Table of Contents Mid-America Union M ay 2 0 0 9
Find individual conference reports on the following pages...
Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
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14
Rocky Mountain Conference
Hope of Survivors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Minnesota Conference
Dakota Conference
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Iowa-Missouri Conference
From the Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Meet Tom and Jan Lemon. . . . . . . . . . 6 Summer Camp Reflections. . . . . . . . . . 8 Pastor Loses House, Gains Daughter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 What the New Bloggers are Saying. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
16 Central States 12 Conference Note: Central States is an ethnically diverse regional conference encompassing the entire Mid-America Union territory.
Union College 24 Kansas-Nebraska 18 Conference
Central States News . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Dakota News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Iowa-Missouri News. . . . . . . . . . . 16 Kansas-Nebraska News. . . . . . . 18
In This Issue...
Minnesota News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
I’m delighted to introduce you to seven new
Rocky Mountain News. . . . . . . . . 22
bloggers on our website (www.midamericaad-
Union College News . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Adventist Health System . . . . . . . . 27 Letters to the Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
ventist.org). One of them, Josh Marshall, is a high school sophomore whose insights deeply touch me. On page 11 you’ll see a sample of what all seven are posting for you. Every day brings new blessings from our
Farewell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
nearly two dozen bloggers, whose observations
Sunset Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
are amazing, sometimes amusing, always inspiring.
Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
I hope by the time you read this we will also have our podcast sermon section in full opera-
On the Cover: After losing their home to Red River flooding, Pastor Jordan and Natalie Peck evacuated to Bismarck. As you can see, not even a late spring blizzard along the way could keep them from enjoying their baby, Margaret. Photo by Jonathan Peoples. OUTLOOK, (ISSN 0887-977X) May 2009, Volume 30, Number 5. 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.
Unless otherwise noted, all photos are stock photography.
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tion—reporting flood news this past month and other situations delayed our podcast launch. Regarding the flooding, did you see the incredible story spread worldwide by CNN about a Dakota Conference pastoral couple? Jordan and Natalie Peck of Fargo’s Red River Adventist Church prepared to evacuate— even as their unborn baby decided that this was a good time to enter the world. Unable to get medical assistance, Natalie downloaded birth instructions via Google.com and Jordan delivered baby Margaret Elana healthy and safe—as you can see from our cover photo.
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: Jim Brauer 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 Will He Find Faith? by Thomas L. Lemon
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uestions Jesus asked intrigue me. Particularly the ones He doesn’t fully answer. One of these is in Luke 18. Following up one of His strangest parables about persistent prayer, Jesus asks: “However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (verse 8, NIV)
And He leaves it hanging right there. The implications are that He may not find faith on the earth, or perhaps not very much. Contextually it would seem that the parable is preparing His disciples for a time when it seems that their prayers are not being answered or even being heard, a time when they would experience an apparently unbridgeable distance between them and God. Of course this actually happened at the crucifixion. Bewildered and uncertain, with hopes and dreams fragmented by the finality of the cross, the disciples spent that weekend more alone than ever before. But praying through their tears, seeking understanding and trying to find shelter from, or perhaps for, their fear, they finally arrived at Sunday morning. The glorified Jesus stepped back into their lives to do so much more than fix the loneliness. He empowered a ministry and a movement by His Holy Spirit that by all human understanding should have crumbled under the first wave of persecution—a ministry and a movement that continues to this day.
The glorified Jesus stepped back into their lives to do so much more than fix the loneliness. He empowered a ministry and a movement by His Holy Spirit.
But the question still remains for us today: “… when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” Will there be any with faith? If so, in what or whom will their faith reside? If not, why not, and what can be done to restore faith?
Certainly most, if not all of us, have been affected by the economic maelstrom unleashed upon us. We now experience what Jesus meant when he said, “Lay not up for yourselves treasure on earth...” We have experienced just how fast our world can undergo amazing shifts and changes. And we are experiencing a level of unpredictability that has left many bewildered and uncertain, with hopes and dreams displaced by the realities of this present world. Jesus is still there. He is still the safest repository for our faith. Perhaps there are reasons for a fall off in faith: Recent years of paper prosperity may have distracted us; nearly eight years have passed since 9/11, and perhaps has made us more complacent about the time left for our mission; or it might be that we are so well organized that we think we can just hang out with the right people and make it through. “… when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” It is a great question. Let us personalize it. “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith in me?” Where is my heart? Where is my focus? Where is my faith? Only Jesus saves—not the church, not the pastor, not the conference. Jesus only. The church organization is to assist in mission, never to become the mission. One day, much earlier in His ministry, Jesus listened to the disciples request: “Lord teach us to pray.” The request is straight up and simple. But we confuse it so badly nowadays. We read into it a word they did not use. “Teach us ‘how’ to pray.” This is not what they wanted. And we don’t need more how to’s in prayer. We just need to be persistent in it, letting the Lord grow our faith in Him and so much more as this world hurtles toward its close.
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Thomas L. Lemon is vice president for administration in the Mid-America Union.
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Editorial Deadly Deception by Martin Weber
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reetings from Lewisburg, West Virginia, where my pastoral ministry began 34 years ago. On vacation before a weekend wedding in Washington, D.C., I’m reconnecting with my pastoral roots.
Last night, driving past the Lewisburg church building, I noticed cars parked and lights on. I slipped in the back door, trying not to interrupt prayer meeting. Pastor Stewart Pepper recognized me and would not let me go unwelcome. Soon, people I baptized a third of a century ago were surrounding me with hugs. Today I had lunch with Kester and Marie Erskine, who live in a house built in 1787—among the oldest in Greenbrier County. I once lived there too. Kester took me in when I came to sell books just out of my teens. When I married several years later as a pastor-colporteur without salary, the Erskines invited Darlene and me to live there rent free. Kester is old now, yet he still volunteers fulltime for the Lord. He and Marie started a Better Living Center for the community that pays for itself through its thrift store. They take in clothing donations and share with the needy people of the community, who pay what they can or get things free if they can’t pay. Other customers purchase second-hand clothes at a reasonable price, which supports overhead—rent, utilities and minimum-wage type salaries (Kester is a volunteer). On Sundays, church school kids work there and split profits for tuition—more than $20,000 last year. Everything they sell or give comes with an Adventist doctrinal tract or book. Kester is an amazing man of God, both now and when I lived with him long ago. Another spiritual leader back then in my three-church district was Curt (not his real name), who died nine years after I left. Today I visited two of his foster daughters and they told me his story. Curt was a talented lay preacher who spoke not only at his church but for other Adventist congregations, even testifying at camp meeting. He loved Adventist doctrine and could prove any of our fundamental beliefs from the Bible. His favorite theme was how God gives us power to keep the law and reflect Christ's perfect character. He preached it with power. But meanwhile, Curt wasn’t keeping the law too well at home. He was cruel to household pets and abusive toward his daughters. I could hardly bear to hear their description of the abuse they both suffered from this powerful preacher of “the straight testimony.” One day a foster teen staying with them had enough. When Curt came in from work, this boy was waiting with a loaded shotgun. During the manslaughter trial that followed, news of the role that Curt's religion played in his cruelty came out, and townspeople blamed his Seventh-day Adventism. Even now, 23 years later, the current pastor tells me it’s hard to make converts in that town—a place where I had a weekly radio program and newspaper column. Every Thursday there, the local state senator took me to lunch. I was a member of the ministerial association. But all this community goodwill came crashing down, nine years after I left, when Curt's perversion of Adventism hit the news. In 1976, Curt and Kester were the most influential members of that district. Each was the lay leader of his respective congregation and community. Both were totally committed to the Adventist Church and its message. Both constantly shared their faith—one in love and the other in oppression that veiled hypocrisy and abuse. Curt and Kester’s beliefs are identical on paper but totally different at heart. Curt criticized what you were eating, while Kester made sure you had enough to eat. Curt condemned what you were wearing, while Kester made sure you had enough to wear to keep you warm. Curt regarded Ellen White’s writings as a “straight testimony,” to straighten out everybody else, while Kester saw them mostly as a guide to selfless service for the Savior. Which version of Adventism more reflects your local congregation—Curt's or Kester’s? I ask because I get letters from Mid-America Adventists urging that “the standards and principles be upheld.” What principles are they referring to? Bullet points of heartless and intolerant doctrine? Or blessings of loving and grace-based truth? I wish I could engrave it on Curt's tombstone: "Truth without love is a lie—deadly deception."
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Martin Weber, DMin, is editor of Outlook magazine.
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Mid-America Union News
Meet Tom and Jan Lemon
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Photo courtesy of the Tom Lemon
homas L. Lemon is the new vice president of administration for the Mid-America Union. Having been president of the Minnesota Conference, he will now assist President Roscoe J. Howard III in leading the 61,000 Seventhday Adventists in six local conferences within our nine-state region. Lemon replaces Charles W. Drake III, now president of the Central States Conference. Elder Lemon began his career as a pastor in Maryland, also serving in Texas. He moved to Mid-America territory in 1996 as assistant to the president of the Rocky Mountain Conference. He then served as ministerial director in Oregon before accepting the leadership of Minnesota in 2006. Lemon earned his BA degree in theology at what is now Southwestern Adventist University and has a Master of Divinity degree from the Andrews University seminary. Lemon has been married 33 years to the former Jan Elmendorf, a career educator. They are the parents of two adult children. Tom only vaguely recalls meeting Jan at a church fundraising social: “We were children at the time. I was a visitor at the party. Three years later we met again at my grandparents home in Berrien Springs, Michigan, where I worked at a summer job along with a cousin. Jan’s sister and my cousin were friends from Ozark Academy. When her family vacationed through Michigan, they stopped in to see my cousin, and I was there. “That happened two summers. Although we would not see each other again for four more years, we started writing letters. This continued through the vicissitudes of teen years and into college. We both consider that when we met more Jan and Tom Lemon than 42 years ago, it was part of God’s divine plan.”
