Grace Notes November 2024

The Harvest is Ready: Our Call to Personal Evangelism

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s we gather together each week, we are reminded of our shared mission: to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to every corner of our community and beyond. In Matthew 9:35-38, we find a powerful depiction of Jesus’ heart for the lost, and it stirs us to action. The passage states: “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”

In this passage, we see Jesus engaging with the crowds, teaching, healing, and showing deep compassion. His observation that the people were “harassed and helpless” resonates today; many around us are burdened, lost, and yearning for hope. It’s easy to overlook the spiritual needs of those we encounter daily—our neighbors, coworkers, and even family members—but Jesus calls us to see them through His eyes. Are we ready to respond to their needs?

Jesus makes it clear: “The harvest is plentiful.” This proclamation is just as true now as it was in His time. Many are searching for meaning and purpose, yet they often do not know where to find it. The harvest is ripe; people are waiting for someone to share with them the hope found in Christ.

The challenge, however, is evident: “The workers are few.” This statement is a clarion call for each of us to consider our role in the Great Commission. We are not merely observers; we are active participants in God’s plan to bring the lost into His fold.

So, how can we effectively engage in personal evangelism in our everyday lives? Here are some practical steps: 1. Pray for Opportunities: Begin by asking God to open your eyes to the opportunities around you. Pray specifically for people in your life who may need to hear the gospel.

Consider keeping a prayer journal where you can document names and situations, and revisit them regularly.

2. Build Relationships: Evangelism starts with relationships. Take the time to get to know your neighbors, coworkers, and friends. Share your life and be open about your faith. Authentic connections can create a safe space for conversations about Jesus.

3. Share Your Story: Your personal testimony is a powerful tool. How has your faith impacted your life? Share your journey: your struggles, your victories, and the transformative power of Jesus. Remember, you don’t have to have all the answers; your story is enough.

4. Invite Others: Don’t underestimate the power of an invitation. Whether it’s inviting someone to church, a small group, or a community event, taking that step can open the door for deeper conversations about faith. Make it a habit to invite others into your spiritual journey.

5. Be Ready to Listen: Sometimes, the best evangelism is simply listening. People want to be heard and understood.

Ask questions, be present in conversations, and when the opportunity arises, gently share how your faith informs your perspective.

6. Utilize Resources: Equip yourself with materials that can help in sharing the gospel. There are many resources available—books, videos, and tracts—that can provide guidance on how to discuss faith in a meaningful way.

7. Live Out Your Faith: Actions often speak louder than words. Let your life reflect the love of Christ. Serve your community, show kindness, and be a beacon of hope in difficult times. Your example can draw others to inquire about the source of your joy and strength.

During this season of thanksgiving and beyond, as we reflect on Jesus’ words, let us remember that the need is urgent. We are called not only to pray for workers, but to be workers ourselves. The harvest is ready, and we have the privilege of being part of God’s great plan to bring the lost to Him. Take a moment this week to reflect on whom God is placing in your path. Consider how you can engage with them about your faith.

Remember, you are not alone in this endeavor. The Holy Spirit empowers us, guiding our conversations and actions.

Let us be a church that responds to the call of Jesus. As we pray for the harvest and seek to engage those around us, may we see hearts transformed and lives changed through the power of the gospel.

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Bags of Love

by Max Hammonds

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n Sunday, November 17, the Arden Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church ministry “Bags of Love” will host a fundraiser to assist them in their mission – to provide a personal carrying bag to displaced children who are experiencing instability in their home and family situation. These children are moved from one location to another frequently without the ability to take their personal and prized possessions with them. Bags of Love presents each child with their very own bag and their very own items that can be carried wherever they go.

Grace Notes (GN) recently interviewed Kathy Herbert (KH), the ministry director, to learn about their ministry and about the need for a fundraiser.

GN: Where did this ministry begin?

KH: The ministry began with Barbara Neher in Cadiz, Kentucky. In 2013, Lisa Cottrell, a former member of the Arden SDA Church, asked me to watch a 3ABN program about this ministry we could start at Arden. And here we are eleven years later.

GN: What do these bags look like?

KH: The bags are basically all the same simple design – a king-sized pillowcase, with an outside pocket and a drawstring.

GN: If the bags are all the same, how do you modify the bags for different ages?

KH: The design on the material often determines which bag goes to which age. We make bags for seven age groups: newborn, 1-2 years old, 3-4 years old, 5-7 years old, 8-11 years old, 12-14 years old, and 15-18 years old.

The difference is what each bag contains: – an age appropriate blanket or quilt – a stuffed animal (these children function at a youngerthan-age level. Stuffed animals comfort them all.)

– hygiene supplies (toothbrush, toothpaste, brush or comb, shampoo/conditioner) – age appropriate books – indoor and outdoor toys (board games, checkers, cards, toy trucks, baby dolls, basketball, football) – journals/writing utensils; coloring books and crayons GN: Who makes these bags? Who are your core people?

