Outlook Magazine July/August

Table of Contents Mid-America Union July/Aug 2010 From the President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Editorials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 "Lessons from Sushi". . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 "Not Only in Atlanta". . . . . . . . . . . . 5 "Would Anyone Come to Your Church?". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 "My Prayer for the GC President". . 7

Division News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 State of the Union. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Mid-America's S.W.O.T.Team. . . 12 Alive With Evangelism . . . . . . . 16 Central States News . . . . . . . . . . 20 Dakota News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Iowa-Missouri News. . . . . . . . . . 24 Kansas-Nebraska News. . . . . . 26 Minnesota News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Rocky Mountain News . . . . . . . 32 Union College News . . . . . . . . . . 35 Adventist Health System. . . . . . 39 Mid-America's Bloggers. . . . . 42 Farewell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Sunset Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 On the Cover: Delegates from around the world, who came to St. Louis for the last General Conference Session in 2005, were greeted with an Adventist adaptation of the familiar Gateway Arch. This year the global conference was held in Atlanta. Photo by Steve Nazario.

OUTLOOK, (ISSN 0887-977X) July-August 2010, Volume 31, Number 7. Outlook is published monthly by the Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 8307 Pine Lake Road, Lincoln, NE 68516; Telephone: 402.484.3000; Fax: 402.483.4453; E-mail: info@maucsda.org. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Outlook, PO Box 6128, Lincoln, NE 68506. E-mail: outlook@maucsda.org. When possible clip name and address from a previous issue. Printed at Pacific Press Publishing Association, Standard postage paid at Nampa, ID. Free for Mid-America church members and $10 per year for non-Mid-America subscribers. ©2010 Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. All Rights Reserved.

Adventist® and Seventh-day Adventist® are the registered trademarks of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

Find individual conference reports on the following pages...

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Iowa-Missouri Conference

24 Central States 20 Conference

Rocky Mountain Conference

Note: Central States is an ethnically diverse regional conference encompassing the entire Mid-America Union territory.

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Union College 35 Kansas-Nebraska 26 Conference

In This Issue ...

For Seventh-day Adventists around the world, nothing is more spectacular this side of heaven than the Parade of Nations—the climactic event at a General Conference Session,which meets every five years to transact the business of the church.On the final Sabbath evening,delegates cheer colleagues from each nation represented in our global church as they march past bearing their native flags.

In this special issue of Outlook, you will meet Mid-America’s 18 delegates as they share what they believe is the greatest strength, weakness, opportunity and threat facing the Seventh-day Adventist Church.This is a combined July/August

Outlook Staff Editor: Martin Weber Managing Editor/Ad Manager: Amy Prindle Layout Designer: Amy Prindle Classifieds/Subscriptions: Chris Smith Copy Editor: Chris Smith News Editors Central States: Roger Bernard Dakota: Jacquie Biloff Iowa-Missouri: Michelle Miracle Kansas-Nebraska: John Treolo Minnesota: Jeff Wines Rocky Mountain: Karen Cress Union College: Ryan Teller

Mid-America Union Conference President: Roscoe J. Howard III VP for Administration: Thomas L. Lemon VP for Finance: Elaine Hagele Associate VP for Finance: Walt Sparks

issue, since my associate and I will be busy dur-

Local Conferences

ing Outlook’s normal deadline time helping pro-

CENTRAL STATES: 3301 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66104; 913.371.1071 www.central-states.org

duce the delegates’ daily newsletter in Atlanta.

In 2005, the GC Session was in Mid-America’s own St. Louis. At the heart of that city is St. Louis Central Church, a wonderful example of what a diversified yet united congregation can be. I’ve asked head elder Michael Kelsey to explain that in a guest editorial.

First come editorials from our Mid-America Union officers, beginning with the president.

Unless otherwise noted, all photos are stock photography.

