Table of Contents Mid-America Union August 2009 Editorials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 "Eternal Consequences of Selfless Love". . . . . . . . . . . . 3 "Addiction a Disease or Sin?". . 4 "What Should I Be Doing?". . . . . 5 Seven Steps to Freedom from Addiction. . . . . . . . . . 6 Youth Ministry at Camp Meeting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 "wiiServe" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Central States News . . . . . . . . . . 10 Dakota News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Iowa-Missouri News. . . . . . . . . . 14 Kansas-Nebraska News. . . . . . 16 Minnesota News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Rocky Mountain News . . . . . . . 20 Union College News . . . . . . . . . . 22 Adventist Health System. . . . . . 24 Mid-America Blog Update. . . . . 26 Letters to the Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Farewell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Sunset Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 On the Cover: Our cover pictures Pastor Tom Roth (right) of NEWDAY Church in Colorado. Tom, a recovering alcoholic, has a dynamic restoration ministry—an expression of community volunteerism. Pictured with him is Randy, who just accepted Jesus and requested baptism.
Find individual conference reports on the following pages...
Iowa-Missouri Conference
14 Central States 10 Conference
Rocky Mountain Conference
Note: Central States is an ethnically diverse regional conference encompassing the entire Mid-America Union territory.
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Union College 22 Kansas-Nebraska 16 Conference
In This Issue... Lots of people regret not having gotten enough education while life was young and uncomplicated. Maybe they weren’t focused on the future and just dropped out. Some left school because of finances or family circumstances. Either way, they now find themselves in a humdrum job that’s utterly unfulfilling. Going back to school may not be workable. If that describes your life, here’s good news: Even if you can’t find fulfillment in your vocation, you can find it in a volunteer avocation. Discover your spiritual calling and then serve your community in collaboration with your church family. Experience unexpected joy as you lose yourself in love for God expressed in serving others. With our special focus this month on community volunteerism, you’ll find plenty of ideas and inspiration in these pages. Amy Prindle is now the associate director of communication for the Mid-America Union. She also continues to be managing editor of this publication. I thank God for Amy’s faithful service.
Unless otherwise noted, all photos are stock photography. 2
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One more thing . . . I am happy to announce that OUTLOOK, (ISSN 0887-977X) August 2009, Volume 30, Number 8. Outlook is published monthly by the Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 8307 Pine Lake Road, Lincoln, NE 68516; Telephone: 402.484.3000; Fax: 402.483.4453; E-mail: info@maucsda.org. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Outlook, PO Box 6128, Lincoln, NE 68506. E-mail: outlook@maucsda.org. When possible clip name and address from a previous issue. Printed at Pacific Press Publishing Association, Standard postage paid at Nampa, ID. Free for Mid-America church members and $10 per year for non-Mid-America subscribers. ©2009 Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. All Rights Reserved. Adventist® and Seventh-day Adventist® are the registered trademarks of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Minnesota Conference
Dakota Conference
Martin Weber, editor
Outlook Staff Editor: Martin Weber Managing Editor/Ad Manager: Amy Prindle Layout Designer: Amy Prindle Classifieds/Subscriptions: Chris Smith Copy Editor: Chris Smith News Editors Central States: Kymone Hinds Dakota: Heidi Shoemaker Iowa-Missouri: Michelle Miracle Kansas-Nebraska: John Treolo Minnesota: Claudio Consuegra Rocky Mountain: Karen Cress Union College: Jacque L. Smith
Mid-America Union Conference President: Roscoe J. Howard III VP for Administration: Thomas L. Lemon VP for Finance: Elaine Hagele Associate VP for Finance: Walt Sparks
Local Conferences CENTRAL STATES: 3301 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66104; 913.371.1071 www.central-states.org DAKOTA: P.O. Box 520, 217 North Grand Ave., Pierre, SD 57501; 605.224.8868 www.dakotaadventist.org IOWA-MISSOURI: P.O. Box 65665, 1005 Grand Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50265; 515.223.1197 www.imsda.org KANSAS-NEBRASKA: 3440 Urish Road, Topeka, KS 66614-4601; 785.478.4726 www.ks-ne.org MINNESOTA: 7384 Kirkwood Court, Maple Grove, MN 55369; 763.424.8923 www.mnsda.com ROCKY MOUNTAIN: 2520 S. Downing St., Denver, CO 80210; 303.733.3771 www.rmcsda.org
Editorial Eternal Consequences of Selfless Love
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by Roscoe J. Howard III
ommunity service is one of the most important things that Seventh-day Adventists in Mid-America can do with their lives. You don’t believe what I just said, do you? So let me explain my convictions about selfless service for the Savior.
People say nothing in life is free, and for the most part, that’s true. But when we serve our communities with hearts full of love—looking for nothing in return—we demonstrate why Jesus came to this earth. We show the love God has for every person on the planet. Christ’s heart, in His church, reaches out to those who have lost faith both in God and humanity. People cynical about their circumstances suddenly find hope for their lives, which helps them grasp our doctrine of hope for eternal life. True unconditional love originates in heaven, and it spreads to earth through our hearts and hands. This is love that does not demand its recipients to become church members. It does not say, “Now you owe me your presence next Sabbath.” This is love that does not judge one’s behavior, attitude or core values. It is love that asks no questions about pedigree, cultural proclivities, degrees earned or status bestowed. Such agape love is the whole reason it’s called “unconditional.” I have seen it very few times in my life. But when I have witnessed and experienced it, I knew that God was still alive and on His throne. The spectacle of disinterested benevolence transcends all written explanation of community service. Our stereotype of community service envisions silver-haired senior citizens handing out canned goods and used clothes in the basement of the church. Thank God for what they are doing! But God wants and needs more from His church. We must dramatically expand our vision of serving our communities. Picture this: Teens and young adults raising funds for dying AIDS patients and their families. Recovering addicts forming a support group to help people hooked on pornography. Married couples sharing wisdom, wit and candor on how they made it to their 30th anniversary. Pathfinders and their parents setting up a table beside a bike trail, giving away cold lemonade after church on an August afternoon. Sabbath school members committing to tell 100 people that they are special and God loves them. Life has consequences, we hear, usually as a warning against misbehavior. But there are also positive outcomes from good choices. I’m talking about day-by-day decisions to venture outside of our comfort zone in creative and compassionate love. People around us who don’t know God will then recognize Him in our lives. We will make a difference through simple acts of kindness, both random and strategic. Their effects will linger for days, perhaps weeks and years—even for eternity. I’m envisioning more than a crown of gold on your head when Jesus comes. I see your next-door neighbor from earth walking with you on heaven’s streets of gold. She is thanking you for a word of compassion after she emerged from the abortion clinic with head hung low, while other Christians were crusading on the sidewalk carrying placards. It was because of you that she chose life, after all. And now in heaven, she even has that forfeited baby back, who will also be forever grateful for your love. I’m thinking also of your workplace associate in the next cubicle, whose worried countenance one morning you took note of, gently inquiring what was wrong. Thanks to you, his cancer wasn’t terminal after all. Yes he did die—but only as a temporary sleep until Jesus came, because you were there to journey with him through earth’s final dark valley. Saints of God in Mid-America, do you see the possibilities? When enough members of a congregation come alive in service for the Savior, your church will get a reputation around town—not for merely resting on the seventh day, but for works of love all week long. This type of reputation is worth its weight in streets of gold.
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And when your day on earth is over and you say your prayers before slipping off to sleep in Jesus, you will thank God for every opportunity you seized to selflessly serve your Savior.
Roscoe J. Howard III is president of the Mid-America Union.
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Editorial Is Addiction a Disease or Sin? by Martin Weber
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f all the volunteer services a church can offer its community, perhaps nothing is more valuable than addiction recovery ministry. In this issue you will read about the Step Seven program designed by Tom Roth, one of the pastors at NEWDAY Christian SDA Church (which has dual campuses in Franktown and Parker, Colorado).
Actually, all of us have addictive tendencies to some extent of one kind or another. Anything done compulsively that causes us to violate our values or shirk our responsibilities can qualify as an addiction. In seeking to understand addictive behavior, we may wonder: Is addiction a disease or sin? Certainly there are medical and psychological dimensions to alcoholism, for example, and therefore it is properly called disease and dysfunction. But isn’t there also a moral component in maintaining a lifestyle rooted in deception, manipulation and blatant selfishness? Lying to oneself or to one’s loved ones is a choice, a fact often overlooked by well-intentioned family and friends who insist on making excuses for those refusing help for their addictions. Many complex psychological, physiological and moral factors are operative in addictive behavior. No wonder the Bible teaches, “The whole head is sick and the heart is faint” (Isaiah 1:5). The umbrella word for the moral component in all of this is sin. Perhaps the moral nature of an addicted person’s choices is denied because we know that pointing out guilt causes shame. This worsens addictive behavior, because people in shame brand themselves as losers, leaving themselves no option but to live out that identity of lostness. Secular society has no place to go with shame and guilt, but we have the heavenly sanctuary as our place to escape: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). God’s solution to shame and guilt is grace. This is the heart of our sanctuary message: a great High Priest eager and able to represent us before a loving heavenly Father against accusation from the devil—and our own guilty conscience and identity of shame. Instead of escaping from a holy God by indulging addictions, we can flee for refuge to a merciful God’s throne of grace. Heaven’s sanctuary is our addiction recovery center—and local churches should serve on earth as its neighborhood clinics. Once people find acceptance and security in God’s loving grace, they discover the confidence and courage to do the searching and fearless moral inventory so fundamental in owning up to behavior that hurts ourselves and others. We also are cured from a core contributor to addictive behavior—the sense of victimhood. This is an attempt to gain relief from the blame that condemns and shames us by shifting responsibility over on someone else, or society in general, or the church—or even blaming God. All of us have been wounded and mistreated in life, some more than others. The pain of abuse must never be denied or minimized—but neither should we focus so much on how we have been abused that we use it as an excuse to be hopeless or irresponsible, and then inevitably sink ourselves into addictive escapes. “Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more” (Romans 5:20). Grace cures us from victimhood, because it replaces guilt with forgiveness, and shame with our brand new identity in Christ. Whatever has happened in our past, God is greater than it all and has promised to work all things for good to those willing to love Him and experience His purpose for their lives (Romans 8:28). Learning how this happens takes lots of spiritual mentoring and a deep knowledge of Scripture with its promises and admonitions. This is an ongoing learning process involving both compassion and accountability. It occurs most effectively in the context of a spiritual support community like NEWDAY’s Step Seven. Please acquaint yourself with Pastor Roth’s program (page 6), since all of us need grace and healing. Long ago in Jerusalem, Jesus took a walk on a Sabbath morning. He passed a place where many sufferers of disease and dysfunction were sprawled out in misery. Approaching one longtime victim, He inquired with bold compassion: “Do you want to be made well?” (John 5:6). Not everyone does. How about you?
