Columbia Union Visitor--March 2005 by Columbia Union Visitor

Table of Contents

In Every Issue Editorial

Newsline

Healing Ministry

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News & Features

Newsletters 23 Blue Mountain Academy

Adventist Education: Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders Tamyra Horst

25 Chesapeake 27 Columbia Union College 29 Highland View Academy

Blue Mountain Academy recently implemented a leadership training program as part of its curriculum. Read about the impact on students, campus culture, and, potentially, the entire Columbia Union.

31 Mountain View 33 New Jersey 35 Ohio 37 Pennsylvania

Interview: Making the Grade Celeste Ryan

See what administrators Hamlet Canosa, Ian Kelly, and LaVona Gillham have to say about the “state of education” here in the Columbia Union.

39 Potomac 41 Shenandoah Valley Academy

Bulletin Board

From Gangs to the Gospel: The Peter Garza Story Karen Abdool

As a teenager, Peter Garza was on a path of destruction. Now the gospel is the center of this assistant youth pastor’s life. Read about his incredible journey.

I Know Jesus is in Our Schools Hamlet Canosa

Students in Adventist schools learn about Jesus, in addition to receiving a first-rate education. See how they feel Jesus’ presence in their schools.

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Editorial Hamlet Canosa Celeste Ryan ■ Editor LaVerne Henderson ■ Associate Editor for News & Features Kelly Butler Coe ■ Art Director Sandra Jones ■ Copy Editor & Bulletin Board Editor

Christian Education: Weighed in the Balance

Monte Sahlin

“That scale simply can’t be right,” I thought. “How could it be?” Several thoughts raced through my mind at the When precise moment when the lady behind Christian the deli counter and I made eye contact. education is placed “Well,” I thought, “I could place the money on the “scale,” the on the counter, say nothing, and consider the purchase (sliced provolone cheese) the calibrations used for ‘best bargain’ of the day.” “Or,” summoning measurement must my conscience to the fore, “I could point meet the highest out the problem.” We Italians, you see, have this “thing” of standards. about provolone cheese and, of course, being hungry at the time, it might have been easy to simply overlook the issue. Like torrents of water routing a dam burst, these thoughts flashed though my mind in a nanosecond. “Is there anything more, sir?” asked the deli attendant. “Sure thing, ma’am,” I replied, “there’s a problem with your scale.” Within minutes, sliced provolone cheese in hand—carefully wrapped and paid for appropriately—I was on my way. Looking over my shoulder, I could see the faulty scale being “retired,” for repair or replacement. Seems real important that calibrations are accurate. We sure want our thermometers, micrometers, tachometers, and all those other neat measuring gadgets to “get it right.” Unless, of course, we consider what the scales in our bathrooms, bedrooms, or kitchens tell us every time we steel up enough courage to step on them. Seems hard to believe that there are so many inaccurate and undependable scales out there!

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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. All others—$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; Ray Tetz, 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. Volume 110 ■ Issue 3

True Value The accuracy of an instrument is a measure of how closely it indicates the “true” value of measurement. So, when Christian education is placed on the “scale,” the calibrations used for measurement must meet the highest of standards. The “product” being measured, which I more comfortably describe as ministry, must also be of true value. For many, value is measured by quality—real or perceived. Adventist congregations across the Columbia Union consistently “weigh” the value of a Seventh-day Adventist education, as parents consider their children’s schooling. Increasingly, more community parents ponder, and opt for, the value of an Adventist education for their children. We, the cadre of Columbia Union teachers and administrators, must be wholly committed to providing the very best Adventist education ministry to students in our classrooms. We must equip children for the whole of life, focusing our energies on developing young people of strong Christian character who will always look to Christ. We must equip our charges with tools to unlock life’s simple and complex mysteries. In partnership with the Divine, we must join parents in teaching young people how best to live! On the other hand, for those who place Christian education in the proverbial balance, as surely they should, the Lord is clear regarding the calibrations. “Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have …” (Lev. 19:36). Hamlet Canosa is vice president for education for the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. MARCH 2005

Newsline

Missions Abroad Initiative Yields Success The Columbia Union Conference has aggressively sponsored and endorsed a Missions Abroad Initiative throughout this 2001-2006 quinquennium. It was designed to provide members with a “life-changing experience” and to assist the Seventh-day Adventist Church in developing areas of the world as they engage in sharing God’s love and saving grace, according to Union President Harold Lee. In recognition of the Union’s culturally diverse constituency, “We’re concentrating on building relationships with sister fields in India, West Africa, (The Gambia, Ghana), South Africa, East Africa (Tanzania), Venezuela, Peru, Trinidad, and Guyana,” says Union Executive Secretary Edward Motschiedler. The Union has also partnered with Adventist HealthCare and Maranatha on certain building projects. Here is a roundup of 2004 activities:

India For the past few years, the Union has sponsored diabetes and cataract screening programs at Thanjavur Adventist Hospital, which is located in rural southeast India. “In late 2003, I attended a diabetes screening that was actually held in a Muslim mosque,” Motschiedler says. “The cataract screening was done at a Hindu temple; it’s a blessing that members there have been able to build stable community relationships.” Equipment purchases include an exterior neon sign identifying the hospital, an operating room light, computer equipment, and a backup generator.

Trinidad Union hospital administrators are assisting with efforts at Trinidad’s Port of Spain Community Hospital. According to Motschiedler, a chief financial officer from a Columbia Union hospital serves as an advisor for Port of Spain. This ongoing initiative began in 2003. The Union also supplied a dialysis unit and assisted with the installation of an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine. “It is now the only hospital on the island with an MRI unit,” says Lee.

Guyana At Davis Memorial Hospital, the Union provided funding for a dialysis and sterilization unit, pharmacy, laboratory, dental services, and four computers in order to network administrative offices. In partnership with Adventist Health International, plans are in motion for an outpatient center and medical office complex.

Giffard Memorial Hospital (above), which opened in 1925, is one of the first Adventist hospitals in Nuzvid, India. The Nurses Hostel is currently under reconstruction and the entire hospital is being repainted. Rededication is scheduled for this June. “To encourage the annual 100 percent pass rate for nurses, some $5,000 in scholarships was given,” says Lee. Six computers have also been donated. The “Help Build Project,” in cooperation with the Allegheny East Conference, included seven new church buildings during 2004. Most of these structures were dedicated by Conference President Charles Cheatham and Executive Secretary Henry Fordham.

The Gambia The Union sponsored three evangelism programs in The Gambia. Union Treasurer Dowell Chow held a meeting in Banjul, the capital city. Allegheny East Pastor Pete Palmer labored in Serrekunda, the largest city, and Allegheny West Pastor Bryant Taylor presented in Briakama, where there was no major Adventist presence. According to Chow, there were 86 baptisms and 10 subsequent decisions. “The Gambia is a 95-97 percent Muslim country,” says Motschiedler. “There are more students in the Adventist schools than there are church 4

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Newsline Tanzania, South Africa, Ghana The Union began a nursing program at Tanzania Adventist College. Gina Brown, Ph.D., nursing department chair at Columbia Union College, was instrumental in this venture. A new building for classes, complete with computers, was erected. ADRA International assisted in the shipment of books and other supplies, while Adventist World Radio partnered with the Union to purchase radio equipment. A new K-12 school in Grahamstown, South Africa, is scheduled for completion in July. The Union also partnered with Allegheny East’s Emmanuel-Brinklow church on projects in Ghana, West Africa, and Members of Venezuela's Uroy Uaray church pose with Union President Harold Lee (second from left).

members,” he adds. Because education is the “primary evangelism thrust,” the Union helps support the country’s two schools.

Venezuela The Union is currently providing consulting services for a hospital project in Venezuela. There’s also a church in Uroy Uaray, which contains a large native Tanzania, East Africa. Brinklow member Frazier Mathis led several groups in building churches, a library, dormitory, and clinic. Their next project is the construction of an orphanage for AIDS victims. Chesapeake Conference President Neville Harcombe has also led several groups to South Africa.—LaVerne Henderson (continued on page 18)

Above: A Tanzanian singing group performs during a service. Below: Tanzania Adventist College received and installed new radio equipment.

Indian Adventist community. Often referred to as the “Davis Indians,” they are named after a missionary who worked there.

Peru Four evangelism meetings—conducted by four Union treasurers—were held in Lima, Peru. This group was comprised of Chow; Treasurer Michael Wixwat, from Ohio Conference; Treasurer Raymond Jimenez, from New Jersey Conference; and Treasurer Zenobia Seward, from Allegheny West Conference. A church is currently being erected. MARCH 2005

PREPARING

TOMORROW’S LEADERS

ACADEMY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM CATCHES ON

TAMYRA HORST astor Sergio Manente loves sharing colloquialisms like “It’s amazing how much you can get done if you don’t care who gets the credit,” or “Leadership is by permission, not by position.” He shares them every week in his classes at Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) where about 60 students— sophomores, juniors, and seniors—gather to learn spiritual and servant leadership. This unique program was established in 2001 when BMA Principal Spencer Hannah and then Vice Principal Jim Lewellen began discussing ways to incorporate leadership training into the curriculum. Realizing the importance of leadership in our world, both desired to impart skills that would benefit students in five to seven years— following college and as they were beginning careers. Despite a low enrollment of 179 students, they asked the board to take a leap of faith and invite Manente, then pastor of the Academy church, to join the faculty and teach leadership principles. Though they hand-picked 25 candidates for that first class, more showed interest and the number swelled to 32.

LEADERSHIP MAKES A DIFFERENCE The class had an immediate and positive affect on the students and the school. Enrollment shot to 231—its highest level in 18 years. Also, as leadership students began influencing their classmates, the campus culture began to change.

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“Students began to take leadership and spirituality very seriously,” Manente says. “There was an attitude of kindness, and not worrying about credit, students began to use the skills they’d learned in class and started more initiatives.” They also became more service oriented. More students became interested in mission trips, leading BMA to increase the number to three per year. As the first year of the leadership program came to an end, the “pioneer” students renovated their classroom and provided funding as a gift for the next class. Their handprints (left) now form a border around the room. Lance Robbins’ prints are among those at the top. Now graduated and back from a semester at Avondale College in Australia, Robbins is preparing to leave for the Galapagos Islands, where he will serve as a Bible worker for one year. He says his commitment stems from BMA’s leadership program. Because of the positive difference the program made, it continued to grow and more students enrolled. When sophomores from the initial year became seniors, the staff saw some of BMA’s best student leaders ever. Now in its fourth year, a second class has been added, and nearly a quarter of the student body is participating, with half taking an advanced class. The leadership classes meet on Wednesday nights for two hours each week. Students eagerly sacrifice recreation time, hanging out with friends, or playing basketball to be part of this exciting program.

Below: BMA Chaplain Dave Ferguson (left) and Principal Spencer Hannah strategize to make the leadership program an even bigger success.

Above and below: Students in the leadership class learn skills and techniques to effectively influence others.

Above: Sergio Manente, program director, assists a student during a leadership class.

MARCH 2005

During a recent leadership class, students discuss the concept of taking risks (above) and formulate a values worksheet.

LEADERSHIP IS NOT ABOUT ME; IT’S ABOUT INFLUENCING OTHERS EFFECTIVELY.—Lorrie Schrader “I came into the class hoping that it would magically change me into someone who’s not afraid to speak in front of people,” says student Lorrie Schrader. “Wanting to become bold and aggressive, I realize how selfish I was. Leadership is not about me; it’s about influencing others effectively,” she reasons. “Pastor

LEADERSHIP SUMMIT PLANNED To help more young people learn spiritual and servant leadership skills, Sergio Manente and Dave Ferguson have formed a ministry called TrueWind, with the motto “Launching Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.” A nautical term, it deals with maximizing the wind’s potential in the sails. On May 13-14, they’ll host a Columbia Union-wide conference at BMA called “Blown Away,” the first annual international youth leadership summit. Targeting high school and college-aged students, it will blend worship and leadership training, while providing resources and opportunities for participants to grow as leaders. The cost is $55 and chaperones are required for every seven high school students. To register, call (610) 562-6501 or visit www.truewind.org. Each Columbia Union academy is invited to bring 10 students; principals have more details. Adults are also invited—if accompanied by a young person.

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Manente has helped me to use my gifts, talents, and traits to fashion myself into someone who can successfully and intelligently impact others for God’s glory. I’ve learned to serve others without recognition and to communicate my beliefs with confidence.” Parents are equally appreciative. Catherine Schofield noticed the growth in her son. “I’ve watched him become more confident academically, socially, and when witnessing,” she says. “He’s unafraid to share his faith or lead out; this class helped light a spark that created a flame to burn for Jesus.” BMA Chaplain Dave Ferguson, who works with Manente, also sees growth in the students. “They have become highly actualized and are motivated to make a difference—now and in the future,” he says. In addition to teaching two classes, Manente is currently writing curriculum for the program. He’s also working with Ferguson and Hannah to expand it to a wider audience of high school and college-aged students. “Our kids need to know that they can make a difference in this world,” he says. “They are longing for something that is not your routine, everyday stuff. We feel this is the new wave of evangelism, and our hope is that [Adventist] schools will be known as the kind of schools that turn out great leaders.” To that end, BMA will host a leadership summit for all Columbia Union academies this spring, so the program that’s working so well here can impact others. Tamyra Horst is interim communication director for the Pennsylvania Conference.

