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• • • OFFICE FOR REGIONAL CONFERENCE MINISTRY IN NORTH AMERICA • • •

WINTER 2019 https://adventistregionalministries.org

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 Website: https://adventistregionalministries.org PUBLISHER DANA C. EDMOND EDITOR KYNA HINSON ASSOCIATE EDITOR BRYANT TAYLOR ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER HOWARD I. BULLARD COPY EDITOR CLARISE J. NIXON CONSULTANTS PHYLLIS WARE LEE, ELAINE ALLSTON, WANDA LOTT 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 Benia Jennings, Communications Director 1080 Kingsmill Pkwy. Columbus, OH 43229 (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 SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE WILLIAM L. WINSTON, PRESIDENT James Lamb, Communications Director 3978 Memorial Drive Decatur, GA 30032 (404) 792-0535. www.southatlantic.org SOUTH CENTRAL CONFERENCE BENJAMIN JONES, PRESIDENT Anthony Chornes, Communications Director 715 Youngs Lane Nashville, TN 37207 (615) 226-6500. www.scc-adventist.org SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE GREGORY O. MACK, PRESIDENT Noel Grant, Communications Director 1701 Robie Avenue Mt. Dora, FL 32757 (352) 735-3142. www.secsda.org SOUTHWEST REGION CONFERENCE CALVIN WATKINS, PRESIDENT Taryan Ramsarran, Communications Director 2215 Lanark Avenue Dallas, TX 75203 (214) 943-4491. www.southwestregion. adventistchurchconnect.org 2018 REGIONAL DIRECTORS/ COORDINATORS ROSTER Virgil Childs, Director Regional Ministries Pacific Union Conference 2686 Townsgate Road Westlake Village, CA 91361 (805) 413-7100. www.puconline.org Cell: 909-225-6438 Kingsley Palmer, Vice President 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 Byron Dulan, Vice President North Pacific Union Conference 5709 N. 20th Street Ridgefield, WA 98642 (360) 857-7000. www.npuc.org Robert Edwards, 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

HE WAS THE BIGGER MAN

thought about it many times as I walked through the mall that was located across the highway from my hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa. For a lot of people, the words “hotel,” “mall” and “highway” are probably not the first words that come to mind when they think of Africa. But having the wonderful and unexpected privilege of making four trips to Africa (I never expected to be able to go to Africa even once—much less four times—but God has been so very good to me), I have learned that while there is too much poverty in Africa, there are also many people in Africa doing very well. When I visited Adventist University of Africa outside Nairobi, Kenya, last year, I said to Dr. Delbert Baker, the Vice Chancellor of that beautiful school “I am over here trying to raise money to support the work over here; you should be sending money to the United States. This school is beautiful!” In visiting some of the cities in Africa—Nairobi, Harare, Zimbabwe, Johannesburg, South Africa—I discovered that those cities were much like American cities. Johannesburg reminded me of Atlanta: crowded highways, terrible traffic, high-end malls. I remember going into a beautiful mall in Johannesburg and knowing immediately that there was nothing on any of the four levels of that mall that I could afford on my denominational salary besides the daily newspaper. But the mall near my hotel was a little more middle class—still as nice as any mall where I live in Nashville, but more affordable. I would go to the mall every day to walk, and every day I had the same thought as I saw white people walking, shopping, and free to do the everyday things that black people could not do until the mid-1990s because of apartheid. As horrific as Jim Crow was for black people in the South, apartheid—which means “apartness” in Afrikaans—was even worse. Black people in the United States in the Jim Crow South were an oppressed minority; non-whites in apartheid South Africa were an oppressed majority. The only way for the white minority to maintain control of a country where they were overwhelmingly in the minority was through brutal force. Reprehensibly, that brutal force was sometimes even directed at children and young people. June 16 is a national holiday in South Africa, called “Youth Day,” memorializing the young people who died on June 16, 1976, when soldiers shot and killed young people who protested apartheid-driven education policies. Apartheid also did things such as forcibly remove millions of non-whites from their homes into segregated townships. Those townships were a small section of the country, leaving the vast majority of South Africa’s land to the white minority. Black people could not own property and they were forced to carry ID cards identifying them by race and to be in their townships by nightfall unless they had written permission from their white employers. I listened to my hosts in Johannesburg, who grew up during apartheid, describe without a trace of bitterness what it was like to live under such de-humanizing, op-

pressive conditions. And every day as I walked through the mall and saw the white minority, living their lives in freedom and peace, I thought, “What if the black majority treated you the way your people treated them for decades?” But they aren’t being treated like that—nor should they be. Revenge always hurts the vengeful as well as the oppressor. The black majority could have turned on the white minority in a bloody civil war that may have destroyed the white minority. But in a civil war, the only country that you destroy is your own.

uring my visit there, the single biggest reason that I could discover that South Africa did not dissolve into a bloody civil war was a man by the name of Nelson Mandela. His fight against the evils of apartheid caused him to be jailed for 30 years and cost him the prime years of his manhood (and probably cost him one of his marriages—he was married 3 times). The unhealthy conditions of the prisons where he spent the first part of his sentences affected his health and may have contributed to the respiratory issues that eventually caused his death. He did not get to see all of his children grow up, some of whom attended an Adventist Church school in Johannesburg. One might argue that after all he had been through, he would have been justified in being bitter. Except he wasn’t. Released from prison, he began the process of ending apartheid, which could only be done by negotiating with and working with people who had been his enemies and the source of so much of his pain. And when South Africa finally allowed its black majority the opportunity to vote in 1994, Nelson Mandela was elected President of South Africa. His theme was racial reconciliation. He would not do to others what others had done to him and what had been done to his people. Shortly before I left Johannesburg, I was taken to Nelson Mandela Square. I saw all kinds of people—black people, white people—lining up to take a picture with the largest statue I have ever seen. It was a statue of Nelson Mandela—the prisoner who

became President. He is by far the most iconic figure in South African history. He is idealized, nearly idolized, in South Africa. I noticed that there were no statues to those people whose fear and hatred and greed drove them to become the authors of apartheid. Outside of South Africa, virtually no one knows their names. But the huge statue in Nelson Mandela Square will likely stand until the end of time as a reminder of who was the bigger man. And South Africa is a better country—much better—because of it. t

Dana C. Edmond Director, Office for Regional Conference Ministry REGIONAL VOICE

WINTER 2019

c ont ent s

WINTER 2019

REGIONAL NEWS

The 2019 Regional Career Fair Opens Many Doors For the second year, Regional Conference officials spend valuable time with potential interns and employees. Photography by Gianna Snell

PUBLISHER’S COMMENTARY HE WAS THE BIGGER MAN

This great African leader had every reason to give up, to become bitter after decades spent in prison. Instead he lived to see and lead a better South Africa. Our Publisher finds more lessons from the incomparable Nelson Mandela. By Dana C. Edmond

REGIONAL NEWS

President Calvin Watkins and the Southwest Region Administrative Team are overwhelmingly re-elected for their second term.

IN TRANSITION

Three former Communication Directors, Dr. Christopher Thompson, Elder Roger Wade and Elder Carl McRoy now take on new challenges and responsibilities. Reported by Bryant Taylor

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, scholar and activist, accepts an award in recognition of his endeavors to help the helpless. Reported by Erin Blount

PELC OVERVIEW

Take a look at the 2019 Pastoral Evangelistic Leadership Council Presenter listings.

STATE OF BLACK SEVENTHDAY ADVENTISTS

SPECIAL REPORT

African and Regional Leaders Continue Building Strong Bonds Though everyone wishes that the connections between us and our brothers and sisters in the Motherland had been made years ago, it is exciting to see these new bonds in ministry being forged now. By Dana C. Edmond 6

REGIONAL VOICE

WINTER 2019

IN MEMORIAM

We honor great Seventh-day Adventist leaders, educators, missionaries and administrators who poured out their lives in dedicated service: The chronicles of Elder Robert L. Woodfork; Mrs. Lorraine Davis Henri; Dr. Samuel L. DeShay; Dean Rita Roberts Jones; Dr. Sylvia Wright Barnes and Dr. John A. Blake continue to encourage and inspire.

Students who attended the 2019 Society of Adventist Communicators conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, share their experiences Reported by Dwyane Cheddar

REGIONAL NEWS

Black Caucus Makes Room for Millennials The Caucus welcomes the next wave of leaders, professionals and their input. By Dana C. Edmond

HOPE SERIES

Find the latest Regional Conference facts and figures from across North America right here. Compiled by Phyllis Ware Lee

The 2019 Pathfinder Camporee in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, welcomed Adventist youth from around the world, and they all were “Chosen!” By Shaneka L. Peters

FEATURE

COMMUNICATION CONFERENCE

From Internship to Pulpit—The Story of Pastor Max Gomez A former troubled teen finds himself, finds God and follows His bidding. By Dana C. Edmond

REGIONAL LEGACY

Angels in Ebony Fly Again We examine the rich contributions from the life and writings of Elder Jacob Justiss. By Jill Edmond

Please note that Elder Dana C. Edmond, Director of ORCM and Publisher of Regional Voice Magazine, has also taken the role of Chief Correspondent for crucial coverage in this issue. He and Regional leaders have traveled the globe and he personally has traversed the North American continent in 2019, meeting and embracing an array of Adventist leaders in Africa. The Regional leaders have made an intentional “place at the table” to engage and cultivate vital Millennial participation, direction and membership. When Elder Edmond learned of Pastor Max Gomez’s touching story, he chose to share it on the ORCM Website and we chose to share it in our pages. All of these pieces show the “inner workings” of Regional Ministry.

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WINTER 2019

Pan African Report

“Will you please open some doors for me to the leadership in Africa?” I asked.