KH: We have 10-15 ladies who work on the bags. My core people are Leigh Whatton, Donna Strang, Juanita Miles,

Sharon Lewis, Angela Woehlcke, and Finley Wetmore and several more who have joined lately. But we can always use more help. Basically, we cut out the material according to pattern. We sew the bags together, mostly at home. And we stuff the bags. That’s where the fun and fellowship mostly happen.

GN: Where do you get all the items, especially the quilts?

KH: Two quilting groups – and one or two individuals – make the quilts. Our greatest need was stuffed animals and toddler toys. But working with “We Trade” in the Davis Bldg. on the fairgrounds, we help sort donated items. In return, we get all the toys we can use.

Our greatest need is items we can’t make, things we must buy. Especially expensive disposable diapers, wipes, and the hygiene items. We calculate each bag costs about $25-$30 to make. That’s the reason for the fundraiser. Our fund level has lately been slowly dropping.

GN: —Which takes us to the fundraiser. Tell us about it.

KH: On Sunday, November 17, we will be in the Community Life Center at the Arden SDA Church from 10 am to 4 pm.

Tables will be organized by type of donation: Crafts, quilts, jewelry, cards, rope bowls, scrunchies, pillowcases, Beanie Babies, dish towels, Vera Bradley handbags, aprons, artwork, hats, porcelain dolls, Kleenex holders, sweaters, dried flower arrangements, baked goods, hair bows, clothing, and Christmas items. A silent auction will feature special donations.

The donors will NOT be selling their items; volunteers will man the tables. I have seventeen helpers but could use twenty-five, if anyone wants to help us.

GN: What keeps you going when money is tight, and you are tired?

KH: Let me tell you two stories. A social worker was called to see a little boy in the ER of a hospital. The child had to “stay” in the ER. His home wasn’t safe; he had tried to hurt himself. The social worker called me and said, “Bring a bag.” When I arrived, his eyes lit up. “Is this just for me?” When assured it was, he put in his hand, clutched the first item, and pulled it out. “My very own toothbrush! This is better than any Christmas I’ve ever had!”

The second story is about two eighteen-year-old young men who were aging out of a facility that had cared for them.

They were renting an apartment, getting ready for college, and starting their own kitchen. The facility requested we bring two tubs of donated kitchen items. They immediately began rummaging through the utensils, crying, “What did we get?” They were delighted.

The purpose of this ministry has grown to be more than the kids. Those who serve are ministered to by the fellowship and friendship we have developed for one another as well as the love and joy we see on the faces of children who receive our bags of love.

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The Arden SDA Church in Action: Hurricane Helene

by Max Hammonds

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he last time the people in the mountains of North Carolina encountered a hurricane with severe flooding was from the remnants of Hurricanes Frances and Ivan in 2004. The uneven terrain of the mountains tends to break up extreme winds.

However, the steep mountainsides feed into deep valleys with rivers that confine the water to rapidly traveling torrents which usually creates the more severe destruction.

On Monday, September 23, a stalled low pressure cold front sat over the western Carolina mountains, training rainstorms northnortheast over the Asheville-Hendersonville area and soaking the ground. The outer bands of Hurricane Helene carrying massive gulps of tropical moisture were sucked up into this low pressure on Tuesday and Wednesday, increasing the rainfall collecting in mountain streams.

At thirty-five miles-an-hour Helene slammed into the cold front on Wednesday evening.

On Thursday and Friday, the northeastern wall of the eye of the hurricane – Category 1 packing eighty mile-an-hour winds – stalled over the Henderson/Buncombe County line, dumping a combined total of over 20 inches of rain in four days.

Due to our mountainous terrain, many members of the Arden Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church live on hillsides or other higher ground. But some are nestled in the various valleys in the area – near rivers or streams. Wherever they lived, all rode out the howling wind and sideway rain blasts through Thursday, Thursday evening, and into Friday morning when the strong northeast wall of the eye of the storm passed directly over the area, spinning off at least one, possibly two, short-lasting tornadoes.

Electric power went out at 7:30 am on Thursday (in the editor’s area). No news channels could give updates about the storm.

Cellphones continued to transmit Facebook posts and telephone calls until midday on Friday. Then the cellphone system went dead as well. Despite the lack of electronic connections, the Arden SDA Church family went into action. The following are only some of the many activities that took place in the next few days as Arden members helped each other and their neighbors.

The neighbors of Pastor Eric and Ann Marie Bates sustained multiple trees on their roof, as did the pastor’s house. The next day Josh Belanger and his crew with five chain saws cut away the trees, placing tarps to cover damaged areas. In the ensuing days these intrepid roof monkeys worked to free multiple roads and houses of Arden members and their neighbors from downded trees.

In DeWayne and Patti Butcher’s neighborhood, a large extension road was blocked by trees and brush, isolating eight to ten families.

On Sunday, DeWayne and Patti worked for several hours, clearing forty feet of asphalt, attempting to open the road. Eventually, they found a huge tree and its branches, towering above them, which were too much for their efforts. Returning home that evening, they intended to come the next day with a chain saw gang to cut a path under the highest arms of the obstruction.

