general manager Kevin Krueger.

You can hear the “Verse of the Day” on-air, and find it on our website at wgts919.com, as well as on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

7600 Flower Avenue Takoma Park, MD 20912 800.700.1094 wgts919.com

Find support and pray for others.

Visit wgts919.com/PrayerWorks.

FLOWERING CRABAPPLE TREES ON THE CAMPUS OF WASHINGTON ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY.

Relationship of Education and Health

June Proves a Big Month for WAU Accreditations

Washington Adventist University was invited to serve as the exclusive local host of the award winning “Where We Stand” DVD and online production in our Congressional District for a period of two years.

This project, which explores the role of education in our country’s health and wellbeing, centers on a video Weymouth and social media campaign Spence containing valuable new research sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and features:

In a letter to Washington Adventist University (WAU) President Weymouth Spence, the Maryland State Department of Education declared that the University’s Education Department “has met all standards associated with State Program Approval,” and that, “Washington Adventist University continues to hold Maryland State Program Approval until 2023.”

• Dr. Francis Collins, Director of the Institutes of Health • George Stephanopoulos of ABC News • Jamie Raskin, Our Local Member of Congress • Washington Adventist University, showcasing programs and degrees offered, as well as our role in the community in promoting programs in health and well-being standards.

The DVD focuses primarily on a comparison of the U.S. to other countries around the world in terms of many health and well-being standards and also presents new, little known, important information about the relationship of education and health. It includes information, for example, that at the age of 25, U.S. adults without a high school diploma can expect to die nine years sooner than college graduates. This customized video will widely be distributed to all public and private high schools, community colleges, cable television stations, public libraries, and chambers of commerce in the Congressional District.

This is Washington Adventist University.

—Weymouth Spence, President

In her June 20, 2018 letter, State Superintendent of Schools, Karen B. Salmon, Ph.D. said the team at Washington Adventist University “should be congratulated for exhibiting an inspiring level of collaboration.”

“Full approval of our Education programs from the State Board is just one of the many manifestations of excellence here at Washington Adventist University,” added President Spence. “More than ever, we are preparing teachers who are engaging minds, transforming lives.”

“Full approval of our Education programs from the State Board is just one of the many manifestations of excellence here at Washington Adventist University.”

—Weymouth Spence, President

In a June 28 letter to President Spence, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) awarded WAU’s Medical Imaging program accreditation for a period of three years. The JRCERT is the only agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) for the accreditation of traditional and distance delivery educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry.

“Receiving full JRCERT accreditation comes as exciting news just as Washington Adventist University prepares to launch our brand new Magnetic Resonance (MR) and Computed Tomography (CT) certificate programs this Fall,” Dr. Spence said.

“One hundred percent of our Medical Imaging graduates from the Classes of 2016 and 2017 passed their boards and got jobs in their fields, and we’re confident of similar success for the Class of 2018!”

7600 Flower Avenue, Takoma Park MD 20912 | 1-800-835-4212

www.wau.edu

Engaging Minds and Transforming Lives since 1904

WAU Welcomes New Faculty, Staff Washington Adventist University President Weymouth Spence announced his appointment of Ms. Amy Ortiz-Moretta as Vice President for Student Life. Ms. Ortiz-Moretta commenced her duties on Monday, July 2.

One of the finalists from the original search to fill the position in 2015, Ms. Ortiz-Moretta is no stranger to higher education. Having served the last 19 years at Kettering College in Ohio in a variety of student-focused roles, she served as Director of Student Life and Residence Hall, Director of Alumni Relations and Career Services, Title IX Coordinator, and Assistant Professor for the College. She holds an MS in Education with an emphasis in Community Counseling and is a licensed professional counselor.

Ms. Ortiz-Moretta is also no stranger to WAU, having received her BS in Counseling Psychology here. Her son, Sonny, is currently a junior Political Science major at WAU. In other staffing news, Yolanda Bulick, has

joined Washington Adventist University as Director of Accounting Services. She comes to us from radio station WGTS 91.9, where she served as Senior Accountant.

