AW NAD 2012-1009

The International Paper for Seventh-day Adventists

Se p te m b e r 2 01 2

Families First

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In the

of the

Eye

Storm

One Believes

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When just

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North American Division | n a d

S e p te m b e r 2012

C O V E R

The International Paper for Seventh-day Adventists

Se p te mb e r 2012

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Families First

S T O R Y

A D V E N T I S T

Strong Families = Strong Churches

By Willie and Elaine Oliver

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In the

of the

Eye

Storm

When just One Believes

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Living with the people who know us best is the truest test of what it means to be a Christian.

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L I F E

By Karen Holford

The joy—and challenges—of reflecting Christ’s character to everyone.

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F U N D A M E N T A L

B E L I E F S

Love Is Patient, Love Is Kind

By David and Doris Lumpi

What better place to demonstrate these Christian virtues than in the home?

By Ted N. C. Wilson

Drawing strength from each other, as well as from God.

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S p irit

of

Pro p h e c y

Love, Light, and Joy

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D E V O T I O N A L

By Ellen G. White

Helping others helps us.

In the Eye of the Storm

V I S T A

Strong in His Power

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When Just One Believes

By Gerald A. Klingbeil

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N A D

Everyone needs an anchor.

F E A T U R E

Disciple-making Families

By Claudio Consuegra

Making disciples begins in the home.

D E PA RT M E N T S 3 W O R L D

R E P O R T

3 News Briefs 6 News Feature 10 A One-Day Church 11 NAD News 14 NAD Update

17 NAD Perspective 18 NAD Letters

19 W O R L D H E A L T H A Family Affair

43 B I B L E S T U D Y The Promised Revival

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I D E A

C o v e r

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Q U E S T I O N S A N S W E R E D

E X CH A N G E

Does All Mean All?

www.adventistworld.org Available in 13 languages online

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E a r w i c k e r

The Adventist World® (ISSN 1557-5519), one of the Adventist Review® family of publications, is printed monthly by the Review and Herald® Publishing Association. Copyright © 2012. Send address changes to Adventist World, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740. For information about advertising, contact Sean Bellman, 301-393-3054 (sbellman@rhpa.org). PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Vol. 8, No. 9, September 2012.

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WORLD REPORT

Herbert Blomstedt,

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L a r r y

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Adventist Conductor, Honored by Sweden’s Monarch

F i l e

ou can find the value and importance of a thing by learning how rare it is.

Since the first edition of Adventist World reached believers around the globe in September 2005, there have been only two “themed” editions of the 85 issues now published. In January 2011 most of that month’s edition was dedicated to a call to revival and reformation issued by the leadership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Millions of Adventists in more than 140 counties read the solemn appeal to seek the Lord with earnest, open hearts, and to prepare for the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

This seventh anniversary edition of Adventist World is dedicated to an equally vital topic—the Adventist family. As you browse these pages, you will find our focus unmistakable: the editorial staff of this magazine and the leaders of the world church are deliberately highlighting the most important building block of healthy, productive congregations. It’s again our prayer that millions of believers will take these words to heart—that they will pray for and work for strong, stable, nurturing Adventist families.

Healthy families were once the standard assumption of nations, communities, and churches. We naively thought that the virtue, training, commitments, and social strength characteristic of strong families would endure without education and hard work. The family itself would care for those things. But the tolls taken by wars, poverty, disease, media, culture, and urbanization have frayed the sacred bonds of the divinely ordained family. Now as never before we need the support and encouragement of other believers to keep our marriages strong, wisely parent our children, and build characters consistent with life in God’s eternal kingdom.

Pray your way through the pages that follow. In whatever life circumstances you now find yourself, hear the call to love and serve those related to you by blood—and the millions of believer families related to you by the blood of Jesus.

CLASSICAL LEADER: Adventist musician Herbert Blomstedt (left) was awarded Sweden’s Seraphim Medal in June for his contributions to the country’s musical and cultural landscape. Here, the veteran conductor accepts the Weniger Award for Excellence at the church’s Loma Linda University campus church in January.

■■ Maestro Herbert Blomstedt’s home country of Sweden recognized the veteran musician for his notable career as a symphony conductor.

King Carl XVI Gustaf recently awarded the Seraphim Medal to Blomstedt, a lifelong Seventh-day Adventist. A June 15, 2012, announcement from Sweden’s Royal Palace stated Blomstedt was recognized for “highly outstanding contributions within Swedish music.”

The medal is one of the country’s highest civilian honors.

Bestowed directly by the king, it recognizes “outstanding services of a humanitarian nature or of general benefit to society,” according to the Swedish Royal Court.

“I am of course delighted,” Blomstedt told the Adventist Church’s Swedish Union Conference, adding that while he typically downplays such recognition, this time is an exception.

Blomstedt conducted his first performance with the Royal Continued on next page

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To read Herbert Blomstedt’s cover story in Adventist Review visit: www.AdventistReview.org —reported by Rainer Refsback/TED News

Adventist Leaders Get Risk Management Insights ■■ Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders representing 18 countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe met in Cape

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ARM

Philharmonic Orchestra in 1954. During his career he held posts as chief conductor of the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, the Danish and Swedish Radio Symphony orchestras, Dresdner Staatskapelle, and the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra.

Over the years Blomstedt has generously contributed to the Adventist Church’s musical landscape, as well as its educational system.

Blomstedt also used his public spotlight to share his faith in God. “We who know Herbert personally also know how he has always seen his music as a way to bring glory to God and as a witness to the grace and majesty of our Creator,” said Bertil Wiklander, president of the church’s Trans-European Division (TED).

“He has more than once testified to how the secret of his success is his Christian faith and, in particular, the blessing of the Sabbath, which has brought him rest and recreation,” Wiklander said.

Blomstedt was unable to attend the June 15 medal ceremony at the Royal Palace of Stockholm because of a prior conducting appointment. The 85-year-old continues to maintain an active career, having led the National Symphony Orchestra, in Washington, D.C., in a series of concerts earlier this year, among other appointments.

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WORLD REPORT

RISK MANAGEMENT: Bob Kyte, president of Adventist Risk Management, addresses delegates at a seminar in Cape Town, South Africa.

Town, South Africa, in June to share ways to be better stewards of the resources of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Hosted by Adventist Risk Management (ARM), a church-owned company, the 250 attendees engaged in discussions and participated in seminars on practical risk-management issues such as coverage for church employees, volunteers, and activities, as well as transportation risks, internal controls, and fire safety. The ARM leadership team also presented specialty topics on legal, medical professional, and governance and executive liabilities.

The technical presentations, by R. Clifford Jones, associate dean of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, focused on Christian leadership and integrity.

“The focus of the entire conference was centered on stewardship and Christian leadership in managing all of the church’s resources,” said William Chunestudy, an ARM resource education specialist and conference organizer.

“There was a strong emphasis on the human resources of the church—how all ministries can work together to achieve the mission of the Adventist Church.”

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ARM president Bob Kyte during his welcome address entitled “It’s All About Ministry” encouraged church leaders to strive to find better ways to be wise stewards of the church’s resources and to find better ways to care for their staff and property.

“We live in challenging times.

Weather is unpredictable. Problems challenge the church in many ways,” said Kyte. “We must always take advantage of opportunities to learn how to better protect the resources of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.”

Kyte said ARM’s ministry was to protect the ministries of the Adventist Church through resources such as the international risk management conference.

Babcock University Opens Medical School ■■ A new Seventh-day Adventist school of medicine in Nigeria is the denomination’s first in Africa.

The Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., School of Medicine and Babcock University Teaching Hospital was inaugurated in June during commencement

U n i v e r s i t y

benchmarks for the medical school.

Health Ministries Department director Allan Handysides, who has supported medical mission work in Africa for decades, echoed BeardsleyHardy’s endorsement.

“I have seldom seen such remarkable progress in such short time at any of our other institutions. The team at Babcock has taken the suggestions and guidance given seriously, and the result is outstanding,” Handysides said.

Chairing the proceedings was Iheanyichukwu Okoro, BU senior vice president and provost of the College of Health and Medical Sciences, where the School of Medicine resides. Conspicuous among the assembled guests, and honoring the assembly with words of commendation and a commitment to continued partnership, was Kabiyesi Oba Michael Olufemi Mojeed Sonuga, king of Ilishan, the

B a b c o c k

services at church-owned Babcock University (BU) in Lagos, Nigeria.

Adventist education and health ministries officials say the new school signals a growing commitment by Africans to build self-sufficiency in addressing the sweeping public health challenges faced on the continent.

The launch of a medical school in Nigeria, while not an immediate fix, is “a clear start” toward a “health-care delivery system yet unrivaled in Africa,” said BU president James Makinde.

The School of Medicine operates out of Babcock University College of Health and Medical Sciences, which also includes Schools of Nursing and Public Health. Administrators say Schools of Pharmacy and Dentistry are on the horizon. The school is accredited to grant a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S.) degree, the first professional degree a medical student can earn studying at a university that follows the British model of post-secondary education.

The 37 students currently enrolled in the M.B.B.S. program have been studying since January, when Babcock University administrators first requested a public inauguration for the fledgling medical school. But at the time, the official launch was prevented by yet unmet accreditation requirements and unrest after the Nigerian government lifted a gas subsidy, said Lisa BeardsleyHardy, Education Department director for the Adventist world church.

“We needed to verify that [accrediting] conditions had been met. They have now been substantially met,” Beardsley-Hardy said. The infrastructure for the medical school is now nearly complete, she added.

Education Department officials worked closely with the world church’s Health Ministries Department to set

one who donated the land on which the medical school now stands.

Presenting the full endorsement of Nigeria’s National Universities Commission for BU’s new undertaking was Julius Okojie, executive secretary of the commission. His affirmation was illustrative of BU’s excellent relationship and close cooperation with its various publics, further indicated by greetings received from the chair of county local government Femi Adeniyi, the presence of the permanent secretary for the minister of labor and productivity Chief Wogu, as well as representatives of other state and private universities from around the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all across the African continent.

—reported by Lael Caesar, Adventist World associate editor, and Elizabeth Lechleitner and Ansel Oliver, Adventist News Network

AT DEDICATION CEREMONY—Dr. Ben Carson, left, and his wife, Candy, at dedication ceremonies for The Benjamin S. Carson School of Medicine and Babcock University Teaching Hospital outside of Lagos, Nigeria.

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WORLD REPORT

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10-day international Bible conference brought 304 Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders to key locations in Israel during the month of June 2012. But these Holy Land travelers brought home far more than photographs and souvenirs: they returned with an expanded understanding of the land of Jesus and the nature of humankind.

“Committed to a biblical worldview, more than 300 Adventist theologians and administrators from around the world gathered together to explore biblical, theological, historical, missiological, and scientific perspectives on anthropology, to foster fellowship and unity among theologians and among theologians and administrators, and to be better equipped to serve the Lord and His church,” a consensus statement, approved by delegates, read. “Through the study, discussion, and fellowship this conference provided, it was hoped that participants would experience a renewed sense of belonging and be stimulated to make further valuable contributions to the world church through their teaching and ministry.”

Delegates said they “also proclaim that the Adventist understanding of human nature and its denial of anthropological dualism is deeply rooted in and nurtured by biblical anthropology,” according to the statement, the full text of which is available online at http://bit.ly/MkxpBQ. Earlier, on June 11, delegates gathered in northern Israel to begin a period of theological discussion and study tours in a land many were seeing for the first time.

“The hope we have is what makes this conference so special,” said Ted N. C. Wilson, General Conference president, in brief remarks during an outdoor plenary session on the shores of the Gali-

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One Whole

Humanity

Third International Bible Conference focuses on biblical anthropology Mark A. Kellner, news editor, reporting from Jerusalem, Israel, with Adventist World staff lee, known in Hebrew as the Kinneret.

BRI director Artur Stele, also a general vice president of the world church, opened the conference with a plenary address. “Exploring the nature of anthropological dualism should be our work,” Stele asserted, adding that a proper understanding of the nature of humananity “touches on the relationship between a man and a woman” and on “the relationship of humans to modern technology.”

Stele added, “We need to explore the significance of biblical anthropology and how it impacts all of our doctrines.” Adventists are called to address the “challenge of world religions that are basically dualistic” in their view of humans, he reminded the delegates.

Morning devotionals beside the lake were also featured in the Galilee portion of the event. Euro-Asia Division president Guillermo Biaggi and South Pacific Division president Barry Oliver called delegates to personal connection with the Lord who once walked the shores of Galilee. Oliver reminded delegates that God, in the person of Jesus, “has been one with us

Adventist World - nad | September 2012

and [has been] one of us. Experiencing His presence is dependent on seeking His Person, and that can only be done through the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Speaking to a June 16, 2012, congregation of more than 300 Seventh-day Adventist educators, theologians, and administrators, Wilson called on educators “to lead a positive revolution on your campuses—a revolution back to the Bible with an historicist position and with an historical-biblical approach.”

His message (see sermon text at http://bit.ly/L2ERQj) also stressed the importance of the Adventist understanding of the sanctuary service, which, he said, holds the ultimate answer to the two distortions of Christian belief, legalism and “cheap grace.”

