Grace Notes May 2025

May 2025

Full Color Online Edition:

.. . e d Insi

Transitions subbing for Pastor Eric – Max Hammonds

T

he month of May is graduation month. So, our theme is transitions – from one level of life to the next. Sometimes the transition is straight forward into further growth; sometimes the transition is one of difficult adjustments after making a sharp, unexpected turn. The story of God’s people is full of transitions, many of them following sharp, left or right turns.

We think of the stories of Abraham and Isaac as being, for the most part, a straight course of transitioning from one level of growth with God to another. However, Abraham’s sojourn in Egypt and his later interactions with Abimelech (probably a kingly title, rather than a proper name) and Isaac’s similar interaction with another Philistine “Abimelech” were sharp, political right turns. Both Abraham and Isaac misread the spiritual morality of the leaders of other nations, became frightened, and rapidly turned from trusting God to trusting themselves. Such sharp turns away from God led to a period of unsettling, confusing transition. Each had to re-evaluate his situation and rediscover the choices that led back to a trusting relationship with God. The sharp, social left turns of Jacob in relating to his brother, his father, and his father-in-law transitioned his entire life pattern into deception and deceit, threatening his spiritual relationship with God. To transition back from a lifestyle of fear, manipulation, and hide-and-seek relationships, Jacob required a spiritual crisis to break free from the cycle of deception, discovery, and escape. Even then, years of transitioning back to a trusting relationship with God traveled through the incident at Shechem (Gen. 34) and the horrible events surrounding the life of Joseph.

Each of these patriarchs chose to turn back to God after a sudden wrong turn. This critical choice enabled God to lead them through a time of transition back into a growing and enriching relationship with Him. Choices that cause sudden, rapid deviations from a relationship with God lead to uncertainty and instability, distrust and fear. Even transitions through the normal stages of life – without sudden turns – can be unsettling and require

some reassessment of our relationship with God in each new stage of life.

Such is the life of a person – of any age – on becoming a Christian.

The first stage of the Christian life is that time before we really know Jesus. Whether as a child, a youth, or an adult we easily move through the events in our lives. We may know about Jesus but generally are oblivious to the very personal God and His plans for us.

Then God sends a call to us while in our world. We play with our pet, see a sunset, hear a popular song, talk with our friends, or witness a startling event (Psalm 19:1-4a) and our attention is transfixed for a moment and we realize – someone is trying to get our attention. Sometimes it takes several such encounters to arrest our attention for more than a brief time.

But eventually, the Holy Spirit does what He does and focuses us on the possibility that God wants to have a relationship with us.

In the next stage, the potential Christian hears the call of the evangelist. We explore Bible stories, attend church, develop relationships with friends who are Christians. We test the waters. Then we hear the call in a church service, in a Sabbath School class, in a school week of prayer, or in a full-blown evangelistic campaign. The Holy Spirit speaks to us, urges us, entices us – and we choose to surrender our life to Jesus – who surrendered His life to save us. We are awakened to the awesome sacrificial gift of this exchange, our heart answers the call, and we become “a new creature” (2 Cor. 5:17). And a new life begins for us as a Christian.

We transition into living within our relationship with God. Growing, we adapt to the new Christian lifestyle, growing comfortable – and complacent. But, the challenges of school, the difficulties of job security, the responsibilities of providing for a family, the burdens of illness, the subtle deceptions and distractions placed in our path by the enemy cause us to – like the patriarchs – become frightened, misread the situation, turn from our trust in God, and sharply turn to manipulating our way out of the difficulty.

God in His infinite love sends the call to the troubled Christian: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Like the patriarchs, we have to re-evaluate our situation, seek the Holy Spirit to break us out of the cycle of deception, and help us find the trusting relationship with God we had abandoned.

Life is a series of transitions, each one a re-evaluation of our options, each one an opportunity to grow ever closer to God. Eventually, our trust relationship solidifies and we anticipate the final transition – from this world to the “earth made new” where our transitions will occur safely within God’s will – and our choice to be in His will.

