Columbia Union Visitor--August 2004

Table of Contents

In Every Issue Editorial

p3

6

Newsline

p4

School Profile p 8 Richmond Academy

News & Features

Member Profile

Technology Transforms Chesapeake Outreach

Resource Guide

Tompaul Wheeler

6

The Chesapeake Conference is committed to inspire, motivate, and train lay people to become involved in personal evangelism programs. Discover how members are using a DVD evangelism package to spread the gospel locally and abroad.

p10

p14 Newsletters 15 Allegheny East 17 Allegheny West 19 Chesapeake

Richmond Academy: Enriched by Prayer George Tucker

8

LaVerne Henderson Wilson Mompremier, a former Catholic and attorney, is now a Seventh-day Adventist pastor—and church planter— in the New Jersey Conference. Read about his incredible journey, the secrets of his success, and how he helped build Haitian membership to 800.

23 Mountain View 25 Mt. Vernon Academy 27 New Jersey

Richmond Academy is a small K-12 school in Virginia. See how dedicated teachers, who believe in the power of prayer, enable students to excel academically, creatively, physically, and spiritually.

New Jersey Pastor Builds Haitian Membership

21 Columbia Union College

29 Ohio 31 Pennsylvania 33 Potomac 35 Spencerville Adventist Academy

10

37 Takoma Academy

Healing Ministry

p 39

Bulletin Board

p 45

About the Cover: Cover illustration by Brandon Reese.

2

VISITOR

Editorial David VanDenburgh Celeste Ryan ■ Editor LaVerne Henderson ■ Associate Editor for News & Features Wilona Karimabadi ■ Associate Editor for Newsletters Kelly Butler Coe ■ Art Director Sandra Jones ■ Copy Editor Monte Sahlin

■

Publisher

PUBLISHING BOARD: Harold L. Lee (chair), Celeste Ryan (secretary), Raj Attiken, Charles Cheatham, Dowell Chow, LeRoy Finck, J. Neville Harcombe, Ray Hartwell, James L. Lewis, Edward Motschiedler, Monte Sahlin, Dave Weigley, Kingsley Whitsett MISSION STATEMENT The Visitor provides news and information, resources for effective ministry, and insight on issues with a spiritual focus to help people celebrate God's transforming grace in preparation for His return.

COLUMBIA UNION CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS 5427 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045 (301) 596-0800 or (888) 4-VISITOR http://www.columbiaunion.org Free to Columbia Union members. Nonmembers—$15 per year.

COLUMBIA UNION CONFERENCE President Harold L. Lee Edward Motschiedler Executive Secretary Dowell Chow Treasurer Vice President/Education Hamlet Canosa Robert Patterson Vice President/General Counsel Monte Sahlin Vice President/Creative Ministries Asst. to the President/Communication Celeste Ryan Harold Greene Information Technology Curtis Boore Plant Services Trust Services/PARL Robert Patterson Peggy Lee Revolving Fund Carol Wright Undertreasurer CONFERENCES ALLEGHENY EAST: Charles L. Cheatham, President; Robert Booker, Visitor Correspondent; P.O. Box 266, Pine Forge, PA 19548.

Tel. (610) 326-4610 ■ www.myalleghenyeast.com ALLEGHENY WEST: James L. Lewis, President; Robert C. Lewis, Visitor Correspondent; 1339 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205.

Tel. (614) 252-5271 ■ www.awconf.org CHESAPEAKE: Neville Harcombe, President; Rob Vandeman, Visitor Correspondent; 6600 Martin Rd., Columbia, MD 21044.

Tel. (410) 995-1910 MOUNTAIN VIEW: Kingsley Whitsett, President; Brian Jones, Visitor Correspondent; 1400 Liberty St., Parkersburg, WV 26101.

Tel. (304) 422-4581 ■ www.mtviewconf.org NEW JERSEY: LeRoy Finck, President; Aura Garcia, Visitor Correspondent; 2160 Brunswick Ave., Trenton, NJ 08648.

Tel. (609) 392-7131 ■ www.njcsda.org OHIO: Raj Attiken, President; Bette Toscano, Visitor Correspondent; P.O. Box 1230, Mount Vernon, OH 43050.

Tel. (740) 397-4665 ■ www.ohioadventist.org PENNSYLVANIA: Ray Hartwell, President; Tamyra Horst, Visitor Correspondent; 720 Museum Rd., Reading, PA 19611.

Tel. (610) 374-8331 ■ www.paconference.org POTOMAC: Dave Weigley, President; Janet Olsyne, Visitor Correspondent; 606 Greenville Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401.

Tel. (540) 886-0771 ■ www.pcsda.org COLLEGES COLUMBIA UNION COLLEGE: Randal Wisbey, President; Scott Steward, Visitor Correspondent; 7600 Flower Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912. Tel. (301) 891-4000 ■ www.cuc.edu KETTERING COLLEGE OF MEDICAL ARTS: Charles Scriven, President; 3737 Southern Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429.

Tel. (937) 395-8601 ■ www.kcma.edu HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: William G. Robertson, President & CEO; Robert Jepson, Visitor Correspondent; 1801 Research Blvd., Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel. (301) 315-3030 www.adventisthealthcare.com KETTERING ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: Frank Perez, President & CEO; Kenneth Chaij, Visitor Correspondent; 3965 Southern Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429. Tel. (937) 395-8167 www.kmcnetwork.org Published by the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Printed at the Review & Herald Publishing Association.

Looking for New Covenant Adventists

I

In the Old Testament’s Exodus 24, we read about the covenant God made with Moses and the Israelites. “We will do everything the Lord has said,” the people promised as Moses sprinkled the sacrificial blood sealing the deal. “We will obey.”

In the New Testament, Jesus’ sacrifice made possible a new covenant that replaced the old and still provides a way for us today.

“By calling this covenant ‘new,’ He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear” (Heb. 8:13, NIV).

The Old Covenant was external. It caused people to relate to God through rules and performance. They believed that the way to God was through obedience and that salvation was the result of obedience.

Each sin required a renewal of that covenant with sacrificial blood.

The New Covenant is internal. It allows us to relate to God through Christ and His perfect performance of the law. Through this new covenant, I don’t have to sacrifice a bull or lamb to remove the stain of sin—I am covered by the blood of Jesus. Moreover, I don’t strive simply to obey the law, nor am I forced to carry its burden. I am transformed by God’s Spirit, which was promised to every believer in the “last days.” I have a new heart and mind, created by the Holy Spirit, that desires complete conformity to the will of God.

Paradigm Shift Nearly 2,000 years after Christ’s establishment of this new covenant, there are still old covenant believers living in our New Testament times. These are people who relate to God in the old way— through rules rather than being madly in love with Him. They know about God, but don’t know God. For them it’s what they like about church, not the Jesus we worship there. Others are welcome as long as they conform. They miss the “good old days” when the old covenant reigned and we lived by a strict set of do’s and don’ts.

A paradigm shift is a new way of looking at the world and relating to it. We have a lot of old covenant Adventists who need to make a radical paradigm shift and begin to live as new covenant believers.

Note the difference in the old and new covenant churches: Old Covenant Churches · Fortress against evil · Refuge from the world · Separate from the world · Come to us and receive truth · Proselytism

New Covenant Churches · Salt and light to penetrate and illuminate · Refuge for the world · Go ye into all the world · Go to others and share faith · Evangelism

We need to become “new covenant Adventists”—relating to God, one another, and the world around us in a new covenant way—as salt and light transforming the world rather than hiding from it. And then, through us, Jesus can fulfill his desire to “make all things new.”

David VanDenburgh, D. Min., is senior pastor of the Kettering Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ohio. This editorial summarizes his address at the Columbia Union Pastors’ Conference held in Gettysburg, Pa., in March.

Volume 109 ■ Issue 8

AUGUST 2004

3

Newsline Adventist Health and Community Service Entities to Collaborate Ronald J. Wylie was recently selected to serve as executive director of Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington (ACSGW) and the newly created Adventist Health Network of Greater Washington (AHNGW). According to Wylie, the two entities will benefit from a reciprocal relationship.

“We will use the 20-year-old administrative structure of community services to bolster the new health network,” he says. “Moreover, Adventist HealthCare (AHC), through its Prevention and Wellness initiative, has long been a central part of the tradition of ACS.” Therefore, Wylie says, “The staffs of ACSGW, AHNGW, and AHC will collaborate to provide effective, 21st century outreach.”

Established in 1983 in Silver Spring, Md., ACSGW offers a plethora of services ranging from emergency assistance, education, workforce development, and medical and dental programs. Known for its social services, ACSGW’s mission is to help the disadvantaged and grief stricken by empowering individuals through compassionate interaction and sustainable services. “In order for Adventists to be effective witnesses, we must meet peoples’ needs first,” says Wylie.

AHNGW was formed to develop a vibrant, dynamic, lay-driven Adventist health network among the 90 Seventh-day Adventist churches (encompassing the Allegheny East, Chesapeake, and Potomac conferences) within a 25-mile radius of the Adventist World Headquarters in Maryland. The aim is to “mobilize and revitalize the Adventist health legacy within constituent churches and their surrounding communities,” says Wylie. “Since healthcare is one of the top political issues in the country, this is a perfect opportunity to contribute our health principles to the greater good of this nation.” AHNGW will establish community-based health sites to deliver training, presentations, activities, and programs to churches and communities.

Wylie, an active Seventh-day Adventist layman, has spent many years working with the government in healthcare financing administration and Social Security.

He has served as liaison with approximately 300 nongovernmental organizations, plus federal, state, and local entities. Wylie is also a member of the Michigan, District of Columbia, and United States Supreme Court bars. For more information, visit www.acsgw.org. or call (301) 585-6556.—LaVerne Henderson

Adventist Health Study-2 Seeks Columbia Union Support Adventist Health Study-2 (AHS-2) is the latest survey targeting Seventh-day Adventists, who—due to their unique dietary habits—generally have lower 4

VISITOR

risks of heart disease, certain cancers, high blood pressure, arthritis, and diabetes than other Americans. Conducted by a team of researchers from the School of Public Health at Loma Linda University in California, the goal is to survey 125,000 Adventists across the United States—45,000 African Americans (30 years or older) and 80,000 others (35 years or older). Of that number, 17,430 are needed from the Columbia Union Conference. At press time, 8,617 surveys were mailed to Union members and only 4,920 have been returned.

There is no upper age limit and all Adventists are urged to participate. Since the strength of the study is in the diversity of Adventist lifestyles and diets, participants need not be healthy, vegetarian, physically active, or regular church attendees. Enrollees will receive a confidential questionnaire. To take part in this health study, visit www.adventisthealthstudy.org or call (866) 558-6268.—LaVerne Henderson

Radio Host Receives Governor’s Citation Adrian Westney, host of Talking About Freedom, a program on radio station WGTS, recently received a citation from Maryland Governor Robert. L Ehrlich, Jr. According to the citation, Westney was commended for his “commitment in promoting religious freedom and liberty through WGTS.” Westney, who retired as director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty for the Columbia Union Conference, still works closely with current Vice President Robert Patterson. WGTS, 91.9 FM, broadcasts the program on Sabbath mornings at 8:45 a.m., from the campus of Columbia Union College, in Takoma Park, Md.—LaVerne Henderson

ADRA Supports Efforts to End World Hunger The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International was one of several sponsors of Bread for the World’s (BFW) Hunger Report 2004. Founded in 1974, BFW’s members lobby Congress and the administration to bring about policy changes that address the root causes of hunger and poverty in the United States and overseas. BFW is a nonpartisan organization supported by 45 denominations and many theological perspectives.

ADRA, the Adventist Church’s worldwide humanitarian agency, was established in 1984 for the specific purpose of providing individual and community development and disaster relief. In addition to feed-

Newsline

General Conference Session Brochure Available The next General Conference (GC) Session will take place June 2005, in St. Louis, Mo. A special brochure has been published to assist with trip planning. It includes schedules, activities, and an overview of how a General Conference Session operates. Also, there is a St. Louis traveler's guide, map, housing information, and more. Bulk quantities can be ordered via e-mail at gcsession@gc.adventist.org, by calling (301) 680-6216, or writing GC Session, Attn: Session Management, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, Md., 20904. For an electronic version, visit www.gcsession.org and click on the brochure link.—Reger Smith Jr.

The source for Adventist leadership materials.

AdventSource provides the most comprehensive collection of resource materials available for Seventh-day Adventists today.

Visit our web site or call us to find out which resources can help you maximize your ministry.

AdventSource.org 800-328-0525

55-030725c 15.44b

ing the hungry, ADRA works to prevent hunger through long-term development programs and improve access to, and equitable distribution of, food among community members. Visit www.adra.org or www.bread.org for more information.—LaVerne Henderson

DID YOU KNOW? Friendliness Factor is Crucial in Adventist Churches newcomer who walks into an Adventist A church on Sabbath will be personally greeted by more than five members, according to the Faith Communities Today (FACT) study of Seventh-day Adventist churches in America.

This was confirmed by pastors and lay leaders in the United States. In eight percent of churches only one or two members will greet visitors.

The survey also indicated that if a newcomer— regardless of religious background—feels comfortable, welcomed, and gets something of value from the worship service, he or she is likely to return. If visitors connect with individual members or families with whom they share common interests, and feel that the congregation has a meaningful ministry, they are likely to begin a pattern of attendance and consider joining. For more FACT facts, visit www.creativeministry.org and click on Research.—LaVerne Henderson AUGUST 2004

5

Technology

Transforms Chesapeake

Outreach Tompaul Wheeler

he Chesapeake Conference is on a mission to, “Inspire, motivate, and train lay people to be involved in a personal evangelistic outreach program,” says Frank Bondurant, conference evangelism director. That’s why more than 125 lay people from over 30 churches attended a recent evangelism rally held at the Columbia Union Conference headquarters.

“We challenged each lay person present to think seriously about holding an overseas evangelistic meeting—and one in their community—in 2005,” says Bondurant. More than 30 lay members were directly involved in evangelistic meetings in 2003.

The goal for 2004 is 60. Dora Lores, a member of the Spencerville church in Silver Spring, Md., recently conducted meetings in Madagascar. Others will hold meetings in the fall.

“Chesapeake is committed to training and equipping members for both local and overseas meetings,” Bondurant says. “We have pledged to purchase a DVD evangelism kit for each church that forms a lay team of presenters.

“This initiative is a continuation of the Lay Minister of Evangelism classes which started in 2002,” says Bondurant. “The North American Division Evangelism Institute (NADEI)—under the direction of Russell Burrill—is leading out. With 40 Chesapeake members enrolled, the program reached its climax in fall 2003 with “Sonrise Over Baltimore,” which consisted of multiple lay meetings throughout the metropolitan area.”

