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OFFICE FOR REGIONAL CONFERENCE MINISTRY IN NORTH AMERICA

FALL 2016 ANNUAL PELC ISSUE www.regionalconferenceministry.com

DR. EMERSON MILLER: WHY

BLACK MEN DON'T ATTEND CHURCH...

THE STATE OF

BLACK AND HISPANIC ADVENTISTS 2016 REPORTS

FAQs Office for Regional Conference Ministry www.regionalconferenceministry.com

What is the Office for Regional Conference Ministry? Established in 1996, the Office for Regional Conference Ministry (ORCM) coordinates presenting the passion and urgency of the Third Angel’s Message, primarily to urban and under-represented communities in the North American Division (NAD). More specifically the ORCM, headquartered at Oakwood University, Huntsville, Alabama, USA, provides guidance, influence and advocacy for Regional Ministry throughout the United States; it also provides the follow-through to the shared vision of the Regional Leadership for the advancement of the gospel and imminent return of Jesus Christ. –Which SDA institutions affiliate with the ORCM? At the core of the ORCM are nine Regional Conferences and the Bermuda Conference, the Regional Directors of the Pacific and the North Pacific Unions, as well as Oakwood University, Message and Regional Voice Magazines, the Annual Pastoral and Evangelism Leadership Conference, the Bradford-Cleveland-Brooks Leadership Center, the Breath of Life telecast, BAYDA (Black Adventist Youth Directors Association) and the Regional Confer-

ence Retirement Plan. What is a Regional Conference? Regional Conferences are similar in organizational structure to all other NAD conferences. However, a 1944 General Conference vote established Black-administered Regional Conferences. At that time, the catalyst for their formation was the segregationist policies, which, unfortunately, have had a lasting impact on American life. Yet, Regional Conferences have emerged as important leaders in the church’s mission in the United States. How do Regional Conferences benefit the SDA Church? Regional Conferences benefit North America and the world church in several ways, namely: • The North American church has experienced exponential growth to such an extent that the ratio of “minority” membership in the church is significantly higher than that in the general US population. • Through the Annual Pastoral and Evangelism Leadership Conference, Regional Conferences hold the SDA Church’s largest annual professional growth seminar for pastors, and • Based upon our membership, evangelistic growth and tithing con-

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tributions, if one were to ask for a comparison, the Regional Work would rank as the NAD’s second largest union and the SDA Church’s fourth largest division. Now that segregation is illegal in the United States, do we still need Regional Conferences? Yes. Regional Conferences were established to fulfill a unique need in the church’s overall mission. Government policies have indeed changed, but sociological realities in America remind us constantly that the need for which Regional Conferences were formed is still very urgent in the 21st century. Are Regional Conferences just for African Americans? No. Regional Conference membership includes not only African Americans, but actually 123 non-Black congregations (Korean, Brazilian, Portuguese, Asian, African, Indonesian and Latino, for example)—thus, sharing the everlasting gospel with “every nation, kindred, tongue and people.” t

ORCM

COMMENTARY

OFFICE FOR REGIONAL CONFERENCE MINISTRY Statement of Vision, Mission, Core Values The Office for Regional Conference Ministry has posted this document for your review and understanding. Our Statement of Vision: The Vision of Regional Conferences is to passionately embrace the second coming of Christ. Our Statement of Mission: The mission of North American Division Regional Conferences is to present the Adventist message with a primary focus to black Americans and to any and all other people groups without regard to race, culture or national origin. Our Core Values: 1. Excellence: We commit to spiritual, effective, efficient, collaborative leadership, and responsible service to God and people. 2. Respect: We follow the practice of open membership without regard to race, color, or national origin. 3. Integrity: We are above reproach in all that we do ensuring that our actions are consistent with the character of Christ. 4. Stewardship: We receive gifts from the generosity of Gods’ grace and other resources to support His ministry. 5. Preaching: We proclaim new life in Christ in public speech and action giving all glory, honor and praise to God. 6. Unity: In and with Christ as our model of service we stand in unity with the oneness of purpose, mission, structure, and goals of the church. 7. Worship: We believe that God is worthy and we gather together each Sabbath with praise, giving glory to salvation in Christ.

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Published by the Office for Regional Conference Ministry in the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists 7000 Adventist Boulevard Huntsville, Alabama 35896 Telephone (256) 830-5002 www.regionalconferenceministry.com PUBLISHER JAMES L. LEWIS EDITOR KYNA HINSON MANAGING EDITOR TIM ALLSTON ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER HOWARD I. BULLARD COPY EDITOR CLARISE J. NIXON CONSULTANTS PHYLLIS WARE LEE, ELAINE ALLSTON EDITORIAL For all correspondence and letters to the editors, write: OFFICE FOR REGIONAL CONFERENCE MINISTRY 7000 Adventist Boulevard Huntsville, Alabama 35896 or fax to (256) 830-5078 We reserve the right to publish and edit your submissions and letters. REGIONAL CONFERENCE OFFICES ALLEGHENY EAST CONFERENCE HENRY J. FORDHAM III, PRESIDENT LaTasha Hewitt, Communications Director P.O. Box 266 Pine Forge, PA 19548 (610) 326-4610. www.myalleghenyeast.org ALLEGHENY WEST CONFERENCE WILLIAM COX, PRESIDENT Bryant L. Smith, Communications Director 1339 E. Broad Street Columbus, OH 43205 (614) 252-5271. www.awconf.org CENTRAL STATES CONFERENCE ROGER BERNARD, PRESIDENT Brittany Winkfield, Communications Director 3301 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, KS 66104 (913) 371-1071. www.central-states.org LAKE REGION CONFERENCE R. CLIFFORD JONES, PRESIDENT Paul Young, Communications Director 8517 South State Street Chicago, IL 60619 (773) 846-2661. www.lakeregionsda.org NORTHEASTERN CONFERENCE DANIEL LAMARTINE HONORÉ, PRESIDENT JeNean A. Lendor, Communications Director 115-50 Merrick Blvd. Jamaica, NY 11434 (718) 291-8006. www.northeastern.org NORTH PACIFIC UNION CONFERENCE ALPHONSO MCCARTHY, VICE PRESIDENT 5709 N. 20th Street Ridgefield, WA 98642 (360) 857-7000. www.npuc.org PACIFIC UNION CONFERENCE VIRGIL CHILDS, DIRECTOR African American Ministries 2686 Townsgate Road Westlake Village, CA 91361 (805) 413-7100. www.puconline.org SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE WILLIAM L. WINSTON, PRESIDENT Carl McRoy Communications Director 294 Hamilton E. Holmes Drive, NW Atlanta, GA 30318 (404) 792-0535. www.southatlantic.org SOUTH CENTRAL CONFERENCE BENJAMIN JONES, PRESIDENT Michael Harpe, Communications Director 715 Youngs Lane Nashville, TN 37207 (615) 226-6500. www.scc-adventist.org SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE GREGORY O. MACK, PRESIDENT Bryant Taylor, Communications Director 1701 Robie Avenue Mt. Dora, FL 32757 (352) 735-3142. www.secsda.org SOUTHWEST REGION CONFERENCE CALVIN WATKINS, PRESIDENT Kenn Dixon, Communications Director 2215 Lanark Avenue Dallas, TX 75203 (214) 943-4491. www.southwestregion. adventistchurchconnect.org 2015 REGIONAL DIRECTORS/COORDINATORS ROSTER Virgil Childs Director | Regional Ministries | Pacific Union Conference Cell: 909-225-6438 | bmitchell@puconline.org Kingsley Palmer V.P. African American Dept. Arizona Conference Cell 775-338-0858 | genx58@gmail.com Frederick Anderson Coordinator | African American Ministries | Central California Conference 831-262-3838 | famar@sbcglobal.net O’Neil Madden Coordinator | African American Dept | Nevada-Utah Conference Cell 702-875-5979 | pastoromadden@aol.com Dr. George King V.P. Black Ministries | Southeastern California Conference (909) 202-0147 | kinggm@seccsda.org Royal Harrison Director | G.L.A.R. | Southern California Conference 503-819-1498 | hroyal2@yahoo.com

THIS FALL PELC ISSUE? THE SAME . . . BUT MUCH, MUCH MORE! First-time entries coupled with standard features capture this fall edition

Tim Allston

Our goal in “Telling Our Story” is always to present examples of regional ministry’s 5-Star Initiatives—i.e., our primary emphases on: • Soul-winning/Evangelism (p. 28); • Millennials’ Outreach (pp. 20 and 47); • SDA Education (pp. 18, 40 and 42); • Pan-African/Pan-American Bridge-Building (pp. 34); and • Leadership Development (pp. 9-13, and 38). And there’s more, as this PELC issue showcases also: • History (pp. 22 and 40) and Hope (p. 48); along with • Relationships (p. 44) and Remembrances (p. 8). And still, there’s more. We welcome: • Our inaugural “State of Hispanic Adventists” report, compiled and presented by Allegheny West Conference’s Dr. Sergio Romero (pp. 31-33); and • Atlantic Union College (AUC), our newest advertiser (p. 19). AUC now joins our longstanding advertisers Advent Source, Breath of Life TV Ministry, Pine Forge Academy and Southern Adventist University. Their collective advertising support and your faithful stewardship allowed us last summer, for example, to produce and distribute 70,000+ inaugural RVM “samplers.” These four-page promotional teasers allowed us to reach beyond our nine regional conferences to accommodate for the first time Bermuda, Greater New York, North Pacific Union, Northern/Central/Southern California and Ontario Conferences. Praise Ye the Lord. STILL MORE. Consistent with most other SDA publications, your Regional Voice Magazine is now a forever-FREE subscription! Subscribe today—(PSSST: in fact, make it a Christmas/New Year’s gift for either a shut-in church member, or even a family member, friend or co-worker that you’re seeking to reclaim to this Third Angels’ Message)—either by: · Mailing in the enclosed FREE subscription form (p. 3); or by · Subscribing through utilizing our website, www.regionalconferenceministry.com. Finally, . . . Now, enjoy more fully your emerging “Regional Voice Communications” family of media platforms: 1. Online (www.regionalconferenceministry.com); 2. In print (both the printed 52-page publication, and/or the four-page sampler); and 3. On the air (RVTV video vignettes, both on the website and YouTube). Since 2005, it’s been my pleasure to serve as your managing editor/marketer. I leave now those RVM assignments, as God is directing me to devote fulltime to www.GetEgoHelpNow.org and its upcoming book, 7 Steps to Manage Ego Problems: The How-To Guide for “Somebody Else.” Sincerely, Tim Allston, Managing Editor (2005-2016)

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CONTENTS R E G I O N A L V O I C E M AG A Z I N E • FA L L 2 0 16 P E L C E D I T I O N

8 4

STATEMENT OF VISION, MISSION, CORE VALUES AND ACTION STRATEGIES The Office for Regional Ministry has posted this document for your review and understanding.