Sligo Church Presents:

New Community Fellowship A Different Way to Worship A Different Way to Praise 7700 Carroll Avenue Takoma Park, MD 20912 Every Sabbath 6-7:15 p.m. Everyone Welcome! Call (301) 270-6777, ext.122 www.4fellowship.com Refreshments Served Free Childcare

MARCH 2005

MAKING

THE GRADE

COLUMBIA UNION ADMINISTRATORS DISCUSS SUCCESSES, CHALLENGES, AND TRENDS

CELESTE RYAN rom its very beginning, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has espoused the value of providing its youth with Christ-centered education. For many Adventists, attending church school, academy, or college was the catalyst that nurtured, saved, or changed their lives, and set them on a course for success in life. Today the Adventist Church operates the largest unified Protestant school system in the world, educating over a million students in more than 5,000 schools— large and small. In the Columbia Union, there are 109 elementary and secondary schools and two colleges (see list on page 13). For our region, Hamlet “Ham” Canosa serves as vice president for education, overseeing the K-12 program and working with the college boards. Associate Director Ian Kelly is responsible for secondary education and oversees teacher certification and accreditation. LaVona Gillham, also associate director, focuses on elementary education. I recently talked with our educational administrators about the “state of education” in the Columbia Union:

HAM CANOSA

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What is the state of education in the Columbia Union, particularly in your area of focus? HAM: Seventh-day Adventist education, much like other private systems, is seemingly in a state of perpetual challenge, given the increasingly competitive arena within the Church for shrinking financial resources that’s affecting all facets of ministry. In the Columbia Union, we continue to experience a small percentage loss of K-12 enrollment annually, with several of our boarding academies more acutely affected. Notwithstanding these market factors, K-12 education across the North American Division (NAD) has been energized by the “Journey to Excellence” (J2E) initiative that offers a host of “best practices” in a wide variety of educational areas. Aggressive in-servicing of the J2E program is beginning to pay dividends where it counts the most— in the classrooms. We continue to explore options regarding alternative delivery systems for secondary education through the Secondary Education Governance Task Force. K-12 education programs throughout our Union continue to offer quality academics in the context of spiritual nurture to our students. Our schools are havens that provide safe and secure environments that promote the spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional well-being of our students. Columbia Union College and Kettering College of Medical Arts are both realizing enrollment and program expansions. Both institutions

how to access and use this vast amount of knowledge but, more importantly, how to determine what is fact, opinion, or just plain propaganda. Technology is being used as a learning tool, whether in a large school or a small, multi-grade classroom. Students have access to the world through technology. Some are in contact with the scientists in Antarctica, some download data from NASA satellites, and many keep in touch with what is happening in our Church and the world through contact with missionaries and schools at home and abroad. Pathways: A Journey to Excellence Through Literacy is the new reading series that will be introduced throughout the NAD for the 2006-07 school year. It is a research-based, integrated program incorporating all the language arts skills through the use of authentic literature. It will be uniquely Adventist in its approach with a strong spiritual growth/Adventist heritage theme throughout the levels. What most encourages you about Adventist education in the Columbia Union today?

LAVONA GILLHAM are blessed with talented cadres of dedicated administrative teams and quality academics. IAN: Decreasing enrollments, and the attendant financial problems, are forcing us to review the viability of many of our schools. In spite of the concerns, we continue to give good value for the investments made. Often, in the struggle to distribute scarce resources, education is viewed as an expense rather than investment in ministry. However, many schools are thriving. There seems to be an increasing desire for elementary schools to move to junior academy status and for junior academies to move to K-12 status. Our teachers are well prepared and denominationally certificated. All of our schools are accredited and an increasing number have NAD and regional accreditation.

HAM: I am most encouraged by the incredible commitment of our educators to facilitate student growth on all fronts. Valuegenesis 2 data provide strong evidence that our students feel they are valued and nurtured in all respects in Adventist classrooms. Our students enjoy their school and classroom experiences and, at a higher rate than ever before, are meaningfully involved in reaching out to their respective communities through practical service commitments. In addition, the “human touch” is a central focus of our commitment to teach children to not only be active in the community of their classrooms but also to make the lives of others in the broader public community better. IAN: I am also most encouraged by the well-prepared, consecrated faculty and staff that contribute sacrificially to provide a nurturing environment for our children. LAVONA: There is nothing as sweet as a child’s prayer. Classrooms throughout the Columbia Union start and end the day with prayer. Many stop for prayer throughout the day as the need arises. Teachers spend time in prayer. Parents, church members, and leaders pray for our schools. It is very encouraging to know that so many are uplifting our teachers and students in prayer, and it is most encouraging to know that God’s presence is in our classrooms. What are some of the challenges?

LAVONA: The curriculum offered in our schools is solid. Our students are being challenged to become thinkers in an age when knowledge is no longer a set of facts to be memorized. The “information age” in which we live requires that students not only know

HAM: First, while a growing number of students enter Adventist classrooms with learning challenges, our schools often do not have certified counselors and/or specialists on site daily to assist with learning disabilities. MARCH 2005

Secondly, I am always concerned with the affordability and accessibility of Seventh-day Adventist education. As systems “right-size,” fewer options are available to parents who desire to have their children in a regular Adventist school setting. Some schools are opting to provide distance-learning options for entire grade levels due to local financial exigencies, with mixed results at best. Finally, nearly all public and private education systems are facing personnel shortages in the K-12 arena. The competition for quality teachers is becoming more intense from year-to-year. The shortage of qualified and interested K-12 administrators is even more acute, particularly for academy programs. Finding and retaining topquality principals will, I fear, be a persistent challenge. IAN: Challenges are myriad. The increasing tendency is to view education as a burden that must be unloaded. So increasingly, education is not seen as an investment in the salvation of our children. It also seems that some families are not willing to sacrificially support our schools.

IAN KELLY

Additionally, we educators have for too long failed to promote Adventist education effectively. Finally, it is critical that meaningful conversations take place among educators, parents, and administrators, where collegiality and respect assure that the full spectrum of views can be expressed and factored in the decision-making process. At the same time, we educators need to awaken from our stupor and begin to make those hard decisions to improve the product and the methods of delivery. LAVONA: Satan is using so many strategies to entice, sidetrack, and/or detour our young people at this crucial time in earth’s history. He has always concentrated on the youth down through the ages; however, now there is a definite, all-out war. If ever there has been a time to have our precious children in an environment that can prepare them for eternal life, it is now. The church, home, and school—working together through prayer—is a power force. Our challenge is to work together to see that every child has access to this power. Sharing the good news of salvation is our mission. A 2004 study of education by Monte Sahlin, vice president for creative ministries, revealed several key trends.* What do they tell us about the future of education? HAM: The survey conducted by Sahlin is limited in scope but provides revealing, valid data, particularly as the findings were compared to those of a similar survey conducted nearly 20 years ago. Several clear trends were evident in interpretation of the data: 1. There continues to be strong support for K-12 Christian education among respondents. Parents desire greater involvement and teaming between and among local school boards, conference, and union personnel in addressing the challenges faced at the local school level. 2. Clearly, parents are much more inclined to keep children closer to home. Boarding academies will continue to experience a slow but steady decline in annual enrollments, perhaps exacerbated by the reality that, in the Columbia Union, there are six boarding academies within a “concentrated” geographical radius. 3. Parents desire more services, particularly counseling, for students. Interestingly, the data suggest that while parents may desire a broader spectrum of available services for their children, they are less inclined to absorb the costs for those expanded services via tuition increases. *For a free copy of the study (Survey of Adventist Parents About Christian Secondary Education), call the Columbia Union Office of Creative Ministries at (800) 438-9600.

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Statement of Policy—Nondiscrimination in Adventist Schools The Seventh-day Adventist Church, in all of its church-operated schools, admits students of any race to all privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at its schools and makes no discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, handicap, ethnic background, or national origin in the administration of education policies, applications for admission, scholarship or loan programs, and extracurricular programs. The governing body of the Church has ruled officially, and in practice abides by, the following policies: 1. Equal employment opportunities shall be afforded, with no discrimination in recruitment or hiring against any employee or application because of race, color, ethnic background, country of origin, age or sex except where age or sex is a bona fide occupational qualification.

Parkersburg Academy, Summersville Seventh-day Adventist School, Valley View Adventist School, Willowbrook Christian Academy

2. Preferential hiring shall be practiced only on the basis of freely chosen adherence to Adventist tenets essential to the operation of an Adventist institution.

New Jersey—Cohansey Adventist School, Collingwood Park Adventist School, Delaware Valley Junior Academy, Lake Nelson Seventh-day Adventist School, Garden State Academy, Meadow View Junior Academy, Parkway South Christian School, Tranquility Adventist School, Waldwick Junior Academy

3. Compensation and benefits will be administered without regard to race, color, ethnic background, country of origin, creed, age, or sex except where age or sex is a bona fide occupational qualification. 4. Decisions for the promotion of employees will be based upon the qualifications of an individual as related to the requirements of the position for which he or she is being considered. 5. Inasmuch as the personal life and professional identity of an individual are inseparable, all employees are expected to conform to the standards of conduct that are in harmony with Seventh-day Adventist practices. Allegheny East—Baltimore Junior Academy, Calvary Adventist School, DuPont Park Junior Academy, Ephesus Adventist School, George E. Peters Adventist School, Hillside Adventist School, Mount Olivet Adventist School, Pine Forge Adventist School, Sharon Temple Adventist School, Sojourner Truth Adventist School, Trinity Temple Adventist School, Wilbert F. Mays Adventist School, Pine Forge Academy Allegheny West—Columbus Adventist Academy, Ethan Christian School, Ramah Junior Academy, Shiloh Adventist Prep School Chesapeake—Atholton Adventist School, Baltimore White Marsh Adventist School, Berkeley Springs Seventh-day Adventist School, Crest Lane Seventh-day Adventist School, Crossroads Seventh-day Adventist School, Eastern Shore Junior Academy, Frederick Seventh-day Adventist School, Friendship Seventh-day Adventist School, Gateway Christian School, Highland View Academy, Martin Barr Seventh-day Adventist School, Mount Aetna Seventh-day Adventist School, Rocky Knoll Seventh-day Adventist School, Spencerville Adventist Academy, Susquehanna Adventist School, Wilmington Junior Academy Mountain View—Charleston Seventh-day Adventist Christian School, Greenbrier Adventist Junior Academy, Highland Adventist School, Mountaintop Seventh-day Adventist School,

Ohio—Cincinnati Junior Academy, Clarksfield Seventh-day Adventist School, Elyria Christian Academy, Greater Columbus Christian School, Ham-Mid Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School, Hillsboro Seventh-day Adventist School, Lancaster Seventh-day Adventist School, Lima Seventh-day Adventist School, Mansfield Seventh-day Adventist School, Mayfair Junior Academy, Mount Vernon Academy, Mount Vernon Seventh-day Adventist School, Newark Seventh-day Adventist School, Piqua Seventh-day Adventist Christian School, Spring Valley Academy, Toledo Junior Academy, Twin Oaks Seventh-day Adventist School, Zanesville Seventh-day Adventist School Pennsylvania—Blue Mountain Academy, Blue Mountain Adventist Elementary School, Fairview Village Adventist School, Gettysburg Adventist School, Harrisburg Adventist School, Huntingdon Valley Christian Academy, Irvin Comstock Adventist Elementary School, Lake Erie Adventist School, Lancaster Seventh-day Adventist School, Lehigh Valley Adventist Elementary School, Mountain View Christian School, Reading Seventh-day Adventist School, Richland Christian School, Stroudsburg Seventh-day Adventist School, West Chester Adventist Christian School, Wyoming Valley Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School, York Adventist School Potomac—Appomattox Seventh-day Adventist School, Beltsville Seventh-day Adventist School, B & P Young Seventh-day Adventist School, C. F. Richards Junior Academy, Desmond T. Doss Seventh-day Adventist School, Echo Valley Christian School, Fairmont Christian Prep. School, Hampton Roads Seventh-day Adventist School, J. N. Andrews, Olney Adventist Prep., Richmond Academy, Roanoke Adventist Prep., Robert A. Lewis Christian School, Shenandoah Valley Adventist Elementary, Sligo Adventist School, Stanley Seventh-day Adventist School, Tappahannock Junior Academy, Tidewater Adventist Academy, Vienna Adventist Academy, Yale Elementary School, Shenandoah Valley Academy, Takoma Academy, Tree of Life Christian Prep., Powell Valley Christian

MARCH 2005

From Gangs to the Gospel The Peter Garza Story

Peter Garza is a 1999 Takoma Academy (TA) graduate and a second-year theology student at Columbia Union College (CUC). His story speaks volumes about the Seventh-day Adventist education he received from these Takoma Park, Md., schools. top by Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, in Takoma Park, Md., on any Sabbath afternoon, and chances are you’ll see Peter “Pete” Garza leading praise and worship, preaching a sermon, or directing the choir. At 23, this deeply spiritual and very active theology sophomore serves as assistant youth pastor and youth choir director at Sligo, as well as lay pastor of New Community Fellowship, a church he helped to found. The musically talented Garza also plays several instruments, sings, leads another choir, and is a member of a band called Avantguard. What’s really amazing is that Garza’s life wasn’t always like this. Raised in a loving Roman Catholic family, he had a happy childhood. However, while

KAREN ABDOOL

attending a private middle school he became attracted to the “gangster” lifestyle of his friends who always seemed to have money and girls. Garza never officially became a gang member, but the association had an extremely negative influence. “I was selfish,” he admits. “I didn’t care about anyone but myself; I hurt others, especially those who loved me.” Garza began using drugs and eventually became entrapped in drug addiction. “I thought I was going to die,” he says. “If you had driven down the street a few years ago, you would have seen a little hoodlum. But God saw something different.” THE POWER OF PRAYER Things were really bad, but on the night of April 5, 1996, while high, he made a pivotal decision. I can’t live like this, he recalls thinking. “I prayed and promised God that I would change, if He would just let me live. I distinctly heard God’s voice telling me that I had so much to offer. I remember hearing the words ‘faith,’ ‘hope,’ ‘loyalty,’ and ‘trust,’” he says. “It was very easy for me to stop because I knew there was so much more to life,” he says. “Because of Jesus, I had a reason to stop.” Two significant events followed: his mother enrolled him in TA, and, a few weeks later, one of his friends was shot and killed and another critically wounded. Garza started taking Bible studies from Sligo Associate Pastor Charles Tapp (now at Seabrook church), who taught Bible at TA, and was baptized by Dunbar Henry, who was principal at the time. “He was so nice, patient, and understanding, and he had chats with me about God,” Garza says, “so I asked him to baptize me.” Terry Johnsson, Sligo’s associate pastor for youth and young adults, who often acts as a chaplain for TA, befriended Garza and influenced his Christian growth. “I would cuss in front of him,” Garza says, “but he still believed in me. He even allowed four

Peter Garza, lay pastor and Columbia Union College theology student, prays before a service. 14

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If you had driven down the street a few years ago, you would have seen a little hoodlum. —Peter Garza tering relationships and meeting needs are the most important ministries of the church. Instead of dwelling on the past, Garza glories in the goodness of God. The miracles that brought him from the pavement to the pulpit were the result of his Adventist educational experience and the prayers of his mother, church family, and friends. “The power of prayer is the story of my life,” he concludes. of us to preach in front of the entire [Sligo] church.” From these experiences Garza began to feel a call to the ministry. He enrolled at CUC and earned his first “A” in a class called Knowing and Sharing Christ. Garza is now interning as Sligo’s assistant youth pastor. The church also awakened his gift of music. After hearing someone playing the piano, he decided to try it. I walked over and immediately “got it,” he says. From there, he learned to play guitar and drums.