ILLUSTRATION : BRANDON REESE

T

A PRODIGAL RETURNS TO BROOKLYN Todd Jerman, a member of the Brooklyn church in Baltimore, Md., grew up and was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He left, with his family, at age 13. After a youth filled with drugs and alcohol, the Holy Spirit led him back. “I got sober October 15, 1998,” Jerman says. “Six months later I felt the Lord tugging on my heart. My wife and I decided to go back to church. She was a Baptist and I was brought up Adventist so we started attending to learn which was the right day to worship.

We really liked the Brooklyn church and asked Pastor

Howard Bankes to give us Bible studies. We gave our hearts to Christ and were baptized. Then Bankes asked if I was interested in the lay evangelism class and one thing led to another.”

Jerman (left) participated in the weekend intensives for the next two years. “Each session focused on a particular subject, plus we had books and homework,” he said.

Now an experienced lay evangelist, Jerman participated in “Sonrise Over Baltimore.”

The Brooklyn church used the “Prophecy Seminar” PowerPoint DVD presentation from Seminars Unlimited, which led attendees through the book of Daniel, chapter-by-chapter, with questions and accompanying art. “I was the actual speaker,” says Jerman, “even though I’d never done anything like that before.

The PowerPoint was so easy. It was a question and answer format, and the audience was able to participate.

“Six months before, the church’s prayer coordinator and I got together and drew up a prayer covenant and asked anyone interested to sign it,” Jerman explained.

“Those prayers made the difference in our meetings— one young woman joined the church and others are still attending. It was an awesome experience. If you feel the spirit leading, do it,” says Jerman. The Brooklyn church is planning a new series for late 2005.

NEW LIGHT IN MIDDLETOWN The Middletown church in Townsend, Del., dove whole-heartedly into its new evangelism initiative, says lay leader John Delaney (below). “We enjoy it and Pastor Doug Rennewanz is behind us 100 percent. One of the elders used personal funds to purchase a computer and all the materials. Then a team of us gave a 12-week series, the Homecoming Bible Seminar, in September 2003.

“To prepare, the church went on a 40-day fast,” Delaney says. “Within that time, there were 10 days without TV, radio, and we abstained from reading nonspiritual material. Another 10 days we ate all-natural foods—restricting dairy products, sweets, and canned vegetarian foods with preservatives.”

“During the fast the church benefited physically

and spiritually,” Delaney says. “The Sabbath testimonies were amazing. People were studying their Bibles and Sabbath School lessons more and watching less TV. Some even stopped watching the news, which often focuses on crime and distress. We had the same experience as the apostles in the upper room,” he says.

Delaney was quite pleased with the direction and format of the DVD evangelism series. “It’s a beautiful thing and really helps the presenter.” Combine that with posters, banners, mailings, and word of mouth—their meetings attracted as many as 12-15 nightly visitors.

“One lady [Esther Hawkins] lived a quarter of a mile from the church,” says Delaney. “She was an Adventist but had left the church. When she saw our banner she started attending and was re-baptized,” he says.

Hawkins (left) had visited Middletown many years before, and then moved to Texas.

When she returned to Delaware, she was still searching for truth. “I was overjoyed,” Hawkins says, after getting Middletown’s mailing and seeing the banner. “The Lord was drawing me to His truth. I was really taken by the way they opened up the Word and explained it. I’d gone to other churches, but had never encountered it that way. Each night my understanding grew. It was as if a light had shined on me. After all these years of searching—I’ve finally found it. I’m a grateful person.”

The Holy Spirit blessed Middletown with five souls and two continuing with Bible studies. I would highly recommend an evangelism program in every church,” Delaney says. “We’re planning a Daniel and Revelation seminar in September.”

What draws people to evangelism programs? “I don’t think it’s the pictures of the beasts and things like that,” says Delaney. “People are looking for security, safety, and peace—they’re afraid. When you tell them that Jesus is coming soon, and show how the Bible predicts these things, it gives them peace of mind. Also, when you’re preparing your church for outreach, you’re also preparing the members for salvation,” says Delaney. “It’s a twofold objective.”

Tompaul Wheeler, a member of Willow Brook church in Boonsboro, Md., is a freelance writer, photographer, and videographer.

When you’re preparing the church for outreach, you’re also preparing the members for salvation.

AUGUST 2004

7

School Profile George Tucker t’s hard to miss the beautiful, well-lit halls and classrooms when visiting Richmond Academy (RA) in Virginia. Then there’s the light coming from the faces of smiling students and cheerful, eager teachers. Founded in 1911, one senses that this Potomac Conference, K-12 school is indeed a special place.

Principal Sandra Maddox begins this day with the teachers’ devotion. This important time for RA teachers is akin to the process of starting a car—sticking the key in the ignition, turning it, and hearing the engine come alive. As their spiritual engines were engaged, kindergarten teacher Bob Hudson took prayer requests. Maddox asked for prayer that this year’s production of Echoes would be successful. The staff proceeded to pray for students, themselves, God’s leading in the day’s events, and ongoing projects.

Like the teachers, students, too, begin their day with worship. Senior Renee Cerovski says morning worship takes her outside of the busyness of classes and assignments and allows for reflection on her relationship with Christ. She carries these precious thoughts with her throughout the day.

In further discussion with Maddox, it was evident that prayer is the strength behind many of Richmond Academy’s successes. “A praying atmosphere has enabled everyone to be more compassionate and created tighter bonds between teachers and students,” she says. This comes from personal and sincere relationships with Christ, unquenchable commitments to students, and unabashed willingStudents practice to keep their ness to be led by skills sharp. the Holy Spirit.

I

CRITICAL BIBLICAL THINKING Robert Van Ornam, Bible instructor, says it is vital that students are able to think critically, from a biblical perspective, about many issues. Ornam makes every effort to juxtapose Seventh-day Adventist beliefs with those of others so students can better understand biblical, and political, issues. His zeal for God translates into a zeal for his students, and he strives to produce individuals capable of taking Bible truths and relating them to the world in which they live.

As a result of his class, seniors Cerovski and Jennifer Larios expressed a desire to do a systematic study of scripture on their own.

BOOKS AREN’T EVERYTHING Although math, science, English, art, and Bible classes are the crux of day-to-day activity, RA students also participate in exciting and challenging physical education activities such as tennis, skiing, snowboarding, lacrosse, volleyball, Students work on Echoes video which soccer, basketball, chronicles memorable moments. and hiking.

Adventist schools sometimes struggle to engage students in sporting activities structured around large teams. To compensate, RA involves students in swimming, archery, and ice-skating where they are allowed to compete on an individual basis or form small teams. They enjoy socializing and camaraderie with friends while bonding with teachers in a fun-filled setting outside of school walls.

LEARNING LIFE LESSONS When you think of the military, corporate businesses, and joint operations, students don’t usually come to

RICHMOND 8

VISITOR

School Profile

Status - K-12 Current Enrollment - 105 Student/Teacher Ratio - 15:1 Special Programs/Offerings - Foreign Exchange Student program, technology department, two bands, vocal choir, chimes choir, and strings ensemble.

Special Days – Grandparents’ Day, Social Science Fair, and International Thanksgiving Dinner.

RA

FAST FACTS

mind—unless you’re at Richmond Academy. In a unique program, learning the difficulties and benefits of working within a collaborative body of individuals is the objective. Teachers create this environment by selecting cross-functional teams, (consisting of thirdthrough eighth-graders) who must work on projects involving math, science, social science, and English.

These cohorts are designed to teach students the rudiments of cooperation, diversity, leadership, humility, mentorship, individual strengths and weaknesses, and the importance of recognizing and moving toward a common goal while working in a team.

In the future, Maddox hopes to massage the curriculum so that teaching becomes even more appropriate and real-world-like for students. She believes that education must impact the development of all students, whatever their academic or social progression.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE RA students are also taught the value of service.

“Our students have participated in Meals on Wheels, Salvation Army efforts, and general assistance to local needy families,” says Maddox. “We also arrange cultural mission trips every other year.” Previous destinations include the Amazon, Belize, Romania, France, Spain, and Alaska. “Next year we plan to visit Italy,” she adds. “Although we ascribe great value to

academic achievement, there’s also a sense of accomplishment when students, past and present, exhibit an attitude of service to their fellow man.”

Following the September 11 attacks, students expressed their patriotism and compassion by writing letters to New York and Washington, D.C., firefighters who participated in rescue efforts. With the help of the American Red Cross, these letters, which echoed with emotion, reached the intended individuals.

Speaking of Echoes, the teachers’ morning devotional prayer on its behalf was answered. This student video production (complete with digital clips, pictures, music, and special effects) chronicling RA’s most memorable moments of the past year, was very successful. During the viewing, it was amazing to grasp the professionalism and skill—easily on par with a Hollywood production—required to develop this level of media! Kudos to students Josh Williams, Ryan Molloy, and Woo Young, along with Van Ornam and Richmond Academy students work with Maddox for making the Salvation Army to distribute gifts. this experience possible at a small Adventist School.

Richmond Academy is enriched with the accomplishments of students and teachers alike. Their successes are directly attributed to God’s presence, prayer, and a dedicated staff. “Success is when children proceed through difficult times, whether academic or social, and leave with peaceful, smiling faces at the end of the day,” says Maddox.

George Tucker is a program analyst, freelance writer, and assistant videographer at the Norfolk (Va.) Seventh-day Adventist Church.

ACADEMY ENRICHED BY THE POWER OF PRAYER AUGUST 2004

9

Member Profile

New Jersey Pastor Builds Haitian Membership LaVerne Henderson ilson Mompremier is a former attorney who was reared in a Catholic home in Haiti. Now a Seventh-day Adventist pastor and church planter in the New Jersey Conference, he is passionate about preaching the gospel—and planting churches in the process. The fruits of his labor have him pastoring two Haitian churches and two groups.

“I was born and raised in Terrier Rouge, Haiti,” says Mompremier. Although we knew about Adventists, I was raised in a Catholic family. I received my education from Port-au-Prince University and practiced law in Cap-Haitien, Haiti.

Following a three-year stint in Montreal, Canada, his life changed when he relocated to New Jersey in 1973. Mompremier started attending the Hebron church in Brooklyn, N.Y., and was baptized in 1975. “I was deeply involved in church life,” he says.

“It was exciting to share the good news of the Bible with others. Then the Lord impressed me to become a pastor.” Mompremier’s family reacted favorably to his lifealtering decision. “Because three other relatives were already Adventists, my parents were happy for me,” he says. “They were shocked, though, that I was returning to school to become a pastor. I attended Saleve Adventist University in France and got my degree.”

W

Wilson Mompremier planted the Maranatha church in 1984. He now pastors two churches and two groups.

A LAYMAN TURNS PASTOR Mompremier returned to New Jersey in 1982, armed with a B.A. in ministry, and began attending the Newark Seventh-day Adventist Church. “There were seven French-speaking members when I arrived,” he says, “and I was soon teaching their Sabbath School class.” As the group began to grow, “I asked the pastor if we could

10

VISITOR

Member Profile

have a French-speaking worship service in the basement, and he consented. By 1984 we were organized as the Maranatha church,” he says. “That was my first pastoral role and church plant.”

Now firmly established, Maranatha is considered the “mother” church with nearly 500 members and two services—one in French/Creole and one in English.

“Whenever there is a guest speaker, we use a translator,” Mompremier says. “Also, we have a mixture of age groups and the younger members prefer the English service.”

Mompremier saw his second group, located in Jersey City, become the Philadelphie church in 1987. With 120 members, this congregation is also on the rise. He currently pastors two additional groups—Bethesda (70 members), in Roselle, and All Nations (50 members), in Maplewood. Sharing pastoral duties for these four entities is Assistant Pastor Isreal Lean-Leon. Of the four congregations, All Nations is comprised primarily of young adults.*

Top: Elders Edward and Marie Blot assist Pastor Mompremier (center) with the All Nations group.

Bottom: Pastor Mompremier (fifth from left) poses with members of Maranatha French church.

THE PERSONAL TOUCH What’s the secret to his success? “In Haiti, any programs given by Adventists usually draw a lot of people—because of the Church’s institutions and outreach,” Mompremier explains. “Many of them hold the Adventist Church in high esteem and, once they migrate to America, they are eager to accept invitations to visit Adventist churches. Haitians are friendly people,” he continues. “They will always smile, despite their problems. I’ve learned that home visitations and Bible studies work best when witnessing to the Haitian community.

“The one difficulty I’ve encountered in trying to schedule Bible studies is that they immediately enroll in school to learn English,” he says.

“Or, they are working full-time and attending college and don’t have much free time. I always make special arrangements to meet their needs and schedules. One gentleman was only available for Bible study on Thursdays at 11 p.m. I studied with him for six months; he was baptized, and is now a church leader.”

With nearly 800 Haitian Adventists now worshipping in the New Jersey Conference, Mompremier is not one to rest on his laurels. He plans to plant a fifth church in Irvington, which has a large Haitian population. “I also want to introduce the philosophy and practice of small groups. This will motivate members to take an active role in evangelism and open the doors to those we want to reach with our faith,” he says.

Mompremier—a father of three whose wife is deceased—happily reports that his parents are now Adventists. *In addition to these congregations, there is one other Haitian church, Morija, located in New Brunswick, N.J.

AUGUST 2004

11

Children bring real blessings into the home.

Psalm 127:3

Childhood illnesses. Failing grades. First dates. Even with the Lord’s help, sometimes Christian parenting can seem overwhelming. And if you can’t be there, who will guide your children toward an Adventist lifestyle?

Trust Services understands that families need to plan for the unexpected, so we show you how legal documents can express your wishes. With a Trust Services relationship, we’ll be there whenever we’re needed, usually at no cost to you or your estate. To find out more, call Trust Services today.

1-877-WILLPLAN

www.willplan.org

Columbia Union Trust Services

Resource Guide Norma Sahlin

THE HARVEST IS RIPE

for Evangelism

s summer ends, we hear people talk about harvest time. In addition to gathering crops to sustain earthly life, harvest takes on a greater meaning when it refers to gathering souls for the kingdom of Christ. These resources can equip you to respond to the Great Commission in Matthew 28 to make disciples for Jesus, train volunteers, and reach out to inactive and former members:

A

From Spectators to Disciples: A Biblical Strategy for Church Growth Author: James Zackrison Source: AdventSource at (800) 3280525 or www.adventsource.org Price: $12.95 The Church, as envisioned by Jesus and the apostles, was designed to grow in personal spiritual development as well as converts. Recognizing various church styles and personalities, this easy-to-read volume is packed with useful surveys, helpful diagrams, and group assignments to guide a leadership team through the Great Commission model found in Matthew 28.

Mentoring Women Author: Stephanie Wolfe Source: AdventSource at (800) 328-0525 or www.adventsource.org Price: $170 This comprehensive resource guides a group through a one-year personal development program.