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Martin Weber, DMin, is editor of Outlook and communication director for the Mid-America Union. All Scripture is from the New King James Version.
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Editorial What Should I be Doing? by Amy Prindle
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hrough a recent wave of self-reflection, I found myself repeatedly asking the above question. I believe in God. I believe in His Son Jesus and His ultimate sacrifice for us. Logically, then, I would believe in what Jesus requests: “Follow Me.”
If I want to find out exactly what it means to follow Jesus, a good place to look first is in the Gospels. While Jesus was on the earth, what did He do in view of His followers? What did He have them do? How did He instruct them? “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). Throughout the Bible, it is made clear that how we treat those around us is vitally important. In fact, it is the avenue to bringing praise to God. Jesus repeatedly instructs His disciples to tend to the needs of the people. “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give” (Matt. 10:8). He tells them to include the children. He tells them to love their neighbors as themselves. And He tells His followers what is expected of them—especially in this following story. After Jesus healed a crowd of 5000+ people, the disciples noticed that the multitude was tired and hungry. Acknowledging this need, they suggested that Jesus tell them to disperse so they could go into town and buy some food. But Jesus had a different plan of action: “…They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat” (Matt. 14:16). Please note, the disciples weren’t completely ignorant here. They had enough community awareness to recognize the need. They noticed the people were weary and hungry, and they were even compelled that something be done about it. But Jesus is not content with stopping there. He uses this situation to specifically point out that the needs of the community fall under our responsibility as His followers. Sure, He expects us to call upon Him for guidance, but it is nonetheless our Christian duty to go out with the intention of meeting people’s needs. With Jesus Christ as our example, we have a complete framework of mission: Where our focus should be, what our attitudes should reflect, and an illustration of how the process of compassion brings many into God's Kingdom. In Desire of Ages, we are told that Jesus, “in His contact with men He did not ask, What is your creed? To what church do you belong? He exercised His helping power in behalf of all who needed help. Instead of secluding Himself in a hermit’s cell in order to show His heavenly character, He labored earnestly for humanity” (p. 86). And going even further, in The 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’”(p. 143). There’s my answer. What should I be doing? Based on Jesus’ commands to His disciples, I should take responsibility for the community around me. I should intend to help anyone in any need, regardless of who they are or my relationship to them. I should labor earnestly for humanity, and make this mindset a daily request in my prayers. I should rally my own family of believers and work toward the good of our community. And to add encouragement to our responsibility, these good works are regarded as the pathway to success in reaching out to others and bringing them into the family of believers. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lord the first time, this is how we prepare the way the second time. By respecting this order of outreach—meeting people where they’re at, truly interested in their well-being, working to meet their needs, and in turn gaining their trust—we have helped create an entrance for the Holy Spirit to come into these people’s lives. Just as those healed by Jesus marveled and asked, “Who was that Man who healed me and gave me hope?” There will be people asking of us, “Who are you? What’s behind all this?” As for me, I resolve to carry this answer and encouragement in my daily walk, and to promote it within my own church family. May we all band together, with Jesus Christ as our leader, and accomplish nothing short of changing the world—starting with our own neighborhood.
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Amy Prindle is the associate communication director for the Mid-America Union and managing editor of Outlook magazine. All Scripture is from the New American Standard Version.
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reedom F
Seven Steps to
from Addiction
by Tom Roth
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Our simple mission statement became: “Sharing Jesus with the addicted.” Our vision was just as simple: “Freedom from addiction through Jesus.” The seven steps to our program, “Step Seven,” are as follows:
our years ago it came to me: A message, I believe, from God. I hope I heard Him well. I was relaxing in my easy chair when He impressed me to research the success of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), specifically its “Twelve Step” program. Certainly AA has done great things for many people struggling with addiction, but I always sensed something was missing. Being myself a recovering alcoholic drug addict, I know the program well. Also being a pastor, I would also like to think I know Jesus fairly well—and this is where I discerned a disconnect. It became increasingly obvious to me that Jesus wasn’t much welcome in many Twelve Step meetings. And with Jesus as the most important part of everything I do, it was time for careful evaluation. Soon I learned that AA’s success rate is far from stellar. Most resources, including AA itself, put that number at under 10 percent. This was disappointing to me, but not surprising. I felt sad to realize that people struggling with something as serious as addiction would rely on something so unreliable. With more research and prayer, the simple fact dawned on me that to receive true healing we must go to the true Healer. Knowing the importance of surrendering our lives to a “Higher Power,” the selection of that power is obviously critical to overcoming addiction. What we needed was a program that connected struggling addicts with Jesus.
Photo courtesy of Cheryl Roth
Step One: We recognize that our lives had become a prison. “...For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him” (2 Peter 2:19). Step Two: We consider the fact that it might be the sin in our life that causes this lack of freedom. “I tell you the truth everyone who sins is a slave to sin” (John 8:34). Step Three: We consider accepting Jesus Christ as our Higher Power. “That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). Step Four: We prayerfully ask Him to take away this desire to continue in this activity that separates us from Him. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your request to God” (Philippians 4:6). Step Five: We seek through prayer, study and our small group His healing gospel truth. “Seek first His kingdom and righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). Step Six: We come to accept Him as our Lord and Savior. “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Step Seven: We share this message. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).
A circle of brothers in Christ participating in NEWDAY's Step Seven addiction recovery program, under the mentoring of Pastor Tom Roth 6
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These seven simple steps bring someone into a lifesaving relationship with Jesus. Lives are changing and we are seeing new faces at every meeting.
liver failure. The first two times I met him, he was in a coma. At five percent liver function, his prognosis was less than bright. The doctors said and still say it’s only a matter of time. The fact that he is still with us a year and a half later is nothing but a miracle. The bigger miracle though, is the fact that Randy has now accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
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Photo courtesy of Cheryl Roth
Gary, a regular participant, testifies: “Step Seven has introduced me to a Higher Power I can trust: my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ”. Bob, a gentleman we met while he was in the hospital detoxing from years of abuse, states, “My fear was I did not have a relationship with God. I did not really have any friends except drinking buddies, and I was truly scared for my life. This is the first time, since I started my search for sobriety, that I believe I have found something I can believe in.” He continues: “It’s also the first time I have found a group of guys I have so much in common with, men that want the same thing I do—sobriety and a relationship with Jesus.” Our church, NEWDAY Christian SDA, is focused on connecting with the community. The guys at Step Seven believe that in spreading this message they are doing their best for the Lord’s work. We look forward to opening our first Step Seven Sobriety House as well as our Step Seven Treatment Program. We also believe we have a wonderful model for planting new churches. In closing, I would like to introduce my new friend and Step Seven participant, Randy. I met him in the hospital more than a year ago. He was fighting for his life from
Pastor Tom Roth is the site pastor at the Franklin locaPastor Tom Roth (right) with tion of Colorado’s Newday Randy, a Step Seven participant Christian SDA Church. For who has now accepted Jesus more information on the Step Seven addiction recovery program, visit www.stepseven.org or call 888.330.1931.
How to Connect With Your Community by Mike Temple
1. Meet people where they are. This should not be confused with meeting people where we would like them to be. Handing off doctrinal tracts is probably not the best way to start relationships. There is a time and place for sharing our precious message— but first build a friendship. A smile with a caring attitude goes a long way toward that goal. 2. Reach out in creative, non-traditional ways. Do you have a talent for quilting? Start a quilting group in your community. Do you enjoy buying and selling on eBay? Tutor someone. Are you a thrifty shopper? Start a coupon club. Begin with what you know and what you’re good at. Photo courtesy of Mike Temple
3. Pray for God’s Spirit to create opportunities. I am a results oriented person, but I’m learning that God’s timing and
methods, compared with mine, are not always the same. He knows when and how to open doors for those with whom I have built relationships. 4. Continue friendship with those who don’t show spiritual interest. It’s tempting to disconnect when they don’t sprout “fruit,” but keep being friends—simply because it’s the right thing to do. Casting them aside is just wrong.
Photo courtesy of Mike Temple
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ll the programs, brochures and desires we have for reaching people won’t bring success if don’t we get personally involved. This involves building relationships. Here are some methods that work well in my ministry.
Young people work together, placing door hangers about upcoming seminars and events in the community.