Delegates to the 10-day conference strongly affirmed the president’s challenge.

“I believe that his call is timely,” said Leslie Pollard, president of Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama. “On campuses everywhere we have an opportunity to make an impact on young lives. Oakwood University accepts this challenge.”

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DELEGATES GATHER (left): Some of the more than 300 Seventh-day Adventist scholars, theologians, educators, and administrators who gathered in Jerusalem, Israel, for the church’s Third International Bible Conference in June 2012. BROTHERS IN CHRIST (right): General Conference President Ted Wilson greets Raji Qumsiyah, a Seventh-day Adventist shopkeeper, on Manger Square in old Bethlehem.

Said Frank Hasel, Theology Department dean at Schloss Bogenhofen Seminary in Austria, “Ted Wilson’s message was not aiming at political correctness but had the heartbeat of a person who deeply cares for the spiritual health of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church. As a theologian, teacher, and dean I was encouraged to be a person who . . . will foster a deeper love for the Bible, igniting a positive spiritual revolution that receives its power from the living Word of God.” According to Ellen G. White Estate associate director Cindy Tutsch, Wilson’s sermon struck a responsive chord: “I appreciated Ted Wilson’s challenge to look to the Scriptures to find authoritative answers to questions of cosmology,” she said. “His emphasis on the sanctuary as the key to unlocking a deeper understanding of Jesus, including the relationship of the sanctuary to other Christ-centered doctrines, needs wider proclamation!”

Gilbert Wari, West-Central Africa Division president and board chair of Babcock University, pointed to the historical continuity of Wilson’s mes-

sage with classic Adventist statements: “This sermon, based on the teaching of the sanctuary, has reminded me and repositioned the Seventh-day Adventist Church and its mission to the world as understood and preached by the Adventist pioneers.”

After the morning worship with conference delegates, Wilson and his wife, Nancy, ventured across Jerusalem to connect with another special audience: hundreds of Adventists from around Israel anxious to meet the world church leader.

“It is a privilege to be here in this wonderful city,” Wilson said to hundreds of Adventists who came from all over Israel to the worship service. The congregation featured Israelis, Ethiopians, Russians, Moldovans, Filipinos, and others, a veritable United Nations-class gathering of believers.

Fresh from addressing theologians and scholars on the need for a Biblebased “revolution” in Adventist education, Wilson assured the congregation that while he was here to attend the conference, “I wanted to meet you, too.”

The Sabbath morning worship fol-

lowed the pattern of many Adventist services around the world, with the added flavor of songs in Hebrew and announcements and preaching translated into Russian, spoken by many in the congregation. Both Wilson and Julio Mendez, Jr., secretary-treasurer of the Israel Field, relied on Oleg Elkine to render their English into Russian, although Wilson, who spent two years as president of the EuroAsia Division, offered more than a few sentences in Russian as well.

Representing the world’s 17 million Seventh-day Adventists, Wilson met June 18, with Israel’s deputy foreign minister, the Honorable Danny Ayalon.

The session included an appreciation for the more than 300 Adventist theologians, scholars, and administrators visiting Israel for the Bible conference.

“We have known about the Seventh-day Adventists for a long time, and there is no doubt, I think, by anyone, that we share a common heritage and belief, and also a common destiny,” said Ayalon, who served for four and a half years as Israel’s ambassador to the United States. n

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By Ted N. C. Wilson

Strong in His

Power

B o t t n e r

Families strengthen the church and society

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am delighted that Adventist World has devoted its September 2012 issue to the family. The family is the backbone of society and the church. Families help bring stability and encouragement, and provide a strong foundation for accomplishing the work God has given us to do.

This strong foundation is built upon the Word of God, as illustrated in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount: “Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them. . . . He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.

And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock” (Luke 6:47, 48).

The Bible forms a strong platform for God’s instruction to the family as it faces the challenges of life.

When we have a strong connection with Christ, we are drawn to Him as the center of all good things, and that brings us closer together as families.

The spiritual emphasis of family worship, singing and praying together, brings about a spiritual connection that will withstand anything the family may face. More than just an overused phrase, “The family that prays together stays together” is really true!

In addition, we are blessed with inspired spiritual counsel through the writings of Ellen White. “God would have our families symbols of the family in heaven,” she wrote. “Let parents and children bear this in mind every day, relating themselves to one another as members of the family of God. Then their lives will be of such a character as to give to the world an object lesson of what families who love God and keep His commandments may be. Christ will be glorified; His peace and grace and love will pervade the family circle like a precious perfume” (Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Nov. 17, 1896).

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THREE GENERATIONS: Ted and Nancy Wilson share a moment with one of their three daughters, and one of their grandchildren.

Respecting One Another

We must also keep in mind the importance of husbands and wives showing great love and respect for each other. “Each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband,” Paul writes in Ephesians 5:33, NLT.* We have to treat our spouses with the love and respect that is indicated in the Scriptures. This is made possible as we submit our lives to the Lord and His power, and ask Him to help us as individuals and to guide our interactions with each other.

When religious theory finds a practical application shown in relationships and work activity in and outside of the home, the connection with Christ takes on new meaning; much more than a theoretical idea, it becomes the basis for living as a family that finds meaning in God’s power. With Christ as the foundation, the family is secure.

Importance of Communication

Communication is vital for healthy relationships, and the encouragement that comes from talking with family has a remedial power. As family members talk together, exchanging thoughts and ideas, it’s important that each person feels safe and comfortable discussing many subjects within the confines of the family. This type of open communication should continue throughout life. Strong loyalty and love for each other is a source of real strength.

Even though our three daughters are now married, we still stay in close contact with them and their families.

Today in some parts of the world, cell phones and other electronic devices provide easy ways to stay in contact with family members, especially when you live some distance apart.

Family traditions and a commitment to spending time together are also important. Hiking and mountain climbing are traditions that continue in our family. We enjoy being

When religious theory finds a practical application . . . , the connection with Christ takes on new meaning. together during special holiday times, such as Thanksgiving celebrations in November in the United States and Christmas in December. And we make sure to take time out of our busy schedules for some type of summer vacation together.

Families and the Church

Families are important because they are a reminder of God’s great love for us and of the wonderful privilege we have of belonging to the larger family of God. The wealth of blessing that comes when nurtured and nurturing families are integral parts of the local church is beyond estimation.

Having Christ-centered, closely connected families as part of the local church family provides a powerful backbone to the functioning of the church and its evangelistic outreach.

In turn, the church can nurture the family spiritually and socially; bringing strong support to family life that can be a great blessing. This is why the church has a Family Ministries Department, providing valuable resources that help support the family (visit them at family.adventist.org).

The local church provides nurture in a number of ways, such as forming family prayer groups, organizing activities that encourage families, and through the training of pastors and other church leaders. It can also pro-

vide counseling and education for families in need, abused women, parents wrestling with the challenges of raising children, and other challenging situations. Youth groups can be organized for encouragement of younger members of church families. Older members can adopt young families to mentor and encourage. Church members can learn the names of the youth in the church and bring encouragement as they address the young person by name and let them know they are praying for them.

The church is also a supportive place for those who have experienced broken family relationships. When the church family steps in to bring encouragement and hope, healing takes place and draws those who have experienced brokenness even closer to their church family and to Christ.

Singles and the Church

A warm, hospitable church family can also be a wonderful place for singles to worship, socialize, and feel at home—whatever their plans, or not, for marriage. However, if you are looking for a lifelong soul mate, church is one of the best places to be. I know, because that’s where I found mine!

When I was completing a Master of Science in Public Health degree at Loma Linda University, I usually worshipped at the University church. One Sabbath I entered the church with an older woman I had met at the hospital the day before and had invited to church. As we entered, I saw an open place next to a beautiful young woman, Nancy Vollmer, and her grandmother, Mrs. Marion Vollmer, whom I had known for years, since she and her husband, Dr. H. W. Vollmer, were good friends of my parents and grandparents. I had seen Nancy before, but had never met her. This all seemed like a providential opportunity.

I leaned over and greeted Mrs.

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Vollmer, hoping she would introduce me to Nancy. I learned later that Grandma Vollmer had whispered to Nancy, “That’s Teddy Wilson. Stick with me, and after church I’ll introduce you!” After visiting together in the foyer for some time after the service ended, I knew Nancy was someone I definitely wanted to get to know better! About a year later we became engaged when Nancy and I visited her parents in Asheville, North Carolina.

We learned that Grandma Vollmer and Grandma Wilson fasted and prayed that weekend since they knew we were visiting Nancy’s home together. Praying Christian families are really special.

A few months later we were married—37 years ago this month.

Du e r k s e n

In today’s world the biblical model of families is increasingly under attack. While society is pushing other models, as Seventh-day Adventists we must be foremost in defending the aspects and blessings of the biblically appointed, heterosexual marriage in a family setting.

Strong, vibrant Christian families can be a wonderful witness in their churches, neighborhoods, places of work and school, and in society as a whole. God wants families to be strong in His power, strengthening both the church and society, and sharing the glorious hope and good news of Christ’s soon return. n

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Families and Society

The Bride of Tola

* Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Ted N. C. Wilson is

president of the General Conference of Seventhday Adventists in Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A.

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“Don’t be late, or you could end up like the bride of Tola!”

It’s a common warning in Nicaragua—words that mothers throw at their daughters, and bosses call out to tardy employees. No one wants to end up like the bride of Tola, a young woman left at the altar when her fiancé abandoned her to marry his former girlfriend.

Arlin Tatiana is directora of the small but growing Seventh-day Adventist congregation in the town of Tola. The congregation’s current home is beneath a mango tree near the home of a member. They have been dreaming of and raising funds for a new church building.

“If we had a building close to town where young families could come and bring their children, we would have more than a hundred members,” said Tatiana. Almost all of the current 25 members are young, such as 24-year-old Tatiana, and eager for their church to serve their young friends and neighbors. Already 15 children are registered in Sabbath school.

Through a marvelous chain of miracles they had placed a small down payment on a plot of land near the center of town, part of a major new housing development.

“Hundreds of young families will live here, and they all will need our church,” said Tatiana’s READY TO BUILD (top): Arlin and Herhusband, Hermoso. “We have moso display the check that will allow been trying very hard to raise the them to buy property on which to build money to pay for the land, but we their new One-Day Church. ON SITE are still short more than US$5,000.

All our members are praying, as is (bottom): Arlin Tatiana speaks with the man who owns the land!”

Darrell Hardy about details for begin“The mission president says ning the project. that they have received a donation that might help us pay for the land,” added Tatiana. “But if we do not get the money soon, we will end up like the bride of Tola!”

That afternoon we visited the prospective church site with Darrell Hardy, Maranatha’s vice president for construction. He listened to Arlin and Hermoso, and made a couple calls on his cell phone.

“The mission treasurer has agreed to pay the full $5,000, and your first check is ready,” Darrell told the group under the mango tree. “I’ll put you on the list for a new One-Day Church. No bride of Tola for you!”

The One-Day Church program is a collaborative effort between the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI), and Maranatha Volunteers International. These stories come to you each month from Maranatha storyteller Dick Duerksen.

NAD NEWS

Pastor Receives

National Award

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oy Weeden, Iowa-Missouri Conference director for Adventist Community Services–Disaster Response in Missouri, was a featured speaker on Governor Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon’s Faith-based Initiative and Disaster Recovery tour. Weeden serves as chair of the Missouri Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), which includes 60 organizations in Missouri such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

Weeden spoke at five of the six stops, and presented information about the Adventist Church’s role in donations and volunteer management when disasters strike in the United States. He also encouraged cooperative and collaborative disaster responses between faith-based and other organizations.

On May 8 Weeden was honored at the annual VOAD National Conference with the VOAD of the Year Award on behalf of Missouri state chapter. “Four years ago I understood almost nothing concerning disaster response or what role the Adventist Church plays. Today I lead not only my church’s disaster response activities but the entire state of Missouri,” he said.

—Michelle Miracle, communication director, Iowa-Missouri Conference

NATIONAL RECOGNITION: Roy Weeden (left) receives the National VOAD of the Year Award at the 2012 annual conference in Virginia.

Loma Linda University Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine Receives Grant

HEALTH GRANT: The Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine on the campus of Loma Linda University recently received a grant of $5.9 million to study some of the most serious health challenges faced by minority populations.

■■ The Loma Linda University (LLU) Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine recently learned that funding by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been renewed with a grant of more than $5.9 million over the next five years.

The new funds will support research into type 2 diabetes, as well as breast and prostate cancer among minority populations. It will also facilitate student training programs already in place and enable the center C o n tCi nounet di noune dn eo xnt npeaxgte p a g e

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Vietnamese Church Breaks Ground for Mission Center ■■ “Eight years ago,” said Vinh Khac Nguyen, pastor of the El Monte Vietnamese church, “I had a vision to build a mission center here, so a couple of years back we started fund-raising.” Nguyen then pointed to a fund-raising chart and said, “Now we have $620,000 of the $1 million needed for the center. Praise God!” The center will be built on the church’s current parking lot. The church’s publishing ministry will support the mission of the center, providing literature, Bible lessons, and Sabbath school study guides in Vietnamese.

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to implement community-based health promotion efforts.

