MID-AMERICA SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST NEWS & INSPIRATION Special Issue UNION COLLEGE STUDENT WRITERS OUTLOOKMAG.ORG
How Shanghai Showed Me Why I Am
Adventist P 9 Distinguishing Our Desires from God’s | P 10
Can Addiction Stop God from Loving Us? | P 12
Student Issues Over 25 Years | P 14
MAY2020
MAGAZINE MAY 2020 PERSPECTIVES 6
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HELP! I’M HELPLESS —Lori Peckham
FEATURES 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 16
25 YEARS YOUNG —Cody Hagen KINDNESS SAVES A LIFE —Lacey Stecker WHY AM I AN ADVENTIST? —Juliet Bromme DISTINGUISHING OUR DESIRES FROM GOD’S —Gabrielle Nappi TAKING TIME FOR TEENAGERS —Ashley Bower CAN ADDICTIONS STOP GOD FROM LOVING US? —Diana Celaya TERRIFIED OF YOU —Maria Kercher OUTLOOK STUDENT ISSUES OVER THE YEARS —Ramsey Mesnard A LONG WALK TO CHEER —Sunday Koung
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NEWS 17 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 30 31
MID-AMERICA UNION CENTRAL STATES DAKOTA IOWA-MISSOURI KANSAS-NEBRASKA MINNESOTA ROCKY MOUNTAIN ADVENTHEALTH FAREWELL INFOMARKET
OUTLOOK (ISSN 0887-977X) May 2020, Volume 41, Number 5. OUTLOOK is published monthly (10 months per year) by the Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 8307 Pine Lake Road, Lincoln, NE 68516. Printed at Pacific Press Publishing Association, Periodical postage paid at Lincoln, NE and additional offices. USPS number 006-245. Postmaster: Send all undeliverables to CFF. Free for Mid-America church members and $10 per year for subscribers. ©2017 Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Unless otherwise credited, all images are iStock. Adventist® and Seventh-day Adventist® are registered trademarks of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. CONTACT us by email: info@maucsda.org or phone: 402.484.3000.
“The good news is that the Lord knows the journey before us, and He will never leave us.” —p. 4
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MID-AMERICA UNION CONFERENCE
ONLINE 25 AND COUNTING
mag.org
NEWS AND INSPIRATION
Religious Figures and the Pedestals We Place Them On bit.ly/ReligiousFiguresandthe Pedestals
Trusting God’s “Immune System” outlookmag.org/trusting-godsimmune-system
The Mid-America Union Communication Department has a unique relationship with the Humanities Division of Union College that we have maintained for 25 years, involving multiple professors and OUTLOOK editors. Although the Union College student-produced issue of the magazine has seen some significant changes over the years (see p. 14) this issue continues to be an avenue for young Adventists to share their ideas and perspectives with a large audience. Over the past 10 years that I have been working at Mid-America, we have received more feedback on the annual student-written issue than any other issue. Some readers question why we’re committed to this project; others say it’s their favorite issue of the year. You can share your comments about this issue of OUTLOOK (or any other one) by going to outlookmag.org/ contact or giving us a call at 402.484.3000.
midamericaadventist.org OUTLOOK STAFF Editor: Brenda Dickerson Designer/Managing Editor: Brennan Hallock Digital Media Manager: Hugh Davis outlookmag.org CONFERENCE NEWS EDITORS Central States Brittany Winkfield communications@ central-states.org 913.371.1071 central-states.org Dakota Jacquie Biloff jbiloff@icloud.com 701.751.6177 dakotaadventist.org
BRENDA DICKERSON editor
ON THE COVER
Nature Therapy: God Thinking of Us outlookmag.org/naturetherapy
President Gary Thurber Secretary Gil F. Webb Treasurer Troy Peoples Church Ministries Roger Wade Communication Brenda Dickerson Education LouAnn Howard Hispanic Ministries Roberto Correa Human Resources Raylene Jones Ministerial Mic Thurber Religious Liberty Darrel Huenergardt Women’s Ministries Nancy Buxton
Juliet Bromme (left) and her friend Hannah Johnson pose in front of the Temple of Heaven during their time in Beijing, China. More on p. 9 Photo courtesy Juliet Bromme
Iowa-Missouri Randy Harmdierks rharmdierks@imsda.org 515.223.1197 imsda.org Kansas-Nebraska Stephanie Gottfried sgottfried@ks-ne.org 785.478.4726 ks-ne.org Minnesota Savannah Carlson scarlson@mnsda.com 763.424.8923 mnsda.com Rocky Mountain Rajmund Dabrowski rayd@rmcsda.org 303.733.3771 rmcsda.org UNION COLLEGE Ryan Teller ryteller@ucollege.edu 402.486.2538 ucollege.edu
MID-AMERICA UNION NEWS
A Letter from Our MAUC President Dear Mid-America Church Family,
I
t is amazing how our lives have changed so dramatically in the past weeks. Who could have predicted we couldn’t come together weekly to worship, fellowship, pray and serve together as church families? Your local church and conference have had to quickly adapt to do their part to help minimize risk of spread of the COVID-19 virus. For the most part, our churches and schools are functioning in a virtual environment. It is truly a blessing to be able to do so, but how I miss, as Heb. 10:25 puts it, “the assembling of ourselves together.” As with your church and conference, the Mid-America Union has adopted a rotating work schedule that allows us to remain open and available during this crisis. A few of us are working in the office each day while the rest work from home to minimize the spread of the virus here. Our office staff thinks of and prays for you daily and hopes that you are doing well in these extraordinary times. Not fun and games One of the wisest advisors I have in my life told me long ago one doesn’t accomplish anything unless they are willing to move toward the pain. So, for a minute, I want to talk with you about the painful reality we find
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ourselves in. Some of our members have had or are dealing with the COVID-19 virus. This is a mean, exacting virus none of us want to endure. Let’s pray for those battling it and those who are at high risk to have life-threatening challenges with the virus. The virus does not discriminate between race or age, so we all should remain vigilant. We need to do what we can to keep our friends and loved ones safe! Please be thoughtful, and take care of yourself and others. Many members have lost or are in the midst of losing their livelihood as our economy has come to a virtual standstill. This breaks my heart. We need to keep our arms around each other, care for one another and support one another as never before. And as you know, our communities are being devastated as well. We need to put much creative energy into how we can be part of the solution to ensure people in our communities are cared for in this time of crisis. Other ways this outbreak has or will affect all of us is that a number of graduations, camp meetings and even constituency sessions have been postponed or canceled. The truth is, none of us know how long this crisis will continue. The good news, however, is that the Lord knows the
There is another group that ministers every day in our union: our conference presiOur heroes dents. I know they won’t like me singling them out because they are all about keeping I also want to say a few words about our pastors and the focus on those who are educators. They are simply on the front lines at our local the best, and we need to pray churches and schools. But the for them daily. On a recent truth is, God has called them Sabbath my wife, Diane, and to manage and lead during a very difficult time. I virtually joined our home If this crisis lingers for a church for worship…thank number of months, our conyou, Pastor Harold Alomia ferences will be faced with and the audio/video team! financial challenges never We have also checked out a before seen—not because we few other churches in our union who are live-streaming don’t have faithful church members who give with a their services. joyful heart. It will simply be In addition, we are also because some members will seeing mid-week prayer meetings, young adult no longer have an “increase” gatherings, family worships on which to return tithes and more online. The work and offerings. This means our pastors and many church the conference presidents members are doing to be could be faced with difficult sure we can still commudecisions. I am asking that nicate and encourage one you pray for them and supanother virtually during this port them like never before. time of isolation is nothing The devil’s main goal is to short of a miracle. splinter us because he knows Likewise, our educators if we are united in Christ, he are doing a herculean task to has no chance. finish the school year, many It is also astounding how totally online. I am amazed our AdventHealth hospitals at the work going on with are responding to this crisis. our schools from elementary You have great reason to be through college. To put so proud of them. They have much of the classwork online, organized and prepared for in a short amount of time, is this and are in the forefront another miracle for which we of healthcare in our territory. can praise the Lord. Parents, Let’s lift them up, and all the healthcare workers who too, are adapting to their are on the front lines of this increased role in their chilCOVID-19 war. dren’s education at home. journey before us, and He will never leave us.
MID-AMERICA UNION NEWS
God is with us
through this tough spot in the road. 4. Spend time in the Word of God. Don’t let social media and other home entertainment rob all your time. Take advantage of any extra time you have to tuck away God’s Word in your heart. 5. Let’s be known as a people of prayer. I invite you to join Roger Wade and our team in praying through Psalm 91 (details at outlookmag.org-pray-91). I leave you with a verse
from the beautiful hymn “It is Well With My Soul” that goes like this: “Though Satan should buffet and trials come our way, let this blest assurance control, that God hath regarded my helpless estate and has shed His own blood for my soul.” May God bless you and keep you during these uncertain times. Our Savior is in the battle and He will prevail. Church family, please, be of good courage.
Hugh Davis
But let us not center our focus on the pain we are experiencing, pain that might yet increase at least in the short term. Instead, let me reassure you the Lord is with us and has a plan to care for us. Psalms 139 says,“O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thoughts from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways” (Ps. 139:1-3). This speaks of a very personal God who knows each one of us and the challenges we face. The psalm goes on to encourage us that even in the darkest times the Lord is not at a loss; He holds the reins of our lives and is constantly with us and thinking about us. Verse 18 says, “When I awake, I am still with you.” This means we can sleep peacefully knowing God is with us throughout the night. In our isolation because of social distancing, I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity to draw closer together as a family, and especially draw closer to our Savior. In the end, despite all the challenges, this unexpected detour could
be one of the great blessings in our lives. I don’t know how the Lord is going to do this exactly, but I do believe Rom. 8:28: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” I believe this applies to our Mid-America church family because I know you love the Lord, and I know you have been “called according to His purpose.” So, here is my best advice for you during this time of uncertainty: 1. Listen to experts and follow your local government guidelines for your area. Take to heart social distancing and vigilant hand washing. 2. Practice the eight laws of health we have grown to love and trust. Make sure your immune system is in the best shape possible. 3. Think of others and reach out to them. • Make a phone call to the elderly to see how they are doing. • Offer to deliver medicines to those who are at high risk. • If you know people who are out of work, look for ways to help them get
Gary Thurber is president of the Mid-America Union Conference. OUTLOOKMAG.ORG
MAY 2020 5
Help!