Mid-America Office Welcomes Tom Lemon
Outlook editor interviews Thomas L. Lemon, new vice president for administration in the Mid-America Union.
Tom, I know it wasn’t easy to leave the Minnesota Conference. Why did you accept the invitation to MidAmerica Union headquarters? Knowing when to leave can be very difficult indeed. Perhaps I had been “softened up” for this by a number of circumstances outside of Minnesota and outside of my control, but I had several conversations over the last three months that began to work on me to think about change. Still, when the MAUC committee voted this invitation, it sent me to praying for two whole weeks before I had a peaceful closure. If the Lord were not leading, this would be a terrible time to move. But with Him leading, the uncertainties are not really mine to worry over.
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Your personal motto, or mission statement, is “to serve the Lord faithfully in the ministry to which He has called me, wherever He leads.” What type of ministry do you feel specifically called to do? In my years as a pastor, I really enjoyed leading worship, engaging in outreach and building community among the saints for the purpose of building community with the larger community around us. As a conference leader in the ministerial department, my role was to encourage the pastors and fellow leaders in the settings where they worked, helping them maximize their talents. As conference president, my aim has been finding ways to strengthen the bond between the organization as a whole and the local church, to enable a more intentional and bet-
If there is one change you wish God would bring to the Mid-America Union, what might that be? I have been saying for some time now that if you don’t like the answers, ask a different question. The church water-cooler conversations have, for a long time now, focused inward to an incredible degree. Elder Howard and I share a vision and a dream of the day when all of our atLooking back at your ministry experiences, what are tention is on the harvest fields around us; to see our neighbors and our villages and towns and our teeming cities as some memories you especially cherish? Baptismal services of all kinds, in churches, in cold wa- Jesus sees them. ter and hot, in ponds, lakes, streams and small creeks in Do you have a favorite Bible verse? the middle of the night. Isaiah 43:1-3 What is a disappointment that you’ve experienced? Two thoughts come to mind right off—losing my dad to What do you enjoy doing on days off? It depends on the weather, but nearly anything outa sudden fatal heart attack. Also there are times when in my doors. I am terrible at golf, but I like it. Biking, hiking if own fallenness I have unintentionally caused hurt to others. there are woods or mountains around, canoeing if there How has God most dramatically revealed Himself to is water. Photography. you, personally? It doesn’t happen every day or even every year—but in Is there anything else you want to tell the readers of times of intense need, the Lord has impressed me with a Outlook? Not one of us who claims the name of Jesus Christ can new twist on an old text that just opens the floodgates of joy. I believe strongly that the Lord wants to lead us in the thrive in faith without the prayer networks of God’s people. paths of righteousness defined by the Bible. His word is a Thanks to all of you in advance for your prayers enabling the Lord to advance His cause through His church. lamp and a light.
ter-supported approach to our mission. In reality, all ministry is local. In all settings, what I enjoy most is finding ways the power of the Scriptures can come alive in our contemporary circumstance to reveal the matchless character of our God. This happens through preaching, yes, through teaching, yes, but mostly in relationships.
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Summer Ca Mid-America's
Irreplaceable Memories, Friendships and
Photo courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Conference
Photo courtesy of the Kansas-Nebraska Conference
Photo courtesy of the Iowa-Missouri Conference
Photo courtesy of the Kansas-Nebraska Conference
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mps
Spiritual Renewal for Youth
Camp High Pointe . . . . . . . . . . . Central States Flag Mountain Camp . . . . . . . . . Dakota Northern Lights Camp . . . . . . . . Dakota Camp Heritage . . . . . . . . . . . . . Iowa-Missouri Broken Arrow Ranch . . . . . . . . . Kansas-Nebraska North Star Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . Minnesota Glacier View Ranch . . . . . . . . . . Rocky Mountain
Photo courtesy of the Central States Conference
Photo courtesy of the Dakota Conference
Photo courtesy of the Central States Conference
Photo courtesy of the Kansas-Nebraska Conference
Photo courtesy of the Kansas-Nebraska Conference
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Photo by Jonathan Peoples
Losing a House
But
Gaining a Daughter by Martin Weber
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ith floodwaters threatening their home, Pastor Jordan Peck of Fargo’s Red River Adventist Church prepared to evacuate his family—even as wife Natalie was preparing to give birth. Unable to get medical assistance, Jordan rose to the occasion with the help of delivery instructions Natalie downloaded from the Internet. Amid the trauma and drama, baby Margaret Elana was born healthy and safe. A Fargo TV station featured the story, along with The Weather Channel.* Then CNN shared their testimony with the world. Jordan arranged for mother and baby with their two other children, Elias and Hailey, to stay with friends. Then he returned to sandbag their house in Hendrum, Minnesota, across the border from Fargo. Gallant neighbors helped, but to no avail. Sandbags were frozen and electricity failed. As the pumps quit, floodwaters swamped the house—but not the faith of the Peck family. Reached by phone at the motel where they became stranded in a blizzard, Jordan reported: “Natalie has been a real trooper, remaining calm through all this. She’s healthy and
Photo by Loren Nelson III
so is the baby. Our other kids are doing well, adjusting fine.” Asked what the family might need now that their home is lost and their possessions destroyed, Jordan said: “I don’t know . . . I’ve never been through this before. I do know there’s more value in the prayers of God’s people than there is to any dollar figure. That’s what we solicit more than anything.” Pastor Peck summarizes their experience: “God’s hand was at work in all this. I see it as an opportunity to exalt the name of Jesus in planting our church. I want people to see that the Adventist Church has a gospel message to proclaim.” Dakota Adventist Academy (DAA) students and staff had already witnessed for God to the Fargo and Morehead communities. In anticipation of the flood, every student and all but four staff members journeyed to the Red River Valley from Bismarck. They joined other volunteers, including Dakota youth from as far away as Grand Forks and Dickinson, in filling an amazing 500,000 sandbags in Fargo and several thousand more in Moorhead. They returned to DAA exhausted, but with a gratifying sense of accomplishment for serving a community in need.
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*Video accessible in the news section of the Mid-America Union website: www.midamericaadventist.org.
Dakota Conference President Neil Biloff has set up a fund for cash contributions toward the young family’s needs. Donations marked “Peck Family Assistance Fund” may be mailed to: Dakota Conference, PO Box 520, Pierre, SD 57501. For more information, phone Elder Biloff at 605.224.8868.
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Dakota youth assisting with flood damage cleanup
Josh Marshall
Kymone Hinds
Student, school newspaper editor
Youth and young adult director, Central States Conference
David and Marquita Klinedinst
Seminar speakers, evangelist for Christian Record Services for the Blind
What Our New Bloggers are Saying
Van Hurst
Church ministries and youth ministries
www.midamericaadventist.org
Ed Dickerson
Lay pastor, church planter, writer, speaker
Jim Moon
Pastor, Rocky Mountain Conference prayer leader
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Mid-America Union News Central States News Central States Youth Say “wiiServe” Hundreds of young people from all over Mid-America illuminated Omaha with Spirit-filled acts of kindness and generosity toward neighbors and friends—accepting the challenge of Youth Congress 2009, “wiiServe.” North High School auditorium was transformed into an impromptu sanctuary for worship, with a Photo courtesy of the Central States Conference
Youth serving the Omaha community
live stage. The standing room only crowd witnessed electrifying Biblethemed drama portraying Christ’s example of service for humanity. Mini-reenactments by youth were
Camp High Pointe July 5 – 19 Camp Heritage campgrounds For more information, visit www.central-states.org/go/camp.
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soul stirring, with real-life moral dilemmas such as teen pregnancies, date violence, family fragmentation, peer hatred and disrespect of all things holy. The dramatic skits featured a young man in the background posing as Jesus, with two angels standing by as young people struggled to decide how to sift through personal life dramas. The theme of “wiiServe” described the emphasis of youth making a difference in their communities and their world. For 40 days leading up to Youth Congress, young people in churches across the Midwest committed individual random acts of kindness and community service projects. They also sacrificed to raise money for orphans in South Africa. That 40-day effort was called “Crazy Campaign.” It culminated with Youth Congress weekend, featuring numerous thought-provoking workshops, community service projects, worship gatherings and a healthy lifestyle rally. Friday morning, youth loaded on buses to five different service projects, including Habitat for Humanity and the Omaha Food Bank. Sabbath morning, youth took to the streets to engage in an amazing wiiServe race that touched lives of residents.
Photo courtesy of the Central States Conference
Photo courtesy of the Central States Conference
Youth Congress 2009 by Angela Vega-Johnson
Doing home repairs
Youth have committed to going back home and making a difference for Christ. For more information on this movement go to www.wiiserve.org.
Angela Vega-Johnson is communication director for Sharon Church in Omaha, Nebraska.