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The Vital Role of our Audio/Visual Ministry

Visual Elements Visual elements are equally important in modern worship services. The A/V team handles everything from projecting announcements, song lyrics and Bible verses, as prepared

by Whitney Barron, onto screens-to displaying multimedia presentations that complement the sermon. This visual support helps to engage the congregation, making it easier for them to follow along and participate actively in the service.

by Nancy McMillan

n today's modern worship services, the audio-visual I (A/V) team plays an indispensable role in enhancing the Lighting spiritual experience of our congregation. Our dedicated Proper lighting can transform the atmosphere of a volunteer team consists of Bruce and Brent Davis, David and Nolan Darnell, Heath and Ian Betchley, and Josh Small.

They are responsible for ensuring that every aspect of A/V functions properly to create an immersive environment that allows worshippers to connect more deeply with the Sabbath messages throughout our worship service and music.

Our A/V team is crucial in bridging the gap between the presentation of the Word and the congregation. Their work ensures that every sermon, hymn, and announcement is clearly heard and seen by everyone, regardless of where they are – in our sanctuary, in the foyer, the main kitchen, seminar room or live streaming.

Bear in mind that this team also supports all additional church events as well. All memorial services, special events and presentations by guest speakers, musical performances, drama productions, children's participation, and baptisms also require the same expertise as Sabbath morning worship services – but at various hours, in unusual places, and sometimes with minimal equipment.

worship service. The A/V team uses lighting to illuminate specific areas of the stage, create mood and ambiance, and draw attention to key moments in the service. Take a look at our ceiling and stage area to see the various lighting Picture by Pen Braister-Sturgis fixtures that require their attention and management.

Sound Quality Sound quality is one of the most critical aspects of a worship service. The A/V team manages microphones, mixers, speakers, and other sound equipment to ensure that the entire service components are delivered clearly and without distraction. They also balance the sound levels of musical instruments and vocalists, creating a harmonious blend that enhances the worship experience.

Technical Issues Technical issues can arise at any time, often without warning. A/V members need to understand how to operate and troubleshoot complex equipment, often under time constraints. While the work of the A/V team is rewarding, it is not without its challenges. The A/V team must be prepared to troubleshoot and resolve these problems quickly to minimize disruptions to the service.

Our Arden SDA audio-visual team plays a vital role in our worship services, enhancing our spiritual experience through the use of technology. Their work ensures that every aspect of the service, from sound and visuals to lighting, is executed with precision and professionalism.

Despite the challenges they face, at every special event and throughout the Sabbath services, the dedication and skill of our A/V team create an immersive and engaging worship environment – for which we are grateful.

The Skills of an AV Team Serving on the church A/V team requires a unique set of skills and a commitment to continuous learning. Team members must be proficient with various types of technology, including audio mixing consoles, video projectors, and lighting systems. They must also have a good ear for sound quality, c o n s t a n t viewing, and an eye for visual detail.

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Transitions of Life by the GN Staff Transitions are an adventure. Transitions are a struggle.

Throughout our lives we encounter multitudes of transitions – from a single adult to a married adult, from a household with children to an empty-nest household, from an immigrant into a country to a citizen of that country, from using a rotary phone to using a smart phone. All transitions are an adventure and all of them involve a struggle. Transitions are by their very nature unsettling, confusing, and frightening, until a new skill is learned, a new environment becomes familiar, new relationships are established.

May is the month of graduations when individuals experience a common transition – from one level of educational life to the next. The staff of GN interviewed three people who will experience a transition: an eighth-grader transitioning to academy, a senior in academy to college, a college graduate to “real” life, and a fourth individual experiencing a life-changing transition in her adult life.

Philip Nyakundi – Philip Nyakundi is a fourteen-year-old eighth-grader at Captain Gilmer Christian School (CGCS), transitioning to Fletcher Academy. Born in Kenya, Philip is the oldest child in his family of his father Davlin, his mother Doris, and sister Darla. They came from Kenya where his father was a research manager and his mother was a statistician for public health organizations.

Philip enjoys his math and science classes at CGCS. His parents, because of their medical background, help him understand his school work when there are questions. But Philip enjoys these classes himself for the fun and adventure they afford. He thinks he might follow in his parents footsteps. He thinks that would be enjoyable and interesting, but he is thinking of exploring his own future forays into the scientific field.

Philip thinks his challenges during his first year at Fletcher Academy will be learning quickly to move from one class room to another and waking up on time as morning classes start much earlier in academy. He is also aware that the subject matter will be more complex and more in depth. Up to now his science and

math classes have been easy for him, but next year will be more challenging.