The next morning, they returned to find no sign of the tree, no branches, no trunk, no debris. All were gone, thanks to Josh and his crew who had handled it all. The neighbors praised the Adventists who had come to their rescue.

At Carol Onuska’s home, a tree fell on the carport over Kevin’s truck, threatening to crush carport and truck. The tree was removed by Josh’s team. At last count this team cleared twenty or thirty areas and/or houses of church members and others, that were pinned under by falling trees.

Raymond and Catherine Assiongbon-Foly’s home – in a lowlying area – had two feet of water and mud throughout the house.

On Friday, hearing about the situation, Art Hudson drove to their location and through the next several days helped them clear mud, debris, ruined carpet, and other household belongings. Art brought home sopping-wet clothing, and Beverly did loads and loads of laundry to give the family clean clothes, towels, and other household items.

In the ensuing days, two teams of volunteers from Heritage Academy, Monterey, TN (trained by 2Serve – a volunteer Disaster Training & Response Team under the leadership of Jim Ingersoll) and Southern Adventist University (SAU) Collegedale, TN congregated on the campus of Fletcher Academy in the heart of the disaster area. With the Fletcher SDA Church workers under Pastor Ryan Ashlock and the Arden SDA Church workers under Pastor Eric Bates, these two teams traveled to various situations in Henderson/Buncombe County that required a

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massively concerted effort to clear away the fallen trees, road debris, and home destruction many Arden members and their neighbors were experiencing.

At the home of Raymond and Catherine Assiongbon-Foly, these crews carried out some home appliances that could be saved. They stripped the ruined drywall four feet up the walls so that professional drywallers can replace the walls in the near future.

They also scraped up the ruined flooring so it can be replaced.

On the campus of the Fletcher Park Inn (FPI), where many older, retired Arden SDA Church members live, these crews worked in conjunction with the Grounds Crew of Fletcher Academy to cut and clear away over twenty trees on the FPI campus and the grounds of the Captain Gilmer Christian Elementary School. (The teams from Heritage Academy and SAU were housed and fed at the Fletcher church.)

Despite all the falling timber, no important structure on any Fletcher Academy campus area sustained any major damage.

Where a huge oak tree fell exactly between two villa homes at FPI, damaging neither, Max and Cari Hammonds – as part of the Monday Morning Prayer Group – hosted a special praise service during the Wednesday Morning Interfaith Fellowship to thank God for His protecting hand over the campuses.

Finley Wetmore had just frozen many bags of fruit – peaches, strawberries, bananas, applesauce. When the power line to her house broke, all that work was in jeopardy.

While cell service still worked, she called Cari Hammonds for help. Jim Wetmore filled three coolers, and he and Max drove them to their house at FPI. A little rearranging in the freezer salvaged all that hard work and precious food. Later, David Darnell brought his chain saw to Finley’s house, cutting out the trees blocking the driveway and raising the wires so she could drive out.

Pen Braister-Sturgis sadly discovered that many people whom she fed in Asheville at the Street Ministry had perished in the flood. Also her primary source for food – Manna Food Bank Warehouse – was gone. She and Jerry repurposed their ministry to feed those who needed what she had. The food in her freezer – mostly frozen chicken – she gave to first responders working the streets. When the power and water came back on in the Arden SDA Church, Pen prepared dinner each day in the kitchen for church members – like herself – still without power and water. During that same week, she and her helpers prepared breakfast for the 2Serve and SAU volunteers.

When power and water came back on for most church members, Pen and her six volunteers helped distribute food and water at the Rugby Middle School Point of Distribution (POD). Because Pen saw the out-of-town linemen eating out of cans on their breaks, this next week she will begin to share a hot meal with them. And on Friday, the Street Ministry will

return to the streets of Asheville to find and feed those street people who are still alive.

Don Redden (KM4ACT) and his sons used their ham radios to identify and relay to authorities incoming information about people unable to connect with family in the affected area. Even the Eroh family children got involved giving away bottled water to passersby on the road near their home.

Because they had a full home generator system, the Holy Spirit impressed Patti Butcher to do something more for neighbors who had no electric power or generators. She and DeWayne invited the neighbors to a tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich supper.

Twenty-seven people came to share the hot food and fellowship.

One person, the kindergarten teacher at Captain Gilmer Elementary School, expressed that she did not know how depressed she was until the shared fellowship lifted her up.

The next day Patti spotted a woman with coffee cup in hand crossing their back lawn to a home cut off from access in the usual way. Soon the woman returned, her cup empty. Patti greeted her and asked what had happened and was told that someone had offered her a hot cup of coffee but was not home. She had had no hot coffee in days. Patti responded, “You come to my house and I will give you a hot cup of coffee.”

The next day the woman appeared at the back door, coffee cup in hand. Pouring coffee, Patti said, “This is not full-leaded coffee.” The woman replied, “I don’t care. I just want the taste of hot coffee.” She was quite pleased to receive what Patti offered.