She is a Certified Public Accountant with over 30 years in public and private accounting and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Texas A&M International University. Yolanda is married to John Bulick, a former USAF colonel, and has two young adult sons.

Finally, Dr. Thomas Luttrell has joined the WAU Department of Psychology as an Assistant Professor.

Dr. Luttrell relocated to the Nation’s Capital from California after having served several years as an instructor at at the University of Laverne, La Sierra University and Loma Linda University. A former pastor, Dr. Luttrell’s area of specialty is marriage and family therapy.

Professor Luttrell and his wife, Hannah, have a nine month old son, Caleb.

Amy Ortiz-Moretta

Yolanda Bulick

Dr. Thomas Luttrell

Upcoming Events WAU Center for Law & Public Policy 10th Annual Attorney Pre-Law Student Dinner Sunday, September 23, WAU Campus More information or RSVP prelaw@wau.edu, or call (301) 891-4572 WAU Offering Sabbath, September 29 On behalf of your children, friends, and community members, we celebrate the Lord’s mighty work at Washington Adventist University. Won’t you be His helping hand on WAU Sabbath as together we engage minds and transform lives in new and awesome ways which exceed all that we can ask or think?

(Eph. 3:18) Thank you for your support and the continued power of your prayers.

Tickets are going fast!

September 16, 6:00 p.m.

Visionaries

Gala

Congressional Country Club 8500 River Rd. Bethesda, Maryland

Anna H. Wang Presidential Concert Series Saturday, November 10, 8:00 p.m.

Leroy and Lois Peters Music Center, featuring the Parker String Quartet

7600 Flower Avenue, Takoma Park MD 20912 | 1-800-835-4212

wau.edu/gala

www.wau.edu

YOUR HEALING MINISTRY K E T T E R I N G A D V E N T I S T H E A LT H C A R E N E W S L E T T E R

Sycamore Medical Center Celebrates 40 Years

By Christina Keresoma

From its beginning in 1978, Sycamore Medical Center has been a source of pride for the community. “I have often been asked what the secret is to Sycamore Medical Center’s sustained success looking back 40 years. My response is simple and straightforward: it’s our people,” says Walter Sackett, president of Sycamore Medical Center. “This team of people has created an environment that treats the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.”

The physicians, employees, and volunteers have come together, dedicated to providing the best care to the community. This team has also earned a national recognition as an IBM Watson Health 100 Top Hospital in the country for the ninth time, which adds to the celebration.

On July 26 the community came out to celebrate by enjoying carnival games, bouncy houses, and free food. People also enjoyed tours of the facilities and exploring emergency vehicles, including fire trucks and a helicopter.

1978-2018

KETTERING ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE • 3535 SOUTHERN BLVD • KETTERING, OH 45429 • (937) 298-3399 • KETTERINGHEALTH.ORG

THE NEWS

K E T T E R I N G A D V E N T I S T H E A LT H C A R E N E W S L E T T E R

Kettering Adventist HealthCare CPE Center Reaches Milestone

By Mark Feldbush

The Kettering Adventist HealthCare Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program is celebrating two significant events in 2018: our 50th anniversary of offering CPE and achieving System Center Accreditation with the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). We will mark the 50th anniversary the week of September 30–October 6 by joining with the George T. Harding, IV, MD, Symposium for Mental Health and the Faith Community, hosting a workshop for community clergy, a dinner, and a feature during the Sabbath worship at Kettering Adventist Church.

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is graduate level, professional education for pastoral care ministry. It brings clergy, theological students, and qualified laypersons of all faiths into the supervised delivery of pastoral care. The heart of CPE is ministry with patients, their family members, and clinical staff.

Learning from that ministry occurs through critical reflection, dialogue, and evaluations with other students and their supervisor. Anton Boisen, a founder of CPE, referred to this learning process as “the study of living human documents.”