GUEST COMMENTARY— OVERVIEW By Tim Allston, Managing Editor

8 IN MEMORIAM We pause to remember the life and faithful service of Elder Luther Palmer—beloved pastor; astute educator and headmaster; skilled administrator. “May the good that he has done speak for him.” 9

REGIONAL NEWS Central States Conference presents new officers and departmental leaders from the Midwestern United States

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REGIONAL NEWS Northeastern Conference presents its 27th constituency report and the 2016 conference officials. By JeNean A. Lendor REGIONAL NEWS South Atlantic Conference presents its 24th constituency report and the 2016 conference officials. REGIONAL NEWS South Central Conference presents its quenquennial constituency report and the 2016 conference officials. COVER STORY Our Global Ambassador–Part 1 Elder Wintley Phipps has circled this earth many times as a tire- less ambassador for the Seventh- day Adventist Church, bringing words and songs from the Lord. Video Interview Text Coordi- nated by Tim Allston

38 18 BEST PRACTICES— EDUCATION Dr. Avis Hendrickson accepts the mantle of leadership as president of Atlantic Union Col- lege, and shares her thoughts. 22

PINE FORGE ACADEMY CELEBRATES 70 YEARS This historic institution takes the the time to honor the past, wel come its own and the daughter of an American president, and paint broad strokes for an even brighter future. By LaTasha Hewitt

BEST PRACTICES— EVANGELISM Why Black Men Don’t Attend Church What does it take to get them— and their families—to come in? Perspectives from Emerson Miller

40 30 REGIONAL CONFERENCES REPORT ON FINANCES Here are the official 2016 stats for membership and tithe, from across the North American Division. Compiled by Phyllis Lee 31

REGIONAL CONFERENCES HISPANIC STATISTICS We are happy to offer a new set of numbers, gathered from the Hispanic professionals and congregations working within Regional Conferences.as of 2016. Compiled by Sergio Romero

32 A VIEW BEHIND THE STATS Take an “insider’s look” at the realities behind these 2016 stats from our Hispanic brothers and sisters. By Dr. Sergio Romero 34

BEST PRACTICES—PAN AFRICAN BRIDGE-BUILDING Detroit’s City Temple Church

Takes Bold Initiative This congregation has embraced missions—beyond offerings and short-term service—all the way to life-long commitments. Interview of Elder Samuel Thomas, Jr. By Dr. Victoria Joiner

38 DANIEL IN BABYLON Retired Police Chief Bill Howe of Riverside, California, offers views on effective community engagement. Perspectives of Bill Howe

42 BEST PRACTICES— EDUCATION Sabbath School University, Part 2 NAD Sabbath School Director Elder J. Alfred Johnson continues his discussion on this vital church resource. 44

40 BEST PRACTICES— EDUCATION PFA at Bunker Hill—40 Years Later, Part 2 Pine Forge Academy students who suffered racial injuries on Bunker Hill complete their memories. By LaTasha Hewitt

PROVERBS 31 MAN Dr. Bron Jacobs and Dr. Ashley M. Jacobs This pastor and doctor of physical therapy work to balance their professional lives and their family circle. By Gianna Snell HOPE SERIES Pastor Charles and Mrs. LaVern Creech Cheat Death A near-fatal auto accident could have ended their lives, but God took over. Read this inspirational story of hope and deliverance. Interview By Chavvah M. Lister

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REGIONAL NEWS

CENTRALSTATES

REGIONAL NEWS

INMEMORIAM

CENTRAL STATES CONFERENCE OFFICERS AND STAFF

LUTHER ROBERT PALMER, JR.

THE CENTRAL STATES CONFERENCE OFFICIALS OF 2016 ARE AS FOLLOWS:

JANUARY 1, 1929 — OCTOBER 25, 2016

uther Robert Palmer, Jr. was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on January 1, 1929, to the late Luther Robert Palmer, Sr., and Willsie LaRue Dobbins Palmer. He was the eldest of four children. He and his siblings, Bettye, Oliver, and Isaac, were reared in a Seventh-day Adventist household where they were taught to value prayer, family and education. Bobby, as he was affectionately named by his paternal grandmother, attended Jacksonville Junior Academy, and graduated from Oakwood College Academy. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology and chemistry from Oakwood College, Huntsville, Alabama, in 1949; a Master of Arts degree in biblical Greek from Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, in 1955 and a Master of Religious Education degree from the Graduate School of Theology at Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio. He pursued further graduate study at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Elder Palmer’s professional career spanned four distinctive areas: business, education, pastoral ministry and administration. As a businessman, he joined his father in a masonry and construction company as a skilled craftsman and an effective manager. An outstanding accomplishment during this period of his life was the construction of the Pine Forge Academy ad8

ministration building, now known as Wagner Hall, in 1964. Between 1963 and 1966, Elder Palmer served as headmaster and manager of Pine Forge Academy in Pine Forge, Pennsylvania. Under his administration faculty salaries were increased, institutional accreditation was awarded, record high student enrollment was achieved and the historic Manor House was renovated. In 1966 Elder Palmer became pastor of the First Seventhday Adventist Church in Washington, D.C., where he ministered until 1971. It was as an administrator that Elder Palmer excelled. He was elected as executive secretary of the Allegheny East Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in 1971, and as president in 1975. During his nine years in administration for the conference, more than 5,000 members were added to the church and extensive construction projects were completed, including the pavilion and new cabins for camp meeting and a boy’s dormitory for Pine Forge Academy. In 1980 Elder Palmer was elected executive secretary of the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; he held this position until 1987 when he was elected to the presidency of the Lake Region Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He served in this position until 1990. He then pastored the Breath of Life Seventh-day Adventist Church from 1990 to 2005. Elder Palmer continued to provide service to the Allegheny East Conference of Seventh-day

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Adventists as special assistant to the conference president through 2007, when he and his wife retired to Madison, Alabama. Katherine (Kitty) Peterson Palmer was the cherished wife of Luther Palmer for 64 years. An outstanding elementary school teacher, she was a partner to Elder Palmer in ministry. She retired from the Dupont Park Seventh-day Adventist School in 2000. The Palmers have one daughter, Michele, who retired in January 2016, after 36 years as an attorney, from the Internal Revenue Service, Office of Chief Counsel in Washington, D. C. Luther Robert Palmer, Jr. departed this life on Tuesday, October 25, 2016. He leaves to mourn his wife, Katherine Palmer, his daughter, Michele Palmer, and his siblings: his sister Bettye LaRue Willis (Robert, deceased) and children Denise Willis, Donna Willis (Michael Iden), Z. Leslie Willis, and W. Lizette Willis; his brother Oliver Shelton Palmer (Debora) and son Oliver (Erika) Palmer with two daughters and son Michael, and his brother Isaac Robinson Palmer (Jacquelyn) and children Eleanor Palmer, Isaac Palmer, Jr., (Sybil) with three children, and Luther Palmer, III (Natasha) with three children. Also left to mourn Elder Palmer’s passing are his sister-in-law Clara Peterson Rock (Calvin) and their children Cheryl Volasgis with one daughter; Celia Doggette (Jackson) with one son; Connie Sims (Anthony) with three sons and a host of extended family members and friends. t

ROGER BERNARD – President CRYSTON JOSIAH – Vice President of Administration TONYA ANDERSON – Vice President of Finance LORI BAYNHAM – Human Resources Director BARBARA WILLIAMS – Administrative Assistant ARVIN TOPPS – Associate Treasurer and Auditor JONATHAN GREEN – Senior Accountant and IT Director MICHAEL ANDERSON – Facilities Director MINISTRY DIRECTORS MARK PARIS – Ministerial BYRON AND ALFREDIA CONNOR – Health Ministries Directors BRITTANY WINKFIELD – Communications Director GARY COLLINS – Message Magazine Director TERRI PERKINS – Women’s Ministries Director JOSEPH IKNER – Prayer Ministries Director DARRIEL HOY – Youth Ministries Director RACHEL BANKS – Pathfinder Director M. AND D. JOHNSON – Family Life Ministries CLAVAL HUNTER – Community Services Director

Conference Office

Roger Bernard

Cryston Josiah

Tonya Anderson

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NORTHEASTERN

REGIONALNEWS

NORTHEASTERN CONFERENCE CONDUCTS 27TH CONSTITUENCY SESSION BY JENE AN A . LENDOR

he Northeastern Conference convened its twenty-seventh regular constituency session (fourth quadrennial session) on Sunday, June 5, at Camp Victory Lake in Hyde Park, New York. Calvin Watkins, Southwest Region Conference president, presented the devotional message. After much deliberation during the day, the administrative officers Daniel Honoré, president; Oswald Euell, executive secretary; and Edson Bovell, treasurer, were reelected to serve 10

the conference for the next four years. Honoré posted the following message on the conference’s Facebook page several days after the session: “I thank God and the people of the Northeastern Conference for allowing me to serve another term as president of this great conference. I pray that the Lord will grant me love, wisdom, and mercy in carrying His plans. May His people unite in order to accomplish the mission that He has entrusted to us.” Eight new churches were voted into the sisterhood of churches and their delegates