Space doesn’t permit me to recount how the Spirit has blessed our churches in using these methods. We have discovered that the more trust we build with others, the more opportunities will present themselves for us to share the beautiful truths we hold so dear.
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Elder Mike Temple pastors three churches in the Dakota Conference. An honest blog about his non-traditional outreach is at www.whatsworkinginoutreach.com.
Pastor Mike (center) makes new friends at the painting bee held at the new Community Event Center in Dickinson, North Dakota.
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Photo courtesy of Robert Lechner
Youth spread mulch for the Centralia park district.
Youth Ministry at Camp Meeting A
Pa s t o r ’ s
by Robert Lechner
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who couldn’t have done it on his own. Sabbath morning we had a more than 140 youth in worship, and that afternoon the youth took younger kids and did activities with them. This year’s surveys basically told us, “Don’t change a thing.” That’s encouraging, but what really matters are their testimonies about how camp meeting made a difference in their lives.
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Robert Lechner is pastor of Sullivan Church in Missouri.
Photo courtesy of Robert Lechner
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or youth attending the Iowa-Missouri camp meeting, community service projects are an important component of their training and activities. The initiative came from the teens themselves, inspired by the leadership of Pastor Jeff Wines. The story began four years ago when camp meeting moved to the campus of Sunnydale Academy. Jeff, who pastors nearby in Columbia, Missouri had a vision to convince the kids that ministry and service for Jesus can be fun. He asked me to assist him. At the end of camp meeting we began asking the kids to fill out a survey about their experience the past week. Last year’s feedback indicated that the teens wanted deeper involvement in ministry. So this year we selected nine youth to mentor their peers. Our theme was, “How to be Real in an Unreal World.” Morning and evening worship began with U-Crew from Union College leading out in praise and worship. Then our young men and women spoke to fellow teens about how they live for Jesus and seek to uphold His standard. Afternoons were filled with fun service projects. On Wednesday a group went to Centralia and helped the park district spread mulch. We also served at the Columbia Food Bank, where the youth had a blast packing hotdogs and cereal for distribution to food pantries around the state. Thursday afternoon the kids visited “Oceans of Fun,” a water park in Kansas City. And for the fourth year in a row, on Friday, the youth painted a house for a person
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Maintaning a four-year tradition, the youth paint for an elderly or disabled neighbor.
Central States Youth Say
“wiiServe” by Lydie Theodor
Photo courtesy of the Central States Conference
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hroughout the 2008 presidential campaign, Barack Obama ceaselessly reminded Americans to devote effort in giving back to their communities and their country. On April 21 he signed a presidential order that upgraded the nation’s volunteering program, AmeriCorps. President Obama’s intent was to encourage Americans to extend their hands, hearts and minds to those in need. Long ago Jesus commanded His church to do the same. It’s not enough to verbally proclaim the gospel of God’s grace—it must be lived out in works of mercy. So reaching out to people in need is good religion as well as good citizenship. Central States Conference (CSC) teens and young adults are committed to fulfilling their spiritual and civic responsibilities to their neighbors. Pastor Kymone Hinds, CSC youth director, has led them in launching the wiiServe movement. (“Wii” is a popular digital entertainment system; CSC youth have adapted its name for their ministry to signify that life for them is more than fun and games.) AmeriCorps reacts in compassion to natural disasters and other catastrophes and also proactively serves the community, such as with a year of tutoring underprivileged schools and volunteering in the healthcare sector. The idea is to share one’s knowledge and skills to make a difference in the lives of others. To learn more about the organization, visit its website: www.wiiServe.org. Check out the youth family photo album! WiiServe brings inspiration and encouragement to CSC youth throughout the nine-state region of the MidAmerica Union. Recently Lighthouse Church in St. Louis has adopted it as an official church ministry. Read about it in CSC news on page 11.
Youth leader Karyle Barnes Sr., leading the way in gutter cleaning
Photo courtesy of the Central States Conference
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Working with Meals on Wheels, youth in the bus prepare meals and drinks for families.
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Mid-America Union News Central States News
Photo courtesy of the Central States Conference
IGen youth group
Impact from IGen by Kimberly Pearson
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Photo courtesy of the Central States Conference
ship development with prayer, study and spiritual gifts discovery. Jean Saint Jour from Park Hill SDA Church reflected: “I got closer to God. I trust He does have a plan for me.” IGen youth are the cutting edge of the change this world can see when Mid-America Adventists take ministry to their communities.
IGen volunteering at a food bank Photo courtesy of the Central States Conference
ous work in 105-degree heat, mowing lawns and cleaning gutters for elderly and disabled residents. IGen youth are committed to “be the change we want to see,” says Alyssa Sterling. They put their developing leadership skills and talents to work for God. Armed with tools, gloves, water bottles and a Christ-like attitude, they collaborated with other youth from as far away as Maryland and Florida. IGen events also included an evening program called “Harambee” Photo courtesy of the Central States Conference (which means “Let’s pull together!” in a major language of East Africa). IGen planned, organized and executed the entire program, which featured puppets, skits, songs, games and crafts to teach children positive values and affirmative messages. Each day, IGen youth also nurtured their own spiritual growth and leaderIGen youth and community kids having fun at the block party Giggles and singing resounded in the Boone Community district of Columbia, Missouri as Central States teens threw a block party for neighborhood children. It was an outreach of Impact Generation, better known by the nickname “IGen.” The missionary adventure involved more than parties and ice cream. IGen youth became homeless for a night, sleeping in the Salvation Army Harbor House shelter and interacting with residents. They also did strenu-
The "Harambee" evening program
Mid-America Union News Central States News God’s Lighthouse in St. Louis by Lydie Theodor also distribute gifts to the community (see www.harvester5.com) and work with AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers to clean seniors’ homes. Beyond ministry to nonmember neighbors, Lighthouse youth are committed to serve fellow members of their own congregation. Created and approved Lighthouse youth celebrate after a long day of hard work. by the local church board, the “In- Lighthouse youth send cards and Reach” program connects them with bring tokens of love to show how the other young people missing from church still cares and misses them the church, to encourage them back. dearly. Photo courtesy of the Central States Conference
The “wiiServe” youth ministry (see page 9) has impacted Central States Conference so much that Lighthouse Church in St. Louis has adopted it as an official church program. For Lighthouse members, the wiiServe slogan is “Ministers Unleashed!” Pastor Joseph T. Ikner and his elders have commissioned younger members to let their light shine before their neighbors, in harmony with Christ’s command in Matthew 5:16. A recent conference youth rally in Omaha inspired attendees from Lighthouse to crowd their calendars with community service opportunities. Among numerous other neighborhood activities, they participate in Meals on Wheels as part of the St. Louis Restoration Network. They
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Mid-America Union News Dakota News Reelections and Relocation for Dakota Conference by Heidi Shoemaker June 14 was an eventful day for the Dakota Conference at its quinquennial constituency session in Bismarck, North Dakota. The “buzz” entering into the session seemed to surround one topic: Would the conference move its office to a new building and if so, where? The topic had been discussed at numerous regional Photo courtesy of the Dakota Conference
Reelected Dakota Conference administrators and their wives: (left to right) Larry and Edith Priest, Jacquie and Neil Biloff
and town hall meetings across the two states during the past year. Conference President Neil Biloff recounted to constituents the need for a new conference building and location. The present structure is an aging house, converted more than 40 years ago into office space now needing considerable and expensive repairs. Issues of privacy (such as thin walls), need for adequate meeting spaces and support staff desks being placed in hallways were major reasons for a new building. Virtually all constituents agreed, voting approval. The next issue was where to locate the new facility: Should it remain in Pierre or move somewhere more central to the present Adventist population in the Dakotas? Additional concerns received discussion, such as the availability of Adventist Christian education (Pierre lost its church school recently), access to and drawing power for qualified staff, regional air transportation avail-
ability and cost of living. Six locations were nominated: Aberdeen, Bismarck, Jamestown, Pierre, Rapid City and Sioux Falls. After listening to pros and cons of each location—some provided by Biloff, others by constituents—the voting began, eliminating cities one by one until a decision was made. The new Dakota Conference facility will be located in the Bismarck/Mandan area of North Dakota. The move will take place during the next quinquennium, most likely within a couple of years. Dakota Conference President Neil Biloff and Larry Priest, vice president for administration, were reelected; Arlo Heinrich was elected vice president of finance—all receiving more than 90 percent of their respective votes. Such high percentages reflect the atmosphere of trust among Dakotans with their leadership, clearly approving the vision being implemented within the conference.
After several months searching for the right vice president for finance, Arlo Heinrich came to the attention of Dakota Conference leaders. Born in Jamestown, North Dakota, Heinrich was officially welcomed back to his home territory by delegates at the June 14 constituency session. Henrich was raised on a farm north of Gackle, North Dakota before graduating from Sheyenne River Academy. He met and married Sharon in Lincoln, Nebraska where both attended Union College. They have one son, Kendall, 18. Heinrich has been an auditor for the General Conference Auditing Service, treasurer for Enterprise Academy in Kansas and most recently an accountant for Florida Hospital Zephyrhills. He enjoys music, playing piano and bass guitar, and participating in worship praise groups.
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Photo courtesy of Arlo Heinrich
Dakota Welcomes New VP of Finance by Heidi Shoemaker
The Heinrich family
Sharon, with a background in business and fundraising, directed the Florida Hospital Zephyrhills Foundation for
the past 11 years. Her work included a successful three million dollar campaign for Heart Center.