Through this process of learning, students gain insight into their strengths and areas of needed growth. Most students find CPE to be a deeply transformative experience.

Over the course of 50 years, Kettering Adventist HealthCare’s CPE program would employ many CPE supervisors including Paul Mills, Dorwin Snyder, Dick Tibbits, Henry Uy, Basharat Masih, Mark Feldbush, and Moses Taiwo. Together, these dedicated educators have trained more than 1,200 students in the art of pastoral care. These men and women have had a global impact serving as hospital chaplains, military chaplains, and congregational pastors.

When Kettering Medical Center had its recent 10-year accreditation site visit, the CPE center applied for System Accreditation to cover both component sites at Kettering and Grandview. The ACPE Site Team was impressed with the program noting that it had a strong, 50-year commitment to CPE, the strong support of administration, an institutional focus on community service, and staff and student chaplains who were an integral part of the inter-disciplinary care team in the hospital. The site team recommended re-accreditation for another 10-year period and affirmed the System Center request.

These items were officially voted at ACPE’s National Conference in May 2018.

Come and join us—it can change your life and your ministry!

Kettering Adventist HealthCare’s CPE Center offers a summer intensive unit, an extended unit, and a yearlong residency with stipend. To learn more about Kettering Adventist HealthCare’s CPE program, or to find information about applying to the program, visit our website at ketteringhealth.org/cpe.

CPE at Kettering began in 1968 when Albert Brendel, Director of Spiritual Care, saw the potential to train ministers, theology students, and qualified laypersons in the art of pastoral care. Brendel reached out to Darrel Nicola and invited him to establish a CPE program under the accreditation of the newly formed ACPE. Soon, student chaplains were learning how to help patients, their family members, and hospital staff deal with the spiritual and emotional issues that come from illness and hospitalization.

Adventist HealthCare KETTERING ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE • 3535 SOUTHERN BLVD • KETTERING, OH 45429 • (937) 298-3399 • KETTERINGHEALTH.ORG

™

Bulletin Board VISITOR ADVERTISING AND SERVICES Advertising n The Visitor does not endorse or guarantee the integrity of any product or service advertised and does not accept responsibility for typographical or categorical errors. For advertising guidelines and rates: columbiaunionvisitor.com/advertising Ad Submissions: sjones@columbiaunion.net Obituary Submission n Obituaries are posted free of charge for members of the Columbia Union. To submit an obituary: columbiaunionvisitor.com/obituary Subscriptions n Nonmembers of the Columbia Union may subscribe to the Visitor for a fee. For more information: columbiaunionvisitor.com/subscription Contact Us Columbia Union Visitor 5427 Twin Knolls Rd Columbia, MD 21045 (410) 997-3414 visitor@columbiaunion.net

EMPLOYMENT ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: Show your care and compassion as a registered nurse and join the Adventist HealthCare family in Maryland. Bring your experience and passion to make a difference in the lives of our patients. For information and to apply: Jobs.adventisthealthcare.com.

RN/DELEGATING NURSING (DRN) POSITION: Elternhaus, a 23-bed, assisted living home near Columbia, Md., seeks qualified DRN for full-time salaried position.

Responsibilities include: oversight of resident health and wellness, coordination of professional medical care, DRN documentation for licensure compliance, medication management oversight and assistance with resident-care interface. Please contact Tim Mayer at (240) 286-3635.

UNION COLLEGE invites applicants for an accounting faculty position. Qualified applicants will have an MBA or Master in Accounting, or a certification and should be a committed member of the Adventist Church.

A doctorate is preferred. Find more information at ucollege. edu/faculty-openings, or contact Barry Forbes at barry.forbes@ ucollege.edu.

UNION COLLEGE seeks fulltime professor of communication with strong experience in emerging media and public relations, beginning July 2019. Doctorate is preferred. Please submit curriculum vitae to Dr. Mark Robison, Humanities Division chair, at mark.robison@ucollege.edu.