In addition, he is looking forward to making new friends.

Many of his friends from CGCS will be with him to make the transition easier. But he finds making new friends easy.

He anticipates hard subjects and higher levels of work. He also expects to have to work at Fletcher Academy as part of the curriculum. This transition from eighth grade to academy work and studies is a big deal to him. It’s a step up to the next level. He’s not worried. He just wants to earn a good GPA. Philip says that God is with him all the time. He asks for and receives God’s guidance in his life and in his school work. He knows that God will give him the strength and knowledge to make this transition.

Elijah Small – Elijah Small, 18, will make a significant transition from high school to college. Preparing to attend Southern Adventist University (SAU), he is excited but also nervous about the changes ahead. Although undecided on his major, he has always been interested in film, sparked by his uncle’s experiences as a film major at SAU. He is also drawn to psychology and history and wants to choose a field of study that excites him but also provides a stable future.

Although a career in film doesn’t necessarily require a degree, Elijah is carefully considering whether film, psychology, or history is the right fit for him.

But Elijah is clear about his goals for the future. He looks forward to meeting new people and experiencing the freedom of college life. And he is aware of the increased responsibility that comes with adulthood. He is nervous about managing his time, finances, and the responsibilities of living away from home.

Elijah doesn’t enjoy cooking, planning to rely on the campus cafeteria and Village Market for most of his meals. Although having spent time away from family on short-term mission trips and summer camps, this will be his first extended stay away from home and his first time living in a dorm.

SAU offers a summer Smart Start program, allowing new students to take free/discounted courses to ease into college life.

While not opposed to summer courses, Elijah already feels comfortable on the SAU campus, having visited multiple times.

Instead, he will work at Camp Cedar Falls, a Southern California Adventist youth camp, until the fall semester begins.

Elijah is eager for the personal growth that college promises. He welcomes this important transition step in managing his own responsibilities, balancing work, finances, and social life. Elijah plans to work while in college but the type of job is uncertain. He plans to explore different churches in the area, seeking a congregation that feels just right. During breaks, Elijah will return home for Christmas and spring break to reconnect with

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family. His hobbies, such as rock climbing, mountain biking, and playing music, will provide balance and enjoyment as he enters this new chapter of his life.

Sydney Fritz – Sidney Fritz is partway through her Master of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology at Andrews University (AU) in Berrien Springs, Michigan. This year holds several significant transitions for her.

First, Sydney will complete all of her courses in 2025, including a final exit exam for her program. Then, she will transition to a practicum program through August 2026. Sydney hopes the practicum will be in Texas, in order to live with extended family.

This uncertainty leaves Sydney a bit anxious, but her church family’s prayers can support her to find just the right assignment.

Second, this summer Sydney will be in Jamaica as part of a service and study trip sponsored by the Speech Language Pathology program at AU. The department chair, originally from Jamaica, has contacts with government special needs schools where 40 AU students and faculty will conduct hearing screenings and provide much needed AAC devices (which help individuals supplement or replace impaired verbal communication). Sydney is clearly excited about this trip, the new experience, the travel, and the chance to help many children.

Ultimately, at the end of 2026, Sydney is uncertain what follows. Right now, she enjoys exploring the different areas of Speech Language Pathology, being drawn to early intervention, working with children from birth to five years of age. She can be creative with them, using play and toys to interact with them, seeing expressions of their young energy.

Additionally, Sydney sees a need in Adventist and other private schools where it is harder for students with Speech Language Pathology difficulties to get the proper services. She wants to explore creative ways to bridge the gap, hopefully finding ways to assist children of her wider church family.

Finally, at AU in Michigan, Sydney has enjoyed most of her academic program, extending an invitation for anyone interested in Speech Language Pathology. It’s a great field, she says, with lots of need, variation, and many job opportunities. As for the interactions at AU, Sydney loves the diversity on campus and in the surrounding Adventist community. She has enjoyed seeing many different worship styles and meeting people of different backgrounds from all over the world. And while not commenting about the winters, Sydney said that Michigan summers are just great!

Cari Hammonds – Throughout her life, Cari has been healthy and energetic, enjoying an active lifestyle. She taught exercise classes and could always take long walks. Going uphill was never an issue. Even as she has aged, she could still take long walks uphill easily.