THE QUEST TO CONNECT CONTINUES—

REACHING OUT TO SOUTH AND WEST AFRICA

BY DANA C. EDMON D

t began with a late night text (early morning in Africa) in January 2018 to Adventist University of Africa (AUA) Vice Chancellor—formerly General Conference Vice President—Dr. Delbert Baker. “Will you please open some doors for me to the leadership in Africa?” I asked. Dr. Baker more than complied and smoothed the way in conversations with the leaders of the Adventist Church in Africa, where nearly 45 percent of the membership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church resides. Connecting with our brothers and sisters in the Motherland has long been a goal of the Regional Conference leadership. With the acceptance of the call to AUA by Dr. Delbert and Dr. Susan Baker— individuals with close connections to the leaders of Africa and the leaders of the Regional Conferences in North America—the time was ripe to make that goal a reality. Four months later, Mrs. Edmond and I were on a plane to Nairobi, Kenya, to meet with the Bakers and the leader of the largest world division in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Dr. Blasious Ruguri (President of the East-Central African Division or ECD) to ascertain his interest in co-hosting, along with AUA, what we were calling the first Pan-African Summit. The name was later changed by Elder G. Emman-

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uel Pelote (Assistant to the President, ECD) to a “Transatlantic Family Reunion” or “TFR-I.” Dr. Ruguri eagerly agreed and plans began for Regional Conference leaders to meet with leaders from all three of the world divisions of Africa the following year. A summary of that trip was the cover story of the Summer 2019 Edition of The Regional Voice. In preparing for TFR-I, I received a call from a former classmate, Elder Lester Parkinson. Elder Parkinson serves as a missionary in South Africa. While the Regional Presidents were still in Kenya, he also invited them to come to Johannesburg to meet and connect with some of the leaders there.

he only people who could make that particular trip were me and Mrs. Edmond, so as part of our trip to Kenya, we detoured to Johannesburg and met with the administrative team of the Trans-Orange Conference (TOC). The very gregarious Dr. Paul Shongwe is President there. Dr. Shongwe took us to lunch and asked if we could connect him to a Regional Conference that would partner with them to conduct exchange programs and evangelism campaigns in each other’s conferences. We said, “That sounds like something Elder C.E. Dudley [the innovative, global thinker and late former President of the South Central Conference (SCC)] would do.” We then got in touch with the President of the South Central Conference, Elder Benjamin Jones, Jr., and shared Dr. Shongwe’s request. A transatlantic videoconference between the two conferences was arranged and Elder Jones and I were invited to Johannesburg to preach for some of TOC’s 25 camp meetings and for their constituency meeting in October 2019. So on September 26, Elder Jones and I left Nashville to connect in Atlanta for the 15-hour-plus flight to Johannesburg. This would be one of the greatest experiences of my life. The people were wonderful, the weather was warm; the worship experiences special. We made plans for a partnership between SCC and TOC, beginning early 2020. President Shongwe also shared his desire to come to the Pastoral Leadership Evangelism Council (PELC) and bring his newly re-elected administrative team for the officer training provided by the Office for Regional Conference Ministry (ORCM). He further expressed a desire for an increased prayer ministry department in his conference. Incredibly, as the Lord would have it, Elder Jones, Dr. Shongwe and I were having a farewell lunch just prior to our departure for the United States when the phone rang. It was Elder I. Roy Rugless (retired former Prayer Ministries Director for the SCC) calling Elder Jones. Elder Rugless had no idea that Elder Jones was in South Africa. Elder Jones immediately turned the phone over to Dr. Shongwe and 10

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Dr. Ruguri eagerly agreed and plans began for Regional Conference leaders to meet with leaders from all three of the world divisions of Africa the following year. A summary of that trip was the cover story of the Summer 2019 Edition of The Regional Voice.

Pan African Report

arrangements were made for Elder Rugless to come to Johannesburg in early 2020 to provide training for the pastors and lay leaders in the TOC in the area of prayer ministries. Look at God! The westward connection began during the meeting in Kenya. Dr. Elie Weick-Dido (President, West Central African Division and a former Pastor in the Lake Region Conference) was a part of TFR-I. He invited the Regional Conference leadership to West Central Africa for TFR-II. In turn, the Regional Presidents invited Dr. Weick and the other two African Division Presidents and their teams to be their guests for dinner when they came to the United States for General Conference Fall Council. The other Division Presidents and their teams had schedule conflicts but on October 14, the Regional Conference leadership, along with Dr. Alvin Kibble (Vice President, North American Division) hosted Dr. Weick-Dido and the officers of the West Central African Division, along with administrators from the various unions of that division, at a dinner at the beautiful Southern Asian SDA Church in Silver Springs, Maryland. Everyone had a wonderful time filled with good food and fellowship. The leaders from both sides of the Atlantic made promises that the connections they forged would continue and that this dinner would be an annual event. Though everyone wishes that the connections between ourselves and our brothers and sisters in the Motherland had been made years ago, it is exciting to see these new bonds in ministry being forged now and what they will mean for ministry in God’s church in the future. t _________________________________________________ Dana C, Edmond is Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry, (ORCM) and publisher for Regional Voice Magazine.

REGIONAL VOICE

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Regional News

CONSTITUENCY SESSION

SOUTHWEST REGION CONFERENCE ELECTS OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS President Calvin Watkins and Southwest Region Administrative Team Overwhelmingly Re-Elected for Second Term

pproximately 700 delegates from across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico assembled at the Keene SDA Church on the campus of Southwestern Adventist University. The session began Sabbath evening with delegate registration, music and a devotional message from Elder Dana C. Edmond (Executive Director, Office for Regional Conference Ministry). After the devotional, Secretary Brooks announced that the requisite quorum had been reached and President Watkins in his capacity as the Session Chair declared the session open. After voting three new churches into the sisterhood of Southwest Region Conference and a few other items, the session recessed until the next morning, while the Nominating Committee resumed their deliberations. At 9:00 the next morning, the session resumed with a challenging and thought-provoking devotional message by Dr. Daniel Honore (President, Northeastern Conference). The morning session consisted mostly of reports on business that transpired in the conference over the past four years from the three Administrative Officers: Elders Watkins, Brooks and Palmer. Their method of reporting was an interesting study in contrasting styles and personality. Especially interesting was the contrast between the speaking styles of Elder Watkins and Elder Palmer. Each administrator gave their report via video where they were interviewed and asked about what had taken place in their various offices during their four year terms. President Watkins supplemented his video with a verbal report. Sounding at times like the evangelist that he was for many years—and which he remains at heart—President Watkins reported on the blessings of the Lord to Southwest Region during the past four years: substantially reduced debt, increased cash re12

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serves, church growth, a $2 million increase in the value of the campground property, etc. His passionate speech was well-received by the constituency, who responded with a standing ovation. By contrast, the Treasurer, Philip Palmer, speaking third, delivered his financial report in his characteristic understated style. Speaking softly and briefly, the Treasurer highlighted the improved financial condition of the conference over the past four years and how in each of those years, the Conference received unmodified opinions, or what are called “clean” audits, by those responsible for examining Southwest Region’s finances. They received the highest designation that can be given to a conference audit. In the middle of the presentations by Elder Watkins and Elder Palmer came the Conference Executive Secretary, Elder Stephen Brooks. He also spoke briefly and reported on his training of the church clerks and the nationally recognized Justice and Conscience Conference in Houston, Texas, for which his office played a major role in planning and securing additional funding. At the end of Elder Brooks’ and Elder Palmer’s reports, Elder Watkins affirmed the leadership of both men and shared his appreciation for the working relationship of the Conference Administrative team. After the administrative reports were given, the Nominating Committee report began. The Nominating Committee’s first report was its recommendation that each of the administrative officers—Elders Watkins, Brooks and Palmer—be returned to their respective positions. Southwest Region’s constitution requires that the vote on the three administrative officers be done by secret ballot. Elder Larry Moore (President, Southwestern Union) presided over the vote counting process, along with others from the union office. Though it took a while to hand count nearly 700 paper ballots

President Calvin Watkins, Conference Executive Secretary, Stephen Brooks, Treasurer, Philip G. Palmer and the vast majority of the departmental leadership were re-elected at the Southwest Region Conference Session that was held on September 21-22, 2019.

Southwest Region Conference Administration:

that were cast for each position, before the delegates broke for lunch, they were informed that President Watkins, Executive Secretary Brooks and Treasurer Palmer had each been re-elected by large margins to second terms. Each re-elected officer was then given the opportunity to address the delegates. Joined by their spouses, Mrs. Ruth Watkins, Mrs. Kennetia Brooks and Mrs. Ingrid Palmer, each officer thanked the constituents for the opportunity to serve again and their respective spouses for their sacrificial support during the past four years. After lunch, the delegates returned for the afternoon session. Of the things that transpired in the afternoon session, the item of greatest general interest was the report of the Nominating Committee relative to the departmental leaders of Southwest Region. The Nominating Committee recommended, and the delegates voted, that virtually all of the incumbent departmental leaders be re-elected. The list of the departmental leadership of the Southwest Region Conference for the next four years is found in our box. Congratulations to President Watkins and his team for this affirmation of their leadership, and may the Lord bless their ministry to Southwest Region these next four years. t

President: Calvin L. Watkins Secretary: Stephen Brooks Treasurer: Philip Palmer Adventist Youth: Carl Ming (not pictured) Community Services: Durandel L. Ford Church Ministries and Sabbath School: Charles Sanders Diversity Ministries: Vanston Archbold, Jr. Education: Buford Griffith, III Family Ministries: W.S. Lee, Jr. PARL: Kerwin Jones Stewardship: Oswaldo Hernandez Lay Advisory: Samuel Beale

REGIONAL VOICE

WINTER 2019

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IN TRANSITION

Christopher

Thompson

Communication and Marketing Director, Breath of Life Television Ministries On Campus or Online

By BRYANT TAYLOR We are blessed to have well-trained and skilled conference communication directors within our ranks and because of their extensive skillsets they are in demand. Three such communicators were offered and accepted opportunities to serve in other areas of the Adventist denomination: Christopher Thompson, Roger Wade and Carl McRoy. We thank them for their service and are watchful of their continued success. Here you can read of their paths and see current journeys.