“This center and its continued funding enable Loma Linda University to expand its key commitments to education of young professionals and to serve our community,” said Richard Hart, president of LLU. “Developing minority professionals who can work on some of the most critical health challenges today is a necessity for our country, and Loma Linda is pleased to continue this effort.”

The LLU Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine is one of only a handful of centers nationwide recognized as an NIMHD Center of Excellence.

Over the next half decade the center plans to integrate public health approaches, as well as social and basic translational research methodology, into studying promising biomarkers for breast cancer, prostate cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

—Dustin R. Jones, Loma Linda University Health System

B i c h T r a n

W O RNL AD D R NE PE OWRST

BREAKING GROUND: El Monte Vietnamese church leaders and supporters participated in the groundbreaking. Left to right: Vinh Khac Nguyen, pastor; Bradford Newton, Pacific Union Conference executive secretary; Giao Cong Le, the church’s former pastor; Sung Oh and Larry L. Caviness, SCC treasurer and president, respectively; Hung Vinh Lam, Kim My Hguyen, Ron Seone, Rachel Tom, and Yen Hoang Le.

Nguyen spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Vietnamese mission center on June 9. An enthusiastic audience gathered, including many who had helped make it possible for the El Monte Vietnamese congregation to start and to grow.

“Pastor Nguyen had a dream about this mission center: that this church can do missionary work so that the work can be finished and Jesus will come,” said Larry L. Caviness, president of the Southern California Conference (SCC). “My challenge to you today is that you move ahead with the mission of the church. ‘Go therefore, and make disciples, and baptize.’ We have the promise of Jesus: ‘I will be with you until the very end.’ He is the power for what we do.”

Grateful members and friends gave gifts, including one gift that was a poignant reminder of what the church has meant to its members and leaders. Pastor Le Huu, the church’s first pastor, wanted to donate to the project, but he passed away weeks before the groundbreaking. Family members came forward to present $25,500 in his memory. By the end of the day the project fund

Adventist World - nad | September 2012

totaled $720,000, with more received at a later date.

“This day marks the beginning of the fulfillment of a dream,” said Ralph Watts, a former president of the Southern California Conference, as well as former president of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency. “As you build, remember the Bible’s important statement: ‘Unless the Lord builds the house, those that labor, labor in vain.’”

—Betty Cooney, Southern California Conference

Walla Walla University Supports the Training of Evangelists ■■ Students with an interest in leadership and a heart for evangelism can receive the training they need when they enroll in leadership classes at the Northwest Mission Institute (NMI) on the campus of Walla Walla University (WWU).

Funded separately from WWU, the NMI operates two training sessions, the most recent of which was the inaugural session, the NMI boot camp in Pasco, Washington, in June.

A ministry of the North Pacific Union Conference in partnership with WWU, the institute serves as a personal evangelism leadership training school with “a strong academic foundation, practical hands-on experience, and nonstop mentorship.” Graduates from the institute receive a Bible Worker Coordinator certificate that increases employment opportunities at the local church leadership level.

Jason Worf, NMI director, said the mission of the training school is “to develop people who can lead our churches in personal evangelism.” Students learn to effectively lead Bible studies, teach health evangelism, and train and motivate church members to do outreach evangelism. The program is open to both WWU students and individuals not enrolled at the university.

Church placement for NMI students places a priority on one-on-one time with pastors and elders. A plan is also being developed to allow thirdyear theology majors at WWU to enroll in the NMI program without having to reschedule classes or delay graduation.

David Thomas, dean of the School of Theology at WWU, sits on the NMI board and shared the benefits of the program. Bible workers and evangelists are part of a “group of people that Adventism has lost over the past 20 to 30 years,” doing what he calls “frontline work.” “I have been impressed,” he said.

To learn more about the program, see http://missioninstitute.org/.

—Rosa Jimenez, Walla Walla University

Churches Reach Kids in Indianapolis Public Schools ■■ Indianapolis churches are building community bonds by offering

Vacation Bible School-like classes in Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS). The low-income demographic represented in this school district creates an opportunity for Brownsburg and Chapel West churches, jointly called Brown Chapel Missions, to minister in a way once believed “off-limits.”

“Schools now realize they need the community,” said Nelson Silva, the program’s visionary, and a counselor for the IPS district adjudicator. “They don’t have enough funds to help these kids with educational needs, as well as social and developmental issues. They recognize a need for communities to supplement programs for the kids. As a result, some schools in the area have developed a ‘community-school’ philosophy,” said Silva.

The philosophy at William Penn IPS School 49 and Daniel Webster IPS School 46 is an open door to Brown Chapel Missions’ program, which includes three elements: development, discipleship, and mission.

“To minister, we need all three,” said Silva. “Often we forget about development; how kids become adults. Kids also need the same tools to become disciples.”

From a public perspective, the program is valued for providing mentors and social capital, two elements schools struggle to sustain without community involvement.

The development of strategies used in this program was accelerated through Silva’s pursuit of a Doctor of Ministry degree in family youth and culture. Silva’s studies pointed to reports that show 80 to 90 percent of students in IPS schools 49 and 46 come from families in poverty. Single parents lead most of those families, which adds to the deficit in social capital.

Last semester Brown Chapel Mis-

sions used three rooms in School 49’s facility. Kids from schools 49 and 46 are combined in the program. The program launched this past February with 74 registered students.

—Kortnye V. Hurst, Indiana Conference

TENDER LOVING CARE: More than 30 volunteers from the community and various churches give their time to mentor and love kids in IPS 46 and 49.

Next Month in North America Focus for October: Adventist Heritage October 6

Children’s Sabbath

October 7-13 Health Education Week (Vibrant Life) October 20 Spirit of Prophecy Sabbath

C o n27 t i n u e d oPathfinder n n e x t Sabbath page October

September 2012 | Adventist World - nad

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N A D U P D AT E

By Karen Pearson and Kim Peckham

Connected!

A network of weekly magazines connect, instruct, and inspire Adventists of all ages

G

reat visions often start with small beginnings. In 1849 a fledgling group of believers printed a thousand copies of an eightpage paper, The Present Truth (now Adventist Review), little imagining how one day their dream would soar.

Keeping Connected

Living in the digital age makes it difficult for us to understand the isolation felt by early Adventists. Often a tiny group of two or three families would meet on Sabbaths, and might go all year without a visit from a pastor or anyone else who shared their faith.

But every week their loneliness was broken by a visit from the Advent Review and Sabbath Herald. In 1864 D.

14

E. Gibson, a resident of Wisconsin, wrote, “The Review is a welcome messenger of present truth to us. As I read the communications from the scattered ones, it cheers my heart to press forward.”

The Review effectively kept Adventists connected across the country and around the world, and was the first of what would ultimately become a family of magazines to connect, instruct, and inspire Adventists of all ages.

Providing Instruction

In 1852 James White wrote in the first issue of the Youth’s Instructor (now Insight magazine) that “the young, at this day, are exposed to many evils and dangers, and they must have the right instruction to

Adventist World - nad | September 2012

enable them to know how to shun them.” Insight continues this tradition with advice columns that deal with everything from questions about dating to whether or not to get a tattoo.

Insight also features many teen authors who share God’s work in their lives. “Teens are very effective in reaching other teens,” says editor Dwain Esmond. “When kids write their stories, their testimonies carry infinitely more weight than what you or I could say.”

In 1890 Our Little Friend was launched for young children. “The ministry of Our Little Friend is to teach through stories,” says editor Aileen Andres Sox. “Studies show that we reason by stories. I love that God wired us that way.

“Through the vehicle of stories, Our Little Friend helps children understand their infinite value to Jesus; learn how to respond to God; show love to their family and friends; and serve others in their world.”

Sharing Inspiration

The baby boom of the 1950s called for new magazines for primaries and juniors. Primary Treasure targeted ages 7 to 9. Guide aimed for children from 10 to 14.

Aileen Andres Sox, Primary Treasure editor, shares a letter from a grateful mother: “I am amazed at how well my children have been able to grasp the principles of the stories and apply them to their own lives. My son has been inspired by Primary Treasure to empty his entire piggy bank for mission projects. As a beginning reader, my daughter loved the picture stories. We read them over and over, and she was thrilled when she was able to read all the ‘real’ words too.

She once used her birthday money to

‘buy something the whole family could enjoy,’ an idea she got from a Primary Treasure story. Both my children now use their birthdays every year to collect toys for homeless or hospitalized children instead of receiving gifts themselves. They got this idea from a story as well.”

Jane Thayer was a junior in a small town when Guide first appeared in 1953. “It had a subtle message that was very important to me as one of only two Adventist kids in a huge public school,” she says. “It let me know there were a lot of Adventists somewhere else. And it also told me this larger church cared for its kids. It cared enough to make this special magazine.”

“I’m addicted to the stories,” says Guide magazine reader Naomi. “They

are wonderful, and they lead me closer to Jesus.”

“We believe true stories are the very best way to connect with children at an age when they are making spiritual decisions that are likely to stay in place for the rest of their lives,” says Guide editor Randy Fishell.

The Larger Vision

From that original 1,000 print run of the Present Truth in 1849 to the millions of magazines that today find their way into thousands of Sabbath schools and homes each year, we have a powerful network of material that serves to connect, instruct, and inspire Seventh-day Adventists of all ages.

Every week church members hear the message that they are not alone—

that a great body of believers share their commitment to take the news of Jesus and His soon return. n

Our Little Friend http://www.ourlittlefriend.com/ Primary Treasure http://www.primarytreasure.com/ Guide http://guidemagazine.org/ Insight http://www.insightmagazine.org/ Adventist Review http://www.adventistreview.org/

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15

N A D P erspect i ve

Needed:

Men of Prayer

By Claudio Consuegra

A

fter 70 years of captivity in Babylon, the Israelite exiles were returning to Jerusalem.

Faced with the enormous task of rebuilding the city, its walls, and its Temple, and encountering persecution along the way, Nehemiah turned to God. He wrote: “So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven” (Neh. 1:4).

There seems to be a concerted effort in the media to undermine the role of men. Commercials, movies, and sitcoms in general portray men as dumb, clumsy, and weak. Changing roles in society are creating a crisis of identity among many young men who are turning to gangs, drugs, alcohol, and serial premarital sex. Some, in hopelessness, have ended their lives, with suicide being the third-leading cause of death in the United States, behind accidents and homicide, of people aged 15 to 24.1 While in the church calendar the first Sabbath of September is set aside as Men’s Ministries Day of Prayer, men of God have to dedicate daily time to pray for themselves and their families. Ellen White wrote, “There is need of Nehemiahs in the church today—not men who can pray and preach only, but men whose prayers and sermons are braced with firm and eager purpose. . . . The success attend-

ing Nehemiah’s efforts shows what prayer, faith, and wise, energetic action will accomplish.”2 Many men know how important their prayer life is, yet they don’t know how or where to begin. Here are a few ideas to help you take the first steps in this journey of communion with God: 1. Find your ideal time. Identify your optimal prayer time—morning, evening, midday—and make it a regular time of your schedule, “continuing steadfastly in prayer” (Rom. 12:12). In order to develop this new, healthy habit, set aside a few minutes each day for 30 days of regular time with God. Give it a try and see what happens. It will make a difference!

2. Find your ideal place. Find a quiet, private place without distractions. Although Jesus said, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father” (Matt.

6:6, NIV), you can pray anytime, anywhere—such as in the car, during work, while exercising. However, be intentional about setting aside a specific amount of undivided time for your conversation with God while you pray for yourself, as a man and priest of your home, as you intercede for your family.

3. Pray for each member of your family individually. Quick, “blanket” prayers are not sufficient; your family needs personal intercession for each member. First, pray for your wife; for her physical, emotional, and spiritual

health. Pray for protection, courage, and strength. Pray for any specific needs she has expressed to you. Second, pray for each of your children by name, according to their age and agerelated needs. Pray that they will be open to God’s leading in their lives; that they will respond to His promptings. Third, pray for your family circle.

Pray that God will keep you together through whatever challenges you may encounter. Fourth, pray that together you may reach out to others. Ministering together as a family is one of the most effective ways to instill spiritual principles in your children and keep them engaged in their spiritual lives.

E. M. Bounds wrote: “What the church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use—men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men.

He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men—men of prayer.”3 May you be such a man for your family, for your church, and for your community. As the old hymn challenged us: “Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone! Dare to have a purpose firm! Dare to make it known.”4 http://www.teensuicidestatistics.com/ 2 Ellen G. White, Christian Service (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1925), p. 177.

3 E. M. Bounds, Power Through Prayer (New York: Marshall Brothers), chap. 1.

4 Phillip P. Bliss, “Dare to Be a Daniel” (1873).

1

Claudio Consuegra, D.Min.,

is director of family, men’s, and single adult ministries for the North American Division of the Seventh-day C o n t i n Adventist u e d o n Church. next page

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nadLetters The International Paper for Seventh-day Adventists

June 2012

The article “Beyond the Expected,” by Bill Knott (June 2012), refers to Acts 10:44 when he writes, “The Spirit does a surprisT ing thing. He does not wait for the sermon to end, or even for the thought to finish. Suddenly . . . the [listeners become] the recipients.” How true this should be today. Suddenly!