Karen Abdool is a medical student at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and a member of Maryland’s Takoma Park church.

MINISTERING TO A MILLION In January 2004, Garza and Pastor Johnsson began New Community Fellowship, which meets in Sligo’s sanctuary at 6 p.m. on Saturday afternoons. Modeled after the Holy Spirit Pentecost experience of Acts 2, its mission is to form relationships with members of the Takoma Park and nearby Langley Park communities. The pair realized they’d found a fertile mission field when they discovered that there are over a million people in this area who aren’t connected to a church family. Their outreach began with five people and has now grown to 300. Garza sees New Community Fellowship as a “come as you are” church where everyone is welcome. There are also feed-the-homeless and prison ministries programs. Despite the crime, poverty, language barriers, immigration issues, and prejudices that plague this area, Garza believes that fos-

Peter Garza is always willing to share his testimony of how God saved him from a life of crime and drugs. MARCH 2005

I KNOW

JESUS

IS IN OUR SCHOOLS HAMLET CANOSA

hose were wonderful days. Remembering “my” students, affectionately known as “my kids,” scurrying in the halls from one class to another, churning youthful enthusiasm at a pace far beyond my own, still puts a yearning in my heart. “Hey, Mr. C., what’s happening?” Like a burning thirst quenched by cold, refreshing water, I realize how much that morning greeting meant to me. Somehow, those amazing “kids” sensed my daily need. How I miss them. In recent travels, I stopped by several schools to visit with our students. Yes, a little “cold, refreshing water” was needed. More importantly, my assignment was to learn how students felt about Jesus at their schools. Was He there? Could they feel His presence each day? What evidence could they provide to show that Jesus kept their company? Well, I’d like you to meet several of our students and consider their thoughts. Each was asked to complete the following statement:

“I know that Jesus is at my SPRING VALLEY ACADEMY

MT. AETNA ELEMENTARY

Chelsea Stevens—11th grade

Gabrielle Gordon—3rd grade

“You can see the way teachers really care and how they interact with students. They treat us like treasures, like treasures of heaven.”

“We always learn about Jesus, and we have guarding angels with us.”

Joshua Money—4th grade Caleb Puckett—3rd grade “Because He really blessed our school by helping us with the tsunami fund.”

“You just feel Him here. It feels like He’s helping us with our day.”

Austin Owens—8th grade

“Before we have tests, we pray. And teachers are like your friends. You can talk to them. They’re cool.”

s el Ch

“I know Jesus is at Mt. Aetna school because I see Him in the teachers and in the way they act toward students. They always set an example of a relationship with God.”

b le a C

Lauren Henderson—8th grade

e ur a L

a sh Jo

i st Au

el le

i br a G

school because …” HIGHLAND VIEW ACADEMY Robert Nyack—12th grade

CalliAnne Lee—9th grade

“Jesus’ spirit is very well known here at HVA. I can see and feel it everyday through our Christ-based education and warm spiritual student body.”

“Jesus is working in the hearts of the people at HVA. The staff is kindhearted and Christ like. And the students come together and praise His name!”

Brenda Prinda—12th grade

en Br

be Ro

“I know Jesus is at HVA because I see Him in my friends and in the faculty. There is always someone willing to listen and pray for you when you are going through tough times.”

lliA a C

(NEWSLINE, cont.)

New Community Center Opens in Pittsburgh A new Adventist Community Services (ACS) center opened January 1 in the Chartiers Valley area of Pittsburgh, Pa. “This community never heard of Adventists until last October,” says Monte Sahlin, a vice president for the Columbia Union Conference. “There is one Adventist for every 1,268 residents in this metropolitan area, as compared to one Adventist for every 380 people across the United States. The door opened when floods devastated the area and ACS Disaster Response sent in a team at the request of the state emergency management agency.” Floods from Hurricane Ivan damaged many homes and people lost jobs. Don Bonchack, the ACS Disaster Response coordinator for the Columbia Union, along with Pennsylvania ACS Director Bruce Atchison and Potomac ACS Disaster Response Coordinator Bob Mitchell, recruited volunteers, opened an emergency center, and spent two months helping those in need. “For a group of people to come into an unknown community and give as much as they gave, it was definitely heaven sent,” says local resident and Center volunteer John Collier.

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Civic leaders asked ACS to extend its stay and service, and Bonchack presented this request to the Pittsburgh Metro Initiative Steering Committee, which Sahlin chairs. Ray Hartwell, president of the Pennsylvania Conference and a committee member, was interested because there is no Adventist church within 20 miles of the site. Hartwell presented the situation to the Pennsylvania Conference Executive Committee. They voted to hire a director, with hopes to plant a church in the next two years. Pastor Andy Clark, a recent Columbia Union College (CUC) metro ministries graduate, serves as director. Mayda Flores, a current CUC student, serves as a taskforce worker. “Local residents have already expressed a desire for a deeper spiritual connection,” Clark says. To receive regular updates on this Pittsburgh pilot project, call (800) 438-9600.—Celeste Ryan

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

A Journey Toward Excellence Brenda Kuhn

ne of our strategic goals this year is to improve the perception of the care received by our patients and families. We have provided our leaders with new tools to better manage their units and support their staff. Our goal is to provide the very best in healthcare—imitating the Master Healer. Recently, Kettering Adventist HealthCare (KAHC) began the process of evolving its culture. Taking a culture that is focused on giving patients, families, and employees the very best in healthcare possible, while imitating Jesus Christ, the Master Healer, and crafting it into something even finer. We call this process “Excellence … for Life.” But how do you accomplish this change in culture? We begin by focusing on the people that give it a distinctive philosophy and make KAHC what it is. It is this support that is integral to the journey toward lasting service and exceptional people. As part of our journey, KAHC has acknowledged nine principles that fit into our Key Result Areas (KRAs). These nine principles are the behaviors organizations should undertake to achieve results: 1. Commit to excellence 2. Measure the important things 3. Build a culture around service 4. Create and develop leaders 5. Focus on employee satisfaction 6. Build individual accountability 7. Align behaviors with goals and values 8. Communicate at all levels 9. Recognize and reward success By focusing on our first three KRAs (people, service, and quality) we are directly affecting the last two (finance and growth). By looking at the people in our

Ours is a journey toward excellence, a journey to providing all Kettering Adventist HealthCare patients with the very best care. organization, KAHC has begun transforming how we carry out our daily work. We are focused on making sure people are satisfied with what they are doing, where they are employed, and that they have the appropriate resources to provide top-quality care. Ours is a journey toward excellence, a journey to providing all Kettering Adventist HealthCare patients with the very best care. The journey starts with recognizing that everything we do starts at the core of the organization, with our values. Many of us started careers in healthcare to help people. Now we are refocusing ourselves, and our co-workers, to ensure that everyone does worthwhile work. That’s the only way each of us can really make a difference in people’s lives. That’s the only way we can follow in the footsteps of the Master Healer. Brenda Kuhn is vice president for patient care at Kettering Adventist HealthCare’s Grandview Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio.

MARCH 2005

HEALING MINISTRY

Grandview Receives Clinical Excellence Honors Kevin Lavoie

randview Medical Center (GVMC), part of Kettering Adventist HealthCare (KAHC), ranked among the top five percent of hospitals nationwide for a second time, according to the newly published national HealthGrades 2005 Study of Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence. HealthGrades is the nation’s leading independent healthcare quality company. Comprised of Grandview and Southview hospitals, GVMC has been awarded HealthGrades’ Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence, two years running. The study identifies the nation’s highest-quality hospitals in terms of clinical excellence, by analyzing federal Medicare patient data for 28 common medical procedures and diagnoses—from hip replacements to bypass surgery. Grandview is one of only 229 hospitals in the country to qualify for recognition in the study. “We are honored to receive this distinction from HealthGrades for a second consecutive year,” says Roy Chew, Ph.D., GVMC president. “Nothing could be better for our patients, physicians, associates, and community than to know that a highly regarded, independent source has rated Grandview’s overall clinical quality at an exceptional level compared to hospitals nationwide.”

For the second year, Grandview Medical Center employees were recognized for excellence.

“Saving and improving the lives of people in this community is the top priority of our physicians, nurses, and staff,” says Troy Tyner, DO, chair of Grandview Medical Center’s Quality Assurance Committee. “As an objective third party, HealthGrades has found that we’re not only achieving our goal, but performing among the top hospitals nationwide.” “Other area hospitals have come to Grandview to improve their quality,” Dr. Tyner adds. “This type of honor validates what we have known for a long time—patients can come to Grandview and expect excellent care. We’ve earned five stars in stroke, gastro intestinal disorder treatment, and lung care. We’re also the area’s first chest pain center. You name it— we’re good at it.”

Troy Tyner, chair of the Quality Assurance Committee and Roy Chew, president of Grandview, display the 2005 Distinguished Hospital Award. 20

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HEALING MINISTRY

According to the HealthGrades study, recognized hospitals have markedly better mortality and complication rates, even though they tend to treat more patients. Nationally, a Medicare patient who underwent heart bypass surgery at a Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence had a 15.3 percent better chance of surviving than a patient who received treatment at an average hospital. The improved survival rates were 15.4 percent for stroke, 12.62 percent for heart attack (in hospitals where angioplasty and stent treatments were available), and 19.55 percent for community-acquired pneumonia.

“Everyone throughout our organization, and in the community, should take pride in this tremendous accomplishment,” Dr. Chew adds. “Receiving this award a second year in a row truly shows that Grandview is committed to clinical quality day in and day out.” Kevin Lavoie is media relations specialist for Kettering Adventist HealthCare.

Running With Her Heart: Kettering Marathon Runner Raises $2,400 Pam McGinnis

t was pathetic. I couldn’t even run a quarter of a mile,” says Joan Swenson, chief human resource officer at Kettering Adventist HealthCare. Her husband had been running for years and, with a little pushing from him, she began running … very slowly … about 10 years ago. Swenson’s consistent, rigorous training paid off. On October 2004, she completed the Chicago Marathon (26.2 miles) as part of the Team in Training, which runs to raise money to find a cure for leukemia. “The Southwestern Ohio team was great,” she says. Swenson began seriously training in January 2004. “They taught us everything we needed to know. I also trained at Kettering Sports Medicine Center. My Achilles’ tendon was bothering me and the rehab really helped.” Swenson credits Gloria Ceballos, vice president of patient services at Kettering Medical Center, with introducing the concept. “She asked me if I’d ever consider running a marathon.” I replied, “Why in the world would I ever do that.” Then Swenson met a couple, Dave and Amy, who are battling leukemia and was determined to run and cross that finish line. It was a clear, sunny, October day. The temperature was 57 degrees … perfect running weather. Tears fill her eyes as she reminisces about the run, the crowd, and the finish line. “It was very emo-

tional to look around at all the participants,” she states. “The crowds were amazing. We ran through Chicago’s various ethnic neighborhoods—including the Italian, Greek, and Polish sections; everyone was cheering us on.” Swenson’s husband, daughter, and best friend were there as she began, and when she crossed the finish line. “My friends who couldn’t be there were tracking me on the computer,” she says. With two miles to go, Swenson’s Team for Training coaches joined her for the last leg. “It was incredible, I knew I was going to finish.” She completed the 26.2 miles and raised $2,400 for leukemia research. That’s called running with your heart. Pam McGinnis is a marketing and communications specialist/corporate writer for Kettering Adventist HealthCare. MARCH 2005

HEALING MINISTRY—NEWS Mission of Mercy Brings Aid to Tsunami Victims James Laws, M.D., a Grandview Medical Center cardiologist, traveled to the Indian Ocean region to bring much-needed medical supplies to victims of the recent tsunami. Dr. Laws is part of Knightsbridge International, an organization that focuses on getting medical supplies directly to suffering people. The Dayton Daily News reported Dr. Laws as saying, “Even though we’ve done this kind of thing before, this is going to be like nothing we’ve ever seen.” The plane made its first stop in the city of Hyderabad, in south central India, where Dr. Laws’ team delivered supplies to an orphanage. They continued to the coast, where the tsunami had caused major damage. Mercifully, much of the country’s infrastructure was still usable, allowing for aid to flow quickly. From the coastal area of India, they were able to distribute medical supplies, via helicopter, in Sri Lanka. Among the travelers was Ed Artis, another Knightsbridge International member. He and Dr. Laws previously visited Rwanda, during the genocide of the mid1990s, and Afghanistan, to distribute medical supplies.—Ken Chaij

Cassano Center Celebrates One Year of Service It was just about a year ago that the Victor J. Cassano Health Center opened its doors to the community. The Cassano Center is one of several ways Kettering Adventist HealthCare (KAHC) is fulfilling its mission to serve the needs of individuals and families in the surrounding low-income neighborhoods. “We offer family practice, nephrology, general surgery, cardiology, orthopedics, obstetrics, and bariatrics,” says Director Jill Trevino. “We see 40 to 50 patients per afternoon in the orthopedic clinic. With imaging, laboratory, and an apothecary under our roof, 22

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a patient literally has a one-stop shop when they visit Cassano.” The Center sees 100-plus patients per day, the 21 exam rooms are always full, and the apothecary processes about 90 prescriptions. Cassano Center is the focus of the family practice residency program, according to Trevino. Although actual surgery is done at Grandview Medical Center, pre-surgical, follow-up, and billing are handled at the Center. “Every time I visit the Cassano Center, I am convinced that we did the right thing,” said Roy Chew, Ph.D., president of Grandview Medical Center. “It obviously fills a community need, and the impact of the caring and committed staff is heartwarming. They are truly on a mission, and they reap the rewards of that mission every day.” —Pam McGinnis and Ken Chaij

At the one-year celebration of the Cassano Center, Roy Chew, Grandview president, addresses community residents and leaders.

