Adventist World - February 2018

ISSN 255003/09614

February 2018

Destinations

Wedding—and Welding—Wisdom ukraine

On the Cover Iegor and Mary Pysarenko live with their cat, Melman, in Kiev, Ukraine. They met on New Year’s Eve through a social network.

“Winter is the best time to start a relationship,” says Mary. “If someone likes you in a wacky sweater, clumsy jacket, funny hat, and red nose, it’s true love.”

When they met, Mary knew nothing about Seventh-day Adventists. Iegor has attended church since childhood.

A few months later Mary was baptized.

“God blessed me with a huge number of friends, and with the best husband ever!” says Mary.

Iegor works as a filmmaker/video editor, and Mary works as a legal secretary.

Cover Photo: Andriy Drozda

Focus 10 To Have and Hold The Word 20 What We Believe 26 Bible Questions Answered My Church 16 Global View 24 Looking Back Living Faith 18 Faith in Action 22 Spirit of Prophecy 27 Health and Wellness 28 May I Tell You a Story?

30 Growing Faith – Children’s Pages

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O

n a January day 36 years ago my wife and I were settling into our schedules again after a delightful Christmastime honeymoon.

At the back of the seminary chapel a friend sang out his congratulations: “Hi, Bill. I hear you’re getting married!”

Blushing with the pride of a newly married man, I replied, “Well, actually, we already are married. We got married on December 13.”

There was a long pause as he searched my face, summoning the words that have never left me. “No, Bill,” he said quietly. “The wedding ceremony was on December 13. It’s going to take you several years to get married.”

Of all the things family and well-wishers said to us during those first amazing days of newly minted marriage, Rick’s words have been the most enduring. He knew from 10 years’ experience that the process of getting married is more protracted than the length of the ceremony or the pastor’s official pronouncement.

The welding of our lives together was going to unfold much like any other welding job: there was going to be both some heat and some friction if the bond was going to last. There was need for some melting and some bending if the two of us were going to build the permanent union that Scripture envisions and that God sublimely blesses.

My friend’s wise words have, in turn, been shared with dozens of other couples whom I have united in marriage during the past 36 years. I have watched the smiles of recognition from the married couples in the congregation when I repeated those words in wedding homilies—and even the smiles of acknowledgment from the couples in premarital counseling sessions. At bedrock in our lives we understand that nothing so essential to human experience as godly, permanent union can be accomplished by a simple declaration or a filing with the civil magistrate. It takes us time— in fact, years—to learn how to be the spouse the other needs, to learn the self-sacrificing love of Jesus. The One who blessed one marriage at Cana blesses all other Christian marriages with the promise that He can be our peace, our reconciliation, and our joy.

As you read this edition of the newly redesigned Adventist World, invite the Lord who created human marriage to reveal His will and His joy to you.

News Moment

Structural deterioration at Graceland Adventist School in India took a serious toll on operations. As a result, Maranatha International built 12 new classrooms.

Photo: Maranatha Volunteers International

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News in Brief

Percent of 500 enrolled students at Singapore’s San Yu Adventist School who come from Adventist homes. Celebrating 110 years of Adventist education, the only Adventist school in Singapore unveiled significant upgrades to its facilities, including expanded space, an elevator, and large letters on the building’s facade that read: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

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Loma Linda Commemorates 50 Years of Transplants Loma Linda University Health celebrated its 50-year legacy of providing organ transplantation.

An anniversary luncheon highlighted the marvel of medical innovators and skilled surgeons as well as the generosity of donors and donor families. As of October 30, 2017, the Transplantation Institute has performed 2,962 kidney transplants, 808 heart transplants, 661 liver transplants, and 227 pancreas transplants.

65.72 Adventist Films Receive Awards 60

Two film productions of the Adventist Church in South America received awards at the International Christian Film Festival (FICC). The movie O Resgate: Salvação ao Extremo (The Rescue: Salvation to the Edge), won in the Best MediumLength Film and garnered the Best Evangelistic Film trophy. A second film, Escolhas (Choices), received the Best Fiction Film award.

50

40

2,000

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26.06 Inside 10/40 Window

10%

70

Outside 10/40 Window

—George Jackson, dean of the biology/premed program at Middle East University (MEU) in Lebanon.

MEU students joined 47,859 other marathon runners in Beirut, while other Adventist members cheered the runners and gave them water.

Number of Adventist Members Per 10,000 Population in 2015

Globally

“To see Maronites, Catholics, Sunnis, Hindus, atheists, Shias, and Seventh-day Adventists running together showed that there is still a community of people who believe that peace is possible.”

5.84

Approximate number of attendees to a recent evangelistic series near Lahore, Pakistan. One hundred fifty-six people were baptized and will continue to be nurtured within community care groups organized by the Pakistan Seminary and College.

News in Brief

“I hope they are always free of blinds and curtains so passersby can see a worshipping community.”

—David Neal from the Trans-European Division commenting about the floor-to-ceiling windows in a new Albanian church facing a commercial street.

The church in the capital city was originally established 25 years ago after the fall of Communism, but until now never had its own building.

“For me, teaching in an Adventist school is not work—it is a ministry.”

—Adventist teacher in Hong Kong participating in a panel discussion at a gathering that brought together more than 120 teachers from the five Adventist schools in the Hong Kong-Macau Conference.

Rwandan Adventists Commended

Scandinavian TV Studio Expands

Seventh-day Adventist Church members in Rwanda were commended by a top government official for impacting their community through a monthly community service day held on the last Sunday of every month. “When you take this precious time to do community work, it is another pillar you are adding to the existing ones that build our country. I thank you for this,” said Cyriaque Harelimana, the country’s minister of state in charge of socioeconomic development.

LifeStyleTV, a privately owned Seventh-day Adventist-affiliated television station based in Sweden, broke ground in November to start the development of a new television studio.

The new facilities will allow production staff to create a greater variety of Adventist programming. “It has been a joy to see LifeStyleTV grow and a joy to partner with you in mission,” said Tor Tjeransen, communication director of the Norwegian Union Conference, at the ceremony.

“It was the first time that he hugged me in my whole life.”

—Samuel Saw, president of the Southern-Asia Pacific Division, speaking about the moment his father emerged from his baptism. Samuel baptized his 76-year-old father after many years of estrangement.

Photo: Courtesy of Saw Family & Adventist Mission AdventistWorld.org February 2018

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News in Depth

In Fiji Every Physician to Get Access to Adventist Health Program

Move is part of a plan to tackle the problem of noncommunicable diseases.

By Tracey Bridcutt, Adventist Record

The Fiji Medical Association (FMA) is to make the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) available to every doctor in Fiji. CHIP is a lifestyle enrichment program designed to reduce disease risk factors through the adoption of better health habits and appropriate lifestyle modifications.

The resolution to adopt CHIP was made at the FMA’s annual conference, which in 2017 focused on what nongovernment organizations are doing to tackle the problem of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which are on the rise in Fiji.

FMA secretary Alipate Vakamocea, who is also health director for

the Fiji Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, gave a presentation on CHIP. “I talked about how four Fijian doctors had died from NCDs since the last conference, and they were quite young, aged from their late 20s to early 40s,” he said.

“This was a shock to those at the conference. Then I talked about CHIP and its benefits, and there was a lot of interest.”

One of Fiji’s leading pathologists shared her testimony about how CHIP had changed her life. Other international physicians attending the conference also gave their support to CHIP, saying it was a good initiative.

“Because the theme of the conference was about NCDs, the

Fiji Mission health director Alipate Vakamocea

Photo: Adventist Record 6

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lunch was vegetarian, which came as a shock to many of the doctors, because they love their meat,” Vakamocea said.

“However, we wanted to get the message out that it’s time that we doctors take care of our health and practice what we preach.”

The conference accepted five resolutions before adding a sixth: that the FMA makes CHIP available to all doctors in Fiji.

POTENTIAL FOR MISSION

Vakamocea said this was an exciting development, a testimony to the power of CHIP to change lives.

Fiji Mission is also looking at other health initiatives, including opening a wellness center, featuring a café, health food store, bookshop, and medical suites.

“We have received funding from a Thirteenth Sabbath Offering for a wellness center,” Vakamocea said. “We would like to set it up in [Fiji’s capital city of ] Suva because it would fulfill so many aspects of Adventist mission, including comprehensive health and mission to the cities.

These health-related activities reflect the vision of the Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM), as expressed by president Maveni Kaufononga at last year’s South Pacific Division year-end meetings.

Kaufononga said health is a major focus of the territory.

“Nearly everything we do in TPUM involves health,” he said. “In Fiji we may have the most unhealthy nation in the South Pacific Division now, but by 2030 we will have the most healthy one.”

News in Depth

Romanian Volunteers Complete Humanitarian Mission in Iraq

ADRA team delivers medical and psychological assistance.

By ADRA Romania and Inter-European Division News

A group of volunteers from ADRA Romania provided medical and psychological assistance to refugees in Irbil, Iraq.

Photo: ADRA Romania, Trans-European Division News

In November 2017 the ninth Humanitarian Intervention of International Solidarity with Refugees took place in Erbil, Iraq. The event was organized in coordination with the Adventist Development and Relief (ADRA) project Hope for Immigrants. The project, with the support of 10 volunteers from ADRA Romania, offered medical and psychological assistance.

In early August 2017 a situation in northern Iraq caused volunteers to return to the Hassan Sham U2 refugee camp to support those sheltered during a period of war. Medical and psychological assistance was given at the ADRA/Adventist Help hospital, located in a region with more than 100,000 refugees.

ADRA Romania volunteers with diverse professions, including medical professionals, decided to use their talents, resources, and time to collect necessary funds and materials to return to the camp in

Iraq. Although some of the materials were blocked for a while at the border between Turkey and Iraq, volunteers were able to provide medical and dental care to many.

