Issue 2 2011
Adventist
Chaplain A quarterly publication of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries
Adventist Chaplaincy Comes of Age he Seventh-day Adventist chaplaincy of the new millennium is coming of age. Chaplaincy within the Seventh-day Adventist Church for the past 10 years has been going through a transformation. As a profession, and in accordance with professional standards, Adventist chaplaincies are maturing with endorsement, certification, language, and accreditation guidelines. A task force has been created to develop a denominational strategy for the education and training of chaplains worldwide. Recently the task force held its first meeting and began a two-year study to address relevant issues for the new reality of the Seventh-day Adventist chaplaincy in the twenty-first century. The origins of the word “chaplain” clearly indicate what is a chaplain. The word “chaplain” has its origins in western Europe. The most accepted story relates St. Martin of Tours sharing half of his
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PERSPECTIVE By Mario Ceballos, D.Min., BCC Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries, Associate Director
cape with a poorly dressed beggar in the city of Amiens. The remnant of his cape kept by him was called the “Capella,” a word derived from the Latin word for “cape.” Priests in western Europe were often considered chaplains. Thus “chaplains” were experienced parish priests that had the trust of the king, princes, or commanders of the armed forces. In addition to the military, chaplains were soon affiliated with hospitals, schools, prisons, hostels, and similar organizations. Today all across the world institutions such as hospitals, schools, prisons, and the armed forces are more and more often demanding and requiring better-trained, and more experienced pastors to be their chaplains. The oft-repeated story of ministers who were too old, too young, or unfit for the church becoming chaplains is no longer acceptable. In the United States the military requires that pastors applying
CONTENTS 2 I Perspective 4 I Ways Forward CAMPUS 6 I Babcock University Instills Restlessness for Service COMMUNITY 8 I It’s No Nine-to-Five Job CORRECTIONS 10 I Breaking Down the Barriers HEALTH CARE 12 I Connecting Church and Community
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MILITARY 14 I Stepping From the Known Into the Unknown 16 I ACM Chaplains Reach Up, Out, and Across 18 I Resources 20 I News Notes 23 I Calendar
for the chaplaincy hold a single, graduate degree in theology with no less than 72 graduate semester credit hours from an accredited seminary and possessing at least two years experience as a “senior” pastor of a church. If a war-making, secular machine requires better-educated pastors with experience to be the chaplains for their warriors, should not the denomination require at least the same or better for pastors who care for the spiritual needs of our youth and patients in Adventist institutions? Chaplains look to the church for providing not only endorsement but also certification and training, as do other churches for their chaplains. Outside North America there is limited opportunity for clinical chaplaincy-specific training. The church needs standard guidelines for accrediting all Seventh-day Adventist Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) training centers. This will help ensure the
highest level of quality and equivalencies among sister institutions, even though they are encouraged and expected to obtain certification from national professional organizations. These and other challenges are prompting the task force to look at the new face of Seventh-day Adventist chaplaincies. ACM welcomes comments and suggestions as we work on the ongoing transformation of the Seventh-day Adventist chaplaincy. Please direct your comments to Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries at www.nad.adventistchaplains.org (“contact us”), or to acm@gc.adventist.org.
LETTERS TO THE ADVENTIST CHAPLAIN Your letters to The Adventist Chaplain are always welcome. Please share short, specific, and timely thoughts with us. You should include your complete address and phone number—even in e-mail messages. Letters will not be published unless we have this information. Letters will be edited for space and clarity only. Please note that any inclusion of a letter to this section does not imply that the ideas expressed are endorsed by either the editors of The Adventist Chaplain, the directors of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries, or the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Send correspondence to: Letters to the Editor, Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600. Internet: editor@ VerbalOxygen.com
What is happenin g in
your corner of the wor ld? Please let us hear from you. W e encourage your participation by letting us know your accom plishments, ministry outreach , new assignments, and calend ar events. Please contact us at editor@VerbalOxy gen.com.