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participated in the session: Beth Elohim French, Brewster Hispanic, Canaan French, Faro de Luz Hispanic, El Buen Pastor Hispanic, First Hollis, Galilee French, and Jerusalem Hispanic. Reports were received from the administrators and several of the departmental directors. Action was taken on the changes recommended by the constitution and bylaws committee. The delegates also voted a new constitution and bylaws committee and a new executive committee to serve for the next quadrennium. Because of the late-

ness of the hour, all departmental director and language coordinator positions were referred to the executive committee. All other agenda items were completed. Representatives from the Atlantic Union Conference (AUC), including Donald King, former president; Carlyle Simmons, former executive secretary; Leon Thomassian, former treasurer; Pierre Omeler, now AUC Executive Secretary Dionisio Olivo, vice president for Hispanic and Portuguese ministries; and the union directors, associate directors, and assistant directors were on hand to assist with the session. Representatives from the North American Division included Tom Evans, treasurer; and Alvin Kibble, vice president. The Northeastern Conference administrators will serve the more than 56,700 members who are worshiping in 181 churches and 22 companies, the academies and elementary schools, the many community service centers, the summer camp program, and other entities in the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

On Sunday June 26, 2016, the newly elected Northeastern Conference Executive Committee met to select conference departmental directors who will serve for the next quadrennium. The following individuals were elected by the executive committee to serve for the next four-year term. Coordinators • Franco-Haitian Ministries: Japhet St. Louis • Hispanic Ministries: Hector Ramos Departmental Directors • Assistant to the President for Communication: JeNean Lendor • Adventist Book Center: Stacy GordonDally • Adventist Community Services: Fitzgerald Kerr • Education: Viola Chapman • Family Ministries: Pollyanna ProsperBarnes and Baldwin Barnes • Health Ministries: Leroy Daley • Ministerial: Ainsworth Joseph • Personal Ministries: Kendall Guy

THE NORTHEASTERN CONFERENCE ADMINISTRATORS WILL SERVE THE MORE THAN 56,700 MEMBERS WHO ARE WORSHIPING IN 181 CHURCHES AND 22 COMPANIES, THE ACADEMIES AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, THE MANY COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTERS, THE SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM, AND OTHER ENTITIES... • Religious Liberty and Trust Services: Lawrence Brown • Sabbath School: Pablo Huerfano • Stewardship: Ferron Francis • Women’s Ministries: Mireille St. Pierre • Youth Ministries: David McKenzie (Director), Javier Alcon, (Associate Director for Hispanic Area) t JeNean A. Lendor serves as Assistant to the President for Communications in the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

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REGIONAL NEWS

SOUTHATLANTIC

SOUTHCENTRAL

SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE OFFICERS AND STAFF

SOUTH CENTRAL CONFERENCE OFFICERS THE SOUTH CENTRAL CONFERENCE OFFICIALS FROM THE CONSTITUENCY SESSION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

THE SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE OFFICIALS FROM THE SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 CONSTITUENCY SESSION ARE AS FOLLOWS: WILLIAM L. WINSTON – President DAVID SMITH – Executive Secretary MERKITA MOSLEY – Treasurer CALVIN PRESTON – Vice President – Ministerial and Evangelism KIM GAITER – Vice President for Education – Vice President of Finance SYLVIA COLEMAN – Manager, Adventist Book Center MOSES EDWARDS SR. – Religious Liberty/ Stewardship and Prayer Ministries ALVIN FREEMAN – Community Services and Personal Ministries DARRYL HOWARD – Sabbath School and Children’s Ministries CARL MCROY – Publishing and Communication DONOVAN WASHINGTON – Youth Ministries and Adventist Service Industries (ASI)

South Atlantic officials gather after 2016 Constituency Session-- From left: Elder Alvin Freeman, Elder Moses Edwards, Sr., Elder Darryl Howard, President William a nd Mrs. Eula Winston, Mrs. Sylvia Coleman, Elder David Smith, Ms. Rosemary Graham and Elder Carl McRoy.

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BENJAMIN JONES – President JOHN NIXON, SR. – Executive Secretary SONJA CRAYTON – Treasurer William L. Winston

Benjamin Jones

David Smith

John Nixon, Sr.

Merkita Mosley

Conference Office

Sonja Crayton

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WINTLEY

GLOBAL AMBASSADOR Part 1 Interview by TIM ALLSTON RVM: over the past 44 years, since you first came to Oakwood

s s

College in 1972 as a freshman, you’ve made many many visits to this campus, as: • a student; • an international student; • a pulpiteer, preacher and as a musician; • a parent (of Wintley, Jr., Winston and Wade); as • the first recipient of an honorary doctorate from Oakwood University in 2008. Does this visit hold any unique significance for you, sir? Elder Phipps: Yes, absolutely. First of all, it’s 40 years, which is a lifetime really. Forty years ago, I came here at the age of 17, looking for the destiny that God had prepared for me. Little did I know, (that) I had come to the right place. . . . When you come home, it’s always different. This always felt like home. This is where I met Linda, my wife of 40 years (August 1976). That “Moran Hall Moment” There is a moment in Moran Hall that I will never forget, that kind of explains all of what we’re talking about today. I remember it’s was about 1973 or ’74, they (Oakwood College) called a “hurry-up” lyceum: someone was coming to the 14 14

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY GIANNA SNELL

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campus; it hadn’t been planned; but they wanted us students to hurry up and get there. And so, we rushed over to Moran Hall—those of us who wanted to be there—and we sat there in the Hall, not really knowing who was coming. And out onto the stage walks Alex Haley. And Alex Haley had this dream, of finding Kunta Kinte—and he begins to tell about that dream. And we were mesmerized for three hours, hearing him talk about going back and forth to Africa, and looking at the logs of slave ships, and following through on words and scraps of words. He hadn’t found Kunta Kinte then, but he was driven by this dream. And so that was very inspiring for me. Here was a man that had an idea, a dream, and he was chasing it with all his might. Not knowing where it would lead . . . and then to think that at the end of it all, he comes forward with Roots, that changed Black America; that changed the world, changed America. Updating Matthew 10:18-20 And so now I leave Oakwood as a student, and lo and behold, through a series of meetings and performances, one of my dearest friends is Alex Haley. And I mean, “dear friend,” where he would invite me to his home. I remember, he would call and say, “C’mon, I’ve got some folks that I want you to come and sing for them at my house.” And so I'd show up, and Brooke Shields and Quincy Jones are there. And he would call me from ships, . . . that’s how he wrote. He would catch freighters. Very Spartan surroundings, no fancy cruise ships. He’d just take these very bare-bones freighters. So, I would get a call from Alex Haley in Argentina: “How’s it goin’?” So then when he died, I 16

was asked to sing at his memorial service in Memphis . . . . . . And so, to think of coming full circle in that way. Here I was . . . I was a student, with a dream, and hearing one of the greatest dreamers of our time, inspired by him. And then, I get a chance to minister to him, and be a friend to him, over the last years of his life. “Moments of Destiny,” . . . RVM: Now, you talk about Alex Haley as a dreamer, . . . but some people may say that, “If Alex Haley had a ‘junior’ dreamer, he’d be Wintley Augustus Phipps, Sr.!” You created a school that is called the “Dream Academy.” Where did that come from? Elder Phipps: Well, I was on an Amtrak train one day, from Baltimore to Philadelphia. I’ve had incredible, what I call “moments of destiny.” I call a moment of destiny a moment of opportunity that you CANNOT create yourself; God has to do it. And you’ve gotta listen and follow His lead, His guidance. So, let Him order your steps because five minutes earlier, that opportunity would’ve missed you, and five minutes later, you would’ve missed the opportunity! . . . but with a Watergate Convict? When you’re on Amtrak, you learn how to “camp out” when you don’t want someone to sit next to you—e.g., you pull down all of the trays, and you put your food and bags— RVM: You too? Elder Phipps: Yeah, and so this man had camped out. But I looked into his eyes, and he looked really low and discouraged. And there were other seats available, and I walked up to

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him and I said, “Is anybody sitting next to you?” And he smiled and said, “No,” and he pulled up his papers. It was Chuck Colson, of Watergate fame, who went to prison for the Watergate scandal. [He] came out and started what has become the largest prison ministry in the world, Prison Fellowship Ministries. Correction: Another “Dear Friend,” plus, a New National Anthem! And, . . . And we became dear friends. He would take me with him, to sing in the prisons. I remember, he took me to a prison in Marion, Florida, on an Easter Sunday morning—so I missed Alumni (Weekend) that year!—and I started to hum “Amazing Grace” at the men’s prison. And while I was humming, All the prisoners got up out of their seats and stood up at attention, like they were listening to the national anthem. And ever since then, I call Amazing Grace the “national anthem of sinners”! And then, we went over to the women’s prison, and I sang Amazing Grace over there. As I was leaving, a young lady came up to me, pregnant, about to have her baby in prison. She came up to me and said, “Excuse me, sir,” with tears in her eyes, she said, “Your wife named Linda? That’s my aunt.” We didn’t know that my wife’s brother’s daughter was incarcerated and was about to have a baby in prison. “Freshman Orientation” in Not-for Profit 101 Chuck was so kind; he placed me on the board of directors of Prison Fellowship Ministries. It was there that I began to see and observe how you build and run a notfor-profit entity with integrity. That’s not an experience that “we” have in our circles; parachurch ministries are not