During ADRA Romania’s first humanitarian trip earlier in 2017, volunteers learned that the refugees lacked access to books but wanted to continue their education.

Between the two humanitarian trips volunteers collected almost 300 donated books and set up a library for the community upon their return.

“We are glad we could be helpful at a key moment in the hospital,” said Mihai Brasov, volunteer assistant manager, ADRA projects coordinator for Hope for Immigrants. “Because of armed tensions in the area following a referendum on Kurdish independence, the hospital was shut down, and volunteers were forced to leave the country. Our arrival there has given hope to the volunteers.”

“ADRA Romania managed to bring a drop of hope to camp refugees and volunteers working for the hospital,” Brasov continued. “It still needs help! If you are a doctor or a nurse, you have a great opportunity for volunteering and your action will make the difference between life and death for those troubled people.”

ADRA International and ADRA Romania, through Hope for Immigrants, recognizes the human toll of this refugee crisis as well as the value of each person involved.

Making human rights a core value and acting with compassion helps transmit a clear message of power during this complex and fragile situation, agency leaders stated.

“Through its specific activities, ADRA wants to minimize the impact of this overwhelming and unbearable situation for as many men, women, and children,” they said.

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News Focus Inter-American Division (IAD)

Puerto Rico Still Recovering Puerto Rico continues to recover from the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Maria, which left the island territory with little to no power amid widespread destruction of buildings and homes. “This storm hit us hard,” said Luis Rivera, treasurer of the Seventhday Adventist Church in Puerto Rico. At least 16 local Adventist church buildings suffered serious damage, along with five of the 20 Adventist schools in Puerto Rico.

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New bicycles donated to children across the Wayuu ethnic community in northern Colombia in November as part of the “Wheels to Educate” initiative. The bicycles allow children to get to school faster, some of whom travel three to four hours by foot. Janiet David Gutiérrez was one of the recipients. (^-)

“To see so much destruction, so many fallen trees, dead animals on the side of the road, long lines for everything . . . it just breaks your heart.”

—Israel Leito, IAD president, in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

3,782,922 Members in the IAD as of June 30, 2017 IAD University Receives Award Montemorelos University, operated by the IAD, was granted a special Silver Medal from the French National Academy of Medicine. “This Silver Medal represents special recognition to the institution for its contribution to the advancement of medicine and marks a further step in the relationship that we share,” said André Parodi, honorary president of the French National Academy of Medicine.

“It’s not that I am brighter than anyone else, but one of the things that blindness has done is to cause me to be very focused.”

—Floyd Morris, a blind Adventist senator in Jamaica who recently received a Ph.D. from the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica.

11 of 24 IAD unions affected by recent natural disasters

Photo: North Columbian Union/Inter-American Division News 8

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Perspective

By Costin Jordache, news editor, Adventist World

Photo: Nina Strehl

Adventists and Social Justice After a decade of discussion regarding social development around the world, in 2007 the United Nations (UN) established February 20 as the World Day of Social Justice.

Since then, the annual day of observation gives global attention to an idea that has garnered significant conversation among individuals, organizations, and governments.

The UN officially describes social justice as a set of principles and goals involving the eradication of social oppression and poverty, fair employment practices, and equitable access to health care and education, among others. At the same time, history shows that over the years the term has become increasingly wrapped in many layers of political ideology.

The question is, then, how do Adventists relate to the idea of social justice? In general, with Judeo-Christian roots the Adventist community of faith is not foreign to the unvarnished concepts behind social justice, which are as old as the Torah.

In simplest—and earliest—terms, social justice aims to ensure that societies are just. A cursory reading of the Pentateuch is enough to conclude that from the beginning, God

has always been concerned with the equitable nature of society’s laws.

The “law of Moses,” for instance, attempted to teach principles and to create systems intended to ensure that no one was unfairly taken advantage of. Among many examples, strangers and foreigners were not to be oppressed (Ex. 22:21), and courts were not to render unjust judgments (Lev. 19:15).

New Testament thought continues to address the concept, most notably in the context of Christ’s parable recorded in Matthew 25.

Jesus minces no words in describing the separation of the “sheep and the goats” along the lines of care and involvement with “the least of these.” Similarly, James in his New Testament letter refers to “pure . . . religion” as defined in part by ensuring that widows and orphans are not forgotten (see James 1:27).

With that in mind, there are clearly ways in which Adventists can support social justice causes and participate in the social justice discourse without subscribing to layers of ideology that may not agree with an individual’s personal worldview.

IDENTIFY THE NEED

Begin by identifying those in need around you—those who are hungry, thirsty, lonely. Look for those for whom no one else seems to care.

MAKE A DECISION TO ACT; START SMALL

Don’t set your sights on the entire world, or even an entire city. Begin with one person or one family whom you can “adopt.”

Before assuming you can help, ask questions. Dignity is a deep desire of every human being.

STAND UP FOR JUSTICE

This type of involvement goes beyond helping to meet daily needs.

Guided by Scripture to minister to those struggling on the margins of society, we keep our eyes open for injustice and its victims. Human nature guarantees that someone is always trying to get away with something. Many times those who are underprivileged become perfect victims. It comes down to a simple commitment. If you see something, say something; if it’s in your power, do something.

While there are many nuances to this topic, from an Adventist perspective it seems clear that the heart of God is just, and that it breaks for those who are forgotten, those who are downtrodden, and those on the margins. The World Day of Social Justice simply reminds us that we have the privilege to help improve the lives of those in this world as we passionately herald and await the one to come.

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Feature

To Have and Hold

G

od, a romantic? Well, yes.

From the Garden of Eden we have two great institutions designed to keep us close to our Creator and close to each other: Sabbath and marriage.

The Sabbath is a once-a-week reminder that God provides for our material, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The same can be said for marriage. Our first parents weren’t truly complete until God performed that first marriage in Eden.

And ever since, whenever a man and woman stand before a pastor or civil magistrate and promise to love, honor, and cherish, they are pledging to protect each other and bring out the best in each other.

Done well, marriage partners— more than anyone else—provide for each other’s material, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Sadly, we live in an imperfect world, with lots of distractions that prevent us from being ideal marriage partners. Still, God’s Word is just as valid today as when it was spoken in Eden: “It is not good that [man and woman] should be alone” (Gen. 2:18).—Editors.

Photo: Pablo Heimplatz

Marriage in India

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n India the differences between Hindu, Muslim, and Christian wedding celebrations, as well as the differences between regions of the country, mean that no one description can suffice. This description is based on some practices from a South Indian Christian background.

Wedding activities start many days prior to the main ceremony. Both the bride and groom separately go through a number of special “baths,” whereby special perfumes, along with saffron and turmeric powder, are applied to their bodies by some elder women within their communities. These are meant to beautify the groom and bride in preparation for the big day.

The ceremony itself is usually a grand affair, with all the extended relatives on both sides of the family invited. Women wear their finest saris. Men dress in their best shirt and pants; some wear more traditional clothing as well. The bride wears a sari bought especially for the event.

One of the most important moments in the ceremony is the tying of a special thread by the groom around the bride’s neck as a symbol of love and assurance known as thali. There is also an exchange of flower garlands.

The bride and groom place these over the head of each other as a sign that the union is complete.

The meal following the wedding ceremony is also a grand affair. The food is typically served on banana leaves with a wide variety of rice and curries, along with special sweets. All who attend the wedding are expected to take part in the reception and meal. Indian weddings are typically full of color and joy. The marriage event is considered by many one of the most important moments in life for both families involved.

Andrew Tompkins, a doctoral student who works for the Office of World Mission, found his life companion, Anu, while living and working in India.

Marriage in Southern Africa

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arriage preparation is an intrinsic part of the wedding, whether it be traditional, or at a church, or by the registrar. Everyone plays a vital part, especially the respected elders in society. In Malawi notice must be given to the registrar and church in person one month before the wedding. Our wedding in June 2016 included both entities, and followed detailed marriage counseling.

Family, friends, and most invited attendees acquire new outfits, bought or borrowed, according to agreed color schemes. Committees meet and plan every detail of the day, with bride and groom required to give final input. The families have already met at the time of engagement, and there is a sending off similar to a bridal shower, except that the sending off also features advice on how to succeed and avoid the pitfalls of marriage.

The wedding rehearsal involves all those who are in the bridal party, including parents, minister, and those responsible for the lighting of the candles at church. The wedding march into the church is traditional.

Weddings in Malawi are all-day affairs. The bride and groom prepare and dress in host houses. Our

preparations began at 4:00 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. start with the hairdresser and even featured expensive breakfast attire fit for a king and queen. The wedding registration gives worldwide validity, with the use of the government seal on the marriage certificate. Lunch is provided in various homes: those of the bride’s and groom’s parents, and those of other friends.

The reception is a time for celebration with everyone from the community, including friends, well-wishers, and those who are just curious. No one is left out, with perikyani (throwing of money), and other festivities. It is a happy day that leaves a lifetime of memories, and is followed by a long honeymoon. Families become one indeed in much more than a formal sense: the groom’s mother is now the bride’s mother, and vice versa; the same with siblings and extended family.

The wedding day leaves fond memories.

Faith and Joseph Ngondo were married in 2016 in the southern African nation of Malawi.

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Photo: Henry Stober

Marriage Traditions in West Africa

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n the animistic tribes of northern Benin, West Africa, several types of marriages exist. One is the arranged marriage. The family picks a girl for their son, often at a very young age. Both children grow up knowing that they are chosen for each other. Once the boy reaches teenage years, he starts working for his father-in-law to pay the dowry. At the age of 18 to 20 both take part in the initiation ceremonies, after which they are ready to get married.