Central States News Four Philadelphia Baptisms by Sharon Tate ships every Sabbath and has become active in the choir and Adventist Youth Society. Now she has decided to be baptized. Derby Haywood started coming to Philadelphia Church last August, after moving to Des Moines. A member of Grand Avenue Church in Charleston, A joyful Sabbath at Philadelphia Church, when four new Missouri, she recommembers were baptized mitted her life to the Lord and is transferring membership baptized last January by Pastor Marto Philadelphia. lon Perkins Jr., and Elder Maurice Ronald Gore began attending Lamay. Philadelphia in 2007. The 24 year old recently rededicated his life to Christ. Sharon Tate is communication secretary All four of these candidates were for Philadelphia Church. Photo courtesy of Sharon Tate
Qiana Campbell, baptized in 2008, rejoiced with husband T.J. as he also joined Philadelphia Church in Des Moines, Iowa. It was supposed to be a surprise for Qiana, but T.J. couldn’t wait to tell her. T.J. had attended church as a child with his mother and brothers, before dropping out. In recent years he ventured back to church, attending sporadically with Qiana and their children. Every Tuesday evening, Qiana participated in Bible studies with Derek Covington and his wife, Sandra. T.J. joined them and, as a result, took his stand to be baptized. Marie Rimmer is a young woman who lives across the street from Philadelphia Church. She thought about visiting for some time. One Wednesday evening she dropped in at prayer meeting and has been attending regularly since. She wor-
“Granny” Honored with Lifetime Service Award by Rena Dixon riers for the car. Sister Larry, known to everyone as “Granny,” is asked about by clients when absent. Beyond material assistance, they appreciate her Bible study lessons, which they take home to complete. At their next visit to the pantry, they can ask questions and receive their next lesson. Upon completing all lessons, they receive a certificate. In this time of increasing financial turmoil, Granny’s pantry now serves 100 families per month. She plans with God’s help to continue serving her community.
Photo courtesy of the Central States Conference
Longtime Linwood Boulevard member Bernice “Granny” Larry has received the Central States Community Service Lifetime Achievement Award. Pastor James White Jr., conference community services director, made the presentation Jan. 24 at Linwood Boulevard Temple in Kansas City. Granny has served the community 23 years, launching the church’s food pantry by enlisting fellow volunteers. When support languished, she personally solicited donations. In recent years she has recruited enough helpers to sustain the program. The food pantry also supplies clothes, shoes and blankets. Clients with small children may get clothes, diapers and even baby car-
Elder James White Jr., conference community services director (left) and Elder Marcellus Howard, Linwood Boulevard pastor, present the award to Bernice “Granny” Larry.
Rena Dixon is communication director for Linwood Boulevard Temple.
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Mid-America Union News
Photo by Logan Rubbert
Dakota News
Men’s Retreat Sets Attendance Record by Heidi Shoemaker successful in leading their families to accompany them. Troy Erickson, new to men’s retreats, reflected on his first experience: “Great speakers, great topics, great music, great food . . . some excellent open forums that addressed current men’s issues, and so much more. Everyone was so approachable. You could walk up to anyone, extend a hand of fellowship, and expect to get a friendly response Pastor Terry Pflugrad on banjo and good conversation in return.” setting levels. Sabbath afternoon, more This was the first year Dakota Ad- than 130 listened to Howard and Biloff. ventist Academy hosted the retreat. Plans are already underway for next With the addition of faculty, staff and year. Contact Randy Rubbert, men’s students from the academy (male, of ministries director, at 701.847.3008 course), attendance reached record- for more information. Photo by Jon Peoples
Live music, surprising statistics and an inspiring guest speaker were highlights of the 14th Annual Dakota Men’s Retreat. Featured speaker Roscoe J. Howard III, president of the Mid-America Union, presented the challenging theme, “Man of Velvet, Man of Steel.” One attendee, Jon Peoples, observed: “We were all blessed to have Roscoe preaching. He seemed to always get right down to the brass tack, pointing us all to Jesus as the only One who would get us out of the mess we had created for ourselves.” Neil Biloff, Dakota Conference president, shared the startling statistic that men who attend church are 93 percent
Summer Camp Builds Lifelong Memories by Loren Nelson III Photo courtesy of Loren Nelson III
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Kids and teens make memories are made at Dakota Adventist Camps. One boy, initially excited about coming to camp, became homesick after he was dropped off. Through the leadership and comfort of counselors and other campers, he finished the week—and returned for another week later that summer. Good staff, friends and activities shape a positive experience that campers crave and remember. Camp is not an expensive babysitting week. Kids learn about their best friend Jesus and how to reflect Him to peers. In the process, they make personal connections that last a lifetime. Gymnastic camp staff members Rachel O’Hare, Rebecca O’Hare and Tabitha Schumacher support a young camper.
Camp dates for 2009 are: June 21–28 Junior Camp I at Flag Mountain July 1–5 Teen Boys Adventure at Flag Mountain July 8-12 Teen Girls Retreat at Flag Mountain July 12–19 Teen Camp at Northern Lights July 19–26 Junior Camp II at Northern Lights For more information: dakotaadventistcamps.org.
Dakota News Neil Biloff’s Vision for the Dakotas Outlook catches up with Elder Neil Biloff, president of the Dakota Conference.
What are some disappointments you’ve experienced since becoming president? There are always disappointments in this life, but probably the greatest would be attending the funerals of those whom Tom Brokaw referred to as the greatest generation, good honest people who have not only given their all to the Dakota Conference, but have educated their children for leadership rolls in the world church. It is my prayer that my age group and those to follow can catch the passion and spirit of the World War II generation.
where we have lost our passionate desire to see our children trained in Adventist education. I admit that I do not have all the answers. What concerns me is where our next generation of spiritual leaders will come from. We may need to do some restructuring to make our education more relevant and financially acceptable to our families. Roscoe Howard, our Union president, reports having had a great experience at your men’s retreat—attendance was off the charts. What was different this year? I would say that it was a combination of things. First, Elder Howard came, and he is a great speaker. Second, our location was more centrally located, allowing more men to make the trip. It also appears that there is a real sense of urgency concerning the times in which we are living. The men who came were serious about their Lord.
Photo courtesy of Loren Nelson III
Neil, what’s happening in the Dakota Conference that has you most excited? It would be the faithfulness of God’s people. In the last few years I have witnessed significant growth in tithe, baptisms, youth work, but most importantly, the spiritual condition of our Adventist people. As my wife and I travel from church to church for speaking appointments, I am usually the one that ends up with the greatest blessing. I hear so many stories of faith and hope that encourage me.
are a priority. We can lose them so quickly, and many never find their way back to God. Involving children and young adults in ministry is the greatest thing we can do for them.
You’ve had some real evangelistic successes that surpassed expectations. What’s making the difference? I like the United States Marines’ motto: We will leave no one behind. To me, true success in soul winning is found only when God’s people catch the same motto—a vision that those What’s your vision for the next sev- outside the walls of the church are just eral years in your conference? as important to the Creator as those First, I believe we must be absolute- inside. When Jesus comes, may we ly vigilant as a church to stay Christ have done everything in our power to centered in an ever-changing world. not leave anyone behind that wanted From our theology to our finances, to go to the Kingdom. God has called us to accountability and He has to be first in everything. Let’s talk about Adventist ChrisSecond, I believe that we need to tian education—thriving academistay focused on our commission to cally but struggling in enrollment, take the good news to every man, all over the North American Diviwoman and child. We must honestly sion. What can we do to attract new ask ourselves if we are reaching our students and otherwise strengthen community and the world for Christ. our schools? Third, our youth and young adults This is a most difficult issue. Some-
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Working physically with my hands is great mental therapy. I enjoy building, landscape work and gardening. Of course to do that you need a few tools and some equipment, so maybe it’s running a tractor, backhoe and table saw that I really enjoy. What’s your wife doing these days? The Lord must have a special blessing in heaven for pastor’s wives. Jacquie has given up so many career opportunities for my career that I am indeed grateful. As you know, one of her real passions is being a commercial pilot, but the opportunities in South Dakota are extremely limited. She currently volunteers as a pilot for the Civil Air Patrol.
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Mid-America Union News Iowa-Missouri News Knoxville Rededication Celebration by Michelle Miracle
Photo by Michelle Miracle
When Knoxville member Dianne Hiller heard that children in Marion County school district needed warm hats, she did something about it. Investing eight months in the project, she knitted 72 caps for the kids with the attached note, “From a Grandma at the Seventh-day Adventist Church.” Dianne gets yarn at yard sales and thrift stores, but is now almost out of stock. Anyone wishing to contribute yarn may mail it to Knoxville Adventist Church at 1201 S. Attica Rd., Knoxville, IA 50138.
Photo by Michelle Miracle
Ten months of hard work culminated on Sabbath, March 7, as Knoxville Church in Iowa rededicated its newly remodeled sanctuary. The work was a labor of love, mostly done by members. Featured speaker at the rededication service was Elder Dean Coridan, conference president. “I’m not going to dedicate the building,” he told them. “I’m going to dedicate you, because you are the church of God.”
Hats for Kids by Marilyn Butler
Photo by Wendi Smart
Elder Dean Coridan preaching in the new sanctuary.
Photo by David Hiller
John Barrett is the first person baptized in the newly remodeled sanctuary.
The sanctuary remodel in progress.
Joan Edwards and Lance Erickson display hats Dianne Hiller knitted for children in need.
Cassville Redoubles with Baptisms by Michelle Miracle then arranged for Pastor Manual Moral On baptismal Sabbath, Elder Moral told of Kansas City Central Spanish Church a packed church of Cassville and Southto hold several weekends of evangelistic west City members and friends: “Church meetings, which helped solidify Adven- is a hospital for sinners. We are going to tist beliefs for the group. hate the sin but love the sinners here.”