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Minnesota Conference

Dakota Conference

Martin Weber, editor

DAKOTA: P.O. Box 520, 217 North Grand Ave., Pierre, SD 57501; 605.224.8868 www.dakotaadventist.org IOWA-MISSOURI: P.O. Box 65665, 1005 Grand Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50265; 515.223.1197 www.imsda.org KANSAS-NEBRASKA: 3440 Urish Road, Topeka, KS 66614-4601; 785.478.4726 www.ks-ne.org MINNESOTA: 7384 Kirkwood Court, Maple Grove, MN 55369; 763.424.8923 www.mnsda.com ROCKY MOUNTAIN: 2520 S. Downing St., Denver, CO 80210; 303.733.3771 www.rmcsda.org

From the President Our Purpose at the Mid-America Union by Roscoe J. Howard III

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he Seventh-day Adventist Church is a global family of 17 million believers, all of whom belong to a local church. Home congregations around the world comprise both the backbone and the heartbeat of the Adventist body. They are where we worship God every Sabbath and are baptized, discipled, married and finally bidden farewell, to meet again when Jesus comes. All levels of denominational organization exist to support local churches and pastors—from the General Conference through its world divisions to union conferences and the local conferences, to which local churches belong.

Union conferences are the glue that holds together the Adventist structure for the benefit of local congregations. As the leader elected to serve the nearly 64,000 Seventh-day Adventists of the Mid-America Union, I would like to explain what we do to support the 491 churches in our nine-state region from headquarters here in Lincoln, Nebaska.

Basically, our job is to facilitate the mission of the Adventist Church in Mid-America. We provide administrative support and other needed services to six local conferences and their ministry departments, elementary and secondary schools, Union College and five major healthcare institutions.

The union conference serves the needs of these constituent organizations. Union departments help conference presidents by providing assessment tools and facilitating dialogue and collaboration. Our leadership is intended not to supervise as much as to synergize, ever seeking to leverage the combined resources of our various entities for optimal fruitfulness and efficiency. While union conferences provide a layer of accountability between local conferences and the global church structure, all union leaders are themselves elected by constituents from local conferences and are held accountable at regularly scheduled executive committees and constituency meetings. Accordingly, each union is custom made (within denominational guidelines) into whatever its local conferences and churches vote it to be, through locally elected representatives.

Union conferences are shared service centers. For example, the union office of education assists local conference education departments with the complex teacher certification process. The union hosts joint activities such as Pathfinder camporees and ministerial conventions. The union also seeks collaboration between its education and medical institutions so that each will support the needs and initiatives of the other in building up local congregations.

Within the Adventist denominational structure, each union conference is small enough to provide regional sensitivity yet large enough to administer combined resources where needed most. This is accomplished in ways not easily duplicated at the local conference level, from both a personnel and a cost perspective. Evangelism, personal ministries, education, communication, religious liberty, treasury, trust services and planned giving are examples of services and personnel that the union provides to local conferences and churches.

One service of the Mid-America Union much appreciated by local conferences and churches is the revolving fund, which provides and manages low cost loans for congregations to build or renovate church and educational facilities.

A major goal of the union office is conserving dollars so they can be used in local outreach and discipleship nurture. The Pacific Union Conference commissioned a study group to assess the cost vs. benefits of its existence. The conclusion was that the local conferences, without having the union office around, would not save money but would in fact need to pay 62.5 percent more to replicate the services and benefits received. Here in the Mid-America, we likewise serve the needs of our local conferences with minimal overhead.

In maintaining an efficient, cost-effective operation at union headquarters, my major goal as your leader is fostering the growth of local churches. I realize that numerical growth and financial stability in a healthy church system are based upon a strong spiritual foundation: heartfelt worship, inclusive community, passionate discipleship, faithful service and bold, creative outreach into the community. Selfless service for the Savior within a local congregation is like a cup of blessing overflowing into the neighborhood. People respond to our doctrines when they see love in our actions.

Well, it looks like I’m running out of room here. Thank you for letting me share with you! I’ll summarize by just saying this: helping local churches grow in every way is our reason for existence at union conference headquarters. And what will motivate our neighbors to fill our churches? Seeing us selflessly serving our Savior by loving them as He has loved us. Success for the whole worldwide operation of the Seventh-day Adventist Church comes down to that one word: love.

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Roscoe J. Howard III, DMin (can), is president of the Mid-America Union.