One night after the initiation ceremonies the young man goes to his in-laws’ home to kidnap his girl.

The parents are sleeping (at least they pretend to be sleeping). The young woman doesn’t join him in his hut, however; instead, she sleeps with his mother until the actual wedding day. A few days later the young man goes back to his in-laws’ home to tell them that their daughter is with him. Then wedding preparations start.

Throughout all those years the parties involved have the right to step back from the arrangement. Even after the boy has taken the girl to his house, she or her parents can still oppose the union. The wedding is a big party with lots of food, music, and dancing.

Interestingly, there is no spiritual aspect to the wedding.

Both the young man and woman were dedicated to the fetish—or the “spirit of the ancestor” they believe is reigning in the life of their clan. Neither God nor the “spirits of the ancestors” are invoked at the wedding.

Adventist or other Christian weddings may also adopt some Western-style traditions.

Ulrike Kouato-Baur lives in Benin, West Africa, serving with Adventist Frontier Missions together with her husband, Toussaint.

Marriage in Latin America

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atin Americans (Hispanics) come from diverse social, economic, and geographic backgrounds, making them all different depending on their family heritage, national origin, and where they live.

But when it comes to marriage, some cultural elements are common.

Family-orientation: Latinos are historically family-oriented. The needs of the family are more important than the concerns of individuals. Each family member is willing to sacrifice for the betterment of the others.

While changing gender roles have affected Latinos, there’s still an emphasis on traditional values.

Celebration of the male: “machismo” is alive. Men should be strong, brave, and honorable; they should protect and provide for their families—all of which is positive. But machismo presents a problem by placing men over women, giving them rights and privileges denied to women—such as independence, authority, and the right to express opinions and influence decisions. Yet better educated individuals believe in more equitable decision-making.

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Role delineation: in traditional families husbands are the undisputed heads of the family, responsible for their financial and physical well-being. Wives are responsible for nurturing the family and for maintaining the household. Even though most women also work, wives are seen as primary caregivers not only for their husband and children but also for parents and older relatives.

Romance: couples for the most part marry for love.

Yet when children arrive, parents tend to give priority to their love for their children. Romance is highly valued, but love is often seen as unattainable and tragic, reflected in the themes of telenovelas (Hispanic soap operas).

Latin-American Adventist marriages strive to follow God’s ideals for marriage and to share the altruistic love that makes the home “a piece of heaven on earth.”

Ada Gonzalez is a marriage and family therapist originally from Cuba. She has lived in Spain, Costa Rica, and Mexico. She now lives in the United States with her husband, Roger Swain.

At What Age Do They Marry?

The age people marry in the 20 most populous countries* 1. Germany (33.1) 2. Brazil (30.8)

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3. Japan (30.5)

1

4. United States (27.9) 5. United Kingdom (27.9)

7

4

6. Thailand (26.7) 7. Turkey (26.2)

8

15

19 18

8. Russia (25.7)

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9. Philippines (25.6)

16 17

10. China (25.3) 11. Iran (25.2)

10

11

13

2

6

9 14

20

12. Nigeria (24.9) 13. Egypt (24.8) 14. Vietnam (24.6) 15. Mexico (24.3) 16. Ethiopia (23.5) 17. Democratic Republic of the Congo (23.4) 18. India (22.8) 19. Bangladesh (22.2) 20. Indonesia (21.9)

*Statistics taken from the United Nations World Marriage Data 2015. Note: Reported is the average age of when men and women get married, but men marry later than women. Men in this data set in each country marry 3.7 years later than women.

Marriage in China

W

ith the rapidly growing economy and sharp rise of materialism in China over the past 40 years, drastic changes are taking place in all aspects of people’s lives, including marriage. The traditional definition of an ideal Chinese marriage is “an intelligent man marrying a beautiful woman” (lang cai nu mao). But in China today the three most desirable qualities for an ideal husband are tall (gao), rich (fu), and handsome (shuai). For a wife, it’s fair-skinned (bai), rich (fu), and beautiful (mei).

The process of seeking marriage partners has undergone significant changes. Thanks to a relatively liberal and open society, the widespread use of social media, and the inspiration of the market economy, a huge market is now open to all seeking suitable marriage partners in China. But one Chinese marriage tradition remains strong: the influence of parents. Marriages are still the union of two families, rather than two individuals. Blind dates arranged by parents, called “xiangqin,” are still a common practice. Parents may also have a veto power in the selection of their future son or daughter-in-law.

Marriage festivities vary depending on the cultural background and financial capacity of the families. They typically start with the groom going over to the bride’s family to pay respect and appreciation to her parents and other elderly relatives, with the bride reciprocating to the groom’s family. Serving tea and receiving red envelopes with cash in them is a common practice.

The celebration always ends with a wedding banquet ranging from a few dozen to thousands of guests.

Officially China is still an atheist country, but interestingly enough, church weddings have become quite fashionable. The couple and their families may not have any Christian background, but they choose church weddings for a solemn atmosphere, beautiful music, and decorations. For many churches, providing wedding services has become a significant and profitable ministry.

Eugene Hsu, originally from China, is retired after serving as a general vice president of the General Conference.

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We understand that the goal of romance is not just to be pronounced “husband and wife.”

In Love With Love

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n North America we love love. Our songs and music videos are saturated with it. In libraries and bookstores shelves groan under the weight of countless romance novels and books about how to get the most out of romantic relationships. Broadcast television and live-streamed programming at various times extol and denigrate the concept of faithfulness in marriage.

Thanks to tabloid magazines and television programs, we fixate on the extravagant weddings of singers and entertainers. Entire magazines and books are dedicated to having the perfect wedding in the perfect location, with the perfect food, clothing, and accessories.

Our fixation on the perfect wedding, however, doesn’t prevent the United States, for example, from being among the top five nations in the world with the highest divorce rates (the other four are Belarus, Aruba, Russia, Maldives).1 It’s not unusual to hear stories of couples getting divorced before they have a chance to pay off the exorbitant costs of their weddings.

That said, Canada and the United States are among the top five countries in the world where people stay married the longest (the other three are Italy, France, and Australia)2. Indeed, it’s not unusual to hear of couples staying married 60, 70, 80 years. In my own family of 13 sets of uncles and aunts, there was only one divorce. Everyone else stayed married until one spouse died, often after 50, 60, or 70 years or marriage.

In our heart of hearts, North Americans understand that strong, long-lasting marriages contribute to a strong, moral society. We understand that the goal of romance is not just to be pronounced “husband and wife.” Romance, in its purest form, provides “a little heaven here to go to heaven in.”3 1 2 3

Telegraph.co.uk/travel/maps-and-graphics/mapped-countries-with-highest-divorce-rate/.

Careeraddict.com/top-10-countries-where-marriages-last-the-longest.

Ellen G. White, In Heavenly Places (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1967), p. 30.

Photo: Gus Moretta

Stephen Chavez and his wife, Linda, have been writing their own romance novel for 46 years. They live in Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.

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Millennial Voices

The Homeless Are People Too

L

ook at the size of the crowd!” My heart sank as our van pulled up. “Do we have enough sandwiches for all these people?” I asked the friend sitting next to me, shooting an anxious glance at the trays of supplies at our feet.

My real worry, though, was that I didn’t feel like helping people that night. It had been a rough week, and I had debated coming out with my church’s ministry to those who are homeless in London. What difference could I possibly make in my tired, morose state?

This particular ministry to those who are homeless had sprung from one of my church’s passions—sharing Christ in our community through practical, loving service. Members organized regular trips into London with food, clothes, and other items for those who are disadvantaged.

Every month one trip was organized and carried out by young adults, and although I tried to go as often as I could, I hadn’t been out with the team for a while.

Now I shook myself into action, clambering out of the van into the jostling crowd. Immediately I spotted an old friend, and her deeply lined face lit up as she saw me.

“I haven’t seen you for such a long time!” she exclaimed. “I thought you’d moved away!”

My plastered-on smile was suddenly genuine in response to her hug.

I asked about her hospitalized daughter, and we continued talking as I made hot drinks and distributed food with my teammates. Another acquaintance came over and introduced his friend, and together they told me all about the community choir they had joined. They were so excited. I felt my bad mood ebb away as I handed out cups of soup, listening to the stories of people who live on the streets. Most of them simply wanted someone to talk to.

As I listened, I remembered how I felt when I first joined this ministry: scared. How should I relate to those who are homeless? Honestly, I was used to walking past their cardboard beds and begging bowls,

almost as if they weren’t there—almost as if they weren’t people. This ministry reminded me that those who are homeless are people too.

Driving home later, I knew that I had made a difference to my community, even if it was through something as simple as offering a cup of soup and a chat. My own mood had also been lifted through the love offered to and received from my friends who are homeless. I was reminded of the truth that “those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (Prov. 11:25, NLT).* Marginalized members of society, who are so easily overlooked, are precious children of God. Jesus says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40, NIV).

I want to learn to see a brother or sister of Jesus in every human being and, through practical acts of love from me and my church, show them what their Elder Brother is like. * Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation.

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Lynette Allcock, a graduate of Southern Adventist University, lives in Watford, United Kingdom, where she writes and teaches English as a second language to international students.

AdventistWorld.org February 2018

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Global View

A Decisive Moment Living in prophetic times

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ast fall a special service took place in London during commemorations for the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation that strikingly points to the prophetic times in which we live.

Leading clergy from various faiths gathered at the Church of England’s Westminster Abbey on October 31, 2017, to embrace an agreement between Lutheran and Roman Catholic churches that attempted to settle a key dispute at the center of the Protestant Reformation: justification by faith.