Dakota News Dakota Camp Meeting Highlights by Heidi Shoemaker
Photo courtesy of the Dakota Conference
Jon Paulien of Loma Linda University’s School of Religion
A smorgasbord of speakers were featured: Larry Evans, undersecretary of the General Conference; Gary Gibbs, vice president for the Hope Channel; Roscoe J. Howard III, Mid-America Union Conference president; Gary Gibbs of the Hope Channel Bill Knott, Adventist Review editor; Jon Paulien, professor country gospel singer Joe Pearles. and dean of the School of Religion Everything came together to create at Loma Linda; and Martin Weber, a positive atmosphere for the fiveday event, which led up to Sunday’s Mid-America Outlook editor. Spiritual entertainment was not Quinquennial Constituency Session. Plans are underway for the 2010 lacking either, as the weekend featured two musical talents: Belko Dakota camp meeting, to be held Brass, an instrumental quartet, and June 8-12. Photo courtesy of the Dakota Conference
“Thank you! Thank you! We got real meat and not just entertainment,” exclaimed one attendee of this year’s Dakota camp meeting held in Bismarck, North Dakota.
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Mid-America Union News Iowa-Missouri News From Camp Meeting Into the Harvest by Michelle Miracle
Photo by Michelle Miracle
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Photo by Michelle Miracle
HOPE Channel, explained that “being winsome will ‘win some’ to the kingdom. How we witness is super important to the outcome. The manner in which we present the truth is crucial,” said Gibbs. Herb Montgomery, Renewed Heart ministries director, urged the importance of a wholehearted relationship with God. “It cannot be just an Dean Coridan, conference president (left) asks Walt Johnson about his work with Maranatha International’s One act of will to be AdDay churches. Camp meeting attendees donated $7,200 ventist. When the re- toward the project. lationship becomes a discipline, the relationship is des- ence vice president, challenged tined to fail,” said Montgomery. attendees: “See our neighbors in Mark Finley, General Confer- need and take the step to reach out to them. Will you get on your knees and say, ‘I’m going to be a soul-winner, and I need to come out of myself?’ Acts 20:35 says that ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Who is more blessed, the one who gives the Bible study or the one who receives it?” In preparation for next year’s camp meeting, to be themed: “Out of the World and Into The Word,” conference leaders have prepared a 365-day, comprehensive Bible reading plan available on the website www.imsda.org/campmeeting. Scripture is the foundation of Adventism, according to God’s declaration: “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near” (RevMark Finley reminds the camp meeting congregation, “If the winds are blowing in elation 1:3). your life, God has a miracle around the corner for you.”
Elder Dean Coridan, conference president, opened camp meeting 2009 at Sunnydale Adventist Academy with the parable of the landowner. “Some people are 12-hour workers for Christ and others are one-hour laborers. Maybe you’ve worked your whole life in God’s field, while others have only just begun their work as the end draws near.” Both long and short-term laborers will be saved, of course, but those who served throughout the day have the satisfaction that they lived their lives to the glory of God and the building of His kingdom. “Participating in the harvest by bringing people to Christ” was the central theme of camp meeting. How-to seminars operated throughout the week, detailing proven witnessing techniques. Gary Gibbs, vice president of the
Iowa-Missouri News Macon Pathfinder Cleanup Several years ago, Jackie Albright, Macon Church member, lost her sister in an auto accident. In memorial, Jackie and her family have been cleaning up the highway ever since. But now it is getting hard for Jackie’s parents to participate. The Macon Church Pathfinders, named the Messengers, have come to the family’s rescue. One Sunday in May near College Mounds, Missouri, the Pathfinders cleaned the roadside of Route C. After noticing many discarded beer cans, the Messengers decided as a group to commit themselves to the Adventist health message of abstinence from alcohol. Linda Bunton is Pathfinder director at Macon Church.
Photo courtesy of Kathy Rowe
by Linda Bunton
The Macon Pathfinder Messengers cleaning trash from Route C, the highway where Jackie Albright’s sister died in an auto accident
Iowa-Missouri
Christian Women's Retreat Sept. 25–27 Airport Holiday Inn, Des Moines, IA "Peace Within The Storm"
The registration brochure for the 21st Annual Christian Women’s Retreat is available at www.imsda.org. Click on “Women’s Retreat Registration” on the left side of the home page to download the PDF document. Featured Speaker: Esmé Ross, her daughter, Chantal Klingbell, and daughter-in-law, Ruth Ross. Register by Aug. 4, 2009, for $20 off! Get ready for a great line-up of seminars to choose from, including: "Not Your Average Martha Stewart Holiday," "Young Peacemakers," "Small Group Evangelism," "Scripture Memorization," "Cultivating Power," "Praise to Weather Any Storm" and many more. Esmé Ross
Iowa-Missouri's
7th Annual Christian Men's Retreat Nov. 6–8 at Camp Heritage The registration brochure is available at www.imsda. org. Click on “Men’s Retreat Registration” on the left side of the home page to download the PDF document. Featured Speaker: Elder Van Hurst, Church Ministries Director for the Mid-America Union You are invited to share a weekend of spiritual encouragement, growth and fellowship at this year’s men’s retreat. Van Hurst will inspire men with the theme “Growing Together.” Great things await all who attend. Make plans to come, and bring a friend.
Van Hurst
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Mid-America Union News Kansas-Nebraska News
Photo by Heather Severance
Miss a meeting? Want to hear a message again? To listen to sermons, log on to www.ks-ne.org. To order DVDs or CDs, contact John Treolo at jtreolo@ks-ne.org.
Photo by John Treolo
Camp Meeting 2009, in Pictures
Mike Tucker, speaker/director for Faith for Today and host of Lifestyle Magazine, inspired members with his emphasis on getting to know Jesus.
Pastor Steve Severance, leader of the Primary Division, coordinated an animated program for these youngsters, including a time machine, bringing many Bible characters to life.
The young adults were blessed with messages from Ty Gibson, codirector of Light Bearers Ministry and host of several 3ABN programs.
Photo by John Treolo
On Sunday morning, this group of young people provided singing and fellowship for residents at the Lexington Assisted Care Center.
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Photo by John Treolo
Kansas-Nebraska News
Twenty-six years ago, Joy Burton began her teaching ministry at the Taiwan School of Nursing in the Republic of China. Since then she has taught in Texas, Louisiana, Nebraska and currently at Enterprise Elementary School in Kansas. Photo by Tom Reynolds At Enterprise Church, a special service was held where Burton was commissioned to the status of Ministry of Teaching. Ron Carlson, president, and Gary Kruger, eduGary Kruger presents cation superinJoy Burton the Ministry tendent, led the of Teaching certificate. service. When asked what influenced her the most to become a teacher, Burton said, “My parents (Dr. Wilbur and Esther Burton) were the strongest influence on me. They were teachers themselves. We were born and raised to teach.”
Working with Panera to Feed the Hungry by John Treolo Panera Bread in Olathe, Kansas supports its community by donating excess breads and pastries to the less fortunate. One charitable organization receiving these donations is the Better Living Center (BLC) in Kansas City, Missouri. Supported by the Kansas-Nebraska Conference and churches in the Greater Kansas City area, BLC’s leaders pick up items twice weekly from Panera. “We would probably not be able to offer as much bread if not for Panera’s,” said Ken Fair, chair of the BLC board. One of the managers of Panera, speaking on behalf of the other managers, noted, “We just feel we have the opportunity to give, and it would be such a waste for us to throw these items away. If we have the opportu-
nity to give to someone less fortunate, then we are glad to do this.”
Photo by John Treolo
Joy Burton—Ministry of Teaching by John Treolo
Melvin McRoy (right), director of the Better Living Center, presents a plaque of appreciation to one of the four managers at Panera (who wished his name not to be included as he felt all managers play a part in the distribution of the bread items).
Conference Calendar Aug. 18 Academy/School Begins contact: gkruger@ks-ne.org Sept. 4–7 Hispanic Camp Meeting Broken Arrow Ranch robpaucorrea@hotmail.com Sept. 4–7 Family Labor Day Retreat Camp Arrowhead camparrowheadneb@aol.com
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Mid-America Union News Minnesota News Pastor and Mrs. Eric and Yakelin Juarez
Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Conference
Richfield Spanish Church was organized officially and received full church status on April 30. Tom Lemon, former conference president and currently vice president for administration of the Mid-America Union, presented the sermon, which was translated by Claudio Consuegra of Minnesota Conference. Richfield Hispanic Church started five years ago and now has 150 members, with many more attending. Attendees at this special service included Justin Lyons, gift planning and trust services director, and Yulian Tinoco, Hispanic ministries coordinator, both from the Minnesota Conference. Also present were the church’s new pastor, Eric Juarez, and his wife, Yakelin.
Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Conference
Richfield Hispanic Church Organized
Members of Richfield Hispanic Church
Three Hispanic Congregations Unite congregation, which now meets in the building vacated after the close of Fairmont SDA Church. Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Conference
An April evangelistic reaping series for the Oromo Church in Minneapolis netted 14 baptisms, under the preaching of Claudio Consuegra. The Oromo are the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia, being one third of the population, numbering more than 45 million. Minnesota alone is home to more than 20,000 Oromo immigrants. Their church in Minneapolis has nearly 200 members. Four of their leaders function as lay pastors under the guidance of Maurice Battle, pastor of Minneapolis First Church.