The material includes: 13 CD’s; organizational documents; a mentoring lesson outline, answers to pertinent questions; essential notebook documents; materials to create an exciting, informative, and highly motivating retreat; and 12 monthly lesson outlines.

Care and Feeding of Volunteers Author: Barbara Bolton, Mike Bright, Byron Cressy Source: AdventSource at (800) 3280525 or www.adventsource.org Price: $14.99 This step-by-step, discipleshipminded handbook focuses on biblical principles of spiritual growth, accountability, 14

VISITOR

encouragement, and excellence. Volunteers are the heart of any church’s ministries. Recruited in desperation, given too much responsibility and too little training, volunteers tend to burn out. Then they leave disillusioned, hurt, and resentful. This book is an alternative to the “warm body” method of recruitment and development.

7 Principles for Youth Ministry Excellence Author: Jim Feldbush and William Hurtado Source: AdventSource at (800) 3280525 or www.adventsource.org Price: $11.95 The beginning of the school year is a logical time to reach out to young people, who are the future of our Church. This practical model outlines time-tested principles that have been recognized by youth leaders worldwide as essential for a successful youth ministry.

Welcome Home Source: Center for Creative Ministry at (800) 272-4664 or www.creativeministry.org Price: $39.95 Now is the time to plan for “Welcome Home” Sabbath— scheduled throughout North America for the third Sabbath in November. This CD-ROM and guidebook provides tools to organize congregations to reach out to inactive and former members. People win people back to church, not programs! Personal contact from someone at church is vital to re-engage inactive members in church life. This eight-part package also allows flexibility in planning for holiday weekends—Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and Mother’s Day—when missing members are likely to come back to church.

AUGUST 2004

Baltimore Friends Bless Strangers Through Street Ministry ead down to the streets of Fremont and Pennsylvania in Baltimore, on any given Sabbath—rain or shine—and you will probably find yourself blessed.

In a neighborhood where those who don’t belong seldom dare to roam, four gentlemen give of their time weekly to bring Jesus to people who need Him. The men—Thierry Lamour, Richard Price, Michael Williams, and James Betty—are all friends. Betty, a member of the Edmonson Heights church, became involved in street ministries about seven years ago. After a few bumps in the road, the ministry touched the hearts of Williams, Price, and Lamour, and now, they minister through this outreach program consistently.

Sabbath afternoons around 4:30 p.m. is usually when the “service” commences. A sound system is set up and the guys start singing powerful, uplifting, soulsoothing melodies that transcend the neighborhood for blocks. The singing especially gets the attention of people, sometimes coming forward and telling the men that they heard the music blocks away—in the opposite direction of the speakers.

Following the singing, Williams preaches a carefully prepared sermon. Afterwards, Michael Williams preaches a specially the guys—along with prepared sermon each week. their wives and children—mingle with the people that have come by to talk. They also provide them with food—goodie bags filled with wholesome treats that they buy and prepare themselves.

H

Quadrennial Session of the Allegheny East Conference of Seventh-day Adventists September 26, 9:30 a.m.

Bowie State University Bowie, Maryland For more information, call (610) 326-4610

Four friends band together to bring Jesus to total strangers.

Left to right: Richard Price, Michael Williams, Thierry Lamour, and James Betty.

The guys have met all kinds of people—homeless, drug-addicted, and folks just down on their luck.

Sometimes their visits have been punctuated with danger, but through it all, the men attest to the fact that the Holy Spirit is definitely present. “You have to be there to see it, because the influence of the Holy Spirit is working on the minds of these people. They break down and find themselves in tears,” said Price. “We meet people with all kinds of addictions. You name it, it’s there and the people need Jesus because He is the only person who can free them.” The men often help them get into detox programs. The men also help those who are experiencing hard times land job interviews—even providing clothes and shoes so they can look their best.

Regardless of the season, the street ministry continues, and the people are hooked. “We’ve had people come up out of nowhere—didn’t even see them in the crowd—and hand us money to help this ministry,” says Williams.

The real blessings are felt most by these four friends. “We feel that we’re being blessed,” says Price.

“It’s not that we’re doing things for other people; the fruit of it is, we think we are getting more from it than they do!”

—Wilona Karimabadi

AUGUST 2004

15

Pine Forge Academy Holds 58th Commencement orty-four vivacious young people joined the ranks of more than 2,400 alumni of Pine Forge Academy (PFA) during the school’s 58th graduation exercises the end of May. Friday evening’s consecration service featured speaker Godwin Mitchell, pastor of the Decatur (Ga.) Seventh-day Adventist Church, and father of Kenya Mitchell, class president. Marcus Harris, pastor of First Seventh-day Adventist Church in Montclair, N.J., spoke for the baccalaureate service, and Clifton Davis, singer/songwriter, pastor, actor, and PFA alumnus, served as the commencement speaker. Most of the graduates plan to continue their education on the collegiate level, and one has decided to join the United States military.

F

The Class of 1954 participates in the festivities.

Clifton Davis, center, joins graduates Shari Myles and Kayode Dare in singing the school song.

Graduates march at commencement.

Valedictorian Danielle Alexander addresses the audience.

2004-2005 United Student Movement Officers President—Micah Bratton (’05) Vice President—Johntay Brown (’05) Secretary—Leslie Pelote (’05) Treasurer—Lynae Turner (’05) Sergeant at Arms—Felicia High (’05) Academic Vice President—Manoushka Germain (’05) Female Religious Vice President—Veronica Johnson (’05) Male Religious Vice President—Derrell Manns (’05) Female Social Vice President—Yvie Cherenfant (’05)

Students Participate in 6th MITHS Program at Loma Linda University he MITHS (Minority Introduction to the Health Sciences) Program, sponsored by the Black Alumni of Loma Linda University, held its sixth program this summer. PFA students have consistently participated in the program since the summer of 1999. This year’s participants were Manoushka Germain and Marcia Robinson, both memAllegheny East Conference bers of the Class of 2005. During the summer they PO Box 266, Pine Forge, PA 19548 ■ Phone: (610) 326-4610 joined African-American students from other academies www.myalleghenyeast.com ■ President, Charles L. Cheatham in getting a taste of the different health science career Communication Director, Robert Booker programs offered at Loma Linda University. They also Pine Forge Academy (800) 390-9529 ■ www.pineforgeacademy.org had an opportunity to take some coursework in areas to e-mail: pfa@pineforgeacademy.org prepare them for careers in the health sciences.

Public Relations Director, Tiffany S. Taylor

T

16

VISITOR

AUGUST 2004

Christian Charm Course Delights Northeast Ohio Teens ozens of young ladies have become more charming thanks to a free etiquette class at Park Street Seventh-day Adventist Church in Oberlin, Ohio. Course instructor Barbara Davis organized the seminars during the first two weeks in March for about 60 girls.

Davis, who is also the wife of Park Street Pastor James Davis, was thrilled with the opportunity to share lessons about feminine beauty and the beauty of God’s love. The students—who ranged in ages from 5- to 18Ellen Gardner (right) first lady of the City of years-old—learned about fashion, health, manners, and safety.

Oberlin was present for the program.

At the start of the charm school program, Hazel Gilleylen set the tone with a topic, “Do I Stand, Sit, and Walk Gracefully?” which was followed with “My Daily Christian Walk.” Anessa Wyman gave a mini session on “Lovely Hands,” followed by Judith Joseph’s presentation on “What’s That in Thine Hands?”

Cosmetologist Lanette McCant spoke on “My Attitude Toward My Hair,” demonstrating various hairstyles and techniques to enhance one’s personal appearance. Mary Taylor presented guidelines in etiquette, which included the proper Conference Secretary Carl Rogers way to set a formal table. “How Can I extends best wishes.

Look Well Dressed?” was presented

by Lynette Jackson and Angela Green. The girls really enjoyed sampling different fashions and choosing colors that best suited their complexions.

Course orgranizer Barbara Davis (left) with Judith Joseph, who presented “What’s The students took an inward look at themselves as Sandra Tate preThat in Thine Hands?” sented “Self Esteem.” Gabriel Hagan presented a valuable lesson on safety awareness, followed by Lisa Sabor of Community Health Partners, who gave a presentation on diet and exercise.

The event culminated with parents and friends beaming with pride as the girls received their graduation certificates. The first lady of the city of Oberlin, Ellen S. Gardner, was on hand to take a personal picture with each graduate as they received their certificate.

Carl Rogers, secretary of the Allegheny West Conference, was also on hand to extend best wishes to the Oberlin outreach program.

D

Lynette Jackson (left) who presented “How Can I Look Well Dressed?” shares a moment with Barbara Davis.

Cynthia Moore Communication Director PARK STREET CHURCH

AUGUST 2004

17

Bethel Church Holds Wellness Seminar n Eight Weeks to Wellness seminar was recently held at the Bethel church in Cleveland, Ohio, under the leadership of Diane Crider, wellness coordinator. Participants learned how to identify and develop healthy lifestyles, become more physically active, choose meals low in saturated fat and cholesterol, protect their health by eating fiber-rich foods, achieve and maintain a healthy weight, recognize and avoid dependencies, cope more effectively with stress, and focus on prevention.

Seminar attendees documented their progress by keeping a daily personal wellness log. Each participant also had a “healthy buddy” to offer encouragement. A graduation event was held at the conclusion of the eight weeks, and a diploma was presented to each participant.

A

Eight Weeks to Wellness participants received diplomas on completion of Carlotta E. Santori the seminar.

Communication Department BETHEL CHURCH

Melrose Hosts Family Life Weekend

Thirteen Baptized at Bethel Cleveland Seminar

he Melrose Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church in Roanoke, Va., pastored by Jonathan Runnels, recently held a family life weekend themed “Binding the Family Together.”

Friday began with an evening service presenting the “Seven Last Sayings of Jesus,” taken from the four gospels. Several local area ministers participated in this Spirit-filled and thought-provoking service.

Many were in attendance as each speaker brought to life seven of the most profound statements Jesus made. The Male Chorus of the Loudon Avenue Christian Church enhanced the service with music, and it was a night of high praise and worship.

On Sabbath morning David Runnels of Sapulpa, Okla., (brother of Jonathan Runnels), delivered a dynamic divine worship hour message. He also conducted a family life workshop later in the afternoon. The weekend culminated with a basketball game by the men, women, and friends of the church.

P

T

Melrose members enjoyed a Spirit-filled family life weekend.

astor Russell L. Fields never wavered in his preaching of the books of Daniel and Revelation during the fourweek seminar held recently at the Bethel Bethel church’s recent Daniel and Seventh-day Revelation seminar yielded 13 baptisms.

Adventist Church in Cleveland, Ohio.

We all rejoiced with heaven as 13 precious souls gave their lives to the Lord and were baptized. The seminars strengthened the congregation and renewed their faith to continue going forward in the work of the Lord. Praise God! Beverly Robinson Communication Leader BETHEL CHURCH

—Jean T. Mills Catch the Vision is published in the Visitor by the Allegheny West Conference 1339 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43205 Phone: (614) 252-5271 ■ President, James L. Lewis Editor, Robert C. Lewis ■ www.awconf.org

18

VISITOR

AUGUST 2004

The After-Camp-Meeting Challenge embers from every area of the conference gathered for four days of spiritual refreshment at our annual camp meeting on the campus of Highland View Academy. The music was outstanding, with speakers, seminar leaders, and the children’s division producing excellent programs. And for the most part, things went smoothly and our people were really blessed. But we must be careful not to lose that blessing.

I am reminded of the counsel in The Desire of Ages (p. 83) that warns of the dangers of losing track of Jesus even while attending religious convocations. Ellen White writes that “many attend religious services, and are refreshed and comforted by the word of God; but through neglect of meditation, watchfulness, and prayer, they lose the blessing, and find themselves more destitute than before they received it.” She then goes on to suggest this familiar counsel: “It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit. If we would be saved at last, we must learn the lesson of penitence and humiliation at the foot of the cross.”

That is one of the most important and personal challenges we all face—and not just after Neville Harcombe camp meeting. Let us not neglect our Savior’s presence. Let us each make a covenant to President spend daily time with him. That commitment is crucial.

M

NEWS ABC Opens at HVA

Brooks Ordained at Hagerstown

The Highland View Academy (HVA) Book Center officially opened recently while conference leadership and pastors were on campus setting up for camp meeting.

Andrew Choi, business manager of HVA and the new book center, shared a brief history of the development of the center. Conference officers also participated in the festivities. The book center carries health foods as well as a good compliment of printed materials Neville Harcombe (far right) joins from the Review & Andrew Choi (second from left) and Herald and Pacific staff in opening the HVABC. Press Publishing associations. All profits from the center will go to the worthy student fund to assist students in obtaining a Christian education. For information on products and hours of operation, call (877) HVA-SHOP.

Jason Brooks was ordained to the gospel ministry at the Hagerstown church where he has served as youth pastor for the past four years. Brooks, a convert to Adventism (he married the attractive young witness who got him studying Adventist beliefs), has a real passion for sharing the gospel in new and relevant ways with anyone who will listen, with a special burden for young people. Brooks has recently begun new responsibilities at the Spencerville church as the associate pastor for youth ministries. At Spencerville he hopes to see the youth ministry “go deeper, reach farther, and draw closer.” Chesapeake is pleased to have Brooks, his wife, Beth, and children, Wesley and Maggie, The Brooks family. Clockwise from top: Jason, Wesley, Maggie, and Beth. as part of its pastoral family.

AUGUST 2004

19

Highlights from Camp Meeting 2004 Left: Cheryl and Jim Peters helped attendees make healthy choices.

Right: James Gilley spoke twice on Sabbath.

Gary Gibbs preached on opening night.

Above: Pamela (pictured) and Claudio Consuegra shared the right mix of ingredients for making successful families.

Right: Kermit Netteburg drew current and relevant applications from Isaiah for the church today.

Neville Harcombe thanked everyone who made camp meeting a blessing.

Above: Pastor Tim Crosby’s keyboard skills provided the right atmosphere for the evening meetings.

Left: Caleb Acker was distracted by the camera in the kindergarten division.

Youngsters appreciated helpers like Katie Minner.

The Challenge is published in the Visitor by the Chesapeake Conference ■ 6600 Martin Road, Columbia, MD 21044 Phone: (410) 995-1910 ■ Editor, Rob Vandeman ■ Editorial Assistant, Barbara-Lee Boyd 20

VISITOR

AUGUST 2004

Students Minister on Miami Mission Trip here was no end to the activities performed by the Columbia Union College (CUC) Latino Student Union (LSU) while on a mission trip to Miami, Fla. For LSU, service is more than a theme or a catch phrase.

It’s a belief the group acted on over 10 days while painting, carrying, lifting, building, and serving.

Students and faculty worked on a number of projects including preparing the worksite for Habitat for Humanity, serving 680 plates of food at a homeless shelter, and giving a local church a “facelift.”