Justin Welby, archbishop of Canterbury, declared during the special service, “When the Lutheran World Federation and the Catholic Church signed the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification in 1999, you resolved the underlying theological question of 1517, in a decisive moment for all churches in the search for unity and reconciliation.”1 Since its signing, the joint declaration has been adopted by other Protestant faiths, including the World Methodist Council in 2006; the Anglican Consultative

Council in 2016; and the World Communion of Reformed Churches. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has not been part of this initiative, nor will it be.

PROPHETIC DEVELOPMENTS

The Seventh-day Adventist Church promotes and encourages religious liberty and freedom of conscience for all. This allows us to make biblical and doctrinal decisions without compromise, based upon our time-honored and Bible-based historical-biblical (or historical-grammatical) method of Bible study and interpretation, as well as the historicist approach to Bible prophecy. These approaches, through the Holy Spirit’s guidance, inform us of developments to take place just before Christ’s return as revealed in the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, particularly Revelation 13.

During the service at Westminster Abbey, Archbishop Welby presented the text of the Anglican council’s 2016 resolution to Martin Junge, general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation; and to Brian Farrell, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Also present at the service were leaders of the World Methodist Council and the World Communion of Reformed Churches.

The public presentation of the Anglican resolution on the Reformation’s anniversary was a major step toward church unity, Junge said. “We are grateful to God that together with Catholic, Methodist, and Reformed sisters and brothers, we are witnessing today the affirmation of the substance of the Joint Declaration of Doctrine of Justification by the Anglican Communion. May this moment serve as an important witness on the way of growing unity among our churches.”2

Photo: Brett Meliti

A DEFINITE SIGN

We Seventh-day Adventists recognize this move as a definite sign of the end-times we have studied in Scripture, read about in The Great Controversy, and talked about for years. We need to be aware of events now taking place and realize that we are living in the very tip of the toes of the statue in Daniel 2. The next huge event is Christ’s second coming, and we will see more biblical, prophetic signs unfold as we near that climactic event.

As we see these events unfold, it brings to mind the following passages from The Great Controversy: “Since the middle of the nineteenth century, students of prophecy in the United States have presented this testimony to the world.

In the events now taking place is seen a rapid advance toward the fulfillment of the prediction. With Protestant teachers there is the same claim of divine authority for Sundaykeeping, and the same lack of Scriptural evidence, as with the papal leaders who fabricated miracles to supply the place of a command from God. The assertion that God’s judgments are visited upon men for their violation of the Sunday-sabbath, will be repeated; already it is beginning to be urged.

And a movement to enforce Sunday observance is fast gaining ground.”3 This specific reference is also pertinent: “Through the two great errors, the immortality of the soul and Sunday sacredness, Satan will bring the people under his deceptions. While the former lays the foundation of spiritualism, the latter creates a bond of sympathy with Rome. The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the

influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience.”4 In a recent article Stanley Hauerwas, a leading U.S. Protestant theologian, observed that “the gulfs between the denominations seem only to feel smaller and smaller.

And so does the gulf between Catholicism and Protestantism.”5 Further underlining this point, on November 13, 2017, Mike Pence, U.S. vice president, met with the Vatican’s chief diplomat, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, in Washington, D.C. Afterward, Pence tweeted that he was honored to host the cardinal at the White House for a “productive conversation about how we can work together to promote human rights, combat human suffering, and protect religious freedom.”6 We understand from biblical prophecy that this trend of ecumenical events and government associations with the Vatican will not only be for the United States, but also in many other places around the world.

REFORMATION NOT OVER

Referring to the Protestant Reformation, Ellen White wrote, “The Reformation did not, as many suppose, end with Luther. It is to be continued to the close of this world’s history.”7 What a privilege it is to be part of the Protestant Reformation and its heritage today. God used Martin Luther and many others to lay the foundations of a return to the holy Word of God. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us never stray from a clear understanding and acceptance of the Bible as it reads, recognizing the prophetic times in which we live. As Jesus said: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

(Matt. 11:15; see also Rev. 2:17).

Although we do not want to be

Although we do not want to be perceived as alarmists, it is obvious that we are living in the last days of earth’s history. perceived as alarmists, it is obvious that we are living in the last days of earth’s history. May God guide us, His Advent movement, as we proclaim the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14, with Christ and His righteousness at their very core; and as we proclaim the fourth angel’s message of Revelation 18, calling people out of Babylon and back to the true worship of God. My friends, we are living in the end of time. We must keep our focus on our mission of proclaiming Jesus’ soon coming.

What an opportunity to witness for the Lord personally—and as the Seventh-day Adventist Church worldwide—through Total Member Involvement. Let’s pray for revival and reformation in our own lives, and for the latter rain of the Holy Spirit in the worldwide church as we proclaim the last warning message to this dying world just before Christ’s second coming.

In “Lutherans, Catholics, Methodists, Reformed and Anglicans ‘drawn into deeper communion,’ ” www.anglicannews.org/ news/2017/10/lutherans,-catholics-methodists-reformed-and-anglicans-drawn-into-deeper-communion.aspx.

2 Ibid.

3 Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1911), pp. 579, 580.

4 Ibid., p. 588.

5 “The Reformation Is Over. Protestants Won. So Why Are We Still Here?” www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/ the-reformation-is-over-protestants-won-so-why-are-we-stillhere/2017/10/26/71a2ad02-b831-11e7-be94-fabb0f1e9ffb_story. html?utm_term=.c6962dc71df6.

6 twitter.com/VP/status/930142141745156096.

7 E. G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 148.

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Ted N. C. Wilson is president of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church. Additional articles and commentaries are available from the president’s office on Twitter: @pastortedwilson and on Facebook: @PastorTed Wilson.

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Faith in Action

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n the past a wealthy man would build a castle to protect his possessions and his people. Today we build high fences to keep thieves out and our precious things in. Yet most of us spend very little time thinking about how to protect our most important human relationship.

Marriage costs a lot of time and money, and it can have eternal consequences.

If it fails, it costs even more! When a marriage breaks up, not only the couple are hurt, but their children, their families, their friends, even their church suffers.

So is there a biblical framework for protecting our marriages?

Marriage is used as a metaphor for the relationship between humankind (or the church) and God. Jesus says the first and greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, . . . with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). This commandment protects our relationship with God and provides a template for the kind of self-sacrificial love—the attitude of honor, respect, and mutual admiration—that protects marriages and helps them thrive and prosper.

PROTECT YOUR HEART

The heart is the seat of human emotions (not just a four-chambered pump that forces blood around our bodies). Protecting our hearts means informing our emotions.

I’ve heard many people say they love their spouse, but they’ve fallen out of love. They are, in fact, allowing emotions and chemicals to cloud their

Protect Your Marriage Great relationships don’t happen by chance.

judgment. Affairs don’t start with sex—they start with emotional attachments to someone other than a spouse.

But emotions can be controlled.

A sign of maturity and growth is to set up boundaries around our hearts. We mustn’t share intimate thoughts and feelings with someone to whom we are not married, especially in one-on-one settings.

On the flip side, we should share all our emotions, our inner thoughts and experiences, with our spouse. Make a commitment today to be completely open with your significant other.

PROTECT YOUR MIND

The mind is the seat of our thoughts. Jesus showed us that thoughts and intentions are important when He spoke about anger being murder and lust being adultery. Sin originates in our thoughts, and our thoughts often begin with our eyes.

Where is our focus? I heard a statistic recently that 100 percent of boys by the age of 11 have been exposed to pornography. Porn is everywhere, and it can cause lots of damage to relationships. Marriage partners addicted to porn often find their spouses dull and unsatisfying. They entertain fantasies above enjoying the real thing.

I’ve managed to steer clear of online pornography, but my eyes and my thoughts can still betray me. Sometimes the shopping center in summer, or the beach, is the hardest place to be. I have to discipline myself to “bounce my eyes.”

But more than just trying to stifle and supress bad thoughts, we have to train our thoughts on our spouses. How often do we focus on good memories? Do we think of all the good things we’ve done, or all the blessings we’ve been given? It’s

Photo: Pavel Badrtdinov

easy to fall into patterns of negative thinking. We have to allow our minds to develop admiration and fondness for our spouses. Think positively of them, and our interactions will grow more positive. We have to train our minds and our eyes to focus on our spouses.

PROTECT YOUR SOUL

One of the best ways to protect a marriage is to cultivate spiritual oneness. That means having the same beliefs and practice as our spouses. The wise man said, “Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.

And a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Eccl. 4:12).

In other words, being together as a couple gives us strength.

When God is the third cord in our relationships, He is invested in our success. Our relationships bring Him glory when He is its foundation and basis. How? Spouses may have differences of opinion, culture, and family origin. In fact, after being married awhile, they may find that nearly everything is different. But if both chase after God, they’re both heading in the same direction. Devotion to God means devotion to each other.

Paul wrote that in Christ “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28).

Our identities, our dreams, and our purposes will all be challenged unless they are found in Christ. So we protect our souls by choosing to bury them firmly in God and to let Him protect our marriages.

Make time to pray with each other; read the Word together. Have spiritual conversations to understand what you both think and feel about world events, things that happen in your family and in your lives. Consult God on big family

decisions. Seek wisdom from His Word, prayer, mentors, pastors, and friends who journey with Him as well, so that you can determine the best thing for your marriage and His purpose.

PROTECT YOUR STRENGTH

Strength is found in our hands and arms. A person’s strength is often revealed in their actions. This means proximity and placement.

Keep a safe physical distance from members of the opposite sex. If it can be helped, try not to go anywhere alone or be private with anyone who is not your spouse. Don’t use your actions to be flirtatious. In the appropriate cultural context, a handshake, even a hug, is fine; but be attentive to respectful engagement. Protect your marriage by making some rules about physical space.

Use your strength to serve your spouse instead. Prioritize spending time with them. Massage them, do chores, cook for them, and make them gifts with your own hands.