Perez Receives “Heart of Dayton” Award Last month, the American Heart Association (AHA) of Dayton honored Frank Perez, president and CEO of KAHC, with the “Heart of Dayton” Award. The award honors a community member who made a significant contribution to AHA efforts. The ceremony took place February 5, during the 10th Annual Heart Gala, and marked the third time the award was given. “Frank Perez has been an enthusiastic and effective

After receiving the Heart of Dayton Award, Frank Perez (center), president and CEO of Kettering Adventist HealthCare, celebrates with Roy Chew (left), president of Grandview Medical Center, and Fred Manchur, president of Kettering Medical Center. champion on behalf of the American Heart Association,” said Rick Mace, vice president of clinical services at Kettering Medical Center. “He has been an invaluable leader through his vision and dedication and has led KAHC to greater innovation in heart care. He has always encouraged KAHC employees to support the AHA with their time and/or donations.” KAHC was the first in the Dayton area to have an electrophysiology lab and the first “Heart Link” to send real-time images from one hospital to another. These efforts helped decrease the number of Dayton-area deaths by 36 percent over a three-year period. Instrumental in helping found the Kettering Cardiovascular Institute, Perez has worked tirelessly to increase and improve the quality of heart care in the communities. “In addition to encouraging his organization and employees to contribute to the AHA, Perez has done so on a personal basis,” said AHA board member Benjamin Schuster. “He epitomizes the commitment of leadership.”—Ken Chaij For a complete listing of Adventist healthcare locations, visit www.columbiaunion.org/ healingministry.html

MARCH 2005

Safe in the Deep fter the horrible tsunami disaster that struck Southeast Asia, I read an incredible story about a couple on vacation in the area at the time of the disaster. As it happened, they were in the midst of their first certified scuba dive when the wave struck the shores of their vacation spot. They had no idea what was happening on the beaches above them, only that they experienced some pretty strong currents in the deep. Imagine their amazement and humility when they surfaced to discover the extent of the destruction that had passed them by. As I look at the world around me, I am amazed and humbled to realize the extent of the destruction that is occurring, yet somehow seems to pass me by. I also recognize that it is only by the grace of God that this is true, and that the time is coming when the winds of strife will be loosed and destruction will be even more prevalent. Where do we find safety in time of trouble? Just as the vacationing divers learned, the best place to be in such a time is deep. Deep in God’s love we find acceptance and compassion, which enables us to accept and love those around us. Deep in God’s forgiveness we find the ability to forgive and encourage others. Deep in God’s Word we find the hope and assurance with which we can face a new day. Deep in God’s mercy we recognize our unworthiness, and it moves us to reach out to those around us. A Seventh-day Adventist academy is a wonderful place for our young people to go deeper in their walk with God; to gain a deeper knowledge of our Creator and the world that He has given us; to dig deeper into His Word and learn more of His character; and to surrender our lives to Him and go deeper into His arms of love. That is why we are here. If your child is not attending such a place, ask yourself why. If it is financial, give that over to God. His streets are paved with gold! If it is an experience from years ago, give that to God too. Adventist academies are doing a wonderful job of loving and guiding our children. If it’s academic competition, recognize the outstanding education that many academy students are acquiring, and that they receive so much more! Whatever the problem, give it over to God. Visit your academy, see what they have to Spencer R. Hannah offer, and consider how you can dive deeper with Him. Principal

Students’ Grades Improve! irls’ Dean Linda Dininger recently stated excitedly, “There are only seven girls in my dorm with a D, F or I for the semester!” Indeed, there has been a decline in the number of students who have received a D, F, or Incomplete grade in a class this year. This improvement is due, in large part, to the addition of a learning specialist on staff. Tracy-Ann Dawes, who joined our team this past fall, works tirelessly to help students identify learning challenges and develop solid study skills. In some cases the problem is as simple as time management. In others it may be learning problems. Dawes has enlisted a great lineup of mentors and tutors and matched them with students they can best help. Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) has a strong commitment to helping students learn and develop solid study skills. Girls’ Dean Linda Dininger and Learning Specialist Tracy-Ann Dawes (back row, left to right) are proud Dawes coordinates diagnostic/placement testing for academic of all their students, including (front row, left to right) subjects, psycho-educational testing, and IEP (Individualized Ashley Seymour, Katie McAuliffe, and Alana Brereton. Education Plans) and learning accommodations as needed. Her aim is to provide students with psycho-educational services that are usually available only in public schools. She holds a Master of Arts degree in English and School Counseling, and a Specialist in Education degree in School Psychology from La Sierra University in Riverside, Calif.

MARCH 2005

Blue Mountain Academy Celebrates 50 Years Alumni Weekend, April 22-24 Come celebrate with us at Alumni Weekend 2005! We have a full lineup of programs and events—something for everyone! Sabbath Speaker: Charles D. Brooks Benefit Concert: The King’s Heralds Schedule Friday, April 22 9 a.m. Golf Tournament 7:30 p.m.

Vespers, Class of 1985 and Philadelphia Academy Benefit Concert: The King’s Heralds will perform live in concert on Sunday, April 24 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $12 each for rows 1-10; $10 each for rows 11 and beyond. Tickets are first come, first served. Proceeds will benefit Blue Mountain Academy. To purchase tickets in advance, mail your check, payable to Blue Mountain Academy, to BMA Advancement Department, 2363 Mountain Road, Hamburg, PA 19526. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

Sabbath, April 23 9:45 a.m. Sabbath School, Class of 1975 (BMA Church Sanctuary) 9:45 a.m.

Sabbath School, Class of 1995 (M. W. Shultz Gymnasium)

11:15 a.m.

Church, Class of 1980; Speaker, Charles D. Brooks

Student Wins Young Artist Competition

2 - 5:30 p.m. Childcare Provided 3:30 p.m.

Reunion Concert

6:30 - 8 p.m. Childcare Provided 8 p.m.

BMA Through the Years, Former Faculty and Staff

8:30 p.m.

Basketball Games

rumpet player Ricardo “Rico” Flores (’05) was recently named winner of the Schuylkill Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition. Rico’s performance of “Trumpet Concerto,” by J. N. Hummel, had placed him in the finals along with six piano finalists. Winning the competition entitled Rico to a $300 award and the opportunity to perform with the Schuylkill Symphony Orchestra.

Sunday, April 24 6:30 - 11 a.m. Aviation Fly-In 9:30 a.m. Hubert Morgan 5K Run/Fun Walk 11 a.m.

Anniversary Ceremonies

1 p.m.

Benefit Concert, The King’s Heralds

For more information, visit our Web site at www.bma.us or call (610) 562-4214.

Coming

EVENTS

March 4, 5 Elementary Music Festival 15-28 BMA Mission Trip - Ecuador

April 22 22-24 24

Golf Tournament Alumni Weekend 5K Run/Fun Walk The King’s Heralds Concert

May 1, 2 27-29

Academy Days Graduation Weekend

Communiqué is published in the Visitor by Blue Mountain Academy 2363 Mountain Road, Hamburg, PA 19526 ■ Phone: (610) 562-2291 Fax: (610) 562-8050 ■ Editor, Kathleen Sutton ■ E-mail: kathys@bma.us ■ www.bma.us ■ Copy Editor, Louise Corbin 24

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MARCH 2005

Proving the Promises o you have some burden too heavy to carry alone today? Is there some special need in your life—in your home, on the job, among your friends, within your heart? Are you facing an important decision? Do you feel unprepared for an upcoming event? Is something bothering you and you don’t even know what it is? Take a moment to consider some of the tremendous promises God has for you—promises you can depend upon. There is not a need in life, not a problem or difficulty, for which the Lord is not more than sufficient. God delights in helping us when we acknowledge our need. And we find unbelievable strength and wisdom on our knees. Do you need wisdom? Read James 1:5 and Proverbs 16:3. Do you need strength? Read Psalm 27:1 and Philippians 4:13. Are you burdened by some depressing weight upon your heart? Read Psalm 55:22. Are you worried about finances? Read Philippians 4:19. Is there some future situation that is bothering you? Read Psalm 37:5. What a wonderful privilege is ours to prove these precious promises. The burdens I carry for the work of this conference would be too much to bear were it not for promises such Neville Harcombe as these and others. Don’t believe me? Prove them for yourself! President

NEWS Youth Leaders to Gather for Enrichment Day As part of the Chesapeake Conference Youth Department’s ongoing approach to leadership training, an Enrichment Day will be held March 12 at the Baltimore First church. José Rojas, director of Volunteer Ministries for the North American Division, will preach during the worship service. Attendees will be privileged to seven different certification tracks from Adventurer Ministries to the Honors Master’s track. The next José Rojas Enrichment Day is scheduled for September with Baraka Muganda, youth director for the worldwide Adventist Church, as the keynote speaker.

Linthicum to Sponsor Trip to GC Session The Linthicum church is once again organizing a trip to the General Conference Session in St. Louis, Mo., July 5-10. The $450 cost includes travel on a custom motor coach, motel accommodations (double occupancy) en route, and daily transportation to the convention center. The bus will depart from, and return to, the Chesa-peake Conference office. Contact Michele Engels (410) 768-1916 or LaVonne Warner at (410) 789-0989.

Students Raise Money for Tsunami Victims In the aftermath of the tsunami tragedy, ninth- and 10th-graders at Eastern Shore Junior Academy (ESJA)

used their 100-minute Bible class to make door-todoor visits in their Suddlersville, Md., community. In addition to getting a good start on their goal of raising $1,000 for the victims of the disaster, students took the opportunity to talk and pray with residents. According to Homeroom Teacher Russell Bantin, the students made a positive impact on their neighbors. “You could just see that they really appreciated what we were Joshua Haddock, Angelis Reyesdoing,” offered one Seeber, and Becky Simpers go student. “I was door-to-door raising money for impressed with the tsunami victims. willingness of so many people to give, even when they had little themselves,” said another. Students at ESJA regularly make contact with their community through mission-oriented projects. They have also used the computer skills they have been developing to author Web pages for local merchants. They are also developing an excellent reputation in the region as students who put service above self-interest.

MARCH 2005

Baltimore First Hosts Annual Lay Evangelism Rally early 100 people from across the Chesapeake Conference sat entranced as Walter Pearson, Jr., speaker and director for Breath of Life Ministries, presented the keynote address at the annual lay evangelism rally held recently at the Baltimore First church in Ellicott City, Md. Enthused by his message, the participants then spent the afternoon in seminars that taught practical ways to share one’s faith. This year’s rally had an interesting twist. It had laymen training other laymen in the art of soul winning. Diane Levy, an Amazing Facts Bible worker, currently working at

Left to right: Pastor Sedley Johnson, Jim Sharps, N.D., Diane Levy, and Gayle Voigt, share a preview of their seminars.

the Triadelphia (Md.) church, shared effective methods of friendship evangelism. Jim Sharps, N.D., a member of the Atholton (Md.) church, presented a workable strategy for reaching the community through a health emphasis. Gayle Voigt, of the White Marsh (Md.) church, convinced attendees Keynote speaker Walter Pearson, Jr., speaker and director of Breath of Life that using modern Ministries, inspired attendees at the technology—such as lay evangelism rally. DVDs—to conduct lay-evangelistic meetings in the local church or overseas, makes it easier. Sedley Johnson, pastor of Maryland’s Aberdeen/Dundalk District, and a former lay member, shared his secrets for presenting Bible studies that lead to decisions. Participants were able to attend two of the four seminars before gathering again in the church sanctuary for the closing challenge by Conference President Neville Harcombe.

Preparing for the Inevitable orty individuals attended the Volunteer ACS (Adventist Community Services) Disaster Response Training Workshop held recently at the Glen Burnie (Md.) ACS Center. Kitty Juneau, a Spencerville (Md.) church member, and Chesapeake Conference Disaster Response coordinator, organized the event. During the weekend, participants spent 12 hours working their way through a three-step training program that included orientation techniques for volunteers, methods for handling the distribution of supplies in emergencies, and the essential preparations needed for responding to disasters. Although hampered by a snow and ice storm on the second day of the workshop, those who braved the conditions were able to complete the training and are now prepared to coordinate an emergency response in their local communities.