I’m Helpless
Lori Peckham
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ust last week I was telling my students in reporting class about the time I made the newspaper—sort of. The story began when I was stopped at the busy intersection of Van Buren and Cypress in Riverside, California, waiting for the red light to turn green. The radio blared out my sunroof, and then crash! I didn’t hear the radio anymore. Instead, I heard paramedics telling me not to move as they taped my forehead to a board. Next they strapped my back onto the board and carefully shifted me onto a stretcher. In the background I thought I heard a horse snorting and neighing. Soon I stared at the ceiling of
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an ambulance. “I’m not paralyzed, am I?” I asked. “Just stay still,” someone instructed as they loaded another injured person into the ambulance. “But I can move my toes.” I wiggled them to emphasize my point. “You just relax,” came the reply. Relax? “How can I move my toes if I’m paralyzed?” I persisted. “Only about half the people who have spinal cord injuries have instant paralysis,” the paramedic rattled off. “Others have suffered an injury, and when they move, they sever their spinal cord. That’s why we’re taking precautions with you. So don’t move.” I didn’t. When we pulled up to Riverside General Hospital, an emergency room nurse yanked open the doors. “Is this from the accident on Van Buren with the horse?” came her voice. “How’s the horse?” So there was a horse. Evidently a man driving a van pulling a horse trailer had approached the line of stopped cars at the red light, but instead of slamming on the brake, he stepped on the gas. He barreled into us at 60 miles per hour, totaling cars and overturning the horse trailer. The horse, like me, was a victim of an irresponsible human in a sinful world. And the horse,
like me, had to remain still and wait. Wait for help. I lay immobile in an ER cubicle for three hours, able to look only at the ceiling—a ceiling that appeared to be splattered with blood. What sustained me? Prayer. The hymn “Abide With Me” has these words: “When other helpers fail and comforts flee, help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.” At times we all find ourselves helpless. Taped to a board. Turned on our side. Powerless. A few months ago Kevin Hines spoke at College View Church to a packed audience of students and community members. As one of the few survivors of a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge, he recounted his suicidal fall of 220 feet. He remembers his response after gaining consciousness deep in the cold water: “I did the one thing I’ve had control over since kindergarten … I prayed. God, please save me. I don’t wanna die. I made a mistake. On repeat. God, please save me. I don’t wanna die. I made a mistake. And I know He heard me.” Help of the helpless. Abraham Lincoln turned to the same source, claiming, “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.”
Help of the helpless. The Israelites went there too: “When in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him, he was found by them” (2 Chron. 15:4, NRSV). Help of the helpless. The newspaper headline the day after my accident declared: “Horse Freed.” Beside a large photo of a horse leaping out of an overturned trailer, I found the story: “Riverside police and Humane Society workers free horse from overturned trailer after four-vehicle accident yesterday.” It went on to explain that the driver was arrested and booked “on suspicion of drunken driving,” “the horse received minor cuts,” and “eight people sustained minor injuries.” The horse got top billing in the newspaper, but I didn’t mind. The horse and I both walked free that day, and I gained a new assurance of what happens when I am helpless and exclaim, “Abide with me!”
Lori Peckham is an assistant professor of English and communication in the Division of Humanities at Union College. Previously she served as editor of Insight and Women of Spirit magazines.
Years Young By Cody Hagen
wenty-five years. That’s older than any of the students in this class. For twenty-five years, Union College students have been sharing their perspectives on faith with the Mid-America Union. Professor Chris Blake originally reached out to the OUTLOOK staff back in 1995 to prepare his editing students for working on a real publication. This opportunity allowed the students to overcome limitations, logistical problems and communication struggles under the guidance of Blake and the OUTLOOK staff. The learning and growth provided by this project has deeply contributed to the students’ careers and, in some cases, changed their lives.
Former student Elena Cornwell learned a lot about writing with peers and working for established publications while being able to share her thoughts about spiritual issues. This experience has contributed to her writing career, giving her opportunities for freelance work with several publications. The OUTLOOK student issue changed Ryan Teller’s career, steering him from a broadcast television path to print-based publications. After working on OUTLOOK as a student in 1997, Teller went on to join the OUTLOOK staff and became editor a few years later. He now heads Integrated Marketing Communications
at Union College. The energy brought to the project by students has translated into excitement for readers, who get to hear from young adults, a valued demographic. “These special issues of OUTLOOK give them some insight into what college students are thinking about and dealing with,” says Teller. Having student writers contribute to the publication has kept OUTLOOK young, exciting and innovative. Readers have enjoyed this, regularly mentioning that the student edition of OUTLOOK is their favorite issue of the year. This year, we look back to see the themes that have been on the minds of young adults
regarding their spiritual walks with Christ. We also keep looking to the future to stay at the forefront of Adventist issues and remain involved in the church’s future. Courtesy Cody Hagen
Cody Hagen is an international relations major from Lincoln, Nebraska. Steve Nazario/Union College
The 2020 Magazine Writing Class Back row (l to r): Lacey Stecker, Juliet Bromme, Gabrielle Nappi, Ashley Bower, Ramsey Mesnard Front row (l to r): Cody Hagen, Maria Kercher, Professor Lori Peckham, Nyasunday Koung, Diana Celaya OUTLOOKMAG.ORG
MAY 2020 7
KINDNESS
concession stands where they were selling snacks and sodas,” James recalls. “That seemed a little crazy, when we were in the best place to see the best part of the show. But I never said a word like that. I just thought, No, I’m gonna of the airshow, the Italian let him enjoy today and just Frecce Tricolori performed do what he’d like. I was repthe daunting Pierced Heart resenting the U.S. Air Force maneuver. Of ten airplanes, by taking these Dutch people five would fly left and four to an American base for the right, making a heart shape show. I wanted to give them with smoke. The tenth plane the best impression.” would loop back and fly This wasn’t typical for through the heart like an James. His wife, Shelly, arrow. To ramp up the drama, states, “If it had been me the “arrow” would streak and our kids, he would’ve through the bottom where handed us cash and told us the others were crossing. to get it ourselves.” That day, the “arrow” But that day, James chose plane struck one of the five kindness. He went with his planes making the left side friend to the concession stands. of the heart. The pilot died After getting sodas, they on impact. The plane he hit sat on a bench quite far back knocked into another plane, and saw the initial exploand both crashed onto the sion. “I didn’t think it was runway. The first plane real for a split second,” says exploded into the crowd James. “They fake explosions where James and Ton sometimes for drama and my had been. Yet incredibly, first thought was that’s what the two were nowhere happened. I quickly realized near harm’s way. No, that’s not what happened.” Only minutes before Chaos ensued. People the Frecce Tricolori were critically burned. They performance was to screamed and ran as ambustart, Ton became lances rushed to help. In the thirsty. “He wanted end, 70 people died due to to go back to the the crash. But James, Ton
Saves a Life | Lacey Stecker
J
ames Stecker, Ton te Sligte, and two other members of the Amsterdamsche Club voor Zweefvliegen (Amsterdam Club for Glider Flying) excitedly pulled into the parking lot of Ramstein Air Base. They were going to see one of the best air shows in Europe. After arranging a place to meet at the end of the show, James and the others split up to look at displays and watch flight demonstration teams perform. After several hours, James and Ton found a place to sit right by the runway, front and center. Near the end
and the other members of the glider club survived. James did something out of character that day, showing kindness in a small way. Often, we have a similar feeling. We think about helping someone with their hands full, or giving money to a homeless person, but then don’t. It’s out of my way. They’ll spend it on drugs. We give excuses to the voice in our heads. The Bible speaks to such situations. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Col. 3:12, NIV). I challenge you to stop. Help someone carry their things or give a dollar and possibly change a life. I can’t promise it will save you from an accident, but it might make you feel good to do something God asks. It might make another person’s day. Kindness has a ripple effect. One small act by you could be life-changing, or, as in James Stecker’s case, lifesaving. God can make a friend thirsty and quietly ask you to show kindness. Listen to that voice. You could help save a life for Him. Courtesy Lacey Stecker
James Stecker
Lacey Stecker is a freshman at Union College studying communication. 8 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG MAY 2020
Why Am I an Adventist? How Shanghai helped me figure that out | Juliet Bromme
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o one has asked me this question before. Why would they? I was raised in an Adventist home, enrolled in Adventist schools, and spent Sabbath mornings at Adventist churches. It would be hard to think of me as anything else. I suppose one of the most rational and logical reasons I believe in Jesus in the first place is His mere eternality. Here we are, centuries after Christ walked the Earth, and even atheists still talk about Him. On days when my relationship with God provokes more questions than answers, I choose to talk about Him too. That’s also how I view my Adventist faith.
I am an Adventist because I believe the Sabbath is on Saturday, the seventh day of the week. I am an Adventist because I believe in the Advent message: Jesus is coming again soon. I am an Adventist because I believe when I die, I’m really dead. And I will be dead until Jesus comes back. I am an Adventist because I believe that despite disagreements in the denomination, we are still stronger than we would be apart.
For those reasons (and many more), on days when being an Adventist is more frustrating than fun, I choose to be one. But I’m lucky. In the United States, religious liberty has granted me the freedom to worship how and when I want. The consequence of my choice is “simply” personal, not political. In May 2019, 12 Chinese Adventists were sentenced to prison. They were accused of illegal business operations for printing sermons and other faith-related materials and distributing them to the congregation. Coincidentally, I was in China during this time. Union College’s Honors Program takes a study tour every other year, led by Dr. Malcolm
Russell, who has been coordinating these trips since 2018. We visited the excavated pit holding the Terracotta Warriors and sailed through the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River. However, the most rewarding experience for me wasn’t any of these sites. On the last Sabbath of our trip, we walked into an Adventist church in Shanghai, found the balcony, and watched the worship service take place below us. I don’t know Chinese, but somehow, sitting in my wooden chair listening to what could have been anything, I felt like I understood. Being an Adventist in Communist China comes with incredible consequence; I can only imagine the choice
they face to live out their faith where a government monitors their every religious move. As Dr. Russell explains, “In China there are two groups of Adventist churches. The official church is linked with the government and the other is the home church, or independent.” Though the official church doesn’t face the degree of persecution that the independent does, they are not allowed to have their own buildings and instead use other denominations’ churches on Sabbath. I don’t know what made me resonate with this congregation. This service was held in a Methodist church with crosses and ornate chandeliers instead of a typical Adventist church. But what I realized through this experience is that a
powerful assurance accompanies surrounding yourself with a like-minded group of people that surpasses culture, dialect and politics. And that makes my choice even easier. Author Flannery O’Connor states, “A faith that just accepts is a child’s faith and all right for children, but eventually you have to grow religiously as every other way.” I choose to be an Adventist, not only because of my Adventist upbringing, but also because I believe that even in China—a world away—it would be hard to think of myself as anything else.