Photo by Michelle Miracle
Cassville Spanish Company nearly doubled in size on Sabbath, Feb. 28, with the baptism of 17 new members. Pastor Joel Omana, who instructed them and secured their decision for membership,
Candidates for baptism celebrate with their families and Pastor Joel Omana (far left) and Elder Manuel Moral (far right).
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Iowa-Missouri News
Photo courtesy of Karan Lincoln
Teacher Commissioned
Karan Lincoln, principal and K-8 teacher at Nevada Adventist Elementary School, was commissioned in March by Gary Rouse, Iowa-Missouri education superintendent.
Conference Calendar June 2-6 Camp Meeting at Sunnydale Adventist Academy For more information visit: www.imsda.org/campmeeting July 1-5 Youth Missionary Camp in Mansfield, MO For more information visit: http://ihlministry.org/YMC Aug. 30 Camp Heritage Work Bee For more information: Josue Feliciano: josue4pr@gmail.com.
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Mid-America Union News Kansas-Nebraska News
Shine ‘09 at Broken Arrow Ranch by Michael Paradise “Let your light so SHINE before men that they may see your good works and praise your Father in Heaven.” This saying from Jesus sets the theme for summer camp at Broken Arrow Ranch: “Shine ’09.’” We have selected a camp staff of 50 young people who have energy, positive attitudes and love for Jesus. Last summer set a new mark in camper attendance, and this year should be better. With the addition of a new staff lodge, two more cabins are available for even more campers. A new camp has also been added: Tween Camp, serving
ages 12 to 14 with exciting activities and events. Our specialty camps are growing in popularity, so anyone hoping to attend Horsemanship or Basketball camps should sign up early. Camp is where kids from 7 to 17 can experience nature, positive interaction and take a break from their regular routine. Please encourage your children, grandchildren, friends and Sabbath school to attend Broken Arrow Ranch this summer. Our “Shine ‘09” theme will help make this Broken Arrow’s brightest summer ever, as we SHINE for Jesus!
Conference Calendar May 16 Conference Office Rally — Wanamaker Church May 22-25 Hispanic Camp Meeting Camp Arrowhead, Lexington, Nebraska Contact: botejada@netzero.com June 5-7 Camp Meeting — Lincoln, Nebraska June 12-13 Cowboy Camp Meeting — Crawford, Nebraska
Maranatha Volunteers from across the United States are coming to Camp Arrowhead in Lexington, Nebraska, May 3-15, to replace roofs, windows and paint. Local volunteers are also needed to participate. Please contact Marlyn Schwartz, project manager, at www.maranatha.org or 402.432.1344.
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Following is the 2009 Broken Arrow Ranch summer camp schedule: June 21-28 June 28-July 2
Adventure Camp Horsemanship/
Specialty/Friendship Camp July 2-5
Family Camp
July 5-12
Junior Camp
July 12-19
Tween Camp
July 19-26
Teen Camp
Kansas-Nebraska News
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Mid-America Union News Minnesota News Distinguished Minnesota Women
Photos courtesy of the Minnesota Conference
Two women of Southview Church in Department. In addition, she won the Minneapolis have received national rec- first annual Rosa Parks Award, and the ognition: Patricia Johnston and Cheryl Coretta Scott King Award. Saunders enjoys traveling, singing, Saunders. Johnston is the new president of the Association of Adventist Women, and Saunders was honored as “2008 Woman of the Year for Professional Life.” Cheryl Roberts Saunders is dean of counseling, advising, and retention services at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. The Hattiesburg, Mississippi native earned a Ph.D. in educational leadership from the University of North Dakota (UND). She has served on Cheryl Roberts Saunders Pat Johnson several college and educational committees, including the Minnesota reading, “surfing” the Web, collecting old Conference K-12 Board, Maplewood hymnals and browsing used bookstores. Academy’s school board, and the Edu- She is married to Lee Saunders, retired cation Advisory Commission for the from the U. S. Air Force. They have two Mid-America Union. Saunders also vol- children, Jasmine and Joshua. unteers as a career counselor for MaplePatricia Pearson Johnston, 10th wood students. president of the Association of AdvenAmong numerous other recognitions, tist Women, is a retired nutritionist the Knight Foundation named Saunders and university administrator. She was a HistoryMaker, and in 2005 she received married for 51 years to the late Edward the Phenomenal Woman Award from Johnston, DDS, and has a daughter, UND’s Multicultural Student Services son, and two grandsons.
Johnston has been an active Adventist her entire life, serving as teacher, elder and school board chair. She also conducted community nutrition education lectures and was senior editor of Vibrant Life magazine and editor-in-chief of Loma Linda University’s (LLU) Vegetarian Nutrition & Health Newsletter. Pat, as she likes to be called, began her career at LLU School of Public Health in the Department of Nutrition. After receiving her doctoral degree, she served as chair of that department, later becoming dean of the school. She was co-chair of the First International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition and contributed to the prestigious book Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. Academic and professional achievements include the Gladys Emerson Award, LLU Alumnus of the Year and the General Conference Department of Health Ministry’s Medal of Distinction. She is a member of the Omicron Nu National Honor Society and the Delta Omega National Public Health Honor Society.
Minnetonka Students Visit the Elderly by Melissa Westmore
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be a Christian. Now I pray for her to side themselves at another person’s God, day by day.” Christine—Grade 6 life and heart. “I think Fran is so sweet. She said this was her best day ever, and that made Melissa Westmore is a teacher at Minnetonka Christian Academy. me feel really happy.” Vicky—Grade 6 “When I got to Fran’s house it was fun because she had a dog. She was so happy because she didn’t get a visit in a long time. We ate cookies, and we were very happy when we left.” Daniel—Grade 5 Minnetonka Christian Academy considers it important to provide students opportunities to experience service firsthand. It develops their perspective and helps them look outPhoto courtesy of the Minnesota Conference
Friday the 13th of February was a blessed day at Minnetonka Christian Academy for fifth and sixth graders who visited elderly church members to offer a Valentine’s Day treat. The children practiced songs in the classroom, found Bible verses and thought of questions to ask their new friends. The students also brought flowers, handmade cards and stuffed animals. Following are some student reactions to this project: “Visiting Thelma was fun because she had a joyful heart. The stories she told us touched my heart deeply. She told us that she had always wanted to
Minnetonka students with a new friend
Minnesota News
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Mid-America Union News Rocky Mountain News Testimony of a Visually Impaired Disciple by Lewis Sprowl
Photo courtesy of Lewis Sprowl
1 Thessalonians 15:18: “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Most of my life, I have been visually impaired. My vision has slowly decreased over the Lewis Sprowl years. Compensating for the diminishing vision, I have worn glasses, used magnifying and telescopic devices and a closed circuit TV. In 1987 I began using mobility canes, and in mid 2003, I went totally blind. At times it has been difficult in navigating unfamiliar territory in metro Denver; but with repeated visits to the place of difficulty, I am able to navigate better. If I need directions or help, I will ask for it. Because of my wife’s bad health, I do much of the shopping. I seek assistance in shopping from store employees. Using newspaper saddle bags and a four wheel caddy with public transportation, I bring the goods home. Here at home I have met some tough challenges successfully: plumbing, carpentry, minor electrical and reglazing.
Also I repair and do the upkeep of our appliances: electric stove, dish washer, clothes washer and dryer. Three years ago, through God’s moving in the hearts of His people, I was gifted with a talking computer; it can do much for me, and then some. It compensates for what my eyes can no longer do, and it certainly is a blessing, as I write this in my own words. Attending church on Sabbath in Brighton, Colorado I have a little part in securing idle areas, locking windows and doors, downing lights and thermostats, stopping dripping and running water. I can’t speak for those who have never seen the light of day, but for me, I have had moments when I have felt down, felt that darkness that’s deep and black, where I hunger to see light or my wife’s face and loved ones. Then I call upon Jesus to meet me in the darkness. In His presence is light—always. It brings to mind “In the Garden,” and the lyric: “Though the night around me be falling...” Jesus still meets me there in that darkness. We are alone and He can hear the utterances of my heart: “Lift this gloom, so I can rejoice in Your very presence, praising and giving thanks.”
In my memories I recall various visual images: the light after nightfall, the moon and stars, semitrailer clearance lights slowly passing my window on a Greyhound bus. My mind sees the pleasant glow of a porch light piercing the night, a welcome beacon to a happy family returning home from a night out. Headlight beams sweep silently across my study window, slowly leading the car into the driveway, brake lights coming on for a few seconds—and then all the car lights go out. That’s my life now, but only for a while. The greatest light I’ve yet to see, when He calls me from the darkness; the greatest light—oh now I see, calls us up to meet Him! Christian Record Services for the Blind (CRSB) ministers to many courageous people like Lewis. CRSB offers services that enhance their spiritual vision and help them cope with daily challenges. For information visit www.christianrecord.org or write to 4444 South 52nd St., Lincoln NE 68516. If you wish to have a ministry of visiting a blind person once a month, you can join CRSB's Missionaries Of the Blind program: 402.488.0981 ext. 246 or www.mob.christianrecord.org.