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efore taking on his responsibilities at Breath of Life, Christopher Thompson served as Communication Director for Southeastern Conference in Mt. Dora, Florida. He has also served as Communication Chairperson for the Pastoral Evangelism Leadership Council (PELC). Along with communication ministry, he has pastored and taught in South Carolina, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Georgia. Born and raised in Beaufort, South Carolina, Pastor Thompson is a graduate of Oakwood University with a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, and a Master’s degree in Pastoral Studies and Church Development. He also holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary. He has written articles for multiple publications, and has also authored five books, including, My Savior and My Lord (2009), Training Days (2012), 360º Christian (2012), and Stop the Violence (2019). He also wrote and produced a documentary film entitled Good Grief, to help people cope with traumatic experiences. As Communication Director for Breath of Life, Dr. Thompson manages strategic communication for internal and external audiences, brand development, promotions and marketing for evangelism and fundraising campaigns. His goal is to help Breath of Life to transition to become a full-service evangelism and discipleship resource agency. With this goal in mind he co-authored the first Breath of Life sharing book with Breath of Life Spreaker/Director, Carlton P. Byrd, entitled, Free: Revisiting God’s Plan for Oppressed People. According to Dr. Thompson, “We have to start thinking about new ways that we can provide additional strategic direction and support to discipleship and community-building—for new churches and new members after the revival is over.” t ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Bryant Taylor, D.Min., Associate Editor of Regional Voice Magazine, coordinated the coverage for these In Transition articles.

 Scan the code to view the LEAP video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RraQT1NqHsI

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Regional News

IN TRANSITION

Roger R.

Carl

Church Ministries Director, Mid-America Union Conference

Publishing/Literature Ministries Director North American Division

Wade

oger R. Wade has a rich history of denominational work. In 1998 he received a call to ministry and was ordained in 2003. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God has used him to baptize more than 850 persons to date. He has since worked in four conferences: the Northeastern Conference, the Southern California Conference, the Southwest Region Conference and most recently the South Central Conference where he served as Associate Youth and Communication Director. He has a strong passion for the church’s most precious resource-- the youth. He has worked in Youth Ministries for the past 38 years, holding leadership positions ranging from AY leader to Union Youth Director. Pastor Wade served as the first Director of the National Black Youth Resource Center, which was housed on the Oakwood University campus. This expertise led to a call to become the Church Ministries Director of the Mid-America Union Conference, located in Lincoln, Nebraska. Pastor Wade has written many articles; has completed extensive travels for preaching and to conduct seminars and workshops. He serves as a consultant to the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventist Youth Ministries Department and to the Black Adventist Youth Directors’ Association (BAYDA). He also produced and served as coordinator for the first-ever Young Adult Initiative – Genesis 2000 Satellite New Year’s Eve Broadcast; volunteered at the National Pathfinder Camporees held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin; served as Camporee Director for the BAYDA’s Knowin’ Him Pathfinder Camporee; served as producer for many large youth events and as a volunteer on numerous community Boards of Directors. t

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McRoy

arl McRoy has served the Adventist denomination for 17 years. He credits the publishing ministry for his membership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The books Christ’s Object Lessons and The Desire of Ages inspired him to improve on his God-given talents. That inspiration led him to enroll at Oakwood College. His denominational work began when he became Associate Pastor at the Berean Church in Atlanta. He also pastored in South Carolina before being asked to serve as Publishing Director for the South Atlantic Conference. Pastor McRoy served in the conference office for nearly 11 years. During two of those years he also served as the South Atlantic Communication Director. He is a featured writer for various denominational publications and seeks to inspire the world through the written word. He has published three sharing books: Yell at God and Live; R U RUFF ENUFF? and Impediments to Power: What’s Blocking Our Blessing? Currently he is the Publishing/Literature Ministries Director for the North American Division. t

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IN Memoriam

Robert L. Woodfork

Lorraine Davis Henri

An Extended Life of Ministry - 1921 - 2019

Missionary to Africa, Educator to Many

1922 - 2019

obert L. Woodfork’s beautiful, powerful life created quite a journey worth celebrating! On May 25, 1921, Thomas and Odell (Arnold) Woodfork welcomed into their lives their only child, a baby boy. He passed on May 4, 2019, 21 days shy of his 98th birthday. Woodfork grew up in Corona, Alabama, for the first four years of his life. After the death of his father, he and his mother moved to Columbus, Georgia, to be near her parents. His mother knew that her son would need a strong male role model to help him develop characteristics and tools for life., and his grandfather was a professional and godly man who served as first elder and interim pastor. This example planted the seeds of ministry. It was also in Columbus that Woodfork entered into the Seventh-day Adventist Christian education and met his lifelong friend, Walter Starks. Together they experienced grade school, and became college roommates, Adventist ministers, and conference presidents. Woodfork attended Oakwood Academy, graduating as president of his class. He entered Oakwood Junior College in 1940, studying in the Ministerial Department where he was profoundly influenced by Calvin E. Mosely, chair of the Religion Department. In 1942 Woodfork was preparing to “depart to serve” following graduation from Oakwood Junior College, when he met Norma “Jean” Bedney. It was a brief meeting, but they became better acquainted in Birmingham when she visited relatives there. Woodfork went on to Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in May 1944. During that time the couple courted for three years via the mail. They were the first couple to be married in the Beacon Light Church in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 22, 1945. Woodfork earned his master’s degree at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary (then in Takoma Park, Maryland), and was ordained on January 11, 1946. More than being a lover of learning, Woodfork was a lover of Norma Jean. They called each other “Sweetheart” for the duration of their marriage. As Woodfork entered full force into married life, he also did so in ministry and evangelism. He was involved in the changes that brought about regional conferences., which were organized during the time he was

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pastoring in St Joseph, Missouri. During that time, they had their first child, Bobby. Later he was called to pastor in Kansas City, Kansas, at Bethel Church, where he and his wife welcomed their second born, Kathleen Ann. Shortly after, he was called to Oakwood College as dean of men, professor in the Religion Department, and pastor of the Oakwood College Church. In December of 1955, Woodfork and his family moved to New Orleans to pastor the Ephesus Church, the largest church in the Southwest Region Conference. There he and his wife welcomed their third child, Ronnie. Woodfork was a gentle giant and a strong family man, a man who cared for the well-being of black people during a time of racial unrest, and a man who cared for the work of God through the Adventist community. In 1963 he and his family moved from New Orleans to Miami to pastor Bethany Church, following the great leadership of Calvin Rock, Ph.D., who built the church. Woodfork exercised the spiritual and business sense he was taught while growing up and paid off the mortgage at Bethany. After Miami he went to Atlanta, Georgia, where for almost one year, July 1970 to April 26, 1971, he pastored at Berean Church. This pastorate was cut short when Warren S. Banfield was called to serve in the Southern Union, creating a vacancy in the presidency. Woodfork reflects, “I have discovered that whenever a person follows God’s leading, God equips him for the task. The Lord has certainly done that for me, and I give Him the praise.” With this mindset, he undertook the presidency of the South Atlantic Conference as the fourth president. In his nine years of service (1971-1980), he prioritized evangelism and church growth. One year, baptisms totaled 2,033. This is because “Evangelism was the watchword of the South Atlantic Conference.” Woodfork was president nearly 10 years when he left South Atlantic after 18 years in this territory. ln 1980, he began two terms in the General Conference as a general field secretary, which included serving as liaison to the regional conference presidents and the regional departments of the Pacific and North Pacific unions; vice chair of the Oakwood College board and chairman of

L the executive board; chair of the Breath of Life board, coordinating the regional scholarships for postgraduate studies; recording secretary for the union presidents; and much more. From 1985 to 1989, he served as an associate secretary of the General Conference. Woodfork retired on February 1, 1989, and he and Jean moved back to Atlanta after serving almost 45 years. He left required work life, and entered retirement work life, serving as a hospital chaplain, then interim and assistant pastor in multiple churches. After 56 years of marriage, Norma Jean passed on June 28, 2001. Woodfork lived in Maryland until 2003, and then returned to the South Atlantic Conference to become the liaison for senior affairs, where he served until 2015. He then moved back to Maryland to be with his children and grandchildren, and to serve as staff a hospital chaplain, as well as mentor and pillar of ministry in churches in Maryland and Washington, D.C. He leaves to mourn his passing one daughter, Kathleen (David), and one son, Ronald (Tammy). Grandchildren include Robert George Woodfork; Tiffani Glover (Terrell) and children, Richard Woodfork (Katie) and daughter; Lauren Woodfork; Jason Thompson; Jordan Thompson and son; Kristin Yirenkyi (Daniel) and children; Kimberly Yirenkyi (Richard) and children. Additional family and friends are his sisterin-law, Gloria Bedney and children, the Adams Family; and a host of other relatives, friends, and colleagues in ministry. In addition to his wife, Woodfork was preceded in death by his son, Robert Jr. (Delavern). t