"I CALL A MOMENT OF DESTINY A MOMENT OF OPPORTUNITY THAT YOU CANNOT CREATE YOURSELF." something that we have a lot of. The education of watching was “Ahhh, so this is how you do that.” (For example), I’m sitting next to Mr. Jack Eckerd, of Eckerd Drugstores, and (wife of former HUD secretary and 1996 GOP VP nominee) Mrs. Jack Kemp, and I’m learning . . . Those Ugly Stats: From Lemons to Lemonade While on the board, a very alarming statistic surfaced: about 70% of all children in America who end up in prison come from children of those who are in prison now. So then, I began to advocate, “Why don’t we begin to build intervention, something that breaks that cycle of intergenerational incarceration?” The board of Prison Fellowship said, “Y’know, you’re talking about this a lot, and we think this is a calling for you. And, we’ll help you get started if you want to do it.” Not-for-Profit 102 So, they got me my first office space (and) my first employee, and they said, “Don’t rush out and do anything; take a couple of years and study the issue, and develop the most effective intervention to break the cycle of intergenerational incarceration. And so, with people like Barry Black on my board and a lot of others, we found that there were two very important things that are most effective in breaking the cycle of intergenerational incarceration in the lives of these kids: 1. You have to increase the density of

loving, caring Christian adults in the lifeorbit of children, when the family disintegrates; 2. Interactive tutorial academic support. By the age of 30, 60% of all Black boys in America who don't graduate from high school will be in prison. RVM: Say that again, . . . Elder Phipps: Sixty percent of every single Black boy in America, who does NOT graduate from high school, WILL be in prison by the age of 30. WARNING: Deposits, but Silent Withdrawals You noticed I said that, “70 percent of the kids who end up in prison come from children of prisoners?” Well, (the other) 30 percent of them come from “good homes.” One of the reasons is that, as fast as you’re making Deposits of common sense and character and virtue in the lives of young people today, you have a degenerate culture that’s making silent Withdrawal faster than you’re making deposits, and kids from good homes are coming up bankrupt! And I tell God all the time, “This is not a fair fight!” Because for every Bible verse you teach, there are five hours of rap (music) that’s been fed into their heads. It’s not a fair fight, and so it’s a miracle that we don’t have more of our kids . . . so, it’s nothing but a miracle of grace. Of Prisoner and Presidents I’ve dedicated my life to doing that and then, I’ve been blessed to meet a lot of

people from all walks of life . . . prisoners and presidents, . . . Having had the opportunity to sing for the last six Presidents of the United States is a very rare and unusual blessing. One of the reasons is that Washington is so partisan that usually when you’re in, you’re out for the next four years . . . but it has not been that way for me. I’ve been able to . . . t ___________________________________ *Q: Is the Pastor playing Politics? To experience directly this full interview segment 1, go to www.regionalconferenceministry.com, to hear Pastor Phipps’ complete answer. ___________________________________ Coming in our next issue (Part 2), Elder Phipps reveals: • How to become Christ-like: • His “next opportunity”; • What is really truly sacred? • Angels’ “lifelong learning” curricula; • His un-finished ministry; and • Phipps’ un-precedented touring performance contract rider! Tim Allston, M.S.M., is Managing Editor of Regional Voice Magazine. This interview was taped in the Oakwood University Communication TV studio, in the Leroy and Lois Peters Media Center, during the 2016 Alumni Weekend.

REGIONALVOICE • FALL 2016 ANNUAL PELC ISSUE

BEST PRACTICES

INEDUCATION

.l_ \ ATLANTIC UNION COllEGE

DR. AVIS HENDRICKSON, PRESIDENT OF ATLANTIC UNION COLLEGE SHARES HER VISION 1. What’s now afoot at the “new and improved” AUC? The restart of AUC academic programs include course offerings in degree programs and career training certificate programs. Students enroll at AUC where the mission is to educate individuals who will graduate and excel in their service-centered professions and actively participate in community engagement. The first cohort of the certificate program in Medical Billing and Coding and Certified Bookkeeping graduated August 2016. 2. Why the focused concentration of these few core degree offerings? The College is operating from a position of strength. AUC is known for its Theology major (B.A. in Theology/Religion) many of the AUC graduates are in leadership positions in the Church organization. Another area of strength is Health Sciences/ Biology. The Church has a health message and AUC has a history of preparing students for the medical field. Currently the Health Sciences/Biology B.S. degree program provides a course of study for students to further their education in the Health-care profession, such as: Nursing, Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Dental Hygienist, Nutrition and Dietetics. Tuition is at a discount. 3.What was your professional/personal path to AUC? The Book of Esther 4: 13-14, reflects my view of the path that lead to being in God’s service as President at Atlantic Union College. At the time I was introduced to the Seventh-day Adventist doctrine I was married, very much pregnant with my fourth child (in my ninth month of pregnancy), had a Masters degree, and on a career trajectory of professional advancement. My mother was the God ordained vessel to direct my attention to the SDA Church. The short story is, my mother was attending a Tent Effort in the Bronx, New York. 18

In our daily conversations it became evident to me that something had her undivided attention, which moved her to leave her apartment in the evenings. I wanted to know why she was going out in the evenings to “Church”. We attended the same Church and there weren’t any meetings going on at that time. I wanted to make sure my Mother was “alright”, in a safe environment. So I visited the tent effort to “Protect my Mother”. As I listened and checked the scripture references for each sermon I also was convinced that the message was Truth. I grew in my love relationship with God through Christ Jesus under the guidance of the sweet Holy Spirit. As life occurred and time passed, the position of President of Atlantic Union College was brought to my attention by my grand daughter’s Mother, in North Carolina, and the same week by the Women’s Ministry Leader at my Church. I prayed and reflected and prayed and reflected, and applied for the position. I am convinced that my God directed, supported and nurtured cumulative experience, education, and knowledge has prepared me to provide Christian Leadership as the President at Atlantic Union College, for such as time as this. 4. What to date has been the response to the “new and improved” AUC—e.g., enrollment, fundraising and friend-raising? The response to the restarting of academic programs at AUC is encouraging. After almost five years of zero enrollment the first semester fall 2105 the enrollment was 39. A year later fall 2016 total enrollment is 69. To God goes all the Glory. Friend-raising began with the AUC Board of Trustees Conflict and Unity Resolution, at a forum during the 2015 Alumni Weekend. Apology was expressed to the Constituency, regarding the suspension of the academic programs in 2011. Alumni, staff and constituency are invited to cam-

REGIONALVOICE • FALL 2016 ANNUAL PELC ISSUE

PHONE: 978-368-2250 • WWW.AUC.EDU

TUITION PER SEMESTER pus to experience a culture of graciousness, dignity, and respect. 5. Why now should one consider AUC—what’s your unique selling proposition? The course offerings at AUC are designed for professional career training. The degree programs: B.S. provide a course of study for students to further their education in the health-care profession, such as: Nursing, Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Dental Hygienist, Nutrition and Dietetics. B.A. in Theology/Religion is preparation for the Pastoral Ministry and allied professions such as hospital Chaplaincy and Public Evangelism. The certificate programs prepare students for the license exams in high demand occupations such as Medical Billing and Coding and Information Technology. The tuition is discounted. Students are encouraged to work on or off campus to further pay down the cost of attending AUC. Scholarships are also available for eligible students. 6. And final comments, observations? AUC is the oldest Seventh-day Adventist institution in its original location, including our “Founders Hall.” The institution now has more than 133 years in service; Gods’ purpose has prevailed. t

B.A. THEOLOGY & B.S. HEALTH SCIENCE DORMITORY PER SEMESTER $8,999

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Excellence is no accident at... Share the

RGE ACAD O F

1946

PI N

NIA

Y EM

PIN E

Legacy! GE P NSY EN

PINE FORGE ACADEMY PINE FORGE ACADEMY offers its students a legacy of excellence. It provides an environment for spiritual growth, academic achievement, and lifetime friendships. Embrace the history of an institution that reflects the ideals of African American excellence and provides a safe opportunity for all students to excel. PINE FORGE ACADEMY IS PROUD TO BE: One of four African-American coed boarding academies Ethnically and culturally diverse A school that graduates 100% of its seniors A school where 80% of our seniors graduate with a college preparatory diploma each year A school where 100% of graduating seniors are accepted into one or more colleges or universities A championship winning member of the Penn-Jersey Athletic Association MSA/NAD accredited since 2004 A school with a nationally renowned fine arts program A safe, rigorous and christian environment An ACT ASPIRE and college readiness school

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PineForgeAcademy.org

Mission Statement

361 Pine Forge Road, Pine Forge, Pennsylvania 19548 | F: 610-326-5152

Pine Forge Academy, a co-educational Seventh-day Adventist school, serves grades 9-12. It is committed to providing a Christ-centered REGIONALVOICE • FALL 2016 ANNUAL PELC ISSUE 21 curriculum in a safe, caring environment, to prepare students spiritually, intellectually, physically, and socially for service to God and man.

REGIONALVOICE • FALL 2016 ANNUAL PELC ISSUE P: 610-326-5800

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REGIONALNEWS

Historic photograph of early Pine Forge Academy students, faculty, staff and leaders.

PINE FORGE ACADEMY CELEBRATES 70 YEARS BY L ATASHA HE WIT T

REGIONALVOICE â€˘ FALL 2016 ANNUAL PELC ISSUE

Beginnings This year Pine Forge Academy celebrated 70 years of providing quality Adventist education to students of color. When PFA first opened its doors on September 9, 1946, it served as answered prayer to many black Adventist parents who longed for a non-hostile, Christian environment in which their teenagers to be educated. Just the year before, the formation of the first three regional conferences, Lake Region, Northeastern, and Allegheny Conference had taken place. So when J.H. Wagner was elected as

president of Allegheny Conference, he brought with him a love for Christian education and supporters with a similar vision. When Wagner heard of the 575 acres of rolling green farmland located outside of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, it was not long before the property was purchased for $42,000. They soon learned that the property belonged to Thomas Rutter, a pioneer ironmaster and abolitionist, and included several secret tunnels that were a part of the underground railroad. A place that was once used to shelter runaway slaves was now a haven for black Adventist students. Located in the North,

REGIONALVOICE â€˘ FALL 2016 ANNUAL PELC ISSUE

PFA was hoped to serve as a complement to Oakwood College in the South. Alumni Celebration As one of only four remaining predominantly black boarding academies in the nation, Pine Forge Academy has cause to celebrate what God has done to preserve this great institution. And celebrate is what happened at this year's alumni weekend, as hundreds of alumni and friends gathered. The theme, “a legacy of excellence,” was evidenced throughout each service and gathering held during the Labor Day weekend.

riday kicked off with career day, where PFA alums returned to share their current professions and the paths they followed to success with current students. That evening concluded with vespers led by the class of Inestimable class of 2006. The next morning, the class of Illustrious 1976 class led the Sabbath School service, which flowed right into the worship service. During the program, the class of 1966 honored Lynda Johnson Robb, daughter of Lyndon Baines Johnson, 36th president of the United States. She was recognized for her father’s commitment to passing laws that afforded many of the ’66 graduates with opportunities that benefited them following graduation. Current and former PFA choir members provided several momentous musical selections, and ‘66 alum Chaplain Barry Black was the featured speaker. That evening, the alumni association honored several individuals for their contributions to PFA and their communities. (See sidebar). A benefit banquet followed, featuring special alumni musical guests Clifton Davis, Janice Chandler-Eteme and Therry Thomas. Going on simultaneously was the alumni basketball game, where