Use your strength to serve your spouse and you will find your love grow and deepen.

Setting physical boundaries around what is and isn’t acceptable is a good idea. Talk to each other. Find out what makes your spouse uncomfortable. You may need to stop it.

God gives us guidelines to protect our relationship with Him. The marriage relationship reflects His image. If we set boundaries around our emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical lives, we are protecting our relationships for ourselves, for our children, and for all those who come into contact with us.

Jarrod Stackelroth is editor of the South Pacific Adventist Record. He lives in Wahroonga, New South Wales, Australia.

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What We Believe

Marriage and the Family

God’s Ideal for Marriage Listening to Scripture’s clear voice

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he opening pages of Scripture set forth God’s ideal for marriage, and this Edenic model provides the foundation for the rest of the biblical treatment of the subject. The biblical “gemstone” of marriage glistens with seven major facets.

1. A HETEROSEXUAL, MONOGAMOUS MARITAL FORM

According to the divine pattern established with the first couple in the Garden, and in the accompanying explicit application to future marriages (Gen. 2:18-24), the marital form is a heterosexual duality, between “a husband [Hebrew, “man”] and his wife [Hebrew, “woman”]” (verse 24). The pairing of both nouns in the singular also clearly implies a monogamous marriage, to be shared exclusively between two marriage partners.

2. COMPLEMENTARITY AND EQUALITY OF THE MARITAL PARTNERS

The Genesis 2 creation account opens with the formation of the man (verse 7).

The man is alone and this is “not good”; he needs an ‘ezer kenegdo—a “helper/benefactor who is his counterpart” (see verse 18).

So God “builds” (Hebrew, banah, implying “aesthetic design!” [verse 22]) a woman to be alongside him as his counterpart.

At his first sight of Eve, Adam in effect exclaims, “At last! Here’s the complement of myself!” (see verse 23).

Genesis 2 also represents the woman as the climax, the crowning work of Creation. She is created from a rib from Adam’s side to show that she is to stand by his side as an equal. As man’s ‘ezer kenegdo, the woman is not only a “complementary counterpart” but an “equal partner.”

3. EXCLUSIVITY IN MARRIAGE

After describing the first garden wedding (Gen. 2:22, 23), Moses summarizes several facets of the first marriage that

Photo: Tyler Lastovich

are fundamental to all future marriages (verse 24). First, man is to leave (Hebrew, ‘azab). The Hebrew term means “to leave, abandon, forsake,” and elsewhere describes Israel’s forsaking of Yahweh for false gods (e.g., Deut.

28:20). The “leaving” of Genesis 2:24 indicates the necessity of freedom from outside interferences that might encroach upon the exclusivity of the marital relationship.

It was expected in Moses’ time that the woman would leave her family, but Moses states what was revolutionary for his culture: the man also was to leave! Both were to leave—to form a distinct family unit publicly recognized and respected by the couple’s families, the community of faith, and the society at large.

4. PERMANENCE IN MARRIAGE

Both man and woman are also to cleave (Hebrew, dabaq) to one another (Gen. 2:24). The Hebrew word denotes “clinging, sticking, remaining physically close, as skin to flesh and flesh to bone.” In the Old Testament the term is often used for the permanent covenant bond of Israel to the Lord (e.g., Deut. 10:20; 11:22). In Genesis 2:24 it clearly indicates a covenant context, i.e., a mutual commitment of the couple expressed in a formal marriage covenant, echoing the “oath of covenant solidarity” expressed by Adam to Eve (verse 23)—the equivalent to our marriage vows. The word dabaq also emphasizes the inward attitudinal dimensions of the covenant relationship, a devotion and unshakable faith between marriage partners, mutual steadfast love, goodwill, fidelity, and commitment to permanence.

5. INTIMACY IN MARRIAGE

After “cleaving” in a marriage covenant, man and woman are to “become one flesh” (Gen. 2:24). This primarily denotes the sexual union of man and woman (see 1 Cor. 6:16). Note that this “one flesh” union follows the “cleaving” and thus comes within the context of the marriage covenant. Sexual union is to find expression only inside the marital relationship. The term basar, “flesh” in the Old Testament, refers not only to one’s physical body but to a person’s whole existence in the world. By “one flesh” is thus connoted mutual dependence and reciprocity in all areas of life, a unity that embraces the lives of two persons in their entirety.

A final word regarding intimacy in marriage in Genesis 2 comes in verse 25: “And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.” The intimate relationship between husband and wife is designed by God as an experience of love, pleasure, celebration, and bonding, a blessing to be enjoyed without fear, inhibition, shame, or embarrassment.

6. MARRIAGE AND PROCREATION

Having children is not the primary purpose of the “one flesh” experience in marriage in Genesis 2. This is not to deny the importance of procreation (as indicated in the added divine blessing “be fruitful and multiply” [Gen. 1:28]). But by the “full stop” after “one flesh” in Genesis 2:24, sexual union is given independent meaning and value. It does not need to be justified only as a means to a superior end, i.e., procreation.

7. THE WHOLESOME BEAUTY AND JOY OF MARRIAGE

When “God saw everything that He had made”— including the institution of marriage—“indeed it was very good” (Gen. 1:31). The Hebrew expression tov me’od (“very good”) connotes the quintessence of goodness, wholesomeness, appropriateness, and beauty. After the formation of woman, “the Lord God . . . brought her to the man” (Gen. 2:22). The Creator Himself officiated at and celebrated the first wedding. According to the divine design, the marriage relationship between husband and wife is closely bound up with the spiritual relation of both partners to their Creator.

RETURN TO EDEN

In the New Testament Jesus hallows marriage by performing His first miracle at a wedding feast (John 2:1-11). Both Jesus and Paul affirm the Edenic ideal for marriage by citing Genesis 2:24 (Matt. 19:5; Eph. 5:31).

John uses the marriage metaphor to depict the relationship between God and His people in the windup of the great controversy and description of the new creation (Rev. 19:7; 21:2, 9: 22:17).

In the Song of Solomon—an entire book of the Bible illustrating a return to the Edenic model for marriage— the love between husband and wife is nothing less than “the flame of Yahweh” (see S. of Sol. 8:6). God is the ultimate source of holy love. He will cause the love flame to burn ever brighter in our marriages as we claim His promise!

Richard M. Davidson, Ph.D., is the J. N. Andrews professor of Old Testament Interpretation at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University, in Berrien Springs, Michigan, United States.

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Spirit of Prophecy

Mated or Matc An interview with Ellen G. White*

Men DOES GOD REALLY CARE WHICH WOMAN I CHOOSE TO MARRY?

“I will write to you . . . just as I would write to my son. . . . Let it become the ruling purpose of your heart to grow to a complete man in Christ Jesus. In Christ you can do valiantly; without Christ you can do nothing as you should. . . . Christ has purchased you with a price that is infinite. You are His property, and in all your plans you must take this into account. Especially in your marriage relations, be careful to get one who will stand shoulder to shoulder with you in spiritual growth.”

HOW WILL I KNOW SHE IS THE ONE?

“Let those who are contemplating marriage weigh every sentiment and watch every development of character in the one with whom they think to unite their life destiny.

Let every step toward a marriage alliance be characterized by modesty, simplicity, sincerity, and an earnest purpose to please and honor God. Marriage affects the afterlife both in this world and in the world to come.

A sincere Christian will make no plans that God cannot approve.

“If you are blessed with God-fearing parents, seek counsel of them. Open to them your hopes and plans, learn the lessons which their life experiences have taught, and you will be saved many a heartache. Above all, make Christ your counselor. Study His Word with prayer. . . .

“Let a young man seek one to stand by his side who is fitted to bear her share of life’s

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burdens, one whose influence will ennoble and refine him, and who will make him happy in her love.”

THIS SOUNDS LIKE IT’S GOING TO TAKE A LONG TIME.

“Few have correct views of the marriage relation. Many seem to think that it is the attainment of perfect bliss; but if they could know one quarter of the heartaches of men and women that are bound by the marriage vow in chains that they cannot and dare not break, they would not be surprised that I trace these lines. . . . There are thousands that are mated but not matched. . . . This is why I would warn the young who are of a marriageable age to make haste slowly in the choice of a companion.”

NOW I’M WORRIED. HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

“Before assuming the responsibilities involved in marriage, young men and young women should have such an experience in practical life as will prepare them for its duties and its burdens.”

“A relation so important as marriage and so far-reaching in its results should not be entered upon hastily, without sufficient preparation, and before the mental and physical powers are well developed.”

“Angels are watching this struggle. I leave you with this matter to consider and decide for yourself.”

hed?

THIS SOUNDS LIKE IT’S GOING TO TAKE A LONG TIME.

Women

“Love is a plant of heavenly origin. It is not unreasonable; it is not blind. It is pure and holy. But the passion of the natural heart is another thing altogether. While pure love will take God into all its plans, and will be in perfect harmony with the Spirit of God, passion will be headstrong, rash, unreasonable, defiant of all restraint, and will make the object of its choice an idol.”

“Marriages that are impulsive and selfishly planned generally do not result well but often turn out miserable failures.”

DOES GOD REALLY CARE WHICH MAN I CHOOSE TO MARRY?

NOW I’M WORRIED. HOW DO I PREPARE?

“If men and women are in the habit of praying twice a day before they contemplate marriage, they should pray four times a day when such a step is anticipated. Marriage is something that will influence and affect your life, both in this world and in the world to come. . . . We are not to please ourselves, for Christ pleased not Himself. I would not be understood to mean that anyone is to marry one whom [she] does not love. This would be sin. But fancy and the emotional nature must not be allowed to lead on to ruin.”