(Right to left) Elders Samuel Bustamante, Yulian Tinoco, Claudio Consuegra and head elder of Fairmont Church cut the ribbon. Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Conference
Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Conference
The Hispanic congregations at St. James and Worthington joined the group at Fairmont to form a single fellowship, unified in the process of becoming a church. On May 23, Claudio Consuegra, vice president for administration and ethnic ministries director for the Minnesota Conference, presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Yulian Tinoco, Hispanic ministries coordinator, and Samuel Bustamante, pastor of Fairmont Church, also participated. More than 70 members and guests attended the launching of this new
Fourteen Baptized at Oromo Church
The newly formed Hispanic congregation in Fairmont
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Claudio Consuegra (far right) with the 14 baptized at Oromo Church
Minnesota News During Minnesota’s camp meeting, four retired pastors and their wives received gratitude and honor for devoting their lives to pastoral ministry—serving a combined total of 150 years. Ed Barnett, new conference president, presented each pastor with a medallion from the General Conference to express the world church’s appreciation. Pictured (right to left) are Elder and Mrs. Arthur Hiebert (29 years), Elder and Mrs. Al Anderson (38 years), Elder and Mrs. Ed Eigenberg (45 years), and Elder and Mrs. Sherman McCormick (38 years). Also pictured are Reggie Leach, vice president for finance, Ed Barnett and Claudio Consuegra, vice president for administration.
Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Conference
Honoring 150 Years of Ministry
Retiring pastors honored at camp meeting
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Mid-America Union News Rocky Mountain News Meet Rocky Mountain Conference’s New President Outlook magazine interviews Elder Gary Thurber. Gary, those who don’t know you may appreciate learning something about your early childhood. Well, I was born in Stoneham, Massachusetts. From there, my family moved to California, where Dad (John Thurber) sang second tenor in the The King’s Heralds quartet. My earliest memories were faith building, listening to many exciting, miraculous stories from my father’s travels with H.M.S. Richards Sr. In 1967, God called my family to Texas, where my father’s leadership in youth evangelism made a profound impact on me. Despite being challenged for implementing ministries for youth that hadn’t been tried before, he was able to inspire young people to lead innovative initiatives focused on the mission of our church. He used to always say, “My biggest challenge is to be able to get out of the way and let the young people minister.” I understand that a significant event in your teens altered your life. Yes, just before my senior year at Mount Pisgah Academy, a car accident halted plans to return to school. My L 4 and 5 vertebrae were crushed, and I received many internal injuries as the car I rode in hit a cement-filled highway sign. Doctors gave me a 50/50 chance of survival the first night and said I would probably not walk again. God pulled me through emergency surgeries and the next five months in various hospitals. Who encouraged you during this difficult experience? My parents, and many friends. I had begun dating Diane Wynn the previous year in academy, and she was by my side when possible. We grew together emotionally and spiritually dur-
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ing this experience. A Bible promise I claimed during my hospitalization was Isaiah 40:31—“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” In early 1978, I returned to Mount Pisgah Academy, walking with the assistance of a back brace, two leg braces and crutches. With God’s help, I marched with my graduating class! When did you decide to serve the Lord in ministry? God gave me so much more than many thought possible. I prayerfully considered how best to serve the Lord the rest of my life. In doing so, I remembered H.M.S. Richards Sr.’s counsel to attempt any other career I desired before becoming a pastor, so I considered a secondary teaching ministry. You married Diane Wynn and graduated the next year from Southern Missionary College. What was next for you? Before graduating in 1982, we sent out many resumés to secondary schools. We interviewed with some and felt God leading us to Redwood Academy in Santa Rosa, California. That was a very rewarding experience, but after one year teaching I realized God’s call to pastoral ministry and accepted the invitation to join the Washington Conference ministry team. Where did you study for your master’s degree? Both at Seattle Pacific University (a Free Methodist University) and Andrews University, receiving a Master in Religion in 1986 from Andrews. My experience at Seattle Pacific University was meaningful, because I was
able to interact with fellow grad students from many different faiths. In classes like missiology, I Gary Thurber enjoyed opportunities to discuss the various strategies other denominations were using to reach the world for Christ. At Andrews, I had great support from my professors as I studied the faith development of young people in our church. Where has God called you since then? I was privileged to pastor in the Kansas-Nebraska, Florida and Michigan conferences. I was also invited to serve as director of youth ministries, family ministries and camping ministries, and was assistant to the president for administration. In 2000 I was humbled by the invitation of the Northern New England Conference to be president. We served there until the Indiana Conference extended a call to be president in 2002. We've been privileged to serve in Indiana almost seven years before now accepting the leadership of Rocky Mountain Conference. What are some hopes and dreams you have for the Rocky Mountain Conference? Since receiving this call, I’ve had opportunity to learn of many exciting ministries taking place throughout the conference. I have also met with the conference departmental directors. My first endeavor will be to bring continued support to these various ministries that are making an impact for Jesus in RMC. As I become better acquainted with all of the gifts and talents and opportunities present in
Rocky Mountain News
Jim Brauer, until recently the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) president, has accepted a call to the Southern AsiaPacific Division (SSD) to serve as Adventist Missions director. Assuming they pass the usual health screening, Jim and Janell will shortly be moving across the Pacific to the Philippines, to serve the million members of the SSD in becoming more fruitful and fulfilled disciples of Jesus Christ. Brauer states, “I want to thank all the RMC staff who provided a wonderful experience for us as we have looked over the situation. There are certainly challenges, but the opportunities for service are far greater, and it's always affirming to see how God provides and shows Himself strong, in the midst of moves and relocations. Please pray for us as we continue this journey of following Christ alone!”
Photo courtesy of the Thurber family
Tell us about your family. My wife Diane graduated from Southern Missionary College in 1981. Since then, she has worked in a variety of professional settings, both in the public sector and for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Her most recent areas of service for the church were in capacities such as associate director of family ministries in the Michigan Conference and director of communication in the Northern New England and Indiana conferences. Currently, Diane is assistant director of communication for the Lake Union
Brauer To Head Discipleship in the Philippines by Martin Weber
Conference, where her responsibilities include managing editor of the Lake Union Herald. She will continue in that capacity from Colorado after we relocate. We have two adult sons, Ryan and Justin, who attend Southern Adventist University. They are our biggest blessings, and we have been privileged to see them embrace various ministry opportunities available to them.
RMC, it will be exciting to bring intentional strategies into play that will continue the good work already happening. It will be my goal to see pastors, teachers and laity working hand in hand to fulfill the Great Commission God has given us. We look forward to creatively reaching the millions within RMC who need a saving relationship with Jesus.
Gary and Diane Thurber
Outreach Through Music by Udo Sokolovsky home, coming regularly to Sabbath worship at Denver South. Churches large and small can have a community concert outreach. If members
pray in faith, God can make it happen. Udo Sokolovsky is pastor of Denver South Church.
Photo courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Conference
Denver South Church regards music as one of God’s ways to touch the inmost soul, not only in congregational worship but in community outreach. Concerts provide opportunity to connect with non-SDAs in a non-threatening context. Our members also gain witnessing experience as they invite friends and workplace colleagues. People who have never before visited a church come to enjoy our music. After each concert we invite them to stay by for fellowship; many do. Guests have been moved to tears by powerful testimonies during the concerts. Many have asked to be notified of future events. Among our visitors are former Adventists and non-attending Adventists. Some of them have returned to their church
Christ’s Second Coming in Handel’s Messiah
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Union College
Photo by Erik Stenbakken
The Ortner Center, centrally-located on Union College’s campus, is a hub of activity both for students and visitors.
The Hub of Campus by Carolyn Scott The Ortner Center at Union College was designed with community in mind. For the last five years, four departments have shared this facility, providing a comfortable setting for students, faculty, staff, alumni and local and church organizations to work, eat, meet and much more. As some of those departments change and grow over the next year, the facility's community-focused mission will continue to guide its use.
Food Services In 1995, renovating Union’s cafeteria was identified as a priority for the Our Enduring Union campaign. In a meeting with then-President John Kerbs and Todd Mekelburg, director of leadership giving, Alvin Ortner asked what Union College would do with a million dollar gift. “His question energized this
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campus,” Mekelburg said. “It created an opportunity to dream, to think bigger, and we developed a vision for a facility that would have multiple benefits to the campus and community.” When the new $5.8 million addition opened in 2004, “the students’ heads were up and their mouths were open in amazement,” said Pat Parmele, former director of dining services. The changes were more than just a facelift. The new facility offered more opportunities for private gatherings, catering services, extended hours, shorter lines and fresh baked goods. With Pat Parmele’s retirement in July, after 31 years of service at Union, Peter Blankenship became Union’s new director of dining services. Formerly of Upper Columbia Academy, Blankenship sees his role as a facilitator. “College should be one of the best
times in someone’s life, and good food is central to having happy experiences,” Blankenship said. Blankenship hopes to see increased use of the facility by the campus and the community. “I’d like this to be top of mind as a gathering place for people.” Blankenship also values the close relationship with guest services. “We are both here to serve,” Blankenship said. “That blends very well with who we are as a church, and I want Union Market to reflect that value to our visitors.”
Guest Services As Sharon Russell, conference and guest services coordinator, tells her workers, the Ortner Center exists because people care about Union College. “We are the stewards of the gifts that built this facility,” Russell said.
Union College “Taking care of it and our guests is our way of saying ‘thank you.’” Guest services cares for 22 guest rooms, 14 of which are in the Ortner Center. With a recent average of 2,376 night stays per year, the Ortner Center staff are the face of Union to many visitors, a fact Russell stresses to her student workers. “The Ortner Center opens up the campus to our community and lets them see the quality of young men and women here,” Russell said.