The several times I attended a charismatic church, the pastor, at the last few minutes, the pastor would encourage those in the congregation who speak in tongues to do so, and that interpreters should get ready to interpret. I wondered at the time, Should the Holy Spirit, the author of gifts, need encouragement to step in as the gift was exercised? Should it not have been “suddenly”?

I remember overhearing an Adventist music leader, after Adventists decided to follow the “new” style of worship, saying to the other music group participants that the congregation would not welcome this type of music. The leader said to gradually lead the congregation, and in time they would accept it. So again, was the Holy Spirit really the one who encouraged genuine praise, suddenly?

I don’t fault anyone who steps out in faith to create a more worshipful atmosphere; I will always try to worship God in spirit and in truth (see John 4:23). The timely article by Knott is about what we are now waiting for. And I believe it’s called the latter rain. Suddenly!

Robert Rouillard Lakewood, Washington (faith.simple.)

8

Conflict

in the Church

Beyond the Expected

22

Distinct

But Indivisible

18

43

Transformed

hinking

Reaching in a New Way

Regarding Ted Wilson’s article “Reaching an Ancient Region in a New Way” (May 2012): I sincerely believe that God guided in the restructuring of the world divisions [of the church]. I was always puzzled when I had to go through European divisions to communicate with a Middle East country, namely Egypt. I grew up in Egypt, like “Pastor Ted,” so I identify with his fond recollection of the Middle Eastern culture, people, food, etc. There are beautiful, loving, hospitable people living in regions that God loves and wants to save.

About three years ago Wilson conducted an evangelistic meeting in Egypt’s Heliopolis church. The presentations were translated into Arabic, and many present were blessed, including me. Homer Trecartin, the new leader in this Greater Middle East Union, has great plans to develop health clinics/centers in various Middle East countries. I am sure other plans are specifically designed to reach the millions of Middle Easterners with their unique characteristics and needs.

Finally, just a word about the weekly Adventist Review. A week doesn’t go by that I don’t feel the urge to respond with a letter to the editor recognizing articles that are praiseworthy and thought-provoking. The Review should be sent free to every Adventist home for a week or two to show members what they have been missing. It just might advertise this “well-kept secret.”

Laurice Kafrouni Durrant Keene, Texas Thanks for your kind note about the Adventist Review! Readers can also sample some of the Review’s articles by visiting our Web site, www. adventistreview.org.—Editors.

Two Comments

I have two comments about the June 2012 issue of Adventist World: First, in the editorial “Celebrating the Gifts of Women,” Carla Baker

Adventist World - nad | September 2012

writes that some churches have elected to have women serve as head deacons and men’s ministries leaders. This is no cause for celebrating, but a reason to weep over the spiritual decline of men in the church.

In the interview with J. Alfred Johnson II, “Sharing the Great Hope,” it is stated that giving an unabridged version of The Great Controversy outside of a relational context has the capacity to raise more questions than answers. As one who found Christ through The Great Controversy, with only the Holy Spirit to help, I totally disagree. As Ellen White states on page 127 in Colporteur Ministry (and as shared in the article): “ I am more anxious to see a wide circulation for this book than for any others I have written; for in The Great Controversy, the last message of warning to the world is given more distinctly than in any of my other books.”

Maybe we should trust her word on this (see also Early Writings, p. 76).

Bill Boehm Montello, Wisconsin A Woman’s Place

I am writing in regard to Angel Manuel Rodríguez’s Bible Questions Answered column, “A Woman’s Place” (May 2012). For many years I wondered about this incident with Martha and Mary; that was when I was also able to prepare a large meal and serve guests.

I imagined Jesus saying, “Martha, Martha, don’t fret! Come, sit with your sister. I’ll be able to provide the meal for us. Surely you heard about the day the disciples assisted Me and we served 5,000 men with their families—and that was from a basket lunch brought/offered by a young boy. We have so little time to sit down together.”

Luz O. Venegas Angwin, California

m i g u e l

u g a l d e

g j e n e r o

A

s a n j a

Family

W O R L D

H E A L T H

Affair

Parents play a vital role in teenagers’ safety.

By Allan R. Handysides and Peter N. Landless NA t e

S t e i n e r

Our teenagers are learning to drive, and we have warned them of the dangers of alcohol and also the risk of being a passenger with someone who is driving under the influence. Are there other issues we should address in order to best equip them to become safe drivers?

T

here are many stresses for both parents and teenagers when driving instruction is taking place.

Some interesting findings on the topic were recently published in the United States from research done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).* Teen risk factors associated with motor vehicle accident fatalities actually declined between 1991 and 2011, specifically in regard to not wearing a seat belt and riding in a vehicle with a driver who had been drinking. It’s nevertheless sobering to note that one in three teen deaths is caused by auto accidents.

The same survey noted a 70 percent drop in the number of students who rode without a seat belt, and a 20 percent drop in those who traveled with a driver who had taken alcohol.

Between 1997 and 2011 there was a 53 percent decrease in the number of students who drove after drinking alcohol. These statistics are not ideal, but nevertheless denote a positive trend.

Technology Risks

In the first annual study of technology-associated risks, data from the 2010-2011 survey showed that one in

three teens sent a text message or an e-mail while driving within the previous 30 days of the survey. This attempt at multitasking is a cause of distraction and a major risk for drivers. The trend is occurring despite the fact that 44 states have passed laws banning texting and e-mailing while driving. Motor vehicle accidents, however, remain the number-one cause of death among teenagers. Caution and counsel your teenagers against texting and driving!

Although there are many benefits to the amazing communication technology available today, these advances have come at a price. We’re living in the most “connected” generation ever, but despite the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and instant messaging, in some respects young people are growing up emotionally and socially disconnected, with ever-decreasing “eye” contact!

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is also on the increase. This same technology-risk survey found that 16 percent of the students had been bullied via e-mail, chat rooms, Web sites, and instant or text messages, and that cyberbullying occurs most commonly among White females in tenth grade.

Tobacco and Marijuana Use

An analysis of additional data studied between 2009 and 2011 showed no significant drop in the current cigarette use among students (19 versus 18 percent); during the same time period, marijuana use increased among teenag-

ers from 21 to 23 percent, and has become more common than current cigarette use. These are worrying trends.

The Adult Connection

These statistics and data bring into sharp focus the importance of close connectedness between parents and teenagers in order to promote resilience and resistance to these at-risk behaviors.

In addition to the connectedness with adults of significance, teenagers need to be anchored to positive values, such as those found in committed Christian families. It’s vital for families to spend quality time together communicating, sharing, playing, and praying.

Young people need mentoring as well as encouragement to participate in service initiatives. These activities have been shown to further strengthen resilience, reduce at risk behaviors, and may even save lives on the road. It is, after all, a family affair. n * D. K. Eaton et al., “Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance— United States, 2011,” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Surveillance Summaries 61, no. 4 (June 8, 2012): 1-162.

Allan R. Handysides, a board-certified gynecologist, is director of the General Conference Health Ministries Department.

Peter N. Landless, a board-certified nuclear cardiologist, is an associate director of the General Conference Health Ministries Department.

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D E V O T I O N A L

By Gerald A. Klingbeil

Eye

In the

Storm

of the

Keeping our families off the rocks

I

magine a violent storm on the Mediterranean Sea some 2,000 years ago: a small wooden vessel desperately trying to stay afloat; sailors bailing out water, taking down the remains of a torn mainsail, rowing hard to reach their destination. In between the raging waves and angry clouds the hint of a coastline suddenly appears. It is both good news and bad news. Proximity to the coast means quieter waters and— hopefully—survival. It can, however, also mean treacherous rocks that may destroy the fragile boat and result in the loss of all life. The sea foams viciously; spray fills the air. The captain makes a desperate decision. Not knowing his exact position, he decides to let down the anchors in order to keep the boat from being crushed by rocks and reefs. Three, four sailors heave one, then two, finally three heavy stone anchors overboard. The ropes connecting the anchors to the boat tighten. Will they hold? Will the anchors keep the vessel from crushing into the rocks on the shoreline?

Ancient anchors are fascinating. They were heavy, they often contained inscriptions, and they served an important function in a time when maritime travel and commerce were vital to link regions that were difficult to reach by land. Some months ago I saw some Roman anchors at the site of Caesarea Maritima, the city built by Herod the Great on the coast of the Mediterranean, that got me thinking.

Stormy Relations

Elkanah knew storms—especially family storms.

After he had married Hannah, they had waited many years for the hoped-for child—but it never came. Without an heir and desperate to secure the future of his family, Elkanah finally took a second wife, Peninnah. She bore him children and constantly let Hannah, the first wife, know about it (1 Sam. 1:2, 6). At the same time Elkanah loved Hannah more than Peninnah (verses 4, 8). You

20

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remember the story: a recipe for stormy relationships and an unhappy family.

First Samuel 1 tells the story of the annual family visit to Shiloh, the place where the tabernacle was located and where every Israelite had to appear once a year to offer a sacrifice.

We find Hannah sobbing uncontrollably in the sanctuary (verse 10). Eli, the priest serving at the sanctuary, thinks that she is drunk and strongly reprimands her (verses 13, 14).

Soundlessly her mouth moves as she pours out her heartache before the Lord. And then it happens: “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head” (verse 11). In the midst of the storm Hannah throws out an anchor. Her vow is very specific and, considering Israelite law, needed to be ratified by her husband (Num. 30:7-9).

I wonder what she felt as she heard the assuring words of Eli the priest: “Go in peace” (1 Sam. 1:17). Did her heart leap?

Did hope let down a tiny shoot into the parched dry soil of her anguished heart? What did she tell Elkanah? We are not told—we know only that Elkanah did not veto her vow and that God did remember her (verses 19, 20).

Sunshine

At the end of every storm there is sunshine.

The birth of little Samuel (whose name means “God has

ANCHOR DOWN: Ancient anchors found during the underwater excavations of Caesarea Maritima, close to the Mediterranean Sea, in Israel.

most precious gift to the Giver of all gifts. She seems to know—intuitively and by experience—that this was God’s child and that He would take care of him.

Yes, God gave her more children (verse 21). And yes, she would see Samuel at least once a year when she brought his new robe that she had carefully spun, woven, and tailored during the quiet months at home (verse 19). But this was God’s child, called for a special purpose and enrolled in a unique training academy.

Our Anchor

heard”) must have brought sunshine and joy into Hannah’s and Elkanah’s life. God had truly heard their heart cry and they were ready to honor their promise. We are not too sure how long Israelite women generally nursed their children. According to ancient Near Eastern texts a child might not be weaned until 3 or 4 years old (cf. 2 Macc. 7:27).1 The years pass quickly, and Hannah spends her time judiciously with little Samuel. Pouring all her love and wisdom into a few short years, she lays a foundation that is rock-solid.

Hannah knew something about Shiloh that we, as readers, are only privy to know after she has delivered the child into Eli’s care at the sanctuary. As the narrative unfolds we are told that Eli’s sons—the next generation of priests— were “corrupt” men (1 Sam. 2:12-17).

Anchored in Love

How would you feel if you knew what Hannah knew about the situation at Shiloh? I think I would have tried to renegotiate the vow with God. After all, God cannot really be pleased knowing that a child will be subject to evil and wicked influences. Most likely Hannah could have negotiated a later date when Samuel was to come before the Lord. She could have even rationalized her way out of this vow using Bible texts.

And yet that’s not what she does. Since she has found her anchor in God and has spent three or four years building a solid foundation in Samuel’s heart, she returns her P h o t o

b y

G e r a l d

A .

K l i n g b e i l

These days families all over the world find themselves in heavy storms.

We keep so busy, and we never have sufficient time. We are so distracted and have a hard time understanding one another. We struggle to provide the best for our children and forget that our best has nothing to do with gadgets, cars, or costly vacations. We need an anchor that keeps us from crashing into the rocks surrounding our ship.

Hebrews 6:19 uses the anchor metaphor in an intriguing way: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain” (NIV).2 This hope is not built on people or things or even our faith and commitment. It holds on to Jesus, our high priest, who has entered the sanctuary to plead on our behalf.

Hannah hung on by faith—even when she faced the prospect of putting her God-given son into the hands of a weak, albeit well-meaning, old priest in Shiloh. Our families, the good ones, the average ones, the problematic or even dysfunctional ones, can hang on because they can claim the Anchor that holds them together and keeps them away from the rocks that threaten to destroy the vessel.

It’s time to let the anchor down—and hang on. n 1 David T. Tsumura, The First Book of Samuel, New International Commentary on the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2007), pp. 128, 129. Tsumura mentions the Egyptian “Instruction of Any.” 2 Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Gerald A. Klingbeil is an associate editor of

Adventist World. Together with his wife, Chantal, they enjoy watching their three daughters riding out the storms of teenagehood.

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21

A D V E N T I S T

L I F E

J

ason married Jenny after he left the church during his college years. Ten years later he came back.

Jenny, however, doesn’t believe in God, and she’s very worried about what Jason’s rediscovery of his faith will mean for their marriage.