Don Bonchack, Disaster Response coordinator for the Columbia Union, came from State College, Pa., to prepare Chesapeake volunteers to respond to disasters. 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

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MARCH 2005

Graduate Becomes Hispanic Recruiter am Moreno is Columbia Union College’s (CUC) new Hispanic recruiter. Moreno graduated in July 2004, with a degree in theology (Pastoral Ministries) and a minor in psychology. As a student, he worked in the Enrollment Services Office for several years. Now a full-

Sam Moreno

time recruiter, he’s also a part-time youth minister for the Silver Spring Spanish church in Silver Spring, Md. Among his various on-campus responsibilities are: Hispanic recruiter, office manager, and church program coordinator (an outreach combining the efforts of Enrollment Services and Campus Ministries). Moreno also manages the student workers in Enrollment Services, and assists the department as the Webmaster. “CUC is very cosmopolitan,” stated Moreno, “and that fits well with my sense of ministry. Our location puts students right in the path of great internship possibilities.” Moreno started his first internship at the Silver Spring Spanish church, where he serves as a part-time youth pastor. Moreno began his college work experience during his first semester attending CUC. He worked during the day in the Admissions Office and at night as a telemarketer for Enrollment Services. During his second semester, he began working exclusively in Enrollment. “I love CUC,” said Moreno. “It’s been my home (continued next page)

President, Students Meet With State Representatives ast month, CUC President Randal Wisbey, D.Min.; Kevin Gurubatham, junior history/pre-law major; and Kyle Allen, senior religion/political studies major attended a rally in Annapolis, Md., sponsored by the Maryland Independent Colleges and Universities Association. The Association gives colleges a voice with the Maryland State Legislature and helps fund scholarships. The delegation met with six of the seven legislators who represent areas that include CUC. Each of the representatives were very familiar with and had very good things to say about the College. Most of the legislators recognize the value of CUC and the quality of its programs—especially the nursing and education programs that contribute so much to the state’s vibrancy. “It was a great day for CUC, especially because we got to share our concerns directly with our elected officials,” said Wisbey. “They were very receptive. We

Left to right: Randal Wisbey, Maryland Governor Bob Ehrlich, Kyle Allen, and Kevin Gurubatham.

have some good friends in the House and the Senate in Maryland.”—Scott Steward

MARCH 2005

New Enrollment Counselor Sees Endless Possibilities ason Merryman is CUC’s new senior enrollment counselor. Merryman is a former recruiter for the University of Phoenix, where he set the Maryland record for most students enrolled in a nine-month period. “When I started at the University of Phoenix, they had 80 students enrolled,” said Merryman. “When I left a year later, they had more than 300.” Merryman is responsible for working with both high school and academy students in several mid-Atlantic areas of the country. He also will be involved in several special projects that reflect his background and experience. “There is so much energy here,” Merryman says. “I feel that I now have the freedom to be more creative. I’ll use my past experiences to help create a brighter future at Columbia Union College.” Merryman says CUC has a lot to offer potential students, benefits they can’t find anywhere else. “Columbia Union Jason Merryman College is in an incredible location. It’s a close-knit community where all your spiritual and educational needs are easily met. The opportunities for internships are endless. And, in this area, there are CALENDAR over 50 different churches to choose from.” Though Merryman is a lifelong Seventh-day Adventist, this represents his first denominational employMarch ment. “This is the first time I’ve had the privilege of working with the 1 Church,” said Merryman. “Though I knew I wanted to stay in the realm of Midterm Exams education, I find it refreshing that I will now have the chance to work with 4 the young people, as well.” Spring Break Begins Merryman is a member of Sligo church in Takoma Park, Md. He graduated from Southern Adventist University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts in 14 Marketing and went on to receive his Master of Organizational Classes Resume Management degree in June of 2003 at the University of Phoenix. 20 “We are delighted Jason has joined us,” says Dan Day, vice president Winter Sports Athletic Banquet for Marketing and Enrollment Services. “We have high expectations for the 24 strengths he will bring to the college.”—Brandon Day

Career Fair 2005

25-28 Hispanic Recruiter, cont. away from home for nearly five years. This campus has been like a family to me.” In terms of the spiritual life on campus, he says: “Being here has been a real spiritual boost. I always wanted to be involved in youth ministries, and CUC has opened that pathway for me.” “I felt that I could do a lot of good here,” Moreno said about his decision to join the Enrollment Services team. “Having been a student at CUC these past four years, I feel I can easily relate to prospective students and give them a fresh perspective on things.” “Sam has been a great addition to our team,” said Jonathan Scriven, director of Student Recruitment. “He has a manner that students find appealing, and we can always call on him to get something done. For example, for our section of the Web site, he’s working on a photo page for students who attended College Days, and helping create a new virtual, panoramic campus tour.”—Brandon Day 28

VISITOR

Parent Weekend and Honor Society Inductions Join us for Alumni Weekend April 1-3 Friday Night Praise featuring: Gordon Hadley, M.D., Class of 1943 Sabbath Guest Speaker: Ted Wilson, GC Vice President Call (301) 891-4133 or visit www.cuc.edu. 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 President, Randal Wisbey PR Director, Scott Steward

MARCH 2005

w w w . h i g h l a n d v i e w a c a d e m y. c o m

Educating for Eternity nd Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52, NIV). This verse from Luke is one of the best clues that the Bible gives us for how Jesus spent his childhood and teen years. It is interesting to note that the four areas of growth mentioned by Luke—mental, physical, spiritual, and social ability—are very familiar to us. Jesus grew into a balanced young man by focusing on all areas of development. This message from the gospels should not be overlooked. Christian Adventist schools are perhaps most often hailed as safe environments for our children to grow and mature spiritually. In “Educating for Eternity” Highland View Academy (HVA) places spiritual growth as our first priority, and the salvation of our students is our ultimate goal. However, we recognize that Biblical principles also call us to provide excellence in all areas, including academics. We are proud of the academic rigor of our schedule, our unique elective course offerings, our teachers’ commitment to professional growth, the introduction of honors and AP (Advanced Placement) courses, and above all, our students’ performance in classes and their exceptional scores on national achievement tests. Academic integrity and performance is highly stressed and we teach that using our God-given talents is the best way we can be stewards for Him while living on earth. I would like to thank our faculty for their outstanding commitment to providing challenging courses, our board for encouraging and supporting the development of a quality academic program, and, most of all, our students for rising to the standard of excellence placed Randy Nomura Principal before them. We are all so proud of you!

Students Serve to Make a Difference tudent outreach is a vital part of our program at HVA. Monthly nursing home visits, an annual mission trip overseas, and the Shoebox Christmas Gift program through Samaritan’s Purse are just a few of the programs the school sponsors. But in addition to these, there are two student-led outreach programs specifically designed to raise money for hunger and disaster relief. First, the “30-Hour Famine” raises money for countries where hunger is routine. Last year’s experience with the famine weekend taught HVA students Julianne Souza (left) and Angelique empathy and Bagirimvano ask neighbors to support compassion for ADRA disaster relief.

those in need. Many are looking forward to participating in the program again this month. Second, in response to the deadly tsunami that struck Asia and Africa, HVA’s Student Association officers organized a school-wide campaign to see who could raise the most money for relief efforts. Working with ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) International, the students distributed fliers and did other fund-raising activities. Seven independent sponsors made a commitment to match every $500 the students raised. With the help of these sponsors, all four classes exceeded their goals and raised over $3,000. It is this type of thinking that makes the students of HVA exceptional. “In our attempt to provide our children with the best possible Christian education, we end up sheltering them from the real world. If we can teach our students to go beyond themselves as a way of life, then we have taught them not just a lifestyle, but the most important New Testament principle of all, which is to give of yourself in response to what God has done in your life,” says Campus Ministries leader, Pastor Vladimir Corea. The need for involvement will only grow stronger. For our part, HVA is sending student volunteers into the world to make a difference.

MARCH 2005

Strong Academics a Strength at HVA VA students recently took the Iowa Tests of Educational Development (ITED) that are required by the Chesapeake Conference. Our students, once again, showed that the academic program at HVA surpasses many programs in the United States. The number one goal at HVA is to make sure students are introduced to Jesus and to build a lasting relationship with the Lord. In addition to that, we want to arm them to make a difference in the world through their work and ministry. The best way we can do that is through education, which gives them opportunities to learn strengths and affirm gifts. By teaching a good work ethic through the work program, enhancing their intellects, and instructing them in efficient and creative ways, we prepare them for a life of service. The inserted table shows the scoring of the ITED tests students took, as compared to schools nationwide. We are proud of all that our students have achieved and praise the Lord for a teaching faculty who help them reach their academic goals.

Comprehension

Total

Spelling

Revising Writing

Concepts

Computation

Total

CORE TOTAL

Social Studies

Science

Sources of Information

COMPOSITE

MATHEMATICS

Vocabulary

LANGUAGE

Grade

READING

9 10 11 12

70 73 98 89

66 82 98 91

68 77 99 89

81 54 88 79

64 79 98 85

73 79 96 92

49 61 79 81

73 79 96 92

68 79 98 89

48 76 96 92

66 83 99 93

57 76 89 83

64 83 98 91

Results of the September 2004 Iowa Tests of Educational Development for Highland View Academy were by percentile rank of average standard scores. These scores compare HVA’s classes to classes in other schools in the nation. The 11th-grade class scored a percentile rank of 99 for the reading total compared to other 11th-grade classes in the nation. A 99 percentile rank means that 99 percent of the scores were below our 11th-grade class. A 99 percentile rank is the highest score possible.

CALENDAR March 4-6 Parent Weekend (Senior Play)

March 7-11 Week of Prayer

March 11, 12 “30-Hour Famine” Fund-raiser

HVABC March 2005 Specials

March 13

Each month the HVABC offers promotional specials for our customers. This month the following items are on sale, in addition to other, non-published discounts. No coupons are necessary, just come in and take advantage of the great offers.

March 19

SAT Music & Covenant to West Wilmington (Del.) church

March 23-April 3 Belize Mission Adventure

March 23-April 5

Original

Case Sale

Fri-Chick

$39.48

$29.48

Big Franks

$47.48

$35.48

School Resumes

Vegetarian Burger

$45.48

$33.48

April 10

Vega-Links

$45.48

$33.48

ACT

Korea/China Educational Trip

April 4

April 22, 23 Youth Rally

Frozen Items (mix and match 2 for $6): Morning Star Farms Chik Patties Morning Star Farms Grillers

VISITOR

Highlander is published in the Visitor by the Highland View Academy 10100 Academy Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740 ■ Phone: (301) 739-8480 Fax: (301) 733-4770 ■ Editor, Candy DeVore www.highlandviewacademy.com

MARCH 2005

Turbo-Powered Religion! ut you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me … to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8, NKJV). When serving as Missouri Conference youth director years ago, I traveled so much that I needed a durable, fuel-efficient vehicle. That was the year we bought our first VW Rabbit diesel. It was brand new, snow white, with four doors, stick shift, and loaded with practically every option available. However, it was missing one thing— power. It would travel down the road at a respectable speed, however passing cars or starting up after a red light was difficult. The Rabbit seemed to obey the “walk” sign instead of the green light! In the summer, once the light turned green, we had to turn off the air conditioner for barely adequate power. If we had to stop at an uphill incline, forget it! Today, I still drive a VW diesel, but now it’s the Jetta TDI. It’s also a durable car that gets excellent mileage, with four doors, and a stick shift. But this one dares the light to turn green; it leaps forward with gusto, sometimes emitting a little squeal. It has no problem traversing smoothly in fifth gear on the crooked roads, hills, and hollows of Mountain View Conference. The engine isn’t some behemoth V8, but a humble little 4-cylinder. The difference is that this one is turbo-charged! We, like the Rabbit, are sometimes loaded with lots of outward frills, but lack real power to traverse the mountainous terrains of life. Instead of V8 power, we seem to be putting around on two cylinders. Then there’s the dreaded “engine failure,” where we lack the vital power necessary to finish the work of God in sharing His present-truth message. We don’t have the power in ourselves, but God longs to turbo-power us through His Holy Spirit. To seek His power: ■ Forsake all our sin and invite Jesus in ■ Stew less over cares and lift our hearts through prayers ■ Spend less time on TV and more with Bible study ■ Display less outward show and more of the Spirit’s glow ■ Take time to be with Jesus and “tarry awhile” Kingsley Whitsett President You’ll be super-charged with power from on High!

NEWS “Care to Share” Opens Doors to Outreach Adventists in Mountain View are enthusiastically involved in a fresh, simple approach to witnessing. Called “Care to Share,” it requires having “your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Eph. 6:15). The tool kit consists of six Signs booklets, which contain all the salient truths of a Bible Prophecy Seminar. Members are encouraged to keep these kits in their cars, homes, and jobs, and to offer the pamphlets at every suitable opportunity to friends, family, and acquaintances. The plan is to share one or two pamphlets

initially, while offering to review the material with willing recipients at an agreed time. Because this series is short and distinctive, it frequently opens the way for further Bible studies. It has also proven effective for priming interest in seminars, Sabbath School, prayer meeting, and other channels of fellowship and study. This field-tested method has produced numerous baptisms and attracted many pre-Adventists to become light-bearers themselves as they share the booklets with friends and family. “Touch,” “teach,” “transform,” and “train” are watch words in Mountain View. The goal is to touch others through friendship and ministry and teach them by sharing the message. When they are transformed by the truth, members train them to touch, teach, transform, and train others. To obtain a copy of a short training manual for this simple approach to sharing the gospel, contact the Mountain View Conference Personal Ministries Department.—Bob Tate

MARCH 2005

A Beacon of Better Living Illuminates Kingwood he Kingwood, W.Va., congregation of 15 members opened the doors of Preston Better Living Center and Thrift Store last November. Strategically located on a main route through town, the Center attracted immediate notice, and its popularity soared in just a few weeks. The church had been praying for ways to reach the community. Then the Lord orchestrated contact with Kester and Marie Erskine, founders of Greenbrier Better Living Center in Ronceverte, W.Va. They explained the basic criteria to open a thrift store and its potential for success. The church embraced the vision and was in business one month later. Preston Better Living Center, managed by the Kingwood church board and staffed entirely by volunteers, is committed to helping others and presenting the matchless charms of Christ in the process. Community members donate all merchandise, which includes clothing and household items. Prices are nominal, serving to defray expenses and preserve the customers’ self-respect. The Center is open five-days-a-week and closes early on Fridays for Sabbath preparation. All income, in excess of operating expenses, is donated to needy families on a nonsectarian basis. Any items for victims of disaster are free of charge. The Kingwood church is working toward an effective partnership with Adventist Community Services to become a supply center and relief outpost. Debbie Rockwell was working at the Center one cold, wintry day when a husband and wife entered. Their clothing was inadequate, considering the harsh weather. They selected three practically new bathrobes, several other garments, and a pair of shoes, all for the wife. Then the husband found a winter coat and insisted she try it on—it was a perfect fit. They left with three bags of items, all of which came to $12. They were elated. When the couple returned home and unpacked their items, they also had a gospel book or pamphlet, which volunteers offer each patron. Customers almost invariably receive this material with gratitude—especially the Spirit of Prophecy books and tracts. Some come back for more literature or even Bible studies. One customer shared a magazine article with a hospital patient. The patient visited the Center, inquired about the article, and to her delight was given a copy of the magazine in which it had appeared. Convinced that the Lord was leading, she said, “I’m going home to finish reading this. I really need it.” The Kingwood church has over 100 students enrolled in its Bible correspondence school. The Center also plans to conduct health and Bible seminars this year. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent Kingwood member Mary Lou Beltz (right) helps a Preston Better Living Center and Thrift Store customer. it” (Isa. 55:11).—Ed Rockwell

VISITOR

Church attendee Ricci Parks (left) tries his hand at serving a customer.