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Ways Ways
Forward Forward
LOOKING FORWARD ARD INTO 2011 AND BEYOND, “TELL THE WORLD” CONTINUES TO EXPRESS THE MISSION ENTH-DAY A ADVENTIST CHURCH. OF THE SEVENTH-DAY
his m mission ission n iincorporates ncorporates three strategic stra ategiic values: qualities of life life, f unity, and growth. During this quinquennium the church mission is taking on three dynamic dimensions: reach up, reach out, and reach across. To fulfill Christ’s commission of the gospel to all the world in these end-times, church leaders and members have established several priorities: reach out to the 10/40 window, reach out to the big cities, and inspire every church member to reach up, out, and across in telling others about Jesus Christ. Divinity continues to reach down for the salvation of all humanity. Jesus humbled Himself and became a servant “obedient to death” in our behalf (Philippians 2:6-8, NIV). He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). Next, through the Holy
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Spirit, God reaches in to dwell within each of us. Christ in us becomes our hope of glory (Colossians 1:27; Ephesians 3:17-19). God’s presence is with us always (Matthew 28:20), surrounding us with His many blessings and care (1 Peter 5:7). A positive human response to these divine initiatives leads to reaching up with the hand of faith to grasp the hand of God’s love reaching down. This is done through Bible study, personal and corporate prayer, and the study of Spirit of Prophecy writings, resulting in revival and reformation. refo f rmatio Speaking to the Adventist Church, Ellen E G. White admonished: “A revival revi v val of true godliness among us is the greatest an and most urgent of all our needs” (Selected (Sellected M Messages, Vol. 1, p. 121). In and of itself alone, revival has little merit, except itseelf alone when wh w hen we ssubmit to the Holy Spirit’s wooing in ng on our hearts. Yielding leads to repentance, repentanc reformation, and reconciliation. That results in strengthened relationships relationsh with God, family, and others. W are called to reach out to others as We a friendly f iendly fr l church that puts Christ’s mission ffirst. fi rst. We W must m respect diversity and invite all peo oples to fellowship (Galatians 3:26peoples 28). we mingle daily with 28)). As As chaplains ch nonmembers, seeking their good, showing non nmemb empathy hy, ministering m empathy, to their needs and inviting them to become disciples of Jesus in iting th Christ (See The Ministry of Healing, p.143). We understand that before a harvest the soil must be prepared, the seed planted, the new growth watered, and the young plants cultivated and nourished before they mature and produce any fruit or grain (See John 4:35-38; 1 Corinthians 3:5-11). Even after reaping, the harvest must be cared for and protected. Evangelism is a progressive work on a continuum of sequential events. In that process chaplains communicate the good news by telling their story of what Jesus has done for them and what He can do for others. We cooperate with the work of the Holy Spirit by gently listening to the hurting and offering the balm and salve of the precious promises from God’s Word.
Christians are called to reach across the human barriers that threaten to divide people. We must see the worth and potential in every person regardless of age, gender, race or socioeconomic level. That means recognizing the dignity and value of each individual. Sometimes this reach needs to start inside our own families and churches to rekindle love with those closest around us. Pastors know that all the saints who attend worship services are not quite ready for translation. They come seeking answers and hope. They are the ones who have responded to the Spirit and must not be turned away. Revival is needed to counter the polite gods of humanism, materialism, and secularism. Even human culture, laws, and traditions must yield to the principles of Scripture, faith, and Christianity. Revival is needed to overcome the evils of crime, corruption, and crudity by teaching and restoring the practice of respect, responsibility, and religion. Even within the church, revival of Bible study, prayer, and witnessing must replace the undue fascination with business, fashion, and sports that occupy the time of many members. Revival is more than a one-time event. It is an ongoing process that must continue in every Christian’s heart. As chaplains, let it begin with us, then spread through our experience and influence in our ministry to others.
by Gary Councell, M.Div., M.S. Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries, Director Chaplain (Colonel), U.S. Army, Retired
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Babcock University Instills Restlessness for Service
Babcock University, located in Ijeka, Nigeria, trains students for a life of service to make the world a better place and to prepare others for a better place.
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hat is the goal of education? It is to make man restless. For us at Babcock University, restlessness means that insatiable thirst for service to make the world a better place and to prepare for a better place.” These words on the home page of Babcock University’s website are faithfully developed and lived out in the lives of the students. This is accomplished partially through the efforts of the university’s chaplains and their interactions with the students. “We currently have over 6,000 university students and 1,000 high school students enrolled at Babcock,” said Emmanuel George, a university chaplain and associate pastor at the university church. With such a large number of students, faculty, and staff, the department of chaplains recognized the need to divide the university’s population into smaller groups for spiritual care. “I am responsible for 500 students and 230 staff members,” said George. “This makes it possible for me to be in closer contact with those under my care.”