Campion’s Community Outreach Day All Campion Academy students— except the seniors visiting Union College—fanned out over Loveland, Colorado, and beyond to do community service. Campion’s chaplaincy office organized and guided 130 students and sponsors for the Nov. 4 event. They sorted clothes at Goodwill, set up Christmas trees at a thrift store and did yard work for needy citizens. Others visited a nursing home to bake cheesecake and interact with residents. Some
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raked leaves for Habitat for Humanity while others served at Hearts and Horses and at Catholic Charities. One group went to Glacier View Ranch to spruce up the camp for the coming summer. The day was a success, reports Joselyn Benabe, student chaplain. “People told me they were impressed with the young people and how willing they were to do whatever was asked. Of course, some kids were delighted to get out of class, but they also really wanted to make a difference.”
Photo courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Conference
by Ardis Stenbakken
Rocky Mountain News Denver South Welcomes Senior Pastor Rocky Mountain Conference is delighted to welcome Udo Sokolovsky to his new post as senior pastor of Denver South Church. Elder Sokolovsky was born to an Adventist family in Latvia, when it was a republic of the former Soviet Union. His mother, a music minister, mentored him as he “grew up on the pedals of the organ.” At six he took up violin and later the cello. When the Sokolovsky family moved to the Ukraine, Udo enrolled at a music college and met his future wife, Lidia. Both were baptized in Odessa, and Udo led the church youth group. In 1977 Udo graduated from the “underground” seminary and married Lidia. The East Ukrainian Conference hired them to plant a church in the city of Izium. Soon the family had two daughters, Solvita and Stella.
Following several successful years of ministry, Udo became youth director of the Belarusian Conference. In 1988, after pastoring several churches, he became vice president for administration of that conference. An active evangelist, he planted several churches. After ordination in 1991, Udo became president of the International Bible Society in Belarus. He graduated from Russia’s Zaokski Theological Seminary and the Belarusian University of Culture. In 1997 he became senior pastor of Central SDA Church in Minsk, where he became known as a musician and songwriter. In 2003 the Sokolovsky family moved to America, and Udo became pastor of discipleship and fellowship at The Edge Christian Worship Center in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. In 2006 Rocky Mountain Conference called him to be an as-
Photo courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Conference
by Conference News Secretary
Pastor Udo and Lidia Sokolovsky
sociate pastor at Denver South Church. Last September he became interim senior pastor, now his permanent position. The Sokolovskys live in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, where Lidia teaches piano lessons. Their youngest daughter, Stella, is a church musician in Minneapolis. Solvita, married to Boris, is active in an Orlando congregation. Udo and Lidia are proud grandparents of their daughter, Sophie Anna.
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Mid-America Union News Union College Union’s Senior Moments by Carolyn Scott
Photo by Steve Nazario
When our parents and grandparents talk about “senior moments,” they’re referring to what they have forgotten. For those of us graduating from Union this year, senior moments are the times we’ll never forget. Whether recalling when someone met their spouse, made the winning shot in a game or talked through the night with a roommate, all hold significant value to the Union College experience.
alongside students from Japan, Peru, Korea, Vietnam, Paraguay, Costa Rica, Brazil, Africa, the Philippines and other countries. “I would sit at the sidelines and try to pick up words,” Reeve said. With the help of her adviser, Reeve realized a major in international studies fit her interests. Reeve added Spanish as a second major and studied at River Plate Adventist University in Argentina for a year. Despite her international interests, Reeve found a home in the center of the United States, at Union College. “Every time I stepped on campus, there was someone there to smile at me and greet me,” Reeve said. “I think that’s special here at Union.” Where she will go after graduation is yet unknown, but Reeve knows she wants to use her anthropological interests. “I don’t know what I’ll remember forever, but I hope I’ll remember all the good things and respect everybody the way I do now,” she said.
Sanna Reeve
An International Union
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A Musical Ministry
Photo by Steve Nazario
Five-year senior Sanna Reeve, international studies and Spanish major from Rio Rancho, New Mexico, said her Union senior moment is playing soccer her freshman year. As a freshman, Reeve had not decided on a major; impromptu soccer games held her answer. “I’m not the best soccer player, but I enjoyed interacting with the different cultures,” Reeve said. “For me, soccer time was a cultural blizzard where everybody put their differences aside because they knew the game, and it was something that tied us all together.” On the soccer field, Reeve played
rescue and relief (IRR) major, said some of his greatest memories at Union have been service days. “Project Impact day was pretty fun because I ended up going to the same site as President David Smith,” Brass said. “He was down on his knees working and pulling weeds, and it was pretty cool to see him doing that.” From Colorado Springs, Colorado, Brass came to Union for business administration. When he heard about the IRR program that started his freshman year in 2004, he switched his major. “IRR is the best way to help people because I can offer medical care and serve them right in their time of need,” Brass said. “Later, I can build a friendship with some of the victims or people that I may help, which lets me share the God I worship and how service-oriented He is.” After five years at Union College, including Project Impact with President Smith, traveling to Venezuela with IRR and serving others on and off campus, Brass is excited to use his training at Union College as an integral part of his life, both professionally and personally. “Union has made me go out of my bubble to really serve others and look for people to help, even on my own time,” Brass said.
Garrett Brass
School of Service Garrett Brass, senior international
Sean Dale, senior communication major from Lincoln, Nebraska, saw a beach for the first time in his life because he can sing. “A couple of years ago, my roommate at the time, two other guys and I started a barbershop quartet,” Dale said. “We sang for church, faculty and Christmas events. They really liked us.” The barbershop quartet made such an impression on Dr. Rudy Dennis,
Photo by Steve Nazario
Union College
Sean Dale former music faculty at Union College, that he invited the quartet to join the band for their spring break
tour in California. “I didn’t play an instrument,” Dale said. “So, they nominated me to be the emcee of the band trip.” Dale introduced the band at each location and closed each performance. “We traveled up and down the coast of California,” Dale said. “I was 20 and I saw my first beach. I saw my first palm tree, and I saw the ocean for the first time. That was the most fun school road trip that I’ve ever been on. It was amazing.” Dale attended public schools until enrolling at Union College. From first grade to senior year in high school, Dale developed friendships with people of many different backgrounds, but at the same time he says he sacrificed
his relationship with God. “When I came to Union College, I did not want to be here. I was like, ‘oh man, it’s too churchy for me,’” Dale said. “But after two years, I started to open up and see all the wonderful ministry opportunities Union has to offer and the beautiful people that Jesus shines through here on this campus.” Even when this year’s seniors are old enough to have the other kind of senior moments, we’ll never forget our tales of campus life, roommates and spiritual growth. As Dale said, “I think that if I hadn’t gone to Union College, there’s no way my relationship with God would be as strong or as fulfilled as it is now.”
Math Teachers:
Be Part of the Solution Union’s mathematics program received a grant to offer a summer workshop entitled, “Math Connections for K-12 Teachers.” The class will be offered to teachers in Seventh-day Adventist schools in the North American Division (June 22-26) as well as teachers in private schools in Lincoln (June 8-12). The Brookhill Foundation awarded an $8,000 grant to assist Union’s contribution to the national effort to improve mathematics education across the United States. The fee is only $50 for two semester hours of college credit. To learn more or to register for this event, go to www.ucollege.edu/NADworkshop.
Campus Calendar May 8-10 Graduation Weekend May 12 Summer school begins June 22-26 Math Connections Workshop for NAD Teachers Aug. 13-16 New student orientation Aug. 17 Fall registration Aug. 18 Classes begin Oct. 1-2 Fall Preview Days Nov. 1-3 Mid-America Union College Days Find more news and events at Union’s new website: www.ucollege.edu.
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Mid-America Union News Upcoming Events
Innovation 2009: Leadership “Boot Camp” Coming to Denver on Sabbath, Manny Cruz – NAD associate direcMay 30, “Innovation 2009” offers intor of youth and young adult tensive leadership training for local ministries church ministry. Attendees at this Van Hurst –Mid-America Union one-day “boot camp” will learn timedirector of youth and church less skills to equip them for servant ministries leadership in their congregations Pete Braman –Rocky Mountain and communities. Conference director of youth Presenters will include: and young adult ministries James Black –North American Divi- Kymone Hinds –Central States Consion (NAD) director of youth and ference director of youth and young adult ministries young adult ministries
Dwain Esmond – editor, Insight magazine Steve Case – president, “Involve Youth” Registration is limited to 200 and is free, with a love offering collected. Attendees get access to all seminars and presentations and receive Sabbath lunch, an attendee packet, handouts and other complimentary resources. Register online: www.Innovation2009. org; or call 303.282.3660.
Adventist Single Adult Ministries Convention sor of religion, psychology and Longing for a more meaningful conculture at Loma Linda University, nection with God? Drained from being and avid researcher both a mom and dad to your children? Tired of struggling with addictions hid- Dr. Hyveth Williams – senior pasden behind closed doors? Ready to make tor of Campus Hill Church in new friends and reconnect with old ones? Loma Linda—a trailblazer as the Consider attending the second Adventist first female senior pastor in the Singles Adult Ministries Convention. Seventh-day Adventist Church From July 2-4 at California’s NewDr. John McVay – president of Walla port Beach Marriot Hotel & Spa, join Walla University, educator, former singles from around North America pastor and a specialist in the later in discovering the benefits of “Going Pauline epistles Deeper,” the weekend’s theme. Keynote speakers are: Dr. Jose Rojas – director of the Office of Volunteer Ministries for the North American Division (NAD), accomplished musician and author Dr. Johnny Ramirez-Johnson –profes-
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Come relax in true Southern California style, with access to nearby attractions, including the Aquarium of the Pacific, Catalina Island and Disneyland. The conference is sponsored by Adventist Single Adult Ministries, a subsidiary of the NAD Family Ministries Department. For registration and conference information, visit www.adventistsingleadultministries.org. For more information, contact Andrea Hicks, Adventist Single Adult Ministries coordinator: ahicks@nadasam. com or 516.802.2374.