She and her husband Max received the COVID vaccine when they were available. But in October 2021, they both got COVID. It was a light case and felt like a really bad cold. They recovered.

In April 2022, she tested positive again, and once again, she felt it was a mild case.

She began having some cardiac issues and started medicine for “atrial arrhythmias” and PAC’s (premature atrial contractions).

But in July 2022, she began experiencing a drop in her blood pressure on first arising each morning. Her blood pressure would get so low she would have to lie down with her legs up on the back of the couch. Her doctor started medicines to help keep her blood pressure more stable.

She began noticing other concerns, including “foggy brain.”

She wasn’t able to remember things as she normally could. Her mornings had to begin more slowly. She experienced shortness of breath, and if she was walking uphill, she would have to pause on the hills to catch her breath. One walk resulted in having to ask her husband to get the car to bring her home. Her pulmonologist diagnosed broncheictasis and put her on an inhaler to help her lungs function better.

She keeps an oximeter (testing oxygen levels) close by, and there have been times her oxygen dropped into the 80’s range which is dangerous. She can’t mop her floors anymore because of her oxygen levels. Cari was officially diagnosed with “long COVID.” She had to resign from some of the church ministries in which she was involved.

It has been a big transition for Cari, but she has leaned on God. Cari states “I have complete reliance on Him. I don’t know what my situation will be each day but He does and is with me each day. I have to not only go ‘one day at a time,’ but ‘moment by moment.’ He gives me security and I rely on God’s Bible promises. I know He is walking beside me every moment of every day.”

She wants to visit her brother in Idaho but is concerned about flying.

She is so grateful for her husband Max who has helped her through this time and has gracefully picked up some of the housework she can’t do. She relies on God and is grateful for each day in this life and the life to come when we are in heaven with Him. God is good all the time.

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28 Fundamentals: # 13 The Remnant

A

lbert Groot (Mark’s Pawpaw a.k.a. grandfather) thought he heard voices coming from the family room of his daughter’s house. Quietly traversing the hallway, he stopped just outside the doorway and listened. He recognized the voice of Mark’s friend, David Wilson. “But the remnant people of God cannot be the great multitude of verse 9. They don’t have a message.”

“But they are the last remnant prior to Christ’s coming.” This sounded like Micah Richards.

Pawpaw stepped into the doorway. Mark saw the others glance at the doorway and looked up. “Pawpaw! You’re just in time. We need some help here.”

“You sound like you’re doing pretty well by yourselves. Good evening, fellas.”

“Good evening, Mr. Groot,” several responded. Micah quickly exited Pawpaw’s favorite chair, sitting on the footstool in front of the rocker.

Pawpaw nodded. “Thank you, Micah.” He nodded to Jeremy Walker and David and settled into his chair across the fireplace from Mark. “What are you fellas discussing?”

Mark spoke up, “Pawpaw, we’ve got an assignment for Bible class. We’re supposed to write 500 words about who the remnant in Rev. 12:14 is and what they are to do.”

“We got as far as Revelation 7 . . . ,” Micah began.

“Whoa, whoa,” Pawpaw laughed. “Don’t you need to know what a remnant is before trying to chase it down?” Pawpaw looked around for a response. Silence. “Jeremy, isn’t your mother a quilter?” Jeremey nodded. “What does your mother call all those left over pieces she uses?”

“Uh . . . oh, remnants!”

“So, what’s a remnant . . . in the Bible?” Silence. “Isaiah 1:9, in the King James or Revised Version,” Pawpaw ordered. “The new translations totally miss the impact of the word remnant.”

Mark and David looked on their phones; Micah and Jeremy opened their Bibles.

David spoke first. “The KJV describes a desolation of Israel with only the few who are alive.”

“Yeah, my NIV calls them survivors,” Jeremy added.

“Those who remain – faithful,” Pawpaw said. “Those were the

ones Isaiah was referring to. Now, who was the first remnant mentioned in the Bible? Someone who remained faithful when all others were not?” When more silence followed, Pawpaw continued. “Look in Genesis 6:5-8.”

Pages rustled and phone apps pinged. “Ah, Noah!” Jeremy was first this time.