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Editorials Lessons from Sushi by Elaine Hagele

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few weeks ago while in Atlanta for a marathon of meetings, I headed to a nearby food court for supper. I passed by several possibilities—Mexican, veggie burgers, veggie wraps, veggie sandwiches. Then I spotted a Japanese sushi bar. The thought of fresh or pickled vegetables rolled in freshly cooked rice made me quite hungry. After living in Japan for 10 years, this is comfort food to me.

My order for vegetarian sushi was efficiently taken by a young Cambodian man. Very soon a young Hispanic sushi-maker deftly layered lightly seasoned rice on a sheet of crisp seaweed.

While Mr. Sushi-maker laid cucumber, avocado and other vegetables on the rice, a friend of his named Juan came to the counter and started an extended conversation with him in Spanish. I patiently waited for my sushi while the conversation went on and on.

I started thinking about this multi-cultural sushi—a Hispanic preparing Japanese sushi as directed by a Cambodian order-taker.

After some time, Juan, the conversationalist, turned to me and said, “Don’t you think my friend makes good sushi?”

Me: “It looks good.”

Juan: “He makes really good sushi even though he’s not Japanese.”

Me: “I was thinking about that.”

Juan (enthusiastically): “He looks sort-of Japanese though, don’t you think?”

Me (after casually looking at Mr. Sushi-maker): “Well, maybe just a little.” Though I have seen millions of Japanese and more millions of other Asians, and while each one looks distinctly different from one another, it was hard for me to see that Mr. Sushi-maker looked even remotely Asian.

Juan (pushing it): “Well, I think he looks like he could be Japanese.”

Me (trying hard to come up with a response): “Well, he does look a little more Asian than you do.” Where did I come up with that?

Juan: “What about me? What do I look like?”

Now the professional African-American man behind me in line was amusedly listening in on this conversation.

Me: “Well…well…you look more…more…more Caucasian.”

Juan: “That would make my mother happy.”

Me (not knowing what to say): “I’m sorry if that insults you.”

Juan: “No, that’s great. My mother (pointing upward) would bless you.” We didn’t have time for a study on the state of the dead at that point.

I was wondering how I had gotten into this conversation. Mr. Sushi-maker was packing up my sushi now. I looked from Mr. Cambodian Cashier, to Mr. African-American Professional behind me, to Mr. Hispanic Sushi-maker, and to Mr. Juan Conversationalist.

Me (confidently now): “Well, we are all one family.”

All around: “Yeah, that’s right.”

The beaming and nodding assent from each person was as warm as a group hug. For just a moment we all savored the fellowship. Then I took my sushi and left them—my happy, smiling family.

Atlanta soon housed another meeting with family. This family came to the General Conference Session from all over the world.

It was wonderful to see those I have known from far and near, some I see frequently and some I had not seen in years. Others of the family I hadn’t yet met. Some were delegates and visitors from everywhere. Some of the family were those I met on the streets, in food courts, or who knows where and how.

I did not understand all their languages, all their behavior or all their ideas. But I have a responsibility to family. I treated them as family, for as Paul told the Athenians, “He has made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth…that they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they might feel after Him and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us” (Acts 17: 26, 27).

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You don’t need to go to Atlanta to find the family—they are in your church, in your workplace, in your community, in your town, in your city. They may be searching for Him. They’re family—so it is our responsibility to help them find Him.

Elaine Hagele is vice president for finance of the Mid-America Union.

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The World Church—Not Only in Atlanta by Thomas L. Lemon

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t seems doubtful that Peter, James, John and their friends had any real idea of what Jesus was talking about when He predicted, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14, NKJV).

We know they didn’t fully understand the gospel. That would not become clear until after the Ascension and Pentecost.

Even decades into the Christian era, they were still figuring out grace. In some respects, many of us still are.

We know they didn’t understand what it meant to preach that good news—the night of the arrest of Jesus, Peter was still clumsily and violently promoting his agenda with the dull edge of his rusty sword.

So to carry a gospel they did not understand, using methods they were only then learning and taking it to a world they had never seen—well, it just makes sense to me that they probably didn’t totally get it. Their world was Galilee primarily, then Judea, then Samaria, and likely southern Lebanon. No doubt they were aware of Egypt and Arabia. They knew about Rome, but the idea that it was somewhere 500 miles west was outside of their experience. It did not “compute,” as we say.