Juliet Bromme is a sophomore communication major from Orlando, Florida. Photos Courtesy Juliet Bromme
OUTLOOKMAG.ORG
MAY 2020 9
DISTINGUISHING Our Desires Gabrielle Nappi
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faith, I took everything going wrong in my plans as God closing doors that I needed to figure out how to open. Our humanity tests us regularly with questions such as Am I trying to follow God‘s will? or Am I trying to get God to bless my will? When do we begin to recognize God’s plan for us and become willing to listen to Him speak through the circumstances of life? I asked Pastor Rich Carlson, the chaplain at Union College for more than three decades, how he distinguishes his own will from God’s. “I’m hesitant to say it, but I’m not sure He has a will in every little detail of our lives.” He goes on to explain, “Only I know my heart and can say if I’m following my will rather than God’s will. I ask myself, and if I am really being honest about it, the answer is I am usually trying to get God to bless my will. We are human. I would always rather have what I want, even something short-term, if that means I’m getting what I desire most.” Ellen G. White says, “Each morning consecrate yourselves and your children to God for that day ... Lay all your plans before God, to be carried out or
given up, as His providence shall indicate” (Steps to Christ, p. 70). Chaplain Carlson continued, “Dedicating your daily life opens up the possibility that you are actively allowing His desire to affect you. There’s a huge difference between sitting back and saying God, whatever you want me to do, just tell me and I will do it, and laying your plans at His feet to be used.” In the end, were my plans in accordance with God’s will? I had the best semester of my life at Avondale. I lived a lifetime of adventure in a few simple months: weekends in the city, racing to the beach once classes were done, kangaroos and wallabies at every turn, and the pain of
leaving behind the people I grew to love. Everything turned out more amazing than I could have ever planned myself, my life was impacted by every person I came into contact with, and I hope they say the same of me. However, this doesn’t mean my plans were inherently blessed by God. All I know is that God chose to bless me in my shortcomings, in more ways than I would have ever known to ask. “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known” (1 Cor. 13:12, NKJV).
Photos Courtesy Gabrielle Nappi
pit cleared in my stomach where my dinner had been. I stood alone in LAX, my life packed between two suitcases and nobody waiting for me on the other side of a 17-hour flight. All that was left to ask myself between bouts of nausea was, “What have I done?” For the past year I had been determined to attend Avondale University College in Australia. I saw this not just as an option for my upcoming semester, but as something I had to do. The timing was wrong, there was a chance my credits wouldn’t transfer, and I only had a month to get everything in order. However, I was sure down to my core, this was where I needed to be. My mom, having a front-row seat to this whole ordeal kept telling me, “If God wanted you there, He would have made a way.” Ignoring the signs and wanting to believe God was simply telling me to try harder, I eventually fumbled my way through it all. It wasn’t until I was at the airport that I got the feeling I had just made the biggest mistake of my life. Knowing that trials make us stronger, and God allows things to be in our way so we can exercise our
From God’s
Gabrielle Nappi is a junior at Union College majoring in English with an emphasis in writing and speaking and a minor in communication.
Time
Taking Ashley Bower
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Courtesy Ashley Bower
eing around teenagers for the last semester has taught me more than I thought it could. I taught English at Thunderbird Adventist Academy in Arizona, where I was able to experience the full splendor of working with teenagers. Trust me, they’re just as crazy as you remember. I began to learn more about their interactions with God and how similar they were to my own experiences. According to Dr. David Trim, the director of the Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research at the General Conference, about 65 percent of people leaving the church are young adults. Clearly, the need for keeping young generations in the church is pressing, and many churchgoers struggle with understanding their role in this issue. I wanted to know how we, as a church and family, can create environments where teenagers feel free to abide with God, so I interviewed six students ages 15-19. My goal was to see how they connect with God, and
for
Teenagers
ultimately, what I can do to help support them. I started by asking them what they think the phrase “abide in God” means. Many of the students talked about a similar theme: trusting in God. Riley told me it means to “give all to God.” Brookie echoed that sentiment, saying it means putting all your trust in God and giving your worries to Him. I particularly like Abi’s answer: “It means to live your life for God and show your character to other people so they can experience what God means to you.” To follow up, I asked about the specific activities they use to abide in God. I received an array of responses such as music, nature, praying and reading the Bible. But one thing I found in common with most of the students is that they value people and how they show Jesus. Brookie mentioned her appreciation for seeing Jesus in the way other people respond to tough situations, and both Abi and Johanna told me they saw Jesus through the character of others. These students painted a wholesome and easy perspective of abiding in God, but I wanted to know what barriers
Ashley Bower is an English language arts education major graduating in May 2020.
they have in connecting to God. Ironically, most students brought back the same answer to the previous question: people. Cora answered that overbearing and controlling people can distract her from God. Riley made sure to mention the distinction between God and religion, saying, “Religion is not necessary to have a relationship with God. You are not saved by religion/man, but only by God can you be saved.” I finished by asking what adults could do to support them in their spiritual journeys. Brookie explained the importance of having adults you can trust so you “... can really come to them for help when [you] need it.” Most students expressed similar ideas. They want mentors who will support them and be understanding of their personal journey. However, Abi looked puzzled when I asked this question. She told me, “I haven’t really thought about adults helping me. It’s my responsibility to have a relationship with God.” I was struck by her maturity and responsibility. Rather than relying on other people, we need to develop the habit of creating a relationship with God. Once that habit is formed, we have a basis to continue that relationship and share with others on our journey.
Expert Advice
Pastor Rich Carlson, Union College chaplain for 39 years, offered this advice for supporting teenagers: “Don’t panic.” He explained that teenagers are going to make mistakes, but they will learn from their mistakes. Adults have to keep in mind the big picture and remember that teenagers are not only learning how to become adults, but how Jesus fits into all of that. Don’t get frustrated. Think back to your own time as a teenager for perspective. Teenagers are looking to connect with God with the help of mentors they can trust. The church needs to support its young people by developing relationships with them. Numbers chapter 8 relays God’s plan for the Levites in ministry. They start leading at 25, then retire at 50. That means for teenagers and young adults, we need to be mentoring and training members to lead in the church, and as we get closer to 50, we should be focusing on leaving the leadership role and moving into the mentoring role. While we’re training young people, we should talk to them about their interests, school life, struggles and ideas. Be open to what they have to say; be a safe place for them to explore their beliefs. And remember, don’t panic. Imagine what our church would look like if every teenager felt like they belonged, mattered and had a purpose. OUTLOOKMAG.ORG
MAY 2020 11
Four Steps to Addiction Recovery
1.
Accept that we have a problem that needs to be fixed. We need to be honest with ourselves by admitting we want to break these chains. We need to be honest with Christ, telling Him how we feel and that we want to be cleansed from the addiction. Find a trustworthy person to support us. This could be a family member, friend, mentor or someone else we know will listen and not judge us. Often the devil wants us to think we are the only ones facing this addiction. Come up with a recovery plan. Now that someone else knows about our addiction, we can ask them to be our accountability partner. By knowing what triggers us to go to our addiction, we can reach out to our accountability partner when we feel tempted. Laurie shared some resources she has used to get through her pornography addiction: • Bible reading plans from the You Version Bible app: These Bible plans are designed for anything we need support with, from grace to purity to sadness to freedom from addiction. • Covenant Eyes: Software that helps keep us accountable and stops us from navigating inappropriate websites. • Fortify: An app to quit pornography addiction. • Fight the New Drug: A nonprofit, non-religious organization that fights for real love. They are on every social media platform, so we can follow them and raise awareness of how pornography relates to human trafficking. • Lyf: An app where we can find other people going through their journey of addiction. People all over the world can relate to this struggle, and it can be done anonymously. Take recovery one day at a time. Healing from addiction is meant to be a lifestyle of small changes every day. We can find new hobbies that make us feel happy instead of running to the addiction. Relapses are part of healing; they do not make us weak. And asking for help from God or others makes us strong because we are being aware of our actions.
2. 3.
CAN
ADDICTIONS
STOP G OD FROM LOVING US? Diana Celaya
I
t was a cold, rainy night. Seventeen-year-old Laurie cried … broken. She could not lift the weight of her sins anymore. She was pleading for help, urging Jesus to come and physically hug her. Then suddenly, a light came through the darkness and gave her a sense of peace she had never felt before. Her mom, hearing her daughter’s weeping, rushed to hold her in her arms and tell her that everything she had been keeping inside was in the past. And her mother reassured her that Jesus promised to drag her off her path of darkness. Laurie, a college student, struggled with a pornography addiction for more than five years. While this may seem
4.
repulsive to some people, we all have an addiction of some type. We often believe God stops loving us because of that trap no one else knows about. One day Laurie went to a youth seminar, and her pastor shared his testimony on how Fighting against our addiction is a battle that requires patience, he struggled with pornogralove and understanding. We need to stay close to God and not phy addiction. At the end of isolate ourselves when we fall down. God promises to deliver us the meeting, he told her that from anything if we claim His even though her addiction promises that nothing can stop changed her teenage life, it did God from loving us. not define her. Afterward, she began learning and putting into practice the four steps to recovery Diana Celaya is a junior from any addiction. Now she studying computing has the assurance that having with an emphasis on an addiction does not define web development a person, and there is deliverand minors in ance through God. Courtesy Diana Celaya
12 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG MAY 2020
communication and information systems.
Kerthump-
TERRIFIED
avoided accepting medication for her severe Social kerthump-kerthump-kerthump Anxiety Disorder for a long … My heart thudded in my time. She said, “I always had chest, shaking my ribcage been taught that if you have violently. A rush of cortisol something mentally wrong flooded my veins and sank with you, you just needed into my muscles. Alarm bells to have more faith.” Lacey, a clanged in my head as I sucked freshman in college, shared air in short, rapid breaths. that she had once been told, I watched, terrified, as my “You’re worried? Well, just fingers curled in unnatural pray about it.” Maria Kercher ways. My legs and arms seized, Social anxiety is not growing cold and numb. I’m something you can simply dying. I swear I’m dying. the cafeteria to even get food, anxiety about the role of their pray away or wave off like an I learned two things my first or if they do, they’ll run back relationship with God and annoying fly. Mental health day of college. First, I have to their room.” Others stand their community in recovery. issues are incredibly importsocial anxiety. Second, God is outside their classrooms, Some had been dealing with ant. Abiding with Christ by going to take care of me. terrified to enter. social anxiety for over ten meditating in prayer, replacing Leading up to that first day, Some good ways to combat years. The first person I spoke fear with truth and accepting my family kept telling me, social anxiety are cognitive to, Rachel, explained how healthy community support “College is different than high behavioral therapy, medicabeing close to God helps her: aids in dealing with social school,” “College is harder tion (as prescribed), healthy “He reminds me that I am anxiety. These techniques can than high school,” and “The lifestyle changes, and breath- the way He made me, and I be used in addition to (and teachers won’t care if you ing techniques. Another is a have value and purpose when possibly amplify the effects fail.” That terrified me. I had relationship with God. I’m with Him. He’s still using of) therapy, medication and serious issues forming lasting I asked Escobar if she’d me in His greater plan…I’m lifestyle changes. friendships in high school, seen a difference in recovery fallen, I’m gonna be messy. and for a while my only real among those with a strong It’s gonna be okay…He uses friends were my teachers. relationship with God and our imperfections for greater By Monday morning, I had those without. In her years things.” Another person I thoroughly convinced myself working in private practice, interviewed, Tracy, said her that I was going to fail college she did notice a difference. prayer group supports her by and make enemies out of my Since a large cause of social praying for her, emailing her, Maria Kercher is a public classmates and professors anxiety is self-doubt, Escobar and talking with her. In my relations major who hopes while doing so. gave this example: “If I don’t conversation with LaDawn, to become a technical writer. In seeking help for my know who I am in Christ, if she mentioned she spends social anxiety, I discovered I’m still trying to figure that time in prayer every day that it is a common problem out, I may be more inclined and listens to her Bible. Her among college students. to get pushed around by church also offers a support We’re just very good at hiding opinions of other people.” group for people to encourit. Unfortunately, hiding it Escobar explained that while age each other rather than doesn’t help. Lorie Escobar, people change, God will “fix” each other. licensed professional counnot. Escobar also mentioned However, there is a huge selor at Union College, said, being part of a community to difference between healthy “I’ve had students tell me be helpful. spirituality and religion. that…they struggle to go into I asked adults with social LaDawn, for instance,
of you
Can a relationship with Christ help people with social anxiety?