44 | VISITOR September 2018

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks Vice President for Enrollment Management to be responsible for meeting the enrollment goals of the university. The vice president oversees the functions of undergraduate and graduate recruitment, admissions, financial aid counseling for prospective students and the Assist/PFE programs. Full job description: southern.edu/jobs.

your smartphone or computer.

Hymns and Favorites is a ministry of WGTS 91.9.

SINGLE? WIDOWED? DIVORCED? Meet compatible Adventists from the USA—ages 18-98. Each catalog provides: birthday, marital status, race, occupation, interests, goals, year baptized and lots more. Safe, confidential, effective and fun!

Questions? Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope. For application and current catalog, send $25 to SDA Pen-Pals, P.O. Box 734, Blue Ridge, GA 30513.

16 BEAUTIFUL, NEW WITNESSING BROCHURES IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH! Lots of color; full message. Fit in business-sized envelopes. Place in waiting rooms and offices.

Topics include: God’s love, the Second Coming, the Sabbath, prayer, death and much more.

Free catalog and sample.

Call (800) 777-2848 or visit familyheritagebooks.com.

SERVICES

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks dean for the School of Education and Psychology (SEP) and responsible for planning, organization, staffing, direction and evaluation of the academic disciplines of the SEP. The SEP Dean is also responsible for continuous development of the SEP’s strategic plan. An earned doctorate in the field of education or psychology is required. Full job description: www.southern.edu/jobs.

ELTERNHAUS ASSISTED LIVING, QUALITY CARE FOR ADVENTIST SENIORS. Located on 10 acres in the rolling farm hills of western Howard County, Maryland, close to Columbia and Silver Spring. We have specialized in all levels of assisted living for more than 25 years. We provide a homestyle environment and comfortable surroundings with a personal touch! Sit out on our covered south deck or front porch and enjoy the country views. All meals are vegetarian and delicious! Enjoy Friday night vespers, ride to church Sabbath morning, or watch 3ABN and Hope Channel. Contact Tim Mayer for more information and a tour at (240) 286-3635, or email tim@elternhausalf.com.

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks CIRC Lead Programmer/Analyst in the School of Computing. This position oversees/coordinates work of students/staff engaged in software development/analysis. BS in Computer Science or similar and five years of programming experience. Graduate education in computer science preferred. Full job description: www.southern.edu/jobs.

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. Offices in Laurel and Maple Lawn/Fulton.

Call (301) 317-6800.

MISCELLANEOUS MUSIC THAT WILL ENRICH YOUR LIFE AND WARM YOUR SOUL! Classic songs of the church. Listen right now, and any time online— HymnsandFavorites.com—with

MOVE WITH AN AWARDWINNING 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 Danté at (800) 766-1902

for a free estimate. Visit us at apexmoving.com/adventist.

MARYLAND ADVENTIST DENTIST, DAVID LEE, DDS, FAGD, AFAAID, FICOI, FAACP, has practices located in Silver Spring and Columbia, Md. He is extensively trained in implant, cosmetic, TMD/TMJ, sleep apnea treatment, sedation and laser dentistry. Dr. Lee is an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, as well as having many other certifications.

For appointments, call (301) 649-5001 or (410) 461-6655.

Mention this ad and receive a 10 percent discount on all services, excluding third-party payers. We welcome new patients!

TEACH SERVICES: Helping authors make their book a reality.

Call (800) 367-1844 for your free manuscript evaluation. We publish all book formats and provide worldwide distribution. View new books at TEACHServices.com, or ask your local ABC. View used Adventist books at LNFbooks.com.

THE CLERGY MOVE CENTER at Stevens Worldwide Van Lines is the way to move from one state to another! Through our national contract with the General Conference, we extend our moving services to all Adventist families. Quality is inherent. Contact one of our dedicated move counselors today for a no-cost/no-obligation estimate at (800) 248-8313, or learn more about us at stevensworldwide. com/sda.