orraine “Delores” Davis Henri, 96, born June 30, 1922, to James and Viola Davis of East St. Louis, Illinois., died May 7, 2019, in Atlanta, Ga. She was the third child and first daughter of nine children. Lorraine came from a home of God-fearing parents who instilled a love for Christ. She completed Oakwood Junior College and married her “Honey,” Pastor C. Dunbar Henri. Dunbar said that he would marry the first woman he saw on campus, and it was Lorraine who walked in his direction. They married in 1943 and began a life of ministry together. In 1945 they became one of several black couples to represent the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Liberia, West Africa. At the young age of 23, Lorraine was quite courageous and adventurous to live in the back bush of Bassa, Liberia, often alone while her husband traveled on the Lord’s business. Her first home was a tin house on stilts, where she learned to make a home out of little. They served 19 years in West Africa in Liberia, Nigeria, and Ghana. During that time, Mrs. Henri raised three children (Burdetta, Patricia, and Dunbar), taught cooking classes, directed choirs, provided office support to her husband, and accompanied him on ministerial duties. Once she even officiated during a funeral service. Every two and a half years they returned to America, and for six months Dunbar and Lorraine traveled to Camp Meetings and churches, visited family and friends around the country, and shared their experiences in Africa. The Henri family returned to the U.S. in 1964 and spent a year at Andrews University where Elder Henri completed his master’s degree. The couple joined the South Atlantic Conference in Atlanta, and began their work in Orlando, Florida. Then they made

the move to Atlanta where Elder Henri pastored the Berean Church, and Mrs. Henri taught at Berean Elementary School. After several years working in South Atlantic, they received a call to return to the mission field in 1970, this time to Kenya in East Africa. Mrs. Henri worked in the office with her husband and traveled with him extensively while their children were away at school in Beirut, Lebanon. The Henris returned to America (Washington, D.C.) in 1973, where Elder Henri was called to the General Conference to serve as a general vice president. Mrs. Henri worked as a secretary, hostess, and tour guide for the General Conference. She enjoyed her job and loved meeting people from around the world. Elder and Mrs. Henri officially retired in 1980, and then returned to work for the South Atlantic Conference. Mrs. Henri entered Morris Brown College in her 60s and completed a degree in education. She taught several grades in elementary school; participated in choirs; served as Sabbath School superintendent; led the senior ministry; and enjoyed entertaining, cooking, gardening, and bargain shopping. She always had a sense of humor and a beautiful smile, even throughout her illness. She will be missed and leaves to cherish her memory three children: Burdetta Henri, Atlanta, Georgia; Patricia Henri Simmons, Huntsville, Alabama.; C. Dunbar (Deborah) Henri Jr., Beltsville, Maryland.; three grandchildren: Cara D. (Brian) Wright, San Antonio, Texas; Christopher D. Henri, Greenbelt, Maryland., and Charles H. Simmons, Denver, Colorado; two great-grandchildren: Carter and Camryn Wright, five siblings: Charles Davis, Chicago; Lovey Verdun,

Florida; Frank (Alma) Davis, Chicago; Doris Joyner, East St. Louis; and Grace Phipps, New York and a host of nieces; nephews; and friends. t

At the young age of 23, Lorraine was quite courageous and adven turous to live in the back bush of Bassa, Liberia, often alone while her husband traveled on the Lord’s business.

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IN Memoriam

Samuel Lee DeShay

Rita Roberts Jones

Musician, Theologian, Physician, Missionary – Godly Renaissance Man

Woman of Faith 1934 - 2019

1933 – 2019

rom the union of William and Aleathia Brantley DeShay five children were born: George, Emma, William, Samuel and Beverly. Samuel Lee DeShay was born January 1, 1933. As a child he loved and respected his parents and family. He developed a warm, affectionate nature and a sense of humor. He loved to laugh. He also loved learning and promoted the learning of those around him. He relished every nugget of knowledge with great joy. After elementary school he studied at Champion Junior High School and East High School in Columbus, Ohio. The family attended the Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church. This gave Samuel many opportunities for service, including church pianist from an early age, and even as a member of the jail band. He went off to Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. Though modest, his intellect and aptitude for learning shocked his chemistry professor—who promptly made Samuel his reader. He graduated from Union College in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. With human efforts mingled with prayer, Samuel was accepted into the College of Medical Evangelists. He continued medical studies with great relish and vigor. Then came tragic news. During his second year of medical school, Samuel was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a deadly disease. Doctors told him he had only four more years to live. At this point, Samuel speculated that with such a short time, he would rather pursue a theological degree at Emmanuel Missionary College. Medical school officials warned him that if he left his medical studies, he would not be able to return. Still, he left, went to EMC and completed a Master’s degree in Systematic Theology in 1967. And since he was still alive, his mother admonished him to return to medical school. Still, the College of Medical Evangelists would not initially take him back. After more prayers and a letter of reference from Dr. Harding who had a hospital in

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Ohio, and who knew of Samuel’s gifts, the medical college decided to readmit him. He completed his studies with great pleasure and vitality, graduating with honors in 1969. He did not spend all of his time studying medicine. On one momentous Saturday night, he took five girls out for skating. He was looking for one special girl, so he also took the group to his sister Emma’s home so she could look them over. Four of the girls took seats in the living room. One went to the kitchen to help Emma with the serving. Emma told Samuel, “This is the one.” The young lady was Bernice Moore, a personable, intelligent nursing student also attending the College of Medical Evangelists. Their dating led to courtship, engagement, and marriage om February 28, 1960. They later welcomed two daughters into the world, Joy and Teymi. Both were born at the Loma Linda Medical Center, and both would grow up to study and earn degrees from the Loma Linda University. Dr. DeShay began his professional career as a physician at the Riverside Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. He then received a call from the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists to go to West Africa. He became the first known African American Seventh-day Adventist medical Missionary to be sent by the World Church to Africa. Samuel and Bernice worked in Africa from 1961 to 1973, practicing Internal Medicine, Preventive Medicine, surgery, and whatever else the Lord had in store. Though the original intent was to stay for two years, Dr. DeShay saw the needs and fell into a deep, long-standing love for the continent of Africa. Upon their return to the United States, Dr. DeShay was called to work at the General Conference, Adventist World Headquarters as the Medical Health Director. He was later appointed as the Associate Director for International Health. He also chose to attend Howard University Divinity School to earn a doctorate in Ministry – Ethics in 1982. In this same time

R period, he was a Clinical Physician at Hadley Hospital, and at Washington Adventist Hospital. In 1984, Dr. DeShay began private practice in Internal Medicine in Takoma Park, Maryland, and his able assistant was Bernice DeShay, R.N. Dr. DeShay also helped with the care of prisoners in the Jessup Maryland State Prison. He continued to develop in another professional area and became an accomplished classical pianist. While at Oakwood, his sister Emma, a pianist in her own right, admonished him to secure money for his own piano lessons. Years later, he would study at the Royal School of Music in London and perform concerts across the United States and beyond. Dr. DeShay was known by patients and friends for his infectious laughter. He shared love and laughter with his wife Bernice and his family. Even as his illness progressed, God also gave him peace and rest in the midst of his personal storm. On May 7, 2019, with his wife by his side, Samuel closed his eyes in Jesus and closed a most amazing chapter. He leaves to await the Second Coming of Jesus Christ his devoted wife Bernice, of Maryland; his loving daughters Joy (Jon) McIver of Minnesota, and Teymi (Theodore) Herring of Maryland; his sister Beverly (Walter) Arties of Arizona; Motherin-law Addie Hatcher (age 102) of Indiana; “adopted” sisters and brothers-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews, colleagues, patients, friends and in a very special way, the entire Continent of Africa. t

ita Roberts Jones was born on January 13, 1934, in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to the late Reual and Lola Roberts. Her early years were spent in Memphis, Tennessee, where she graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and received a degree in Secretarial Science from Henderson Business College. While at Henderson Business College, she met Henry Jones. The two were later married and to this union were born three children: Carolyn, Cheryl, and Ronald (who preceded his mother in death). Young Rita confessed Christ at an early age but was introduced to the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church through an evangelistic campaign conducted by Pastor Charles Graham. He was the Pastor of the Mississippi Boulevard SDA Church (now Longview Heights Church) in Memphis. She was baptized as a result of this evangelistic effort and became an active member of that congregation, serving in many capacities, including Church Clerk. In the summer of 1969, Dr. Calvin Rock and a team of workers came to Memphis to conduct a major evangelistic campaign. As a local church member, Mrs. Jones also worked in this campaign where more than 300 individuals were baptized! As a result of the fellowship during this evangelistic series, many lasting relationships were formed that extended beyond the campaign and Memphis. From these interactions, conversations, and shared goals, Mrs. Jones’ life goals and purpose became clear and crystallized. Correspondingly, Dr. Rock’s goal of securing a motivated, car-

ing, disciplined, down-toearth, and intelligent Dean of Women at Oakwood College became a reality when he invited Mrs. Rita Jones to serve at Oakwood. As a result, in the God-ordained assignment of becoming a Dean of Women, Jones served for a total of 17 years at Oakwood College, and for eight years at Andrews University. Dean Rita Jones, God’s woman, had a positive influence on many who walked through the residence hall doors of these two major Adventist universities. Students from all over the world benefited from receiving direction, Christian values, mentoring, love, and support from Dean Jones. Many also listened to her repeat her favorite Bible text, Micah 6:8: “What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Dean Jones was a wonderful mother to her children, worked hard in serving the church, and served her Lord and His people. The church, educational institutions, community, area nursing homes, and civic organizations have all been blessed by her skills and prayers. Many are proud to call her “friend.” We are confident that Rita R. Jones had her hand in the Lord’s hand. We, her daughters Carolyn and Cheryl, her extended family and friends, and her beloved young people, all have the hope of being with her again and with the Lord at His Second Coming. Let us all be ready! t

________________________________________ We at Regional Voice Magazine express special thanks to Ms. Carolyn Jones and Ms. Cheryl Jones for sharing this tribute to their mother, Dean Rita Jones.

Young Rita confessed Christ at an early age but was introduced to the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church through an evangelistic campaign conducted by Pastor Charles Graham. He was the Pastor of the Mississippi Boulevard SDA Church (now Longview Heights Church) in Memphis.