MAY 2020 13
Courtesy Maria Kercher
OUTLOOKMAG.ORG
STUDENT ISSUES OVER THE YEARS BY RAMSEY MESNARD
1995 Student-produced OUTLOOK issues from Union College’s editing class begin.
Roger Morton OUTLOOK editor
Chris Blake Union College professor
1997 1999 2003 2007 Students discuss cultural divides and how many perspectives can still have one God and one faith.
Theme: What Keeps Us Here? editor: Ryan Teller
Largest class of students (20) write about The Surprising Jesus
2013 2014 2015 Theme: Why Some Young People Leave the Church While Others Revive It
14 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG MAY 2020
Theme: Finding Joy in the Journey editor: Brenda Dickerson
Publishing Parties begin
Theme: Risky Business editor: Martin Weber
2016
Theme: Identity—How we see one another, the world and other religions. OUTLOOK begins promoting students’ articles on social media.
2017
A Piece of My Mind Chris Blake’s final issue themed on Radical Peacemaking
2018 Theme: Embracing Cultural Differences professor: Lori Peckham
2020 25
TH
2019 Project transitions from editing class (February) to magazine writing class (May)
anniversary of Union College students sharing inspiration and insights in OUTLOOK.
Ramsey Mesnard is a sophomore studying graphic design at Union College. OUTLOOKMAG.ORG
MAY 2020 15
Cheer
A Long Walk to
Sunday Koung
“S
he can’t do any sports or strenuous activities,” the doctor said in a cold, matter-of-fact way. Entranced by his words, my mother seemed to forget that I existed. She and the doctor continued discussing my situation, while I felt as if I were eavesdropping on a conversation that wasn’t meant for me. I can’t believe this is happening to me, I thought. Only a few hours before, I had woken up in an ICU room. I found out that my family had been in a car accident—which left me with a 20-inch laceration across my abdomen, a 3-inch tear on my left forearm, a gaping wound where my left armpit used to be, and lots and lots of scratches. “Wait, Mom, I have cheer practice!” I cried as realization began to set in. Both my mother and the doctor looked at me in unison, and I could feel the pity they had for me. They didn’t even have to say a word; their faces said “no more cheer.”
passing day I felt guiltier, but I still went to practice. But one day, I was so overwhelmed by the guilt that I decided I had to tell my mom. That day I took my time going home. I knew she would be angry with me as soon as I told her. When I got home I went straight to her room, tears already streaming down my face as I told her everything. When I was done explaining it to my mother, I looked up at her, expecting to see her face filled with anger and disappointment. Instead I saw sadness. My mom hugged me and told me she knew I had been going to practice. I wasn’t as sneaky as I thought I was. She told me to never do it again and that she had already spoken to my uncle, who agreed to pick me up every morning for practice. My mom ended our hug, letting me know how disappointed she was that I had not told her sooner. She even told me she had been praying God would watch out for me. I understood why my news saddened my mother. That same year, the Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness reported that cheerleading caused “approximately 66 percent of all catastrophic injuries in high school girl athletes over the past 25 years.” My reckless decision to keep
cheering without a doctor’s permission could have resulted in serious injuries. In Psalm 139, David tries to hide from God, which is impossible. He couldn’t even hide his thoughts. I thought I could hide from both my mother and God, but I couldn’t escape either of them. I chose to come clean and gained so much more. When I think about the summer before high school, I don’t think about the cheers, the uniforms, the pom poms, or even the car accident. I think about three things: how lucky I am I have a mother who loves me; how lucky I am to have a mother who believes in God; and how lucky I am I have a God who listens to prayers. Sunday Koung, also known as Nyasunday Koung, is a junior at Union College studying communication. Sunday was born in South Sudan and immigrated to the United States in 2003 with her family. Photos Courtesy Sunday Koung
16 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG MAY 2020
I knew cheerleading was a sport that could lead to intense injuries if I attempted to participate. An article written by Dr. Mueller, Ph.D., confirms that thousands of cheerleaders are injured yearly due to the sport, particularly from head and neck injuries. Even though I understood I could potentially be seriously hurt if I pursued cheer, I made up my mind; I was going to cheer. About a month later, even though I had not officially been cleared by the doctor, I decided I would sneak to practice. Every morning I woke up at 5 am, before anybody was awake. I packed my backpack with athletic clothes and walked an hour and a half to my high school for our 7 am practice. Because I was not completely healed, especially around my armpits and abdomen, I had to wrap my wounds with gauze so I wouldn’t tear or reinjure them. I did this every day before practice for about three weeks. With every
MID-AMERICA UNION NEWS
Updates/Cancelations Due to COVID-19 The Covid-19 pandemic has called into question the propriety and rationality of holding large public gatherings in the next several months. Following is a list of some of the canceled or postponed events within the Mid-America Union and the Adventist Church. This list is not exhaustive, and things are changing rapidly, so please reference your local conference’s website for more updated information, or visit outlookmag.org, nadadventist.org, or adventist.org.
Central States Conference (central-states.org)
• Constituency Session Postponed: The Central States Conference Constituency Session is scheduled to take place Sept. 20, 2020.
Iowa-Missouri Conference (imsda.org) • Iowa-Missouri Camp Meeting Canceled
Kansas-Nebraska Conference (ks-ne.org) • Kansas-Nebraska Camp Meeting Canceled
Minnesota Conference (mnsda.com)
• Constituency Session Postponed: The Minnesota Conferenece Constituency Session is scheduled to take place Oct. 11, 2020.
General Conference (adventist.org)
• General Conference Session Postponed • The General Conference Session is scheduled to take place May 20-25, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
OUTLOOKMAG.ORG
MAY 2020 17
NONDISCRIMATION POLICY All schools operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church admit students of any race to all the privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at its schools, and makes no discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnic background, gender or country of origin in the administration of education policies, applications for admission, scholarship or loan programs, and extracurricular programs. MID-AMERICA UNION Union College 3800 S. 48th St., Lincoln NE 68506 402-486-2600 | www.ucollege.edu CENTRAL STATES CONFERENCE St. Louis Unified School of Seventh-day Adventists 9001 Lucas and Hunt Rd., St. Louis MO 63136 314-869-7800 unified@central-states.org V. Lindsay Seventh-day Adventist School 3310 Garfield Ave., Kansas City KS 66104 | 913-342-4435 vlindsay@central-states.org DAKOTA CONFERENCE Dakota Adventist Academy 15905 Sheyenne Circle, Bismarck ND 58503-9256 701-258-9000 | mydaa.org info@mydaa.org Brentwood Adventist Christian School 9111 Wentworth Dr., Bismarck ND 58503-6509 | 701-258-1579 brentwood.sda.com brentwoodsdaschool@gmail.com Hillcrest Adventist Elementary School 116 15th Ave. NE, Jamestown ND 58401-3931 | 701-252-5409 hillcrestnd.org | info@hillcrestnd.org
rapid22.adventistschoolconnect.org rcsdaschool@gmail.com Red River Adventist Elementary School 3000 Elm St. N., Fargo ND 58102-1705 | 701-235-0128 redriveradventistelementary22. adventistschoolconnect.org redriversdaschool@gmail.com Sioux Falls Adventist Elementary School 7100 E. 26th St., Sioux Falls SD 57110-6478 | 605-333-0197 sfadventistschool.org info@sfadventistschool.org SonShine Elementary School 10 17th Ave. SW., Minot ND 58701-6359 | 701-839-6478 minotnd.adventistschoolconnect. org | sonshineelementary@ gmail.com IOWA-MISSOURI CONFERENCE Sunnydale Adventist Academy 6818 Audrain Rd. 9139, Centralia MO 65240-5906 | 573-682-2164 sunnydale.org | info@sunnydale.org J.N. Andrews Christian Academy 2773 Edgewood Rd., Cedar Rapids IA 52411-8500 | 319-393-1664 andrewsca.org | k-8@andrewsca.org College Park Christian Academy 1114 College Park Dr., Columbia MO 65203-1826 | 573-445-6315 cpchristian.org | colsda@gmail.com
Invitation Hill Adventist School 10730 Hwy. 10, Dickenson ND 58601-9573 | 701-783-2050 dickinsonnd.adventistschoolconnect. org | invitationhillsschool@gmail.com
Des Moines Adventist Jr. School 2317 Watrous Ave., Des Moines IA 50321-2144 | 515-285-7729 desmoines22.adventist schoolconnect.org
Prairie Voyager Adventist School 3610 Cherry St., Grand Forks ND 58201-7602 | 701-775-5936 grandforkschurch.com/school/ pvoyager@yahoo.com
Golden Valley SDA School 2000 Community, Clinton MO 64735-8802 | 660-492-5559