PINE FORGE ACADEMY TIMELINE 24

Pine Forge Academy 70th Celebration Award recipients- (Please see box at left.) The Class of 1966 honored Lynda Johnson Robb, daughter of President Lyndon B. Johnson, in tribute to her father's monumental work in changing laws that opened doors for these students and millions of others.

current and former students battled it out on the court, eventually yielding current students as the winners. Early the next morning more than 50 alumni and friends participated in the alumni association's first ever “Race for the Forge” 5K walk/run.

t was truly a weekend of celebration and reflection for an institution that has educated over 3,000 students in its 70 years. For many families, PFA is truly a legacy of excellence that has been passed down from generation to generation. The goal is for this legacy to continue to have a place to grow. “We celebrate 70 years of existence to pay tribute to

1945 Conference officers sign for the purchase of PFA property

REGIONALVOICE • FALL 2016 ANNUAL PELC ISSUE

1946 PFA opens its doors

1953 First Full Choir Tour

the academic excellence, community leadership, professional achievement and spiritual influence produced by our students, and to collectively preserve this institution for today’s student and the students to come,” shares principal Nicole Hughes. t ______________________________________ Video recap can be found at https://vimeo. com/184635109

LaTasha Hewitt is Director of Communications for the Allegheny East Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

1955 Administration Building opened/ remodeled in 2006

1955 First Flame Yearbook was produces (started by the Sparks)

1963 Kimbrough Hall Dormitory opened

70th Alumni Awards Alumna of the Year Marguerite Anderson Dixon (’47) Alumnus of the Year Sokoni Scott (’94) Community Service Award Dexter Fields (’83) Meritorious Service Award Edward Hylton Martin, II (’93) Alumni President’s Award AEC Administrators (Henry J. Fordham, III, Marcellus Robinson, Lawrance Martin)

1965/66 PFA became accredited

1966 Roof collapsed in chapel (irreparable)

1973 Boys Dormitory was built

Strong start in 5K ""Race for The Forge" which raised more than $10,000 for the academy.

1975 Alumni Association started

1985 Pine Forge Academy Church was built

1986 PFA Gym opened

1986 First Coach Bus acquired

1993/94 Uniforms instituted

REGIONALVOICE • FALL 2016 ANNUAL PELC ISSUE

DID THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE ASK YOU TO LEAD A CHURCH MINISTRY? LEARN HOW ADVENTSOURCE CAN HELP! No matter what church office you hold or what ministries are happening at your local church, AdventSource can help. AdventSource is the leadership resource center for the North American Division, providing resources and information that help congregations develop their ministries to members and reach their communities. Our online store features more than 4,000 ministry resources for pastors, elders, and local church leaders. We provide books, DVDs, CDs, training seminars, e-files, Pathfinder and Adventurer Club supplies, apparel, Sabbath School materials, and more. To get started, simply visit www.adventsource.org and click on your ministry or call 402.486.8800 and tell one of our helpful resource consultants what ministry you’re involved with. They’ll tell you what’s available in your area, offer recommendations based on customer feedback, and point you toward other websites and organizations that can help.

Quick Start Guides

Quick Start Guides are full of important information to help you start or revitalize a ministry at your local church. Each guide contains a job description, instructions for getting started, tips for maintaining a successful ministry, troubleshooting suggestions, recommended resources, and more. Whether you’re new to ministry or a seasoned volunteer, Quick Start Guides will inspire you with lots of great ideas you can immediately put to use in your local church. Find help for your church board, children’s ministries leaders, Sabbath school teachers, church secretary, communication leader, and more. Quick Start Guides are: • Concise • User-friendly • Packed with good ideas • Full of recommended resources • Affordable

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This collection of 54 ministry descriptions outlines the responsibilities of local church officers. Ministry descriptions can be photocopied for use as information sheets for recruiting volunteers and working with the nominating committee. Hand out a ministry description sheet with each new assignment. All descriptions include biblical principles on which that ministry is based, along with a list of specific materials recommended and used by ministry leaders.

Let AdventSource help you: • Find resources for your church’s ministries • Register for ministry training events • Revamp your church’s website • Get connected to other helpful organizations • And more!

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Visit http://ministrykits.adventsource.org to find free resources for local church officers including downloadable Quick Start Guides and job descriptions for select ministries, tips for getting started, helpful articles, websites, and more.

REGIONALVOICE • FALL 2016 ANNUAL PELC ISSUE

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REGIONALVOICE • FALL 2016 ANNUAL PELC ISSUE

BEST PRACTICES

SOULWINNING

AUTHOR DR. EMERSON MILLER ANSWERS,

WHY BLACK MEN DON'T ATTEND CHURCH, AND . . . PART 1

n his work as an SDA evangelist, workshop presenter and church consultant Dr. Emerson Miller has found a way to baptize more men than women! This anomaly led him to write, “Why Black Men Don't Attend Church, and How to Recover a Spirit to Attract Them.”

And I said, “What in the world are these people doing that we’re not doing?” That’s when I started doing my research, and for around three years, I started doing workshops on that very topic. That one statement—75% males and 25% females in the Nation of Islam—that did it for me.

It Took Just 19 Words RVM: What instigated or triggered this level of interest and research on your part? EM: One thing, and only one thing: I read a statement one day, I believe it was by Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu, and it said that, “The Black church is 75% female and 25% male,” and “The Nation of Islam is 75% male and 25% female.”

The Sixties and the Sisters RVM: Has that always historically been the case? EM: Yes, for around 100 years, but not nearly to the degree as now. The numbers have always been close, but this trend started around the 1960s with the Black church. Around the 1960s, there was a lot of progress, a lot of movements that took place. The women’s movement, the civil rights movement, the Black Power movement, etc. During that time, a lot of things began to happen for Black people, but for Black women in particular. For example, the government and industry began to favor Black women because she was a “double minority.” They were given jobs and high positions and, at the same time, Black men were being marginalized—that is, some of them didn’t have jobs. So they didn’t feel comfortable approaching a Black woman, romantically or any other way. Whether un-employed or under-employed. So, what happened? These women got lonely and they needed help. And what better place is there to find help than in the House of the Lord? So women began even more so to pack the church. The “Pulpit Pimp” RVM: Why do Black men stay away from churches? EM: There are numerous reasons. One of the ones that really stands out is that they view ministers as “pulpit pimps.” They paint a broad brush of all preachers, and this idea came from a handful of preachers, most of them mega-church preachers—just Google “pulpit pimps” and see what pops up. These preachers sell this “prosperity gospel,” and a lot of men, Black men in particular, view them as pulpit pimps. RVM: Let me stop you here. The Bible tells us “Beloved: I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper, and be in good health” (3 John 2). Is prosperity anti-God or anti-Bible? t ____________________________________ (Note: Hear the rest of Dr. Miller’s interview at www.regionalconferenceministry.com) Emerson G. Miller, Th. D., MSW, LCSW, is a certified chaplain and has served as pastor, evangelist, school administrator, director of an alcohol and drug treatment program, university professor, and is currently in private practice of psychotherapy. He resides in South Bend, Indiana, is married to the former Patricia English and is the father of two children and three grand children.

REGIONALVOICE • FALL 2016 ANNUAL PELC ISSUE

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HISPANICREPORT

REPORTONFINANCES

REGIONAL CONFERENCE STATISTICS

HISPANIC STATISTICAL REPORT

COMPILED BY PHYLLIS LEE

OFFICE FOR REGIONAL CONFERENCE MINISTRY ON HISPANIC MEMBERSHIP AND GROWTH

AS OF AUGUST 2016

COMPILED BY SERGIO ROMERO Conference Churches Membership Tithe Allegheny East 151 39,994 $20,513,671.00

Hispanic Combined Population 29,000,000 1 Church Member per 1,309 Hispanics

Allegheny West 61 15,967 $ 4,485,999.00

Hispanic Combined Membership 19,915 22,143

Central States 52 14,237 $ 3,343,764.00

Hispanic Combined Baptisms 2014 2015 1,815 1,898

Lake Region 106 31,074 $ 7,013,102.00 Northeastern

203

57,548

$16,593,532.00

South Atlantic 176 48,424 $15,705,426.00

Hispanic Combined Tithe $11,267,288 $14,053,608 Hispanic Combined Pastors 102 94 1 Pastor for 308,510 Hispanics

South Central 156 34,193 $12,953,891.00

Hispanic Combined Churches 246 248 1 Church per 116,935 Hispanics

Southeastern 162 50,997 $15,572,479.00

Hispanic Combined Properties 62 71

Southwest Region 115 25,910 $ 8,184,125.00 TOTALS 1182 318,344 $104,365,989.00

REGIONALVOICE • FALL 2016 ANNUAL PELC ISSUE

INSIGHTS ON

HISPANICSDA'S

A VIEW BEHIND THE STATS Insights from

D r. S ergio Romero

1. Dr. Romero, please tell us a bit about your personal and professional background(s) I’m an ordained minister, married to Laura Ottati, and father of one son, Sergio. I have been in the ministry since 1986. I have worked in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and United States. In the United States I have worked for the Ohio Conference, New Jersey Conference, Nevada-Utah Conference, and today in the Allegheny West Conference. I have worked as Associate Evangelist in South-America, Communications Director; I have served as Hispanic Coordinator, Multi-Cultural Director, Church Growth Director and Ministerial Associate. I have a Doctorate in Pastoral Counseling from Andersonville Theological Seminary. I am a Professional Clinical Member and a Certified Temperament Counselor for the National Christian Counselors Association. 2. We hear the designations “Hispanic” and “Latino” used interchangeably. Is there a difference between the designations? Which is the more accurate, acceptable designation to use, and why? Normally we use both designations indistinctly even though the term “Hispan32

IN THE 70S THE CENSUS BUREAU ADOPTED THE TERM HISPANIC TO CLASSIFY PEOPLE OF SPANISH ORIGIN. ics” originally refers to those coming from Spain. In the 70s the Census Bureau adopted the term Hispanic to classify people of Spanish origin. Since then, it is applied to anybody that has a Spanish language background. The word “Latino” makes a reference to those coming from Latin-America. 3. What groups or nationalities make up this cultural designation? For example, are Brazilians, who speak Portuguese, considered to be Hispanic? Brazilians shouldn’t be considered His-