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IN Memoriam

Sylvia Jean Wright Barnes A Champion of the Human Spirit

Mentor, Scholar and Friend

1927 - 2019

1934 - 2019

ylvia Jean Wright was born in Manchester, Jamaica, on February 27, 1927, to David and Jestina Wright, the last of their 11 children. From her youth, she exuded excellence and elegance to everyone she encountered. Her life took a dramatic turn, when at the age of 11, heard the gospel according to the Seventh-day Adventist beliefs, and accepted Jesus as her personal Savior, and became a fervent Adventist believer. She participated in activities across the campus of West Indies College, now (Northern Caribbean University), and was an accomplished sprinter. While on the track, she caught the eye of Clarence Barnes. CJ and Sylvia Jean, as they called each other, were married in 1950. They loved and respected one another profoundly for nearly 70 years as husband and wife, dedicating their lives to the ministry of the gospel. They were blessed with three children: Carvia, Baldwin and Dale; a daughterin-law, Pollyanna; three grandchildren; a granddaughter-in-law; and two great-granddaughters. The bonds of family and community helped her to remain rooted throughout her life. Sylvia’s arsenal of training included a degree in education from West Indies College; a Bachelor of Science in education from Howard University; a Master of Science in education for the deaf and hard-of- hearing from Wayne State University; and a Doctor of Philosophy in English from Vanderbilt University. She taught in Jamaica; in the Bahamas; in Houston, Texas; in Inkster, Ecorse, and Allen Park, Michigan; in Chicago, Illinois; and in Hunts-

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John Archibald Blake

WINTER 2019

ville, Alabama. Upon her retirement, she joined the staff of her alma mater, Northern Caribbean University, as chairperson of the English Department and professor for a number of years. Her influence was instrumental to the success of generations of students, both in school and in life. Her deepest satisfaction was to later meet and hear people whose lives were touched by her in some significant way. She -earned numerous awards and recognitions, including the Bahamas Education Association Award for Teaching Excellence, and the Oakwood College United Student Movement Teacher of the Year Award, twice. Dr. Barnes was sought after for her charismatic sermons and captivating presentations. Her profound distinctions, rich vibrato, and precise diction distinguished her above the rest. She was a salient force in conflict, a commanding presence at any debate, and a fighter for truth and dignity. Yet, her winsome demeanor led each battle to its end with charm, wit, and a striking smile. The world has lost a hero, a champion of the human spirit on August 5, 2019. The Adventist church has lost a faithful believer and active contributor. Women have lost a mentor and advocate. Students have lost an agent of transformation. While Sylvia Jean Wright Barnes sleeps in Jesus, her family, friends, colleagues, mentees, and

former students await with eager anticipation the second coming of Christ, when we will be reunited with our beloved Sylvia Jean. “Rest well! We will see you on that great morning!” t

Her influence was instrumental to the success of generations of students, both in school and in life. Her deepest satisfaction was to later meet and hear people whose lives were touched by her in some significant way.

ohn Archibald Blake was born on February 10, 1934, in Scarborough, Tobago, the smaller of the twin island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. In the 1950s, John immigrated to Brooklyn, New York, where he served as a messenger, an orderly, and later a certified x-ray technologist. He and several friends formed a small group that became the Park Place Seventh-day Adventist Church, the precursor to the Hanson Place SDA Church. While there, he also sang bass with the Inter-American Heralds Quartet. His educational pursuits led him to major in Romance Languages at Howard University. There he met and married Jean A. Lloyd at the First Seventh-day Adventist Church in Washington, D.C. The Blake couple responded to a call from President Addison Pinkney to come to Oakwood College in 1964 where he spent the remainder of his career. In spite of further education (Ed.S., George Peabody College for Teachers; and Ed.D., University of Tennessee in Knoxville), career opportunities, and an initial desire to become a dentist, Oakwood remained in his blood. Dr. Blake officially retired in 2003 after serving as a full-time mathematics faculty member for 38 years, and as chairman of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department for 36 years. He continued to teach both mathematics and pre-law logic classes on a part-time basis until 2015. Many of his former students from Oakwood, Alabama A&M University, and Oakwood Academy are now mathematics

teachers. For many years, he also was a sponsor of the International Student Organization at Oakwood. During his tenure at Oakwood, he completed several major accomplishments, including the establishment of the dual-degree engineering major with the University of Alabama in Huntsville. In addition to numerous awards and accolades (including the Zapara Award for Excellence in Teaching), one of his most meaningful accomplishments was to have not only his children but also his grandson as his students. Above all, John was a man of faith. He and his family were members of the Oakwood University Church where he served as a member of the treasury staff, Team Number 4. He was a member and assistant teacher of Sabbath School Class Number 13. In his free time, John enjoyed gardening, cooking, reading, writing, do-it-yourself projects, and fellowship with family and friends. He was well known to have an almost photographic memory for people, places, and events. He was a great listener who had a quick, yet dry, sense of humor. Of his many quotations, perhaps the most memorable is, “You can have four years of hard work and 40 years of fun; or you can have four years of fun and 40 years of hard work.” Dr. Blake leaves to join him in the great reunion with Jesus his wife of more than 57 years, Dr. Jean Blake; his son Robert (Myrna); daughter Johnia (Carl); younger brother Cornelius (DeAnna); his “adopted” children who are three of his wife’s 11 siblings – Carol (Paul), Theresa, Dexter (Berna-

dette); four grandchildren; and an innumerable host of family, friends, and former students. t

During his tenure at Oakwood, he completed several major accomplishments, including the establishment of the dual-degree engineering major with the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

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Scholarship News

SEE FOR YOURSELF Calling All

Scholars!

Need scholarship funds? Check out the websites of your local Kia Motors America dealers, or walk in to get more information.

o you know someone who has graduated from college, just within the last year, or who will graduate within the next six months? Do they also need to purchase a car? According to Michael Bramlett of Bramlett Kia in Decatur, Alabama, here’s another benefit they may enjoy. Kia Motors America dealers offer incentive scholarships of $400.00 to purchasers with degrees from fouryear colleges or universities within 12 months, or transcripts from four-year colleges or universities within six months of their graduation dates. Of course, they must meet the Kia Motors America criteria to purchase a vehicle. With the degree or transcript, they can receive the scholarship UNCF Partners with Kia Motors America The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has partnered with Kia Motors America to provide need-based scholarship opportunities. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, must be a Junior or Senior enrolled full-time at a

UNCF member institution, and have completed a FAFSA and demonstrate an unmet financial need as verified by your college/university. Applicants must also be majoring in one of the following disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Biomedical Science, Engineering, or Sustainability/Environmental science/ Students should submit an online application for the program, complete with one letter of recommendation, a one-page personal statement of your career interest, and a current college transcript. Preference will be given to student who are permanent residents of California. The award amount for this scholarship amount is up to $3,000, and the deadline is usually in January. t _____________________________________________ For more details and/or to apply for this scholarship, visit:https://scholarships.uncf.org/Program/Details/cb966b5e-c48a-47ad-890b-df1bcdd4252f

____________________________________________ Special thanks to Michael Bramlett of Bramlett Kia, Decatur, Alabama, and UNCF.

Students are extraordinarily friendly, professors are exceptionally caring, and the whole campus is focused on Christ. But don’t just trust our word. Arrange your own free visit to Southern’s campus, or join one of our special events. See Southern for yourself. FREE* PreviewSouthern events: October 10-11, 2019 October 31-November 1, 2019 February 17, 2020 March 26-27, 2020 April 24-25, 2020

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.

Regional News

SOCIAL JUSTICE

ACTIVIST AND SCHOLAR

MICHAEL ERIC DYSON RECEIVES SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD Reported by E R I N BLOU N T Introduction—Dr. Michael Eric Dyson was born in Detroit Michigan. At the age of 19 he was ordained to the gospel ministry. He received his undergraduate schooling at Carson-Newman College and later earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from Princeton University. Dr. Dyson currently serves as a professor of Sociology at Georgetown University. His main focuses are on race, religion and popular culture, as well as contemporary issues in the African American Community with an emphasis on Social Justice. He is outspoken in encouraging people everywhere to live with care and responsibility, and outspoken with criticism for the harsh and indifferent. This spirit of ethics and fairness brought him to the Oakwood University Church to receive an award in Social Justice.

he group Adventists for Social Justice, led by Dr. Tiffany Llewellyn, came to promote their Social Justice and Awareness initiatives. Senior Pastor Dr. Carlton Byrd welcomed them, with Professor Marcya Burden, along Pre-law and Political Science majors who plan to attend law school, to join him and Dr. Dyson during the presentation. Dr. Dyson began, “To be able to proclaim the truth through our Lord, is an honor.” “We need to stay ‘WOKE’ instead of weak and not let our current president dim our lights and silence our truth.” He continued, “We have a president that is covered in White Supremacy, [who] refuses to acknowledge the presence of Black people in America, along with LBGTQ communities, and Mexican communities… .” He reminded the congregation, “We are all in the same boat! We must embrace all of God’s children!”

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“We need to stay ‘WOKE’ instead of weak and not let our current president dim our lights and silence our truth.”