Rapid City Adventist Elementary School 1636 Concourse Ct., Rapid City SD 57703-4761 | 605-343-2785
18 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG MAY 2020
Hillcrest Seventh-day Adventist School 9777 Grandview Dr., Olivette MO 63132-2006 | 314-993-1807 hillcrest23.adventistschoolconnect.org
Maranatha Adventist School 1400 E. McKinsey St., Moberly MO 65270-2039 | 660-263-8600 maranatha22.adventistschool connect.org
KANSAS-NEBRASKA CONFERENCE College View Academy 5240 Calvert St., Lincoln NE 68506-3935 | 402-483-1181 cvak12.org
Muscatine Adventist Christian School 2904 Mulberry Ave., Muscatine IA 52761-2757 | 563-506-7567 muscatine22.adventistschool connect.org
Midland Adventist Academy 6915 Maurer Rd., Shawnee KS 66217-9486 | 913-268-7400 midlandacademy.org | maa@ midlandacademy.org
Nevada Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School 324 S. 6th St., Nevada IA 502012531 | 515-215-1092 | nevada23. adventistschoolconnect.org
George Stone School 3800 S. 48th St., Lincoln NE 68506-4345 | 402-486-2896 george23.adventistschool connect.org
Prescott SDA Elementary School 1405 Weisenborn Rd., St. Joseph MO 64507-2524 | 816-8663041 | prescottstjoe.org | prescott64507@gmail.com
Great Bend Adventist School 7 SW 30th Ave., Great Bend KS 67530-9534 | 620-793-9247 greatbend22.adentist schoolconect.org
Rolla Adventist School 814A Hwy. O, Rolla MO 654016700 | 573-364-3782 | rolla22. adventistschoolconnect.org
High Plains Christian School 2710 N. Fleming St., Garden City KS 67846-3219 | 620-275-9356 high23.adventistschoolconnect.org
Sedalia Adventist Elementary School 29531 Hwy. 50, Sedalia MO 65301-1222 | 660-826-8951 sedaliasdachurchschool.org
Maranatha Christian School 1410 Toulon Ave., Hays KS 67601-9409 | 785-625-3975 hassdachristianschool.com mchays.1410@gmail.com
Springfield Adventist Junior Academy 704 S. Belview, Springfield MO 65802-2818 | 417-862-0833 springfield23.adventistschoolconnect.org
Omaha Memorial Adventist School 840 N. 72nd St., Omaha NE 68114-3241 | 402-397-4642 omahamemorialadventistschool. org | omahamemorialschool@ hotmail.com
Summit View Adventist Elementary School 12503 South State Route 7, Lees Summit MO 64086-9207 816-697-3443 | leessummitmo. adventistschoolconnect.org Sunnydale Adventist Elementary School 6979 Audrain Rd. 9139, Centralia MO 65240-5909 | 573-682-2811 centraliamo.adventistschool connect.org
Platte Valley Adventist School 636 S. Shady Bend Rd., Grand Island NE 68801-8565 | 308384-1480 | pvelementary.com Prairie View Adventist School 5802 W. Hwy. 20, Chadron NE 69337 | P.O. Box 351, Chadron NE 69337-0351 | 308-432-4228 prairieviewadventistschool.org pvas@bbc.net
MID-AMERICA UNION EDUCATION DIRECTORY Three Angels Adventist School 4558 N. Hydraulic St., Wichita KS 67219 | 316-832-1010 threeangelsschool.org teacher@threeangelsschool.org Topeka Adventist Christian School 2431 S.W. Wanamaker Rd., Topeka KS 66614-4261 | 785-2729474 | topeka22.adventist schoolconnect.org Valley View Adventist School 415 W. 31st St., Scottsbluff NE 69361-4319 | 308-632-8804 valleyview25.adventistschoolconnect.org | valleyview@ actcom.net Wichita Adventist Christian Academy 2725 S. Osage Ave., Wichita KS 67217-3013 | 316-267-9472 angf96.adventistschoolconnect.org school@wacaschool.org MINNESOTA CONFERENCE Maplewood Academy 700 Main St. N., Hutchinson MN 55350-1245 | 320-587-2830 maplewoodacademy.org info@maplewoodacademy.org Anoka Adventist Christian School 1035 Lincoln St., Anoka MN 55303-1805 | 763-421-6710 anokaacs.org Blackberry SDA School 25321 Dove Ln., Grand Rapids MN 55744-6200 | 218-3262263 | blackberryschool.org Capital City Adventist Christian School 1220 S. McKnight Rd., St. Paul MN 55119-5923 | 651-739-7484 ccacschool.org Detroit Lakes Adventist Christian School 404 Richwood Rd., Detroit Lakes MN 56501-2123 | 218-846-9764 angil5.adventistschoolconnect.org Maranatha Adventist Christian School 414 3rd Ave. S.W., Dodge Center MN 55927-9306 | 507-374-6353 angi65.adventistschoolconnect.org Minnetonka Christian Academy 3520 Williston Rd., Minnetonka MN 55345-1516 | 952-935-4497 minnetonkachristian.com Northwoods Elementary School 95 Academy Ln. N.W., Hutchinson MN 55350-1103 | 320-234-5994 northwoods22.adventistschoolconect.org
Oak Street Christian School 2910 Oak St., Brainerd MN 56401-3803 | 218-828-9660 oakstreetchristian.org Rochester Adventist Elementary 1100 37th St. N.W., Rochester MN 55901-4227 | 507-289-2589 Southview Christian School 15304 County Rd. 5, Burnsville MN 55306-5322 | 952-898-2727 scsmn.org Stone Ridge SDA Christian School 115 E. Orange St., Duluth MN 55811-5507 | 218-722-7535 christianschools.com/schools/ stone-ridge-christianschool-27012.htm ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE Campion Academy 300 S.W. 42nd St., Loveland CO 80537-7520 | 970-667-5592 campion.net | info@campion.net Mile High Adventist Academy 1733 Dad Clark Dr., Highlands Ranch, CO 80126-2415 | 303744-1069 | milehighacademy. org | info@milehighacademy.org Adventist Christian School 612 23rd Ave., Greeley CO 80634-5919 | 970-353-2770 greeley22.adventistschoolconnect.org Brighton Adventist Academy 820 S. 5th Ave., Brighton CO 80601-3227 | 303-659-1223 baaconnect.org | info@baaconnect.org Columbine Christian School 1775 Florida Rd., Durango CO 81301 | 970-259-1189 | columbinechristianschool@gmail.com
Delta Seventh-day Adventist School 762 Meeker St., Delta CO 814161925 | P.O. Box 91, Delta CO 81416-0091 | 970-339-3232 school.deltasda.org Discover Christian School 5509 Sagebrush Dr., Farmington NM 87402-4851 | 505-325-5875 discoverchristianschool.org discoverchristianschoolk8@ gmail.com Fort Collins Christian School 2040 Nancy Gray Ave., Fort Collins CO 80524-4394 970-222-6437 Four-Mile Adventist School 3180 E. Main St., Canon City CO 81212 | 719-275-6111 H.M.S. Richards Seventh-day Adventist School 342 S.W. 42nd St., Loveland CO 80537-7520 | 970-667-2427 hmsrichards.org Intermountain Adventist Academy 550 25 ½ Rd., Grand Junction CO 81505-6928 | 970-242-5116 iaagj.com Lighthouse SDA Christian School P.O. Box 860, Fort Morgan CO 80701-0860 | 970-370-2275 lighthousesdachristianschool.org
Mile High Elementary School 1733 Dad Clark Dr., Highlands Ranch CO 80126 | 303-744-1069 info@milehighacademy.org SonShine Academy 660 S. 17th St., Worland WY 82401-4100 | P.O. Box 433, Worland WY 83401 | 307-3472026 | worland22.adventistschoolconnect.org | sonshinebrightly@gmail.com Mountain Road Christian Academy 2657 Casper Mountain Rd., Casper WY 82601-5403 | 2946 Prairie Ln., Bar Nunn, WY 82601-9426 307-235-2859 | mountains22. adventistschoolconnect.org Springs Adventist Academy 5410 E. Palmer Park Blvd., Colorado Springs CO 80915-1498 719-597-0155 | saak8.org saak8info@gmail.com Vista Ridge Academy 3100 Ridge View Dr., Erie CO 80516-7981 | 303-828-4944 vistaridge.org | hello@vistaridge.org *Published annually in compliance with NAD policy
Mason Christian Academy 723 Storey Blvd., Cheyenne WY 82009-3557 | 307-638-2457 cheyennewy.adventistschoolconnect.org For preschool and kindergarten options, please contact the school.
Columbine Christian School 2314 Blake Ave., Glenwood Springs CO 81601 | 970-945-7630 Cornerstone Christian Academy 313 Craft St., Alamosa CO 81101-4238 | 719-589-2557 sunshinechristian.of.alamosa@ gmail.com Cortez Seventh-day Adventist School 540 W. 4th St., Cortez CO 81321-3445 | 970-565-8257 cortez22.adventistschoolconnect.org Daystar Christian School 3912 O’Neal Ave., Pueblo CO 81005 | 719-561-9120 daystarchristian@gmail.com
COLOR KEY GRADES 1-8 GRADES 1-9 GRADES 1-10 GRADES 1-12 GRADES 9-12 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG
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CENTRAL STATES CONFERENCE
Evangelism in the Mall Calvary Church embarks on a new ministry for mall shoppers
20 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG MAY 2020
Bible studies and seminars. They would be MondayFriday, 12:30-1 p.m. for prayer requests from mall walkers and shoppers, and 1-3 p.m. for Bible studies. There would be a short break and then prayer and Bible study would resume 5:30-7 p.m. The Lord opened the door for Pastor Palmer to get a space in the mall, and thus “Evangelism in the Mall” was born. This ministry has been in operation since Jan. 6, and the Lord has blessed through prayer and testimonies from mall walkers and shoppers. He has shown just how hungry Davenport is for biblical truth. “Thank you for praying for our community, our mall and the world. We need it,” expressed the mall administrator. KaTrina Palmer, who shops at the mall, said, “I’ve witnessed Pastor Palmer bond with workers and patrons. I’ve seen people who walk through the mall stop to have prayer and leave with hope.” To God be the glory! Through obedience to God’s direction, we are fulfilling the great commission of Matt. 28:19-20. Chrystal Trout, communication director for Calvary Church with Richard W. Palmer, Jr., pastor of Calvary Church in Davenport, Iowa.
Pastor Richard W. Palmer, Jr. (right) ministers to the shoppers, mall walkers, and passersby in the NorthPark Mall in Davenport, Iowa, through his Evangelism in the Mall space, which opened Jan. 6.