At the church, Pastor Eric Bates was busy coordinating all the efforts of various church groups who helped each other and their neighbors: connecting people with generators with those who needed them; connecting people who needed medicines, food, shelter, water, or trees cleared with those who could help; when power was restored, setting up charging stations in the Community Life Center (CLC) for laptops, tablets, and cellphones; when water was restored, serving hot meals from Arden Street Ministry; when the supply trailer arrived, helping to unload it; asking church members to volunteer at POD (Point of Distribution) sites in the county; reminding people to avoid scams of opportunists charging little, doing less, and stealing credit card information; opening the church for a communion service one week after the storm struck.

The Arden SDA Church family reached out in service to each other and to their neighbors and surrounding communities. When the emergency arose, the Arden Church family lovingly, compassionately arose to meet it.

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28 Fundamentals:

“The Great Controversy” #8

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ark threw another rock beyond the waves curling up on the beach of Lake Michigan and skipped it across the relatively calmer surface beyond. He and Pawpaw (Albert Groot, his grandfather) were spending a quiet weekend together.

“I’ve been thinking,” Mark said, carelessly tossing another flat stone.

“What about this time?” Pawpaw sat in a beach chair, wrapped in a blanket against the cool morning breeze.

“What we were discussing last night in the car.” Mark stared intently, trying to see the early morning lights of Chicago.

“About the beginnings of the struggle between good and evil.”

“What we sometimes call ‘The Great Controversy.’” Pawpaw pulled his blanket closer to his chin.

“Yes.” Mark turned and shaded his eyes against the rising sun. “What was Lucifer trying to do? You said he was trying to be like God.” “Not exactly. Look up Isaiah 14:13.” Pawpaw looked up at his grandson as he pulled out his phone and flipped to the passage.

“It says ‘I will ascend. I will raise my throne. I will sit,’” Pawpaw quoted. “Does that sound like he wants to be like God – or he wants to be God?” “It sounds like he wants to replace God.” Mark tucked his phone in his hip pocket. “Like it says in Ezekiel 28, he is very impressed with himself.” Mark slouched in the chair next to his grandfather. Quietly, they watched shore birds searching for breakfast.

“Let’s compare the two – God and Satan. Summarize the character of God.” Pawpaw twisted his head to look at Mark.

“Can you do that in a few words?”

“Sure. Gracious, merciful, compassionate, forgiving.”

“Don’t forget ‘just,’ Pawpaw added quickly. “That’s our guarantee of God’s protection now and His justice in the final judgment.” Mark nodded his agreement. “Now – describe the character of Satan.”

Mark pondered for a moment. “In a few words – he’s

dishonest, devious, arbitrary, spiteful and hateful; therefore, untrustworthy in every way.”

Pawpaw shrugged his shoulders. “Which one do you want running the universe?”

“God, of course,” Mark quickly answered. “This is so obvious. Then, why was Eve deceived?”

“Exactly. Deception.” Pawpaw shook his head slowly.

“Talking snake. Trick question to engage her in the conversation. Then, the lie that planted a seed of doubt and suggested that she could have more. She could be like God.” Mark sat up straight and turned to his grandfather. “But she was already like God; she was created in the image of God!” “Deception.” Pawpaw nodded. “He planted in her mind the desires that were in his mind.” Pawpaw sat up, pushing open his blanket, his hands gesturing with sharp motions. “This is the whole point of the Great Controversy, Mark – the difference in the two characters. Satan wants God’s position of control but not His character of love.

“Satan hates God’s character because God’s character – how and why God functions as He does – is translated into God’s Law so that all creation can understand that this is what God is like and what He wants us to be like.

“And Satan hates God’s Word – the scriptures and, ultimately, Jesus Himself – because the Word becoming flesh revealed God’s character – His Law – being lived out in real life.”

Pawpaw sat back, surprised and chuckling at his own excitable outburst.

“It’s what we talked about last night, Pawpaw.” Mark was caught up in the moment. “The character of God and the revelation of God – they make possible the covenant agreement God makes with us. God allows us to participate with Him; He gives us the choice to do so – so we can belong to His family.” Mark paused thoughtfully.

“But the government Satan proposes – allows no choice, no belonging. Only chaos, suffering, and death.” Mark opened his hands questioningly. “If we know these things, why are we still deceived?”

“Satan has perfected the same old lies he told Eve.” Pawpaw raised his eyebrows and heaved a deep sigh. “‘You won’t surely die. You are missing out on something wonderful.

Here, let me show you how you could be enjoying the real life.’

Then, he entices us with the lies in 1 John 2:16: The lust of flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life. The same as he did to Eve. And most of humankind fall for it.”

“How does the Great Controversy come to an end, Pawpaw?”

“When everyone who will – decides to follow Jesus, God removes His protections. Then, Ezekiel 28:18 kicks in. ‘I will bring fire from the midst of you; it will consume you.’ Sin has within itself the seeds of its own destruction.” Pawpaw stood up.