We must “embrace the gospel and tell the truth in-season and out-of-season.” Pastor Byrd’s sermon, entitled “Agitate,” echoed these concerns. “Jesus is coming back. We have become so desensitized to the troubles of this world but in Matthew 25: 31-46, Jesus gives a warning and provides us with a backdrop of his Second Coming.” “There will be an award for His sheep when He comes back- and that is because when He was hungry, we fed Him, when He was sick, we visited Him, and when He was naked,

we clothed Him. The sheep (the righteous) will respond “How did we did these things to You?” Jesus will say “If you have done these things to the less fortunate you have done it to Me!” “And those on the left will be judged because they did not do any of these things for the less fortunate or the ‘least.’” “Your eternal reward is not based on what you do for you. Your eternal reward is based on what you do for those who can’t do for themselves. Social Justice Ministry is focusing on the least, the last and the ‘unlucky.’” “There are times when we have to

stand up and speak truth to power in productive and meaningful ways. But have we lost our way? [Have we] become distracted with big lights, big crowds and doors rather than mercy, justice and love?” “Jesus is calling us to be sheep, not goats. [We need] to speak up and speak out against inequalities. We must agitate our country, communities and church. If we don’t, nothing will change! Sometimes agitation is necessary because it promotes change, it promotes equality and makes a difference.”

“The change has to start within, we’ve got to change our behaviors though God’s strength and power in order to genuinely extend a hand to the “least.’” t ___________________________________ Erin Blount is an Oakwood University senior Communication major ( with emphasis in Print and Digital Media), with a minor in Political Science. REGIONAL VOICE

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PELC 2019 Overview

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Regional News

REGIONAL CONFERENCE STATISTICS Compiled by Phyllis Ware Lee Membership

Tithe

2019 2018 2019 2018 Difference

Percentage Increase

Conferences Allegheny East

42,290

41,163

24,539,240

23,988,543

550,697

2.24%

Allegheny West

16,897

16,733

5,200,770

5,167,294

33,476

0.64%

Central States

8,785

8,593

3,506,433

3,603,748

(97,315)

-2.78%

Lake Region

31,595

31, 427

7,837,373

8,057,094

(219,721)

-2.80%

Northeastern

59,432

58,322

34,365,907

33,871,982

493,925

1.44%

South Atlantic

49,816

49,287

18,436,480

18,866,724

(430,244)

-2.33%

South Central

36,575

35,997

15,468,992

15,679,179

(210,187)

-1.36%

Southeastern

55,178

53,078

19,192,379

19,548,727

(356,348)

-1.86%

Southwest Region

26,986

26,719

8,860,840

9,247,600

(386,760)

-4.36%

327,554

321,319

137,408,414

138,030,891

(622,477)

-0.45%

Total

Mrs. Phyllis Ware Lee is the Treasurer/CFO for Regional Conference Ministries and the Seventh-day Adventist Regional Conference Retirement Plan.

These figures are as of September 30, 2019, representing the end of the Third Quarter.

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Regional Voice Feature

Pastor Max Gomez—

From Internship

to Pulpit By DANA C. EDMOND

n summer 2018, the Office for Regional Conference Ministries (ORCM) began the practice of providing paid summer internships for college students. Each year, two students are selected—one to work in a ministerial capacity in a conference and the other to work in a conference treasury position. The ministerial internship is as yet unnamed, but the conference treasury internship is named the Frank Jones Internship for the late, beloved first ORCM employee, Elder Frank Jones. The conferences receive a summer internship on a rotating basis. The idea is to give college students exposure to Regional Conferences and real job experience, and also to provide funds toward their college education. In turn, the conferences receive an extra worker for the summer and the opportunity to see how a potential worker would fit into the conference or their conference office prior to hiring them. This year, the Allegheny West Conference received a summer ministerial intern. And here is where the incredible story of Pastor Max Gomez begins—the story of how he went from being kicked out of academy to being brought into ministry. Pastor Gomez comes from Tampa, Florida. In the midst of a rather challenging high school career where he rather frequently got into trouble, he was given a choice between some military schools and Forest Lake Academy, which is just outside of Orlando, Florida. Not wanting to enroll in a military school, he chose Forest Lake. 34

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At the academy, he became acquainted with the person whose interest in him and influence on him would change his life—the Men’s Dormitory Dean, Sam Paschal, Jr.

At the academy, he became acquainted with the person whose interest in him and influence on him would change his life—the Men’s Dormitory Dean, Sam Paschal, Jr. Dean Paschal took an interest in Gomez, steering him away from the kind of trouble to which he had consistently gravitated to in Tampa. Or at least, he tried to do that. He was not always successful, as Gomez was twice suspended from Forest Lake. Ultimately, he was expelled from school. But the Lord intervened. While Dean Paschal felt that Max was guilty as charged, he also felt that the school was not correct in the way they handled the situation. In an unprecedented move, Dean Paschal went to the school administration and said, in effect: The way that this is being handled is wrong and if Gomez goes, I go. Forest Lake decided that both Dean Paschal and Gomez would stay. Gomez graduated from Forest Lake and decided to go back to Tampa and become a carpenter. He had neither interest in nor money for college. Once again, the Lord used Dean Paschal. Though he was no longer Gomez’s dean, he was still interested in his future. He called Gomez and asked him what his plans were. He encouraged him to apply at Oakwood University, a school that Gomez had never heard of until coming to Forest Lake. Gomez had no idea how his single mother had been able to

send him to Forest Lake, so there was no way he could imagine being able to afford college, nor was he even interested. He wanted to be a carpenter. But he made the fateful decision to put the God that he did not yet fully know to the test. “God,” he said, “If You are Who everyone says You are, get me into Oakwood University.” On August 17, he was declared fully financially cleared, though to this day, he cannot explain how. But there was one more problem; how would he get to Oakwood from Tampa? Once again, God used Dean Paschal. Right about the time Gomez was cleared, he received a call from Dean Paschal asking him about Oakwood. Max told him that he had the money for Oakwood but no way to get to Oakwood. “Be here in Orlando tomorrow morning,” Dean Paschal told him. The next day, Gomez’s mother dropped him off in Orlando. Dean Paschal put Gomez’s one suitcase and two backpacks in his vehicle and drove him 600-plus miles to the “School of the Prophets.”

When Gomez arrived, he met with his academic adviser, who asked him what his major was. He had given no thought to that. He had no plans to come to Oakwood in the first place, nor did he know what he was going to study now that he was there. The adviser read off some fields of study. When Max heard “Theology,” he decided on that, even though he had never heard of Theology and had no idea what it was. But God knew.

od continued working in Gomez’s heart. During his first term at Oakwood, he gave his heart to the Lord and was baptized. Every semester, the God that Max had challenged to get him into Oakwood made a way to keep him there, though when Max is asked how God did it, he still does not know. He finished Oakwood in four years. He became a spiritual leader on campus and when Allegheny West was given a ministerial internship from the ORCM last year, they decided to use those funds

not to hire him for the summer, but to hire him as a full-time pastor for their conference. They decided to plant a multicultural, young adult-oriented church in Columbus, Ohio, and sent two young leaders, Pastor John Coaxum and Pastor Max Gomez. Allegheny West is doing something unprecedented; planting that kind of church is virtually unheard of in a Regional Conference. But for the last five or six years, Pastor Gomez has watched God do the unprecedented and the unprovable in his life: from being kicked out of school to being brought into ministry. There is no doubt in Pastor Gomez’s mind that God is about to do the unprecedented and the improbable again. t _________________________ Dana C, Edmond is Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry (ORCM) and publisher for Regional Voice Magazine. REGIONAL VOICE

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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.

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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 Godsâ€™ 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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Regional News CAREER FAIR

The 2019 Regional Career Fair Opens Many Doors For the second year, Regional Conference officials spend valuable time with potential interns and employees. Photography by GIANNA SNELL

n October 23, 2019, the Office for Regional Conference Ministry (ORCM) and the Oakwood University Religion and Theology Department collaborated to sponsor the second ORCM/OU Religion and Theology Major Career Fair. This was part of an entire day designed to highlight the vital ministry of the Regional Conferences in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The idea originated with a conversation in the spring of 2018 between Dr. Dedrick Blue, then Dean of the Religion and Theology Department of Oakwood University; Mrs. Shelley Vaughn, Career Event Specialist for Oakwood University; and Elder Dana C. Edmond, Executive Director for ORCM. They advanced the idea that while the Regional Conference Presidents and their administrative teams came individually to Oakwood to interview prospective pastors for their conferences, the process would improve if all of the conferences could come at 40

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one time, on one specified day. The thought was that the students— some of whom came from either the West Coast or from outside the United States where there are no Regional Conferences—could learn more about them, while at the same time connecting with potential employers. The expressed goal was, “Put the people who are looking for jobs in front of the people who have jobs.” Vaughn and her team (Dr. Blue and Monte Newbill, President, Religion and Theology Forum) did an excellent job in planning the Career Fair and preparing the students for their interviews with the Regional Conference leaders. The Regional Presidents were so impressed, they requested that a second Career Fair be planned for 2019. And so it was that the ORCM/OU Career Fair-II came to be. The day began at 8:00 a.m. with a stirring devotional message from Elder Benjamin Jones, Jr., President of South Central Conference. The first round of interviews started 9:15 a.m. Most of

The thought was that the students—some of whom came from either the West Coast or from outside the United States where there are no Regional Conferences—could learn more about them, while at the same time connecting with potential employers. theRegional Conferences were represented by either the Conference President or someone from his administrative team. Additionally, the Vice President for Regional Affairs from the North Pacific Union came, along with a representative from Advent Health, based in Orlando, Florida, who came to interview potential chaplains. Lunch was held for the participants in

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Regional News

the Family Life Center of the Oakwood University SDA Church. In addition to having a good meal, this also gave the students opportunities to interact with the Conference leadersâ€”especially those they may not have had the opportunity to interview. After lunch, the interview process continued for approximately two and a half more hours. That evening, there was a second ORCM Prayer Meeting at the Oakwood University SDA Church. The leadership of the Regional Conferences directed Wednesday Night Prayer Service. That night, after the special music by Dynamic Praise, President Roger Bernard of the Central States Conference delivered the Word of God in a powerful and concise manner. And with that, ORCM/OU Career Fair-II came to an end. Plans have already begun to continue this event next year. t