Photos Courtesy Central States Conference
C
alvary Church has been busy on God’s errands. We have embarked on a new venture entitled “Evangelism in the Mall” under the leadership of Pastor Richard W. Palmer, Jr. The adventure began with a dream. Pastor Palmer was asleep one night when he awoke to a feeling that he should write something down. He felt the Lord telling him something, but didn’t understand what it meant. He went back to sleep, only to have the same thing happen later that night. Again, he didn’t understand. For a third time, he was awakened and told to write. A friend was visiting the Palmers at the time, so Pastor Palmer shared the feeling with his friend. They agreed to pray for clarification. After prayer, Pastor Palmer had another dream. This time was different. When he wrote what he was impressed to write, he wrote “Go to the mall.” Pastor Palmer was perplexed, so he questioned the Lord. He asked, What do you want me to do at 3 in the morning? He went back to sleep. The next day he went to NorthPark Mall in Davenport, Iowa. As he walked through the mall, he felt the Lord revealing to him a plan. He felt he should have prayer,
DAKOTA CONFERENCE
Courtesy Dwayne Mauk
A Tribute to Wilbur Mauk body classes. During this time, he and Janice had two children. Milo Academy closed the farm in 1970, so Mauk took a job in Roseburg working for a logging truck company, where he worked until 1981. As an elder in the local church, he began to feel that his life’s passion was to become a pastor. In 1976 he was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer and underwent major surgery. During his recovery, he began to study his Bible ilbur Mauk was born more than before, but he wasn’t in Astoria, Oregon, quite ready to stop working at on Nov. 6, 1943 while his the logging truck company. father was overseas in the In 1984, a call came from Philippines. After his father Elder Ben Liebelt, president of returned, the family moved to the Dakota Conference. If Mauk Lodi, California, then Angwin, California, where his father was willing to go to the Pine ran Mauk’s Auto Repair “up Ridge Mission on the Pine Ridge the hill” from Pacific Union Reservation to work with the College. During his pre-acadNative Americans, the Dakota emy years, Mauk spent most Conference would consider of his time learning to work ordaining him as a minister. on cars—everything from For 10 years the Mauk rebuilding engines to painting family worked on the reservaand body work. tion, doing everything from Mauk attended Milo running a school to cutting Academy in southern Oregon, firewood to transporting where he met Janice Keear. He people to church in every kind often told family that he was of weather. The attendance sitting in the cafeteria eating and membership of the church supper after working on the grew to about 40 people. farm when he looked up and During his tenure, he also realsaw Janice. He told his friends, ized his dream of becoming an “I’m going to marry that girl.” ordained minister. He asked Janice to marry him In 1994, he took a call as when she was 15, and they the mission director for the La were married in Oroville, Vida Mission in New Mexico California, on June 20, 1965— and worked there for five years. He was then called back to one month shy of her eighNorth Dakota, where he spent teenth birthday. six years in the Williston disMauk returned to Milo trict fulfilling his love of minisAcademy in 1966 to work try as a pastor. While there, he on the farm, take care of the was diagnosed with multiple equipment and teach auto
W
sclerosis and underwent open heart surgery. In 2006, he and Janice moved to Lehr, North Dakota, where he spent about a year pastoring. His MS began to take a toll on his ability to stand and move around, though, so he decided to retire early. He and Janice returned to the location that meant so much to them in their ministry—the Pine Ridge Reservation. They moved to the town of Rushville, Nebraska, with the hope and prayer of restoring the work on the reservation. But MS took a heavy toll on his health and
P
he spent the last eight years bedridden. Those who knew Mauk and took care of him commented that not once did they hear him speak a discouraging word. Neighbors helped three times a day to turn him, the country doctor came to the house weekly, and most importantly, Janice stayed close to him. On Jan. 31, 2020, Mauk suffered a massive stroke and passed away. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Dwayne Mauk is Wilbur Mauk’s son.
owerful
In n o c e n c e
Campmeeting June 10 - 13, 2020 GoodSalt.com
OUTLOOKMAG.ORG
MAY 2020 21
IOWA-MISSOURI CONFERENCE A Note About the Coronavirus Pandemic
Missouri Adventist Quilt Ministry Receives $1,000 Grant from Local Electric Co-op Heather Hoflander
The content you see in this issue of OUTLOOK will have gone to press several weeks before you receive your copy in the mail. Because the situation changes so rapidly, there’s no way to predict what our reality will be by then.
Coronavirus Resources
If things haven’t returned to normal by the time you read this, visit imsda.org/covid-19 for coronavirus information and helpful resources such as: • Sabbath streaming services • Tips for other ways to connect with fellow members • Returning tithes and offerings online • Our conference prayer line • Updates on event cancelations • Encouraging video messages, blogs and more
Heather Hoflander
Binding Hearts Quilt Ministries receives a check from the West Central Electric Cooperative Round Up Foundation. Pictured (l-r) are Round Up board member Donna Matthews; Binding Hearts committee members and quilters Mary Butt, Alice Martin, Cindy Schwagerman, Emaline Schwagerman and Jan Owen; Round Up board member Sally Davidson and Round Up board president Dennis Knipmeyer.
This Summer
Here’s an update on summer plans, based on the information we currently have. Camp Meeting Regretfully, the decision was made to cancel the 2020 Iowa-Missouri Camp Meeting, which was to be held June 2-6 at Sunnydale Academy. Conference leaders are considering several online alternatives in lieu of our in-person gathering. For the latest information, please visit imsda.org; sign up for our newsletter, imConnected, at imsda.org/newsletter; or connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/imsda. Summer Camp At the time this is going to press, no decision has been made regarding this year’s summer camps. Visit campheritage.org for the latest information.
22 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG MAY 2020
M
embers from the Warrensburg and Kingsville churches in Missouri formed the Binding Hearts Quilt Ministry five years ago to provide quilts to adults and children fleeing abusive situations. Running low on funds, the group recently learned of a program facilitated by the local Electric Cooperative for which members agree to have their electric bill rounded up to the next full dollar to support worthy causes. The
extra charge goes into a pool managed by the Round-up Foundation, and local groups, clubs and organizations can apply for funds in the form of a grant. The quilt ministry applied for $350 for a cutting mat, rotary cutting blades, batting, fabric and thread, and the foundation not only awarded the grant but raised the amount to $1,000. Binding Hearts praises God and thanks the Round-up Foundation for
richly blessing this humble ministry with funds that will keep them stitching quilts for several years—bringing hope, comfort and the love of Jesus to adults and children trying to heal and rebuild their lives after fleeing abuse. Cindy Schwagerman is a member of the Warrensburg Church and a volunteer for the Binding Hearts Quilt Ministry.
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23
MINNESOTA CONFERENCE
The New Reality in Ministry The church still ministers during times of trouble
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24 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG MAY 2020
conference president, livestreamed a sermon to suggest calming the storms of life. Many of our churches are moving to online-only events and are exploring alternative methods, such as virtual meetings, for events outside of regular church services. These digital tools and channels are now the new reality for church. Despite the church buildings being closed, “the church”—the people called and set aside for mission—is still operational, and we desire to continue our work of ministry and religious services. More and more pastors and congregations are considering how to do ministry in a new way—dropping off groceries, meeting via video conference, prayer meetings through Facebook groups, teaching via distance learning and more. How we do ministry will adapt to this new time and place. In a more digitally connected world, perhaps this approach is one way we can spread the message to corners of the world previously unreached. Perhaps this will open the door for new hearts to be converted in ways we could not have imagined. The Minnesota Conference promotes AdventistGiving (AdventistGiving.org), the
online giving platform that allows members to return their tithes and give their offerings even when they’re away from the church. We hope that many of our church members will continue to give their offering online from the comfort of their homes. Adventists have always been generous in good and bad times, because of our understanding of global mission as framed in Rev. 14:6-13. The tithing system, as taught by the Adventist Church, has encouraged self-discipline, setting aside regular tithes and offerings from one’s income. This practice is an acknowledgment of God’s ownership of all things, and as one’s response to God’s love revealed in Jesus Christ. In this new reality, we must be sensitive to people’s circumstances in economic hard times. The church is going to face financial hardships, and church members may experience significant health issues and healthcare-related expenses. Job loss, for some, may be an inevitability. Our members may wonder how to feed their families, and our churches will wonder how to do ministry. Ours is a message of hope. We believe in the soon return of Jesus, and with that
The Minnesota Conference staff meet virtually for morning worship (top). Brian Mungandi records a message to the constituents of Minnesota Conference (bottom).
return the suffering we are experiencing will come to an end. The Adventist Church must pray earnestly for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We have been preaching the end time message since our inception. We may now be living in these periods of the end time. The events we are seeing are unprecedented. Jesus said when all these things begin to happen, it means our salvation is near (Luke 21:28). We need the Holy Spirit’s power to do the work in these uncharted waters, and with this power we can do unprecedented ministry even as the world is afflicted with conflict. The Lord is our God. “He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved” (Psalm 62:6). Brian K. Mungandi is communication director and vice president of administration for the Minnesota Conference.
Photos Courtesy Minnesota Conference
never imagined that in my lifetime I would see “don’t shake hands” as important information in a church setting. As a pastor, I never thought I would—with a clear conscience—urge members to stay at home. But this is the new reality. The COVID-19 pandemic has spread to all 50 states and approximately 173 countries and territories throughout the world. It is impacting businesses and churches, community events, and locking down whole states. On March 13, when the Minnesota Department of Health announced a series of community-level strategies to help combat the spread of coronavirus, the Minnesota Conference immediately communicated with our churches to prayerfully consider what to do in response to this public health crisis. The conference administration prayed that the right decisions would be made for the safety of the members and the community. We then challenged our pastors to find creative ways to continue reaching out during these times. We encouraged the use of teleconferencing or video conferencing for prayer meeting and small group discussions. We suggested free options like FaceTime, Zoom, Skype and Facebook Messenger. We urged churches to use free platforms like Facebook or YouTube to continue connecting with the community. On March 14, Elder Justin C. Lyons, Minnesota
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE
Littleton Welcomes New Pastors . . . At a distance, for now
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n an eerily quiet and nearly empty sanctuary, Littleton Adventist Church welcomed their new pastoral team on Sabbath morning, March 21. While Adventist churches throughout the Rocky Mountain Conference have been closed in compliance with government decisions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, church life continues, though with inconveniences. Standing at a social distance, RMC president Ed Barnett offered a dedication prayer over new lead pastor Andy Nash, new associate pastor Chris Morris (who will join the team July 1) and current associate pastor Alise Weber, who is hired locally.
Jon Roberts
In his sermon, Pastor Barnett referenced Matthew 24 about the hope in the second coming of Jesus and signs of the times. “We can see this happening before our eyes,” Barnett said about COVID-19. “Brothers and sisters, we are living in perilous times today … Jesus is coming soon … we need to live faithful lives for Jesus at the end of times,” he concluded. “It’s definitely an unusual way to begin a pastoral assignment—not seeing anyone,” said Nash. “But I think for all pastors and churches right now, there’s almost an early-church feel to this—a longing to be together as a church family. I feel so blessed to be able to work together in ministry with
Alise and Chris.” Morris is currently a fulltime middle school teacher at Mile High Academy, but says he’s truly excited about his return to pastoral ministry. Morris will lead the worship, youth and visitation ministries at Littleton. Weber has been children’s pastor at Littleton for two years. “I have seen God’s hand and leading throughout the past year, and I feel so blessed to be working with both pastors Andy Nash and Chris Morris,” she said. “In these unique circumstances, where we are required to be apart, I believe it is God’s timing that we join together now to creatively nurture our congregation.”
Barnett stated that he believes great days lie ahead for the Littleton Church. “They have a tremendous team of pastors. They are very gifted and dedicated,” he added. Jon Roberts is communication and media assistant for the Rocky Mountain Conference.