“Let’s go get some breakfast.”

Mark frowned and nodded. Folding his chair, he followed Pawpaw across the sand.

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Xerxes and Esther: Part XI

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ord came to Esetare in the harem that something terrible must have happened to Marduka, her cousin. Rumor had it that he was no longer reporting to his post in the King’s Gate but wailing through Shushen all the way up to the gate, wearing the garments and ashes of grief. She sent me, O Reader, with a change of rich robes, to find Marduka and find out what was happening and why. I found Marduka in the public square in front of the Darius Gate, and he told me of the Hamana’s edict which would exterminate the Jews of Persia and the agitation it was causing throughout the city.

“Here is a copy of the law,” Marduka told me. “You can see that the Hamana had Khshayarsha’s permission and seal. Tell Esetare what is happening. She must reveal her secret, that she is of Jewish, not Persian, origin. She must go to Khshayarsha and beg him to spare her people from this odious and ill-conceived edict.”

I did as Marduka asked. The queen sent him this reply: “I do not know where I stand with his Majesty just now; he has not called for me to join him for over thirty days. After the assassination attempts, it is death to approach Khshayarsha in the inner courtyard, unless one has been called by appointment or unless the king extends his gold scepter as a sign of trust. There may be no way for me to plead our case with the king.”

Back and forth I went between the harem and the square beyond the King’s Gate, relaying messages between the queen and Marduka.

“Do not imagine that your life is safe in the king’s harem,” I told Esetare on Marduka’s behalf, repeating his words.

“God will raise up some kind of deliverance for our people, but if you do not speak up now, you will be murdered because of this edict and your Father and Mother’s family will come to a bitter end. Who knows? It could actually be that you attained your royal status for this very moment in time.”

“All right,” Esetare replied, through me. “Gather our people in Shushen. Fast and pray for me, three days and three nights. My maids and I will do the same. If Khshayarsha has not called for me by then, I will go to him.

That is against the law, but with the Hamana’s edict, so is my very existence. If I might die either way, let me do it now, at least trying to help our people.”

But once Esetare approached the king, and if he extended the gold scepter of trust and mercy, what should she say? The queen’s message must be delivered very diplomatically. In no way should she openly challenge either Khshayarsha or the Hamana; with other officials and courtiers present, either of the two would immediately have to save face and double down on their part in preparing the destructive edict. The same kind of events that happened to former Queen Vashti could now happen to Esetare, but much worse. She could doubly endanger her life by saying the wrong words.

During the three days of fasting, Esetare prayed about her options and discussed them with me, for I had seen much of palace intrigue and internal maneuvering. We thought out plan after plan, rejecting those that seemed the most dangerous and weighing the merits of each that had some chance of success. None seemed particularly ideal, for a law sealed by the king’s own signet cannot be revoked. We finally determined that the queen must work obliquely, approaching the main issue slantwise with great care, and ultimately implicating the Hamana while playing upon the favor and goodwill of the king.

He had previously honored Esetare throughout the land in her banquet and coronation, so would be loath to reverse those public actions, and Khshayarsha still looked upon her fondly and with great affection, though perhaps not as often as five years ago. Perhaps he would also remember her loyalty in helping unmask the treachery of Bigthan and Teresh in their attempt on the king’s life.

On the third day, Queen Esetare put on the royal garments recommended by Shaashgaz, most beautiful and showing her rank. She stood at the threshold of the harem and looked across to the “house of the king” and the inner throne room where Khshayarsha would soon have to decide whether to accept her or deem her untrustworthy for a breach of protocol. Worse yet, did he somehow already know Esetare’s secret, and had not summoned her to him for that very reason? Would her approach give him an excuse to be rid of her without revealing that she was a Jew? None of us knew what would happen. Truly this was a moment fraught with peril.

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Vic laughed. “I thought I was supposed to relax.”

“You are.” Pete laughed with his friend. “Find something to do that distracts you – like gardening, reading to the kids, painting a picture, listening to your favorite album, going for a walk, write in a journal. These are all forms of “activity”oriented relaxation.” Pete tapped his watch. “And set a time and a time limit for this relaxation – a certain time every day or on certain days. Set boundaries; don’t let other people’s agendas interfere with your “relaxation” time, even if it is only 10-15 minutes.”

Less Is More

E

ight o’clock on a cool evening in September. Sitting on the patio of Peter’s house, Pete watched Vic’s fingers drumming on the chair arm. “Relax, man. Don’t you know how to relax?”

Victor looked at Pete and then at where Peter was pointing – at his fingers. “And do nothing? How can I do nothing?”

Pete smiled. “I didn’t say do nothing. I said relax.”

“That sounds like do . . .”

“It’s not. Relaxing is an activity, not a coma,” Pete laughed.

Vic examined his hands, rubbed them together. “I go crazy if I have to relax.”

Pete leaned back in the chaise, his head on a pillow.

“That’s because, if you think of something, you think you are supposed to be doing something with it. Instead, do nothing very important at all.”