Mountain View

EVENTS March 12 “Your World to Win” Rally Summersville

13 Ministers’ Meeting

11-13 Literature Evangelists’ Workshop Valley Vista

18-20 MV Pathfinder Classoree Valley Vista

20 Youth Council Mountain State Academy

April 8-10 Family Fun Fellowship Valley Vista

30 “Your World to Win” Rally Morgantown 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

MARCH 2005

Christian Education Begins in the Home he home is the world’s greatest university, and dad and mother are the world’s greatest teachers. Psychologists tell us that one half of all growth in human intelligence takes place between the ages of 1 and 4. Therefore, parents must make use of every opportunity available to mold the lives of their children during these early, formative years, before they are thrust into the influences of the world. In Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 107, Ellen White says, “The Lord has decreed that the family shall be the greatest of all educational agencies. It is in the home that the education of the child is to begin.” God told the families of Israel, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart ... and these words which I command thee shall be in your heart, and thou shalt teach them diligently, unto thy children (Deut. 6:5-7). Education in the home should be both formal and informal. We informally teach our children through everything we say, how we say it, our attitudes, everything we do, and everything we leave undone. A child learns what is right and true and honorable by what his parents are, and by what they do. When they return the extra change to the store, practice appropriate habits of speech, and admit mistakes and ask forgiveness, they become tremendous assets to a child’s spiritual education. One way to teach our children formally in the home is to conduct regular family worship. The two most vivid memories of my childhood are that my father would call the family together every Friday evening to read the Bible and review the Sabbath School lesson, and that my mother would not let me leave the home in the morning without worship and prayer. In many of our homes, the things of the Lord are almost completely ignored during the week even though the family goes to church regularly each Sabbath. In his book, Why Our Teenagers Leave the Church, Roger Dudley says that participating regularly in family worship is one of eight key variables that best predicts whether or not our teenagers will retain membership in the Adventist Church. I challenge you as a parent to recognize that each moment in your child’s life is precious. You are creating in your child mental pictures of his/her home life. The educational influences of your home are a decided power for good or evil. You must create in your home a strong spiritual foundation so that the work of “building, polishing, and perfecting goes forward” David A. Cadavero Superintendent of Schools (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 107-108).

March 5

18-20

English Festival of the Laity— Central and South

Directors’ Advisory

Elders’ Retreat

11-13

Youth Leaders’ Convention

K-12 Board of Education

ABC Open, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

25-31

ABC Open, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

“Seven Signs” Youth Evangelism Kickoff

Pastors’ Meeting

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

MARCH 2005

Parkway South School Combines Faith, Academics, and the Arts at the fair. own a long, winding driveway lined with broken, Each student white sea shells (very typical of Southern Jersey), has a comand snuggled behind a lovely row of pine trees lies a pale, yellow Little House on the Prairie-type school. The puter in class and is learnquaint, red metal bell located outside the schoolhouse ing to use the echoes a clear, resonant sound, when struck at 8:30 applications a.m. sharp, summoning the 11 uniformed students of of Microsoft the Parkway South Seventh-day Adventist Christian School to quietly take their seats in readiness for one of 2000 ProfesIsaac Jacobo creates a cross-linked polymer sional. The the most exciting events of the day—chapel. in science lab. Visiting the school is a rare, unparalleled experience. individual nurturing each student receives is unparalleled, when Its unique persona stands out during daily chapel services and permeates throughout the activities of the day. compared to bigger schools. Conchita Boling, educational psychologist, principal, A strong faith in the Lord and exposure to the arts and teacher, rules like a queen at Parkway South. As a are woven into each classroom day, enriching the lives role model she is respected, admired, and emulated by of the children. Every child receives Suzuki instruction her students. Helping them understand the importance when learning to play the violin. Etiquette is also of setting goals, then creating a plan to stressed, and the gracious manners can reach those goals, and finally remaining be seen during lunch when the boys, as committed to that plan is what Parkway gentlemen, seat girls at the table. Good South teaches its students. manners, saying “please” and “thank “We insist that students achieve you,” and serving others are values mastery of skills before moving forward, learned on a daily basis. thus they become increasingly successGardening is a strong part of the physiful in subsequent units,” Boling states. cal education program where students “Research indicates that it is not good work toward improving individual skills, enough for a student to get a C grade teamwork, and cooperative strategies. on a test. At that level of competence, Science is taught with hands-on activi- Parkway South school’s the student does not have sufficient ties for all students as they demonstrate healthy lunch program provides good nutrients for grasp of the skill to use it in future work. their use of the science process skills. Insisting that students score 85 percent Creating cross-linked polymers, extracting students like Alex Avila who is eager to eat the phytoor higher will make the succeeding units DNA from bananas, and removing iron chemicals in his broccoli. easier for them to learn. If students from cereal, etc., are some of the stuscore below mastery, they will always dents’ favorite experiments. need individual help as they grow older. Students The children also participate in two main community who do not master the material the first time around events—a vegetarian cooking school and a community are re-taught skills in a different way, using a new health fair. The older students create PowerPoint preapproach. We find that they master the material the sentations on laptops in order to discuss health topics second or third time around.” The students are all in agreement when they say, “We love our school. We all do well, and it is a lot of fun.” The Journey to Excellence program keeps the faculty focused on a Christ-centered mission of excellence— spiritually and academically. It supports the philosophy that with God’s help every child can be successful and master not only class material but the defects of his character that prevent him from becoming like Jesus. This philosophy is engrained in the instructional program at the Parkway South school. Excellence is required in all areas, and every student is helped by the teacher and the Holy Spirit to reach heights not thought to be attainable.—Conchita Boling Music class is popular as every child gets to learn to play the violin.

VISITOR

MARCH 2005

Mansfield Walk for Hunger Raises $700 n a brisk morning last November, students and staff of the Mansfield Adventist School went on a five-mile walk to raise $500 to help the local branch of the Salvation Army provide Thanksgiving meals for the less fortunate people of Mansfield, Ohio. A local newspaper reporter interviewed some of the students along the route asking why they wanted to take on this project. One student responded, “I want to help those less fortunate because it makes me feel good inside.” Another said, “We want to do this because by helping others, we’re helping Jesus.” These remarks remind us of one of the most important goals of Christian education: to develop the spirit of service and self-sacrifice in the hearts of students. “As the younger students began to tire, the older students came to their rescue and encouraged them along— one of the great benefits of this kind of activity,” stated Head Teacher Amy Caleb Venis finds a walking Wahlen. “Not only did the students reach out to their community, but they stick to help him on his way. bonded as a student body as well.” The intended goal of $500 was met and exceeded. A check for $700 was written and presented to the Mansfield Salvation Army. The students were excited about their success and were Johnny Moritz rewarded by carries Antonio having their Chardon for activity broadpart of their cast on the local walk for hunger.

television news and by receiving a personal letter of thanks from the Salvation Army. The best reward of all, however, was the joy of Just by walking five miles, this tired but knowing that happy group of Mansfield Adventist School many people students raised $700 to help the less fortuwould be eat- nate enjoy a holiday meal. ing a good, hot meal on Thanksgiving Day. The Thanksgiving walk for hunger is one of several service projects in which the Mansfield school has participated. Each week, grades 1-4 help conduct a student-led worship that includes a mission offering. Over the past four years, they have raised money for Maranatha church building projects; Doctors Without Borders; and, most recently, tuition money for Russian students of Zaoksky Adventist Elementary School. The Mansfield students have come to realize that money is only one way to serve others. Another activity the students participate in is visiting a local retirement center where they sing, read, play games, and visit with the residents. To paraphrase Isaiah 58, true religion is loosing the chains of injustice, setting the oppressed free, sharing food with the hungry, and providing the poor wanderer with shelter. The teachers and students of the Mansfield Adventist School want to live out this kind of Christianity as a witness to their community.—Amy Wahlen

Toledo Jr. Academy Enrollment Grows n the fall of 2002, several significant changes occurred at Toledo (Ohio) Jr. Academy. First, the school moved into the newly built “school wing” of the church. In addition, the church body decided that they were going to provide a first-class, Christian education for their community. To that end, they invited Kells and Vicki Hall (the principal and a teacher, respectively), along with Dana Holland, also a teacher, to share their vision. They also hired a local day-care director who was looking for a new challenge.

Realizing that the key to adding students was to let people know who they were, the Halls organized three open houses. As a result, student enrollment has increased from 26 to 37, and the day care has run out of room. And, most importantly, 10 Pre-K community parents are planning to enroll their children in kindergarten next year. “What will we do with 10 potential first-graders next year and a possible 20 first- and second-graders the following year?” Vicki asks. “We’re not sure, but we’re anxious and excited to find out,” she smiles.—Vicki Hall

MARCH 2005

Mount Vernon Elementary Supports Troops ending soldiers in the Persian Gulf “a little piece of home” for Christmas was the goal of Mount Vernon (Ohio) Elementary School students in grades Pre-K through 5. For this true labor of love, students designed and constructed original greeting cards and collected an assortment of snacks, noodles, powdered soups, beverages, candy, gum, car magazines, and more. Karla Mattson, daughter of Principal Carolyn Mattson, is deployed to Kuwait and has been corresponding with the students. She served as liaison with the Army unit of Sgt. William Minor to make sure the troops received After sending a Christmas care package, the students’ gifts and cards. students at Mount Vernon Elementary Recently the staff and students were School received letters, pictures, and this pleasantly surprised by the tremendous flag from soldiers serving in Operation response from the soldiers in Iraq who Iraqi Freedom. Principal Carolyn Mattson and students Loren Wilson and Chris received the Christmas care packages. Dixon display the flag. A box from the soldiers included notes, which Minor’s troops had written to the Ella Simpson helps Pre-K students children, a slide show of over 150 pictures taken in Kuwait and Iraq, and a large make Christmas cards and gifts for soldiers serving in Iraq. Left to right: United States flag. The flag bore messages and signatures of the soldiers in Minor’s unit. The soldiers told the students that their holiday greetings and Jeremiah Burden, Daniel Marsh, assurance of friendship and prayer were definitely appreciated.—Bette Toscano Spencer Cappel, and Ana Bennett.

Zanesville School Serves Adventists and Community he Zanesville Adventist School has been a positive influence in the town of Zanesville, Ohio, for several years. Providing a Christian education for Adventist members as well as children in the community has changed many lives for eternity. One of the first things you see as you approach the church is a sign that reads, “Think of the Advantages of a Small School” and “Christian Education is for Life.” Each year, a brochure and information packet is distributed to all the preschools in the area. In Zanesville Adventist School students addition, parents can display their artwork. ask questions and receive more information at the school’s booth at the annual Muskingum County Fair. As a result, 50 to 60 percent of the Zanesville school students are from the community. Most of these students also attend Pathfinders, Adventurers, and Sabbath School. Members are reminded of what is happening by the ever-changing picture collage on the Zanesville church bulletin board. Teachers Claire and Lee Hoover are committed to exposing the young people to everything that is offered in a larger school, plus providing the

VISITOR

Left: Some of the upper-grade students go to the driving range as part of their PE class. Below: Debra Mayfield practices her swing.

family atmosphere that small schools allow. Each year, they have an olympics where students design T-shirts and participate in games to earn medals. During election time, the upper grades tracked the polls, watched the convention speeches, and voted in a real voting booth.—Karen Poland

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

MARCH 2005

The Gift of Obedience hat do you give the God who has everything? How about the gift of obedience? We usually think of obedience as an expectation or obligation. Some people see obedience as a requirement for salvation and have become compulsive about it until they totally misrepresent the character of God. And yet it is true that those who are numbered among the redeemed will be those who gladly obey God and the teachings of His Word. In the Scriptures, David shares this principle for godly living: “I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart” (Ps. 40:8). If obedience to God is given merely as an expectation to keep us out of trouble, then it is drudgery. If obedience is given as an outpouring from a heart desiring to please God, then it is a delight. This type of life will characterize those of the final generation living at the time of Christ’s return. Those who, according to Revelation, “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” are those who view obedience Ray Hartwell President as a gift to our great God. Join me in delightedly giving God the gift of obedience.

Lay Person Presents Prophecy Seminar he West Chester (Pa.) Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted a Bible Prophecy Seminar featuring Tom Martin, certified evangelism specialist for the Pennsylvania Mission Training Station (MTS). Martin, a lay person from the York church, has presented numerous local, and overseas, evangelistic events. Despite heavy rain and winds on opening night, 43 people attended the first of 18 evangelistic series held in the fellowship hall. Among the crowd were 23 community residents, who responded to color handbills. Refreshments were provided nightly. Members from both the West Chester and Havertown (Pa.) churches assisted with the series, distributing almost 2,000 invitational brochures door-todoor in six and one-half hours. They spent countless hours working together and praying for the success of this evangelistic effort. Family and friends were invited, and the local paper ran a one-time advertisement. Due to the interest generated, there was a follow-up series of presentations on prophetic topics. Martin, also certified as a mission pasCertified Evangelism Specialist Tom Martin conducted a prophecy semi- tor, is one of almost a dozen lay people who nar for the West Chester and have been certified Havertown (Pa.) churches.

through the Mission Training Station. Designed to train lay people for ministry, MTS seeks to help churches and members treat Pennsylvania as a mission field. Participants can also become certified as mission pastors by earning Mission Units in eight of 13 training tracks, or they can become certified specialists by completing eight Mission Units in one track. The annual MTS Spring into Mission event will be held April 29-May 1 at the Holiday Inn East, in Harrisburg, Pa. Pat Gustin, director of The Institute of World Mission at the Adventist World Headquarters, will be the featured speaker. Pastors Sergio Manente and David Klinedinst will present training seminars on Sunday morning. Applications are available at www.paconference.com on the MTS page.