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Regional News Update

Oakwood University Delegation Attends 2019 Communication Conference Reported by DWYANE CHEDDAR

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at SAC. I thought it was a successful trip as far as networking, but even more than that, it was a fun time. I got a chance to meet a lot of interesting and important people.” JEWELL THOMAS

he Society of Adventist Communicators held their 2019 conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and a group of Oakwood University Communication majors enjoyed the sessions. They were accompanied by two professors from their department, Dwyane Cheddar and Olson Perry. Two Oakwood students who have attended previous SAC conferences also repeated their roles as members of the camera crew for the meetings: Miss Courtney Curtis and Mr. Eian Kaine served with Mr. Cheddar for the duration of these meetings. Also attending the sessions were Ms. Audree Johnson, General Manager, WJOU-90.1 FM, and members of the Oakwood University Integrated Marketing and Public Relations staff—Dr. Maquisha Mullins, Ms. Debbe Millet, Ms. Amanda Pitt, Ms. Teymi Townsend, and Mr. Nathanael DeCanal. The rest of the Communication student group included: Miss Malia Colbert, Mr. Willie Davis, Miss Myra Graves, “SAC was beneficial for Mr. Andrew Marshall-Cook, Mr. Andrew Meredith, Miss me because I was able to Kristen Reid and Miss Jewell Thomas. t __________________________________________________ network with other Dwyane Cheddar, veteran broadcast professor, has produced historic documentaries and contemporary programming. He directs the Broadcast Journalism sequence in the Oakwood University Department of Communication.

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“My experience at SAC was really fun, and I learned a lot. I walked away with many new opportunities and a new outlook on my career.” MALIA COLBERT

Seventh-day Adventists. I was also motivated more to start preproduction of my own content.” MYRA GRAVES

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Black Caucus Feature

Make Room for Millennials—

Move Over!

By DA NA C. EDMON D

he North American Division Regional Black Caucus—an annual meeting that includes all the black Administrators from the Conferences, Unions, the Division and the General Conference—recently convened. Leaders came together to discuss and plan the work in Regional Conferences and our West Coast affiliates. In addition to this specific meeting, the officers of the Regional Conferences (i.e., the Presidents, the Conference Secretaries and Conference Treasurers; in some conferences, they are referred to as Vice Presidents for Administration and Finance, respectively) meet three other times per year. It was during one such meeting that some remarked that few Millennials were part of our leadership group. In response, the idea was pitched to the Regional Presidents and the West Coast Vice Presidents that when the Black Caucus meets, a new caucus would be added to the eight others that meet during these sessions: the ninth, a Millennial Caucus. Five others include the Presidents Caucus, the Secretaries Caucus, the Treasurers Caucus, the Ministerial Directors Caucus, and the Pastors Caucus. Each conference was asked to select a millennial representative from their constituents and to send them to Louisville, Kentucky, the location for the 2019 caucus. The conference was responsible for their representatives’ transportation, lodging and meals—a major investment, especially considering that each conference is already sending (on average) six to seven other people to this meeting. But the conferences deemed the investment of “getting Millennials to the table”—a phrase heard throughout the meeting—to be worth the cost. Each caucus spent approximately six to seven hours in the three days of sessions in their individual caucuses addressing issues and attending seminars specific to their particular groups. The Office for Regional Conference Ministry gives each caucus specific assignments to address on their agenda. The individual caucus chairs also have issues that they would 46 46

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The Office for Regional Conference Ministry gives each caucus specific assignments to address on their agenda.

like addressed. Additionally, there are presentations made to the entire group. On the first day of the sessions, the Millennial Caucus (which the millennials decided to change to the “NextGen” Caucus) presented to the larger group in the form of a panel discussion. NextGen shared how their age group viewed the Seventh-day

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Black Caucus Feature

the church to make sure that the NextGen group is appropriately represented at other denominational “tables.” I do not have hard numbers, but my suspicion is that the NextGen group is underrepresented at the decision-making levels of our church.

Adventist Church, how their age group viewed tithing, and what it would take to get them engaged and involved in the mission of the church, etc. A lively and candid discussion ensued before the groups separated into their individual caucuses for the day. As was stated earlier, a theme that was heard throughout the meeting was the NextGen’s appreciation for being invited to the meeting and everyone else’s appreciation for their attendance. Everyone came to the universal realization that having the NextGen Caucus at the leadership table brought mutual benefits. The next major challenge is, first of all: Where do we go from here? This cannot just be a feel-good event where everyone congratulates themselves for doing something that should have been done a long time ago and then make a return to stagnation. We have made the 48

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NextGen Caucus a permanent part of Black Caucus, but that is not enough. Now that we have brought them to the table, we have to make sure their voices are heard. One of the things that I hear in my travels around the country is that the NextGen group does not always feel that those in leadership are listening to them. Not only must we listen, but we also must act. What they are recommending must not die in some committee or in someone’s file cabinet. It is true that just because they (or anyone else) makes a recommendation, that does not mean that recommendation must be accepted; that is not how things work. But we do need to either take action on the things that they recommend or provide them with a reason as to why we will not act. Then, we have to encourage the rest of

ome of that is my generation’s fault. We have not been as intentional about making sure that the NextGen group is included. Too often, we have taken the easy way and relied on the people who we have always relied upon and asked these same people to do the same things that they have always done. I was talking with a pastor recently about a faithful member who I knew had been serving in a position for a long time—twenty years or more. I knew the member; in fact, she had served with me in one of the positions I had previously held. But is she still serving in that position only because she is faithful and doing a good job (and she is)? Or, is it because it is just easier to keep putting the same people in the same positions year after year? Or, has the very nice lady made it clear that she will not be so nice if the church puts someone else in “her” position? One of the hard lessons I have learned these past 41 years of ministry is that people say they want change until they actually have to change. People will say they are ready to step aside, but they never seem to quite get around to actually doing it. Getting the NextGen group to the table is often as simple as creating a mentorship relationship between a NextGen and an older person in a position. Other times, however, in order for the NextGen group to step up, some older person has to be willing to step aside. Sometimes, in order to get NextGen to the table, “My Gen” has to be willing to move over.

But while my generation needs to change, so do my younger brothers and sisters of NextGen. My experience is that while my generation has not been nearly as intentional in including NextGen, NextGen has been too willing to accept not being included. It is almost as if NextGen is saying, “You all don’t want us at the table. Fine, you can have the table!” The problem with that thinking is everyone loses. This church desperately needs the new ideas and the new thinking of the younger generations. We need the NextGen to keep us from doing the same things that we have done for 1,000 years, even when they stopped working 900 years ago. This church needs its young people. But young people need this church.

This church desperately needs the new ideas and the new thinking of the younger generations. For one thing, it is God’s church. And with all its faults (faults to which all of us contribute), the Bible says that Christ loves the church and gave His life for it. Notice that the Bible did not say Christ was so disgusted with all the things wrong with the church that He left it; the Bible did not say that Christ left the church at all. It says Christ loved the church, and that He gave His life for it. The Bible says that while He was on this earth, it was Jesus’ custom to go to church (Luke 4:16). And when that was written of Jesus, He was a millennial—thirty years old or so. This idea

that “if I don’t like what’s going on in the church, I can just pack up and leave,” flies in the face of Scripture and in the example of Christ Himself. Jesus didn’t leave the church, so who told any of us that we could? Church membership anywhere can be messy, hurtful, and political and all the other bad things we can think of—and that includes churches in every other denomination. What makes any of us think those kinds of things are strictly Adventist problems? They are not Adventist problems; they are human problems. And everywhere humans are—your church, your job, your home—there are going to be the kinds of problems that human beings bring.

hough those problems are going to be in the church, the good news is that God is there also. He is still in the business of taking people who are normal, sinful human beings and making them into people who are like Him. So let me close by saying to NextGen: We are committed to doing a better job of moving over and making sure that you have a place at that table. Don’t leave the church; help change the church. Help make it better. Pull up a chair at the table and help our church—your church— to be what God would have it to be. If you will do that, you will discover that by committing yourself to helping the church be what God would have it be, God will use that commitment to help you be all that He would have you be. t _______________________ Dana C, Edmond is Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry (ORCM) and publisher for Regional Voice Magazine.

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Hope Series

CHOSEN The 2019 International

Pathfinder Camporee Oshkosh, Wisconsin By SHANEKA L. PETERS

T Opening night ceremonies include fireworks at the 2019 Chosen International Pathfinder Camporee in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Photo by James Bokovoy

Thanks to a miracle from generous donors, New Change for Youth Pathfinder club from Kansas City, Kansas, participating in the parade on Aug. 14, was able to attend the 2019 Chosen International Pathfinder Camporee. Club director, Anna Coridan, is pictured on the right. Photo by Anthony White 50

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he International Pathfinder Camporee in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is an official event sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church that occurs every five years. Every camporee has a specific theme based on a Bible character. The theme for 2019 was “Chosen” and focused on the life of David (Shepherd, Servant and King). Almost 60, 000 Pathfinders from more than 100 countries camped at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) ground for nearly a week. Our club, the Truth Tabernacle Hummingbirds, worked extra hard to attend this event. Our journey from York, Pennsylvania, took four airplanes and buses to get there and home