McClelland Art Gallery Named after Union’s resident artist Jim McClelland, the McClelland Art Gallery was designed to be more open and inviting—both philosophically and physically—than the space it replaced. “To my knowledge, before building the Ortner Center, we had never opened it up to the community,” said Bruce Forbes, chair of the Division of Fine Arts. The gallery now showcases a variety of styles by including the perspectives of both student and local artists. “I hope more local artists have become aware of Union College because we’re inviting them in,” said Forbes. The gallery continues to fulfill its primary role as an educational tool, both to patrons and artists. “Students see their work completely differently when they complete it, install it and maybe even sell it,” said Forbes. “It’s a transformative process students see their art go through.”
Culver Hall Joe Parmele, who was a dean at Union for 31 years, remembers when Culver residents first saw the renovations five years ago. The new welcome desk, lobby area and elevator directly benefit Culver Hall—but especially the elevator that has made moving in and out much lighter while also improving accessibility for those with limited mobility. “It put a smile on the faces of
Culver residents,” Joe Parmele said. In July, Doug Tallman, former international rescue and relief associate director, transitioned to his current role as dean of men. Tallman and his wife, Sandy, have 15 years of experience working in dormitories. In recognition of the interconnectedness of the dorm and guest services, Tallman and Russell will now have both guest services and dorm student workers go through the same training. “Often, a person’s first impression coming onto Union’s campus is a desk worker in one of our dormitories or the Ortner front desk,” Tallman said. “We want that impression to be a good one.” While looking forward to getting to know the residents, Tallman understands it will be a challenge. “I know it’s going to take a lot to fill the big shoes of Joe Parmele, but I am anxious to get started,” Tallman said. Five years since opening, thousands of visitors and meals served, hundreds of young men guided and hundreds of artists exhibited, the Ortner Center continues to be a focal point of connecting with communities. “This is a group effort by many entities to make the face of Union College,” Russell said. “I hope when visitors and students see the face of Union, they also see the face of Christianity.”
Campus Calendar Aug. 13-16 New student orientation Aug. 17 Registration Aug. 18 Classes begin Aug. 27 Project Impact
Math Workshop The Division of Science and Mathematics held two weeklong math workshops in June to help math teachers of all levels connect with students, using the hands-on learning style with the Singapore Math series. “Some courses are all theory; this is something I can take back and use this fall,” said William Schlautman, math teacher for grades nine through 12 at Lincoln's Pius X High School.
Sept. 7 Labor Day—no classes Sept. 18–20 Parents' Weekend Find more news and events at Union’s new website: www.ucollege.edu or call 800.228.4600
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Adventist Health System Shawnee Mission Medical Center Recognizes
Mission-Driven Associates F
Photo courtesy of Shawnee Mission Medical Center
Photo courtesy of Shawnee Mission Medical Center
Photo courtesy of Shawnee Mission Medical Center
or nearly five decades, Shawnee Mission Medi- well as compassionate and untiring service to others. cal Center (SMMC) has provided patients with Amanda Rebarchek, a physical therapist at Shawnee whole-person care representative of its mis- Mission Home Health Care, received the SMMC Mission: Improving Health Through Christian Service. sion Award for recognizing when her patients are in Not only do hospital leaders encourage their associ- need of spiritual fulfillment. Those around her say that ates to provide the highest Rebarchek answers God’s quality service possible to call frequently by reachpatients and their families, ing out to co-workers and they also stress the imporcommunity members in tance of giving back to the need. community. Rebarchek was hesitant Each year SMMC presto pray with patients at the ents three associates with start. But after one positive service awards for their conreaction from a patient, she tributions both inside and decided it was worth askoutside hospital walls—the ing, because of the hope she Angel Award, the Mission could give others through Award and the Community prayer. “Patients seem to Service Award. appreciate that someone The SMMC Angel Award Connie Footlick cares and is willing to lift Deb Ohnoutka recognizes outstanding them up,” Rebarchek said. leadership in specific mission-related The Shawnee Mission Community Service achievements, projects and programs, Award acknowledges an associate’s contrias well as overall spiritual leadership. butions and impact on improving the qualDeb Ohnoutka, administrative direcity of life in the community. Connie Footlick, tor of women’s and children’s services, resource nurse in the ASK-A-NURSE Rereceived the SMMC Angel Award for source Center, received the SMMC Commubuilding an environment where staff nity Service Award for spending more than members strive to make the patient ex20 years helping others. perience one SMMC can be proud of. Footlick has served as a councilwoman Ohnoutka believes that leaders must for the City of Mission since 1994 and also be willing to set high standards and serves on the community development make the sacrifices necessary to percommittee, finance and administration sonally meet them. “I try to see the committee, public works committee, good in everyone, because it is neces- Amanda Rebarchek ordinance committee, as well as many sary to motivate associates to their fullothers. She serves her community in a est potential,” Ohnoutka said. She makes sure those variety of capacities, all with love and passion. “Conaround her know she cares, whether it’s a hug before nie is dedicated to helping others experience help in they leave for the day or a friendly smile in the hall. a timely, professional and Christian manner,” one co“God put us on this earth to take care of each other,” worker said. she added. Ohnoutka’s leadership has led to creatThere are countless stories to tell about SMMC asing a department that provides love and hope to pa- sociates lifting up patients spiritually or giving back tients. to their community. Each act of kindness illustrates The SMMC Mission Award recognizes an associate why SMMC truly provides its patients with much more who displays an outstanding Christian example, as than medicine.
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More Than
A
Medicine
Photo courtesy of CM Bell Company
t first it seemed like an ordinary bout with the flu. Then Kevin Malpocker, an otherwise healthy 39-year-old husband and father became dreadfully sick, terribly fast. He’d already passed out once, and now his skin was turning yellow. His wife, Lori, drove him to the emergency department at Parker Adventist Hospital. He was diagnosed with a disorder in which the body destroys its red blood cells, causing anemia. Kevin’s case was severe. He needed to have his spleen removed but was too sick for surgery. After a week of tests, transfusions and treatment in the intensive care unit, he was finally strong enough. When the surgeon removed Kevin’s spleen, it was so badly damaged it fell apart in his hands. Kevin’s road to recovery was long, difficult and perplexing. Because of his compromised immune system, each problem complicated another or created a new one. It took nine months of treatment—including 97 days of hospitalization—before he finally tested negative for the blood disorder. Yet for Kevin, this isn’t a story of the mysteries and miseries of illness. It’s a story of humble heroism, of people quietly going about the daily business of lifting spirits and saving lives. “Everybody involved in my care was wonderful,” Kevin says gratefully, beginning to list them before realizing
there are too many to count—nurses, physician assistants, lab technicians. Eighty-two strangers donated the blood that saved his life. Kitchen staffers called to see which foods might coax him to start eating again. His wife Lori tops his list of heroes, staying by his side through every day of his ordeal, then going home each evening to be Mom and maintain the household. She became an expert on his case, taking careful notes and discussing his condition daily with his doctors. The doctors’ confidence that Kevin would recover and their compassionate support along the way helped keep Lori afloat. “You take a terrible situation and surround it with great people, and somehow you can get through it,” she says. “Sometimes it takes more than the power of medicine to heal someone,” says Doug Reznick, MD, a hematologist and oncologist central to Kevin’s recovery. For Kevin, it took his wife’s determined love, a mighty will to live and the sense of a community’s embrace. To his surprise, Kevin received some 200 greeting cards from people reaching out to him and his family during his hospital stay. “Knowing people were thinking of me and praying for the right outcome, I realized there was a greater power at work,” he says. Seeing her husband in the fight of his life day after day brought on a crisis of faith for Lori. Why had the God she’d worshiped and obeyed all her life left her alone when she needed Him most? When Parker Adventist Hospital Chaplain Mike Hansen stopped by on rounds, she frankly told him he could save his preaching for someone else. Mike was undeterred, knowing that the simple act of being there— sharing in another’s agonizing silences—can better speak of God than any sermon. “Mike gets that it’s not always about religion,” Lori says. “Sometimes it’s just about comforting.” Indeed, for Mike, as for so many others on the Malpockers’ care team, that’s exactly what it’s about—serving in the sacred role of comforter, extending the healing ministry of Christ.
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Through Kevin Malpocker’s prolonged stay at Parker Adventist Hospital, he and his wife, Lori, found hope, heroes and, at last, health.
This article was submitted by Stephen King, senior vice president for mission and ministry for Colorado’s Adventist hospitals, and written by CMBell Company.
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Nancy Buxton
Van Hurst
David and Marquita Klinedinst
What Our Bloggers are Saying
www.midamericaadventist.org
Ed Dickerson
Randy Haffner
Michael Campbell Josh Marshall
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Information Correspondence
Letters to the
Editor
I have waited a long time to write. The subject has been grinding on my mind so much that I felt I had to write. To quote a letter in the April 2009 Outlook: “We do not want to be associated with any religious organization that supports and promotes pagan holidays…” (referring to the article, “How To Have an Effective Valentine’s Day”). I do not agree with the writer's decision to leave the church. I do agree that as a church, we should not support or promote pagan holidays. The article in December’s Outlook really upset me: “How to Celebrate a ‘Pagan’ Holiday.” The Dec. 25 celebration certainly originated from sun worship. Thank you for the privilege to respond to what is written in Mid-America Outlook. May God bless your work there. Sincerely, –George Peck, Cedaredge, CO Editor’s note: Thanks for being friendly, George. Nobody would disagree with you that various holidays in our culture originate in ancient paganism. But if you really think that God cannot snatch something away from the world and use it for His kingdom, then why did He chose the pagan city of Jebus as the site of His holy city, Jerusalem? Why did He not build a whole new city in virgin territory, totally quarantined from the world with no background in pagan worship?