REGIONALVOICE • FALL 2016 ANNUAL PELC ISSUE

panics because their language is not Spanish, but they could be considered Latinos, even though many when are ask about their ethnicity prefer to say “other”. 4. In what ways are Hispanics similar to African Americans? • Family values are very important for both groups. • We are very passionate and share a common problem of continual discrimination. • Deeply Religious. • History of Oppression in the United States

5. In what ways are our two peoples of color different? • Blacks have more power and privilege in America • Hispanics are more in touch with their cultural heritage • Hispanics are here by choice and not as a result of slavery so their experience is interpreted through the lens of immigration and not slavery. • The Hispanic community is more in tune with its sense of community whereas the African-American community is much more fractured. 6. What are some myths or misconceptions that we need to dispel here about Hispanics? As we have seen on the present presidential campaign, Hispanics for some or many, are considered lazy, violent, thieves, drug addicts, and more. Even though we have cases of those nature among our culture, most of the Hispanics are very hard workers, humble, family oriented and very respectful. Most of the Hispanics coming from our Latino countries come from the very bottom of the social scale, many with little or no education. That’s why Hispanics are considered rude and bad mannered, in reality, they are very shy, and they are trying to fly under the radar. 7. In a March 2012 article in the USA Today newspaper, the Pew Research Center cited the Seventh-day Adventist Church as the fastest-growing Christian denomination in the United States, and credited Hispanics as being the primary reason for its growth. To what do you credit this explosive growth? In other words, what makes the Advent message so attractive to Hispanics? Most of the Hispanics come to this country fleeing from violence, persecution and poverty, upon arriving to this country, they’ve got no friends, family, roots. They don’t speak the language, and don’t understand the culture. Human beings need to belong; it is in our DNA. The Hispanic Church in America offers to those immigrants a place to belong, a place where they can find refuge and peace, a place where they are accepted as they are. Hispanic Churches in America focus not just merely on the Sabbath Worship expe-

rience; we value the home visitation, we share birthdays, weddings, and we look for occasions to spend time together. We believe in the original concept expressed in Acts 2 regarding the unity of the early church. The suffering makes a person more receptive to the healing message of the Gospel, and Hispanics know first-hand what suffering means. Most of the Latin-American countries experience a great deal of violence, and many Hispanics have lost close friends and family members because of that. Hispanics consider Church not just something we do, but something we are. Church is the center of the Hispanic community. Hispanics come to the church looking for refuge, peace, counsel, food, friendship, community, work, help, etc. Every Hispanic Pastor knows the reality and work over 12 hours a day helping people. Their phones are never muted, and a day off is a very rare commodity for them. We take the church to the streets and the community. 8. In a nutshell, what is the “State of Hispanic Adventists in America” in 2016? In other words, how would you capture and capsulize the Hispanic SDA church in the U.S.? The SDA Church in America is a very dynamic faith movement. A movement that has captured Gandhi's unity spirit, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s passion for Civil Rights, Mandela's fight for Freedom, Mother Theresa's urge for compassion and Jesus' willingness to sacrifice everything in order to find the lost. 9. In terms of Hispanic ministries in the U.S. - What are its positives?

Commitment to the Mission. Passion for the Souls. Hard working lay Members. 10. What are its current negatives? Overcome the low self-esteem of many. Combat the extreme right wing traditions. 11. And, what are your greatest needs for improvement? We need more stable places of worship. We need more workers on the field. 12. In your report and presentation, you likened Hispanic ministries to Facebook. Please explain. Facebook became the meeting place for many Hispanics. Facebook is the place for the encounter. It helps to bring closer those that are far from home with their loved ones. Since the traffic on Internet is so heavy, the church can influence people greatly. For many, Facebook is their “hidden place”, they feel free and at home, it became a familiar place. 13. In what ways are Hispanic ministries more attractive or more at home with regional conference ministries? I believe that Regional Ministry can feel the same way we feel in many areas, and we can be more easily understood. Discrimination is probably a common denominator. 14. Finally, what can we who serve in regional conference ministries and members do to support further Hispanic ministries—locally, conferencewide and across North America? Make sure that we are treated as equals, receiving the same rights and same responsibilities as sons and daughters of the Kingdom. Support is key, resources are crucial. Thank you. t

REGIONALVOICE • FALL 2016 ANNUAL PELC ISSUE

BEST PRACTICES

PANAFRICAN

GLOBAL IMPACT OF THE LOCAL CHURCH:

A CONVERSATION WITH ELDER SAMUEL THOMAS, JR. BY VICTORIA JOINER

Elder Thomas extols the new mission initiatives.

Alvin Coralie, ECD Executive Secretary holds check with Samuel Thomas, Jr., City Temple SDA Church Senior Pastor.

he voice of. Samuel Thomas, Jr., breaks as the passion of his conviction floods through as he shares his experiences. From his very first trip to Zimbabwe, his life was forever changed. “To see children begging for food …”He collects himself quickly and continues to talk about the wealth we have in the United States. “Yes, we have problems and poverty here, but it cannot compare to so many other countries around the world. We can receive government assistance if our water is 34

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bad. These people have no water at all!” It is clear the passion for global mission and service is not contrived or just a passing fad. No matter where his ministry takes him, Elder Thomas keeps the Great Commission burning in his heart. Samuel Thomas, Jr., has had a rich and varied ministry life in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Although he has served as a pastor, journalist/media professional, ministry and church leader, the foundation of his ministry has always been the local congregation. When he was called to the Lake Region Conference in 2015 to serve as pastor of the City Temple SDA Church in Detroit, Michigan, he was excited and prayed for ways to energize his new church family. In a series of interviews he has shared an exciting initiative he spearheaded in his congregation. A few months before relocating to Detroit, Thomas conducted a week of spiritual emphasis at Maxwell Adventist Academy in Kajiado, Kenya. He met and toured with church leaders in the East-Central Africa Division (ECD) of Adventists there.

He learned of the plans for a new medical school in Rwanda that would impact thousands of people in the future. Healthcare access in the country is sorely lacking. With a dearth of physicians, thousands of people die from treatable illnesses each year. The need for trained physicians is urgent.

ithin weeks of his installation as pastor of City Temple, Elder Thomas was discussing the situation in Rwanda with his First Elder, Hayward Penny. Dr. Penny suggested tangible support of the Medical School project from a church mission fund. Elder Thomas was surprised to learn that more than $11,000 had been collected for church global missions, but had been sitting dormant in the account for a while. Soon the entire church was mobilized and with the help of the North American Division, Lake Region Conference President Elder Clifford Jones and many others, a check was presented to Elder Coralie of the ECD during a wonder-

ALTHOUGH HE HAS SERVED AS A PASTOR, JOURNALIST/MEDIA PROFESSIONAL, MINISTRY AND CHURCH LEADER, THE FOUNDATION OF HIS MINISTRY HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE LOCAL CONGREGATION. ful International Missions Day program earlier this year. However, Thomas went a step farther than simply presenting a check and saying, “God bless you.” When he was in Kenya, he also toured the Adventist University of Africa where Dr. Delbert W. Baker is the current Vice Chancellor. Thomas recognized an opportunity for even greater impact from his local congregation. There were numerous successful people with

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Elder Coralie shares more thoughts.

professional degrees and educators who could give more than money. Soon a partnership was formed when City Temple members decided to give of their expertise to the schools in Africa. Members readily agreed to expend their own personal resources to spend weeks or months at the schools in the ECD to assist in educational training opportunities for the African students and to fill much needed gaps in personnel. “What we often forget here is that the greatest asset or value that we have here for developing countries is really intellectual capacity that is within our regional conferences,” Thomas said. “Yes, there is money, but when you invest in developing, training, equipping, you’re actually preparing generations of people until the Lord returns!” Elder Thomas’s global missions emphasis with his local church is somewhat unusual in the Adventist Church but particu36

larly unusual in the Regional Conferences. He cited a study by Dr. Alex Bryant of the NAD that documented a serious, rapid decline in Sabbath School Missions offerings over the last decade. Thomas recalled a different church from his growing up years when global missions emphasis was an integral part of service and giving. He had very strong words regarding this shift. “What I have learned as a result out of our disinterest and disconnect from embracing the larger church, is that it has created a more selfish membership,” Thomas emphatically stated.

here’s something he also learned from the late Elder Luther Palmer, who once told him, “Samuel, never try to control people’s giving opportunities.” Thomas has seen a trend in the Regional Conferences toward more local programs and projects. The fo-

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cus shifted from the worldwide church to more localized events and projects such as our buildings and education for our children. But Thomas contends that what people don’t realize is that giving is our Christian responsibility. Thomas states, “Sacrificial giving doesn’t begin until I respond to a need. The people of Rwanda and the East Central Africa Division have a need. There is no one in North America who can come to me with a legitimate argument that our needs supersede their needs.” Elder Thomas went on to describe the conditions he saw in some areas and the suffering that many have endured. However, he is very clear. “Suffering shouldn’t be a prerequisite to our sensitivity.” As the Apostle Paul realized when he was sent to Macedonia, Elder Thomas believes that we should simply, Go help! “I think, in fact I know, more of our churches would benefit

Harare, Zimbabwe

churches to pool resources in districts as a collective unit. They can facilitate mission trips with groups such as Maranatha International or other ASI organizations to help possibly build a church or a school. Thomas believes that the members will be changed by no longer fostering a selfish mentality regarding giving and by truly feeling a part of their worldwide church. “We have so many resources in America that we’re sitting on top of . . . that the Lord is really challenging us to think less of ourselves and more of others. It really is more blessed to give than to receive.” t

Zimbabwe Girls in Masvingo if our pastors were engaged in taking our people on mission trips… Whenever you do these kinds of things, it awakens in you a greater sense of unselfishness.” Elder Thomas offers this advice to other pastors on how to mobilize even a smaller congregation to action. Go to the Seventh-

day Adventist Church websites – the NAD and the GC, and look up the mission projects that are ongoing. Look outside of ourselves. Once you have a target project, even if there isn’t money set aside for missions, you can start saving toward it. A small church can partner with other small

Victoria Joiner, Ed.D, veteran broadcaster and former General Manager of Oakwood University’s WJOU-FM station, now serves as a professor in the Oakwood Department of Communication.