“This was more than a mission trip,” said Eduardo Gonzalez, a senior communications major and LSU president. “Most people would say I was crazy to venture out on a mission like this on such short notice. The whole trip was a miracle and an answer to prayer. On the day of our departure from Miami we found out that our debt had been paid through anonymous donors.”

“I loved being together and helping and serving God. In everything we did we could see that God was helping us,” said Jennifer Fernandes, junior general studies major. “On Saturday we went to a service that touched me very much. You could feel the love and the presence of God everywhere. We really fulfilled our mission to help others.”

“The highlight for me was seeing the relationships that we were able to make with Christians and nonChristians. We were able to be a positive influence on young people through programs at churches and one for the academy,” said Nicholas Zork, director of the Center for Youth Evangelism at Andrews University, who coordinated the trip.

“I liked working for Habitat for Humanity, feeding the homeless, and cleaning the church. The teamwork on the mission trip was amazing,” said Amy Garayua, a senior nursing major.

Not only were these students able to make a difference in those communities, they were also influenced.

“It went both ways,” said Alvin Carpintero, a junior music performance major. “It benefited me to see how much of a need there is even in our own country. You don’t have to go overseas to find a need. Giving to people helps them realize that someone cares. Jesus came here to help and we should do the same.”

T

LSU members standing left to right: Margaret Anderson, Michael Bernard, Silvia Chavez, Joyce Ushijima, Angela Molina, Eduardo Gonzalez, Jennifer Fernandes, Lina Kalynaska, and Greg Venie. Seated, left to right: Michelle Fernandes and Amy Garayna.

FOR MORE

CUC CUC news and

information info

—including online registration—

visit www.cuc.edu

news

—Kelly Allen

AUGUST 2004

21

CUC Launches New Honors Program UC is introducing an honors program for top students beginning this fall. “Honors students will learn through more interactive classroom experiences, through interdisciplinary work, though outside activities that enrich the classroom experience, and through leadership and services experiences,” said Robert Young, CUC’s vice president for academic administration.

The honors program will utilize a variety of learning devices.

Students will take thought-provoking interdisciplinary courses taught by CUC’s select professors, with discussions incorporating relevant social connections. Various national institutions within the Washington, D.C., area will be visited, along with a variety of educational and cultural events in the surrounding communities, to bring a broader spectrum to class work. International study courses will Smaller class sizes, special projects, and an also serve as part of the honors program learning experience. emphasis on leadership, are some of the highlights Enrollment for each class will be less than 20 people to allow for of the new honors program. increased dialogue. Honors students will be able to engage in a learning environment, surrounded by fellow motivated and academically advanced students who want to be challenged to expand their minds.

“Through the leadership of the honors program director, Brad Haas, we expect a growing, vibrant experience for our students,” said Young. “I am excited with the work of the committee and look forward to the inauguration of the honors program this fall.”

Honors program application packets and information are available through the Center for Learning Resources at (301) 891-4106 or honors@cuc.edu.

—Wayne Binkley

C

CUC Gets National Fox Sports Net Coverage hat started as a phone call from a TV producer looking for a site to shoot some background footage, turned into a brief feature on national television about CUC on Fox Sports Net’s “NCAA On Campus” program.

Fox uses a variety of NCAA schools as the backdrop for their weekly program profiling student athletes. CUC, as the host site, was the subject of a short Fox Sports Net host Sage Steel, with crew Robyn feature during the broadcast. Geller and Phil Ferzacca, highlight CUC for national broadcast.

“CUC is a Division II school with a very attractive setting, and close to Washington, D.C. They’ve helped make this an easy shoot for us,” said producer Robyn Geller.

During the program, student athletes around the country are invited to videotape a question for NCAA President Myles Brand relating to the state of collegiate athletics. Senior biology major Lorian Anderson, a starting guard for the Lady Pioneers basketball team, was selected and asked the president, “Over the past five years, what changes in gender equality have you seen in NCAA sports?”

—Scott Steward

W

22

VISITOR

CALENDAR

August 2 Capital Summer Session-Begins

20 Capital Summer Session-Ends

26-29 CUC Preview

30 Registration for Fall Semester

31 Fall Semester Classes-Begin

September 1 Convocation

2 Student Association Variety Show

6 School Closed—Labor Day Holiday Gateway is published in the Visitor by the Columbia Union College 7600 Flower Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912 Phone: (800) 835-4212 ■ www.cuc.edu Randal Wisbey, President ■ Editor, Scott Steward

AUGUST 2004

Friendly Fire or Fired-up Friends? soldier in combat is devastated when he learns that his actions have brought death through “friendly fire.” To know you have killed a fellow soldier through a horrible misjudgment is an unforgettable nightmare. At the same time, there are those within the ranks of the Lord’s army who purposely take “potshots” against fellow warriors.

It appears that some feel God has called them to fire at the saints in these last days. They dig up all the dirt they can to display it for all to see. This undoubtedly convinces others of the “dirtiness” of the Church, and it doesn’t do much to build up the troops. After all, why would a person want to join such a depraved army, especially when some specialize in shooting their fellow soldiers?

During the culmination of this “great controversy,” we daily face choices that influence those around us.

Perhaps it would be good for us to take inventory of our relationships with others. Do we: Stagnate or Activate—sit and complain or become active in service for others?

Waste or Win—waste time before the TV or use energies to win others for Christ?

Singe or Soothe—speak words that burn or choose words that soothe and save?

Ravage or Encourage—criticize and destroy or build up through encouragement?

Hinder or Hasten—hinder or hasten our Savior’s return through our witness?

Let’s not end up destroying lives with “friendly fire,” but, by His grace, let’s be encourKingsley Whitsett President aging to others in the church and community by becoming “fired-up” in His love!

A

A Passion of Love Ignites Weston s 12-year-old Ricky Jackson studied the final chapters of The Desire of Ages with his parents during family worship, he was deeply moved by its vivid account of Christ’s sacrifice for him. Hearing many fellow students and teachers at his public school talk about the popular screen version of Christ’s sufferings, it was evident to Jackson that the crucifixion was on people’s minds. Jackson thought, “I’m sure that many of these people would like to understand this subject more deeply, beyond what a movie can show.”

A

Ricky Jackson handed out copies of A Passion of Love to his classmates and teachers and was met with positive responses!

Knowing that his church—Glenville—had a supply of A Passion of Love, containing the final 12 chapters of The Desire of Ages, Jackson thought that having this book would help many of his fellow students and teachers have a richer and more inspiring view of Christ’s actual accomplishments on Calvary. So one by one, he talked to those who seemed most interested and told them about the book he had been studying on the closing scenes of Christ’s life and the resurrection following. Ten students and three of Ricky’s teachers said they would gladly accept and read a free copy of the book.

Jackson made a list of their names and, the next Sabbath at church, picked up the required number of books, which he distributed the following week. Later that week nearly all who received the book came back to say they were deeply moved by its content. Most of them asked if he had more religious literature of this quality. Other students, overhearing these conversations also said, “We want a copy of that book too!”

As a result, Jackson has gone back to all these people with more books, literature, and Bible study enrollment cards. The enthusiastic response generated by his bold but tactful sharing of His faith continues in widening circles throughout the community.

—Tracy Jackson

AUGUST 2004

23

Student Missionaries Visit Navajo Reservation acrificing Spring Break, 25 students and six chaperones, from five Mountain View schools, traveled to La Vida Mission located in Farmington, N.M., on the edge of Navajo Nation tribal lands. This mission provides many essential services for the local people, including a free K-8 boarding school, potable water, health education, medical and dental care, and much more.

Planned as a training program, the mission trip provided each student with opportunities to learn and practice Christian leadership skills. Some of the on-campus projects included conducting Sabbath worship services and prayer meetings, re-shelving the cafeteria pantry, painting staff housing, ground preparation and planting in the greenhouses, health education classes, orchard mainteLa Vida Mission trip participants served the campus well nance, dormitory and cafeteria cleaning, tutoring and as each student was provided with opportunities to learn supervision of Navajo students, and preparing the school and practice Christian leadership skills. building for painting.

Our students also did roofing, painting, and clean-up projects for homes in the community and were rewarded by learning about the Navajo culture and traditions. After a week of hard work, the students enjoyed some sightseeing. Although tired and ready to come home, the students expressed satisfaction over the work accomplished. The mission staff agreed. “I have never seen a group of students work so hard and accomplish so much,” was the sentiment of one of the staff members.

At the insistence of the 2004 team, plans have already begun for the 2005 mission trip.

—Cheryl Jacko

S

Wheeling Seminar a Great Success heeling’s Hope in Troubled Waters Bible Prophecy Seminar—a fiveweek intensive series of multi-media presentations by Pastor Donald Clemons—was blessed with a harvest of souls.

The Wheeling (W.Va.) church began preparing for the seminar in fall 2003 with various programs, including free literature distribution as part of the Sow One Billion endeavor, weekly Bible studies, and an active Discover Bible School. Vegetarian cooking classes, two health fairs, along with mass mail-outs and media advertising, primed the community for the series.

The five-night-a-week program was conducted at the Wheeling Park Stone Room. “We felt it wise to meet at a public hall through the entire series, so participants could consider our message objectively,” explained Clemons.

More than 125 people came on opening night, and 40-45 participants attended throughout the rest of the seminar. Each session began with a 15-minute health nugget presented by different health professionals. With a children’s Bible program, the series also offered special music, nightly literature gifts, and inspirational creation videos.

“We’ve made a difference in this area by inviting people to actually open the Bible and study,” said Clemons. “Many individuals attending the meeting have told me that they have learned more in a few weeks than they have in their entire lives!”

Wheeling church has now welcomed 16 new members with another five to 10 preparing for baptism. Plans are underway for another largescale series in 2005.

—Amy Garvick

W

24

VISITOR

Mountain View

EVENTS August 17-19 Pastors’/Teachers’ Retreat Valley Vista

23 Mountain View Elementary Schools-Begin

September 6 Labor Day (Office Closed)

12 Church Ministries Expo Charleston Mountain Viewpoint is published in the Visitor by the Mountain View Conference 1400 Liberty Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101 ■ Phone: (304) 422-4581 President, Kingsley Whitsett Editor, Brian Jones ■ www.mtviewconf.org

SpiriT MOUNT VERNON ACADEMY AUGUST 2004

Mount Vernon Academy Offers College Credit ount Vernon Academy (MVA) will be offering college credit options through Columbia Union College (CUC) and North Central State College in 20042005. These programs are designed to provide academic challenges to motivated high school students who demonstrate academic ability and social maturity to succeed at the college level. Students must meet minimum entrance test and cumulative GPA requirements before being accepted into either program.

Additionally, students must maintain a college grade point average of 2.0 or higher in order to continue in the program. All classes are available for dual credits, both high school and college.

The association with CUC continues to be strong.

Students pay a tuition rate that is only 10 percent of the actual tuition cost at CUC. Last school year approximately 35 students earned college credit, some for as much as 12 semester hours.

The association with North Central State College is part of the Ohio-sponsored Post Secondary Education Options Program. This program allows students who are Ohio residents to take classes free of charge.

M

MVA is happy to offer the following classes for dual credit: American Politics & Issues College Algebra, College Trigonometry, Composition 1, Composition & Literature, Computer Basics, Economics, *Healthier Living, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Interpersonal Communication, Introduction to Graphic Design, Introduction to Psychology, *Jesus and the Gospels, Keyboarding, Microsoft Programs, Nutrition, Physics, Pre-Calculus, *Spanish 3, *Spanish 4, Speech , U.S. History 1, 2, & 3, Wellness *CUC class Linda Taber Registrar

Class of 2004 graduates David McGill and Lana Lucht carve pumpkins at the SA barn party. MVA’s student association hosts events like this throughout the school year.

calendar of

events

August 15

September

Registration 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

SA Handshake

2-5

16

5

Begin First Semester

Sunday School

21

8-12

High Sabbath Hide-a-way Day

Homeleave

25

Fall Week of Prayer

Senior Survival Weekend

20-25

Lake Day

27-29 Echoliers’ Retreat

Spirit is published in the Visitor by Mount Vernon Academy 525 Wooster Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050 ■ Phone: (740) 397-5411 ■ Principal, Dale Twomley ■ www.mvacademy.org

AUGUST 2004

25

SpiriT

In the farmlands of Ohio, we’re cultivating a different kind of mind.

One of most important decisions you will make is where to attend a school that will prepare you for life’s challenges and joys. Where you’re educated in your high school or academy years plays a significant role in the kind of person that you will become. At Mount Vernon Academy we’re serious about your future.

This is the concept behind every detail in the programs offered at Mount Vernon Academy. This is what has made us the fastest growing Adventist Academy in the United States.

It is an environment where a student’s faith in Jesus Christ can grow in a setting of trust, which builds relationships and character. A Christian education, provided by committed and highly gifted instructors, most of whom hold Master’s Degrees in their field of study, will help lift the minds of all students to excel to their full potential.

Beyond getting a quality academic education, you will have choices in 19 technology and vocational programs. There is even

an accelerated academic program that could have you ready to enter college as a sophomore.

Dorm rooms are comfortable, and throughout the campus, you’ll have access to high-speed, Internet-ready T-1 lines, which are available 24 hours a day. The only thing you won’t have is an excuse not to write home.

From great music programs to a well-rounded athletic program, with three full-sized basketball courts, four volleyball courts, even a climbing wall and great outdoor facilities, Mount Vernon Academy is a place where you can achieve academic excellence in a fun-filled and emotionally stable environment.

Mount Vernon Academy also guarantees that we will find a way for you to afford this kind of quality education.

To see, learn, or receive more information about MVA, visit us at www.mvacademy.org or call Dale Twomley, Ph.D. at 740.397.5411. Or write us at Mount Vernon Academy, P.O. Box 311, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050. Or e-mail us at mva@ecr.net.

Mt. Vernon Academy Established 1893 Discover Christ. Discover Yourself.

AUGUST 2004

Gentle Breezes, Chilled Watermelon, and Prayer t had been one of those days—hot, muggy—and it went on and on. I had been enduring a headache since the onset of dawn, and by midafternoon, my body was begging for a cool room, shades drawn, and a soft bed to lie down. Just 20 minutes, just 10 minutes, even five would do. I battled the desire for relief all afternoon, and as the hours started pouring into evening, there was still much that needed my undivided attention. So I shoved my reclusive bedroom scene back into my “it's just not going to happen” file, and trudged forward.

As the day finally came to an end, I headed down the dark, empty highway. My heart, mind, and soul rushed with all eagerness ahead of me, and I crawled into bed, waiting for my body to catch up. At last, rest came. It was everything I needed, and then some. The bedroom was cool and refreshing. I slipped between the sheets, noticing they felt like silky moonlight, and pulled the summer blanket up to my knees. I gave a sigh of relief and gingerly laid my aching head on my downy pillow. It whispered to me of gentle breezes and chilled watermelon, and my soul was instantly soothed. I was quiet and still for the first time that day. Peace at last reigned supreme and I sent my gratitude heavenward.