Matthew 7:1 is often used to say we cannot tell someone that something they do is wrong. If Jesus was really saying that, then why did He say what He did in verses 15-20 about knowing them by their fruit? What Jesus is really saying is, “Do not propose to be able to read hearts as only I and my Father can do, for this would be blasphemy.” But in the areas where we are told to judge, we need to make sure we are using God’s principles to judge by, not man’s. Regarding all the “righteous indignation” over music styles in church, God has not condemned any style of music, in the Bible or in the Spirit of Prophecy. I have thoroughly searched Ellen White’s writings twice on this issue and the only style of music she speaks against at all is opera (PP 459-460). –Dale Fuhrmeister, Colorado Springs, CO Editor’s note: Thank you, Dale. When I listen to classical pipe organ music during Sabbath worship, I can enjoy it as something that communicates the grandeur of God—or I can condemn and reject it as the same music pagans use at Halloween to evoke images of ghosts and haunted castles. Both
God and the devil can use an instrument or style of music.
I would like to submit some thoughts to ponder. If the issue is focusing on “loving” vs. “intolerant, coercive and oppressive” is there the possibility that “loving” could contain elements of selfishness, personal preference and blindness? –Janet Sharp, Omaha, NE I was really impressed by your openness in discussing the love or lack of love in the Seventh-day Adventist Church (April 2009 editorial). I was so touched that I copied it and sent it anonymously to an old friend along with a copy of the “love” chapter. If our churches and schools would try a bit harder to show Christ’s love to their members and visitors we would be growing, and support to the church school would not be an issue. –Ron Bramblett, via e-mail
Thank you for opening the dialogue about being single and Adventist. I’ve only been an Adventist eight months and I’ve definitely noticed that things are geared toward families and children. I notice this exclusion mostly at prayer meetings: “Please pray for our marriages and our children.” This leaves out those of us who have neither. I also wish we could remember those that are unequally yoked in marriage, or “spiritually single.” And then some have been widowed and are now single. They too need to be remembered and included without making it sound as though they are to be pitied. I haven’t come up with something that sounds right yet. I just wanted to say thank you for acknowledging this issue. –D. Watson, via e-mail
Wow! I’m excited and encouraged by your July issue focusing on singles! While now married and awaiting the arrival of my second child, it wasn’t that long ago I was part of the single group and felt a bit ostracized as such. A few SDA mission institutions actually told me to call them back when I was married. OUCH! –Diana Thomas, via e-mail We invite your written reflections, both positive and negative. E-mail: martin@midamericaoutlook.org, or write to: Editor of Outlook, c/o Mid-America Union Office, P.O. Box 6128, Lincoln, NE 68506
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Information Farewell Obituaries may be submitted via your conference communication director. To submit directly to Outlook, e-mail outlook@maucsda.org or send to Outlook, PO Box 6128, Lincoln, NE 68506. All obituary submissions must be typewritten to ensure clarity and accuracy.
1, 2007, in Ipswich, SD. Member of Aberdeen Church. Preceded in death by parents; and husband, Ray. Survived by daughters, Gail Wescott, Ruth Kobes, Kathy Thorpe, and Colleen Trego; sons, Mike and Fred Thorpe, and Joel Ford; sisters, Dorothy Miller, Elsie Kaul; brothers, Wilbert and Fred Bauman; 17 grandchildren; and many greatgrandchildren.
Binder, Sherrie L., b. Jan. 6, 1969,
Kamben, Harry, b. May 14, 1924,
in Lincoln, NE, d. May 29, 2009, in Lincoln. Member of Piedmont Park Church. Worked for Christian Record Services in Lincoln. Survived by parents, Roger and Charlene; sisters, Debbie Unterscher and Susan Malloy; brother, Dale Binder.
Duerksen, Donald L., b. June 8, 1949, d. May 22, 2009. Alumni of Mile High Academy and Union College with a BA in Biology in 1972. Survived by daughter, Rebecca; mother, Ruth; brothers, Gary and Ed; and sister Lori.
Eisele, Dorothy Norma, b. Jan. 22, 1921, d. April 9, 2009, in Bowling Green, FL. Pianist of Williams and Warroad churches for the last 60 years. Member of Warroad Church. Preceded in death by parents; husbands, Byron Eisele and George Johnson; son, Robert; one grandson; and one great-granddaughter. Survived by sons, Edwin, Melvin, Reginald and Allen; daughter, Alice Anderson; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one greatgreat-granddaughter. Elanery, Arlice, b. Nov. 19, 1912, d. May 15, 2009, in MO. Member of Golden Valley Church. Survived by sister, Carolyn Howell; one niece; and 10 great-nieces and nephews.
Ericson, Lillian L., b. May 3, 1916, near Alcester, SD, d. Feb. 20, 2009, in Sioux Falls, SD. Member of Sioux City Church. Preceded in death by parents; husband, William; and two sisters. Survived by daughters, Karen Lewis and Sharon Schwartz; sons, Steve and Keith; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Ford, Gladys Pearl (Thorpe), b. Nov. 26, 1929, in Yucca, ND, d. Jan.
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in Huron, SD, d. April 20, 2009, in Charlotte, NC. Member of Sioux Falls Church. Survived by daughters, Laura Zummach, Linda Nelson and Leah Anderson; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Kamben, Rose Ella, b. July 27, 1929, in Hot Springs, SD, d. Feb. 13, 2009, in Anaheim, CA. Member of Sioux Falls Church. Survived by daughters, Laura Zummach, Linda Nelson and Leah Anderson; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. McGown, Oleta V, b. May 28, 1939, in La Junta, CO, d. June 13, 2009, in Mack, CO. Member of Fruita Church. Survived by daughter, Lonna Descheene; sons, Randy May and Dan May; brother, Larry McGown; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Miller, Dorothy Ann, b. Feb. 8, 1922, d. May 23, 2009, in Story Co., IA. Member of Boone Church. Survived by son, Norman; and three grandchildren. Sinclair, Charles Robert, b. February 6, 1933, in Colorado Springs, CO, d. May 29, 2009, in Loveland, CO. Member of Campion Church. Preceded in death by parents; brother, George; and one greatgranddaughter. Survived by wife, Rena; son, Robert; daughters, Peggy Derby and Linda Remmick; sisters, Nellie Day and Annie Finney; five grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Turner, Neithola (Nicky) Olivia, b. Sept. 10, 1945, in New Orleans, LA, d. June 7, 2009, in Seale, AL. Member of Capitol View Church. Preceded in death by parents, Olivia Mitchell and John Parker; and
brother, Louis Williams Jr. Survived by three brothers, Oliver Williams, Jon Parker and Kevin Parker Orduna; five children, Monique, Monte, Robert, Ronli and Nicole; and seven grandchildren.
Wehling, David C., b. July 27, 1916, d. May 9, 2009, in Lincoln, NE. Member of Beatrice Church. Survived by wife, Jean; daughters, Nina Rodman, Jeanice Zinner, Lynette Griffin, Beverly Wheatley, Nola Thom, and Dava Nash; son, Neil; 18 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and sister, Magdalene Roberts.
Weippert, Jonathan “Johnnie,� b. Nov. 21, 1925, in Robinson, ND, d. May 3, 2009, in Ada, MN. Preceded in death by parents; wife, Gladys; and four siblings. Survived by stepsons, Reinhardt Johnson and Louis Sonsteng; stepdaughter, Dorothy; step-granddaughter, Debbie Hol-
comb; four brothers; three sisters; and several nieces and nephews.
Weiss, Donald E., b. Oct. 25, 1931, in Liberal, KS, d. Nov. 27, 2008, in Abilene, KS. Member of Enterprise Church. Survived by wife, Rosemary; sons, Terry and Steven; sister, Phyllis Robinson; and three grandchildren.
Wells, Thomas Lee, b. May 5, 1937, in Rapid City, SD, d. May 13, 2009, in Delta, CO. Member of Cedaredge Church. Preceded in death by parents, Lawrence and Peral Rapp Wells; and brother, Bill. Survived by wife, Mary Lou; daughters, Barbara Stickel, and Linda Scanlan; step-daughters, Ruth Bott, Michelle Crawford, Melissa Allgeyer and Phyllis Conley; twin sons, John and Jeffrey; step-son, Harold Fields; sister, Lauretta Black; brother, Jim; 16 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Sunset Calendar Colorado July 31 Aug. 7 Aug. 14 Aug. 21 Denver 8:14 8:07 7:57 7:47 Grand Junction 8:26 8:19 8:10 8:01 Pueblo 8:09 8:02 7:53 7:44 Iowa Davenport 8:21 8:14 8:03 7:53 Des Moines 8:33 8:25 8:15 8:05 Sioux City 8:46 8:38 8:28 8:17 Kansas Dodge City 8:49 8:42 8:34 8:25 Goodland 8:00 7:52 7:43 7:34 Topeka 8:35 8:27 8:19 8:09 Wichita 8:38 8:31 8:23 8:14 Minnesota Duluth 8:42 8:31 8:20 8:08 International Falls 8:52 8:42 8:30 8:17 Minneapolis 8:41 8:31 8:21 8:09 Missouri Columbia 8:21 8:13 8:05 7:55 Kansas City 8:30 8:23 8:14 8:05 Springfield 8:21 8:14 8:43 7:57 St. Louis 8:12 8:05 7:56 7:47 Nebraska Grand Island 8:50 8:42 8:33 8:23 Lincoln 8:43 8:35 8:26 8:16 North Platte 9:00 8:52 8:43 8:33 Scottsbluff 8:14 8:05 7:56 7:45 North Dakota Bismarck 9:16 9:06 8:55 8:43 Fargo 9:00 8:50 8:39 8:27 Williston 9:32 9:09 9:09 8:57 South Dakota Pierre 9:07 8:58 8:48 8:36 Rapid City 8:18 8:09 7:58 7:47 Sioux Falls 8:50 8:41 8:31 8:20 Wyoming Casper 8:27 8:18 8:08 7:58 Cheyenne 8:16 8:08 7:59 7:49 Sheridan 8:35 8:25 8:15 8:04
Aug. 28 7:37 7:50 7:34 7:42 7:54 8:06 8:15 7:23 7:59 8:04 7:55 8:03 7:57 7:45 7:54 7:47 7:37 8:12 8:05 8:22 7:34 8:30 8:14 8:43 8:24 7:35 8:09 7:46 7:38 7:51
Information Information Classifieds Advertising Policy Classified ads must be submitted with approval from your local conference or pastor. Ads may be e-mailed, faxed or typewritten. Outlook does not accept responsibility for categorical or typographical errors. Display ad information available at www. midamericaadventist.org or 402.484.3028. Pricing: Inside Mid-America $25 for first 50 words, 35¢ each additional word. Outside Mid-America
$35 for first 50 words, 85¢ each additional word. A box can be added around an ad for $5. Notices or Announcements Notices of events, alumni weekends, camp meetings, etc., can be printed at no charge if no product or service is involved and no price is listed. Placement is not guaranteed, however, unless the notice is purchased.
units of CEU available, register at drnedley.com, or call 888.778.4445.