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ORCM

DANIELINBABYLON

"COME SEE A MAN"

One of the things we found out, since the Tyisha Miller incident, from 2001 up until now, was that 16 deaths had occurred in Riverside at the hands of police

An Interview with

officers.

Chief Bill Howe Conducted by Tim Allston

“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings;” Proverbs 22:29

The Call

Howe: We had a terrible incident that happened here in 1998, the Tyisha Miller incident, when four white police officers shot and killed an unconscious 19-year old black woman sitting in her car. From that incident, a lot of (national) civil rights leaders came down here to Riverside; the Tyisha Miller Steering Committee was formed, chaired by Dr. Jesse Wilson, (then) senior pastor of Kansas Avenue Church—and also, my son-in-law! The Answer: “For Such a Time as This” Howe: We marched every Monday for several months, until some changes were made here in the City of Riverside. And that’s when I became an activist. One of the changes made by the Mayor

and the City Council was to form a community relations/police review commission with nine members, to review police officers’ complaints and police officers’ arrests of citizens. I became the first chairman of that, and stayed on that commission for four years. One of the things we found out, since the Tyisha Miller incident, from 2001 up until now, was that 16 deaths had occurred in Riverside at the hands of police officers. Fifteen of them were men and women of color. There still remains a lot of work to be done. I’m on the police chief’s Advisory Committee; his Cops and Clergy Committee, and also on the Riverside Community Police Review Commission, which is an oversight committee of the police department, and I am a member of the NAACP. Where to Start? RVM: How can we as a Seventh-day Adventist Church become more involved in the communities we serve? Howe: Well first, we need to find out what’s going on, and what committees are out there. For example, when I made an announcement in Sabbath School this morning, two people came up to me after-

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ward, interested in joining some of these committees. I’m actively involved in about seven or eight committees in the city, and about four or five here in the church. I just keep active, . . . I’m retired, so I have the time—my wife doesn’t like that I’m gone all the time! And we now have a new group formed, dealing with “Black Lives Matter.” RVM: Is the “Black Lives Matter” movement important? Howe: Most definitively, very important. The statistic that I just gave you—15 of the 16 people killed in Riverside were African American or Hispanic—tells me that there’s a trend of trigger-happy police officers shooting men of color before they had a chance—it didn’t matter whether they were armed or not! Most of these people who were killed were not armed. So, we have to do something about that. RVM: Thank you, sir. t Bill Howe Retired UC Riverside, California, police chief and Kansas Avenue SDA Church member, role models community activism.

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BEST PRACTICES IN

EDUCATION

BUNKER HILL

PART 2

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

BY LaTASHA HEWITT

Charles Battles

Shirley Sims

embers of Pine Forge Academy’s “Boston 14” share what they’re doing now, reflect on memories from their assault while on a field trip to Boston Massachusetts, and express what the experience taught them. Charles Battles (former Pine Forge Academy teacher and chaperone) resides in Washington, D.C., and is currently teaching in the Prince George’s County Public Schools (Maryland). He also serves as a volunteer with the National Museum of African American History and Culture with the Smithsonian. Both of his sons, Marwan ’00 and Omari ’05 graduated from PFA. I still remember… “God intervening between the weapons and our bodies.” I took away… “That God used us to make sure some other things can be put in place.”

Mark Washington

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Miriam Battles

John Jones

Yvonne Blake

Miriam Battles (chaperone) currently resides in Huntsville, Alabama. She formerly served in the president’s office at Oakwood University, but due to health challenges is now serving at the Bradford-Cleveland-Brown Leadership Center. I still remember… “it being a wake-up call. I thought we had come much further than we had.” I took away… “that when you’re up against the wall, the real you does show up. “Because it brought glory to God, it’s a wonderful thing.” John Jones (student) resides in Huntsville, Alabama. He is the owner of eFibernet, an IT and telecommunications company. He is also an IT consultant for the Federal Communication Commission. I still remember… “having a lack of trust in people and their motives, but I was able to reverse that.” I took away… “that hatred is strong. When you hate your enemies, you begin to take on the same negative traits that you hate. When we were attacked, we prayed.” Mark Washington (student) resides in Washington, D.C. He serves as the Education Performance Improvement Officer, Office of the Deputy Secretary. He also serves as a volunteer firefighter. He married his PFA classmate, Vivian English. I still remember… “the calming effect God had on us while we were being attacked. It never even crossed our minds to swing back. Most of us came from urban areas, so it was definitely in us. However, there was no engagement. That had to be God’s orchestration.” I took away… “how God used the scenario to bring acclaim to Pine Forge. I’m better because of it. It was a humbling experience. I learned to always be grateful and that God is always working.” Vivian English (student) resides in Washington, D.C. She is an AP Biology and Upper Grade Biology Teacher at the Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland. She married her PFA classmate, Mark Washington, and together Vivian English they have two children. Their son Mark cur-

rently attends PFA. I still remember… “The young couple on campus (Battles) who mentored us through the experience. Mr. Battles was always transparent with us and how he wanted us to handle the situation. Mr. Battles made us feel secure.” I took away… “that the Lord was in all of that (the incident at the monument) because it could have ended a lot differently.” Yvonne Black (student) resides in Chicago, Illinois. She attended Oakwood University and obtained her degree in nursing. She later earned her MBA and is currently a businesswoman in financial services. She has two sons, Jayden (12) and Jarrett (13) I still remember… “the loss of innocence, how God’s grace brought us through and the bravery the boys showed towards us that day.” I took away… “that when people show you who they are, believe them.” Shirley Sims-Saldana (student) is an author, musician and consultant. I still remember… “feeling the indignity of people giving us the middle finger, looking at us with disdain as we traveled to the Bunker Hill Monument, and much more, the horror of being under attack, and not knowing if we would live through it.” I took away… “being motivated to create a better world, using the experience in Massachusetts as a point of informed reflection. It influenced my career as a human rights professional for both local and national governments. My work in race relations has been international and I'll continue to be an advocate for human rights. Yes, the Massachusetts experience will always be with me, but no longer as a hindrance, but rather a tool.” t

LaTasha Hewitt is Director of Communications for the Allegheny East Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

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BEST PRACTICES IN

EDUCATION

THE UNIVERSITY OF SABBATH SCHOOL BY ELDER J. ALFRED JOHNSON

JAJ:

Note: The North American Division’s Sabbath School director continues his discussion on advancing this great resource from our previous issue last summer.

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I’ve come to an expanded definition of what Sabbath School is: small group driven, Seventh-day Adventist educational fellowship that builds faith and practice in the context of the four goals of Sabbath School: • Bible study, • Fellowship and Nurture, • World Mission Emphasis, and also • Community Outreach. RVM: How does Sabbath School go about reclaiming souls? JAJ: There’s a simple way to do reclamation, and it can be done through Sabbath School. What if the Sabbath School Secretary went to the Church Clerk, and

said, “Mr. or Mrs. Or Ms. Church Clerk: how many individuals do you think we have on our list of folks, that we would love to have come back to church, that we would want to reclaim?” The Sabbath School Secretary . . . gets the list of names of the people—but is not interested in addresses, cell phone numbers, (home) telephone numbers, anything like that . . . Goes back to the Sabbath School Council and says, “OK, we have this list, per the Church Clerk’s Office, . . . our potential reclamation list. Let us divide the number of names on this list by the number of Sabbath School (smallgroup families or) classes that we have.” In our theoretical church, let's say we

have five Sabbath School classes and there are 50 people on the list . . . We would assign 10 names to each of those Sabbath School/small-group families. Now, the objective for the use of these 10 names is very, very specific: • We don’t give addresses, email addresses, (or) telephone numbers) • All we want to do is to discuss the list of names— • NOT to discuss the circumstances of the people, . . . • All we’re doing is praying and asking that the Lord will send these individuals back into our fellowship, or • Into another productive and meaningful Seventh-day Adventist church.

RVM: Earlier you said that there are some things NOT to say. What are those, as you call them, “stupid questions”—that start with either a “W” or an “H”? t _____________________________________ (Note: For as extended discussion about those “stupid questions,” go to www.regionalconferenceministry.com)

Elder J. Alfred Johnson is Sabbath School director for the North American Division of Seventhday Adventists.

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ORCM

PROVERBS31MAN

PASTOR DR. BRON AND DR. ASHLEY JACOBS:

A SPIRITUAL

PAIR-O'-DOCS? BY G I A N N A S N EL L

hen Pastor Bron Jacobs became serious about pursuing Ashley (then-Maycock) to be his wife, they had an informal discussion about finances. It was obvious from the beginning that since she is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and he is a pastor that she would be making more money than him. But he shared with her early on that he had no issue whatsoever with her making more money. “It’s all family money anyway so who made the most was a non-issue for me,” he said. As the pastor of the Community Praise Church in Alexandria, VA, Bron has not been shy about sharing about this in the pulpit. When asked about a sermon when he mentioned Ashley making more than him, he explained, “I was sharing it in the context of priesthood,” he said. “If you view priesthood from the perspective of servanthood, earning power is really

a non-issue. It’s moreso your exemplary commitment to your home and that was the context.” In his years of pastoral ministry, Bron often encounters couples who are struggling with their individual roles in the marriage and he says that couples have to work together and make adjustments for each other. “If both husband and wife look at their roles from the vantage point of servanthood, then some of the issues of power in a relationship are alleviated,” he said, when asked what advice he would give to a couple struggling with financial differences. “Your wife may make more but her earning capacity is really just a service to the family. The husband may work more but his work ethic is a service to the family. I really recommend taking a step back to look at the roles through the lens of servanthood.” And not everyone is supportive of him sharing his views. But it doesn’t bother this pastor not one bit. “I’ve never really

struggled with it; maybe because we’ve always viewed it as family operation,” Bron said. “God forbid someone was married to someone who viewed it as “your money, my money” then maybe that would be an issue. We try to budget together and we try to make it like a joint operation.” In today’s world, there are increasing numbers of women who are out-earning their husbands and it’s something that couples need to be discuss prior to marriage. “Alot of our sisters are very much accomplished, educated and they really have aspirations and couples should be really clear,” Bron said. “Many of the women who will become mothers and wives will have a significant earning power so I definitely think in the context of money management and expectations that it’s a healthy conversation to have.” Ashley agrees. “I think the main frustration that couples face is when expectations aren’t communicated well. Honestly, it’s been a real challenge to get a good sys-