The next morning as my prayers ascended to my Father, I was struck with the peacefulness of the night before.

That moment of loveliness as I slipped into bed, that feeling of receiving heaven's best—this is how one should feel every time you close your eyes in prayer. Eagerly, impatiently, our souls should long for those moments alone with God, as intensely as I had longed to recline.

And when the moment comes, it will be everything you need; it will not disappoint. With a heavy sigh of relief, laying your aching head softly upon the Savior's breast, peace and gratitude will sweep you away and your soul will be refreshed. The coolness of our Father's hand against our troubled brow, the sweetness of His touch as He tames our harried mind, the gentle breeze and chilled watermelon he offers our hot and thirsty soul—this is the picLeRoy Finck President ture of a heart in prayer.

I

New Jersey Bids Farewell to Keyes Family he staff and pastoral team of the New Jersey Conference would like to say thank you to Ed Keyes; his wife Lillian, daughter Rebecca, and son Andrew, for their dedication.

Pastor Keyes accepted the position of ministerial director and vice president of the Arizona Conference. May God's blessings continue to be upon them in this new responsibility.

T

The Keyes family is leaving New Jersey Conference to serve the Arizona Conference. They are pictured at their farewell party as Leroy Finck, president, says a few words in their honor.

AUGUST 2004

27

Laurel Springs Church Dedicated he Laurel Springs Spanish church was recently dedicated to the Lord. We had a full house with members and visitors from Camden, Vineland, Bridgeton, and other churches in the area.

We were honored to have the officers of the New Jersey Conference join us. After Sabbath worship there was a delicious lunch for everyone. José Cortés, executive secretary, presented the afternoon dedication message. Raymond Jiménez, treasurer, and Noel Bonilla, church treasurer, conducted the ceremonial burning of the mortgage.

Ramon Croussett, Laurel Springs Spanish church pastor, was very excited because 11 souls came to Jesus’ feet and were baptized. Praise the Lord for His many blessings on this church.

Ramon Croussett

T

Raymond Jimenez (right) and Noel Bonilla (second from right) LAUREL SPRINGS SPANISH CHURCH conducted the ceremonial burning of the mortgage.

August 1 AY Federation Meeting-North 10 a.m.-1 p.m. ABC Open

3-12 Youth Mission Trip

8 ABC Open Top: Conference officers with Pastor Ramon Croussett (sixth from left) and members of the Laurel Springs Spanish church are ecstatic about their mortgage burning.

Bottom: Laurel Springs church brethren give thanks for the Lord’s blessings.

10-14 Pathfinders’ Camporee Oshkosh, Wis.

15 AY Federation/Directors’ Meeting Conference Office

22 Temperance Parade-North

28 Day of Prayer Pathfinder Coordinators’/Directors’ Meeting

29 Temperance Parade-South New Jersey News is published in the Visitor by the New Jersey Conference 2160 Brunswick Ave., Trenton NJ 08648 Phone: (609) 392-7131 ■ President, LeRoy Finck ■ Editor, Aura Garcia www.njcsda.org 28

VISITOR

AUGUST 2004

Record Crowds Enjoy “Gathering” Concerts aving scores of community guests attend events hosted by the Adventist Church is not a common occurrence, and it is even rarer to have people line up outside two hours prior to the event.

This is what the Ohio Conference experienced at its annual “The Gathering” concerts. These events have been designed specifically for Christians in the Knox County community. Over 2,000 local guests, and others from all over Ohio and adjoining states, joined the Adventists for the first two of the four-part, free concert series named “The Gathering.” Approximately 1,800 people filled the Mount Vernon Academy (MVA) gymnasium to enjoy a free concert by leading contemporary Christian music group, Avalon. The event, sponsored by the Kettering Medical Center, brought together people from many Christian denominations and independent Jamie Thietten opened for both Avalon and The Easters’ concerts. churches. The following night, another large group attended a concert by gospel bluegrass artists, The Easters. Recording artist Jamie Thietten opened for both Avalon and the Easters’ concerts.

It was absolutely thrilling to see so many young people participate in a Christian worship experience—a sentiment expressed by many Adventists who were present for the evening with Avalon. Others expressed their gratitude that the events were held, though they did not enjoy the genre of music performed by the artists. Yet others highlighted the value of breaking out of separatist attitudes and practices. One commented, “If Jesus were physically here in Mount Vernon on those evenings, this is where He would have been.”

A special free-will offering was received on both evenings for the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. A total of $8,700 will benefit this cause. WNZR radio, the voice of Nazarene University, gave wide publicity to these events, including a one-hour live broadcast from the MVA campus. In addressing the audience at the Avalon concert, the manager of the radio station thanked the Seventh-day Adventist Church for making the concert available to the community. Fred Manchur, president of Kettering Medical Center, greeted the audience and talked about the ministry of Kettering Adventist HealthCare and of Kettering College of Medical Arts.

As a result of “The Gathering,” several community guests learned about other camp-meeting related programs and have attended some of these Avalon performed for a crowd that included record numbers of community members. events as well.

H

AUGUST 2004

29

Ohio Hosts Third Annual Faith Fest aith Fest ’04, held June 11 and 12, proved to be another dynamic weekend experience packed with inspiring preaching, heartfelt worship, and praise. Groups leading in worship during the weekend included praise teams from the Worthington, Mansfield, and Stillwater churches. Speakers included Pastor Karl Haffner, senior pastor of the Walla Walla College Church; Pastor Ron Gladden, director of the Adventist Church Planting Center; and Christian businessman and entrepreneur Herb Larson, Jr.

F

The Mansfield church praise team leads Sabbath morning worship.

Ohio Holds First Hispanic Women’s Retreat hat an inspiring day!” and “Let’s be sure to come again next year, and bring some other hermanas (sisters) with us!” These were just some of the exclamations overheard in the parking lot following Ohio Conference’s first Hispanic Women’s Retreat held recently. This one-day event took place at the conference headquarters in Mount Vernon, Ohio. An extravagant vegetarian luncheon was served to the attendees.

Women arrived energized—having traveled and bonded in carpools—and were greeted by a nutritious continental breakfast, inspiring music, and a devotional seminar and team activities by Midalvi Rivera, a pastor’s wife from Cincinnati. Other features included

W

worship, seminars, and more music. All this took place in one power-packed Sabbath fellowship of God’s precious Spanish-speaking daughters from Ohio!

The retreat theme was “A la Casa del Alfarero” (at the potter’s house). Featured speaker Gloria Ceballos, a public speaker and nursing administrator at Kettering Medical Center, ended her morning presentation by providing broken pottery pieces to each attendee, who then metaphorically brought their broken piece to the feet of Jesus to receive wholeness from the Potter’s hand. Elaborate luncheon tables featured decorator clay pots that each woman was able to take as a memento.

In the afternoon, Ceballos shared heartwarming family-album photos on a giant screen, as she presented a life-stages seminar packed with informative data—punctuated with humor. Musical selections, by women from around the state, were followed by presentations of gifts, and a meaningful hand-in-hand prayer circle which brought the day’s events to a beautiful close. Each woman took a boxed supper with her for her journey home, courtesy of Kettering Medical Center.

Future plans include the possibility of a weekend women’s retreat next year. Details will be announced soon. For additional information or comments, contact the Hispanic women’s retreat coordinator, Carmen Espinoza, or Director Lucy Cisneros, of the Office of Women’s Ministries at the Ohio Conference.

Gloria Ceballos, a public speaker and nursing administrator at Kettering Medical Center, gave the keynote address.

Mission Ohio is published in the Visitor by the Ohio Conference ■ P. O. Box 1230, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 Phone: (740) 397-4665 ■ President, Raj Attiken Editor, Bette Toscano ■ www.ohioadventist.org

30

VISITOR

AUGUST 2004

Arise and Build God’s Kingdom onstruction experts, amateurs, and willing hands from across Pennsylvania will gather later next month in Leechburg, Pa., for our next “Arise and Build” church project. God has blessed this church family with warm fellowship, members who study His Word, and constant outreach. There is a need for a new, larger building so the Leechburg congregation can continue “treating their part of Pennsylvania as a mission field.” Although the cost of building materials has increased substantially, the value of souls led to Christ can only be measured by heaven's payment at the cross. God will bless us as we give generously of our time and funds for this project.

The church families at our other Arise and Build locations have seen much growth following the construction of their new facilities. Arise and Build is not just about a new church building; it is about building the kingdom of God. It is a vision of boys and girls, men and women, coming to know the joy of Christ's return. Our joy in heaven will be full as we see how God has Ray Hartwell President worked to bring others into His presence.

C

Second “Arise and Build” Project Dedicated he Honesdale (Pa.) Seventh-day Adventist Church recently dedicated their new facility. The mayor of Honesdale, and other community leaders and media, were invited to join the congregation, conference leaders, and volunteers who had been a part of building this church.

The second conference “Arise and Build” project, the Honesdale church began laying the foundation in the summer of 2002. Over 200 volunteers from across Pennsylvania joined forces to raise the structure. By the end of the day, the Honesdale building was essentially completed, minus the completion of electrical and plumbing work. Throughout the coming months, volun-

T

teers and church members lent their specific skills and abilities to complete the building. The process also enabled the church to build new relationships within their community, as locals watched the continuing process. Church attendance was growing even in their old facility, but now it doubled and tripled!

Pastoral team Mike and Linda McCabe believe having a new facility gives the church potential. “Now we have a place to bring people; we didn’t before, and we didn’t have room to grow. The new building is only the beginning of what God is going to do here.” The church has already begun to invite the community to a variety of events, including an international dinner.

Next month, volunteers will again come together to begin building the conference’s next Arise and Build church at Leechburg. Arise and Build recognizes that one-fourth of Pennsylvania churches meet in older structures with limited parking and undersized meeting places that are not conducive for growth. Believing we can work together to make a difference, the program assists local churches by providing funds and volunteer labor to build new facilities.

Members from across the Pennsylvania Conference built the new Honesdale Seventh-day Adventist Church. Constituents will work together again in September to raise the funds and provide labor for the new Leechburg church.

AUGUST 2004

31

Korean Church Dedicates Building orean pastors from neighboring states, former pastors, and members were among those who celebrated the recent dedication of the Pennsylvania Korean Seventh-day Adventist Church in Philadelphia.

Conference President Ray Hartwell shared the morning message while Rudolph Pelley, treasurer, presided over the mortgage burning. Pelley reminded the congregation that while they had paid the debt of the church and now were debt-free, Christ paid the greater debt, allowing us to be free. The church choir added to the service with beautiful music and Pastor John Hyung B. Choi led the congregation in a dedicational litany.

The church history was also read.

Young people decorated the hall where a Korean dinner was held following the service. A church member who manufactures socks was so thankful for the debt-free church that socks, inscribed with the dedication information in Korean, were given to those in attendance. Guests also received a pen with the same inscription.

The Pennsylvania Korean church began in 1972 at the Kenhorst Boulevard church as a group of Korean families began meeting together. In 1981 they moved to the Fairview Village church and were later organized as the Pennsylvania Korean Seventh-day Adventist Church. After moving to the Philadelphia Boulevard church in 1983, the group purchased a building on Tackawanna Street in Philadelphia. It was here that their health ministry began.

In 1997, the congregation purchased a former Jewish synagogue.

Situated in a beautiful residential neighborhood, the facility includes an all purpose room, which can seat 600 people in theater-style seating, a large kitchen, many classrooms, and adequate parking. The influence of the synagogue is seen in the stained glass windows of the current sanctuary. Each window depicts scenes from the Old Testament and Jewish symbols. A separate building houses the youth group with renovations on the second and third floors to provide Members of the Pennsylvania Korean space health seminars. church in Philadelphia recently celebrated

K

the dedication of their church building.

Kyung-Ja Lee reads the church history.

August 10-14 Pathfinder Camporee Oshkosh, Wis.

25-27 NCD Phase 1 Coaches’ Training Laurel Lake Camp

27-29 NCD Implementation Team Weekend Laurel Lake Camp

September 17 & 18 Western Pennsylvania Camp Meeting

24 & 25 Blue Mountain Academy Leadership Weekend

25

Join Us for Western Pennsylvania Camp Meeting! ring your family and friends and join us for the Western Pennsylvania Camp Meeting to be held September 17-18 at Laurel Lake Camp, Rossiter, Pa. Frank Bondurant, Chesapeake Conference Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Director, will be our featured speaker. Children and teens will also enjoy Sabbath School and afternoon activities. Inspiring worship, beautiful music, powerful prayer, and fellowship will begin Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. and end Sabbath with vespers. The Adventist Book Center “bookmobile” will be open after sundown. While at Laurel Lake, check out the newly completed nature center next to the gym. Pick up an application with information on accommodations and meals at your local church or call the conference office at (610) 374-8331.

B

32

VISITOR

Pennsylvania Day of Prayer and Fasting Arise and Build Offering

26 Arise and Build Big Day at Leechburg Adventurer Family Picnic

Pennsylvania Pen is published in the Visitor by the Pennsylvania Conference 720 Museum Road, Reading, PA 19611 Phone: (610) 374-8331, ext. 210 President, Ray Hartwell ■ Editor, Tamyra Horst ■ Secretary, Daisy Lopez www.paconference.org

AUGUST 2004

Committed to Excellence elcome to another exciting school year! The desks are clean, the pencils have been sharpened, and our teachers are ready to share the wonders of Jesus’ love with each of their students. It is definitely a time of new dreams, of expanding visions, and of broadening horizons.

When I think of dreams and visions, I am reminded of the Prophet Daniel and his timeless example that an education built on biblical principles need not be second rate. Ellen White describes Daniel and his three Hebrew companions in the book True Education as servants of God who pursued excellence. “At the court of Babylon were gathered talented representatives from all lands, with the highest culture this world could bestow. Yet, the Hebrew captives were without a peer. In physical strength and beauty, in mental vigor and literary attainment, they stood unrivaled” (p. 37).

Like Daniel and his friends, the administrators and teachers in Potomac Conference schools have made a commitment to excellence. Daily they provide opportunities for students to excel socially, physically, academically, and spiritually. Excellence, however, does not simply occur by accident. It takes careful planning, organized paradigms, and sincere encouragement.

Robert Smith In the Potomac Conference, Adventist education is not simply eternal—it is excellent!

Associate Superintendent

W

Sligo Second-Graders Cheer Troops in Iraq

Newly Formed Company Already Growing

ittle people don’t ask why; they just want to help.

Thus, Sally Paradis’ second-graders jumped enthusiastically at the opportunity to write letters to two men stationed near Baghdad, Iraq—the son-in-law and father of Rosemary Peterson, Sligo’s art teacher.