Pawpaw nodded. “Yes, Noah. An excellent example of a remnant because Noah’s story describes the major characteristics of a remnant.”

“Yeah, Noah was a real preacher, telling everyone about what was coming.” Suddenly, Micah was very animated.

“Very good,” Pawpaw interjected. “Because that’s the second characteristic of a remnant. They have a message to tell others about a coming crisis.”

“Didn’t most prophets have a message to tell about a coming disaster?” Mark asked.

“Yes, but the remnant has two more characteristics beyond prophets,” Pawpaw explained. “The third one, the remnant must explain the crisis while they have to live through the crisis. This doesn’t make them into the remnant; it reveals them to be the remnant.” Pawpaw saw David quietly processing. “David, what’re you thinking?”

“God didn’t remove Noah from the crisis. He just endured it along with everyone else. He probably didn’t know he was a remnant, did he?”

“Most remnants don’t know.” Pawpaw nodded again. “They just get the work done – which points out the fourth characteristic – the remnant are given a task to do that will provide for the survival of others.”

“The ark!” several said almost simultaneously.

“For Noah – yes, the ark,” Pawpaw responded. “But other remnants in the Bible had other tasks to do. Elijah had to pray for rain. John the Baptist had to direct people to the Lamb of God. “But there’s one more characteristic of the remnant – actually it’s the first one which leads to the last one.” Pawpaw’s voice was more subdued. “Like all Christians called by God, the remnant must be surrendered to a covenant grace-faith relationship with God, otherwise it’s not possible for them to cooperate with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in their special assignment.

“Which leads to this final characteristic: the remnant consists of ordinary people called to do an extraordinary task, therefore they must function, can only function – how?”

The question caught them all off guard. Then Mark spoke. “I know, Pawpaw. Zechariah 4:6. Shall I read it to them?”

Pawpaw nodded. “ ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.”

Pawpaw stood to leave. “Now, if you put Revelation 10 with 12:14, I think you’ll know who the remnant is. And Revelation 14 will tell you their message.” As he turned to go, he paused: “And don’t forget the plans for their ark, in Colossians 3:11-16; Ephesians 4:11-16; Matthew 25:34-40.”

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Grace While We Wait A gospel song from long ago gathered the hope of millions into a yearning vision of peace: “Someday, a bright new wave Will break upon the shore; And there'll be no sickness No more sorrow, no more war; And little children Never will go hungry any more . . .”

That bright new world hasn’t yet arrived. The headlines rage. The nations totter. Famished children in refugee camps wait for promised bread and water.

But for believers in Jesus, our reality has already begun to change, even as we long for the day when God will make all things new. The greatest shift in history has already happened: “For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins” (Col 1:13-14).

That bright new world arrives as, one by one, we accept the grace of Jesus and then pick up His work in this world—healing; comforting; peacemaking; embracing displaced, frightened kids.

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day” (2 Cor 4:16).

The greatest change is a change of heart. Yours can begin today.

Then stay in grace.

Bill Knott – Grace Notes

Apple Oatmeal Cookies INGREDIENTS Cooking Spray � ½ C 1% milkfat cottage cheese � ½ C Unsweetended applesauce � 2 Tbsp Honey �1 tsp Vanilla extract �

� � � � �

1 ½ C Rolled Oats 1 Tbsp Ground flaxseed 1 tsp Baking powder 1 tsp Baking soda ¼ tsp Xanthan gum

Servings per recipe: 4 cookies Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 12 minutes DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray mini-muffin tin with cooking spray. Set aside.

In a cooking processor fitted with a standard blade, puree cottage cheese with applesauce, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.

In a large bowl, stir together oats, flaxseeds, baking powder, baking soda and xanthan gum. Stir in cottage cheese mixture until well combined.

Form little balls and press into 24 mini muffin tin compartments.

Bake for 12 minutes.

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Diet for Hypertension H

igh blood pressure – hypertension, greater than 130/85 – is known as the silent killer. The symptoms are generally not very noticeable: mild headaches, occasional dizziness or lightheadedness, chest pain that is assumed to be coronary artery disease, elevated kidney lab values that are thought to be inherent kidney disease. The first major physical indications of hypertension are usually stroke, heart attack or heart failure, visual loss, or kidney failure.

Obviously, finding and treating hypertension before these major life changing events occur would be preferable.