Adventist Health System
Facing the Unexpected G r at e f u l
A
Fa m i ly
my Ruter didn’t expect to have her baby that day. She was only seven months along, and it was just a routine appointment. But something was wrong. Her blood pressure reading was extremely high, and the baby’s heartbeat kept stopping. “We have to do an emergency C-section,” the doctor said. Amy’s head spun as she was rushed to Parker Adventist Hospital. “It’s too soon,” she worried. “Please don’t let the surgery be too late,” she prayed. Minutes into the procedure, Amy heard, “The baby’s out.” She and her husband, Scott, listened for the assurance of their daughter’s first cry. But baby Payton had trouble breathing and needed to be whisked to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Another 24 hours passed before Amy could see her firstborn. That part, too, was not what Amy had expected. Payton was tiny—just two pounds, nine ounces—and obscured by a maze of tubes and wires, with a mask covering her face, monitors beeping and blinking all around her. Amy couldn’t hold her or even stroke her delicate skin. Visits to the NICU became the center of Scott and Amy’s life. There were good days, with happy news that Payton had slept well or gained weight. But other days brought discouraging setbacks and frightening problems. “We got very attached to the nurses,” Amy remembers. “You develop a bond because you’re with them so much, and they’re helping you through an intensely traumatic time.” On one especially difficult day, Payton was tested for a life-threatening digestive condition. As Scott and Amy awaited the results in the NICU, nurses who had the day off called in, anxious to hear whether Payton was okay—and eager to be there for her parents, regardless of the news. It was the best news: Payton was fine.
H e l p s
Pa r e n t s
At last, five weeks old and weighing only four pounds, Payton was well enough to go home. Scott and Amy felt so blessed. They wanted to help other families somehow. So they started making NICU baskets— filling each with snacks, drinks, a journal, a disposable camera and a local restaurant gift certificate—and asked NICU nurses to distribute the baskets as they saw fit. Nurses say the baskets are doing what the Ruters had hoped—giving NICU families “that little boost on a tough day, letting them know someone cares.” The Ruters didn’t expect to be a NICU family again themselves. But their second daughter, Addison, was also born early. She spent four weeks growing and strengthening in Parker’s NICU, with her family visiting daily. The NICU is still central to the Ruter family’s life. They visit regularly to drop off baskets. They look through each girl’s NICU book and marvel at how far she’s come. The girls play NICU with their dolls and remember the babies in their prayers. Last Christmas, when Payton got a doll house, she said she’d also need a NICU to go with it. “Having preemies was so difficult on so many levels,” Amy acknowledges. “But we saw God’s love in so many ways”— friends and family never stopped praying, co-workers supplied a steady stream of meals, staff shepherded the couple through every setback and celebrated every miracle. In response, the family plans to keep making gift baskets for years to come—bringing comfort in difficult times, being part of what God is doing in Parker’s NICU.
.
This article was submitted by Stephen King, senior vice president for mission and ministry for Colorado’s Adventist hospitals, and written by CMBell Company.
Grateful for the blessings of Payton (4) and Addison (1)—both of whom started life as preemies at Parker Adventist Hospital—the Ruter family creates gift baskets to help NICU parents through tough times. Photo courtesy of CMBell Company
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Correspondence
Letters to the
Editor
I was moved by your [April] editorial: truth without love is a lie. I sat with tears streaming. I heartily agree that my beloved church needs more members who are consumed with God’s love and not do’s and don’ts. –Joy Barker, Durango, CO
because an entire church said Amen, does that make it right? We will only have one worship style in heaven. Please don’t sell yourself to compromise. Stand firm in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. Those who can’t take a stand cannot be trusted. –Anonymous
Thank you for your [April] editorial. It may have been the first time I have ever read something both provoking and assuring in Outlook. Perhaps there is still hope for a renewed SDA church and organization that knows how to love. –Ivan Bartolome, via e-mail
It saddens me that we, as Adventists, have lost the most important truth of all, LOVE. If we don’t have love, what good does having truth, and the Spirit of Prophecy, do? It will fall on deaf ears, and no one will be able to see the glory of God. Which is ultimately the most important thing. –Brandi Bickell, Colorado Springs, CO
I was shocked as I opened the cover [of February’s student issue], read the contents, and saw the pictures. Is this an Adventist magazine? I am saddened at the backsliding of God’s beloved remnant church. The reason many Adventist young people are leaving the church is because they were never really in the church. They were there for friends and entertainment. There are young people within the SDA church who are truly converted. Check out the Generation of Youth for Christ. As for “The Church that said Amen to Rap,” what a weakhearted church this was. There should have been someone there who stood up for the right. When Jesus saw corruption in the temple, He drove it out. He did not worry about what others thought or about driving away some newcomers. We are to be the “light of the world,” which means that we will be living up to higher standards than the worldling. –Anonymous “concerned young person, age 19”
Speaking on truth without having love is a lie. How sad
Mr. Weber, when I received February’s Outlook, I was
Do our fellow men see Jesus in our churches—or a selfish desire to be right? I think we need more listeners (as your editorial seem to imply), more genuine love rather then business plans, less show and performance and more humility. –Regina Rippel, via e-mail
that this scenario is played out too often—the man with a grumpy, criticizing demeanor and the woman with a painted-on smile at church holding a knife behind her back. I praise God that we have those who are peacemakers and smile with sincerity! –Carole Baumgart, Columbus, NE Editor’s note: Normally we don’t publish anything anonymous, but the following three condensed letters provide valuable insight into what some readers are thinking.
The reason youth leave our church is because the pillars of our faith are being watered down. The youth have not been taught to preach the Three Angels Message, which is the reason our church has been raised up—not to meet “felt” needs, entertain, and cast doubt on the pillars of our faith. Why would an SDA teacher recommend the book UnChristian? It is not an SDA book and the contributors are not SDA. We are supposed to be telling people to come out of Babylon, then what are we doing getting advice from Babylon? How can you witness to a non-SDA and convince them to come to our church while using their material? About the article, “The Church that Said Amen to Rap.” Just 28 May 2009 | Mid-America Outlook
shocked at its unbiblical content. “The Church that Said Amen to Rap” could have been entitled “the church that said amen to pornography or profanity.” Obviously we cannot condemn those girls, but we can say what they did was wrong. If you think that becoming more like the world reaches more young people, think again. Young people leave the church mainly because they are unconverted. They see leaders bringing the standards down for them, and they feel put down. I feel I have said all that I can; now the rest is up to you. Will you make the total surrender of self to Christ? Will you answer the call to be a peculiar people and separate yourself from the world? Only you can answer that, and that answer is of eternal importance; not only for you, but for all of the people being reached by this magazine. –Anonymous “thoughtful young person, age 16”
I do not believe that my church is the cramped little group that you paint it to be. “Find the love” [February student article] is not the kind of Adventism that I found in 1960. The entry into the church is the same today: the narrow way that leads to life. Chris Blake opened the wide gate of Matthew 7:13
Information to permit any kind of music, any kind of belief, any way to life. –Gene Tennison, Doniphan, MO Chris Blake, who supervised the students in writing February’s Outlook, responds to a number of letters:
Perhaps a clarification is in order. “The Church That Said Amen! to Rap” is really not about rap. A more accurate title might be: “The Church That Said Amen! to Graceful Respect.” Anyone who is upset about somebody “promoting rap music” is missing the point. The article is not about music at all; the article is about love and compassion. The issue the article addresses is not rhythmic movement; the issue is redemptive conduct. The question is not a judgment of music; the question is whether we should judge motives. What does it truly mean to be a sanctuary—a safe place? What does it mean to be living, breathing sanctuaries for God and God’s creation? Are our churches safe places? Am I a safe place? Those are the questions this article addresses. Those are also the questions our young adults and youth ask every time they enter (and leave) our churches. Personally, I view “rap music” as an oxymoron—it isn’t music to me. But that’s a matter of melodic taste, not symphonic sanctification. (Please don’t hate me: I’m not a fan of country music, either.) And for the record, the Outlook editor did already moderate some youthful expressions in this issue. To those who believe the “Amen congregation” was going against God’s leading, here’s a tip from Jesus. As He confronted those who accused Him of breaking the Sabbath, He said, “ ‘If you had known what this means, “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,” you would not have condemned the guiltless’ ” (Matthew 12:7, RSV). In other words, in His churches on His Sabbath primarily Jesus desires mercy. –Chris Blake, associate professor of English and communication, Union College
I must confess that the above paragraph sometimes has applied to me. Another cause of attrition: “Do not think that you show love for one another by allowing that which God condemns. Do not let sin strengthen in the church. God requires His servants to exercise faithful watchcare. But be sure to manifest Christ’s love. Go to the erring one, and pray with him. Draw him to Jesus. Press together, heart bound to heart in the love of Christ. Then will be seen in the church the mighty power of God. Then many souls will be brought to the truth.” (18MR 150.2) In Peter’s sermon after Pentecost when 3,000 souls were baptized, what was the theme of his message? It was repentance. Could it be we need to hear more sermons like that? –Donald Casebolt, via e-mail Editor’s note: Thanks for sharing with humble conviction, Don. It seems to me that repentance came when Peter preached Christ’s resurrection and the subsequent outpouring of His Spirit as evidence of God vindicating His sacrificial death—in contrast to the people’s wicked rejection of Him. Thus conviction came with hope, followed by repentance and all those marvelous baptisms.