“What do you mean?”

Pete raised his arms, locked his fingers behind his head.

“We’ve all been taught that we must do something – the more important the better. We feel bored or guilty if we aren’t doing something productive – an activity with an endpoint.

Eventually, we keep our foot on the accelerator constantly, revving the engine, even when there is nothing productive to do.”

Vic sat up, leaning forward. “But I’m all set, in case something happens.”

Pete nodded. “Which is good if there’s a real emergency or danger. But if there isn’t, you’re burning up the motor for no reason.”

Vic furrowed his brow. “I suppose.”

“It’s called chronic stress – which increases all the bad things that kill us: high cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol, insulin resistance and type II diabetes, stroke and heart attack, burnout and irritability with those we love. Relaxing isn’t a waste of time; it can be lifesaving.”

“Okay.” Vic rubbed his hand on his khakis. “How do I do this – relaxing?”

“Find something to do . . .”

Pete looked over at Vic. “Set “store hours” for when you’re open and when you’re closed for business. The rest of the time is yours. Keep your free time “free.” You could even take a nap.”

“What?!” Vic laughed aloud.

“Yes, a nap – a power nap – maybe 20, maybe 30 minutes. You might not actually go to sleep. But you can power down – and then power back up when the time is up.

It makes a difference for me.”

Vic shrugged his shoulders and sat back in the chair.

“Maybe I don’t need to do all this “relaxation.” Maybe I just need a vacation and I will come back refreshed.”

Now it was Pete’s turn to laugh. “Maybe. But that’s not how vacations usually happen, especially with people who stress even about having a good time.” Pete swung his legs off the chaise and faced Vic. “How about a “vacation” every day?” He laughed at Victor’s shocked face. “No, not all day.

Just 20-30 minutes every day – a “stay-cation” where you stay where you are but check out for a short time, then come back on full power.”

Vic shook his head. “I don’t know.

I don’t think I really need this.”

“Are you getting irritable with the kids? Do you catch colds frequently?” Pete pressed in. “Are you having a hard time sleeping? Do you have heartburn frequently?”

Vic shook his head side to side.

“Yeah, sometimes.”

“All signs of way too much stress.” Pete lay back on the chaise.

“The chemicals related to stress – adrenaline and cortisone – are good for necessary rapid activity. But when kept at high levels they increase the inflammatory responses in the body – which tears down every healthy activity your body is doing: the lining in your stomach, the growth of your hair, the walls of your arteries, the connectivity of your brain cells.” Pete reached out for his lemonade. “It’s time, bro, to chill just a little bit, so you can live just a little longer.” Pete drank slowly. “You’ve got lots of important stuff to do – like, see your kids graduate, relax with the wife when the kids are off to college. That’s the important stuff.” He sat the lemonade down, turned his head toward Vic. Vic was rubbing his lower lip with his thumb. “Yeah.

Yeah, I suppose I do.”

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From Refugee to MD: The Story of Mowae Apisuttipanya

by Max Hammonds

and Cari Hammonds sponsored Mowae Apisuttipanya (his own made-up last name - meaning highest wisdom) to the Chang Mai Academy in northern Thailand.

Mowae wanted to go to medical school to return and care for the Karen and other refugees of western Thailand.

He wanted to take the Medical School Entrance Exam in Thailand - which had to be done before high school graduation. But, he did not have a citizenship ID card. He received that card the day before graduation at Chang Mai, but too late to take the exam. Medical school would have to be in another country.

Now, Mowae needed to go to university. Mowae was divided into “shares.” Various people were contacted to “invest” in Mowae by “buying” shares in this aspiring university student. Over the ensuing years, Brent and Laurie Saunders, Max and Cari Hammonds, Grant and Yolanda Goodge, David and Nita Love, Tim and Julie Tullock, Jason and Heather Wells, Dan and Jennifer Zinke invested in the education of Mowae as he successfully progressed through his years at the Asia-Pacific International University (APIU) in Mauk Lek, Thailand, the major Seventh-day Adventist University for the Southeast Asia Union Mission. Mowae graduated in 2013 with First-Class Honors.

Mowae applied and was accepted to the Cebu Medical College in Cebu City, The Philippines. He was required to travel to the Philippines during his academy senior year to take the entrance exams and to arrange all his living arrangements in the Philippines on his own when he arrived.

In his second year of medical school, family squabbles closed the medical school doors. Mowae found another medical school acceptable to the Thai Medical Board, arranged for admission, and move his life to the new location in metro-Manila – all on his own. He graduated from Medical School in 2017, again with high honors.

After completing his internship and passing his medical exams, Dr. Mo (as he is now called) joined a medical group in Hua Hin, a resort city. There he is extremely popular with the expat population - mostly German, Dutch, and Swiss.

He has established the Be Well (name of his clinic) Child Care Foundation to care for hilltribe, migrant, and refugee children with life-threating medical problems who cannot afford care. So far, four children with horrendous problems have been cared for - through his connections with the best hospitals in Bangkok and paid for by the foundation. He has also established the Bamboo Care Foundation to extend the work of Catherine Riley-Bryan to future generations of orphans at the Bamboo School.