Phonecardland.com 10% Discount. Home of the pinless/rechargeable True Minutes phonecard. True Minutes long distance service is 1.9c/ minute including UK and Canada. No tax, no fees, no expiration. Visit www. phonecardland.com and choose the best plan for all your phone calls around the world. User-friendly, secure. Email: sales@phonecardland. com. Call 863.216.0160.
Services Adventist Coin Dealer: Silver bullion by the coin, roll or bag. Choice world coins, coins of eschatology. Free appraisal to Adventists. Phone or write with inventory. Dr. Lawrence J. Lee, World Coins & Medals. 402.488.2646; PO Box 6194, Lincoln, NE 68506.
AdventistSingles.org Free 14-day Trial! Join thousands of Adventist singles online. Free chat, search, profiles, match notifications! Adventist owners since 1993. Visit www.elliotdylan. com for the Undercover Angels series of novels for Christian teens that build on Biblical principles and reinforce integrity. Great for Sabbath reading, church and home schools, and gifts!
Move With an Award-winning Agency. Apex Moving & Storage partners with the General Conference to provide quality moves at a discounted rate. Call us for all your relocations needs! Adventist beliefs uncompromised. Contact Marcy Dante’ at 800.766.1902 for a free estimate. Visit us at www. apexmoving.com/Adventist/.
Need help? Try Griffen Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. SDA family owned and operated, w/SDA Chaplain. Opening for male, female, or couple. Rates from $110. Skilled care facility w/95 beds. Quality 24-hour nursing care. Odor-free environment. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Medicare and Medicaid approved. 641.842.2187—Knoxville, Iowa. Online at: www.griffinnrc.com.
Now Online: Nedley Depression Recovery Program and Training the Trainer, (Director and Facilitator training). 1.6
Purchase Online at www.internationalbibles.com, a secure, fully functioning online Christian bookstore available 24/7 for your convenience; providing church supplies, Bible reference books and foreign language Bibles. We also offer SDA publications, SS quarterlies, study guides, the latest in Gospel music and much more. You may also order by phone at 402.502.0883.
Wellness Secrets in NW Arkansas, 5 Day Live-in Health Program, $395 special. A power-packed program that will change your life physically, mentally and spiritually. Also health seminars at your church. Call 479.752.8555; wellness.secrets@yahoo.com; www.anewstartnow.com
Employment Andrews University seeks American History Professor. Preferred applicants have earned a PhD (or be ABD) in some field of United States history and be committed to continuing scholarship. A second field in non-Western history would be advantageous. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Interested Seventh-day Adventists apply at www.andrews.edu/hr/ emp_jobs_faculty.cgi . The History Department at Southern Adventist University is seeking a full-time professor in the field of American History/Government beginning the summer of 2009. An ability” to teach Christian church history is also desirable. Ph.D. required. Must be a member in good and regular
standing of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Send CV and cover letter to Dr. Dennis Pettibone at dlpettib@ southern.edu. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Invitation to Teach in Thailand: Missionary teachers needed to serve God in the wonderful country of Thailand. Please answer God’s call! Matthew 9: 37-38. For more information on this exciting opportunity, please contact: kpergerson@yahoo.com.
Travel/Rentals One Bedroom Timeshare the week of Nov. 28-Dec. 5. Treasure Island, FL. On site: beach, swimming pool, hot tub, cooking facilities, laundry, wheel chair acc. Newly remodeled. $500.00. Or one week you pick from Interval International listing, place and date $700.00. Contact: terri. battles@gmail.com or 573.445.8810. Retire in Western Colorado. Located above Cedaredge, CO, on Old Grand Mesa Road. Gorgeous views. 2,028 sq ft home on 3.69 acres w/stream and waterfall running through property, 3 bed/2 bath,
Single and Over 40? The only interracial group for Adventist singles over 40. Stay home and meet new friends in the USA with a Pen Pal monthly newsletter of members and album. For information, send large, self-addressed, stamped envelope to ASO 40; 2747 Nonpareil; Sutherlin, OR 97479.
Our Mission: To share God’s love by providing physical, mental and spiritual healing. 18 hospitals in: California Hawaii Oregon Washington Live the Dream The journey begins with us. For job opportunities, visit www.adventisthealth.org
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Information large room w/windows galore! 2-car garage, laundry, office and den area. Possible owner financing. $269,000.00. Call 310.422.1738.
Steamboat Springs, CO: Exhilarating year-round vacation spot. Worldclass skiing, summer fishing, hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, rafting. Kids under 12 ski free. Large condo, sleeps 9-11. Two bedroom loft/ two bath. Fully furnished, fireplace, hot tubs, pool. Call 763.506.0436. Email: rdleach@aol.com.
Vacations! Looking for the best
General Steel Building w/insulation, 72 X 60 X 16. Ordered for church, never erected, project canceled. Fifty year warranty. Will sell for $98,000.00. Bought in 2004. Current cost of $149,000.00. For more info, please call 928.466.9066.
SAVE 25% Sept. 1-30, 2009! ABC Book of the Month: Dare to Stand
value and places for your vacation? Specializing in cruises, beach vacations, wedding destinations and honeymoons. Also, knowledgeable in Europe, domestic and mission trips. Let a travel professional take the worry out of your vacation. Call Mary at 1.800.393.4040 or e mail mhedger@travelleaders.com.
Alone, by Bradley Booth. Regularly $12.99, SALE $9.74. This teenager spoke boldly about God—in the Soviet army. Foolish? Maybe. Risky? Definitely. Now available at your ABC, at www.AdventistBookCenter. com, or by calling 1.800.765.6955.
For Sale
Adventists and Islam: What message
Beautiful Mountain Retreat, views and river. Secluded, yet easy access to town. 3/2 plus bonus rooms in house, plus self-sufficient cottage
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on property. Could easily be off-grid; three methods of heating, generator, well. Far Western NC. Price reduced drastically, $299,000. Inquire at llifrench@gmail.com or 606.932.2777.
Events do SDAs have for Islam? Find out at a special weekend dedicated to teaching what we have to share with Muslims. Sept. 24 – 26, La Sierra University, CA. For more information, e-mail NA-
Information Information DAdventistMuslimRelations@gmail. com, or call 423.368.2343.
Are You Ready For a New Start? A 10-day, live-in wellness program is available Sept. 20 – 30, 2009, in Lincoln , NE. This series is directed by Dr. Luis Dulac and Psychologist Kelly Dulac. They are directors of Vida Sana (Healthy Life) Wellness Center at the University of Montemorelos Medical School, Mexico. The program, held on the campus of Union College , includes: Nutritional evaluation, laboratory tests, body mass index, body fat composition, physical fitness evaluation, quality of life evaluation, hydrotherapy, individualized exercise plan, health presentations, motivational talks, personal nutrition assessment plan, nutritional vegetarian meals and lodging, sightseeing activities. Do you need to loose weight? Are you Diabetic? Depressed? Hypertensive? Stressed? Suffer from an addiction? Or just wanting to learn more about health and enjoy a relaxing 10 days? This program is for you. This program has had amazing success in helping change lives. The fee is $1400 and includes lodging, meals, and all activities connected with the program. For
more information and/or to reserve a place, contact Frank Martinez: e-mail, FMARTINEZ1@COMCAST.NET or call, 402.730.1109. Space is limited.
College View Academy Alumni and Friends: Join us Oct. 9-11 for our annual Alumni weekend. Fri. Golf tournament and evening buffet. Sat. Church and Sun. Pancake breakfast and silent art auction. Go to www. Ubelonghere.org for more information or call us at 402.483.1181 Ext. 15.
Highland SDA Church in Portland, TN celebrates its 100th anniversary on Aug. 28 -29, 2009. Former pastors and members, we would be honored to have you attend. For information call the church office at 615.325.3925.
Sunnydale Alumni Weekend—Oct. 1–4. Honor Classes are: ‘49, ’54, ‘64, ‘69, ‘79, ‘84, ‘89 and ‘99. Activities begin Thursday evening with the Silver Showcase Banquet, continues on Friday with a Career Day. Sabbath Spearker is Elder Fred Riffle, class of 1979. Sunday is the Alumni Golf Tournament. For additional information, call 573.682.2164, or visit www.sunnydale.org.
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