We invite your written reflections, both positive and negative. E-mail: martin@midamericaoutlook.org, or write: Editor of Outlook, c/o Mid-America Union Office, P.O. Box 6128, Lincoln, NE 68506
In recent years there has been a great deal of breast-beating, and rightly so over the lack of church growth and the defection of a large number of our young people. In my opinion these issues are somewhat intertwined, as I will try to show. The loss of young people is alleged to be because they are too often condemned. I believe this is only part of the cause. It appears to be true that too often a young person has been accosted by an older member who shakes a bony finger in their face and tells them they shouldn’t dress that way. Or they shouldn’t wear jewelry, or whatever. That way is the wrong way. God outlined through His servant Ellen White both the wrong way and the right way to discipline people. Note this quote: “Those who allow themselves to be dictatorial, who accuse and judge their brethren, seeking with unsanctified heart and unholy temper to mend their wrongs, drive souls from God. Such believers are a source of weakness to the Lord’s work, for they are not abiding in Christ” (18MR 150.1).
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Information Information Farewell
Note: Our editors apologize for the errors in Richard Carter’s obituary, in the April 2009 Outlook. His date of birth is Oct. 2, 1922, and his sons are Richard, Howard, and John Carter; and Jeff and David Rickard. We apologize for any confusion and problems this might have caused. Beerbower, Ivan, b, April 16, 1926, in Queen City, MO, d. Jan. 12, 2009, in Davenport, IA. Member of Davenport Church. Survived by daughter, Deborah and Melodie Beerbower, and JoAnn Martell; son, Jay; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Binder, Lillian E., b. April 24, 1918, near Glenham, SD, d. July 14, 2008, in Greeley, CO. Survived by sons, Dennis and Curtis; brother, Albert; and sisters, Isabelle Reile and Elsie Binder.
Brown, Ina F., b. Aug. 19, 1934, in Benicia, CA, d. Mar. 5, 2009, in Durango, CO. Member of the Aztec Church. Survived by husband, Monte; daughters, Delina Cupps and Juanita Powers; son, Edward; eight grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Dziuk, Thelma Marie (Strong), b. April 21, 1941, in Orr, MN, d. March 12, 2009, in Golden Valley, MN. Member of Minnetonka Church. Preceded in death by husband, Alvin Morrison; and husband, Ted. Survived by daughters, Carol Jean and Theresa Marie; sons, Albert Stanley, Lyle Frank, Joseph Allen, and Gary Eugene; 15 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Gilbin, Margaret (Sanders), b. Sept. 29, 1946, in Montrose, CO, d. Jan. 21, in St. Louis, MO. Member of Central Church in St. Louis, MO. Preceded in death by parents, Ross “Edwin” and Susan “Dolores” Sanders. Survived by
husband, Daryl, sister, Silvia Carcich; and sister-in-law, Cheryl Johnson.
Greer, Bill, b. March 5, 1953, in Roswell, NM, d. Feb. 21, 2009, in MO. Member of Sunnydale Adventist Church in Centralia, MO. Survived by wife, Ellen Deavers; son, Jason Lyons; brother, Shelton; sisters, Sylvia Summers and Edna Ward; and three grandchildren. Jensen, Marveline, b. Nov. 26, 1923, in Omaha, NE, d. March 2, 2009, in Lincoln, NE. An alumna of Platte Valley Academy, she also served with Maranatha Volunteers International. Member of Piedmont Park Church in Lincoln, NE. Survived by daughters, Linda and Laurine; sons, Lawrence, Lloyd, Leland, Lowell, Leon and Lyle; 20 grandchildren; and 18 greatgrandchildren.
Lamphier, Jerry, b. Aug. 1, 1947, in Edgewood, IA, d. Dec. 7, 2008, in Waterloo, IA. Member of Waterloo Church. Survived by wife, Paula; son, Tanner; daughter, Crystal Janssen; brothers Lyman and Paul; two grandchildren.
Lounsberry, Marilyn Smith, b. Nov. 3, 1926, d. March 11, 2009, in Nevada, IA. Member of the Nevada Church. Survived by husband, Ray; and two grandchildren.
Netteburg, Vernice, b. Sept. 12, 1916, in St. Paul, MN, d. Feb 6, 2009, in Silver Spring, MD. Charter member of the Minnetonka Church, 1958-1999. Employed at Minnesota Conference, Pacific Press Publishing, and Northern Union Conference. Preceded in death by husband, Lyol, who for 20 years edited the Northern Union Outlook, the forerunner of the Mid-America Outlook. Survived by son, Kermit; daughter-in-law, Ronnalee; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Pratt, Kenlyn (Sanders), b. Jan. 13, 1959, in Davenport, IA, d. Feb. 3, 2009, in Davenport, IA. Member of Davenport Church. Survived by daughter, Jenny Abel; son, David Sanders; brothers, Kyle and Ryan Riedesel; mother, Marilyn Riedesel; and four grandchildren. Prowant, Barbara, b. June 6, 1953, in Washington D.C., d. March 7, 2009, in
MO. Member of Sunnydale Church in Centralia, MO. Survived by husband, Leonard; son, Greg; daughter, Lori Wheeler; mother, Cathrine Fristoe; sisters, Susan Bonjour and Mary Jo Cannard. Barbara taught Sabbath school in various divisions, was a Pathfinder leader and the church secretary at the Sunnydale Church during her life.
Rowland, Marie Elizabeth (Sanders), b. July 7, 1917, d. Feb. 27, 2009, in Lincoln, NE. Member of College View Church in Lincoln, NE. Survived by husband, Neil; daughters, Janice Seltmann and Bonnie Schindler; son, Dale; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Schumann, Wilma Elizabeth Segebartt, b. May 22, 1919, in Minatare, NE, d. Feb. 25, 2009, in Castle Rock, CO. Member of the Grand Junction Church. Preceded in death by husband, Roy Schumann. Survived by daughter, Elizabeth Binkley; son,
S u ns et C a l e nd a r - M ay 2 0 0 9
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.
Frederick Schumann; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Shapiro, Harry, b. March 26, 1916, d. March 10, 2009, in St. Louis, MO. Member of the St. Louis Central Church. Survived by wife, Bernice; daughters, Dorothy Schubert and Carol Korow; sons, Jim, David and Richard; 14 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. Somers, Jennie C., d. Feb. 26, 2009. Member of Solomon Valley Church in Downs, KS. Survived by husband, Carroll; and brother, Charles Whitley. Weygandt, Robert “Ray,” b. Dec. 3, 1949, in Manhattan, KS, d. Nov. 23, 2008, in Salina, KS. Member of Enterprise Church. Preceded in death by father, Elton Ray. Survived by mother, Phyllis; wife, Ursula; daughter, LaVonne Hagelgantz; sons, Elton Ray and Travis; sister, Linda Morneau; and granddaughter, Lisbeth Hagelgantz.
Colorado May 1 May 8 May 15 May 22 Denver 7:54 8:01 8:08 8:14 Grand Junction 8:07 8:14 8:21 8:27 Pueblo 7:50 7:57 8:03 8:09 Iowa Davenport 8:01 8:08 8:15 8:22 Des Moines 8:13 8:20 8:27 8:34 Sioux City 8:26 8:34 8:41 8:48 Kansas Dodge City 8:31 8:37 8:43 8:49 Goodland 7:41 7:47 7:54 8:00 Topeka 8:16 8:23 8:29 8:35 Wichita 8:20 8:26 8:32 8:38 Minnesota Duluth 8:19 8:28 8:37 8:45 International Falls 8:29 8:39 8:48 8:57 Minneapolis 8:19 8:27 8:36 8:43 Missouri Columbia 8:02 8:08 8:15 8:21 Kansas City 8:11 8:18 8:25 8:31 Springfield 8:03 8:09 8:15 8:21 St. Louis 7:53 8:00 8:06 8:12 Nebraska Grand Island 8:30 8:38 8:45 8:51 Lincoln 8:23 8:31 8:38 8:44 North Platte 8:40 8:48 8:55 9:01 Scottsbluff 7:54 8:01 8:08 8:15 North Dakota Bismarck 8:54 9:03 9:12 9:20 Fargo 8:38 8:47 8:56 9:04 Williston 9:09 9:09 9:28 9:36 South Dakota Pierre 8:46 8:54 9:02 9:10 Rapid City 7:57 8:05 8:13 8:20 Sioux Falls 8:29 8:37 8:45 8:52 Wyoming Casper 8:06 8:14 8:22 8:29 Cheyenne 7:57 8:04 8:11 8:18 Sheridan 8:13 8:22 8:30 8:38
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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.
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, IA. Online at: www.griffinnrc.com.
Now Online: Nedley Depression Recovery Program and Training the Trainer, (Director and Facilitator training). 1.6 units of CEU available, register at drnedley.com, or
32 May 2009 | Mid-America Outlook
call 1.888.778.4445.
RVs! RVs! Motorhomes and Trailers! Adventist Owned and Operated RV
authorized vendor for SDA publications. Look for the International Bibles exhibit at the Central States Conference Camp Meeting.
dealership has been helping SDAs for nearly 40 years. Huge inventory, courtesy airport pickup and on-site hookups. Call Lee Litchfield tollfree 888-933-9300 or e-mail. Lee’s RV Oklahoma City. Visit our website www.leesrv.com or e-mail lee@ leesrv.com.