The children’s letters had recurrent themes—“Do you like to read?” “What is your favorite video game?” etc. The students wanted to make the servicemen laugh—and laugh they did—as well as cry, for the letters touched their hearts!

Now, “Old Glory,” signed by the soldiers’ Blackhawk crew, is on its way to Sligo’s second-grade class as a “thank you” gift. The prayer of Sligo’s staff and students is that all of our troops will come home safely and quickly!

F

L

ar West End Adventist Company (Richmond, W.Va.), which was recently formed, has had its first two baptisms. We are proud to announce that Kim Jones and Juan Acosta are joining our fellowship. Praise God for these new members.

—Ethel Hare

Ruth Satelmajer Principal

Kim Jones (left) and Juan Acosta recently joined the Far West End Company.

AUGUST 2004

33

Harrisonburg Evangelism Series Yields Baptisms he Insights to Revelation Prophecy Seminar, recently conducted by conference Evangelist Ron Rogers and his wife, Cheryl, at the Harrisonburg church, ended with a beautiful baptism. As a result of these meetings, four precious souls joined the church family. Among those baptized were two teenage girls who gave their hearts to Jesus and were baptized with their mother.

Several others are planning to be baptized in the near future.

Community residents attended, initially out of curiosity, they continued to come as they were drawn to the Bible truths. “I know what you are teaching is the truth.

I can see it in the Bible, but I’ve attended my church my whole life, and I can’t change now,” said one lady while Newly baptized members with their families and pastors Malcolm expressing her interest and concern. Members have (far left) and Rogers (far right). assured her that the church doors are always open and invited her to worship with them any time. Making a life-changing decision to join the fellowship of the Seventhday Adventist Church requires a sincere commitment on the part of those who have never heard these truths before, and many struggle against the influence of family and friends. Please pray for those who face such tremendous decisions. Pastor Elmer Malcolm and a local elder are also giving Bible studies with some of the individuals.

T

Hampton Roads Honors Roberta Chandler

Galax Children Present Worship Service

he Hampton Roads (Va.) church presented Mrs. Roberta Bridgeforth Chandler with a plaque in recognition of her many years of dedicated service.

In 1950, Chandler moved her membership from Capital Memorial church to the Hampton Roads church, then on 45th Street in Newport News, Va. Chandler has held the office of church clerk for 22 years. She also served as Sabbath School Superintendent until 2003, pianist until recently, Sabbath School teacher, and was very active in the ingathering program. Many consider her the church historian, as she has a storehouse of information about the roots of the Adventist church on the Hampton Roads peninsula.

Chandler, who is 95-years-old, is still a very active member who enjoys working Ruben Rosario (right), Roberta Chandler, and Pastor Daniel Shafer. Chandler was on her garden in given a plaque honoring her many years of the summer.

G

T

service to the Hampton Roads (Va.) church.

—Peggy Halifax

34

VISITOR

alax (Va.) Sabbath School recently presented a children’s Sabbath worship service.

The kindergarten through youth divisions participated. Heather Sawyers and Pastor Daniel Royo delivered the sermon entitled “Open Hearts, Open Hands.” The program was designed to be an evangelistic outreach. Invitations were mailed to our missing members, and, as a result, two adults attended and three young people requested Bible studies. The program was a blessing to all!

Donna Patton Galax Church Communication Secretary

Potomac People is published in the Visitor by the Potomac Conference ■ 606 Greenville Ave., Staunton, VA 24401 Phone: (540) 886-0771 ■ www.pcsda.org ■ President, Dave Weigley ■ Editor, Janet Olsyne

AUGUST 2004

SAA Welcomes New Staff t Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA), the faculty and staff are a close-knit group. We enjoy each other’s company at work as well as away from school. Last year we had to say farewell to some good friends and excellent teachers. While they will be missed, we are excited about the extraordinary people who will be joining the SAA family.

Dawn Thompson will be filling a new position as business manager and registrar. Thompson has been working for the Columbia Union Conference as an assistant treasurer and will bring with her a wealth of experience.

Thompson has two children at SAA and is looking forward to working with them as well as all the other students.

Gregory Bird has moved here from California where he had been teaching science at San Diego Academy. Bird is a valuable addition to our staff. He will be teaching Biology I & II, Algebra I, Environmental Science, and physics. Bird loves to be involved in all aspects of school life and will be a tremendous asset to our faculty.

Our new athletic director and P.E. teacher is David Perez. Perez has recently graduated from Columbia Union College with a degree in physical education/sports administration—coaching management. Perez was the assistant athletic director at Takoma Academy, where he was valued for his many skills and talents. We know that he will be an asset to us.

We are refreshed by the summer months and ready to take on the challenges of a new year. We are excited about the challenges and accomplishments that lie ahead Jacqueline Messenger and know that Christ always is with us!

Principal

A

Sports Program Celebrates Great Year his year SAA enjoyed an extremely exciting and productive sports program. This was evident at our year-end sports awards banquet, where more than 200 people came together to remember the year and say thanks to all the folks who made the program a tremendous success.

Our coaches and scorekeepers are all volunteers who donated hundreds of hours to make sure our students had a wholesome, top-notch program. We are proud of the fact that our sports leaders all have a wealth of experience in several levels.

Rick Murray coached for 17 years at Columbia Union College (CUC). Brad Durby coached for six years at CUC and played for three years at the college level. Ryan Perry coached at CUC for one year. Yemi Akajali played at the college level for four years and James Stewart played at the college level for four years. Dave Thompson has played at high levels in both high school and college.

T

SAA is committed to excellence in every area of performance, and the experience that these folks brought to our program has helped take us to a higher level. Most important, all of our coaches share their walk with Christ with the players, parents, and spectators. After all, Spencerville Adventist Academy has a mission to make sure that every one of our students has the opportunity to walk with God. Our coaching staff has certainly made that happen this year.

We would like to thank our athletics leaders for their selfless service to our young people. Without you and your dedication to God and SAA, we would never have achieved success this year.

AUGUST 2004

35

SAA Says Goodbye to Class of 2004 lass president and valedictorian Katelyn Kilby has attended SAA for seven years. In the fall she will attend La Sierra University and take classes in psychology, broadcasting, and education.

C Richard Jacobson

Richard (RJ) Jacobson was class vice president and has attended SAA since kindergarten. RJ completed his high school courses in three years and plans to attend Columbia Union College where he will be premed.

Madison Bahr was class social vice president and has attended SAA for 11 years.

She has been very active in the choir and drama department. Madison plans to attend Howard Community College for their drama program.

Katelyn Kilby

Richard Jacobson Madison Bahr

Stephanie Koeppen

Class secretary and student association vice president Stephanie Koeppen has attended SAA since pre-first. She will attend Southern Adventist University next year to prepare for a career as a child psychologist or pediatrician.

Aram Chun

Aram Chun was senior class treasurer and has attended Spencerville for four years.

She will be attending the University of Washington and will major in communication.

Jan Mikael Nilsson

Tybee Wall has attended Spencerville for three years and was class pastor as well as class salutatorian. She plans to attend Columbia Union College and is thinking of majoring in political science.

Brandon Robertson

Tybee Wall

Justin Saucedo was class sergeant-at-arms and has attended SAA for seven years.

He plans to attend Montgomery College and take courses that will indulge his love of writing.

Justin Saucedo

Hung Nam (Sunny) Doh joined SAA’s Class of 2004 two years ago. Sunny will be attending the University of Maryland next year.

Samya Amorim has attended Spencerville for seven years.

In the fall she will attend Montgomery College and take classes in computer graphics and animation.

David Robinson

ca l e n da r August

Hung Nam Doh

Samya Amorim

Christina Benalja has attended SAA for seven years. She has not decided on a major but plans to take classes at Montgomery College.

Curt Jones is one of two seniors who have attended SAA since kindergarten. Curt has been very active in band as well as the drama department.

Jan Mikael Nilsson has attended SAA for three years. He plans to attend Komurx, Taby/Nackdemin in Sweden, where his major will be Industrial/Technical Design.

Christina Benalja

Brandon Robertson has attended SAA for four years. He plans to attend Columbia Union College to study pre-law.

Curt Jones

36

VISITOR

David Robinson came to Spencerville in his sophomore year. He plans to pursue a career in journalism and will attend Oakwood College next year.

16 18 21 27-29

Orientation First Day of School Handshake Academy Spiritual Retreat

September 9-12 25

SALT Leadership Conference Senior Presentation

October 7-10 17 23

New England Study Tour Fall Festival Alumni Sabbath

Spotlight is published in the Visitor by the Spencerville Adventist Academy 15930 Good Hope Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20905 ■ Phone: (301) 421-9101 www.spencervilleacademy.org ■ Principal, Jacqueline Messenger ■ Editor, Carla Starr

04 20 ST GU AU

Looking Forward to Another Great Year! his has been a busy season at Takoma Academy (TA). It seems like the time from Spring Break to graduation occurred in the blink of an eye. As I look back on my second year at TA, and my first year as principal, I am grateful for my administrative team, teachers, students, and parents.

We have had a successful school year, and have greatly increased the spiritual emphasis on campus. Looking forward to next school year, I am reminded again that at TA we live to be surrendered to Christ, obedient to Him, and servants of His word.

T

Chorale Director Debuts CD ylchris Sprauve, chorale director at TA, recently debuted his first musical CD, entitled Finish Line.

This CD is a mix of contemporary Christian songs written by Sprauve over the past six years. In addition, Sprauve held a concert featuring songs from his CD, with backup singers culled from TA’s Camarata and Ladies’ Choir. TA is blessed to have such musical talent among its teachers and students.

G

Ken Knudsen Principal

TA Holds Visioning Summit A recently held a visioning summit for students, parents, teachers, board members, pastors, conference personnel, and interested community members.

The purpose of this summit was to come together as a group to identify positive trends, as well as areas of growth needed to ensure a successful academy for the future.

Keith Hallam, principal at Auburn Adventist Academy in Auburn, Wash., facilitated this program.

Hallam has many years experience in administration, and is well known for his visionary techniques.

TA’s summit discussion was divided into four main groups: spiritual life, academics, facility, and finances.

Each attendee was asked to jot down their thoughts and suggestions to be worked into a final visioning statement for TA’s future. One student wrote: “Week of prayer was awesome. I have been in public school all my life until last year, and I remember how wonderful it felt to praise God in such a way. ... I praise God for being able to experience it. It has touched so many hearts of the students at TA.” “This summit was a crucial first step in the process of planning for TA’s future success,” stated Principal Ken Knudsen. “I was pleased with the foresight of the attendees and the ideas, comments, and evaluations of our school’s progress, these past few years, as well as hearing the ideas for our future.”

T

Chorale Director Gylchris Sprauve, recently debuted his first musical CD.

AUGUST 2004

37

TA Graduates 106 raduation weekend was an exciting and rewarding time for the 106 seniors that received their diplomas on June 13. The seniors chose as their aim, “To approach life knowing we are works in progress.” The class text was Romans 4:16, “We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” The keynote commencement speaker, Claude Harris, youth ministries director of the Allegheny East Conference, encouraged the students and audience members to keep Jesus in their lives as they pursue life goals. This year’s class was particularly impressive: 24 students graduated with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, 20 graduates were members of the National Honor Society, and of TA’s 106 graduates pose in front of Sligo church following the 106 graduates, 66 were four-year seniors. TA is services during commencement weekend. proud of this graduating class and wishes them every success in their future endeavors. May the Lord bless each one and keep them safe until we meet again.

G

TA Events August 17 Parent Orientation, 7 p.m.

Chapel Left to right: Marquita Robinson, Jessica McKinney, and Nayo Williams celebrate their graduation.

23 First Day of School

27 Spiritual Dedication Vespers, 7 p.m.

Chapel

September 6 Labor Day Holiday-Closed

October 22 End of First Quarter TA Today is published in the Visitor

by Takoma Academy ■ 8120 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912 ■ Phone: (301) 434-4700 ■ Principal, Ken Knudsen www.ta.edu

Brian Pack (left) and Benjamin Odema march during commencement exercises.

38

VISITOR

H

Y

EALING MINISTR A

NEWSLETTER ABOUT ADVENTIST

HEALTHCARE

w w w. a d v e n t i s t h e a l t h c a r e . c o m

■

IN THE

COLUMBIA

UNION

w w w. k m c n e t w o r k . o r g

Potomac Ridge Protects Our Future Craig Juengling I believe that children are our future; teach them well and let them lead the way.—Michael Masser and Linda Creed

W

e have all heard that lyric and understood its sentiment. Children, with the proper guidance, can be the inspiration for our society.

The lyric describes the primary reason why we must invest in their education, environment, and health.

Unfortunately, youth can become forgotten or ignored—in their homes and at school—and left to fend for themselves. This immense challenge is far too difficult for young people to handle and they usually react with a “fight or flight” response. To fight, they try to get their parents, siblings, teachers, and classmates to notice them with problem or destructive behavior. If their actions are ignored, or the punishment too severe, they may turn to flight and escape by running away from home.

It is then that they become a statistic. In Montgomery County, Maryland, one in five children runs away from home every day. It is on the street that their lives become even more unraveled due to lack of guidance. It is on the street that they become statistics in other categories such as drugs, vandalism, burglary, or prostitution.

Operation Runaway Offers Hope With a program like Operation Runaway at Potomac Ridge Behavioral Health, in Rockville, Md., they get a second chance. It is here that talented clinicians work to make a difference. It is here that youth can express their feelings about what led them to run away and what would help or hinder their healing. It is here that mothers and fathers can learn additional parenting skills to break down barriers between them and their children. It is here that parents and children can work together to turn their lives around.

Potomac Ridge Behavioral Health has spent over two decades providing essential health services to the community. Every day—through Operation Runaway—175 at-risk adolescents attend a special education school, 110 are in residential treatment, 32 are in community-based group homes, 15-20 are

One in five children runs away from home every day in Montgomery County, Maryland.

hospitalized with acute psychiatric symptoms, and many more are treated for chemical dependency.

As we continue to fulfill our commitment of service, the journey ahead has an even more noble purpose—to impact the mental healthcare community on a national level. In taking the next step in this vision, we are developing a state-of-the-art children’s inpatient treatment program, based on national standards for best practice and recent advances in science and research. We strive to develop this children’s unit into a program that other facilities will recognize and use as a model for their care systems.

At Potomac Ridge Behavioral Health we recognize that children are our future. Our team toils around the clock to teach them well. We do it because one day they will lead the way, and we must give them the tools they need.

Craig Juengling is the chief executive officer at Potomac Ridge Behavioral Health, in Rockville, Md. AUGUST 2004

39

HEALING MINISTRY

Operation Runaway: Neil Hochman

S

hortly before her 14th birthday, Andrea (not her real name) started to feel unwelcome at home. Her parents were in the early stages of divorce and fought continuously. They struggled to provide their children with enough attention, and Andrea felt it went only to her younger siblings. She worried that she was the cause of her parents fighting. Her grades suffered, she quit playing soccer, and stopped hanging out with her friends.