Camp Meeting, June 10-18 Plan Now to Attend! Featured speakers include Shawn Boonstra, speaker/director of It Is Written and John Carter, director of The Carter Report. There will also be a health expo and concert. Other speakers include Tony Moore, Ivan Blazen, Kevin Wilfey, and Dolly Wilfey.

MARCH 2005

Officers Conduct Commissioning and Ordinations ast December, officers of the Potomac Conference joined Enoch Affum, pastor of the Ghanaian church in Capitol Heights, Md., his wife Mercy, and their family and friends for his ordination service. Pastor Affum assisted in planting the Ghanaian church in Hyattsville, Md., in 1992; in mentoring and leading it to company status in 1997; and in shepherding and leading it to organizedchurch status in 1998. At the same time, he Potomac Vice President Roger Weiss had also been shares a word with Charmaine and employed by Damein Johnson and Victoria and the Adventist Frederick Harrison. Development Relief Agency International, in Silver Spring, Md., as a software/hardware engineer since May 2000. He is currently a Master of Divinity candidate at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. The officers also celebrated

Pastor Damein Johnson was ordained during a special worship service at Alexandria’s Community Praise Center in Virginia.

last December with Victoria Harrison and Damein Johnson, associate pastors of the Alexandria Community Praise Center in Virginia, who were commissioned and ordained, respec- President Dave Weigley and Vice tively, in a special President Roger Weiss present a certifiworship service. cate of ordination to Enoch and Mercy Pastor Harrison Affum. Franklin David (background), area ministerial director, also participated. has served as a classroom educator, conference children’s ministries director, and pioneer in the development of the current Adventurer curriculum. She’s also worked in summer camp programs, child evangelism, family life, and women’s ministries, and currently serves as a generalist pastor with an emphasis in children’s and family ministries. Pastor Johnson currently serves as youth pastor and associate pulpit pastor. He counts it a privilege to be able to use the gifts God has given him in the ministry of Christ. Pastor Victoria Harrison shares her statement of faith.

Hampton Roads Celebrates 16 Baptisms ast November, the Hampton Roads (Va.) church completed a five-week prophecy seminar that brought 16 people into the Adventist Church. Many others are also preparing to be baptized. Lowell Hargreaves, an evangelist from Amazing Facts, was the featured speaker. Pastor Dan Shafer stated that the Holy Spirit worked in a mighty way as these seekers for truth were so excited, night by night, to experience wonderful revelations of God’s Word. He was also grateful for the “wonderful teamwork” displayed by Hampton Roads members.

Pastor Dan Shafer (standing, at right) rejoices with the newly baptized members, who each received a rose from the Hampton Roads (Va.) family.

MARCH 2005

Tidewater Church Honors Fire Department and Emergency Management Personnel ire Department and Emergency Management Services (EMS) personnel from Virginia Beach, Va., attended the annual Thanksgiving celebration of the Tidewater church. During the celebration, attendees gave testimonies and thanks for all the blessings they received from God. One member, Esperanza Mopera, gave glory and honor to God for sparing her life after her car accident a few months back. She also gave special thanks to the “heroes” who helped with her rescue after her car flipped over three times and careened into a ditch, barely missing a power line pole and avoiding a head on collision. “I am very thankful for the outstandTidewater member Esperanza Mopera (center) poses with Fire Battalion Chief ing performance of the EMS of Virginia Patrick Seigh, Captain James Todd, and firefighters Alex Wazalk, William Johnston, and Ian Townsend, who were presented with an award for service. Beach,” she said. “After recovering from shock, I had been hoping to meet my heroes. Now the moment has arrived.” her accident. In celebration and thankfulness for their The EMS staff explained how the Virginia Beach outstanding performance, the Virginia Beach Fire EMS System responds and how they are trained to Department and the Princess Anne Court House apply the maximum safe procedures when rescuing victims. They also emphasized the importance of wear- Rescue Squad received plaque awards given by Joshua D. Miranda and Pastor Samuel Ada. ing seat belts, something that helped Mopera during

Tidewater Members Bring “Sunshine” to Seniors ach month, the youth of the Tidewater church, in Virginia, lead the Sunshine Group for residents of the nearby Leigh Hall Retirement Residence. Youth Director Alan Tirol and his associates, along with other adults and children, have been consistently visiting the home to spread cheer. Pastor Samuel Ada also shares inspirational moments with the residents and staff, who show their delight with smiles and applause.

Tidewater church’s Sunshine Group spreads cheer each month at a nearby retirement center.

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

VISITOR

MARCH 2005

Good Influence Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.—1 Timothy 4:12, NLT hat a wonderful scripture to put before our young people; it would make a wonderful mission statement for a student association. The act of allowing oneself to be filled with the spirit of Jesus and then allowing that infilling to be influence toward our peers is exemplary. During our recent Week of Prayer several of our students did just this, sharing their relationship with Jesus with their student friends. What an intimidating yet strengthening time for our school family. There are several things we pray our students will take from Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) upon graduation. Academic excellence is important, and we want them to be socially and morally adjusted. Integrated in this should be a knowledge, love, and desire to serve our Savior. As we enter the final nine weeks of the school year, it is my prayer that our young people John Nafie Principal will continue to grasp this vision and share it with others.

NEWS 15 Students Join Honor Society The National Honor Society (NHS) pledge is comprised of four basic qualities—scholastics, intelligence, leadership, and service—that a student must maintain to be inducted and remain a member. Fifteen SVA students were recently inducted into the NHS. In all, 37 students are NHS members, and Caitlyn Meharry, a senior from Alabama, is president.—Joi Becker

Students Ace Math Contest For the past seven years, Tom McNeilus, SVA’s instructor of Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Geometry, and Physics, has entered three students in a county-wide math contest held at James Madison University in

Caitlyn Meharry, a senior, is this year’s NHS president.

Harrisonburg, Va. SVA students have been well trained in the skills needed to master difficult mathematical problems written by professionals specifically for this contest. This year, SVA’s Phillip Hong, Sung Ho (Carter) Yang, and Chloe Park, along with 63 other students from the county, were given 90 minutes to work through 21 difficult questions—without calculators—in the areas of Algebra I and II, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus. SVA was the only private school among the 21 area schools that participated, and our students placed first out of nine “A”-level schools. Out of 27 individuals in the “A” level, Hong, a sophomore, ranked first and Park, a senior, ranked ninth. Overall, SVA students ranked fifth out of 12 in “AA” level schools.—Joi Becker

Fifteen students were recently inducted into the National Honor Society.

MARCH 2005

Students to Volunteer in Fiji During Spring Break orty-five students from SVA have ambitious plans for their spring break. They plan to visit the islands of Fiji in the South Pacific. Under the direction of Chaplain Tim Harley, the students and 20 adults will work with Stephen Arrington’s Dream Machine Foundation (DMF) to aid the Vatuvonu Seventh-day Adventist School on the Island of Savu Savu. The DMF is a Christian, interdenominational, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the people of Fiji with educational, medical, and farming opportunities. It has been rebuilding Vatuvonu, an academy that was founded in the 1930s but closed six decades later, in 1994, because of debt. Four years after closing the school, the board of the Fiji Mission decided to sell the campus, which is located Buca Bay on the eastern tip of Vanua Levu Island is on 200 acres of rain forest. Arrington was in Fiji starting considered one of Fiji's finest scenic areas. medical missionary work at the Savu Savu Government Hospital. Upon hearing about the school, he responded to their financial crisis and established the Dream Machine Foundation, through which the school debt was paid that same year. Today, the efforts for Vatuvonu School, as well as construction on the youth camp and horseback riding camp, are all coordinated through the staff at the school. Missionary groups and the surrounding health ministries—both medical and dental—exist because of willing medical personnel and individuals who volunteer their services and skills. SVA’s voluntary mission team includes six healthcare professionals, staff, and parents. The team will provide medical and dental care without charge, reconstruction of monsoon damaged buildings, and an evening Vacation Bible School and evangelism program. Arrington is excited to work with groups of young people because, as he puts it, “An important part of Project Fiji is to encourage Christian growth in young missionaries as they help people less fortunate than themselves.”—Joi Becker of

calendar

events

March

SVA

Alumni Weekend April 15-16

Friday, April 15 9 a.m. - 8th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament, Bryce Resort

Sabbath, April 16 10:30 a.m., Worship Service, Gymnasium Speaker, Steve Haley, Class of 1975 For more information, call Jan Strickland at (540) 740-4141, ext. 213.

VISITOR

4-6

Elementary Basketball Tournament

8-20

Spring Break

7-18

Fiji Mission Trip

April 1-2 4-8 10 15 15-16 17-18 19-24

Eighth-grade Bible Conference Week of Prayer Junior/Senior Banquet Alumni Golf Tournament Alumni Weekend Academy Days Homeleave

Happenings is published in the Visitor by Shenandoah Valley Academy ■ 234 West Lee Highway, New Market, VA 22844 Phone: (540) 740-3161 ■ Principal, John Nafie E-mail: nafiej@sva-va.org ■ Editors, Brian and Joi Becker www.youracademy.org

BULLETIN BOARD ADVERTISING AND SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Visit our Web site: www.columbiaunion.org Click on News/Visitor, then on Advertising or contact: Sandra Jones sjones@columbiaunion.net or phone toll-free: (888) 4-VISITOR

EMPLOYMENT SOUTHWESTERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY is seeking a person with pediatric and/or medical-surgical nursing teaching/clinical experience. Duties include teaching, clinical supervision, academic advising and interacting with the campus community. The ideal candidate will have a terminal degree in nursing, or related field, or be actively pursuing the advanced degree. Now is an exciting time to join our team as we plan and make the transition to a generic BS program. The program ranked 7th out of 77 programs in 2004 for NCLEX pass rate in Texas. The climate is great, the faculty is well qualified, and we are proud of our very friendly campus. Applicants may send their resumé or contact Dr. Penny Moore, Chair, Nursing Department, Southwestern Adventist University, P. O. Box 567, Keene, TX 76059. Tel: (817) 202-6235. 2005 SUMMER OPPORTUNITY Cool summers at almost 3,000 feet—Looking for energetic retired or not retired couple to manage quiet campground in the Laurel highlands of western Pa., near Frostburg, Md., May through October. Lodging provided. Call (301) 689-2769 or (301) 689-8555. RV experience a plus. OAKWOOD COLLEGE DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC seeks full-time instructor of voice, to begin August 1. Minimum, master's degree in music required, with voice specialization from an accredited university. Must be able to teach some or all of the following: diction, vocal literature, anatomy for singers, and vocal pedagogy; participation in recruiting and retention activities; present regular solo recitals; participate in faculty meeting, advising, creative/scholarly activity, and service appropriate to the college faculty member. For more information on the application process, contact Audley Chambers, Chairperson, Department of Music, Oakwood College, Peters Hall, Huntsville, AL 35896; phone: (256) 726-7282; or e-mail: achambers@oakwood.edu. 44

VISITOR

ANDREWS UNIVERSITY seeks physical education instructor. MS in Physical Education or Sports Management desirable. Academy/College-level experience needed. Committed to Christian athletic ideals. Teach PEAC courses, assist with intramurals, and operate microfit testing. Attend departmental/university committees. Adventists apply at www.andrews.edu/HR/ emp_jobs.html. CANADIAN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE seeks a business professor beginning fall 2005. Applicants should have a PhD or MBA in business, with experience in marketing and human resources. They should be skilled in communication, committed to teaching and research, and enthusiastic about the mission of the university college. Submit resume to Loren Agrey, Associate in Administration, Canadian University College, 5415 College Avenue, Lacombe, Alberta T4L 2E5; Tel: (403) 782-3381; Fax: (403) 7823170; E-mail: lagrey@cauc.ca. Further information at: www.cauc.ca. ANDREWS UNIVERSITY seeks fifth-grade teacher for Ruth Murdoch Elementary School. Establish an Adventist spiritually focused learning environment; master's degree; denominational and state elementary education credentials; elementary education teaching experience; and effective interpersonal and communication skills. Adventists apply at www.andrews.edu/HR/ emp_jobs.html. REMNANT PUBLICATIONS, a progressive Adventist publishing company, seeks resumés for general manager, national sales manager, and experienced machine operators with mechanical aptitude. Please send resumé to 649 E. Chicago, Coldwater, MI 49036, or call (517) 279-1304; fax (517) 279-1804; e-mail: Judy@RemnantPublications.com. ADVENTIST JOBNET is the source for finding jobs or finding employees. Designed for Adventist businesses and professionals, we offer a hiring bonus of up to $500 to applicants hired through us. Geared for all professionals— teachers, lawyers, doctors, nurses, etc. New jobs listed daily. Visit us today at www.AdventistJobNet.com. AMAZING FACTS is seeking a Webmaster with software development skills in asp and asp.net and minimum of three years' experience writing Web site applications. Accessing information from MicroSoft SQL database a must. Experience with Photoshop and Web site design experience a major plus. Contact: Joe Fields, Manager, Amazing Facts, Phone: (916) 434-3880, Ext. 3020; joef@amazingfacts.org.

PROGRAMMERS JAVA/J2EE DEVELOPERS NEEDED Exciting growing company seeks J2EE developers and project leaders. Stafford and Reston, Va., and Rockville, Md., locations. You can obtain a secret and/or Top Security Clearance. To apply: recruiting@platinumsolutions.com or call (703) 471-9793 x 215; www.platinumsolutions.com.

ANDREWS UNIVERSITY seeks campus ministries chaplain. Master’s degree required, doctorate preferred. Must be ordained. Some teaching may be required. Please send resume to: Ron Whitehead, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI 49104. Phone (269) 471-8380 or cell (269) 208-1244; e-mail cfye@andrews.edu.