The efforts of all who supported Mowae on his journey from refugee to MD have been fully repaid as he assists his siblings and others to attend APIU, holds free clinics for refugees, and cares for severely sick children through his foundations.

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Cornbread Dressing/Stuffing with Fri-Chik This recipe was so frequently made, it wasn’t written down and had to be reproduced from memory. This tells you it was taste tested by generations for family every Thanksgiving.

Sweet and Savory Dressing/Stuffing For another dressing/stuffing delight, try this package mix dressed up and flushed out with yummy nuts, veggies – and cranberries! What is a dressing without cranberries?

Thanksgiving Recipes

by Max Hammonds

The calendar says it’s only three weeks until Thanksgiving. After all the excitement in western North Carolina, we are ready for some normality and some tradition. One tradition for Thanksgiving is the preparing of Thanksgiving dinner with traditional recipes handed down from generation to generation.

The following dishes are prepared from recipes prepared by a mother and her young children or from a recipe that has stood the test of time, handed down by one or two generations to grace the Thanksgiving table once again.

Each of these eleven recipes is introduced in its mouth-watering description to make you want to open the QR code and see more details. Perhaps one of these will become a tradition at your Thanksgiving table.

Turkey Veggie Tray This veggie tray is as much fun for the kids to build as it is delicious. The fun is in doing it together and watching the surprised and delighted faces of the guests with this opening to a wonderful dinner.

Thanksgiving “Turkey” Roll (vegetarian) This “turkey” requires watching just as baking and basting a real turkey. Be careful; don’t burn the turkey! When baked the full length of time, this tender and delicious “turkey” is the entrée you will want to make every year.

Rice-Pecan Patties Whether for the quiet entrée or the side dish with cranberry sauce, these patties are sure to be a delicious hit with vegans and omnivores alike.

Fri-Chik and Dressing/Stuffing Casserole Fri-Chik is a popular dressing ingredient. This dressing has a bit more crunch and a different nutty taste. If it says “dressing,” it must be Thanksgiving! Every dressing recipe is delicious.

Mom Bakewell’s Sauerkraut Salad An old German recipe that’s easy to make and harkens back years to making sauerkraut in a very large kraut pot. The veggies give crispness and color to the sharp taste of an old favorite that is making a comeback – sauerkraut.

Strawberry Pretzel Sticks Salad Combine something old (Jello) with something new (pretzel sticks) and make something enduring with twice the spice and dazzling presentation. The kids will have fun helping make this, as well.

Orange-Glazed Sweet Potatoes Sweet potatoes and cranberries say it is Thanksgiving. This recipe has the spices and orange rind and walnuts to make sweet potatoes (yams) sing out – “Here’s something special!”

Sweet Potato Casserole How many ways can you make sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving? The topping for this casserole makes the sweet potatoes taste fit for a king or queen . . . or any commoners who happen by.

Virginia’s Apple Pie Whoever Virginia was, she turned traditional apple pie into something special with her treatment of this tried and true favorite for Thanksgiving dinner. Of course, getting the pie crust just right is the secret.

Pumpkin Delight Dessert No need to always have the pumpkin in a pie shell. A casserole will work just fine when topped by such a delightful topping with pecans. This is a special treatment of pumpkin and is sure to delight the guests. That’s why it’s called – delight.

Page 10 | www.ArdenAdventist.org

Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church Is a Safe Place to Grow.

Our Purpose is, by God’s Grace, to reflect His character in our community, to demonstrate a quality of life that will attract all to be reconciled to Jesus Christ, and to encourage people to become His loving, maturing disciples.

In honor of Veteran’s Day this month, our family focus is honoring all of the veterans who are members of the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church.

As a church family, we want to thank you all for your service to our country. Joining the military is a commitment like no other and your sacrifice is greatly appreciated.

While we know there are many veterans at the Arden church, we have room in this article to share only a few of our veteran’s stories. But please know that we honor you all.

Gailon Morisette served in the U.S. Army in 1956-58. He was trained as an Army medic at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. During his two years, he maintained personnel records.

Tami Mahorn served in the U.S. Army in 1994-98. She worked in mobile networking (tactical telephone and computers) and was stationed in Hawaii and Georgia. She joined the military to “escape poverty where her schools growing up did not provide future life planning.” Tami said the military gave her a chance to get away from the dysfunction she grew up in. The military allowed her to see the world as not such a bad place and to grow mentally, physically, and spiritually in more diverse environments.