“The heart yearns for human love, but this love is not strong enough, or pure enough, or precious enough, to supply the place of the love of Jesus. Only in her Savior can the wife find wisdom, strength, and grace to meet the cares, responsibilities, and sorrows of life. She should make Him her strength and her guide.

Let [a] woman give herself to Christ before giving herself to any earthly friend, and enter into no relation which shall conflict with this. Those who find true happiness must have the blessing of Heaven upon all that they possess and all that they do.”

“Take God and your God-fearing parents into your counsel, young friends. Pray over the matter. Weigh every sentiment, and watch every development of character in the one with whom you think to link your life destiny.

The step you are about to take is one of the most important in your life, and should not be taken hastily. While you may love, do not love blindly.

“Examine carefully to see if your married life would be happy, or inharmonious and wretched. Let the questions be raised, Will this union help me heavenward? will it increase my love for God? and will it enlarge my sphere of usefulness in this life? If these reflections present no drawback, then in the fear of God move forward.”

HOW WILL I KNOW HE’S THE ONE?

“Before giving her hand in marriage, every woman should inquire whether he with whom she is about to unite her destiny is worthy. What has been his past record? Is his life pure? Is the love which he expresses of a noble, elevated character, or is it a mere emotional fondness? Has he the traits of character that will make her happy? Can she find true peace and joy in his affection? Will she be allowed to preserve her individuality, or must her judgment and conscience be surrendered to the control of her husband?

As a disciple of Christ, she is not her own; she has been bought with a price.”

“Let a young woman accept as a life companion only one who possesses pure, manly traits of character, one who is diligent, aspiring, and honest, one who loves and fears God.”

*Excerpted from Messages to Young People (Nashville: Southern Pub. Assn., 1930), pp. 435-460; The Adventist Home (Nashville: Southern Pub. Assn., 1952), p. 44; and Letters to Young Lovers (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1983), pp. 19-22. Some paragraphs are arranged to create a conversational tone. No words were added to the original text. Seventh-day Adventists believe that Ellen G. White (1827-1915) exercised the biblical gift of prophecy during more than 70 years of public ministry.

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Looking Back

Three Men, Two Marriages, One Mission Answering God’s call in spite of the circumstances

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llen White was a reluctant missionary. The General Conference had asked her to consider going to Australia to engage in the work, but at age 64 she felt her traveling days were done. She was busy writing about the life of Christ and really saw no need. But pray as she might, no direct answer came from God as to what she should do. Thus, on November 12, 1891, she and her son, William (Willie) C. White, boarded a ship for the long journey to Australia.

W. C. White’s wife, Mary, had died the year before, leaving him a widower with two small girls, Mabel and Ella, ages 5 and 9. Since White knew the assignment would be no longer than two years and that he would be doing extensive traveling, he decided to leave the girls behind in the United States under the care of Mary Mortensen.

She was a young woman in her early 30s, responsible and loving. *** George Byron Tripp (who went

by Byron) was born in New York, but moved to Minnesota with his family as a young man. He met and married Amanda McDonald in 1883. By 1886, they had had three

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children, twins who died shortly after birth, and a son, George. Tragically Amanda died in 1891, leaving Byron to raise his son alone. He went into the ministry working in Minnesota, and eventually accepted a call to become president of the Virginia Conference. *** The expected two years had grown to almost four for Ellen White and her son, Willie. Still engaged in the work in Australia, Ellen White had hired a young woman, May Lacey, as her assistant. It was soon evident that Willie was quite smitten with the young woman—she, only 21 years of age, and he, now 40. After a brief courtship, most of which was spent apart, Willie proposed to May. They were married on May 9, 1895.

During the four years apart Willie was a faithful father, writing letters to his two young daughters, as well as to Mary Mortensen. A letter from General Conference president O. A. Olsen reveals that Mary and the girls largely misunderstood the letters from White.

Mary believed that the girls’ father was expressing an interest in her that would lead to marriage. She shared this with the girls, who were thrilled, as they had grown very

attached to her in the years they had been with her.

When a letter arrived sometime in February 1895 telling of Willie’s engagement to May, his daughters were distraught. So much so that 13-year-old Ella made an appointment with the GC president to tell him of her heartbreak. Olsen describes her as “almost frantic” at the thought of losing Mary.* The letter from Olsen to White brought an immediate change of plans. Mary, who was to accompany the girls to Australia and work for Ellen White, was now not to come. The girls would travel with other companions, leaving in early April 1895. *** In 1894 the way was opened in Africa to establish a new mission station. At the General Conference session in February 1895 Byron Tripp was asked to be the superintendent of the new Matabele Mission. Worried about the care of his son in Africa, Tripp paid a

(Left to right): Mabel White, May White, Ella White, W. C. White holding twins, Henry and Herbert (1896)

Mary Mortensen Tripp Armitage

G. B. Tripp Photo: Ellen G. White Estate

visit to GC president O. A. Olsen.

His question to Olsen was “Do you know of someone who might consider becoming my wife?”

Olsen, fresh from his dealings with Mary and the White children, immediately suggested Mary Mortensen. Byron thought the suggestion a fair one, so he proposed.

She accepted immediately, and they were married in April 1895, just days after Mabel and Ella White left Michigan for Australia to meet their new stepmother.

Days after the wedding, Byron, Mary, and George sailed for Africa with another couple, W. H. Anderson and his wife. They finally arrived at the mission station in late July and set to work. Dr. A. S. Carmichael soon joined them. In September 1897 Frank B. Armitage, his wife, Anna, and daughter, Violet, age 9, arrived, completing the small group of missionaries.

Three months later, in December, malaria hit the small company. Dr. Carmichael died in February 1898.

Byron Tripp died a week later. Soon Anna Armitage died, as did Tripp’s son, George. Left to do the work were the Andersons, Mary Tripp, and Frank Armitage.

Both Mary and Frank desired to continue their service in Africa. In February 1899 Mary Mortensen Tripp and Frank Armitage were married. They continued to work 26 more years in Africa, working in Bulawayo, Somabula, Cape Province, and South Africa. In addition to Violet, they added two daughters of their own.

In 1925 they returned to the United States because of Mary’s failing health, spending eight more years of active work in northern and central California, United States. Mary died in April 1950, having given most of her life to mission service.

Willie and May White added three more children to their family while in Australia, besides Willie’s two daughters. The White family, along with Ellen White, extended their mission service in Australia to nine years.

Mary and Byron Tripp, with little knowledge of each other, married and helped to establish the church’s mission in Africa.

Mary and Frank Armitage married because of their love of the work in Africa. Together their long partnership, love, and respect allowed them many more years of service for the Lord.

Today our priorities look quite different. We search for love first, and mission may come later. Stories like Mary’s, which demonstrate what seems to be an unusual dedication to the Lord’s calling, may be quite rare. These are people who put aside their feelings, commit to God’s work, marry because of the mission, but end up with love relationships that are meaningful, in part because they are blessed by a double commitment—to each other and to God, His work, and His soon coming. *

O. A. Olsen to W. C. White, Feb. 26, 1895.

Merle Poirier is the operations manager for Adventist World.

AdventistWorld.org February 2018

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Bible Questions Answered

The Power of Law, the Power of Grace

Q

What is the meaning of the phrase “under the law” in Romans 6:14, 15?*

sin, stimulates them to sin (Rom. 7:8, 9), even though the law itself is good (verse 12). What humans need is God’s grace through faith in Christ. To be under the law—seeking acceptance through it before God—is to exist under its condemnation and consequently under the power of sin (Rom. 3:21, 28).

2. NOT UNDER THE LAW:

A

The phrase is used by Paul in the two verses you mention to establish a connection between a particular understanding of the law in relation to sin and grace, and to qualify the negative meaning of the phrase “not under the law.” We should keep in mind that the discussion of the law occurs in the context of his controversy with false teachers who promoted the observance of the law for their own specific purpose.

1. SIN, LAW, AND GRACE:

In Romans Paul clarifies that all humans are under the rule of sin, and that the only way to experience freedom is through faith in Christ (Rom. 3:19-24). In this condition of enslavement to sin the law plays a negative role (Rom. 7:7-12). But for those who place their faith in Christ, sin is no longer their master because they “are not under the law, but under grace” (Rom. 6:14).

Contextually, to be “under the law” is to be under the dominion of sin and not under the dominion of grace.

Grace and law are contrasted in a negative way. If being under grace means to be under the redemptive power of God through the death of His Son, then to be under the law is to seek acceptance before God through submission to the law. This, by itself, means that the person is under the power of sin and not of grace because, for Paul, every human being has violated the law of God and is under its curse or condemnation (Gal. 3:10). The observance of the law has no atoning power; it cannot deliver from the power of sin because it is incapable of restoring life to sinners (verse 21). In fact, because of humanity’s sinful condition, the law, misused by

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Paul raises a question and answers it: “Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!” (Rom. 6:15). He now sets limits to the possible implications of the phrase “we are not under the law.” It does not mean that Christian life is characterized by lawlessness. Believers are certainly under no obligation to obey the law in order to be justified, but they willingly “obey from your heart [from the depth of their being and sincerely] the pattern of teaching [the teaching that molds the Christian life] that has now claimed your allegiance” (verse 17). The Christian life does not exclude obedience to the will of God, but places it in its proper perspective with respect to grace. Faith in Christ does not “nullify the law” but “[upholds] the law” (Rom. 3:31) because now through the power of God’s grace “the righteous requirements of the law” can “be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” (Rom. 8:3, 4, NKJV). The law is no longer a means of acceptance before God, but a sanctifying guide to the Christian life. * Unless otherwise noted, Bible texts in this article are from the New International Version.

Angel Manuel Rodríguez lives in Texas, United States, after serving as a pastor, professor, and theologian.

Health & Wellness

Heart Disease Should young people be concerned?