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As the chaplains minister within their care groups, they are also working to instill the mindset of compassion and service. “Many of our students have become involved in our prison ministries outreach at two prisons–Shagamu and Ijebu-Ode,” said George. Shagamu Prison, located in a city with a population of more than 500,000, is a transitional facility with about 250 inmates, 80 percent of whom are awaiting trial. Teams made up of no more than five students visit the prison each Sabbath to conduct worship services. Recently students saw the fruits of their labors as they witnessed 30 baptisms at Shagamu Prison. “Twenty-nine inmates were baptized,” said George. “The thirtieth person was a woman who works outside the prison gates as a vendor. Her interactions with the students led her to Bible studies and baptism.” Ijebu-Ode Medium Security Prison houses almost 300 inmates. “These inmates are hardened criminals who have committed serious crimes,” said George. “Today there is an active group of Sev-
enth-day Adventists meeting regularly within the walls of the prison.” The baptism of 75 inmates has inspired the university students who have studied the Bible with them. “Our students now realize they are privileged and blessed to have freedom and that it should be taken seriously,” said George. “This has led to a total change in behavior and a commitment to share with other students.” The ministry of the university students doesn’t end within the walls of the prison. Helping prisoners rehabilitate and reenter society is another segment of the project. “Prisoners have brought great shame upon their families,” said George. “It is important to help the inmate, the families, and local church members understand forgiveness and proactively seek and give it respectively,” said George. A success story of the prison services and rehabilitation ministry was seen in the life of one inmate named Moses.* He had been in prison for three years without a trial for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. During that time Moses became involved in the church services and Bible studies and these activities were life-changing. When Moses was finally called to appear before a judge, he had no lawyer. “A lawyer happened to overhear the situation and realized that Moses was going to be sent back to prison without a trial,” said George. “The lawyer stepped forward and was willing to represent Moses.
Ultimately Moses was released, but was not prepared for life outside the prison. We worked with him and eventually helped him to return to his family in eastern Nigeria.” One day George received a call from Moses’ father. “He expressed his great joy at being reunited with his son, and thanked us for the intervention that we had been able to provide.” The university has also seen the benefits of chaplaincy ministries among the student population. More than 80 percent of the students are not Seventh-day Adventists. “We want to be a center where any student interested in chaplaincy ministry can receive education and training,” said George. “We have a special training
Students work with the university chaplains to tell the story of Jesus to those who are incarcerated in local prisons.
program for students who serve as student chaplains. They are taught the fundamental characteristics of chaplains and other aspects of the chaplaincy. They also assist in carrying out the university’s vision for each school year. This program results in changed lives and baptisms each year.” *The name Moses is a pseudonym and is used to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.
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Chaplain Sherman Cox is the spiritual mentor to the 20 officers who work at the Oakwood University Department of Public and Campus Safety.
It’s No Nine-to-Five Job M
inistry has taken on many forms of action for Sherman Cox. He has served as a parish pastor, a departmental director at the local conference level, a conference president, a Civil Air Patrol chaplain, and a college chaplain and mentor. Today, as the chaplain for the Department of Public and Campus Safety at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, Cox is the spiritual mentor to 20 officers who serve the university. “From the time I was very young I knew that I wanted to work with young people,” said Cox. “My years as a conference youth ministry director and a college chaplain helped fulfill that desire.” Cox uses the variety of ministries that he has done in the past to build on his work as a campus safety chaplain today. His position in the department came about
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at the request of department head Chief Lewis Eakins. “Chief Eakins wanted a more personal and spiritual thrust with the officers,” said Cox. “He also saw the need for someone with pastoral experience in times of public response to a variety of situations.” This is a new area of ministry for Cox, and he experienced a learning curve as he began to fulfill his role as department chaplain. “Although I understood the basics of chaplaincy, some things were new to me,” said Cox. “I had to learn the role of the police and their work. There are different dynamics in working with law enforcement, and gaining a better understanding of that has been part of my education.” `In addition to providing worship for the department, Cox is involved in training, home and hospital visitations for officers and their family members, as well as personal, family, and marital counseling. “My
role is to build relationships with the officers,” said Cox. “When they need someone to talk to, they now know they can come to talk with me.” ` Finding ways to help the officers feel they are important to the department and the school drives Cox to find practical ways to meet the needs of this circle of people. He uses much of what he learned in his previous experience as the campus chaplain at Oakwood in his work now. “I realized soon after I became campus chaplain that the students weren’t going to come to me in my office,” said Cox. “So I went out to meet them on the campus. I particularly looked for those who seemed downhearted, and would encourage them to not give up.” Moving out of
the formal setting of an office, Cox labored among the students on the playing field, in the student center, in the dormitories and in the cafeteria. Those experiences have influenced his work with the public safety officers today. This isn’t a nine-to-five job for Cox. He checks in at the department for each shift and touches base with the officers on a daily basis. He also organized a regular schedule to visit each officer and their family at home. “The department director, the captain, and I go together on these visits,” said Cox. “It helps us to see our officers outside the work environment and allows us to become acquainted with their families.” Sometimes events occur that thrust Cox into the role of chaplain/pastor. For instance, if a student is involved in a fatal car crash, Cox accompanies the department director, the captain, and a social worker to the location of the accident. He also plays a key role in contacting the student’s family and local pastor. His work on campus has also allowed him to keep in touch with the students. “I work closely with the campus chaplain,” said Cox. This team ministry provides a strength to the chaplaincy program overall. “It is a blessing to have a leader like Chief Eakins who is concerned about the spiritual life of his officers,” said Cox. “The personal touch makes all the difference in reaching others.”