ANNOUNCEMENTS STANDIFER GAP SEVENTHDAY ADVENTIST SCHOOL, Chattanooga, Tenn., is celebrating its 70th Anniversary (1948-2018) on September 28 and 29. All former students and former teachers are invited to attend our celebration. Festivities will begin on Friday through Saturday evening. Contact: (423) 892-6013, or for further details, visit sgsdaschool.org.

40TH WEIMAR INSTITUTE HOMECOMING. Celebrating 40 years of God’s blessings at Weimar Institute this year! If you attended academy, or pursued higher education here, join us November 2-4. Honor classes: ’83, ’88, ’93, ’98, ’03, ’08 and ’13. For more information, call (530) 4227964, or visit weimar.edu/alumni.

LEGAL NOTICES PENNSYLVANIA CONFERENCE TRIENNIAL SESSION The triennial session of the Pennsylvania Conference

Bulletin Board of Seventh-day Adventists will convene at 9:30 a.m., Sunday, November 11, 2018, at Blue Mountain Academy in Hamburg, Pa. The purpose of this meeting is to elect officers for the ensuing term, to receive reports and to transact such other business that may properly come before the session at that time.

An Organizing Committee to select the Nominating Committee, and nominate the Constitution and Bylaws Committee will meet at 10 a.m., Sunday, September 9, 2018, at the Harrisburg Seventh-day Adventist Church in Harrisburg, Pa. Gary D. Gibbs, President William J. Peterson, Exec. Sec. ADVENTIST WHOLEHEALTH NETWORK TRIENNIAL SESSION Notice is hereby given that the regular session of the Adventist WholeHealth Network constituency will be held in connection with the triennial session of the Pennsylvania Conference of Seventh-day Adventists at 9:30 a.m., Sunday, November 11, 2018, at Blue Mountain Academy in Hamburg, Pa. The purpose of this meeting is to elect officers for the ensuing term, to receive reports and to transact such other business that may properly come before the session at that time.

Gary D. Gibbs, President William J. Peterson, Exec. Sec. PENNSYLVANIA CONFERENCE ASSOCIATION TRIENNIAL SESSION Notice is hereby given that the triennial session of the Pennsylvania Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists will be held in connection with the triennial session of the Pennsylvania Conference of Seventh-day Adventists at 9:30 a.m., Sunday, November 11, 2018, at Blue Mountain Academy in Hamburg, Pa. The purpose of this meeting is to elect officers for the ensuing term, to receive reports and to transact such other business that may properly come before the session at that time. Delegates to the Pennsylvania Conference session are recognized as delegates to the association meeting.

Gary D. Gibbs, President William J. Peterson, Exec. Sec.

OBITUARIES LUKETIC, John Milan, age 90, born July 25, 1927, in Library, Pa., to the late Anton Paul and Katarina O. (Kobot) Luketic; died

at his home December 14, 2017, in Newton Falls, Ohio. John was a member of the Warren (Ohio) church, where he served as an elder. He served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corp 145 Airways and Communications Unit during WWII. He married the love of his life, Ann Elizabeth Singer, September 16, 1951, and they enjoyed 66 years of marriage together. John worked as a barber for nearly 20 years before he worked for Newton Falls Exempted Schools as a school bus driver for 23 years, retiring in 1990. He also worked part time for Nussle’s Greenhouse Florist for over 50 years. He enjoyed bowling, music, gardening and having coffee with the guys at McDonald’s. John did the Croatian Radio Hour on WNIO for over 30 years and the WKTX Christian Talk Spirit Alive Program. He was a Cub Scout Master and Boy Scout Master for Troop #69 when his children were growing up. Survivors: his wife, Ann, of Newton Falls; one daughter, Ruth Luketic, of Columbus, Ohio; five sons: Erich (Dianna) Luketic of Leavittsburg, Ohio; Karl (Patricia) Luketic of Maumee, Ohio; Kurt (Patricia) Luketic of Columbus, Ohio; Mark Luketic of Costa Mesa, Calif.; and Peter Luketic of Novi Sad, Serbia; one brother, Walter (Norma) Luketic of Newton Falls; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. His parents and one brother, Anthony Luketic, preceded him in death.