Rachel joined her local Adventist church after a short, intensive evangelistic campaign. Her husband, Tom, was working night shifts at the time and couldn’t join her. He’s now very confused by her new faith and her “strange,” restricted lifestyle. He’s also concerned about the effect it’s having on his home life.

Pippa’s ex-husband has the children every other weekend. He takes them to his large and lively church on Sundays, and she takes them to her tiny, rural church on Sabbaths when they’re at home. Pippa tries to make Sabbaths special, but she knows the children prefer their dad’s church.

Ian and Helen married after graduating from their Adventist college.

Helen’s faith wavered when her father was fired from his ministerial position for sexual misconduct. She was horrified at his behavior and embarrassed to face other church members. Her trust in the church evaporated.

Although Ian attends church regularly, Helen hasn’t been to church for more than eight years.

Four different families in which only one partner or parent is an Adventist.

Four families struggling with the spiritual division in their home. How can we listen to their hopes and concerns and find ways to support them?

Their Concerns

Those who are “spiritually single” (Adventists married to partners who have a different faith or no faith at all) contend with a number of concerns: n They feel spiritually isolated because it’s difficult to be involved in church activities apart from Sabbath mornings.

22

When

By Karen Holford

ne Just O believes How can we support families when only one parent is an Adventist?

n Getting to church on Sabbath morning is also sometimes difficult, because of the needs and wishes of the other family members. n They often feel guilty for not being more involved, but attending numerous church events distresses their partners and sometimes leads to arguments and resentment. n Other church members are sometimes critical of the difficult decisions they have to make in order to balance church and family, and they feel judged, criticized, and misunderstood. n They want to invite their spouses and children to church activities and social events, but embarrassing and painful past experiences make them afraid to bring their family members along.

Their Hopes n They hope and pray that their partners and children will eventually come to church and choose to follow Jesus. n They hope that church leaders will plan events at which their whole family will feel comfortable. n They hope that church members will be more understanding, accepting, and sensitive to their unique situations and needs.

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The Non-Adventist Partner

In order to minister to the whole family, we need to understand the struggles and hopes of the nonAdventists too: n Maybe their diet has suddenly changed, and they don’t like being vegetarian. n Saturdays used to be family time, and now they spend it apart because they can’t find acceptable things to do together. n They no longer feel like they are the most important person in their partner’s life. n Church absorbs so much of their spouse’s time, money, and energy that they sometimes feel as if their spouse is having an affair with the church! n Things that seemed normal before—such as taking their children to ball games or shopping in the mall on Saturdays—now upset their partner or cause an argument. n They feel resentful and defensive when their lifestyle choices are judged and criticized by others.

What Can You Do?

There are spiritually single people in all our churches, so how can we determine their needs and ways to support them? And how might we

reach out sensitively to their spouses and children? Here are a few ideas: Nurture understanding. Invite spiritually single people to help other church members understand their issues. Ask them to talk about what life is like for them as well as their specific concerns, hopes, and prayer requests. Or they could compose a written list and share it anonymously with the pastor, leadership team, or wider congregation.

Listen. Be supportive and nonjudgmental. Spiritually single spouses are often managing a complicated balancing act between their loyalty to their partners and to their church. Respect the challenges they face, trust their judgment, and accept them wholeheartedly, even when you don’t totally understand the choices they make.

Consider the children. Imagine what it’s like for the children as they try to obey God as well as love, support, and respect two parents with very different beliefs, values, and lifestyles. They feel incredibly torn. They need love, understanding, and support. Don’t make them feel guilty for spending Sabbath with their nonAdventist parent from time to time.

Keep responsibilities minimal. Be careful not to place too many responsi-

bilities or stress on spiritually single members. Their partners may become resentful if they’re involved in too many church activities. Be understanding if they turn down a request to help.

Offer practical help. Along with praying for them, also offer practical help, such as financial assistance with enrolling their children in Adventist schools or sending them to summer camp. Provide help during times of personal crises, such as home damage following a storm, a car breakdown, illness, or unemployment.

Encourage group meetings. The spiritually single members in your church might like to get together once a month to talk, pray, and offer one another emotional and spiritual support.

Create visitor-friendly events. Ask the Adventist spouses what activities would attract their partners. Possibilities include sports days, hikes, camping trips, picnics, marriage seminars, and community service work. Provide social events at which non-Adventists will feel comfortable and accepted.

Practice hospitality. Encourage members to invite these families into their homes for a meal, or plan an outing together. When people know we care for them, it’s easier for them

to understand that God cares for them too.

Consider changes at church. Ask spiritually single members what might make church attendance attractive to their spouses, and be open to new ideas. What we learn from these families can help us become more welcoming to everyone in our communities.

Plan visitor programs. Make them interesting, welcoming, and jargonfree. Every church needs to look at its local church culture, traditions, and style of language from an outside perspective. We easily forget how strange some of our words and practices can seem to others. Some visitors feel very uncomfortable when there are public welcomes, very long prayers, heavy theological sermons, and hymns with archaic words.

Learn the interests and skills of the spouses and find creative ways to involve them in church projects. Perhaps they enjoy carpentry, cooking, or gardening. Maybe they have hobbies they could teach to Pathfinders. Or perhaps they could help with a special outreach or mission project. Find ways to help them feel appreciated, valued, and needed.

Wise Counsel

Finally, we all need to remember Peter’s advice to wives married to non-Christian husbands in 1 Peter 3:1-6. There he counsels to win them with kindness, gentleness, and loving characters, not by words and arguments. There’s no greater welcome and witness than helping someone feel loved, accepted, and wanted. n

Karen Holford is a family therapist and freelance writer living in Auchtermuchty, Scotland, where her husband is president of the Scottish Mission.

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C OV E R S T O RY

By Willie and Elaine Oliver

Strong Families = How are family

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amilies form the core of society and the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

And when strong and healthy marriages abound, the likelihood of multiplying strong and healthy families is greater. In solid families, children are discipled in the life of Christ, taught Bible principles of stewardship, and learn how to be positive witnesses in their environments. All these things bode well for making even stronger and healthier churches.

Scripture teaches us that marriage was the first institution established by God at Creation, and ever since the beginning of time the evil one has worked to destroy it. God’s plan for marriage was for it to be a permanent union between a man and a woman. It was to be the place where children are nurtured to love and serve God, where God-given gifts are developed and refinished, and where all members learn how to share the good news of salvation with neighbors and friends.

For more than 35 years the vision of the General Conference Family Ministries Department has been to boost families spiritually and relationally so that the church as a whole is strengthened. Thus, a number of initiatives have been put in place to help family ministries leaders and church members around the world accomplish specific goals.

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= Strong Churches ministries programs helping the world?

Each year a family ministries curriculum called a Planbook is produced and made available through AdventSource for use in the local church during Christian Home and Marriage Week in February and Family Togetherness Week in September. This resource includes sermons, workshops, children’s stories, reprinted articles, and book reviews, among many other resources, to aid churches around the world in their marriage and family strengthening initiatives.

The themes for the Family Ministries Planbook for 2010-2015 are consciously designed to integrate with the strategic plans of the worldwide church: 2012—Revival and Reformation: Families Reaching Up; 2013— Revival and Reformation: Families Reaching Out; 2014—Revival and Reformation: Families Reaching Across; 2015—Revival and Reformation: Families Reaching In. Marriage strengthening, training, and evangelism are among the most important initiatives that the Family Ministries Department will be pursuing in the immediate future. Marriage conferences have been conducted in several areas of the world. Most of the union conference directors of family ministries have been certified for conducting marriage conferences, and hundreds of local pastors and church leaders have learned the skills of

PREPARE/ENRICH, a leading resource for premarital education and marriage intervention.

Of special note is the family-tofamily evangelism concept now implemented in all 13 divisions of the world church. Family Ministries Department directors Willie and Elaine Oliver are making their commitment to this new kind of evangelism tangible by scheduling themselves for four family evangelism series in four world divisions during the next four years.

In September a new television series produced in conjunction with Hope TV—Family Talk—will begin airing on the church’s largest international television network.

In this special feature the unique work of the Family Ministries Department in five of the 13 divisions of the world church is highlighted with the prayer that something here will move you and your congregation to make a clear commitment to building and maintaining the most essential unit of the church—the family.

Initiatives That Make a Difference

In Spain, where 16,000 Adventist believers worship in a population of more than 46 million, the Adventist Association of Psychology Professionals (AAPP) unites psychologists, family counselors, psychiatric nurses, and

others in helping professions to dedicate their expertise to the service of the church. This organization offers seminars for building parenting skills, among other services, and works to prevent domestic violence.

Because preventing domestic abuse requires collaboration with other specialized ministries of the church, AAPP works in partnership with the Education, Children’s, and Youth Ministries departments, as well as the Ministerial Association. One of its major programs offers education on communication, healthy relationships, sexuality, and intimacy in the four secondary schools the Seventh-day Adventist Church operates in Spain.* Recognizing the special needs of Adventist teens and young adults in a society increasingly shaped by the promiscuous mediadriven lifestyle, the professionals of AAPP partner with parents, teachers, and pastors to offer education and provide guidance on interpersonal and family relationships, based on biblical principles of love and sexuality.

Another objective of this initiative is to provide reliable resources for members and leaders by creating a platform accessible to all family professionals where they can share materials, bibliography, and information.

No family can stand undefended, and AAPP exists to strengthen Adventist families in coping with both

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the everyday and the extraordinary challenges that all families encounter.

Ellen White said it best: “The circle of family and neighborhood duties is the very first field of effort for those who would work for the uplifting of their fellow men. . . . No work entrusted to human beings involves greater or more far-reaching results than does the work of fathers and mothers” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 351).

—Barna Magyarosi, Euro-Africa Division director of family ministries Fortifying Our Children

KID (Kids in Discipleship), a grassroots movement based in Collegedale, Tennessee, United States, has sent many positive ripples across the unorganized territories of the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD), where training has been made available in several locations in the past three years.

Making disciples has been a priority in the NSD for a number of years, and this emphasis is increasingly focused on the children who are both the hope and future of Adventism in this sprawling region of the world church.

The children’s and family ministries leaders in most of the NSD territories have been trained in KID, resulting in focused follow-through with both children and youth. In the unorganized territories Don MacLafferty, the founder of KID, has trained more than 220 children’s ministries

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leaders. As a result, leaders are employing this discipleship skillbuilding in multiple ways to reach children and youth. Children’s Sabbath schools, mothers’ groups, Pathfinder clubs, and other family-related ministries are using the resources and approach of KID, bringing both skills and joy to children, youth, parents, and leaders.

In a city in the south of the Northern Asia-Pacific Division a mother who has caught the vision of KID has been teaching it to other mothers so they too can have meaningful worship experiences with their children. Some parents who use this tool are not baptized members, so KID has become an

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outreach instrument as well. As the Word of God pierces the heart with its light, parents and children are being drawn to Jesus.

In one region where doing well in school is an important cultural focus, one mother reported that her children were upset with her constant nagging to study hard. During the first training session of KID this mother was impressed by the Holy Spirit to change her approach. She was captivated by the importance of developing the spirituality of her home, and brought her children to experience firsthand the lessons taught by KID in a second round of training. Starting regular family worship in her home

No work entrusted to human beings involves greater or more far-reaching results than does the work of fathers and mothers.

—The Ministry of Healing, p. 351

Left: Family Camp in Mongolia.

Below: PREPARE/ENRICH trainees with Simon Yin (center) at event in Hong Kong.

significantly improved relationships with her children.

The bigger miracle, however, was the answer to prayer regarding the Sabbath problems the children were facing in school. When the parents approached the school to exempt their children from Sabbath classes, the teachers not only agreed, but kindly offered extra lessons to the children. As a result, other members of this church were inspired to learn more about KID and to join the training sessions as well.

—Sally Lam-Phoon, Ph.D., Northern Asia-Pacific Division director of family ministries

Marriages Matter

The past two years have been exciting years for family ministries in the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID). Organizing under themes of “families reaching up” and “families reaching out,” some of the first-ever large-scale efforts to strengthen and nurture Adventist families have been launched. Of particular note have been the Journey Toward Intimacy (JTI) marriage conferences, facilitated

by General Conference Family Ministries Department directors Willie and Elaine Oliver.

The first JTI program was conducted in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, in July 2011. More than 250 couples braved the cold weather and participated in the daylong Sabbath event.

SID president Paul Ratsara was so impressed by the JTI event that he decided to include it as part of the division’s leadership summit taking place in Pretoria, South Africa, in February 2012. More than six hours were set aside for this special skillbuilding summit during the seminar, with all union officers and conference presidents, as well as division officers and directors. Spouses of the leaders were invited for the first time to be part of the summit because of the JTI marriage conference. The program made such a powerful impact on these couples that a decision was made to include marriagestrengthening segments in future

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In solid families, children are discipled in the life of Christ, taught Bible principles of stewardship, and learn how to be positive witnesses in their environments.

leadership summits, beginning with the 2013 event.

Immediately after the SID leadership summit, the Ministerial Association of the Southern Africa Union Conference in partnership with the union’s department of family ministries hosted a similar program for more than 250 pastoral couples in their territory. Pastoral marriages are challenged by the special stresses and pressures of public ministry and time demands, and union and division leaders have made a clear commitment to investing in building stronger ministry families.