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“Scratch where it itches.” That is Chaplain Emmanuel Samuthram’s philosophy as he ministers to the youth who are inmates at the Scioto Juvenile Facility in Delaware, Ohio. haplain Sam, as he is popularly known, works with 14-to 20 yearolds on a daily basis at the center. “When I first entered correctional chaplaincy work I worked with adults for 13 years. My seven years as a parish pastor helped to develop my shepherding skills, which I continue to use in my chaplaincy work. My chaplaincy ministry has in turn continued to develop my pastoral skills.” Two years ago Sam moved from the arena of adult corrections to youth corrections. “With the change of focus in my chaplaincy I suffered from culture shock,”
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admitted Chaplain Sam. “Working with youth who are incarcerated is a completely different scenario that working with adults.” At first Sam was apprehensive about how he would minister to such troubled young people. “Juveniles tend to fight more among themselves on a daily basis than adults,” said Sam. “Juveniles are also less likely to respond to direct orders than adults. This creates tension between the corrections staff and the juvenile inmates.” Sam knew he would have to earn the respect of the youth before he could reach them spiritually. He spends time getting to know the inmates individually. “These young people have such playful spirits,” said Sam. “Many of them are looking for a father figure to mentor them. By fulfilling the need, I am able to begin to break down some of the barriers that these teens have erected around themselves.” This also brings with it the burden of the teens watching Sam closely. “They can tell if you are genuine,” said Sam. “When they see that you really are concerned
Breaking Down
Emmanuel and Premila Samuthram
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about them and happens to them b h d care what h h h they respond to that nurturing.” Although the juvenile facility is coed, many of the boys stay only for a short time before being transferred to another locaion. “I do a religious assessment on each new person who comes in,” said Sam. “This helps me know where they are spiritually. If they are transferred, other chaplains will use this information in their work.” There are notable differences between boys and girls and how they react during their incarceration. “For the boys, the gang mentality and influence has a strong hold
on them,” said Sam. “In spite of this they don’t hold grudges for very long. They will act out a behavior and then regret it later. Girls are completely different. They hold
By also including family members in activities, Sam seeks to strengthen the family unit. Many of the youth come from dysfunctional homes. “We have 14- and
Chaplain Sam offers prayer at the Scioto Juvenile Correctional facility during visit of the The Bill Glass Prison Ministry. The Bill Glass program teams with well known sports stars to reach incarcerated youth with a message of hope.
the Barriers on to their anger and carry a grudge for a long time.” One of the largest hurdles that Sam sees today is how street-hardened the youth are becoming. They have to serve longer sentences because their crimes are more severe. He sees higher rates of depression among the population in his facility. “I try to counteract these negatives by encouraging them to be engaged in their education and spiritual life,” said Sam. “I want them to see there are many resources available that they can use to help them change their lives.”
15-year-olds who were smoking crack cocaine on the streets. These boys might be young fathers who have been raised by single mothers or grandparents,” said Sam. “When I connect with these family members, it impacts the child on a positive note. We have family worship day when parents and siblings can come and participate in activities and eat together. Additionally, we host two to three secular days annually when the teens put on a program. They look forward to this and are very talented. They just need a push to get them going.”
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Connecting Church and Community Robin Walker is passionate about helping local churches become engaged with the community around them.
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haplain Robin Walker saw a need within her church family at the First Church of Seventh-day Adventists in Washington, D.C., that led her to develop a ministry that would also help the church reach into the community. “Sixty percent of the First SDA Church family lives with the burden of some type of chronic disease,” said Walker. “There were many areas of health that our members, as well as people in the community, needed more practical information to help them live better.” With this realization, Walker recognized the opportunity to educate church members and at the same time help them become involved in reaching out to the local community. Training and preparation of the members were key components to the outreach that Walker envisioned. As the program evolved, the needs within the community were identified and plans were made to address the most urgent through outreach and education. “In the District of Columbia, there is a serious HIV-positive problem among the residents,” said Walker. “Awareness education and confidential testing were a means to talking with people in the community.” Other areas addressed included hepatitis C, cancer, and elder abuse of both prescription and over-the-counter drugs
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Using the expertise of area health care professionals as presenters, Robin Walker and the First Church of Seventh-day Adventists in Washington, D. C., organized a “Day of Health Awareness” for their community.
(OTC). “Many older people confuse and mix up their drugs, sometimes with dangerous consequences,” said Walker. “This can be alleviated by teaching that you can’t go by the colors of your pills when taking them. There also needed to be a conversation about not combining OTC pills with prescription medications.” First SDA modified their church service for one Sabbath and invited the community for a day of education and screening. “This Day of Awareness not only involved inviting people from the community as guests, but it also included using experts from the community to speak about specialized topics,” said Walker.