I hear heart disease is the number-one killer worldwide. I am a 25-yearold male living in a developing country. Am I at risk?

C

ardiovascular disease (CVD), heart disease, is indeed the leading cause of death in the world today. In 2015 almost 18 million people died of CVDs. Most of these deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Approximately 7.4 million deaths were the result of coronary artery disease, and 6.7 million the result of stroke.* These statistics reflect the fact that atherosclerotic disease of the arteries affects the entire vascular system; the heart and the brain are the most vulnerable. The heart muscle and the brain are particularly dependent on excellent oxygen supply and are especially affected by disease of the conduits that carry blood and oxygen to these tissues.

What is your risk? It is difficult to accurately assess risk without access to your full health biometric and family health history. You have the advantage of being young. Traditionally age is regarded as a risk factor from 45 years onward for males, and 55 years upward for females. Females enjoy hormonal protection until menopause; that is why their cardiovascular disease risk kicks in later. Family history of strokes and heart attacks, especially at a younger age, is important and indicates increased risk.

The use of tobacco is a strong risk factor and plays a role in all societies, but especially in developing countries. This is so for two main reasons. First, developed countries have seen lawsuits against the tobacco companies, which are exporting their poison to the more vulnerable markets and not-yet-litigious countries. Second, emerging economies have developed health infrastructures so that screening and early diagnosis of tobacco-related diseases are less accessible.

High blood pressure (uncontrolled hypertension) is another important risk factor. Additional factors that fuel the fires of the CVD pandemic include an unhealthful diet, obesity, diabetes (both types 1 and 2), and physical inactivity.

These latter factors also are important culprits in the problem of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), as is alcohol use.

Other markers of increased risk include abnormal blood lipids, including high cholesterol and triglycerides.

There has been ongoing debate regarding the importance of fats. There is compelling evidence for the adverse role of cholesterol in atherosclerosis (the degenerative disease of the arteries that results in strokes and heart attacks), as seen in the condition known as familial hypercholesterolemia, a disease associated with exceedingly high blood levels of cholesterol. In severe forms of this condition, we have seen severe coronary artery disease in the very young, with the need for coronary artery bypass surgery in teenagers and adolescents! Beware of saturated fats and calorie-dense junk foods.

This summary of risk factors for coronary artery disease will help you assess your risk. Prevention works best when started at an early age. Eat healthfully and exercise, rest, be optimistic and temperate, and trust in God. Enjoy life to the full! * WHO Fact Sheet on CVDs: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/ fs317/en/.

Peter N. Landless, a board-certified nuclear cardiologist, is director of Adventist Health Ministries at the General Conference.

Zeno L. Charles-Marcel, a board-certified internist, is an associate director of Adventist Health Ministries at the General Conference.

AdventistWorld.org February 2018

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Michael, My Friend

“May I Tell You a Story?”

BY DICK DUERKSEN

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N

o one was responding to Pastor Tana’s altar call.

Instead of the “Prayed For” groups of people coming to the front to give their lives to Jesus, the schoolhouse congregation was silent and unmoving.

Pastor Tana stood waiting, the silence giving the Holy Spirit time to work.

A stirring in the back caught everyone’s attention.

The man rising from his bench was Arnold, the bulldozer driver from the other side of the island. Short. Strong. His muscles bulging beneath his work T-shirt. His face darkened to the color of coal by constant work beneath the intense Solomon Islands sun. His eyes, accustomed to squinting, now wide open and glowing.

Arnold strode toward the speaker as if on an urgent mission.

“You know me,” the driver said, leaving a brief silence that was filled with grunts and nods of agreement.

“I have lived here a very long time and have worked hard in the forests for many years. I have always done my work well and have been an honest man.”

Everyone in the room nodded agreement.

“I must tell you a story,” Arnold continued. “Six weeks ago, on a Tuesday, as I was driving back up the hill to bring more logs to the beach, a man waved to me from the edge of the forest. He was a stranger to me, a very tall Solomon Islands man with skin as black as mine.”

“I slowed my bulldozer, and this man ran across the torn-up hillside to me. When he reached my machine, he stepped up on the rings and introduced himself as Michael and asked if he could ride with me that day.

“No,” I told him. “To ride on my bulldozer is very dangerous, and the company requires that anyone working here must wear a hard hat.”

With that, Arnold lifted his own dented and stained yellow hard hat for all to see.

“Like this one,” he said. “I told him that he could ride with me for a bit, but only if he had a hard hat like mine. I did not have a second one to share.”

“The man smiled and said he would be right back. I watched him as he walked through the brush back to the forest edge. He walked into the dark shadows and, just seconds later, returned with a brand-new bright-yellow hard hat like mine.”

“Why did this man, Michael, forget his hat? I wondered.”

“When he climbed back up on the rings, he asked where he should sit. There’s a safe place on the metal right beside me. I pointed to it, and he sat. I added power, and drove up the hill to work again.”

For the next few minutes Arnold talked about his friend Michael. He told how Michael met him at the same place every morning and stayed with him on the machine all day. He spoke of the man’s kind spirit and soft words, of how Michael was good with the winch,

Every word was perfectly clear. and seemed to know the machine even better than Arnold did.

“Even though the man Michael had a soft voice, I could hear every word he said, as if we were sitting together in the evening beneath a palm by the lagoon. Every word was perfectly clear.”

“What did you talk about all day?” one of the Islanders asked from a bench near a window.

“It was so wonderful,” Arnold answered. “Michael had a Christian Bible with him, and all day, each day, we studied the Bible as I drove the machine. He showed me how God created the world because He loves us. Then he showed me about Moses, the Ten Commandments, Abraham, Joseph, David, and many other great men and women.”

“Did he tell you about Jesus, the way Pastor Tana has been preaching?”

“Yes, he did. In fact, all last week we talked about Jesus, His birth, ministry, stories, miracles, and death. On the last day he was with me, just two weeks ago, we talked about the resurrection, and Michael showed me—for sure—that Jesus will be coming back soon.”

“Where is this Michael now?”

Pastor Tana asked.

That’s the most interesting part, Pastor,” responded Arnold. “Two Fridays ago, at the end of our work and study, Michael told me that he was not going to be able to ride with me anymore.”

“Tomorrow is Saturday—God’s Sabbath—Michael reminded me.

Then here’s what he said: “ ‘Arnold, I have enjoyed our time together very much, and I wish I

could stay, but I have other duties.

But you will not be alone. God is sending another, a Solomon Island pastor, to your island. Beginning tomorrow morning this man, Pastor Lawrence Tanabose, will be teaching about Jesus and the Bible at the big schoolhouse on the hill.

You must go. Pastor Tana knows these stories well, and you can trust everything he says. He is a very good friend of God.’ ” There was lots of talking, immediately and loud, throughout the schoolhouse congregation as Arnold paused.

“What else did this Michael say?” several asked. “ ‘Go to Pastor Tana’s meetings,’ Michael told me. ‘Listen to what he says, and then tell all the people how Pastor Tana is saying true things about God. You must learn to speak as Pastor Tana does so all the people of your island will say yes to Jesus.’ ” Silence filled the schoolhouse. A deep silence filled with thinking.

And deciding.

Arnold broke the silence.

“Before Michael got down from my bulldozer—with his heavenly hard hat now dirty and bent—he asked me to accept Jesus as my Savior. I told him, ‘YES!’ Then he asked me to tell Pastor Tana about my decision.”

“Pastor Tana,” Arnold turned toward the visiting pastor. “I am standing today because what you say and what Michael says are the one and same truth. I have accepted this Jesus as my Savior.”

Dick Duerksen, a pastor and storyteller living in Portland, Oregon, United States, is known around the world as “an itinerant pollinator of grace.”

Publisher The Adventist World, an international periodical of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The General Conference, Northern Asia-Pacific Division of Seventh-day Adventists®, is the publisher.

Executive Editor/Director of Adventist Review Ministries Bill Knott International Publishing Manager Chun, Pyung Duk Adventist World Coordinating Committee Si Young Kim, chair; Yukata Inada; German Lust; Chun, Pyung Duk; Han, Suk Hee; Lyu, Dong Jin Associate Editors/Directors, Adventist Review Ministries Lael Caesar, Gerald Klingbeil, Greg Scott Editors based in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA Sandra Blackmer, Stephen Chavez, Costin Jordache, Wilona Karimabadi Editors based in Seoul, Korea Chun, Pyung Duk; Park, Jae Man; Kim, Hyo-Jun Operations Manager Merle Poirier Editors-at-Large/Advisors Mark A. Finley, John M. Fowler, E. Edward Zinke Financial Manager Kimberly Brown Management Board Si Young Kim, chair; Bill Knott, secretary; Chun, Pyung Duk; Karnik Doukmetzian; Han, Suk Hee; Yutaka Inada; German Lust; Ray Wahlen; Ex-officio: Juan Prestol-Puesán; G. T. Ng; Ted N. C. Wilson Art Direction and Design Types & Symbols To Writers: We welcome unsolicited manuscripts. Address all editorial correspondence to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600, U.S.A. Editorial office fax number: (301) 680-6638 E-mail: worldeditor@gc.adventist.org Web site: www.adventistworld.org Unless otherwise indicated, all Bible references are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.

All rights reserved. Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.

Used by permission.

Unless otherwise noted, all prominent photos are © Thinkstock 2017.

Adventist World is published monthly and printed simultaneously in Korea, Brazil, Indonesia, Australia, Germany, Austria, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, and the United States.

Vol. 14, No. 2

AdventistWorld.org February 2018

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Growing Faith

Our hands are gifts from God, and we can use them to praise and serve Him. Have fun exploring and learning more about hands!

Fun-filled pages for younger ages

Whose Hand?

“Let’s show our moms we can climb that cliff!” Lacey challenged her friend Erin.