Today with TV, satellites, world travelers that we know (or that we are), we understand better this thing called “the whole world” in the prophecy listed above. And we like to think we understand the gospel, while trying all kinds of ways to share it with that world.

"I have been around the world a lot. I have found three things to be universal: Roman Catholics, CocaCola and Seventh-day Adventists.

You absolutely cover the globe."

All of which brings me to the point today: The worldwide Seventh-day Adventist movement has been chartered for the purpose of bringing to fulfillment the prophecy of Jesus, for carrying forth the gospel commission of making disciples of every family, tribe, language group and nation in our world. The nature of that movement becomes much more clearly focused every five years when we meet in General Conference Session for a family council, as it were. It is a big family. But it is still family.

Yes, in many respects diversity defines us. We are many languages, nearly every race, dozens of cultures, several various styles, an abundance of methods, a plethora of opinions, but “one Lord, one faith, one baptism,” as the apostle Paul put it.

I once knocked on the door of a total stranger as part of our annual solicitation of funds. (We called it Ingathering.)

The person who answered the door let me know he was a distant cousin of Elder H. M. S. Richards. And as he made a generous contribution, he looked at my youthful appearance—this was a long time ago—and said, “Tom, do you know how extensive the work of your church really is?” When I prompted him further he said, “I have been around the world a lot. I have only found three things to be universal: Roman Catholics, Coca-Cola and Seventh-day Adventists.

You absolutely cover the globe.”

And that is as it should be. The gospel is not for us alone; the prophecies are not for us to merely track on a calendar that won’t be totally clear until after the events happen; the fellowship is not for us to bask in by ourselves; the worship is not for us alone to engage in.

All of it is for the purpose of preaching the arrival of the new kingdom shortly to be established. Jesus is coming again.

Amen!

So while our global movement worshiped, celebrated, reported, planned and elected recently in Atlanta—how is it in your world and mine? In our neighborhoods? In our homes? “Every nation, tribe, language and people,” the whole world includes us—right here, right now.

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Thomas L. Lemon is vice president for administration of the Mid-America Union.

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Editorials Why Would Anyone Come to Your Church?

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by Michael Kelsey

everal years ago, a visiting evangelist was sharing something he heard that day with a few of us while we were getting ready for the night’s meeting. He told a colleague where he was working and mentioned our congregation. The person responded, “Good luck with that.” The evangelist shared because he thought it was humorous, but it gave me a window into how we’re seen “from the outside.” It would seem that we have a reputation for being contentious.

We’re not the only ones. I have traveled throughout our conference sharing Biblical peacemaking principles with our churches, and almost without exception someone will slip up to me during a break and whisper, “I don’t know if you’re aware of this, but our church is dealing with some conflict right now.”

Does not getting along with our brothers and sisters impact our witness? It certainly does. But everyone doesn’t get along with someone, right? We’re called to love each other, but we don’t have to like each other, too, do we? Is this important?

Jesus, during His sermon on the mount, made many bold statements—here’s one: “If you know your brother has ought against you, leave your gift at the altar, go and make it right with him, then come back to the altar” (Matt. 5:23-24). Is this verse saying that Jesus wants me to resolve interpersonal conflict over attending worship on His Sabbath day? But I thought Sabbath-keeping was important! Jesus is driving deep—He’s saying that if I’m not at peace with my brother, then my Sabbath experience isn’t what it could be; it isn’t what it should be.

Jesus stakes even His claim to be the Son of God on our ability to show that He makes enough difference in our lives to overcome our differences.

But (oh, we can make excuses, can’t we?) there are so many “good” reasons to be at odds with one another. Other people have so many different opinions, they say things that can be outright shocking and their tastes are so unusual and they dress so different and they look so different.

St. Louis is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the Mid-America Union (second to Minneapolis according to government figures). We have a church for Spanish speakers, a church for Korean speakers, we have churches from the Central States Conference, and these all represent a wide variety of peoples. We continue to strive to get along together. But we do not worship together—we are family, but we have our own houses.

My home church, St. Louis Central, is a very diverse congregation from Botswana, Bulgaria, Burma, India, Kenya, Korea, Nigeria, The Philippines, Puerto Rico, Russia, Uganda and others as well (forgive me for the many I’ve missed). The potential for conflict is there, and we’ve experienced it in the past. But we are always learning how to get along together better.