—Jongimpi Papu, D.Min., Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division director of family ministries Real Results in Real Families

To encourage wider involvement in family ministries and to partner with other ministry leaders in the nurture and strengthening of families, a division-wide family ministries certification event was conducted at the Indra Regent Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, in March 2012. Nearly 500 individuals from every union in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division— including the division president, union presidents, several conference presidents, departmental directors from every level, and many lay leaders—participated. Attendees expressed deep appreciation for the training and the well-developed manuals that guided the discussions,

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as well as the Bible-based principles and high spiritual tone of the presentations.

Almost 40 percent of the event participants were administrators and departmental directors and their spouses from some level of church leadership. Members thus come to understand that marriage enrichment events are both credible and encouraged, and their own willingness to attend to build marriage skills increases as a result.

Recently a mother from the Philippines who attended the Bangkok certification event received the devastating news that her teenage daughter had attempted to commit suicide. The information shocked her. She and her physician husband are active members in the church, and she had not imagined that this kind of crisis could ever happen in her family. She testified that the information she learned at the family ministries certification conference gave her a perspective that prepared her to better handle this painful discovery of her daughter’s fear and depression.

Today this family enjoys a more fulfilled and meaningful life because of the training received, and they are using that blessing to reach other families with the good news of God’s grace through Jesus Christ.

—Miriam Andres, Ed.D., C.F.L.E., Southern Asia-Pacific Division director of family ministries

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We Are People Who Can Help

Few world regions of the Seventhday Adventist Church face the pervasive cultural secularity and postmodern mind-set as much as the TransEuropean Division (TED). Ranging across 23 nations from the Arctic Circle to the sunny Mediterranean, the TED’s percentage of Adventists to population is less than half of 1 percent (81,934 out of 202,879,000). The nonreligious worldview of most of the region’s inhabitants make it all the more crucial that Adventist families

bear a quiet but effective witness to the values of the gospel.

Within this context the Department of Family Ministries has employed a number of key initiatives to advance the cause of Jesus on earth and help usher in the kingdom of grace.

When marriages are devitalized, family life is fraught with unhappi-

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Above: March 2012 Bangkok, Thailand Southern Asia-Pacific Division Journey Toward Intimacy marriage conference ercommitment ceremony: L-R Willie and Elaine Oliver (GC FM); Albert and Helen Gulfan (SSD president and director WM); Pastor and Miriam Andres (SSD FM); Pamela and Claudio Consuegra (NAD FM).

Left: Pearl Ndumo, Elaine Oliver, and Patricia Blose at the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division Journey Toward Intimacy event.

Below: Marriage Enrichment retreat weekend in the Netherlands.

ness, emotional pain, and diminished spiritual health. But when there is revival in a person’s spiritual life, they are more likely to experience healthier relationships across the board, making them more viable disciples and witnesses of Jesus Christ.

Gabor Mihalec, a pastor and family therapist, is director of family ministries for the Hungarian Union.

Mihalec’s work with communities in and out of the Adventist Church has built bridges within Hungarian society, raising awareness about who Seventh-day Adventists are.

In 2011 Mihalec created a weeklong camp for married couples. Sixty percent of those attending were not Adventists. Out of this effort emerged the Connect Club, a group that meets once a quarter in Adventist churches.

Various topics on marriage dynamics are presented by a number of speakers. Because it is a one-day event, it is easier for individuals to participate, and often upwards of 30 percent of attendees are nonmembers.

Because marriage can be challenging to people everywhere, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is gaining notoriety in Hungary as a place where men and women can receive meaningful help for the struggles they face.

—Clair Sanches-Schutte, TransEuropean Division director of family ministries * Colegio Timon, Madrid; Colegio Urgell, in Barcelona; Colegio Sagunto; and Colegio Rigel, in Saragossa.

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F U N D A M E N T A L

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e knew each other for 19 years before we said yes to each other.

We were 5 and 7 years old when we first met.

For many years we were like brother and sister until the day we realized that we loved each other so much that we never wanted to be separated again.

Today, looking back over the past nine years of walking together, we can see beautiful green valleys, but also moments when we passed through a dry and stony desert.

A family can be a haven of love, happiness, and intimacy, where the character and self-esteem of spouses and children can develop in a safe environment. Yet for others, the mere mention of the word “family” can cause fear, rage, or sorrow because of painful experiences.

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Ellen White describes these glorious moments fittingly: “The holy pair united with them [the birds] and raised their voices in harmonious songs of love, praise, and adoration to the Father and His dear Son for the tokens of love which surrounded them. They recognized the order and harmony of creation, which spoke of wisdom and knowledge that were infinite.”1 Crisis

We don’t know how long Adam and Eve were in that beautiful garden before sin entered this world. It not only affected their relationship with God—it also shook their marriage. Yes, they enjoyed perfect love; yet right after they had sinned, Adam accused both God and Eve (Gen. 3:12).

Both Adam and Eve tried to protect themselves at the expense of the other. Their selfinterest gives evidence of the crisis that occurred at that moment in their relationship.

Since then, we face similar challenges in our marriages because many times we focus on ourselves instead of gratefully putting the other ahead of ourselves. The number of divorces are skyrocketing all around the world. Adultery has become the new “normal” in today’s society. And yet there is Jesus’ explicit statement in Matthew 19:6 reminding us of God’s original plan: “What God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Note this important commentary by Ellen White: “Though difficulties, perplexities, and discouragements may arise, let neither husband nor wife harbor the thought that their union is a mistake or a disappointment.”2 Many people are thrilled when they find “the love of their life,” but forget that marriage requires a true partnership and the willingness to give, take, and work on the relationship.

Love Is Patient, Love IsKind

By David and Doris Lumpi

Creation

Marriage is one of God’s original gifts—given in the Garden of Eden—that He has preserved throughout the ages. God created this loving companionship to give us a sense of belonging and joy. It serves also as a teaching tool to help us understand God’s unconditional love toward us.

God wanted Adam to be happy and fulfilled, so He created a counterpart (Gen. 2:18-21). When Adam woke up from his Friday afternoon nap, he was absolutely sure that the woman in front of him belonged to him. Seeing the woman the first time, he exclaimed: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Gen. 2:23).

On that Friday afternoon of Creation week began the first love story.

When we try to portray the first days Adam and Eve spent together as they enjoyed the creatures, discovered new places, and explored the beauty of creation, we can imagine how happy and thankful they must have been.

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Chance

Wedding bells are ringing, everything is in place; the audience is waiting for the bride and groom to walk down the aisle. The music starts playing. A sermon full of biblical advice completes the ceremony, and a man and a woman are finally declared husband and wife.

In Ecclesiastes 4:12 we find the concept of the “cord of three strands,” and we love to use this text for weddings. It

emphasizes the important principle of sticking together and not separating from each other. It can be applied to God as well as to spouses. When we learn to live this principle in our daily life, our families will become a place of true happiness, understanding, and safety.

French author Antoine de Saint Exupéry once said: “To love is not to look at one another: it is to look, together, in the same direction.” This advice is rather important to us.

Amos 3:3 hints at the same principle: “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” Of course we love the beauty of our spouse; we cherish their keen intellect or kind spirit; but it is similarly important to look at the objectives for the future, to have similar values and motives, and to share the same faith (Deut. 7:3, 4).

Today life is keeping us very busy. Work, hobbies, household, kids, and many appointments overwhelm us so that we find ourselves running from one event to the next—with almost no break to take a deep breath. But if we’ve agreed to walk with God, we also need to find the time to talk with God. We remember hearing a pastor saying: “People who pray together stay together!” There was a time we were both so busy with our jobs that our conversations contained only the necessary information needed to run the family. We realized that we needed to pause and find some time together, during which we could talk about what had touched our hearts throughout the day. We shared our struggles and joys and brought them before God. In this time of reflection and prayer we learned to listen to each other and were refreshed by God. We learned to seek for qualities in our spouse’s character and began to forgive each other.

Sometimes we hurt our spouse or get hurt by them.

But Ephesians 4:26 gives an excellent counsel for every marriage: “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” (NIV).3 Before we go to bed we should ask for forgiveness. Our sleep will be sound and the start of the new day will not be clouded, but bright and beautiful.

The way we treat each other will be a great example for our kids and the people who live around us. There is an Italian saying: “la vita è bella”—“life is beautiful.” And we would like to add “il matrimonio è bello”— “marriage is beautiful.”

After all, love is not only a feeling—it is a principle.

“Love is patient, love is kind” (1 Cor. 13:4, NIV). n 1 Ellen G. White, The Story of Redemption (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1947), p. 22.

2 Ellen G. White, The Adventist Home (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1952), p.

106.

3 Scripture quotations credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Mandarriage the

Family

Marriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman in loving companionship. For the Christian a marriage commitment is to God as well as to the spouse, and should be entered into only between partners who share a common faith. Mutual love, honor, respect, and responsibility are the fabric of this relationship, which is to reflect the love, sanctity, closeness, and permanence of the relationship between Christ and His church. Regarding divorce, Jesus taught that the person who divorces a spouse, except for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery. Although some family relationships may fall short of the ideal, marriage partners who fully commit themselves to each other in Christ may achieve loving unity through the guidance of the Spirit and the nurture of the church. God blesses the family and intends that its members shall assist each other toward complete maturity. Parents are to bring up their children to love and obey the Lord. By their example and their words they are to teach them that Christ is a loving disciplinarian, ever tender and caring, who wants them to become members of His body, the family of God. Increasing family closeness is one of the earmarks of the final gospel message. (Gen. 2:18-25; Matt. 19:3-9; John 2:1-11; 2 Cor. 6:14; Eph. 5:21-33; Matt. 5:31, 32; Mark 10:11, 12; Luke 16:18; 1 Cor. 7:10, 11; Ex. 20:12; Eph. 6:1-4; Deut.

6:5-9; Prov. 22:6; Mal. 4:5, 6.)

At the writing of this article David and Doris Lumpi served together with their daughters Lorna Joy and Lina Grace at Asia-Pacific International University, Thailand. They have now returned home to Austria.

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S P I R I T

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sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth. Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.

Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nation are idols; but the Lord made the heavens. Honour and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. . . . Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth� (Ps. 96).

I think we have something to be thankful for. We ought to be glad, and rejoice in God; for He has given us many mercies. . . . But I fear too many of us encourage the habit of looking always upon the dark side of life, and that at a time when God has crowned us with His goodness and mercy. This is wrong. . . .

When God pours His blessings into our hearts,

By Ellen G. White we should not shut them up as we would precious ointment, lest the perfume escape; we should bestow them upon those around us, that they also may be glad and rejoice.

In my experience I have found that when I brought joy to the hearts of others, my own soul rejoiced, and was filled with the melting Spirit of earthly, that temporal affairs will sink into insignificance God. In the morning and all through the day, a sense of in comparison.

God’s goodness filled my heart, and it awakened such feelWe do not regard divine things as of high value; and by ings of gratitude as I cannot express. . . . neglecting to train the mind to prize eternal things more We should individually aim for a higher and holier than earthly, we lose a valuable experience. We fail to standard. The mind will surely become dwarfed if it is obtain the wisdom God has brought within our reach. continually occupied with earthly things. But if trained Suppose we change this order of things, and begin from to dwell upon heavenly, eternal themes, it will be today to train the thoughts to dwell upon the great plan of expanded, elevated, and strengthened. The mind should salvation, devoting less time to self-serving. Suppose you take hold of things unseen, and meditate thereon; then try to count all your blessings. . . . things of eternal interest will be so exalted above the

, Light, LAove heaven-like home

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The first missionary work is to see that love, light, and joy come into the home circle.

Look away from your own trials and difficulties. Cease to magnify your little grievances. Put all thoughts of self out of your heart. Cease self-service, and serve the only true and living God. Let His melody be in your heart, and His praises on your lips. The blessings of God are more than the hairs of our head, more than the sands of the seashore. Meditate upon His love and care for us, and may it inspire you with love that trials cannot interrupt nor afflictions quench. . . .

Parents, do not neglect to impart to your children the very education they should have. . . . The children should be educated to look to God as the giver of life, their protector and their preserver, and to come to Him with an offering for all His favors. Every opportunity should be employed to implant in their hearts right views of God and His love for us. Nothing should be done to foster in them vanity, self-esteem, or pride. Teach them to review the past year of their life, to consider whether they would be glad to meet its record just as it stands in the books of heaven.

Encourage in them serious thoughts, whether their deportment, their words, their works, are of a character pleasing

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to God. Have they been making their lives more like Jesus, beautiful and lovely in the sight of God? Teach them the knowledge of the Lord, His ways, His precepts. “Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” We want the children to learn to look away from self to heavenly things. . . .

There are a great many who seem to have a great burden to do missionary work; but I have thought that if such would only begin in their own households, it would be the

very best thing they could do. Whenever you take up the duty that lies nearest you, then God will bless you, and hear your prayers. There are too many doing outside missionary work, while their own households are left destitute of any such efforts, going to ruin through neglect. They do not seem to understand that it should be their first work to take heed to home duties.