Chaplain Robin Walker
The day began with a prayer breakfast for the community and all the volunteers who would be manning the various stations. The Sabbath School time was a period of study, and the mission time focused on the subject of cancer. “A cancer researcher and an oncologist provided up-to-date information about cancer screening and treatments,” said Walker.” All area hospitals were represented through workshops, lectures, and screening programs. Participants could sign up for HIV testing, prostate exams, mammograms, prescription and depression counsel-
ing, and healthy cooking courses, as well as free literature on spiritual topics. “One visitor was seeking help for high blood pressure and healthy cooking ideas,” said Walker. “She chose to be tested for HIV and learned she had a positive diagnosis. Before our screening she had no idea she was HIV positive. This allowed her to begin necessary follow-up.” After a successful one-day event, it was important to implement follow-up programs. The following October the church hosted a flu vaccination clinic. “This was another successful outreach,” said Walker. “The only drawback was that we weren’t able to provide immunizations for children.” This has energized Walker to design a similar day of awareness that focuses totally on children’s health. Walker’s community work was what led her to become a chaplain. Her personal ministry began with the work of being a Dorcas leader, and eventually the youngest women’s ministry director for the Allegheny East Conference. In 1996 Walker returned to Columbia Union College (now Washington Adventist University) to complete her undergraduate degree. Following graduation, Walker began a dual-track program of obtaining her Master of Divinity as well as completing an internship in parish ministry and her clinical pastoral education requirements. “The dual-track program is a very good program for women entering chaplaincy,” said Walker. “Through this program you are able to gain experience in both a parish and chaplaincy ministry.” Walker believes that chaplains must build bridges with others and constantly be aware of the ministry to the whole person. Another of her community outreach programs was to coordinate a group of 60 pastors who went before the U.S. Congress and successfully appealed for water filters for private homes. “Lead levels in the water were too high for human consumption,” said Walker. “This was a way to impact our local community for good.”
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LT Adrienne Townsend, CHC, USNR
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ith almost six years of teaching experience and a master’s degree in curriculum education nearly completed, things were looking good for Adrienne Townsend. “It was a remark by my professor, Robert Kennedy, that began to tilt my world,” said Adrienne. “We were discussing some final points on the completion of my degree when he challenged me with something that I wasn’t expecting.” During the conversation Kennedy told Townsend that she should enter the ministry. “I was ready to finish a master’s degree that I had worked hard to earn,” recalled Townsend. “I was happy teaching, but as the days slipped by Dr. Kennedy’s words kept repeating themselves.” Townsend turned to fasting and prayer, surrendering completely to God. How could she give up an established career to enter unknown territory? What was she supposed to do?
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Stepping From the Known Into the Unknown Finally Townsend decided to apply to Andrews University and began the application process. “As I was filling out the paperwork I wrestled with the idea of studying for a doctorate in religious education,” said Townsend. “That brought no peace, and I finally settled on studying for a Master of Divinity degree.” Seven days later Townsend received an acceptance letter. “I moved ahead in faith and sold or gave away everything I owned,” said Townsend. “I told God I only wanted ties to Him and that He would have to lead me. With just $200 in my pocket, I left for Andrews.” For the next year Adrienne continued to be unsure of why she was attending seminary. She went to class, participated in discussions, and knew that she was where God wanted her. But why? “Several classmates who were Navy chaplain candidates encouraged me to participate in the Navy’s summer training programs for chaplains,” said Adrienne. “Since there was no long-term commitment, I decided this was something to investigate.” During those summer training programs Adrienne began to feel enthusiastic about her work and ministry. “When I returned to the classroom to study, I waited for that feeling every morning,” said
Chaplain Townsend currently serves at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in Beaufort, South Carolina.
Townsend. “I realized that I had a passion for chaplaincy ministry.” Although Adrienne now understood why God had brought her to Andrews, she had to meet all the military chaplaincy requirements. There were no other Seventhday Adventist women who could mentor her. “Chaplain Tanya Bindernagle and I were going through the process at the same time,” said Townsend. “We would compare notes and encourage each other.” At the end of the second summer training course, Adrienne was required to apply for endorsement through Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries in order to proceed. “I felt
Chaplain Townsend moved forward in faith and became military chaplain even though she already had a career as a teacher.