Campion Student Uplifts Friends During Social Distancing
T
he extended spring break and social distancing due to COVID-19 didn’t stop Milka from connecting with her friends and uplifting them spiritually. Milka, a junior at Campion Academy, spent an entire Sabbath morning last March calling some of her closest friends to pray for each one. “My family has been going through a rough time,” she explained. “I woke up Saturday morning thinking that as much as I’m going through a rough situation, I know that my friends have situations that need prayer too.” She took the time to listen to her friends share their requests
before praying with them. “My friends have been praying for me, and I thought it was time for me to pray for them as well,” she explained. One of the friends she called, Melody, shared, “I was just sitting in my kitchen eating and I got a call, and Milka asked me if she could pray for me. I’ve never had that happen to me before. It meant a lot to know that someone actually cared enough to call just to pray. The fact that she still called even though she’s going through a lot showed she cares about me and my situation. It was admirable, and it made me want to reach out to others to pray for
them too.” Milka strongly believes in the power of prayer. “There are situations we go through that we can’t do anything about except pray, but prayer means a lot,” she said. “I knew God had
used me in a special way, even though I may not ever fully realize how my prayers will impact my friends.” Jill Harlow coordinates ELL at Campion Academy.
Courtesy Rocky Mountain Conference
OUTLOOKMAG.ORG
MAY 2020 25
ADVENTHEALTH SHAWNEE MISSION
Healthy Living Through CREATION Life
G
ood health often starts with living a whole-person lifestyle. That means focusing not just on our physical health, but our mental and spiritual health as well. At AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, we focus on whole-person health through the faith-based CREATION Life principles. Each of those components – choice, rest, environment, activity, trust in God, interpersonal relationships and nutrition – can help us improve our health from the inside out. You can start to embrace these CREATION Life principles with the following tips: Get lots of rest Lack of sleep (or poor-quality sleep) can severely weaken your
immune system. Adults should strive to get seven to eight hours every night – closer to eight. “We have lost nearly two hours of nightly sleep since the last century,” says Tereza Hubkova, MD, integrative physician, AdventHealth Shawnee Mission. “It comes at a high cost to our immune system and brain health.” Also, remember to make time for rest throughout your day. Listen to music, read, meditate, or try deep breathing exercises. Eat healthy foods Poor diet is one of the biggest roadblocks to good health. Dr. Hubkova recommends eating real (not processed) food, at least 25 to 35 grams of fiber daily, a variety of colors (from spices, fruits Getty Images
Go out in the sun Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to asthma, Be mindful of emotions autoimmune diseases, canYour emotions, faith, cers, heart disease, depresbeliefs and hopes can play sion, fatigue and a higher a part in your health and risk of fracture. A brisk healing. Positive emotions 15-minute walk twice daily like love, gratitude and in the sunlight will help your appreciation help strengthen skin produce vitamin D. But our immune system, while during the winter months, negative emotions like anger, most of us still require vitafrustration and hostility can min D supplements. have a toxic effect. In addition, if you have Praying, reading and kids, encourage them to journaling can help increase get outside. “Children need your feelings of gratitude and exposure to nature, dirt, appreciation. Listening to pets and natural surface music you enjoy is shown to playgrounds – not artificial have a positive effect on your turfs full of toxins,” says Dr. immune system. For example, Hubkova. “This sets the stage Dr. Hubkova says drumming for how healthy our immune circles are thought to increase system will be for the rest of natural killer cells, which our life.” fight cancer and viruses, and singing can increase salivary Ann Muder is a freelance writer and editor for AdventHealth immunoglobins that protect Shawnee Mission. against respiratory infections. and vegetables) and avoid artificial sweeteners.
Get your exercise Working out regularly can help you be more resilient against a variety of diseases – it lowers your blood sugar, improves your mood and helps you sleep better. Overexertion (such as running a marathon), however, is not good for your body, including your immunity. “For optimal health, it’s good to train for a marathon, but never actually run it,” says Dr. Hubkova.
26 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG MAY 2020
SPONSORED BY AH SHAWNEE MISSION
For more information on CREATION Life and how it contributes to our whole health—mind, body and spirit—visit AdventHealthKC.com.
CENTURA HEALTH ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
Bride’s Wish Granted
Photos: Kevin Massey/Centura Health
To hold wedding in Intensive Care Unit
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t’s not every day that Centura Health’s Littleton Adventist Hospital is asked to host a wedding, let alone in the ICU. But Jessica Abeyta told us she’d always wanted her grandfather Sal to give her away. He played a major role in her life, especially while she was growing up, and she’d always imagined him walking her down the aisle at her wedding. However, as she prepared to marry the love of her life, Steven, she realized her grandfather might not be there to see the nuptials. Sal was not doing well while in a coma in the ICU and wouldn’t be able to make it to a traditional wedding. Knowing Sal was not expected to live much longer, Jessica made an unusual request—she asked Littleton’s lead chaplain Dany Hernandez if she could get married in Sal’s room in the ICU with a limited group of family and friends along for the occasion. “I’ve never been asked to perform a hospital wedding,” Dany said, “let alone in the ICU! But we wanted to do all we could to make it happen.” Sal’s care team worked
with Dany to organize a brief wedding that would allow Sal to be present while protecting the privacy of other patients nearby. Once they were sure it would work logistically, they agreed the big day could move forward. On a sunny Saturday in February, Jessica arrived in a beautiful gown and Steven in a black suit. A couple dozen family and friends showed up as well. In a ceremony both beautiful and bittersweet, Jessica married Steven surrounded by loved ones, including her grandfather Sal. Dany officiated the ceremony just a few feet from Sal’s bed while the couple and close family donned scrubs. Sal passed away the next day, but not before he was able to take part in the biggest moment of Jessica’s life. Littleton Adventist Hospital was honored to be a part of this very special and unusual occasion. It was a great example of the whole person care that patients and their families can expect. The day after the wedding, and with the couple’s permission, the hospital posted Jessica and Steven’s story on social media and received
(top) Jessica and Steven’s marriage is made official. (bottom left) Jessica walks down the “aisle” for her ICU wedding. thousands of likes, shares and comments, including dozens of well wishes and words of encouragement. Submitted by Wendy Forbes, director of media relations and public relations for Centura Health.
SPONSORED BY AH ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
For more information about Centura Health Rocky Mountain Region, visit www. centura.org.
OUTLOOKMAG.ORG
MAY 2020 27
Beneath Our Wings | 31 Days of Prayer Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery where people profit from the control and exploitation of others. Although slavery is commonly thought to be a thing of the past, human trafficking still exists today throughout the United States and globally when traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to control other people for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex or forcing them to provide labour services against their will. Traffickers use violence, threats, deception, debt bondage, and other manipulative tactics to trap victims in horrific situations every day in America. All trafficking victims share one essential experience—the loss of freedom. (Polaris Project)
There are more slaves in the world today than at any other point in human history, with an estimated 27 million in bondage across the globe. Every 30 seconds, someone becomes a victim of modern-day slavery.
Why Pray? God’s Word Tells Us To!
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matt. 7:7)
31 Days of Prayer
for the Victims of Sexual Exploitation & Human Trafficking, the Traffickers, and the Johns
Day 1
Pray God will burden our hearts each day to pray for victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Day 2
Pray for safe houses to be established where they are needed for males and females; pray they would have financial needs met and be equipped with staff to deal with all issues victims face with human trafficking.
Day 3
Pray for God to eternally save those being rescued.
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Day 4
Pray for God to protect the rescuers.
Day 5
Pray for the men and women who traffic the girls and boys that God will pierce their hearts and they will repent and receive Jesus.
Day 6
Pray for God to give the rescued victims healing and restoration.
Day 7
Pray for awareness around the world of the issues of human trafficking.
Day 8
Pray that the children who are runaways and throwaways will find genuine caring help.
Day 9
Pray for the different ministries as they mentor women and boys who are victims of sexual exploitation.
Day 10
Pray for our churches to get involved in the issue of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Day 11
Pray for protection and wisdom for our law enforcement officers, welfare services and judges, as they deal
with cases of human trafficking.
Day 12
Pray for the families of the victims of trafficking, and pray for the rescue of the victims.
Day 13
Pray for eyes to see and the courage to report any incidents of human trafficking.
Day 14
Pray for God to bring awareness to povertystricken countries of the tricks used to lure women, girls and boys into human trafficking.
Day 15
Pray for madams and housemothers who run massage parlors. Pray their hearts would be broken and they would turn to Jesus.
Day 16
the victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Day 22
Pray for God to protect the children in your state and give them wisdom and discernment.
Pray for God to dismantle trafficking rings and Day 23 destroy the porn industry. Pray for the women in your state who are vulnerable to sexual Day 17 exploitation to find safe Pray for the Johns who and legal employment. create the demand for human trafficking, that God would take away their desire for porn, for children and illicit sex.
Day 24
Day 18
Pray for godly mentors for victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Pray for God to give tender hearts to state leaders and law enforcement for the victims of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
Day 19
Day 25
Pray for God to raise up honest men and women who will fight in law enforcement and the judiciary system for victims and will not be bought off.
Day 20
Pray for city-wide prayer movements in every city in the United States for victims of human trafficking.
Pray for materials to be available to women in the poorest countries about human trafficking.
Day 26
Pray for God to burden our hearts to go help victims of human trafficking when it is possible.
Day 28
Pray for unified efforts to help rescue victims in human trafficking.
Day 29
Pray for the small organizations on the ground in dark places dedicating their lives to loving, serving and restoring women and children rescued from sexual exploitation.
Day 30
Pray for the gospel witness to be in the darkest places where human trafficking exists.
Day 31
Pray for the victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation to not lose the will to live and that God will provide a way of escape. For more information about the organization Beneath Our Wings, visit beneathourwings.com/ about
Day 27
Pray for stiffer penalties for traffickers.
Day 21
Pray for safe houses to have access to Godcentered materials for
OUTLOOKMAG.ORG
MAY 2020 29
FAREWELL Abelmann, Lucille, b. Oct. 29, 1929 in Williston, ND. d. March 3, 2020 in Alexander, ND. Member of the Williston Church. Preceded in death by husband Dale; 2 brothers. Survivors include children Alice Christensen, Catherine Omstead, Lael and Carl; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren. Bensen, Orpha, b. Dec. 20, 1931 in McPherson County, SD. d. Feb. 12, 2020 in Eureka, SD. Member of Bowdle (SD) Church. Preceded in death by first husband Gilbert Zumbaum; second husband Charles; 5 brothers; 3 sisters; 1 step-daughter. Survivors include children Glenn Zumbaum and Arlene Zumbaum Swenson; step-children John, Charles, Barbara Ross and Patricia Coker; 4 grandchildren; 9 step-grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 8 step-great-grandchildren.