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. Sponsor a Child! $30.00 a month can send a child in India to an SDA school. It pays for tuition, housing, food, clothes and medical. Adventist Child India is an official project of Southern Asia Division of SDAs. Call: 308.530.6655 or check online: www.adventistchildindia.org or email: childcare@sud-adventist.org.
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
WWW.INTERNATIONALBIBLES.COM Online to serve you 24/7, at your convenience. Place your orders on– line or phone us at 402.502.0883. An
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
Employment Andrews University seeking Assistant
7+ years of experience in food service. Interested candidates apply at: www. andrews.edu/hr/emp_jobs_salaried.cgi
Blue Mountain Credit Union, near Walla Walla, seeks CEO. Masters degree with 5+ years’ financial management experience preferred. Excellent leadership and communications skills are essential, along with lending, finance and computer expertise. Send resume, cover letter, salary requirements to: BMCU Board Chair, 520 S. College Avenue, College Place, WA 99324.
Director for Dining Services. Opportunity includes a leadership role in all areas of Dining Services relating to daily production and services, maintaining/administering food standards in compliance with regulatory agencies. Bachelor’s degree required with seven years experience in related field. Interested candidates apply at: www.andrews.edu/hr/emp_ jobs_salaried.cgi
Career Opportunities in beautiful NW Nebraska! Located near national forests and the Black Hills, Chadron boasts a state college, new healthcare facilities and friendly church with growing church school. Our community has openings for family physicians, pharmacists, physical therapists, electricians and general construction. For information, 308.432.3081 evenings.
Andrews University in search of Purchasing/Finance Manager for Dining Services. Opportunity includes direction of materials management & purchasing functions and all areas of financial reporting/accounting. Must have a BA or BS in relevant field and
Southern Adventist Univeristy’s School of Nursing seeks an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner faculty member who holds ACNP certification and has current clinical experience. Requisite qualities include interest in research, successful teaching ex-
Information Information perience, enthusiasm, flexibility, and commitment to nursing and SDA education. Doctorate preferred, but will consider other qualified individuals. Send curriculum vitae or inquiries to Dr. Desiree Batson, Search Committee Chair, drbatson@southern.edu. SAU School of Nursing, PO Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315.
Southern Adventist Univeristy’s School of Nursing seeks Mental Health nursing faculty member who loves teaching and has current clinical experience. Requisite qualities include successful teaching experience, flexibility, and commitment to nursing and SDA education. Masters in Nursing required. The position requires that the applicant be a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in good and regular standing. Send curriculum vitae or inquiries to Dr. Desiree Batson, Search Committee Chair, drbatson@southern.edu. SAU School of Nursing, PO Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315.
Southern Adventist Univeristy seeks an instructor in the School of Journalism & Communication. Courses will include photography, video production and media convergence. Candidates should have demonstrated success in college teaching and/or professional work experience, with a
strong commitment to Seventh-day Adventist education. A master’s degree in the field is required, and a doctorate is preferred. Send CV to Dr. Greg Rumsey, rumsey@southern.edu, PO Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315.
Southern Adventist Univeristy seeks Computer Science/Embedded Systems Professor Position requires a master’s degree (doctorate preferred) in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science (embedded systems experience preferred). Responsibilities include teaching embedded systems, computer science, and academic advisement. The successful candidate will be an active member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. CVs or requests for more information should be directed to Dr. Richard Halterman, Dean, School of Computing, Southern Adventist University, P.O. Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315 or halterman@southern.edu
Southern Adventist Univeristy seeks Director to develop and implement a new master’s program in social work. A doctoral degree in social work or a related field, a master’s degree in social work, and at least two years of MSW practice experience are required. Candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Dr. René Drumm,
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Information Chair, Southern Adventist University, rdrumm@southern.edu or Dr. René Drumm, Chair, Social Work & Family Studies, P.O. Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315-0370, 423.236.2768.
send resume and letter of application to Dr. John Wesley Taylor, Dean, School of Education and Psychology, P.O. Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315, sep@southern.edu; fax: 423.236.2468.
Southern Adventist Univeristy seeks full-time faculty in Outdoor Education. Earned doctorate in outdoor education or related field preferred. Responsibilities include teaching graduate and undergraduate courses, collaborating with faculty, and mentoring students. The applicant must be a member of the Seventhday Adventist Church, in good and regular standing. Interested individuals should submit a resume and letter of application to Dr. John Wesley Taylor, Dean, School of Education and Psychology, P.O. Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315-0370, email: sep@southern.edu; fax: 423.236.1765.
Southern Adventist University seeks
Southern Adventist Univeristy seeks full-time faculty in the School of Education and Psychology for area of research and statistics. Criteria includes PhD in research or related area, teaching experience (preferably higher education). The position requires that the applicant be a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in good and regular standing. Interested individuals should
34 May 2009 | Mid-America Outlook
professor in its Social Work/Family Studies Department. Applicant must have MSW (PhD preferred) from CSWE-accredited program and minimum five years post-MSW practice experience. Demonstrated effectiveness teaching undergraduate or graduate level also required. Applicant should have social research and previous administrative experience. Applicant must be an active member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Submit curriculum vita to Rene’ Drumm, chair Social Work and Family Studies Department; Southern Adventist University; P.O. Box 370; Collegedale, TN 37315, or rdrumm@southern.edu.
Southern Adventist Univeristy seeks Professor of Spanish. Earned doctorate in Spanish (specialization open). Native/near-native fluency in Spanish, college level teaching experience, enthusiasm for teaching all levels of Spanish, teaching and students’ advising. Applicants qualified to teach other modern
languages (Italian or ASL preferred). Must be an active Seventhday Adventist in good standing. Application deadline: June 1, 2009. Send letter of interest and curriculum vitae to: Dr. Carlos Parra, Chair, Search Committee, Southern Adventist University, P.O. Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315-0370.
Southern Adventist Univeristy seeks two instructors in the School of Journalism & Communication to teach public relations, public speaking or other communication courses. Candidates should have demonstrated success in college teaching and/or professional work experience, with a strong commitment to Seventh-day Adventist education. A master’s degree in the field is required, and a doctorate is preferred. Send CV to Dr. Greg Rumsey, rumsey@southern.edu, PO Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315.
Walla Walla University’s Edward F. Cross School of Engineering seeks applications for a full-time, tenuretrack teaching position in Civil Engineering beginning September 1, 2009. A doctorate with industry and/ or teaching experience is preferred, although consideration will be given to candidates with a master’s degree
and appropriate teaching or professional experience. Candidates with the ability to teach undergraduate analysis and design courses in subdisciplines such as environmental engineering (water quality) or transportation are encouraged to apply. Candidates are desired who value a team oriented faculty and wish to emphasize quality teaching, mentoring, and hands-on applications in a Christian environment. For more information and application process, please visit jobs.wallawalla.edu.
Traveling/Rentals Completely Furnished, Turn-key Apartments in quiet New England home on peaceful farm, at the edge of woods, near the ocean. Peaceful solitude for a time to commune with God, nature and your own soul. Available for a few days to a few months. Call: 207.729.3115 for brochure, rates.
Steamboat Springs, CO: Exhilarating year-round vacation spot. World-class skiing, summer fishing, hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, rafting. Kids under 12 ski free. Large condo, sleeps 9-11. 2 bedroom loft/ two bath. Fully furnished, fireplace, hot tubs, pool. Call 763.506.0436. Email: rdleach@aol.com.
Information Information Vacations! Looking for the best 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.
erate climate. Call David Job at 770.601.6356. No Saturday calls.
Events Adventist Single Adult Ministries “Go Deeper” convention is scheduled for July 2-4, 2009, at the Newport Beach Marriott in Newport Beach, CA. Information on page 26.
For Sale
Madison Academy Alumni Homecoming, Madison, Tennessee Oct.
Fifty Acres on Half Mile of Waterfront
9–10, 2009. Honor classes: starting 1934, 1939, 1944 and every fifth consecutive year through 2004. Weekend events posted on www.madisonacademyalumni.com. Sign up for the “Madison’s Got A Talented Gong Show,” our fundraiser event.
property for sale. Preference given for Adventist outreach or mission program. Contact John W. Tyynela at 705.273.2736.
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. Southern Country Living—Johnston Estates—92 acres to develop. Over 130 Lots and homes for sale. Lots priced starting at $45K, with homes starting at $175K. Spec and owner homes available- all utilites, low taxes. Very flexible financing available. Located four miles from Southern Adventist University with many SDA churches, schools, and ABC available. Just 15 min to mall and stores and mod-
Some readers report that their April issue of Outlook had pages mixed up. If this happened to you, Pacific Press will send a replacement copy. Please e-mail chris@midamericaoutlook.org or call 402.484.3012. Meanwhile, you can access the magazine online at www.midamericaadventist.org.
Madison College Homecoming, June 26-28, 2009, honoring class of 1959. Attending/graduating 1950–1964 will also be honored. Friday evening, Sabbath and Sunday breakfast, all at Madison Academy campus. Contact Jim Culpepper: 615.654.3311.
“Partnering Through Mentorship, Leadership, and Research.” Association of Seventh-day Adventist Librarians 2009 Conference, June 20-25, 2009, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI. Librarians of all specialties invited to visit www. asdal.org or contact Cynthia Helms at helmsc@andrews.edu or 269.471.6260.
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