Craving attention, Andrea began to act out at school and get into trouble.

Becoming more and more depressed, Andrea considered running away from home. Her parents and siblings wouldn’t miss her anyway, she reasoned, and they would probably be better off without her. She wondered where to go. There was a shed in the city behind her friend’s house where she used to play hide-and-seek as a kid, or maybe she could scrape together enough money to get a bus out of town.

Then Andrea was caught vandalizing school property and sent to the counselor. The school counselor asked all the pertinent questions: What’s going on at home? Are you depressed? Are you planning on

harming yourself or someone else? During her answers, Andrea made an offhand comment about running away.

Operation Runaway Intervenes Fortunately for Andrea—and her family—the counselor knew about Operation Runaway, a program provided by Potomac Ridge Behavioral Health System, located in Rockville, Md., in partnership with the Montgomery County (Md.) Police Department’s Family Crimes Division. Part of Adventist HealthCare, Potomac Ridge is the largest provider of mental health services in Montgomery County.

The school counselor contacted Heather MacAulay, whom she had met at a professional education event sponsored by Potomac Ridge. “Operation Runaway helps parents and their children work together to deal with the problems that cause children to run away from home,” says MacAulay, program manager. A licensed clinical counselor who has worked with youth for nearly a decade, MacAulay went to the school, completed an assessment with Andrea and her parents, and referred the family to an Operation Runaway support group.

These free, weekly support groups are a key component of the program. “In these settings, youth can speak freely about the issues that prompt them to run away. It also helps them cope after returning home,” says MacAulay. “Parents can learn more about their child’s feelings and gain coping strategies for dealing with him/her. Parents can also understand which family situations may cause the child to consider running away.”

Not all youth are fortunate to have intervention prior to actually running away. Today Andrea is a much happier 15-year-old. She and her parents regularly attend the Operation Runaway support group and are endeavoring to get to the root of any

Operation Runaway coordinator Heather MacAulay consults with an adolescent who considered running away.

40

VISITOR

HEALING MINISTRY

Saving Young Lives problems before they lead to a more destructive path.

Andrea is receiving counseling from a licensed clinical social worker. Her parents and siblings are also receiving counseling. This has made the transition to a family with divorced parents more manageable.

Harsh Realities In Montgomery County, an average of five children run away each day, and: ■ 62 percent are female.

■ 25 percent of first-time runaways are under the age of 12.

■ 20 percent return the same day, 50 percent within 24 hours, and over 80 percent within one week.

■ 15 percent become involved in the juvenile justice system because of criminal, and other risk behavior, such as burglary, vandalism, substance abuse, and prostitution.

Runaways are often trying to escape a seemingly overwhelming situation. “Running from these problems is a means of coping and avoiding the situation,” says MacAulay. “However, the harsh realities of the street present a new host of destructive issues, while the initial problem still exists.”

The children who do end up on the streets often participate in illegal activities such as burglary and substance abuse. The Operation Runaway partnership between Potomac Ridge and the Montgomery County Police Department is an effective way for runaways and their families to access critical clinical services. Crisis counselors trained in runaway issues work closely with the police to determine the best treatment options. They also work with local child protective services departments if abuse is suspected or acknowledged.

Established in 1991, Operation Runaway offers support and assistance 24 hours a day. Free assessments are available to runaways seeking a compas-

sionate and sympathetic listener or to concerned parents who wish to discuss coping strategies.

Specific recommendations for treatment are offered during these assessment sessions.

This partnership is just one way Potomac Ridge serves young people, their families, and the community. For more information, contact Operation Runaway at (800) 204-8600 or visit www.PotomacRidge.com.

Neil Hochman was the communications manager at Potomac Ridge Behavioral Health System at the time of this writing.

The Operation Runaway team (left to right): Debra Kaplan, Brian Elzey, and Heather MacAulay discuss support group outcomes.

AUGUST 2004

41

HEALING MINISTRY—NEWS State, Federal Officials Tour Adventist HealthCare Facilities Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich and State Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene Nelson Sabatini recently toured Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Rockville, Md. Three days later Congressman Chris Van Hollen (DMD), who represents Maryland’s 8th Congressional District, visited Potomac Ridge Behavioral Health Center, also in Rockville.

“These visits are part of an ongoing effort by Adventist HealthCare to talk regularly with key leaders at the local, state, and federal levels,” said Bill Robertson, president and chief executive officer of Adventist HealthCare. “Both visits were very successful and provided an opportunity to discuss important regulatory and funding issues that impact many of the services provided by Adventist HealthCare.”

for a general overview and to discuss state regulatory issues. The governor and health secretary then toured a number of areas including the Emergency Department, the Mother/Baby Unit, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and the Pediatrics Unit. The Ehrlich spent considerable time visiting and interacting with patients, employees, and physicians.

Congressman Van Hollen had breakfast with leaders from Potomac Ridge and Adventist HealthCare to discuss federal legislation pertaining to behavioral health services locally and across the country. The Congressman, who is completing his first term in the House of Representatives, also toured Potomac Ridge. At the completion of his visit, he hosted a town hall meeting with a large group of employees, to discuss behavioral health issues and other matters currently before Congress.

Home Health Employee Named Nurse of the Year

The Mother/Baby Unit at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital recently welcomed Governor Robert Ehrlich.

Pictured, from left, are Maryellen Recher, RN; Candy Rouse, RN; Steve Schoonover, PA; Governor Ehrlich; Barbara Dudley, lactation consultant; Judi Pierce, RN; and Terri Wenner, business coordinator for maternal/child services.

Governor Ehrlich’s tour marked the first time a governor has visited Shady Grove. He met with hospital and Adventist HealthCare leaders 42

VISITOR

Adventist Home Health field staff nurse Edna Aquilar, RN, was recently named a Home Health Nurse of the Year by Nursing Spectrum magazine.

The national professional magazine for nurses recognized Aquilar for her dedication, patient advocacy, and flexibility in ensuring that all of her patients receive quality care.

“She routinely advocates for all of her patients to ensure their best care,” wrote Luann Everhardt, Adventist Home Health manager, in the letter nominating Aquilar for the award. “Edna’s patients trust her with their needs and she works diligently to contribute to the provision of quality healthcare.”

Aquilar was recognized for her many contributions to home health care. In particular, she developed a diabetic pathway model that can be used with each diabetic patient. The model focuses on the disease process, treatment, diet, medications, exercise, and preventive healthcare guidelines. Adventist Home Health has

Edna Aquilar, RN, recipient of the Home Care Nurse of the Year Award (holding plaque), is congratulated by (left to right) Keith Ballenger, vice president, Adventist Home Health; Luann Everhardt, RN, DC office manager; and Jeanne Potter, RN, nurse executive/senior director of clinical service, Adventist Home Health.

adopted her model and uses it with diabetic patients. In addition, Aquilar is a member of the cardiac team and is participating in a cardiac patient study.

“Edna is a tremendous asset to Adventist Home Health, contributing to our patient home care services in many important areas,” said Keith Ballenger, vice president of Adventist Home Health. “We are thrilled that Nursing Spectrum recognizes her contributions as well.”

Adventist Home Health has provided skilled home care since 1973. The staff works closely with physicians, developing home treatment plans for patients on a case-by-case basis. Services include adult, pediatric, and specialty nursing; maternal and child-care; physical, speech, and occupational therapy; medical social work; nutritional counseling; personal care; and chaplaincy.—Tamara Ruggiero

For a complete listing of Adventist healthcare locations, visit www.columbiaunion.org/ healingministry.html

Pastor, surf the web and enhance your ministry AdventSource provides the most comprehensive collection of resource materials available for Seventh-day Adventists today. Visit our web site or call us to find out which resources can help you maximize your ministry.

BOOKS DVD/VIDEO MINISTRY APPAREL ACCESSORIES eFILES

55-030725c 315.44b

AdventSource.org 800-328-0525

44

VISITOR

BULLETIN BOARD Classified Advertising Rates and Guidelines The Columbia Union Visitor accepts classified advertising as a service to its members. Announcements such as baptisms, events, legal notices, obituaries, and retirements of church workers will be printed without charge on a space-available basis. The Visitor reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or announcement and does not guarantee the integrity of any product or service advertised.

First-time advertisers who are members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church must submit a letter of recommendation from their pastor, and their contact information (name, address, phone number and/or e-mail address.

First-time advertisers who are not members of the Adventist Church must submit letters of recommendation from business members of their community or credit bureaus, as well as their contact information.

Payment must accompany the advertisement(s). We do not bill for classified advertising and tear sheets are not provided unless prior arrangements are made. Checks and money orders are accepted.

Make checks payable to Columbia Union Visitor and mail together with advertisement and recommendations (if applicable) to: Sandra Jones, Columbia Union Visitor, Classified Advertising, 5427 Twin Knolls Rd., Columbia, MD 21045.

Rates are calculated on a per insertion basis in our 12 issues.

Minimum charge is $38 for 50 words or less for ads originating within the Columbia Union Conference, and $48 for all others. Additional words: 60 cents each inside the Union and 75 cents each outside the Union. A 20 percent discount is given for 12 consecutive insertions.

Ads must be placed a minimum of four weeks before the issue date.

Word count is based upon the spaces between words in normal usage.

Display Advertising: For rates and information, go to www.columbiaunion.org or call (888) 4-VISITOR and ask for Wilona Karimabadi at ext. 282.

EMPLOYMENT LIKE WORKING ON YOUR OWN SCHEDULE? Would you like the independence of running your own business?

Hadley Farms Bakery is currently seeking individuals who are interested in selling our newest fund-raising item to nonprofit organizations. Each person will be working as an independent contractor, so the sky's the limit when it comes to potential. These gourmet bakery items have delighted everyone who has tasted them and will be a popular item for every organization you approach. To find out more about commission rates, order requirements, and delivery schedules, contact Chris Yeager at Hadley Farms Bakery, P. O. Box 1000, Smithsburg, MD 21783, or by phone at (800) 345-3494, ext. 14.

ADVENTIST HEALTH SYSTEM, GEORGIA-TENN. REGION is seeking these physicians: Urology, Orthopedics, Internal Medicine (and subspecialties) for Gordon Hospital, Calhoun, Ga. Local Adventist church, academy and conference office. Within 40 minutes of Southern Adventist University. Hospital located on Interstate between Atlanta and Chattanooga. For information, please e-mail: marian.hughes@ahss.org. or phone (800) 264.8642.

ADVENTIST HEALTH SYSTEM, NORTH GEORGIA OB/GYN physician seeking associate/partner. Must be committed Christian. Great opportunity in community of 50,000. Call 1-5 p.m. on weekends. Adventist hospital in community. For information, call (800) 264-8642 or e-mail marian.hughes@ahss.org.

REMNANT PUBLICATIONS a progressive Adventist publishing company, seeks resumes for a general manager, sales manager, and for experienced machine operators with mechanical aptitude. Please send resume to 649 E. Chicago, Coldwater, MI 49036, or call (517) 279-1304; fax (517) 279-1804; e-mail judy@remnantpublications.com.

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIV. SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT is seeking a professor of management. Terminal degree preferred.

Willing to consider a candidate with a master's degree in business, some years of management experience, and a willingness to obtain a terminal degree. Please submit curriculum vitae to Don Van Ornam, Dean, Southern Adventist University, P. O. Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315; ph. (423) 238-2750; e-mail vanornam@southern.edu.

AMAZING FACTS is seeking a Marketing Director who is a multitasked self-starter to oversee and develop a comprehensive ministry, marketing, and public relations program. Needs strong communication skills, design and advertising knowledge, and a portfolio of proven results. Prefer MA in marketing and three years experience. Some travel required.

Please call (916) 434-3880, ext. 3020, for more details on submitting a resume.

CHRISTIAN RECORD SERVICES the GC institution for the blind, whose mission is to help the blind and visually impaired see Jesus, seeks an Editor-in-chief. Position supervises three departments, reports to the president, produces nine periodicals in braille, large print and audio. Requirements: College degree in English, journalism, or communications, excellent voice.

Contact: HR, PO Box 6097, Lincoln, NE 68506, (402) 4880981, rhr@christianrecord.org.

MISCELLANEOUS BOOKS—BUY, SELL, OR PUBLISH We print, buy, and sell Adventist books. Find out-of-print titles fast.

Get your book printed quickly. We do it all. Call (800) 732-2664 for information, or visit our internet site at www.LNFBOOLS.COM.

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS NEEDED Shawnee Mission Medical Center (SMMC), a Seventh-day Adventist community service, has a variety of openings for healthcare professionals interested in immediate placement. SMMC is a 383-bed acute care facility located in beautiful Johnson County, Kansas.This family-friendly community offers a safe and relaxed atmosphere, high quality schools, and easy access to museums, cultural arts, and professional sports teams.

Please contact the job line: (800) 845-6212 or click on Employment: www.shawneemission.org for a listing of open positions.

For more information, contact: Brad Hoffman Administrative Director of Human Resources (913) 676-2020 Resumes may be faxed to: (913) 676-2019

BUILD 1,000 CHURCHES IN 1,000 DAYS Give thousands of new believers a place to worship in India, the Dominican Republic, and Peru.

Build an urgently-needed church for as little as $3,500. Sponsor a church individually or with your congregation. Call Maranatha Volunteers International at (916) 920-1900 or visit www.maranatha.org.

VINTAGE ALLEN ORGAN FOR SALE Excellent condition and available for immediate sale. Specifications: Allen T12 B; external speakers, 2 61 key manual, 32 pedal vibrato, tremolo. Buyer must transport. $1,200.00. Contact CPC Seventh-day Adventist Church, at (703) 548-5998 or e-mail music_ministry_cpc@yahoo.com.

Located at 1400 Russell Road, Alexandria, VA 22301. ‘04 REVIVAL! Pastor Doug Batchelor, speaker/ president of Amazing Facts, will present an historic 10-day church revival series called '04 Revival! live from Chattanooga, Tenn., from November 5-14, 2004. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

It will be broadcast on 3ABN and the Hope Channel. Call (916) 4343880 or www.04revival.com for more information.

SPECIAL PRICING TO MEMBERS ON NEW SUBARU VEHICLES AND USED CARS Choose from 300 new Subarus or 150 used cars. Drop shipment on ordered new cars anywhere in the United States available. Call Becker Subaru (800) 671-3636.

Ask for member sales.

PARISH NURSES Adventist Health is starting an Adventist Newsletter for Parish Nurses/Health Ministers. The premier issue is planned for fall, 2004. To receive your copy, send your name, address, and phone number to Parish Nursing, 2100 Douglas Blvd., P. O. Box 619002, Roseville, CA 95661-9002, or e-mail to BlomeME@rsvl.ah.org or by calling (916) 781-4691.