Pastor Damian Chandler, evening speaker for the 2019 Chosen International Pathfinder Camporee, addresses more than 55,000 attendees, telling them they are “chosen” by God. Photo by James Bokovoy

again. Like so many others, we raised money and paid out of pocket to experience this event of hope and promise. Our club held two flea markets, coordinated a walk-a-thon, sent out letters for sponsors, collected coins, “Copper and Silver for Oshkosh,” and collected a host of monetary gifts and donations from our church family and friends to cover the costs of the 26 people who would attend. And after two years of planning, praying, hoping, trusting and working hard, everyone who signed up to attend the Pathfinder International Camporee, including family members, got the “all clear.” We had our funds, and we were on our way! Our journey began at 4:30 a.m., Monday, August 12, 2019, as we headed from Truth Tabernacle to Marshall Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) Airport in Baltimore, Maryland. We were all excited about the trip, but three of our Pathfinders were taking their first flights! Of the 26 in our group, only 10 had attended a previous Oshkosh event. Some attended the Forever Faithful Camporee in 2014. My own children were too young then; but now one of them was attending as a first time Pathfinder! The other club members were in awe at the magnitude of the event, the campground and their fellow campers once we arrived. We found our campsite and immediately got to work setting up what would be our “home” for the week. The Chosen camporee offered many activities to fill up an entire day. Camp life started early, usually around 6:30 a.m. We attended daily worship under the Allegheny East Conference tent. Then we decided what honors to pursue or activities to do between 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Each evening at 7:30, all the clubs in the entire campground congregated at the Main Stage. We enjoyed song service, which featured the song “Chosen,” saw videos of the day in review, heard a short message from the featured speaker, Pastor Damien Chandler, and then watched a major five-part production play on the life of David. Our club earned several honors: the Louisiana Purchase, Derby Pine Car, Gold Prospecting, Sanctuary and Origami. We completed activities such as attending the Creation and Pathfinder Museums to earn patches and pins. We even took

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Hope Series the opportunity to meet and greet Mr. Desmond Doss, Jr., son of Desmond Doss, the well-known Medal of Honor recipient and Conscientious Objector. That was awesome! And of course, there was the excitement of … Pin Trading! Pin trading was ongoing and gave us the opportunity to stop and talk to Pathfinders from everywhere, to trade pins and to get to know each other. I must admit, there were some awesome pins to trade and collect, and it was such fun getting to know someone new! The highlight of our trip was to witness three major events. As a Pathfinder Master Guide, my job is to help young Pathfinders gain a closer relationship with God that will ultimately lead them to make the biggest and best decision of their lives—to be baptized. On Wednesday, our club was blessed to witness four of our members, ages 10 through 12, go down in baptism and come up new creatures! One in our group, not an Adventist, made the same decision based on

the Spirit that rested on her during this experience. Hallelujah! As Pathfinders, we also broke two Guinness Book World Records during this camporee. We completed the largest Master Guide Scarf, which contained 2,252,544 stitches, and we formed the largest human cross that included 13,309 people. Our group was a part of the largest human cross, standing near the bottom right, outside border! It feels good to know that we were a part of history! After that momentous week, it was time to pack up and say goodbye to all of our friends at the Chosen camporee. We were excited to learn that in five years (2024) we could come back and learn about Moses during the “Believe in the Promise” International Camporee—that is unless Jesus returns first. We left Oshkosh with the hope that this would be a life changing experience for all who went, that our faith in God and each other would be strengthened, and that we could truly survive in the elements with

God’s help. We take the memories we made, the pins we collected, the knowledge learned and the experiences we had with us for life. We are Christians! We are Pathfinders! We are Chosen! t _______________________________________ Mrs. Shaneka L. Peters is an 8 Star Master Guide; Associate Director, Honor Coordinator and Master Guide Instructor at the Truth Tabernacle Hummingbirds Pathfinder Club in York, Pennsylvania.

Thousands of Pathfinders wave their cell phone lights as they sing the 2019 International Camporee theme song "Chosen." Roger and Ariel Lantigua, brothers from the Bowman Hills Pathfinder Club in Cleveland, Tennessee, won the theme song contest for the 2019 Chosen International Pathfinder Camporee. Photo by James Bokovoy

A Northeastern Conference Pathfinder is baptized by their pastor at the 2019 International Pathfinder Camporee. Photo by Sonja Hults 52

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Allegheny East Pathfinders participate in the drum corps drill competition at the 2019 Chosen International Camporee. Photo by Stephen Baker REGIONAL VOICE

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Regional Voice Legacy

Angels in Ebony Fly Again By Jill Edmond

his article is based on an interview with Mrs. Joan Tynes as she and her brother, Jacob Justiss, III, shared memories of their father, Dr. Jacob Justiss, Jr. Dr. Justiss is the author of Angels in Ebony, one of the very first books about Adventist African American history, published on January 1, 1975. Born on May 2, 1919, to Jacob Justiss, Sr. and Beatrice in Mt. Pleasant, Texas, Jacob Justiss, Jr. would have been 100 years old this past May 2, 2019. He had three sisters, Marie, Valarie and Juanita. Their father moved the Justiss family from Texas to Toledo, Ohio. Mrs. Tynes recalls being invited to Toledo 25 years ago to Morrison R. Waite High School where her fa54

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ther attended. She remembers him telling them that though segregation was prevalent, he attended school in a mostly Caucasian district. He shared that his classmates were German Jews, Irish and Polish, whom he described as some of the “smartest people on earth.” This required Dr. Justiss to dig into his books. Education was not taken lightly in his home. So when Mrs. Tynes returned to Toledo, it was quite a joy to see some of his kindergarten classmates who remembered “Jacob.” The high school honored her father in 1997 with the Distinguished Alumnae Award, an award presented to alumnae who have contributed significantly to society. The family came to become a part of the Seventh-day Adventist church. Elder Justiss had planned to attend Ohio State, but

his older sister, Marie, had begun taking Bible lessons from some Adventists. Marie’s brother thought “She was crazy,” but one lesson, the Sabbath, caught his attention. As a result, Marie was instrumental in witnessing to her brother, her sisters and her father. Mrs. Beatrice Justiss, Mrs. Tynes recalls, did not join the church until she reached her 70s. Dr. Justiss, instead of attending Ohio State, then went to Emmanuel Missionary College, which later became Andrews University. While in Michigan, he pastored several churches including the Inkster, Michigan, church where he was instrumental in building a church school. In 1945, Dr. Justiss decided to obtain his Master of Divinity Degree from Washington Seminary (before the seminary moved

to Andrews University). He was one of the first Blacks to receive this degree. Dr. Justiss garnered the title “Dr. History” based on his love and in-depth knowledge of the subject and his ability to make it come alive. Mrs. Tynes recalls that Elder John Wagner, desiring to meet the Christian educational needs of African American families on the East Coast, wanted to open an academy. During this period, Pine Forge Academy was founded. Elder Justiss became one of the first history teachers for the new school, from 1946-1948. From Pine Forge, he went on to teach history at Oakwood College. His accomplishments and milestones were many—Principal of the Washington Union Academy, the Allegheny Conference Secretary of the Missionary Volunteer (MV) Department, and highly sought after lecturer. Because of his extensive knowledge of Black history, he lectured at Pacific Union College, Andrews University, Oakwood College, several church Youth Federations and Howard University. His daughter, Joan, says of his sermons, “They were scholarly, vibrant and short!” Another great accomplishment was when he pastored and led the building project of the DuPont SDA Church in Washington, D.C. The plans for this structure were first-class and grand. They did not receive the support of the General Conference at first. However, the members of DuPont supported their pastor. Some took out second mortgages, loans and pledges to see this building project become a reality, with or without the sup-

port of the General Conference. Eventually, the General Conference did sign on with financial assistance and the DuPont church was completed.

e credited the experience of his early years of interaction with Caucasians during his education in Toledo, Ohio, with assisting him in being able to relate and communicate across racial lines. He established a good friendship with former General Conference President Neal Wilson who supported him in his social activism. The president influenced others to support these causes as well. Under consultation with Elder Wilson, Dr. Justiss started one of the first integrated churches in Washington, D.C.: The International Brotherhood Church. Dr. Justiss was not the only voice in his family who spoke for social activism. His sister, Valerie, was an influential voice on the committees that helped to organize Regional Conferences. When Dr. Justiss left the MV Secretariat, he began doctoral studies at Howard University. He also worked as a substitute teacher in inner-city schools. While teaching these children, he became more aware that African American children had no understanding of their history and he desperately wanted to correct that. Likewise, he knew that there were unsung African American heroes in the Adventist church who had pioneered for the cause of African American Adventists and he wanted to make sure the laity were made aware. Thus, Angels in Ebony was penned. The book is purposely concise. He commented with humor, “Everyone will not read a 500-page book like we will—and I want this read!” It may not

have a lot of pages, but it has had a lot of impact. Mrs. Joan Tynes has taken on the project of re-publishing Angels in Ebony. Upon his passing on April 23, 1978, there were a few copies left in circulation and in the family’s possession. Through the years, individuals have asked for copies for dissertations or to replace lost ones. Gradually she distributed all she had and simply ran out. She was approached by a few individuals, including Elder Charles E. Dudley, who asked when she was going to re-publish her father’s book. Finally, a family friend who had been close to her father, Col. Lawrence Washington, told her, “It was time.” He connected her with publisher and editor Fred Williamson and soon Angels in Ebony will be in circulation again on Amazon. She adds that she has included a page with some current day “Ebony Angels” who she believes her father would have also included. Dr. Justiss has left quite a legacy of rich history for us to read and absorb. When asked, “Is there anything you think your father would like to say to the current generation of African American Seventh-day Adventists?” Mrs. Tynes replied, “Look to your past for what you are standing on and look to your future for what you can do. And don’t let your circumstances of color, finance, social inequality and education stop you. Look back at these angels of ebony and don’t let anything stop you.” t

_______________________ Mrs. Jill Robinson Edmond has worked as a church school teacher and college professor. She is married to Elder Dana C. Edmond, Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry (ORCM) and publisher of Regional Voice Magazine. Mrs. Edmond first completed this profile as a report for the ORCM Website. Elder and Mrs. Edmond have two adult children and four grandchildren. REGIONAL VOICE

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