The first missionary work is to see that love, light, and joy come into the home circle. Let us not be looking for some great temperance or missionary work to do until we have first done the duties at home. Every morning we should think, What kind act can I do today? What tender word can I speak? Kind words at home are blessed sunshine. The husband needs them, the wife needs them, the children need them. . . .

How easy it might be for us to bring sunshine, mellow and beautiful, right into our homes, if our hearts were filled with the grace of God! This may be done by kind words and loving ministrations. If there had been more of them in the past, I believe that more of us would have come into this house with the praise of God in their hearts for His loving-kindness unto us and ours.

It ought to be the desire of every heart to make as much heaven below as possible. We ought to be just before we are generous. There needs to be a home religion, a home thanksgiving. There needs to be the very soul of a pure life right at home. Then when you come to such a place as this, you will make melody to God in your hearts. They would be full of the tenderness of love. You could speak of the mercy and love and goodness of Christ in your soul. Your hearts would be full of melody all the day. Your song would be, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” This kind of piety is of some value.

There is a great deal of meetinghouse religion; but there is little home religion. Cultivate it, that when you come into the house of God, you will love to talk of Jesus. You cannot make your tongue be silent. The love of Jesus will be like fire shut up in your bones. n This article is a selection taken from a “Thanksgiving Sermon,” delivered by Ellen G. White at the Dime Tabernacle in Battle Creek, Michigan, U.S.A., on November 27, 1884, and published in the December 23, 1884, Advent Review and Sabbath Herald.

Seventh-day Adventists believe that Ellen G. White (1827-1915) exercised the biblical gift of prophecy during more than 70 years of public ministry.

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N A D F E AT U R E

DTheisciple-making home is where love speaks

By Claudio Consuegra

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P h o t o

b y

M a r z a n n a

S y n c e r z

A

s Jesus was preparing to leave His disciples to return to His Father in heaven, He left them with a mission, indeed—a command—to “go, make disciples” (Matt. 28:18-20). The early Christian church took that command very seriously, fanning out from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the known world. By the end of the first century Paul would write to the Romans that their faith was spoken of in the whole world (Rom. 1:8).

Over the past 2,000 years since Jesus expressed His gospel commission, millions, perhaps billions, of people around the world have become His disciples, thanks to the work of many who have taken to heart those words of Jesus. Many have been led to the foot of the cross and have become disciples of Jesus through the efforts of public and personal evangelism.

Sadly, however, countless of those have left its ranks, many of them shortly after being baptized.

Children of church members have also left the fold, to the dismay and deep sorrow of their parents. Some

Families and acts.

He included us as individuals, families, and congregations in that endeavor. How can we have disciple-making families?

Preparing for Marriage

Just as a garden has to have proper preparation (tilling, weeding, planting, etc.) if it is to bear good fruit, a disciplemaking family begins with good, solid preparation for marriage.

Someone said that people spend more time preparing to get their driver’s license than they do preparing for marriage.

Research shows that premarital preparation can reduce the divorce rate by 30 percent. Couples who participate in a premarital program, such as PREPARE,1 significantly increase their couple satisfaction.

Premarital counseling also increases the likelihood that a couple will seek out and use future marital and family services at the first signs of mental distress compared to couples who had not had premarital counseling.2 Proper marriage preparation also involves spending enough time getting to know each other and each other’s families. The first year of dating should be called the Halloween year because the couple wears emotional masks that prevent them from seeing the other person completely for who they are. That’s why it is recommended that a couple date at least one year to allow them to really get to know each other.

Proximity is also important. Longdistance relationships may not allow the couple the interaction that allows them to get to know the other person as thoroughly as they should.

During this time it is also important that they spend time with each other’s family and observe how they relate to each other, how they treat their parents and other members of the family, and how they communicate and resolve conflict.

families in the church have become very fragile, and in some instances have broken up, leaving vulnerable children confused and without the spiritual guidance they so desperately need during the time they should be discipled by their parents. Love Your Spouse Because faith is caught, not just When Jesus left the disciples with the command to “go, make disciples,” taught, the relationship that exists

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between spouses can determine in great part what children will one day come to believe and do. Among the loving actions that pay great dividends are spouses praying for each other.

These prayers, to have even more power than quiet, intercessory prayers, should be made out loud, in the presence of their spouse, as they kneel for their daily devotional time. There is tremendous affirming power when one hears a spouse pray on our behalf!

Ellen White wrote to husbands: “Husbands should be careful, attentive, constant, faithful, and compassionate. They should manifest love and sympathy.”3 To couples she wrote: “Make Christ first and last and best in everything. Constantly behold Him, and your love for Him will daily

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become deeper and stronger as it is submitted to the test of trial. And as your love for Him increases, your love for each other will grow deeper and stronger.”4 Don’t Take it for Granted

For the most part, we are very careful about making sure our car gets periodic oil changes, that the tires are inflated properly and rotated regularly, and that it receives a tune-up as often as the owner’s manual suggests. As couples, we also need this type of intentional attention to our relationship in order to keep it in optimal working condition. It is important to read books, watch videos, and attend marriage enrichment programs (retreats) that provide encouragement

Adventist World - nad | September 2012

from learning from others, but also information to maintain healthy and strong relationships.

Some may be going through a very difficult, challenging time in their relationship, and may wonder whether they have married the wrong person, or if they should get a divorce. The most significant passage on marriage in the New Testament is that which Paul wrote to the Ephesians, telling the wives to submit to their husbands, as to the Lord, and to the husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church (Eph. 5:22-32).

Let’s take a closer look at Paul’s words to husbands, as it helps us better understand the words he wrote to wives. In verses 25-30 Paul compares the love a husband should have for

his wife to the love that Christ had for the church. Notice that Christ gave Himself for her [the church], to sanctify her and cleanse her by the Word, so that He might present her to Himself a glorious church.

Therefore, since husbands ought to love their wives as Christ loved the church, the husband’s mission is to (1) love his wife, (2) help her in her process of sanctification, and (3) do everything in his power so she will be ready for the second coming of Jesus.

But Paul uses a further illustration of what a husband’s love for his wife should be like when he writes that the husband should love his own wife as he loves himself (verse 28).

He must do this by (1) nourishing and (2) cherishing her. It is interesting that Paul uses action words, not feeling words. A husband shows love toward his wife with loving actions, just like Jesus, who through His actions demonstrated how He loved His church (us).

If the husband can understand and accept his role in the sanctification process of his wife, if he nourishes and cherishes her, if he does not harm her anymore than he would harm himself because he understands that he represents Christ, then Paul writes to wives to submit to their husbands, “as to the Lord” (verse 22).

Paul is not saying that wives should worship their husbands as if they were the Lord, but rather that their submission to Jesus as their Lord is seen in their submission to the husbands, who through their words and actions represent the love Christ had for His church.

When we accept marriage as one of God’s tools for our sanctification, we will be very careful not to take it for granted. Instead, we will do all in our power to maintain it in the most P h o t o

b y

A n i s s a T h o m p s o n

optimal spiritual condition. As author Ed Young, Jr., writes: “Marriage, I believe, is not so much for our happiness as it is for our holiness.”5 Ellen White observed, “Though difficulties, perplexities, and discouragements may arise, let neither husband nor wife harbor the thought that their union is a mistake or a disappointment.

Determine to be all that it is possible to be to each other. Continue the early attentions. In every way encourage each other in fighting the battles of life. Study to advance the happiness of each other. Let there be mutual love, mutual forbearance.

Then marriage, instead of being the end of love, will be as it were the very beginning of love. The warmth of true friendship, the love that binds heart to heart, is a foretaste of the joys of heaven.”6 Make Children Disciples

As they were preparing to enter the Promised Land, Moses instructed the Israelites with the words: “These words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up” (Deut. 6:6, 7).

The sweetest type of heaven is a home where the Spirit of the Lord presides.

—Ellen G. White

Moses directed his words not to priests or Levites, but to parents. The responsibility for guiding children until they become disciples of Jesus is not the pastor’s or the Sabbath school or church school teacher’s, as important as their roles are; it is the responsibility of their parents. That task begins at home as we have morning and evening family devotional time, as we read the Bible to and with our children, as we pray together, as we engage in community outreach activities as a family, as we live what we preach.

The task of making our children disciples also includes church attendance and participating in its mission and ministry. There is a link between church attendance and strong families.

According to Patrick Fagan and

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William H. G. Fitzgerald, senior research fellows in family and cultural issues, families who attend church regularly are more likely to have healthy, strong relationships with better behaved children than those who don’t attend church.7 Research also shows that religious attendance is positively correlated with higher GPAs for

Marriage is one of God’s tools for our sanctification.

teens. Couples who agree on spiritual beliefs report significantly higher marital satisfaction and couple closeness than couples who are low on spiritual agreement.8 Church attendance also leads to a decrease in domestic violence, drug abuse, and addiction. Parent-child relationships have been determined to be better when both parties attend church regularly. Parents who attend church feel a stronger need to stay in their kids’ lives. Grandparents are also more likely to support their grandchildren if they attended church with their children.

Premarital sex, divorce, and outof-wedlock children are less likely to happen in families that attend church together. Mental health and happiness increase, and stress decreases. Without religion there is no common thread that runs through a family, no set of

40

commonly accepted standards of behavior. Attending church gives families a set of moral standards and brings them closer together.

The writer of the book of Hebrews encouraged believers with these words: “Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:24, 25).

The United States’ first president, George Washington, encouraged the nation in his farewell speech: “And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.”

Commitment Is Key

Children need the sense of safety and well-being that comes from a stable, permanent home. Countless studies have shown that children of divorce are disadvantaged financially, emotionally, socially, spiritually, and educationally. Much misbehavior, or rebellious behavior, is the result of this lack of a safety net that a stable home environment provides children.

Of particular importance is the role of the father in the upbringing of his children.

Researchers have identified key characteristics of healthy families that are usually missing from problem families. They include: connectedness, flexibility, social and economic resources, clarity, open emotional expression, positive outlook, and spirituality. Teens that frequently eat dinner with their families are less likely to smoke, drink, use drugs, run away, get into fights, or engage in other problem behaviors. Closeness with either a biological or stepfather is associated with a decrease in the likelihood that an

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adolescent boy will expect someday to divorce. Drug use in children is lowest among intact married families. Children who grow up in married families with high conflict often experience more or as many problems as children of divorced or never-married parents.9 Ellen White wrote, “The sweetest type of heaven is a home where the Spirit of the Lord presides. If the will of God is fulfilled, the husband and wife will respect each other and cultivate love and confidence.”10 The North American Division Family Ministries Department’s mission of evangelism is to provide resources, training, and networking opportunities for those working to strengthen or rebuild families within the territory of the North American Division. Our vision is Healthy Families for Eternity.

It is the role of families to see that its members are ready to spend eternity together and with Jesus. If we can borrow an old motto from the Home Depot, we encourage the families in the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists: “You can do it.

We can help.” www.prepare-enrich.com.

Ibid.

Ellen G. White, The Adventist Home (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1952), p. 125.

4 Ellen G. White, Counsels for the Church (Nampa, Idaho, Pacific Press Pub. Assn. , 1991), p. 126.

5 Quoted in David Jeremiah, What the Bible Says About Love, Marriage, and Sex: The Song of Solomon (Nashville: Faith Words, 2012), p. 232.

6 White, The Adventist Home, p. 106.

7 http://imom.com/parenting/tweens/relationships/family/ church-attendance-is-linked-to-stronger-families/.

8 https://www.prepare-enrich.com/pe/pdf/research/2011/ marriage_and_family_facts_2011.pdf.

9 Ibid.

10 White, The Adventist Home, p. 15.

1 2 3

Claudio Consuegra, D.Min.,

is director of family ministries for the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

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B I B L E

Q U E S T I O N S

A N S W E R E D

Based on Genesis 9:3— “Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you”1— would it not be correct to conclude that after the Flood humans were allowed to eat the flesh of both clean and unclean animals?

DoesAll

The passage does seem to support your suggestion, but only if its context is ignored. There are also matters related to the meaning of the terminology used that have to be taken into consideration as we seek to better understand this passage.

1. Clean and Unclean Animals: The narrative of the Deluge introduces a distinction between clean and unclean animals for the first time in the Bible. The text appears to assume that they could be distinguished from each other, even though they all belonged to the same general categories of animals: cattle (or beasts), birds, and creeping creatures (Gen. 6:18, 19; 7:2, 3; 8:17). The distinction antedates the giving of the law of clean/unclean animals to the Israelites in Sinai (Lev. 11). Although in the Flood narrative we are not given an explicit rationale for the distinction, the differentiation plays an important role in the narrative. The value of clean animals is particularly emphasized by taking seven pairs of each of them into the ark, while only one pair of the unclean are preserved.

All animals are taken into the ark for survival purposes, in order to preserve their class. After the Flood they would multiply and populate the earth again (Gen. 9:17). But in the case of clean animals more was intended than survival.

This is indicated by that which took place immediately after Noah and the animals came out of the ark. Noah “built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it” (Gen. 8:20). Clean animals were used as sacrificial victims offered to God in gratitude for the preservation of Noah and his family. These sacrifices were placed on His altar (the table of the Lord, so to speak), and He accepted them.