One thing that contributed to seeing conflict differently has been applying biblical principles of peacemaking. We looked seriously at these back when Pastor Coridan was here (before leaving to serve as our conference president). A hard lesson is that time will not always make things better; letting things go can make things worse.

However, learning a few things doesn’t mean we will be free from conflict. In fact we still have conflict within our church and among other churches round about. But the goal is to recognize these as opportunities to learn and grow, not as seeds of distrust, fear or division. Jesus stakes his reputation and even His claim to be the Son of God on our ability to show that He makes enough difference in our lives that we overcome our differences. Read this for yourself in John 17:21-23. Our ability to live together in peace is a big deal.

In fact, I am convinced that when people see how different we are, yet we worship and serve our God together—they will realize that kind of peace can’t be found in their family, their workplace, their neighborhood or among the nations of the earth. Jesus makes a difference, and He will hold an attraction for anyone weary of the trials of this world.

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Can your church be a beacon of hope where God has planted you? Does it make a difference?

Does it really matter? It will to them. It can to you.

Michael Kelsey is head elder of St. Louis Central Church. He serves on the Reconciliation Ministry team of his church and for the Iowa-Missouri Conference, where he is also a member of the conference executive committee. He invites Outlook readers to contact him: michael@2cor519.org.

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My Prayer for the General Conference President

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by Martin Weber

y the time you read this, the election of a world president of the Seventh-day Adventist will have taken place at the General Conference Session in Atlanta. He will certainly need our prayers.

Here are the top three items on my prayer list. I pray he will 1) leverage all denominational resources to strengthen local churches; 2) continue seeking diversity in church leadership; and 3) promote the value of “present truth”—framing historic Adventist doctrine in the context of contemporary culture.

Let’s consider why these three initiatives are so vital.

Strengthening Local Churches As Elder Roscoe Howard pointed out on page 3, the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist organization rests on the foundation of local churches. He explained how all levels of denominational governing exist to support local churches and pastors.

Recent years have seen a dramatic downsizing of union and local conferences. The Mid-America Union is one-third the size of what it used to be, efficiently and effectively helping its territory in ways not easily duplicated locally. I suggest that the greatest shortcoming of the denominational structure is no longer bloated inefficiency, but lack of synergistic collaboration among Adventist entities. Union conferences are ideally positioned to orchestrate such cooperation, both proactively and reactively.

Consider our healthcare and educational institutions. Each can and should support the needs and initiatives of the other in facilitating local church outreach and nurture. Our schools struggle financially, while fiscally fit hospitals express frustration about not enough Adventist employees. Yet our educational system produces excellent nurses, physicians, accountants and administrators. So let’s facilitate a synergistic partnership in which Adventist healthcare interacts supportively with Adventist education within a union conference—much like major league baseball supplies training and funding within regional “farm systems” that educate its employees.

The GC president is uniquely positioned to hold the entire Adventist enterprise accountable for working together as a harmonized unit to support local churches.

Enhancing Diversity in Church Leadership The Adventist Church has come a long way toward ethnic diversity in leadership, but we have much ground to recover in empowering women and young adults as leaders. Ellen White had supreme de facto authority in the foundation and operation of our denomination.

She instructed and rebuked entire assemblies of church leaders. I’m puzzled that those most vocal in heralding her continuing authority seem the most resistant to ordaining (or even appointing) any other woman for significant leadership. Finally remedying this—if necessary, division by division as local culture permits—surely qualifies as a paramount priority for GC leadership.

Ellen White was not only a woman, but a teenager when called to ministry. Most pioneer Adventist leaders were twenty somethings. Now more than ever, we need the energy and insights of young adults—not just as attendees or even mere participants, but as fully empowered strategists.

Rediscovering Present Truth Finally, I pray that the General Conference president just elected in Atlanta will use his influence to restore the excitement of present truth—the most unique theological contribution of Adventist pioneers. Outreach today must interact intellectually and socially with the 21st century culture of postmodernism—contextualizing ourselves while avoiding theological and moral compromise.