“IF BOTH HUSBAND AND WIFE LOOK AT THEIR ROLES FROM THE VANTAGE POINT OF SERVANTHOOD, THEN SOME OF THE ISSUES OF POWER IN A RELATIONSHIP ARE ALLEVIATED.” 44

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Partnerships Strengthen Response to Victims in Chattanooga

tem going. I think what’s working the best is just realizing that I am the main person taking care of household things whether its cleaning, whether its paying the bills, daily tedious things and then we try to establish specific things that Bron can do to help. We haven’t arrived yet but I think having a plan and just establishing a schedule helps guide our expectations.” Recently, the couple drafted their own ‘Jacobs Family Mission Statement’ to solidify their goals as a family. Now that their family is growing, Ashley decided to go from working full-time to working one day a week to take care of their 2-year-old daughter Alana. They are expecting their second daughter in November. This transition from full-time to part-time was not without challenges, but their mission statement helped guide them. Since Ashley uses Bron’s weekly day off, to go to work, on those days, he says, “I’m Mr. Mom!” “It kind of required some adjustments on my part just because I was under a great deal of stress and I’m not going to say it was easy,” he admitted. “But that was important to her so we adjusted our schedules so that we could make that happen. If in fact our mission as a family is for my wife to be as sharp as she can be, then I owe this to her, that’s the least that I can do, especially because she sacrifices so much. That’s one moment when I can say that our mission statement crystallized our priorities.”

Family and Domestic Violence Students and professors at Southern Adventist University are helping the Chattanooga community serve victims in a more complete way. When Chattanooga opened a Family Justice Center to assist victims of family violence and sexual assault, the city developed a strategic partnership with the university’s School of Social Work. Southern students provide free social services and counseling in the Family Justice Center’s clinic, which is managed by the university. These students, studying for a bachelor’s or master’s in social work, have extensive opportunities to work with victims of family violence. “This experience makes our students leaders in this area of practice,” said Kristie Wilder, dean, School of Social Work. The center provides a full range of free services in one location. Law enforcement, legal services, child advocacy, and even an animal shelter help ensure that a person or family escaping violence has all the needed support. “Students work in an interdisciplinary environment, which is the future of this field,” said Valerie Radu, Executive Director of the Family Justice Center. “This relationship is mutually beneficial for preparing a new generation of professionals to work with people who’ve experienced trauma.” The center is designed to minimize stigma since family violence impacts people of all demographics and socioeconomic statuses. Chattanooga will open a new, more comprehensive facility for the Family Justice Center this fall. “We expect to see a rise in the number of people coming out to get help,” said Wilder. “Normally, an increase in numbers is not a good thing, but we’re hoping for a spike in numbers because we’re really serving folks.” University faculty and alumni will provide ongoing research support to test evidencebased interdisciplinary practices with the Family Justice Center and community partners.

lthough the Jacobs work well together, they admit that they have not “arrived.” Through a careful balance of communication, prayer and planning, they have been able to make this dynamic work in their home. “We have a commitment to respecting each others goals,” added Ashley. “Right now, I have chosen to work less to be more of a support to his schedule and his ministry, so even the fact that I’m working less is in and of itself a support to him and our ministry. Thankfully a lot of our strengths are each other’s weakness and vice versa. We strive to continue to figure out that happy balance of supporting each other in our respective positions.” While they do respect each other’s career goals, Bron is willing to set aside his pride and acknowledge that Ashley will likely be making double what he makes 46

when she goes back to work in about 4 years. “People may make snide remarks here or there, but when her check starts rolling in, the benefits far outweigh the criticism,” he said with a laugh. “The paycheck is the great equalizer!” t

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Photojournalist Gianna Snell freelances from Huntsville, Alabama

Enhancing Law Enforcement Response to Victims Wilder is researching how Chattanooga law enforcement officers can better assist at-risk populations such as African American, Latino, and the elderly who have been victims of violent crime. Through a federal grant funded by the Office of Victims of Crime, Wilder and Dr. Vic Bumphus from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga are examining how police officers are responding to five at-

Kristie Wilder (center), Dean, School of Social Work, supports university-community partnerships to help local agencies and provide student learning opportunities. Photo 2: Brick building

Daniells Hall houses the School of Social Work on Southern’s campus.

risk groups. Part of the study included a focus group of people who had lost a loved one to gang violence. After evaluating both the citizen and police officer perspectives, the next phase will be to recommend how to bridge the gap of police officer services rendered to victims. Whether serving victims of domestic violence or researching ways to improve law enforcement’s response to crime victims, Southern’s professors, students, and alumni are collaborating to improve the lives of peo-

Southern students apply classroom knowledge at Chattanooga’s Family Justice Center to help victims of domestic violence. ple in the Chattanooga community. ____________________________________________________

To learn more about Southern Adventist University’s School of Social Work, visit www. southern.edu/socialwork.

HOPESERIES

PASTOR AND MRS. CHARLES CREECH—GOD SAVED, THEY PRAISE BY CHAVVAH MCCOY LISTER

t’s phenomenal how God can deliver His people from the most disastrous situations. Retired Pastor Charles Creech and his wife, Sister LaVern Creech, experienced God’s preserving power earlier this year when they were involved in a near-fatal car accident not far from their home in Huntsville, Alabama. On Sunday, March 6, 2016—exactly one month after the Creeches celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary—the couple got into their car to go to Sears, but

ended up in the trauma unit at Huntsville Hospital instead. The car accident on Wall Triana Highway occurred so quickly that the Creeches cannot recall what happened. “It was reported that our vehicle had hit a concrete culvert over a ditch and driveway. I didn’t see it. I do not know. What I do know is that our injuries were severe, critical and life-threatening,” Pastor Creech said. The Creeches were told that their vehicle’s engine compartment caught fire,

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but was extinguished by people nearby. Rescue crew members had to use the Jaws of Life to reach the husband and wife trapped in the car. “I was told that I was at the point of death and they induced a coma and assisted my breathing artificially for two days or more as the trauma team wanted my body to use its energy to get stabilized. For two days or more, I teetered between life and death,” said Pastor Creech. “I was in the intensive care unit for the better part of 10 days. While

all of this was going on I was not aware of what had taken place or anything that was going on.” At least two weeks passed before Pastor Creech was aware of his situation. He found out that his forearm and five ribs had been broken (all on his right side), and that he also had a skull fracture, along with a broken left ankle. Pastor Creech had five surgeries and was anticipating one more surgery at the time this article was written (October 2016). Though Sister Creech’s condition was not as severe as her husband’s, she also sustained major injuries with two broken femurs and a broken right arm. Sister Creech lost 55 pounds as a result of going nearly 90 days without eating while in the hospital and rehab. “I had no appetite. I had no taste or desire for food,” Sister Creech explained. Her appetite came back gradually, toward the end of her time in rehab. “Now I’m eating fine. It took awhile.”

Both Pastor and Sister Creech had to learn to walk with the aid of a walker before they were released from rehab. Pastor Creech returned home on June 3, 2016, and Sister Creech was there to greet him, as she had returned home nearly a week before he did. “What do you say? How do you react to waking up in ICU with no knowledge of what took place or why? I still have unanswered questions, maybe I will never know the answers,” shared Sister Creech. “This whole experience has been overwhelming to me and the only way I have been able to deal fully with it is through lots of prayer and self-examination.”

lthough the Creeches cannot remember what happened when they had the accident, they do remember the outpouring of love from church family members from near and far in the months that followed the accident. For instance, a close friend of their daughter was the first to visit the Creeches in the hospital immediately following the crash and get the news of their condition to their daughter in Connecticut, as well as to other family and friends. At another time, Sister Creech woke up to the voice of Elder T. Marshall Kelly singing to her husband as he visited them. The Creeches had friends and even those they didn’t know to visit

them during the three months they were in the hospital and rehab—approximately 200 visitors in all! The Creeches were so touched by the choirs and the individuals—including those in walkers and wheelchairs—who took the time to visit them that they acted on an extraordinary idea to show their gratitude. Pastor and Sister Creech held a praise and appreciation dinner on August 28, 2016 at the Oakwood College Church to thank God and the people He sent to help them as they recovered. “I believe the Lord impressed me. . .to do something to thank them,” said Sister Creech, who didn’t know how they were going to be able to repay everyone for their kindness. “God blessed the effort.” At the dinner, Pastor Creech stated, “I’m glad I don’t look like what I’ve been through,” quoting a line from Contessa T. Walker-Jackson’s book, My Testimony. “I look forward to seeing what God has planned for me to do.” Pastor and Sister Creech believe they were spared for a purpose, and while they wait on God to reveal that purpose to them, they continue to praise Him for His miraculous power in their lives. t Chavvah McCoy Lister, B.A.,M.S., is a freelance writer living in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and a Communication graduate of Oakwood University.

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Since 1974, Breath of

We’re living in challenging socio-political times. Morality continues its rapid downward spiral. Religious conflict and persecution are on the increase. The dominant media is overflowing like never before with supernatural and satanic imagery made to seem palatable and exciting.

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Breath of Life continues to minister effectively through radio, television, the internet, public evangelistic campaigns, and through printed and recorded Dr. Carlton P. Byrd

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256.929.6460 • P.O. Box 5960 • Huntsville, AL 35814 • www.breathoflife.tv 50 REGIONALVOICE • FALL 2016 ANNUAL PELC ISSUE For national and regional television broadcast schedules, please visit our website at www.breathoflife.tv

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SEE FOR YOURSELF Students are extraordinarily friendly, professors are exceptionally caring, and the whole campus is focused on Christ. But donâ€™t just trust our word. Arrange your own free visit to Southernâ€™s campus, or join one of our special events. See Southern for yourself. Next FREE* PreviewSouthern event: March 23-24, 2017

To arrange your visit, call 1.800.SOUTHERN or go to southern.edu/visit. *Includes free meals and lodging for students interested in attending Southern. Student families are encouraged to visit, too.