Although thirty-three percent of the world’s population have hypertension, half of them don’t know it.

That’s why it is called the silent killer.

The only clue to the presence of hypertension is a medical examination with attention to a series of blood pressure measurements and the organs of particular concern, like the heart, the kidneys, and the eyes. When the disease is discovered, the physician and the patient must answer the question as to how to treat the disease before one of these disastrous events occurs.

The first line of treatment for hypertension is not medicines, but life style changes. Weight loss, physical exercise, stop smoking, stop alcohol intake, and reducing salt intake are all measures proven to improve or correct hypertension. If these measures give only partial correction, one more lifestyle intervention has proven to be effective – dietary adjustment.

One of the most effective dietary regimens is the DASH diet – Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. In its yearly presentation of health interventions, the U.S. News and World Report named the DASH Diet “the Best Diet for Hypertension” in 2025. The DASH diet has no restrictions on foods, just recommendations to eat more of “this” and less of “that.” Of course, the more choices match with “this,” the more effective the diet will be. The low-carb, paleo, or high-protein diets are effective for losing weight and lowering blood pressure but are hard to maintain on a long term basis without unpleasant or sometimes dangerous side effects. But the DASH diet is

excellent for long-term maintenance and compatible with various dining scenarios.

The DASH diet enhances lowering blood pressure by a series of choices: 1) consciously being aware of salt in the diet and choosing to decrease intake to lower than 1,500 to 2,300 mg/day, 2) limiting saturated fat intake by including fat-free or low-fat dairy, fish, poultry, and vegetable oils, and limiting fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and tropical oils like coconut and palm oils, 3) increasing fiber-rich foods like whole grains and legumes, and 4) increasing fruits, vegetables, and nuts such as walnuts, and limiting sugarsweetened beverages and sweets.

This is the underlying mechanism behind the recommendations of the DASH diet. Sodium chloride – ordinary table salt – leads the way for water to follow.

Wherever the sodium goes, the water will go. If sodium is present in larger amounts in the blood stream and in the tissue fluids, water will follow also in larger amounts, filing the blood vessels more full of fluid, thus raising blood pressure. All of the above choices contribute to lowering sodium intake – the causative target. And all of these choices can potentially help to lower the blood pressure – the primary target.

The kidney has a mechanism to regulate sodium levels in the blood. For some this mechanism works very well and keeps sodium and blood volume within normal ranges. For others, the mechanism works less well. For everyone, if the sodium levels are high in the tissue fluids, the sodium with its accompanying water coming from those tissues into the blood stream will be constantly challenging and over whelming the kidney mechanism to keep up. The correct response is to keep sodium intake low so that the body can handle the sodium and water levels without stress.

Adhering to the DASH diet has several additional benefits. These dietary choices will lower LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol), lower blood A1c levels (indicating better stability of blood sugar), lower calorie intake that contributes to weight loss, and decrease the risk of stroke and coronary artery disease. Additionally, the DASH diet can be modified to a lower carbohydrate intake for diabetics or a lower intake of potassium-rich foods for those with chronic kidney disease.

A dietary regiment with choices and fewer restrictions is more likely to be followed long term and, therefore, more likely to be effective in contributing – along with other lifestyle choices – to lowering blood pressure. Consider your options and choose wisely. Your life depends on your choice. [further information on diet specifics: news.llu.edu.healthwellness – Feb. 3, 2025, DASH diet]

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Three Mission Trips with Our Kids

by Max Hammonds

bags for the community, and interact with the orphans every day.

The third trip, led by Tristan Hamilton, took Fletcher Academy and Captain Gilmer grade school students, families and community members to the island of Circiaco, a two hour ferry ride from Grenada. The work was to repair some of the destruction from Hurricane Helene on their island.

They repaired a roof, completely reconstructed a house, and gave new life to the only remaining Seventh-day Adventist Church on the island. The plan is to return next year and build a church!

The purpose of the trips was to create a realistic experience in mission work and heighten the understanding that God’s mandate to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel” has very practical applications. The school students to Honduras reported, “We are having a good time. God is good. This is the life.”