At stake here is whether the body of Christ will be incarnational. Jesus took upon himself not only human flesh, but human experience contemporary for his time and place. He tailored his teaching for his Palestinian Jewish audience. We too must be relevant in our own culture, speaking to the concerns of our time with our timeless truth.

Success in evangelizing postmodern society requires Adventists to frame our 28 fundamental beliefs in the context of our unique Great Controversy narrative. Since the Bible itself is mostly narrative, this should not be a problem for us.

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All three presidential priorities here proposed, reclaimed from our earliest heritage, are fueling church growth wherever implemented in postmodern society. My prayer is that the new president will lead us onward in their fulfillment.

Martin Weber, DMin, is assistant to the president of the Mid-America Union, communication director and Outlook editor.

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Division News

The Adventists

Hits Amazon “Best Seller”List #26

#2 for Documentary/religion n at i o n a l ly f o r a l l D o c u m e n ta r i e s

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he Adventists jumped onto the Amazon best-seller list this summer for the first time. It reached #2 for best selling documentary films in the category of religion—second only to Religulous by Bill Maher (an interesting juxtaposition!). It also reached #26 overall for documentary films nationally (ratings as of Friday, May 21).

The Adventists is a new and highly acclaimed documentary film for PBS stations that explores the Church’s history and contemporary story through its health message.

“Breaking onto the bestseller list shows how the film not only has support within the Adventist communities but mainstream America as well,” says filmmaker Martin Doblmeier—who currently has two other films on the Amazon best-selling list for documentary/religion— BONHOEFFER and The Power of Forgiveness.

“At the heart of the film is a story about an Americanborn faith tradition with an approach to healthcare anchored in a profound belief that the body is the Temple of the God,” Doblmeier added. “That core belief has made Adventists some of the longest living people on the planet—living on average 7-10 years longer than most Americans.”

The Adventists on DVD is

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available for purchase at $24.95 ($19.95 plus $5 s/h) from www.journeyfilms.com. Or you may get the DVD for the same cost from the Voice of Prophecy broadcast with a donation of $25 or more on their website. Go to www.vop. com and click "current features."

The Adventists filmmaker Martin Doblmeier is available for screenings in Mid-America's local churches, as well. To inquire, call 800.486.1070.

Now you can spread the Gospel by playing the most interactive and dynamic Bible-based board game ever created: “THE MISSION.� Build churches, fund projects, and send missionaries to other parts of the world as you answer 800 Biblical trivia questions. Have fun as you are challenged to act, describe and draw Bible scenes. Connect with the other players by sharing your opinion about various spiritual topics.

For more information on this young-adult-created tool of opportunity, visit www. themission2414.com.

Mid-America Adventist Disaster Response Leaders Win National Recognition Gaylord and Derri Hanson, leaders of Adventist Community Services Disaster Response in the Mid-America Union, were among faithbased leaders who received the 2010 national award from Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). The Hansons belong to the Iowa Disaster Human Resource Council, which was selected from among 55 state and territory regions to win VOAD's 2010 award for excellence in disaster response following the tornadoes and Gaylord and Derri Hanson floods of 2008.

Photo courtesy of Gaylord Hanson

Photo courtesy of Ryan Brown

"THE MISSION" Board Game Introduced

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State of the Union State of the Church at the 2010 W orld S ession

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elegates from around the globe convene every five years to transact the business of the Seventh-day Adventist Church on behalf of its 17 million members. Their purpose is to elect world leaders and discuss possible updates to the church’s beliefs, practices and policies. The event is also a profoundly spiritual and a delightfully social occasion.

The Mid-America Union had the honor of hosting the 2005 General Conference Session in St. Louis.

This year Atlanta, Georgia was chosen as the host city. By the time you read this combined July/August issue of Outlook, the June 24 to July 4 meetings will be history. To get an immediate report of what transpired, you may access the website of Adventist News Network: www.News.Adventist.org.

Of the 2,400 delegates representing the entire world field, 18 are Mid-Americans. Our “delegates at large” include the six local conference presidents as well as the union president, his two vice presidents and the president of Union College. Our other delegates are pastors and lay people selected according to the spectrum of race, gender, occupation and geographic profile.