TIRED OF CITY LIVING? Move to the beauty of the mountains. Small Adventist church has big plans for ministry.

Be a part of it. Church operates K-12 school and health evangelism program. Surrounded by ski resorts and thousands of wilderness acres for camping, canoeing, and hiking. Will help you connect with job and housing leads. If interested, call Pastor Don Jacko, (304) 636-7178, e-mail cheryljacko@usa.net, or write Elkins Adventist Church, 205 Wilson St., Elkins, WV 26241.

AUGUST 2004

45

BULLETIN BOARD SOW 1 BILLION PROJECT: Steps to Christ can help you or your church place a Sow 1 Billion Bible study invitation in every home in your community, combined with our Steps to Christ bulk-mailing program. Call (800) 728-6872 for more information or visit us on the Web at www.projectstc.org/Sow1Billion.htm.

REAL ESTATE QUALITY LIFESTYLE AND AFFORDABLE HOMES are available in Hagerstown/ Washington County, Maryland.

Near Review & Herald Publishing Association, Highland View Academy, Mt. Aetna Camp, and Adventist churches. Visit www. draperrealtygroup.com for community information, school reports, area attractions, and homes for sale. Mike Draper / Century 21 MG Realty / (301) 790-1700, ext. 129.

PHYLLIS NEWMAN SELLS MARYLAND REAL ESTATE for both buyers and sellers. Call (800) 586-4669 Re/Max Realty Center, Inc. See our Web site at: www.homesdatabase.com/ realestate. This site gives you MLS access by state, county, zip code, price range, bedrooms/ bathrooms, etc. Call me or e-mail phyllisnewman@realtor.com.

SHENANDOAH VALLEY RELOCATION SERVICES Are you thinking about buying or selling a home? Relocating to the New Market area in Virginia? Kids coming to SVA? If so, let me help you with your real estate needs.

Call Florin at (800) 701-3176 or (540) 335-8330. Visit www. yourvirginiahome.com for more information.

SERVICES SINGLES Introducing Adventists discreetly and confidentially since 1987. We have a magazine format with personal ads, plus enlightening, uplifting articles. For more information on obtaining friendship, fellowship, or companionship, mail a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope to: DISCOVER, 15550 Burnt Store Road, #153, Punta Gorda, FL 33955 or e-mail petmoren@cs.com.

EVNS FAMILY CARE, INC. a family-owned assisted living facility, licensed in Maryland, located in a quiet neighborhood.

We specialize in providing a quality lifestyle, which includes beautifully furnished rooms, vegetarian meals, no-smoking environment, access to medical/recreational services, and more. When choosing a place for you and/or your loved one, why settle for less? Please call EVNS Family Care at (301) 4451705 (5-9 p.m.) or e-mail us at vsamuel@ullico.com.

46

VISITOR

CHRISTIANSINGLESDATING. COM FREE 14-day trial! Join thousands and thousands of active Adventist singles online. FREE chat, search, detailed profiles, and match notifications! Date chat, 2-way compatibility match, 10 photos, and confidential online mail. Witnessing opportunities to the world through articles, friendships, chat, and forums. Since 1993. Adventist owners. Thousands of successful matches. Top ranked.

MARYLAND ADVENTIST QUICKBOOKS BOOKKEEPER PR & taxes, AR, AP, GL, reconciliations, other bookkeeping for small businesses. Per hour at your office, or special rate at my home office. English or Spanish. Contact Hubert E. Thomas for more details. Tel/fax (301) 947-9661 or he-t@juno.com. Have contact with CPA for other services.

MOVING? Special Adventist rates and guarantees! Air Van northAmerican is a nationwide mover. Whether you're moving a few items or a truckload, don't move before calling Air Van. It will insure peace of mind and a cost-effective move. Please call (800) 525-1177 to speak with a representative.

ADVENTISTOPTIONS.COM The premier singles site for Seventh-day Adventist Christians.

Now offering a FREE 20-day-trial membership. Visit us at ww.adventistoptions.com.

SINGLE AND OVER 50?

The only interracial group exclusively for all singles over 50. Stay home and meet new friends in the U.S., with a Pen Pal monthly newsletter of members and album. For information, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: ASO50 or EBONY CHOICE ASO50, 2747 Nonpareil, Sutherlin, OR 97479.

CONSIDERING HOMESCHOOLING? Home Study International is the only Christian, accredited course provider for preschool through college. All courses can be taken individually or as a total curriculum.

Earn a high school diploma or finish a college degree. Home Study International, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600; (800) 782-4769; www.hsi.edu.

ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN WHO'S BEING PRICED OUT OF HEALTH INSURANCE? Cut your healthcare expenses in half. Join 50,000+ Christians who share one another's medical bills. Choose any doctor, any hospital, anywhere in the world.

Check out this nonprofit program.

For a free guidelines booklet, call (888) 346-7895 or visit www.healthcaregodsway.com.

MARYLAND ADVENTIST DENTIST David Lee, D.D.S., PA, has a comprehensive dental office in Silver Spring and in Ellicott City, Md. He is excellent with children and adults, and is highly trained in Cosmetic Dentistry and Implants.

For appointments call: Silver Spring (301) 649-5001; Ellicott City (410) 461-6655. Mention this ad and receive 10% discount on all services (excludes third party payors). Our office is a participating provider with Adventist Risk Management.

MARYLAND ADVENTIST PODIATRIST Dr. Scott Nutter, highly trained, experienced, and board certified, is available in several locations to help your foot/ankle problems, including arthritis, heel pain, spurs, diabetes, callouses, ingrown nails, sprains, fractures, warts, bunions, etc. Surgery, if it is needed, at Adventist hospitals. Laurel-(301) 317-6800; Greenbelt-(301) 3455200; or Columbia-(410) 5316350.

FOOT AND ANKLE MEDICAL OFFICE Premier Podiatry Services is eager to help you get "back on your feet." Dr. Rhonda Nelson, an Adventist podiatrist and graduate of Oakwood College, seeks to provide you with the finest podiatric care, while relieving your foot and ankle discomfort. Office location: Largo, Md. (301) 773-1199.

ARE YOU MOVING SOON? Before you rent a U-Haul and do it yourself, check our price and save yourself the hassle. Plan ahead now and reserve a time slot. Fast, direct, and economical.

Contact Gary Erhard, Erhard Furniture, 6681 U.S. 31, Berrien Springs, Mich.; phone (269) 4717366 evenings from 8-11 p.m., E.T.

TRAVEL/VACATION RV'S! Adventist-owned and -operated RV dealership has been helping Adventists for over 30 years.

Huge inventory. Courtesy airport pickup and on-site hookups.

Satisfied Adventist customer list available. Call toll-free (888) 9339300. Lee's RV City, Oklahoma City. Visit our Web site www.leesrv.com or e-mail LeesRVs@aol.com.

FRUITLANDS BED & BREAKFAST Private baths, mountain-top location, many lakes nearby.

Close to Groton State Forest.

Working farm with "pick your own" fruits and maple syrup.

Walk with our llamas. Adventist family. Easy to find just off Rt. 2, Marshfield, Vt. (802) 426-3889.

CAPE COD VACATION An Adventist family will rent weekly, biweekly, etc., their lovely, fairly new, spacious, and semicontemporary vacation home on beautiful Cape Cod, MA. Three bedrooms, one and one-half baths, jacuzzi tub, washer/dryer, cable TV, dishwasher, microwave, and a great room with a cathedral beam ceiling and skylights, an outdoor shower, a huge deck and fenced-in back yard with a small swing set, and a sandbox on one-half acre just 900 feet from a great beach. Call (301) 596-9311.

LEGAL NOTICES Quadrennial Session of the Allegheny East Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Notice is hereby given that the Quadrennial Session of the Allegheny East Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will convene Sunday, September 26, 2004, at 9:30 a.m. in the Myers Auditorium of the Martin Luther King Communication Arts Center, at the Bowie State University, Bowie, Md. This meeting is called for the election of officers, departmental directors, and committees, for the consideration of revisions in the Constitution and Bylaws and for the transaction of any other business that may properly come before the session at that time.

Charles L. Cheatham, President Henry J. Fordham, Secretary Allegheny East Conference Corporation Meeting Notice is hereby given that the legal meeting of the Allegheny East Conference Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists will be held in connection with the Quadrennial Session of the Allegheny East Conference at 2 p.m., Sunday, September 26, 2004, in the Myers Auditorium of the Martin Luther King Communication Arts Center, at the Bowie State University, Bowie, Md. The purpose of this meeting is to elect a Board of Trustees for the ensuing four-year period and to transact any other business that may come before the Corporation at that time. The delegates of the Quadrennial Session of the Allegheny East Conference are delegates of this session.

Charles L. Cheatham, President Henry J. Fordham, Secretary

BULLETIN BOARD Meeting of the Pine Forge Academy Constituency Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Pine Forge Academy will be held in connection with the Quadrennial Session of the Allegheny East Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in the Myers Auditorium of the Martin Luther King Communication Arts Center, at the Bowie State University, Bowie, Md., Sunday, September 26, 2004, at a time that will be called by the Chair.

This meeting is called to elect a Board of Trustees for the Academy and to transact any other business that may come before the constituency at that time. The delegates of the Quadrennial Session of the Allegheny East Conference are delegates of this session.

Charles L. Cheatham, President Henry J. Fordham, Secretary

ANNOUNCEMENTS GRAND RAPIDS JUNIOR ACADEMY (MICHIGAN) celebrates its 100th birthday and alumni homecoming October 1-3, 2004. For information, call (877) 261-6353; e-mail brice@misda.org; or visit www.grja.org. Please come enjoy a wonderful weekend. RSVP if possible.

NATIONAL SINGLES’ CAMP will be held August 30-Sept. 6, 2004, at Camp MiVoden, Hayden Lake, Idaho. This will be a week of spiritual and physician renewal. Join active singles from across North America in waterskiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, challenge course, and many other exciting activities. For brochure, contact Lorene Soderstrom, 5261 Sonora Way, Carmichael, CA 95608; ph.

(916) 967-6178; e-mail Isoder@softcom.net.

HYATTSVILLE (MD.) CHURCH (REVIEW & HERALD MEMORIAL)

REUNION September 25, 2004 Pastor John Loor will be the speaker for the 11 o'clock service. Past members are invited to join current members for worship, fellowship, and thanksgiving. Special honor will be given to members from the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s.

For more information, contact: Marilynn Powell (301) 422-4199 hughmbw@msn.com or Linda Lundberg (301) 864-3743, ljulie66@aol.com RSVP by September 11th for Sabbath meal tickets.

THE HAGLEY PARK SEVENTHDAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, KINGSTON, JAMAICA, will hold its seventh annual reunion for former members September 4, 2004, at the Reisterstown Seventh-day Adventist Church, Reisterstown, Md. For further information please call (410) 5814874.

BALTIMORE JUNIOR ACADEMY'S 89TH ALUMNI WEEKEND Revitalize, revamp, restore. ...

September 24-26. The weekend features Friday vespers with current academy students, Sabbath services with U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black. Saturday evening mini-concert and Gala Social, including awards ceremony.

Sunday morning Alumni Constituency meeting. Call (410) 664-0384 for more information.

TOLEDO FIRST CHURCH WILL CELEBRATE 20 YEARS in our current building on Sabbath, November 20, 2004. Come celebrate with us during an all-day event. We especially invite all former members. For more information, please call the church office: (419) 882-6200.

11TH ANNUAL SINGLES’ CONFERENCE PLANNED The Chesapeake Adventist Single Adult Ministries 11th Annual Conference on Critical Issues will be held October 8-10, 2004, at the Mt. Aetna Retreat Center, Hagerstown, Md. Susan Murray, MA, CFLE, LLMFT, CFCS, Family Studies at Andrews University and the director of Genesis Single Parent Program, will be the featured speaker. Her topic will be “Being Connected in a Disconnected World. The featured music will be performed by Jeff Hunt, Chapel recording artist. For more information, call Laura McIntyre at (410) 768-4980 or John Arner at (301) 854-2221.

Aug 6 Aug 13 Aug 20 Aug 27 Sept 3 Baltimore

8:13

8:04

7:54

7:44

7:33

Cincinnati

8:44

8:35

8:26

8:17

8:05

Cleveland

8:37

8:28

8:18

8:07

7:56

Columbus

8:39

8:31

8:21

8:10

8:00

Jersey City

8:05

7:56

7:46

7:36

7:25

Norfolk

8:06

7:58

7:50

7:40

7:30

Parkersburg

8:32

8:23

8:14

8:04

7:53

Philadelphia

8:08

7:59

7:50

7:39

7:28

Pittsburgh

8:28

8:19

8:10

7:59

7:48

Reading

8:12

8:03

7:53

7:43

7:32

Richmond

8:12

8:04

7:55

7:45

7:35

Roanoke

8:22

8:14

8:05

7:55

7:45

Trenton

8:07

7:58

7:48

7:38

7:27

Wash., D.C.

8:13

8:05

7:55

7:45

7:35

SUNSET CALENDAR Toledo 8:46 8:36 8:26 8:15 8:03 SUNSET CALENDAR Visitor Subscription Information Would you like to receive the Visitor, or are you on the mailing list, but have an address change?

Please e-mail: visitorlist@columbiaunion.net or phone toll-free: (888) 4-VISITOR or mail to: Columbia Union Visitor Subscription Services 5427 Twin Knolls Road Columbia, MD 21045

ANNOUNCING SUNNYDALE ADVENTIST ACADEMY ALUMNI WEEKEND to be held October 1-3, 2004.

Honor classes are 1954, ‘64, ‘74, ‘84, ‘89, and ‘94. The Silver Showcase will begin Thursday evening, September 30, 2004. For more information, please call (573) 682-2164.

BOOK YOUR NEXT YOUTH RETREAT AT PARADISE LAKE RETREAT CENTER Paradise Lake operates September through June at the site of a 103year-old ministry to New York City’s neediest children. We provide caring and attentive service and great food! Our gymnasium, playing field, lake, hiking trails, and tubing hill offer a variety of recreational opportunities. Diebold Chapel is perhaps the most beautiful chapel in the northeast. Located in Bushkill, Pa. For more information, call (570) 588-6067.

Please include the name of the conference where your membership is held and your telephone number. If an address change, please send your previous address as listed on the magazine label and your new address.

Successful Computer Dating Exclusively for Adventists Since 1974

ADVENTIST CONTACT P.O. Box 5419 Takoma Park, MD 20913 (301) 589-4440

If you live outside the Columbia Union Conference territory, a year’s subscription (12 issues) is $15.

Please make check payable to: Columbia Union Visitor and mail to the address listed above.

AUGUST 2004

47