The cliff face stood about 13 meters (40 feet) in height, and went almost straight up. Jagged rocks lay strewn about its base.

Erin accepted the challenge, and soon the girls were scrambling up the cliff face. A couple times a piece of rock broke off in their hands as they climbed.

Still, the girls easily made it to the top of the cliff.

“Let’s find a more exciting way down,” Lacey suggested after a brief rest. She pointed to a more difficult area in the cliff face. “How about right there?”

“Sure, if you go first!” Erin replied, smiling.

Lacey climbed over the side of the cliff and began making her descent. The girls chose toeholds and footholds along the way. Suddenly, still high on the cliff face, the rock crumbled in Lacey’s hand.

She felt herself falling. A terrible thought flashed through her mind: Will I be crippled, or even killed?

Just then Lacey felt a large hand pushing her back toward the cliff face! Quickly she grabbed the rocks and looked around to see who’d come to her rescue. But Erin was still at the top, and no other climber was in sight! Whose hand had she felt?

Shaken, Lacey carefully made her way down the cliff face to safety.

Sometime later Lacey read a book called It Must Have Been an Angel.* Suddenly she recalled the scary cliff-climbing incident. She’d clearly felt a hand—and five distinct fingers—push her back toward the cliff face that day. Now she realized that it must have been an angel whose hand she’d felt. Later she said, “I can hardly wait to thank my guardian angel personally and shake that hand!”†

Something to Think About Even if you haven’t felt an actual hand, can you recall a time you’re pretty sure God saved you from a dangerous situation? Is there a situation right now where you’d like Him to step in and rescue you? Share it with a friend or trusted adult. Most important, share it with God in prayer. * †

Marjorie Lewis Lloyd, It Must Have Been an Angel (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1980).

Based on the story “That Hand,” by Muriel Parfitt Polk. From the book Guide’s Greatest Miracle Stories.

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February 2018 AdventistWorld.org

Illustration: Xuan Le

noticeboard Anniversary

BUTZBACH, Peter and Lorna (nee Hartley) were married in Papanui Church, Christchurch, NZ on 5.12.1967 by Pastor Jim Cherry.

Almost 50 family and friends gathered together at Lorna and Peter’s home in Highfields, Qld on 3.12.17 to help them celebrate 50 years of marriage.

Lorna and Peter have three children, Graeme, Lynnelle (Barton-Johnson) and Warwick, and have been blessed with five grandchildren and two stepgrandchildren.

Obituaries Adams, Anne Elizabeth, born 9.1.1927 in Mt Sylvia, Qld; died 25.6.17 in Cooranbong, NSW. In 1946 Anne married Leslie de Berg who predeceased her in 1954. In 1966 she married David Adams who predeceased her in 2004. She was also predeceased by her daughter Glenys. Anne is survived by her children Kevin and Marian, Charmaine and Dave; grandchildren Deanne, Cathy, Sharlene and Stephen; four great-grandsons and two siblings Charlie Brown (Gatton) and Ellen Chick (Townsville). Anne was a much-loved member of the Ipswich church for nearly 60 years. A memorial service, officiated by Pastor Alec Gazsik, was held in the Ipswich church and was preceded by a private burial service at the Avondale cemetery. Many thanks are due to the nursing staff at Alton Lodge and Avondale House for their tender care of Anne over two and a half years.

Ken Duke BONE, Dorothy Mae (nee Brennan

Lloyd), born 19.4.1922 in Bickley, WA; died 14.10.17 in Rossmoyne.

In 1944 she married Kenneth Bone who predeceased her.

She was also predeceased by her son Neville. She is survived by her children Les and Kerry (Perth, WA), Lynley and Colleen (Newcastle, NSW), Greg and Julie (Perth) and Meredith and Jim (Perth); three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and brother Trevor Lloyd (Sydney, NSW). Dot was strong, resilient, adaptable and resourceful lady. She faced

many hardships and challenges in her life. Dot was a keen Bible student and in 1997 self-published a well researched book on the chronology of the Hebrew Kings.

Her faith in Jesus and the Bible blessed and inspired others.

Roger Millist

CROSSLEY, Neville

George, born 21.9.1929 in Cessnock NSW; died 23.12.17 in Coffs Harbour. On 28.10.1950 he married Lola Jean Gilmore who predeceased him. Neville is survived by his children Maureen, Grahame, Robyn and Maughan along with their spouses; seven grandchildren and 12 greatgrandchildren. Neville was a long time leader in his local church, a devoted family man and dearly loved by all. He now joins his beloved wife Lola in waiting for the call of the Master Life-Giver.

Bob Manners

HODGEN, William Arnold Neill,

born 18.8.1923 in Waimate, NZ; died 19.10.17 in Rossmoyne, WA. On 21.7.1948 he married Esther Grosser. He was predeceased by his son Greg, his sister Joan and his brother Tony. He is survived by his wife (Perth); his children Neil and Leonie (Perth), Gary (Perth) and daughter-in-law Christine (Brisbane, Qld); seven grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren. Bill was a man of vision and determination, a constant and consistent mentor and encourager of youth, particularly young men.

After completing the Ministerial Course at Longburn College, NZ, he worked on the farms at Sydney Adventist Hospital, NSW, Avondale College and later Carmel College, WA, later working for the WA Department of Agriculture.

Bill was always actively involved in community organisations and in church leadership wherever he lived, serving as an elder and teacher at Carmel, Merredin, Harvey and Armadale churches in Western Australia.

Roger Millist

LEESON, Annette Ruth, born 11.10.1942 in Parramatta, NSW; died 23.9.17 in Alstonville. Annette is survived by her husband Neville; children Colin and Megan, Darren and Tracey, Carolyn and Hiro and Peter; grandchildren Amanda, Emma, Oscar, Cooper, Hunter,

Junpei, Misa, Kenta and Taizo.

She was known for her love, generosity and care of others, never missing an opportunity to share her faith through her gift of poetry.

Tim Merritt

Lomas, Warren Ernest, born 17.3.1942; died 27.12.17 in Brisbane, Qld. He was predeceased by his first wife Barbara and his adopted son John. In 1998 he married Emarina.

He is survived by Emarina; children Robert, Peter, Debra and Robyn; and adopted children Michelle and Erina; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was buried in the Tallawood Cemetary, Deception Bay. He was a faithful Adventist church member and loved the Lord.

Humberto Rivera Moya STARCEVICH, Morris John, born 21.11.1944 in Kalgoorlie, WA; died 1.10.17 in Esperance. On 3.1.1988 he married Glenice Bone (Molloy).

He was predeceased by his wife Glenice, father Fred and brother Eric. He is survived by his children John (Busselton), Luke and Kristen (Perth), Adam (Busselton), Matthew (Esperance) and Emma (Esperance); step-children Steven and Martina Molloy, David and Joanne Molloy and Susannah Molloy (all of Esperance); seven grandchildren; mother Norma Starcevich (Esperance); and siblings Bernie, Frank, Laurie and Rita. Morris was a quiet, thoughtful Christian gentleman

with a keen mind. A skilled engineer and farmer, who could repair any item of machinery.

Morrie was involved in several fly’n’build projects in the South Pacific and made a significant contribution to the upgrading of Adventist Aviation Services in PNG. Roger Millist

Whitelaw, Rita Tui (nee Ringrose), born 13.7.1922 in Tokatoka, NZ; died on 24.12.17 in Carbrook, Brisbane, Qld. In 1943 she married Matthew Whitelaw who predeceased her. She is survived by her children Brian, Shona Baker and Delywn Hunt (all of Brisbane). Rita was fondly farewelled on 8.1.18. She loved her family and especially enjoyed having Psalms 23 and 91 read to her by her daughter, Shona.

Bob Possingham WOOD, Colin Graeme, born

28.8.1944 in Brighton Vic; died 1.12.17 in Melbourne. On 2.9.1974 he married Glenys. Colin is survived by his wife (Sunbury) and son Stuart (Sunbury). Colin was much loved and appreciated by his immediate family and Greenvale church family. Always active and enthusiastic, he now sleeps in the assurance of the resurrection at Christ’s second coming.

Rod Anderson

Next issue: Adventist RECORD, February 17

POSITIONS VACANT IT SERVICE DELIVERY SPECIALIST Wahroonga, NSW

The Adventist Church Technology Service is seeking a highly skilled and experienced service delivery specialist to join its team.

This 12-month fixed term full-time role will be responsible for overseeing the consistent and high-quality delivery of services to our customers by establishing policies and procedures to drive a culture designed to ensure consistent high service delivery. For more information visit <www.adventistemployment.org.au>. To apply, please send a cover letter, your CV, three work-related referees and the contact details of your Adventist church pastor, to: Human Resources, Seventh-day Adventist Church (SPD) Limited, Locked Bag 2014, Wahroonga NSW 2076 Australia; email <hr@adventist.org.au>. Applications close February 18, 2018.

FOR MORE AVAILABLE POSITIONS VISIT:

ADVENTISTEMPLOYMENT.ORG.AU

/SDAJOBS

Note : Neither the editor, Adventist Media, nor the Seventh-day Adventist Church is responsible for the quality of goods or services advertised. Publication does not indicate endorsement of a product or service. Classified advertisements in Adventist Record are available to Seventh-day Adventist members, churches and institutions only.

All advertisements, appreciation, anniversary, wedding and obituary notices may be submitted via <ads@record.net.au> or online at <record.adventistchurch.com>.

AdventistWorld.org February 2018

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| Prayer Conference

for the

9 11 March, 2 | t n i o P s t r 018 Stua

Guest speakers

Charissa Fong William Moala Kepsie Elodo Colin Hone Loma Rome Ulia

Find out more and register at nnsw.adventist.org.au or call (02) 4951 8088