Max Hammonds served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967-74: inactive duty in medical school and internship, active duty as a Flight Surgeon in Montana and an anesthesiologist in Spokane, WA. While completing his anesthesiology residency in San Antonio, TX, in the ICU he met his wife, Carolyn (Cari), a post-open-heart nurse. In meeting her, he also met the Seventh-day Adventist Church which he says, “radically changed my life in knowing God.” Carolyn (Cari) Hammonds served in the U.S. Air Force from 1971-74 as a surgical intensive care and cardiac intensive care nurse in San Antonio, Texas and Spokane, Washington. She needed to earn her master’s degree in order to continue teaching, so she joined the military; but also so she could travel more in the military. While in San Antonio, she had some excellent experiences caring for the critically wounded, some transferred there from Vietnam.

Jim Wetmore served in the U.S. Army in 1966-68: one year in Vietnam, the last six months as corpsman at Fort Benning, Georgia. Guided by God, Jim was stationed in Saigon not far from the Adventist Mission. Adventist GI's congregated there for Sabbath services, fellowship, and food – often all day Sabbath, sometimes overnight. When traveling to Singapore for R & R, missionary families fed and housed Adventist GI’s, taking them sightseeing and shopping. His blessings continued when years later, he received GI benefits for medical problems.

DeWayne Butcher served in the Army in 196971. DeWayne trained as a Flight Surgeon, serving 10 months in Vietnam. After returning Stateside, he displayed early administrative ability at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, solving the problem of completing 200 physicals a day and organizing the Emergency Room with generalist and specialty coverage. His most interesting experience was riding a military helicopter rescuing stranded civilians – and pregnant women – during an Oklahoma blizzard.

Owen Spencer served in 1956 and 1957 as a corpsman at the Navy hospital in Yokosuka, Japan. He was able to attend Sabbath services at the Japan Publishing House nearby held by the Army SDA chaplain. When Cardinal Spellman visited the Urology Ward, all the service people on duty were Catholic, except Owen. They all knelt and kissed the ring. Owen gave and received a most cordial handshake.

Jerry Hayward served in the Army in 1957-59. After basic training at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Jerry was stationed at the Ft. Leonard Wood hospital. He lived in their very oldfashioned, WWII barracks and was discharged on Friday, July 13 – a lucky day for him.

We honor all the veterans at our church and we thank you for your service!

Page 11 | www.ArdenAdventist.org

Grace Notes Editorial Staff: Max Hammonds ...............................................Editor Chris Small.................................................Columnist Jean Davey..................................................Columnist Max Hammonds ..................Reporter & Columnist Pen Braister-Sturgis ..................................... Reporter Sara McCord ................................................. Reporter Dan Reynolds ............................................... Reporter Arizona McCord ............... Reporter & Proofreader Chris Small ..................................... Special Graphics Jim & Carolyn Sullenberger ................Proofreaders Nolan Darnell ........................ Mailing Management Shirley Wallstrom ...................Circulation Manager Chris Small .........................................Layout Design Whitney Barron .................................Layout Design Comments, suggestions and praises are always welcome. Please email or contact the church office.

Services each Saturday morning: Sabbath School Bible Study, 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service, 10:45 a.m.

Location: 35 Airport Road, Arden, NC 28704 Located on Highway 280, (Airport Road), 1.5 miles east of I-26 exit 40, and a quarter mile west of Highway 25.

Church Office: Office Manager: Whitney Barron Telephone: (828) 684-6700 Email: office@ardenadventist.org Website: www.ardenadventist.org Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs.,10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Arden Adventist Pastoral Staff: Senior Pastor: Eric Bates, D. Min. Email: ebates@carolinasda.org Associate/Youth Pastor: Rich Maskelony, M .Div. Email: rmaskelony@carolinasda.org Grace Notes is published monthly by the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church. Subscription is free by calling or emailing the office. †Do you have questions about what Adventists believe? Would you like to become a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Would you like to study the Bible? You are invited to attend a Pastor’s Bible Study Class. Please call for location and time. All are always welcome. † Disclaimer—The contents of Grace Notes, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained in this magazine of the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider, who is knowledgeable and experienced in the use of specific medical or Lifestyle Medicine interventions, or about questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice, or delay in seeking it, because of information published in this magazine. Neither Grace Notes nor the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church recommend or endorse any specific tests, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned in published articles.

Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.

If you have a medical emergency, call your healthcare provider or 911 immediately.

Arden Adventist

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GRACE N TES A Magazine for Sharing God’s Love In Our Community

Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church 35 Airport Road Arden, North Carolina 28704 (828) 684-6700 If you no longer wish to receive Grace Notes, or if your address has changed, please contact us.

You are Invited!

Fall Craft Sale

has generously donated a piece of fine jewelry for our silent auction!

What:

Bags of Love* Fundraiser

When:

November 17, 2024 10:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.

Where: Arden SDA Church Community Life Center 35 Airport Road, Arden, NC

*Bags of Love is a faith-based ministry to meet immediate needs of children taken from their homes in Buncombe, Henderson and Transylvania counties. A “bag” of essential needs & goodies is provided to bring comfort and security to displaced children in their time of feeling lost and confused. Your support of foster children is greatly appreciated!

For more info contact: bagsoflove4kids@gmail.com or call (828) 691-5593 CASH OR CHECK ONLY (Thanks!)