One of the students who went to Peru had a more lengthy response to the trip: “Just two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to join a group of thirty some Fletcher students to go to Pucallpa, Peru, and share some of Jesus' love. We went with the intention of building a church, but more than anything we ended up building relationships. That is not to say we didn't build a church. We successfully completed the concrete foundation and laid the brick walls for a church, but our greatest accomplishments had little to do with the physical building.”

“We had the opportunity to also build relationships with the people. From our construction leader Alberto to Mr. Henski's extended family members we got to connect on many different levels with the people there. Over the course of our stay the strangers we talked to slowly became people we could call friends. During the trip we ate most of our suppers on the porch of the family that made the suppers for us and as we ate, even people passing by would stop and strike up a conversation occasionally. Everyday people were intrigued to see what the ‘Gringos’ were up to and many were impressed by the dedication and effort of Fletcher students.”

“Sure we had a blast, but we did so while also fulfilling the commission God left us with. I personally felt first hand the fulfillment of working hard and building personal relationships. As Paul says, ""I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." (Just kidding, Oliver did more of the heavy lifting.) What I did see on this mission trip was the grace of God working through everyone involved from extremely sick teenagers with surprisingly nice attitudes to interaction with locals that slowly turned into friendships.

I am very glad that I got to be a part of this trip.”

-Seth Gibbs, FA Senior

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The International Kite

by Max Hammonds

H

ow do we bridge the great divisions that separate us?

How do we create peace in an atmosphere that engenders confrontation more than reconciliation? The following story is a real life metaphor illustrating how this can happen with a small beginning and an increasing effort.

This story has been repeatedly told in various publications, using many variations of people’s names and ages. The major point in this version is not historical accuracy (difficult to ascertain) but as an illustration of seeking a way to cross a chasm of distrust and animosity, common in today’s conversations.

In the early 1840’s, the rapid increase of trade and development in both the United States and in Canada called for a bridge to be constructed across the Niagara River, a demarcation line between the two countries. Although in the War of 1812 these two frontier nations exchanged gunfire across this very river, thirty years had softened the animosity. Entrepreneurs and politicians wanted a bridge built between them for road and passenger traffic – and the newest mode of transport – railways.

Entrepreneurs desired a suspension bridge like were being built all over Europe, but American engineers were skeptical.

These bridges fell down when stressed like rail traffic would impose. Four engineers were vying for the contract to build the bridge, each with their own designs and method of promoting themselves. All were competing for the $190,000 contract.

Three railroads wanted their trains to run on the only bridge crossing the Niagara River, but each railway used their own width of rails. None were the same width, yet all wanted to use the same bridge. Both countries had to charter a company in their country to build the bridge, and whichever engineer got the contract had to work with both companies simultaneously.

In this milieu of multiple interests, opportunities for misunderstanding and disagreements, bickering and

backbiting were numerous.

However, before any of these potential conflicts could be addressed, the first hurdle was to determine how to build a suspension bridge across the turbulent river that flowed through a chasm – at its narrowest point – 800 feet across and 230 feet deep. The first connection had to be gotten across the river that would join the two countries.

The engineer, Charles Ellet, Jr., and his supervisor of building works, Theodore Hulett, proposed an idea that would be cheap and generate publicity for the project. They organized a kiteflying contest, offering $5 ($150 in today’s currency) to any boy who could fly a kite from one side to the other and secure both ends of the kite string to the shore. Many Canadian and U.S. boys immediately attempted the stunt held in January 1848.

Rather than fly his kite from the American side of the river, sixteen-year-old Homan Walsh took advantage of prevailing westerly winds by crossing the river on a boat and flying his kite from the western Canadian shore to the eastern U.S. side where the kite string was secured to a tree.

All settlements of haggling parties, difficult negotiations, and reconciliations of sworn enemies initially depend on such fragile things as a kite string. The engineers slid a slightly heavier string tied to a silver ring along the kite string. An even heavier string was sent across on this string. Over this heavy string a rope traveled across the chasm. Over this rope a thin wire was passed. Larger wires journeyed across until a 7/8 inch bridge cable made the trip, connecting the two sides of the river – and the two countries. But the initial connection was a small, fragile kite string.