Callahan, Mary Luella, b. May 9, 1945. d. Dec. 26, 2019. Member of the Grand Junction (CO) Church. Fischer, James William, b. June 24, 1937 in Fargo, ND. d. Nov. 16, 2019 in Colorado Springs, CO. Member of the Trinidad (CO) Church. Survivors include wife Carol; daughters Jackie Fischer and Billie Jean Ove; 8 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild. Hanson, Martha (Hosek), b. Jan. 25, 1939 in Clutier, IA. d. March 13, 2020. Member of the Wichita South (KS) Church. Preceded in death by husband Bud. Survivors include sons Steven, Kenneth and Richard; 8 grandchildren; 1 sister; 1 brother. Koop, Irene Faye, b. April 24, 1931 in DeBeque, CO. d. Jan. 18, 2020 in Brighton, CO. Member of the Brighton Church. Preceded in death
SUNSET CALENDAR
M A Y 2020 COLORADO Denver Grand Junction Pueblo
MAY 1 7:54 8:07 7:50
MAY 8 8:01 8:14 7:56
MAY 15 8:08 8:20 8:03
MAY 22 8:14 8:27 8:09
MAY 29 8:20 8:32 8:14
IOWA Davenport Des Moines Sioux City
8:00 8:13 8:26
8:08 8:20 8:33
8:15 8:27 8:41
8:22 8:34 8:48
8:28 8:40 8:54
KANSAS Dodge City Goodland Topeka
8:31 7:40 8:16
8:37 7:47 8:22
8:43 7:54 8:29
8:49 8:00 8:35
8:54 8:05 8:40
MINNESOTA Duluth International Falls Minneapolis
8:19 8:29 8:19
8:28 8:39 8:27
8:37 8:48 8:36
8:45 8:57 8:43
8:52 9:05 8:50
MISSOURI Columbia Kansas City St. Louis
8:02 8:11 7:53
8:09 8:18 7:59
8:15 8:25 8:06
8:21 8:31 8:12
8:27 8:36 8:17
NEBRASKA Lincoln North Platte Scottsbluff
8:23 8:40 7:53
8:30 8:48 8:01
8:37 8:55 8:08
8:44 9:01 8:15
8:50 9:07 8:21
NORTH DAKOTA Bismarck Fargo Williston
8:54 8:38 9:08
9:03 8:47 9:18
9:12 8:56 9:27
9:20 9:04 9:36
9:27 9:11 9:44
SOUTH DAKOTA Pierre Rapid City Sioux Falls
8:46 7:57 8:29
8:54 8:05 8:37
9:02 8:13 8:45
9:10 8:20 8:52
9:16 8:27 8:59
WYOMING Casper Cheyenne Sheridan
8:06 7:25 7:36
8:14 7:32 7:45
8:22 7:39 7:53
8:29 7:47 8:02
8:35 7:54 8:11
www.outlookmag.org
30 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG MAY 2020
by husband Lawrence; son Ronald; 4 siblings. Survivors include daughters Gwendolyn McDevitt and Gayle Linch; 6 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren. Lloyd, Bonnie Doreen (Campbell), b. Aug. 8, 1939 in Salida, CO. d. March 7, 2020 in Olathe, CO. Member of the Delta (CO) Church. Survivors include husband Harry; children Andrew, Becky, Brenda Reinholtz; 1 grandson. McClure, Enid, b. Dec. 2, 1924 in Enid, OK. d. Feb. 18, 2020 in Hot Springs, SD. Member of Hot Springs Church. Preceded in death by husband Shirley. Survivors include sons Duane, Randall and Gary; 8 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.
(ND) Church. Preceded in death by wife Arline; son Jerome; 1 brother; 1 sister. Survivors include daughters Lavonne “Vonnie” Stuwe, Mary Ludwig; 5 brothers; 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. Suazo, Georgina “Gina,” b. Dec. 8, 1940 in Walsenburg, CO. d. Jan. 13, 2020 in Raton, NM. Member of the Pueblo West (CO) Company. Preceded in death by husband Joe. Survivors include son Chester Turner.
Tachenko, Estelle, b. Aug. 5, 1923 in Gackle, ND. d. March 26, 2020 in Bismarck, ND. Member of Grassy Butte (ND) Church. Preceded in death by husband Lonnie; 1 sister. Survivors include daughters Lonna Milburn and Brenda; 4 grandchilPulley, Robert R., Sr., b. June dren; 2 step-grandchildren; 5 13, 1933 in Council Bluffs, great-grandchildren. IA. d. Dec. 29, 2019. Member of the Willow Springs (MO) Tachenko, Virginia, b. Church. Preceded in death March 4, 1928 in Lincoln, by wife Jane; son Robert, Jr.; NE. d. Feb. 10, 2020 in Kill2 siblings. Survivors include deer, ND. Member of Grassy daughters Eva Hale, Karen Butte (ND) Church. Preceded Weintz and Sandra Taylor; 4 in death by first husband grandchildren; 3 great-grand- Virgil Anderson; second children. husband Steve; son Jeff. Survivors include children Rascon, Martin David, b. Rita Smith, Cheryl Buckley; 2 Nov. 12, 1953 in San Fransiblings; 6 grandchildren. cisco, CA. d. Feb. 2, 2020 in Raton, NM. Member of Taylor, Dorothy L. Day, b. the Trinidad (CO) Church. Aug. 21, 1927 in White Lakes, Survivors include 3 sisters; 1 NM. d. March 14, 2020 in brother. Sedan, KS. Member of the Sedan (KS) Church. Survivors Ray, Darlene, b. March 19, include sons David and Paul; 1932 in Jennings, KS. d. Sept. daughters Linda Helm, Terry, 29, 2019 in Grand Junction, Jane Murray; 10 grandchilCO. Member of the Grand dren; 10 great-grandchildren. Junction (CO) Church. Preceded in death by husband Witt, Agnes, b. Dec. 16, Dick; 4 sisters; 2 brothers. 1923 in Palmero, ND. d. Survivors include daughters March 7, 2020 in Jamestown, Donna Wilkerson, Linda ND. Member of Jamestown Weber; 6 grandchildren; 10 Church. Preceded in death by great-grandchildren; 2 broth- husband Irving; 5 siblings. ers; 5 sisters. Snyder, Everett, b. Feb. 12, 1939 in Bozeman, MT. d. March 9, 2020 in Redfield, SD. Member of the Fargo
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Adventist Digital Library, the Seventh-day Adventist Periodical Index, and the James White Library’s Digital Commons. www.andrews. edu/admres/jobs/show/faculty#job_4
Andrews University seeks Instructor: RMES Junior High. Ruth Murdoch Elementary School is seeking a certified, enthusiastic teacher Walla Walla University to teach English-Language offers master’s degrees in Arts (Reading and Writing) at biology; cinema, religion, the junior high level/grades 7 and worldview; education and 8. The candidate must be (including special educaable to work in a collaborative tion); and social work. Flexenvironment, demonstrate ible completion times and professional competence, be in-person, hybrid, and fully online formats may be avail- Atlanta Adventist Academy proficient in other core suboffers excellent Adventist ject areas, and have a passion able. Financial aid may be for inspiring students to strive available. For more informa- education locally (Atlanta, for excellence in their total tion call 509.527.2290 or visit Georgia) as well as virtualdevelopment. The employee wallawalla.edu/grad-studies. ly through our live online program for homeschoolers will perform all supervisory and distance campuses. To and extracurricular responsiMove with an award-winenroll your student, become bilities expected of a full-time ning agency. Apex Moving a partner campus or receive elementary classroom teacher. & Storage partners with more information, call www.andrews.edu/admres/ the General Conference to 404.699.1400 or visit aaa.edu/ jobs/show/faculty#job_5 provide quality moves at a admissions. discounted rate. Call us for Andrews University seeks all your relocation needs! Instructor: RMES Grade 5. Adventist beliefs uncompro- FOR SALE Ruth Murdoch Elementary mised. Contact Marcy Danté Lose Weight, Feel Great— School is seeking a certified, at 800.766.1902 for a free and other health materials innovative teacher to teach estimate. Visit us at www. grade 5. Candidates must apexmoving.com/Adventist. such as tracts, magazines, books and cookbooks for be proficient in the core/ your church, health fair or STEM subjects, demonstrate Are your health challenges personal use. For a free sam- commitment to collegiality interfering with your life ple call 800.777.2848 or visit and professional competence, goals? Worried that you FamilyHeritageBooks.com. and have a passion to instill won’t be there to walk your a Christ-like character while daughter down the aisle? One or two-bedroom condo inspiring students to strive If your bucket list has been in Honolulu, Hawaii, in for excellence in their total reduced to getting up in the Nu’uanu, relaxing and afdevelopment. The employee morning, why not come to fordable. Minutes to beachwill perform all supervisory the quiet, healing beauty of and extracurricular responsithe Black Hills Health & ed- es, Chinatown and hiking! ucation Center and discover Clean, comfortable, like new. bilities expected of a fullSleeps six comfortably. Furtime elementary classroom the Pathway to Wellness. We’d love to help you expand nished kitchen, washer/dryer teacher. RMES is the K-8 your list! 605.255.4101. www. and more. Free parking. Visit laboratory school at Andrews honcentralsda.org or call University and has an enrollbhhec.org. 808.524.1352. ment of about 228 students. www.andrews.edu/admres/ ENJOY WORRY-FREE EMPLOYMENT jobs/show/faculty#job_5 RETIREMENT at Fletcher Park Inn on the FletchAndrews University seeks Andrews University seeks er Academy campus near Faculty: SDAPI Editor/ Learning Management Hendersonville, North Digital Commons ManSystem Administrator. The Carolina. Spacious apartager. Responsible for the Learning Systems Adminisments available NOW. Ask development, maintenance, trator is responsible for techabout our limited rental nical support of the official units and villa homes. Enjoy and promotion of the
university-wide instructional technology systems (such as the Learning Management System, video hosting solution, etc.). Reports to the Director of the Center for Digital Learning and Instructional Technology (DLiT). www.andrews.edu/admres/ jobs/show/staff_salary#job_4 Walla Walla University is hiring! To see the list of available positions, go to jobs.wallawalla.edu.
EVENTS Canceled: The “Ye Olde” Cedar Lake Academy Reunion to be held at Great Lakes Adventist Academy at Cedar Lake, Michigan, that was scheduled for June 5-7 will be canceled due to the Coronavirus. Honor classes will be honored in 2021.
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David found good chemistry with his second career Our guarantee let him earn a second degree for free When David Chapman found his career in business to be unfulfilling, he returned to Union under our Guaranteed Education program. He now pays zero tuition as he pivots to become a chemistry teacher. At Union, we’re so invested in helping students find their calling that we guarantee it. ucollege.edu/guarantee or 402.486.2504