HOME BASED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Invest under $100, Mia Bella Gourmet Soy/Veggie Scented Candles. Clean burning, selfleveling, triple scented, double cotton wicks, and water soluble. Newest technology in candle making. A healthy alternative to traditional sooty candles. Fast growing company seeks motivated individuals/couples. Serious income potential. (570) 327-1764; www.bjcandle.scent-team.com; bjking@suscom.net.

MISCELLANEOUS

OAKWOOD COLLEGE seeks chairperson for religion department beginning July 2005. Candidate must be licensed, ordained Seventh-day Adventist minister. Academic doctorate (Ph.D./Th.D.) preferred in religion and/or theology. Teaching and administrative experience required. Send application or CV to Provost Office, Oakwood College, Huntsville, AL 35896. 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 383bed, 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 Resumés may be faxed to: (913) 676-2019

BECKER SUBARU has 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 (800) 671-3636 and ask for “member sales.” MISSION POSSIBLE Fulfilling the Great Commission requires reaching every soul in one generation. It requires extensive plans. It requires the help of every believer. Discover the explosive combination for helping finish the work: faith, literature, direct mail, and YOU! Call PROJECT: Steps to Christ today and learn how! (800) 728-6872/ www.projectstc.org. PREPAID PHONE CARD Multiple types and rates for the Continental United States and international countries. Multiple types ranging from one cent to 1.5 cents per minute (no connection fee). Consider using these for your missionary endeavors, gifts for students, or travel. Call LJ PLUS (770) 441-6022 or toll-free (888) 441-7688. SHOP FOR USED ADVENTIST BOOKS at The Cedar Reader, a Great Lakes Adventist Academy student industry, online at Adventistbooks.org or call (800) 835-1625. Book donations also accepted. GLAA students also finish log furniture sold online at logcabinrustics.com. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED We have been asked to staff a blood pressure booth at the General Conference in St. Louis, Mo., June 29-July 9. We are asking for volunteers to staff a 4to 8-hour shift during this 10-day period. If you are available to assist in this ministry, please telephone us at (916) 781-4691 or write us at Adventist Health, P. O. Box 619002, Roseville, CA 95661 or e-mail BlomeME @ah.org. WHAT TO DO WITH THE BIG WHITE BLOB The new video, TOFU 1-2-3, shows you how to prepare tofu, starting from the very basics. Runs over 40 minutes. DVD: $16.99 and VHS: $14.99. Order online: www.raw-n-natural.com or call (800) 659-0646.

BULLETIN BOARD DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS with allergies, asthma, breathing difficulties, mold, secondhand smoke, pet and other odors, indoor pollutants? Find out about the amazing Living Air Purification whole-house technology. Amazingly simple (no filters) yet technologically sophisticated and effective. Call (888) 309-8525.

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.

TRILOGY SCRIPTURE SONGS Enjoy Trilogy's new Scripture Songs CD, Sing to the LORD! The lyrics are word for word from the NKJV Bible. Five Trilogy Scripture Songs CDs by Bodil Morris, Derek Morris, and Ashley Hold are available at www.trilogyscripturesongs.com.

IDAHO'S APPALACHIAN HOMES ESTATE could be your little place in the country and out of the big city. Five-acre estates, that are flat to rolling tree-covered terrain, with open sun-lit spaces, gated community with amenities, all realwood homes, no mobiles. Secluded feel, but less than 1/8 mile from Hwy 95. Only 25 minutes to Coeur d' alane or Sandpoint. Easy Sabbath morning drive to seven Adventist churches. The closest is eight minutes to Athol that is soon to build a new church. (208) 755-4329 or (208) 683-0725; fax (208) 683-2644; e-mail superiormfrho@netzero.net.

BOOKSâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;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.LNFBOOKS.COM.

REAL ESTATE 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 ww.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. HOME FOR SALE 1,476 sq. ft. ranch-style home on 5.19 acres next door to Adventist church and senior academy in scenic northeast Texas. Double garage, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, newly renovated with brand new oak kitchen. Only $99,900. Tel: (903) 665-6506. QUALITY AFFORDABLE HOMES ARE AVAILABLE in Hagerstown/Washington County, Maryland. Convenient to Washington, D.C., near Review & Herald Publishing Association, Highland View Academy, Mt. Aetna Youth Camp, and Adventist churches. Visit www.draperrealtygroup.com for home sale information, community information, school reports, and area attractions. Mike Draper/ Century 21 MG Realty/(301) 790-1700, ext. 129. BUYING OR SELLING IN MARYLAND OR D.C.? A home is your most important financial decision. To obtain the best results in this complex, dynamic market requires a knowledgeable and dependable agent. Clyde and Phyllis Kinder/ Weichert Realtors offer expertise, knowledge, and experience. FREE Market Analysis. For information without obligation, call (301) 7763380; e-mail jckinder@mris.com.

SERVICES 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. 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, MI; phone (269) 471-7366 evenings from 8-11 p.m., E.T. ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN WHO'S BEING PRICED OUT OF HEALTH INSURANCE? Cut your healthcare expenses in half. Join 55,000+ 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. 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 assure peace of mind and a cost-effective move. Please call (800) 525-1177 to speak with a representative.

MARYLAND ADVENTIST DENTIST David Lee, D.D.S., PA, has a comprehensive dental office in Silver Spring and in Ellicott City, Maryland. 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 payers). Our office is a participating provider with Adventist Risk Management. 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. 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, two-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. SINGLES Introducing Adventists discreetly and confidentially since 1987. We have a magazine format with personal ads, plus enlightening and uplifting articles. For 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. SINGLE AND OVER 50? The only interracial group exclusively for all singles over 50. Stay at home and meet new friends in the United States 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.

FOOT AND ANKLE MEDICAL OFFICE Premier Podiatry Services is eager to help you get "back on your feet." Dr. Rhonda Nelson, an Adventist podiatrist seeks to provide you with exceptional podiatric care while relieving your foot and ankle discomfort. Flexible office hours are available. Office location: Largo, Md.; (301) 773-1199. MARYLAND ADVENTIST CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT income tax preparation, accounting, auditing, small business services, corporations, nonprofits. Located in Columbia, Md. Contact Bernetta L. Taylor, CPA, (410) 730-1427.

TRAVEL/VACATION CAPE COD VACATION An Adventist family will rent weekly, biweekly, etc., their lovely, fairly new, spacious, and semi-contemporary 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) 5969311. MAUI OCEANFRONT STUDIO CONDO for rent on 10th floor. Sleeps four. Well equipped kitchen. Queen bed and a queen hideabed. Almost all the comforts of home. Wonderful whale watching in season. $115 per night, plus tax. Go to www.sdamall.com to view property. E-mail denmarge@frontiernet.net or call Marge McNeilus (507) 374-6747. 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) 933-9300. Lee's RV City, Oklahoma City. Visit our Web site www.leesrv.com or e-mail LeesRVs@aol.com.

Successful Computer Dating Exclusively for Adventists Since 1974

ADVENTIST CONTACT P. O. Box 5419 Takoma Park, MD 20913 (301) 589-4440 MARCH 2005

BULLETIN BOARD LEGAL NOTICE ALLEGHENY WEST CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS REGULAR SESSION Notice is hereby given that the Allegheny West Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Regular Quadrennial Session as dictated by the Constitution and Bylaws and scheduled by the Executive Committee of said organization will convene May 22, 2005, at 9 a.m., at the Allegheny West Conference Campground, 6470 Oakthorpe Road, Thornville, Ohio. The meeting is called to receive reports, elect officers and departmental directors and committees, to give consideration to the revision of the Constitution and Bylaws and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the session at that time. Delegates are to be selected as the Constitution and Bylaws direct. James L. Lewis, President Carl R. Rogers, Secretary ALLEGHENY WEST CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS CORPORATION MEETING Notice is hereby given that the legal meeting of the Allegheny West Conference Corporation of Seventhday Adventists will be held in cooperation with the Regular Session of the Allegheny West Conference at 12 p.m. on Sunday, May 22, 2005, at the Allegheny West Conference Campgrounds, 6470 Oakthorpe Road, Thornville, Ohio. The meeting is called to elect Board members for the next Quadrennium and to transact any other business that may be properly presented at that time. The delegates for this Regular Session of the Allegheny West Conference of Seventh-day Adventists are the delegates for this meeting. James L. Lewis, President Carl R. Rogers, Secretary

ASI ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION will be held August 3-6 in Sacramento, Calif. The theme will be “Christ’s Power … Our Hands.”Inspirational speakers, testimonies, witnessing and professional seminars, exhibit hall, youth evangelism programs for all ages, networking and fellowship—you will learn new methods for Sharing Christ in the Marketplace. For more information, e-mail asi@nad.adventist.org, call (301) 680.6450, or register online, www.asiministries.org. THE 23RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF ADVENTIST WOMEN is fast approaching—June 26-29— so make your reservations soon at the Adam's Mark Hotel, St. Louis, Mo. The theme of the conference will be "Love Enables Unity in Diversity: Include Me Please." The Woman-of-the-Year Banquet will be held June 28 and the Prayer Breakfast on June 29. Early registration and reservations for the hotel are especially important. For more information and to register, go to the AAW Web site: http://www.aaw.cc/. SOUTHWESTERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY Alumni Relations Office presents Homecoming Weekend, April 7-10. The banquet theme is “Southwestern Fiesta!” Come back “home” to Keene for a weekend of fun and fellowship! Make your reservations now by contacting Director of Alumni Relations Bev Mendenhall at (817) 202-6232 or e-mail at bevm@swau.edu. Visit www.swau.edu for details. WALKER MEMORIAL ACADEMY in Avon Park, Fla., will be hosting their annual Alumni Weekend, April 1-3. The featured guest speaker will be alumnus Rey Descalso. An International Jamboree festival is planned for Sunday, April 3. For more information visit www.wmja.org or call (863) 4533131.

OBITUARIES ANNOUNCEMENTS √SPOKANE JUNIOR ACADEMY (SJA) CLASS OF 1957 Anticipating a 50th-year class reunion at SJA Homecoming in 2007. I would like to get in touch with the students who moved through the grades at SJA with us, whether they graduated with us in 1957 or not. If you have contact information for any of our classmates, please get it to Nadine Platner Dower at dickandnadine@comcast.net; tel: (360) 828-7146; or mail to:13000 NW 47th Ave., Vancouver, WA 98685. 46

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ALVAREZ, S. L. “Buck,” 84, died January 20, 2005, at home in McDonald, Tenn., under the care of his wife and hospice. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. He graduated from Southern Missionary College and taught for more than 27 years in the public school system of Prince Georges County, Md. He and his wife retired to his native state of Florida in December 1986, residing in Inverness. Due to his declining health, they moved to Tennessee to be with their son. He is survived by his wife Jane; daughter Elaine; and son Wayne.

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SUNSET CALENDAR CAWLEY, Paul E., of Salem, Va.. died November 29, 2004, at home with his family by his side, and was preceded in death by his beloved wife Emaline. He was a member of the North Valley (Va.) church. Paul was a World War II veteran and served on the U.S.S. Meredith that sunk during the Normandy invasion. He is survived by his son Freddie Crackett (Gwen); daughters, Judith Sanborn (Roger), and Jeanie Minton (Ron); six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

RUDY, Elizabeth, born February 19, 1951; died September 30, 2004, in Ellwood City, Pa. She was a member of the New Castle (Pa.) church. Elizabeth attended evangelistic meetings the fall of 2003 and was baptized on November 15, 2003. Although she was quite ill and not able to attend church very often, her newfound faith sustained her till the end. Her church family loved and misses her. She is survived by a son, Joe Rudy; two daughters, Deblin Stoops and Shannon Rudy; her mother Thelma Butch; and five grandchildren.

DYE, Lela M., born August 16, 1916, in Metropolis, Ill.; died December 13, 2004, in West Chester, Pa. She was a member of the West Chester church. She is survived by her son Robert Wayne Dyer; nieces, Laura Orsine, Denise Sills, and Conie Reeps; a nephew, Norman Joyner; grandchildren, Ricky Dye, Judy McIntyre, and Tracy Anderson; and five great-grandchildren.

SMITH, Anna J., born May 1, 1905, in Blossburg, Pa.; died November 29, 2004, in Wellsboro, Pa. She was a member of the Blossburg church. Anna received her nursing degree at Johns Hopkins, in Maryland, and was a registered nurse at the Capitol from 1940 to 1961. Surviving are two brothers, Kenneth R. Smith of Cleburne, Texas, and Robert E. Smith of Blossburg, Pa.; and several nieces and nephews.

MORGAN, Tami, born October 6, 1961, in Allentown, Pa.; died January 24, 2005, in East Texas, Pa. She was a member of the Allentown church. She is survived by her parents Elwood “Woody” R. and Betty Morgan; and a brother, Paul.

OBITUARY SUBMISSION Phone toll-free: (888) 4-VISITOR or e-mail: sjones@columbiaunion.net A form will be sent to you for completion. Obituaries are printed in the order they are received on a

space-available basis.

BULLETIN BOARD

TALKING ABOUT FREEDOM Did you know that the Columbia Union Conference has a religious liberty radio program? Adrian Westney, who works for the Columbia Union Public Affairs and Religious Liberty office, hosts

Talking About Freedom. Each week Westney interviews guests on various topics relating to religious liberty. Airs each Sabbath, 7:45 a.m. WGTS FMâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;91.9 www.wgts.org

When

disaster strikes,

Adventist Disaster Response (ADR) helps those in need. Want to lend a hand? Volunteer to help with communication, warehouse management, distribution of goods, volunteer team coordination, office assistance, and other projects. Contact your conference Adventist Community Services/ ADR Coordinator. Or contact Columbia Union ADR Coordinator Don Bonchack at dbonchack@aol.com or (814) 238-1480.

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 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. If you live outside the Columbia Union Conference territory, a yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s subscription (12 issues) is $15. Please make check payable to: Columbia Union Visitor and mail to the address listed above.

MARCH 2005

VISITOR