In this world of wickedlyworded text messages, insatiable suits and countersuits, and “wars and rumors of wars,” someone must be first to understand what our Lord did as described by Paul: “He is our peace; in His flesh He has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is the hostility between us” (Eph. 2:14, NRSV). To demonstrate Christ’s love to the world by a “new and living way,” we must lay down our war clubs and take up our sacrificial crosses by offering “a kite string” to our “enemies” across kitchen tables and church board room tables.

Bill Knott – in a January 2019 Adventist Review editorial, using this same illustration – outlined four strategies to get our “kites” of reconciliation in the air: 1) Start with your own heart. Pray for a reconciling spirit. 2) The smallest strands can become the basis of a massive bridge. Be on the alert for “kite strings” from others. 3) Some people would rather fight than switch. Avoid these demagogues. 4) “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men” (Romans 12:18).

Work at the task of peace. By personal sacrifice and persistent effort, forge bonds of unity.

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

Our family focus this month features Edilsa Martinez who joined the Arden Seventh-day Adventist Church in March, 2025.

Edilsa was born in Colombia and lived there for twenty years. She was raised as a Seventh-day Adventist. Her father was Adventist and her mother was Catholic, but her mother later joined the Adventist church and all her family did also. Edilsa has one brother, David, an older sister, Keila, and a younger sister, Deicy.

When Edilsa was twelve years old, her father moved their family to the city of Medellin, Columbia so they could attend a Christian school – which had grade school through university – where she graduated from high school. When her father moved them again, she attended college for one and a half years before moving to the United States. She has lived in Seattle, Washington for thirty years.

She works as a Payroll Administrator for a Property Management Company in Bellevue, Washington. She has worked there for twelve consecutive years and continues to work for them remotely. It is a family owned business, and she has become friends with them. She first began as a receptionist twenty-seven years ago. She worked for two years, left the company for several years, and returned to work as a bookkeeper and other duties before becoming the payroll administrator.

The company began with forty-five employees and now has over 200 employees.

During the years she left the company, she worked as a mortgage broker and became a real estate agent. She also took the opportunity to work for an art collector who had the largest private collection of Andy Warhol paintings. This job she really enjoyed, where she learned a lot about art, met interesting people, and got to spend time in Los Angeles.

She has been married to Lyle Johnson for two years and four months. Having first met online, they soon met in person and dated for three years. She and Lyle began thinking of moving out of Washington State and wanted to be somewhere that had four distinct seasons, had beauty and a lot of sunny days mixed with enough rainfall and good temperatures. They got a map out, did their research, and discovered Asheville, North Carolina. They came to visit and came back three more times before moving here. In August of 2023 they moved to Asheville. A year later they found a home in the Fletcher area and moved in August of 2024.

Edilsa enjoys flower gardening and is preparing her soil for growing vegetables as well. She also enjoys hiking, biking and traveling. Some of her travels have taken her to parts of Mexico and the Dominican Republic, London, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Athens, and Istanbul. She and her husband traveled to Munich, Innsbruck, Verona, and Venice last year.

A few weeks after arriving in Asheville, they began visiting area Adventist churches. She visited Arden and just felt the Arden church was so friendly, inviting, and a loving church. She was welcomed so warmly by Julie Carter who was greeting that day. Julie introduced her to other church members including fellow Colombians, Isabelle Ruiz and Johann Torres. She appreciates the many ministries church members participate in and is looking forward to finding ways to serve the church and the community.

We are so happy to welcome Edilsa Martinez as part of the Arden church family!

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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.

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 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.com 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

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.

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 80 Arden, NC 28704

BiBle CHARACTeRS in PAiRS Unscramble the names of these Bible characters. Then match up the pairs.

Each name will be used only once, but some names could be used in more than one pair.

Only one solution will put all the names in their proper pair.

ACIN ___ ___ ___ ___ & ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ HYOMITT ULAP

___ ___ ___ ___ & ___ ___ ___ ___

RYMA

SPOJEH ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ & ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ HEBABSTAH VADDI ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ & ___ ___ ___ ___ BAEL JAHIEL ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ & ___ ___ ___ ___ AHLE EMSAJ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ & ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ MIHALES CHREALA ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ & ___ ___ ___ ___ HONJ BANDA ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ & ___ ___ ___ ___ USAE SITTU ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ & ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ HAUBI COJAB ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ & ___ ___ ___ ___ ABAH EREPT ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ & ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

LASSI

ASCAI ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ & ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ DERAWN

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