in my soul that God wanted me to be a Navy chaplain,” said Townsend. “In every disappointment and difficulty in the process I would go back to that moment and be reaffirmed in my decision.” Under a memorandum of understanding and agreement with the Michigan Conference, Adrienne was involved in practical ministry and leadership experience as an associate pastor of New Life SDA Fellowship and worked under the supervision of pastors at Pioneer Memorial Church, as well as working as a dean of women at Andrews University. “The staff was very supportive and included me in church life,” said Adrienne. “I gained experience with boards, committees, dedications, funeral and weddings.” Although there was great satisfaction in her ministry, Adrienne felt isolated. “It was hard to see my male counterparts going through the process much easier,” admitted Adrienne. “This time of growth was pivotal and essential in my walk with God. It increased my dependence on Him.” In July 2008 Adrienne was commissioned as a U.S. Navy chaplain. “The commissioning ceremony was a very surreal experience,” said Townsend. “There were moments that I couldn’t believe it was happening. The struggle to reach that point had been long and hard.” As Townsend entered the military, dependence on God and clarifying her personal beliefs helped her face fears of being the only Adventist on the base. Townsend trained with sailors but for her first assignment as a chaplain was sent to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in Beaufort, South Carolina, as the base’s only female chaplain. “My preconceived ideas about marines had to be overcome,” said Townsend. “They project a hard-core persona, but many are seeking the same basic answers in life.” An unexpected remark, a willingness to surrender all, and the courage to follow God’s plan have taken Townsend on a road she never expected to travel. She stepped from the known into the unknown and is glad she did.
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Adventist Chaplains
REACH C U UP,, OU OUT, U,
AND ACROSS
South American Division At baptism Christians take up the mantle of the early disciples to tell how Jesus has changed their lives for the better. Often it is easy to become so busy doing well that the actual telling is lost in the busy days of our lives. All Seventh-day Adventists have been asked to participate in the call for revival and reformation issued by the church leadership. This is not a program to be dictated. Rather it is a call to personally humble ourselves before God, asking Him to mold us into better witnesses for him. As those witnesses, we must then tell others about a loving God who sacrificed all to save us. Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries (ACM) challenges you to participate in an evangelistic outreach as a part of your own personal
Dr. Mario Ceballos, ACM assistant director, had the privilege of baptizing the mother of a student who attended the Week of Prayer at the Adventist University of Peru-Tarapoto campus.
ministry. Tell us about it, and we will feature it in the pages of The Adventist Chaplain. We begin this new feature with Dr. Mario Ceballos, ACM’s associate director. He accepted an invitation to join the chaplains at Adventist University of Peru-Tarapoto campus to conduct a Week of Prayer.
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Most Adventist universities have at least two Weeks of Prayer every year. These Weeks of Spiritual Emphasis serve to build up and nurture the spiritual life of the students. The other impact of the week is the opportunity for students, faculty parents and friends of the university to give their lives to Jesus and give witness of their commitment by being baptized. Students and faculty led out in the daily sessions and were coordinated under the supervision of Chaplain Joe Saavedra, the university’s senior chaplain. Class and work schedules were modified, and committees organized the publicity, music, baptismal services, and all other activities. The entire university was mobilized for one week to support and to participate in the Week of Prayer. The week concluded with students, faculty, and parents giving their lives to Jesus either through baptism or a recommitment of their hearts and lives. Each one pledged to identify themselves with Christ and not to allow the enemy of souls to steal their “Christian” identity. The young university was spiritually transformed, and internal evangelism took place. How will you tell your world this year?
Heaven rejoiced as students, faculty and parents were baptized at the conclusion of the Week of Prayer.
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“When he established the force of the wind and measured out the waters, when he made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm, then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it. And he said to the human race, ‘The fear of the Lord–that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.’” – Job Job 28:25-28 28:25 5-28 8N NIV IV
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Resources
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The T he following following is is an an iinterview nterview Seibold, editor with t Loren Lore r n Seib i old ld, edi d to t r of o
How did “B ““Best est Pr es Practices P ract ctices for f r Adventist fo Adv d enti tist Ministry” M Mi inis istry” get start started? r ed? I’ve always alway ays had an interest in helping other oth t er pastors. One of my m fi ffirst rst projects, before befo f re I was ordained, was to create and edit a magazine with w th wi t th tthee late Jim Cress. It was called Pr Praxis P raxis i and fo ffocused cused on practi practical t cal ministr try. I’ve been a fr ffrequent equent contr t ibutor ministry. contributor consulti t ng editor for f r Mi fo M inis i tr try magaand consulting Ministry l a fe ffew w Sev e enth t -day a zine, and I’m one of only Seventh-day Adventi Ad t sts to hav a e been published in Ch C risri Adventists have Christianity ti t Today’s T da To day’s journal fo fforr pastors, Leade d rs rship i . tianity Leadership. W en Dave Wh Dav a e Gemmell suggested th tthat at When t e North th t Am A erican Div ivision church the American Division departm t ent wanted to do an resources department fforr pastors, I was intrigued. intr t igu g ed. e-newsletter fo oft f en speak of finding, f nding, developfi dev e elopCompanies often adopti t ng “best practices” practi t ces” for f r their fo t eir th ing, and adopting t ough th g t that t at phrase was th companies, and I thought f r ministry, fo ministr try, too. So we started “B ““Best et es apt for Practi Pr tices e fo fforr Adv d enti tist Mi M inis i tr try,” which w ich goes wh Practices Adventist Ministry,” approxi x mately l every e ery ev r tw ttwo o weeks k. out approximately weeks.