Sunset Calendar

Baltimore

Sept 07 Sept 14 Sept 21 Sept 28 7:29

7:18

7:07

6:55

Cincinnati 8:01 7:50 7:38 7:27 Cleveland 7:51 7:39 7:27 7:15 Columbus 7:55 7:44 7:32 7:21 Jersey City

7:20

7:09

6:57

6:45

Norfolk

7:26 7:15 7:05 6:54

Parkersburg 7:49

7:38

7:26 7:15

Philadelphia 7:24

7:13

7:01 6:49

Pittsburgh 7:44 7:32 7:20 7:09 Reading 7:27 7:16 7:04 6:57 Richmond 7:31 7:21 7:10 6:59 Roanoke 7:41 7:30 7:20 7:09 Toledo

7:59 7:47 7:35 7:23

Trenton

7:23 7:11 6:59 6:48

Wash., D.C.

7:31

7:20

7:08

6:57

STRICKLAND, William James, age 85, born July 22, 1931, in Coffee County, Ga.; died January 3, 2017, in Harrisonburg, Va. Bill was a member of the New Market (Va.) church. He was a teacher and school administrator at Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) in New Market, Va., for 40 years, teaching Spanish, English, religion, photography and other subjects as needed. In addition to classroom teaching, he was very involved in teaching students about the outdoors, taking groups on backpacking trips each month in the Blue Ridge Mountains. To introduce students to mission work, he also organized trips to Cuba, Mexico, Columbia, Panama, Puerto Rico and Spain. Before joining the staff at SVA, Bill was dean of boys at the Philadelphia Academy (Pa.) and at Highland Academy (Tenn.). Bill is survived by his son, David Strickland of Troy, N.C.; his daughter, Janice (William) Osborne of New Market; granddaughter Rebecca Wheatley (Brent) Wilson of Timberville, Va.; and great-granddaughters, Sadie Jean, Charlotte Marie and Lucy Ellen Bailey Wilson, all of Timberville. His wife, Jean Strickland, preceded him in death October 2005.

columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 45

! s d i K y He

Can you help us bring the Bible to life through art?

If you are between the ages of 5 and 15, we want you to draw a picture of your favorite Bible story that we can share with all of our friends in the 2019 Columbia Union Calendar.

Grab an adult and visit columbiaunionvisitor.com/2019callforart for more information and to download a submission form.

Mail your best Bible story masterpiece and submission form by September 30, 2018 to:

Are you in?

Columbia Union Adventist Headquarters ATTN: Kelly Coe, Communication 5427 Twin Knolls Road Columbia, MD 21045

“Let the Children Come�

Columbia Union Revolving Fund

Making Ministry Possible

A few years ago CURF helped Chesapeake Conference’s Spencerville Adventist Academy realize its dream of building a new, state of the art 21st century educational facility. The 100,000-sq.-ft. building was the first LEED-certified building in Montgomery County, Maryland, and received a bronze award for its energy-saving features. It includes a 375-seat auditorium, college-sized gymnasium for PE and varsity sports, certified kitchen for serving hot lunches, spacious classrooms with natural light, wireless technology, smartboards, and ergonomic furniture.

By providing loans for more than 2,000 projects to date, CURF helps further the work of the Seventh-day Adventist Church all across the Columbia Union.

Learn more: (866) 721-CURF | columbiaunion.org/CURF

Since 1968 the Columbia Union Revolving Fund (CURF) has been providing low-interest loans and financing for Seventh-day Adventist church and school building and renovating projects so as to facilitate growth. What started as a $200,000 fund with investments from members has grown to a $168 million resource that makes ministry possible.

This advertisement does not constitute an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Any offer to sell securities issued by CURF is made only through its Offering Circular. No one should consider any investment in CURF Notes other than by careful reference to the Offering Circular. Neither FDIC, SIPC nor any other government agency guarantees or insures repayment of CURF Notes.

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