2. Terminology Used: The phrase “everything that lives and moves” appears to be all-inclusive, but that’s not necessarily the case. “Everything,” or “all,” is used in the story to

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MeanAll?

refer to “all” unclean animals (Gen. 6:19) as well as to “all” clean animals (Gen. 7:2). The phrase “that lives and moves” is problematic and is not employed anywhere else in the Flood narrative. While “what lives” is used in other parts of the story to refer to living creatures (Gen. 6:19; 8:21), “what moves” (Hebrew remes´, “creeping things”) designates mainly small animals such as reptiles (e.g., Gen. 6:7; 7:23).

A literal translation would read “All living creeping animals will be food for you.” The other possibility is to interpret the Hebrew term as designating animals in general based on the use of the verb rather than on the use of the noun (e.g., Gen. 7:21; Ps. 104:20). This is the most common interpretation of the phrase among Bible students. But the singularity of the expression, as well as the use of “all/ everything” to designate all clean or unclean animals, suggest that the biblical writer was not necessarily referring to all types of animals, only to clean ones.

3. Dietary Determination: The passage is about food for humans and therefore regulates human diet. God modified the human diet immediately after the Fall, allowing Adam and Eve to eat “green plants” (Gen. 9:3). Interestingly, according to Genesis 1:30, the phrase “green plants” (yereq ce-s´ev) was a general designation for the food of animals. But in Genesis 9:3 the same phrase is used to refer to “seed-bearing plants” (e.g., legumes and cereals), as indicated in Genesis 3:18. The all-inclusive phrase “green plants” is not all-inclusive but is restricted to the meaning found in Genesis 3:18. Now the Lord is allowing humans to eat animal flesh as food for them; and again, it is not flesh in general but certain types of it. The context strongly indicates that this is the flesh of all clean animals. Humans are allowed to bring to their tables the same type of food that goes to the table of the Lord. n 1 Scripture quotations in this article are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Angel Manuel Rodríguez was director of the General Conference’s Biblical Research Institute before his retirement. He now lives in Texas, United States.

B I B L E

S T U D Y

The

Promised

Revival

By Mark A. Finley

H

ave you ever wondered how God’s work will be finished on this earth? How is it possible for the truth about Jesus and the gospel of His grace to be proclaimed to the ends of the earth so that Jesus can come soon? With the millions who do not know Christ, and many who have never heard the name of Jesus, how will they ever have a reasonable chance to respond to His love and understand His Word? In this lesson we will study how God will accomplish His mission in finishing His work.

baptized in a single day. Then, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the gospel was preached throughout the Roman Empire, and tens of thousands became Christians.

New Testament Christianity moved the world. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts represents the early rain. The gospel seed planted by Jesus germinated; the Christian church was launched. But the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain will be even more glorious.

1 What marvelous promises does Scripture give us about the entire world’s having knowledge of God’s love and His last-day message? Reflect upon these promises as you read Habakkuk 2:14; Matthew 24:14; and Revelation 18:1.

4 Was Joel’s prophecy limited to Pentecost? Read Joel 2:28, 29 again, and compare it with Joel 3:13-16 and Acts 2:18-21. What discovery do you make?

Although it might seem impossible, God will work powerfully through His people in the last days of earth’s history to complete His mission on earth. According to the apostle Paul, “He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness” (Rom. 9:28).

2 Read Joel 2:23, 28, 29; Jeremiah 5:24; Zechariah 10:1. What symbolism did these Old Testament prophets use to describe the final outpouring of the Holy Spirit to empower God’s people to proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth?

In Israel’s agricultural cycle the “former rain” fell to germinate the seed, and the “latter rain” fell to bring the seed to harvest. Bible prophets used this familiar symbolism of the latter rain to describe the mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit to finish God’s work on earth.

3 Read Acts 2:14-18. When did Joel’s prophecy begin to be fulfilled?

In fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost. Three thousand were P h o t o

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The language of the prophecy clearly indicates that it has a dual fulfillment. It applies both to Pentecost and the last days. It applies especially to just “before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord” (Joel 2:31).

5

How does God picture the completion of the gospel message? What symbol does He use in Revelation 14:14-20?

The latter rain has done its work; the time for harvest has come. Every person has made their final, irrevocable decision for eternity. The harvest is fully ripe.

6

Why has Jesus delayed His coming? What is He waiting for? Read 2 Peter 3:9-13.

Our Lord tarries His return with long-suffering patience, longing for every person on Planet Earth to come to repentance and a knowledge of His love. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain will hasten the proclamation of the gospel so that God’s work on earth can be finished quickly. Should we not then be seeking God with all our hearts for the power of the latter rain? Isn’t this the time to surrender ourselves fully to Him to be used by His Spirit in finishing His work? n September 2012 | Adventist World - nad

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IDEA EXCHANGE

gent acts of prayer. When evil gets tough, prayers get tougher.

Nicole Benoit-Roy B rooklyn, New York, United States Reaching an Ancient Region

Letters The Valley of Prayer

Wow! I’m referring to Marvene Thorpe-Baptiste’s devotional “The Valley . . . of Prayer” (June 2012), and the unique way she incorporated the Lord’s Prayer into her story. Everyone can relate to this story in one form or another, because the Lord’s Prayer is active in everyone’s life, whether one is aware of it or not. God is merciful to all, whether we acknowledge it or not.

As a Christian parent myself I offer my kudos to her parents for their dili-

Thank you for the articles in the May 2012 edition of Adventist World. Well done!

The article “Reaching an Ancient Region in a New Way,” by Ted N. C. Wilson, was of special interest. Having spent almost three years serving in Beirut, Lebanon, I was excited to read about the organizational changes for the work of the Adventist Church in the Middle East region. The proposed changes sound reasonable and practical. We pray regularly for the people of the Middle East.

Murray Chapman Australia In the World Vista feature about the church’s administrative realignment in the Middle East region, Ted N. C. Wilson correctly anticipated the impact his message would have on readers, and suggested multiple ways to become involved. This is good.

However, glaringly missing from his final suggestion in the section regarding the Secretariat’s office (p. 10) is specific contact information. This is always vital. Information at the end of Knott and Kellner’s interview on the Fundamental Beliefs Review Committee (April 2012) is a good model.

My personal interest is in knowing about how/what adjustments are made at the General Conference to accommodate this realignment, and where else, if at all, such special alignments exist.

Sterling Cox New York, New York, United States Sharing and Connecting

I found a priceless treasure reading the February 2011 Adventist World, especially the cover story features in “Sharing Him,” by Bill Knott and Gina Wahlen, and I realized one thing: the Holy Spirit can bring those pages to our minds as His own in order to impress us again in our daily experiences as Chris-

Prayer

PRAISE I am a local church elder working with poor children in our village. I am praying that God will inspire people to donate clothes, food, funds for education, etc.; and encouragement to continue this ministry.

Chunduru, India

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I have been in a relationship for a long time with a person I love more than anyone in the world. I just found out something very disappointing. Please pray for our relationship. I need God to be our mediator.

E.J., Malawi

Adventist World - nad | September 2012

Please pray that my rebellious son may learn about God’s eternal mercy, come to know Him, and experience His great love.

Leonie, England Praise God! After two years of not knowing where my daughter was, we were finally reunited in May 2012.

Meka, United States

tians, giving us a sense of belonging—as branches connect to the Supreme Vine.

Klesio Silva Humberto de Campos, Maranhão, Brazil Encouraging Words

I always look forward to receiving my copy of Adventist World each month. I found the editorial and other articles to be very encouraging and uplifting.

Keep up the good work.

Ralph Lombart Canterbury, Kent, England Life-changing

I read the June 2010 magazine earlier this year, and my life has never been the same. Thank you!

I need your prayer support. I am a baptized member who has completed high school and would like to go to college.

Kepha Opiyo Kenya Letters Policy: Please send to: letters@adventistworld.org.

Letters must be clearly written, 100-word maximum. Include the name of the article and the date of publication with your letter.

Also include your name, the town/city, state, and country from which you are writing. Letters will be edited for space and clarity. Not all letters submitted will be published.

5O

WORDS OR LESS

My Favorite...

Hymn

“Safe in the Arms of Jesus” were words that comforted me when winter winds caused our older home to creak and groan, with the nearby trees brushing their leafless limbs against the windows.

The words “safe on His gentle breast” brought me peace and slumber. n

—Esther, Loma Linda, California, U.S.A.

My favorite hymn is “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”

I’ve changed the line “all I have needed” to “much more than I needed Thy hand hath provided, Great is Thy faithfulness! Lord unto me!” n

—Manuel, Cebu City, Philippines

When I wake up at night and can’t get back to sleep, I recite mentally these words from the hymn “In the Morning When I Rise”: “Dark midnight was my cry, Give me Jesus.” I often go through all four verses before going back to sleep. It’s worth it.

n

—Hayden, Kingston, Jamaica Next time, tell us in 50 words or less about your favorite Bible character. Send it to letters@AdventistWorld.org.

Put “50 Words or Less” in the subject line.

Exercise Your I am requesting prayer for faith, commitment, healing, and forgiveness.

Wendy, Zambia The Place of Prayer: Send prayer requests and praise (thanks

for answered prayer) to prayer@adventistworld.org. Keep entries short and concise, 50-words or less. Items will be edited for space and clarity. Not all submissions will be printed. Please include your name and your country’s name. You may also fax requests to: 1-301-680-6638; or mail them to Adventist World, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600 U.S.A.

Brain

Moderate aerobic exercise increases the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain in which memories are formed. Age-related memory loss can be slowed, even reversed, by exercising several times a week.

Source: The National Academy of Sciences/Vibrant Life.

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IDEA EXCHANGE “Behold, I come quickly…”

top

Top 5

The world’s most popular fruit

1. Mangos 2. Bananas 3. Apples 4. Oranges 5. Grapes

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G .

W h i t e

E s tat e

Source: Top5lists.net

13 8 ears go

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A

John Nevins Andrews and his children, Charles and Mary, left for Europe as the first church-sponsored missionary for the Seventh-day Adventist Church on September 15, 1874.

Andrews settled in Switzerland and, after learning French, began publishing tracts in that language. Less than two years later, in 1876, he published the first issue of Les Signes des Temps (Signs of the Times).

Andrews, who could read the Bible in seven languages and had memorized the entire New Testament, died in Basel, Switzerland, in 1883.

Our mission is to uplift Jesus Christ, uniting Seventh-day Adventists everywhere in beliefs, mission, life, and hope.

Publisher The Adventist World, an international periodical of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The General Conference, Northern Asia-Pacific Division of Seventh-day Adventists®, is the publisher.

Executive Publisher and Editor in Chief Bill Knott Associate Publisher Claude Richli International Publishing Manager Chun, Pyung Duk Publishing Board Ted N. C. Wilson, chair; Benjamin D. Schoun, vice chair; Bill Knott, secretary; Lisa Beardsley-Hardy; Daniel R. Jackson; Robert Lemon; Geoffrey Mbwana; G. T. Ng; Daisy Orion; Juan Prestol; Michael Ryan; Ella Simmons; Mark Thomas; Karnik Doukmetzian, legal advisor Adventist World Coordinating Committee Lee, Jairyong, chair; Akeri Suzuki; Kenneth Osborn; Guimo Sung; Chun, Pyung Duk; Han, Suk Hee Editors based in Silver Spring, Maryland Lael Caesar, Gerald A. Klingbeil (associate editors), Sandra Blackmer, Stephen Chavez, Wilona Karimabadi, Mark A. Kellner, Kimberly Luste Maran Editors based in Seoul, Korea Chun, Pyung Duk; Chun, Jung Kwon; Park, Jae Man Online Editor Carlos Medley Technical Coordinator and Reader Services Merle Poirier Editor-at-large Mark A. Finley Senior Advisor E. Edward Zinke Financial Manager Rachel J. Child Editorial Assistant Marvene Thorpe-Baptiste Assistant to the Editor Gina Wahlen Management Board Jairyong Lee, chair; Bill Knott, secretary; P. D. Chun, Karnik Doukmetzian, Suk Hee Han, Kenneth Osborn, Juan Prestol, Claude Richli, Akeri Suzuki, Ex-officio: Robert Lemon, G. T. Ng, Ted N. C. Wilson Art Direction and Design Jeff Dever, Brett Meliti Consultants Ted N. C. Wilson, Robert E. Lemon, G. T. Ng, Guillermo E. Biaggi, Lowell C. Cooper, Daniel R. Jackson, Geoffrey Mbwana, Armando Miranda, Pardon K. Mwansa, Michael L. Ryan, Blasious M. Ruguri, Benjamin D. Schoun, Ella S. Simmons, Alberto C. Gulfan, Jr., Erton Köhler, Jairyong Lee, Israel Leito, John Rathinaraj, Paul S. Ratsara, Barry Oliver, Bruno Vertallier, Gilbert Wari, Bertil A. Wiklander To Writers: We welcome unsolicited manuscripts. Address all editorial correspondence to 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600, U.S.A. Editorial office fax number: (301) 680-6638 E-mail: worldeditor@gc.adventist.org Web site: www.adventistworld.org Unless otherwise indicated, all Bible references are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Texts credited to NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.

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

Vol. 8, No. 9

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