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What’s in Best What’s W Bes est Pr P Practices? ra Creativity Creati tivity t is the t e key. We want to give th pastors creative creati tive idea ideas, and we especially like tthose th ose ideas coming from other thoughtful, creative creati tive pastors. Thee content has evolved over time. T Th W now include articles We art people send us that pastors should read read, bits of news, great quotations, tati t ons, and whatever w atev wh e e events and resources we can get our hands hand on. Because it’s an e-mail newsletter, r o our pieces have to be short. But we’ll mak make all kinds of things aavailable av ailable for f r link or download—even the fo occasional doctoral dissertation. Please note that t at the full title is Best th Practices P Pr racti tices e fo fforr Adv Adventist d enti tis Ministry—not just in Adventist A Ad dventi t st ministr ministry. try. We’re open to learning ffrom fr om others. oth t ers. How do you y u choose yo choo what to feature? A fi At ffirst rst I had to hunt for articles, and I sti still t ll do occasionall occasionally. But as we’ve grown a sort of “Best Practi t c community, pastors Practices” are volunteering art articles and ideas. My general guideline g ideline is th gu tthat a if it could be helpful to pastors, I’ll let them t em know about it. That th can get a bit touchy: touchy h occasionally we’ll hear ffrom fr om someone who w o thinks that an Adventist wh source linking linki k ng to re resources concerning someth something t ing contr controversial, t ove such as homosexuality ality, ty, means we’re aadvocating for that point of view, v ew, vi w which w ich of course wh co isn’t necessarily the case. But Adventist Adventi Ad t st pastors do need to be made aware a are how others aw ot see these things. What are th What W tthe e long long-term vision and goals fforr th fo tthis his resource? I th tthink ink we’re do doing pretty much what we want to do wi w with t the e-newsletter, though th tthere th ere are some topi topics, such as ministry to secular college campuses, camp which I’d like to explore exp x lore in more dep depth. We’ve added a quarterly l newsletter called “Best Practices for Adventist Adv d enti tist Wo W Worship.” rship rs i .” We’ve W also branched out
into “Best Practices” Webinars, which have been a lot of fun, and we’d like to do more of them. There’s a lot more we can do to develop the new media resources, such as online community and website. (We have a Facebook page and welcome you to join.) Occasionally I’ve been able to attend Church Resource Center (CRC) events and host conversations with pastors. I’d also like the chance to spend more time speaking with and learning from Adventist pastors face-to-face. But I’ve also got a ministry in the Ohio Conference, so I’m busy! How can chaplains participate by submitting materials? Many of the things chaplains are expert at, pastors of congregations need to know how to do better, such as relating to people at the end of life, handling difficult conversations, and resolving conflicts. So I’d love to hear from chaplains. I treasure short pieces from active, creative people (no more than 400 words, which means you've got to write to make every word count.) Write in first person—“This is what I did, and how it works” rather than “Do this. . .then do that.” And tell one story, one idea, one program, or one plan, not your whole philosophy of ministry. How can chaplains subscribe to “Best Practices”? The easiest way to subscribe is to go to the CRC website, www.vervent.org, and click on the newsletter button in the upper-right-hand corner.
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N O R T H
A M E R I C
N EWS
(Back row from left to right) Jan Leffers, David Slee, Leonard A. Hawley; (front row from left to right)- Oliver Johnson, Dr. Mario Ceballos, Yvonna Applewhite (Seminary Admin. Asst), Leo Campbell
Andrews University candidates for the Doctor of Ministry degree with a concentration in chaplaincy have finished their last class and are working on their project dissertation. Dr. Mario Ceballos served as instructor for the final class. Each of these chaplains has been endorsed by Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries: Leo Campbell, Corrections; Leonard Hawley, Corrections; Oliver Johnson, Corrections; Jan Leaffers, Health Care; David Slee, Health Care; and Michael Chester, Military. The candidates are scheduled to graduate in 2011-2012. Andrews University currently offers Doctor of Ministry degrees in chaplaincy with concentrations in chaplaincy or health care chaplaincy. Either program is open to any chaplain who meets the academic requirements.
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I C A N
D I V I S I O N
N OTES
The following chaplains and chaplain candidates met recently with Les Rilea, ACM Assistant Director, Southeastern Region, North American Division, at Fort Jackson, South Carolina: (from left to right) Chaplain Ulisese Mataafa, U.S. Army Reserve; Eliseo Aquino, chaplain candidate; Chaplain Andre Ascalon, NJARNG; Les Rilea, ACM Assistant Director, Southeastern Region, North American Division; Jorge Baez, chaplain candidate; Chaplain Richard James, U.S. Army Reserve; Freddy Sanchez, chaplain candidate; Chaplain Bill Cork, TXANG. (From left to right) RADM Robert F. Burt, Chief of Navy Chaplains; Chaplain Kyron Bell; Captain Michael W. Langston, CO Naval Chaplaincy School.
K B ll h d d from f h Naval Chaplaincy School Kyron Bell has graduated the at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. His first chaplaincy assignment is at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in North Chicago, Illinois. 21
Online Giving
Greetings from the Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries Staff
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onoring God through faithful stewardship is encouraged of all Seventhday Adventists. In the Bible rich blessings are promised to those who return an honest tithe and are generous with offerings to support God’s work. Tithes, offerings, and church expenses should be supported on a regular basis at the local level. After these commitments have been fulfilled, individuals who wish to support financially the mission of ACM for Adventist chaplains worldwide may do so by donating online or by mail. For your convenience you may make an online contribution at www.AdventistGiving .org/?OrgID=AN11AD. Please use the electronic bank transfer rather than paying by credit card. Your generous contribution to ACM will sustain chaplains you may not meet until you stand together under the Tree of Life. Imagine the stories you will be able to share with each other!
ACM staff (back row from left) Larry Roth (NAD), Washington Johnson II (NAD), Dr. Mario Ceballos (GC), Jose McLaughlin (NAD), Gary Councell (GC), James North (NAD); (front row from left to right) Deena Bartel-Wagner (GC), Arlene Bonilla (GC), Dina Muldoon (GC), Les Rilea, (NAD)
The Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries staff is here to serve you. You are in our prayers as you minister daily to those who are within your sphere of influence. May you find peace in the assurance of His love for you and joy in the knowledge that Jesus is coming soon.
RICH BLESSINGS ARE PROMISED TO THOSE WHO RETURN AN HONEST TITHE.
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ACM CALENDAR 20–23 March ACM World Advisory 21–24 March SDA Campus Chaplains Conference Rosario, WA 23–27 March APC Conference Dallas, TX 28–30 March FMMC Conference Fort Jackson, SC 6–9 April BAYDA United Youth Congress Orlando, FL 10–11 April GC Spring Council Huntsville, AL 12 April NAD ACM Committee Meeting GC Building 18–19 April AHS Health Care Chaplains Meeting Roseville, CA 27 April ACM Staff Meeting Videoconference 10 May NAD ACM Committee Meeting GC Building 20-22 May NPUC Ministers’ Training Gladstone, OR 22–26 May SDA Military Chaplains Conference Gladstone, OR 28 May Sabbath and Memorial Day Services Tillamook, OR 10–18 June ACM Advisory and Military Retreat Nairobi, Kenya 11 June ACM Offering NAD churches 14 June GC ACM Committee Meeting GC Building 14 June NAD ACM Committee Meeting GC Building 22 June ACM Staff Meeting Videoconference 12 July NAD ACM Committee Meeting GC Building 27 July ACM Staff Meeting Videoconference 3–6 August ASI Convention Sacramento, CA 9 August NAD ACM Committee Meeting GC Building 24 August ACM Staff Meeting Video conference COVER PHOTO The country of Nigeria is officially known as the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Is is comprised of 36 states and its federal capital is in Abuja. The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria is comprised of two union missions-NorthWestern Nigeria Union Mission and the Eastern Nigeria Union Mission- and is a part of the West-Central Africa Division.
Executive Editor: Mario Ceballos, D.Min., BCC Editor: Deena Bartel-Wagner editor@verbaloxygen.com Layout and Design: Bill Kirstein Review and Herald® Publishing Association THE ADVENTIST CHAPLAIN is a quarterly publication of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries, the ecclesiastical endorsing agency of the Seventh-day Adventist® Church. This journal is distributed worldwide to chaplains, church leaders, institutions, and others involved in chaplaincies. To be added to our mailing list, please visit our website at www.adventistchaplains.org. Articles, comments, photographs, and questions are always welcomed. Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Texts credited to NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Photos on pages 1, 4, 12, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 © ThinkStock, 2011.
Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries DIRECTOR: Gary Councell, M.Div., M.S. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR: Mario Ceballos, D.Min., BCC MAILING ADDRESS: Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries Seventh-day Adventist World Headquarters, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600, USA PHONE: 301-680-6780 FAX: 301-680-6783 E-MAIL: acm@gc.adventist.org WORLDWIDE WEB: www.adventistchaplains.org
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General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists® 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600
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Adventist
–Adam Ferguson
“The history of mankind is confined within a limited period, and from every quarter brings an intimation that human affairs have had a beginning.”
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