Delegates from Mid-America were tasked with the responsibility and privilege of voting on behalf of nearly 64,000 members spread throughout 491 churches under the leadership of 247 pastors (plus 10 lay pastors, two Bible workers and four pastors in seminary). Since the last General Conference Session in St. Louis, the ranks of Mid-American Adventists have increased by more than 5,300, with an average of 981 baptisms a year. There are currently 79 Adventist Christian schools, employing 260 fulltime-equivalent teachers who disciple 2,514 students.

The rich diversity of Mid-America’s delegates is evident in their various viewpoints of how the Seventh-day Adventist Church should operate. To provide insight into their thinking in regards to the state of our global family, Outlook magazine asked each delegate to give a one-sentence assessment of Adventism’s greatest strength, weaknesss, opportunity and threat. (This is a condensed version of the familiar “S.W.O.T.” analysis, a tool to assess organizations of all kinds.)

Here now are Mid-America’s delegates to the 2010 General Conference Session.

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Mid-America's

S.W.O.T. Team

M i d - A m e r i c a d e l e g at e s t o t h e G e n e r a l C o n f e r e n c e S e s s i o n a s s e s s t h e s tat e o f t h e i r c h u r c h Compiled by Martin Weber

S = Strengths / W= Weaknesses / O= Opportunities / T= Threats Ed Barnett S = We are God’s remnant church, and we are in His hands!

W = We are too slow in making changes in the church and its structure.

O = To make change and chart a new course this summer T = Our unwillingness to even look at new ways to do things in the church As president of the Minnesota Conference, Ed Barnett describes himself as “happy to serve wherever the Master needs me.”

Neil Biloff S = Our dedicated people W = We have a tendency to worry too much about how we are viewed by the world.

O = Our young people and Adventist education T = Continual political battles over money, turf, race, “helicopter parents,” power and theology

Neil Biloff is president of the Dakota Conference, living in Pierre, South Dakota.

Robert Brauer S = Our unique biblical message that explains why we're here, and where and when we are going home W = The pursuit of things that zap our strength and time, and we completely forget about God O = In a world where people have lost so many trillions of dollars, to tell them about a God who is always there and who wants to be our friend forever T = That we will get to arguing the fine points of some doctrine and forget to submit our lives to God so that He can work His miracles in us Robert Brauer is pastor of the Brainerd and Aitkin churches in Minnesota.

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Ron Carlson S = Seventeen million members from all over the world W = Seventeen million members from all over the world (same as above) O = A global community where things can change overnight, literally T = Being stuck in the past Ron Carlson, president of Kansas-Nebraska Conference, describes himself as “a Minnesota-born, Union College graduate with a lovely wife, Sue, and four amazing children, one grandson and two grandbabies on the way.”

Dean Coridan S = Holy Spirit-filled members united in mission W = Divisions among God’s people O = Opening the door for young people to serve in the mission of the church T = Loss of identity and mission Dean Coridan and his wife, Gail, have served the past 25 years in the Iowa-Missouri Conference, where he is the conference president.

Charles Drake S = The cultural diversity that will enable a quicker, more efficient spreading of the gospel to every kindred, tongue and people W = Our reluctance to be involved in relevant community-based ministries O = Engaging sincere seekers of truth in a conversation about Jesus Christ T = The structure sometimes inhibits the mission.

Charles W. Drake III, PhD, is president of Central States Conference, with offices in Kansas City, Kansas.

Elaine Hagele S = One strength of the church is its reliance on God. W = One weakness of the church is the complexity of its structure that can slow down action.

O = One opportunity for the church is to use the commitment of its youth.

T = One threat to the church is the attitude that Jesus’ coming is in the distant future.

Elaine Hagele is vice president for finance of the Mid-America Union, which she says “means a lot of prayer and a lot of travel.”

Michael Halfhill S = A true, relevant message from Scripture no other church has, and a desire to take it to all the world with the help of the Holy Spirit.

W = As a church we have not recognized and utilized spiritual gifts of all the people in our midst.

O = To recognize that past traditions can be changed without compromising biblical truth, in order to better share the gospel in the context of our world today with all people (Catholics, Muslims, Protestants, Jews, and others foreign and domestic).

T = When we proclaim the Gospel and Three Angels’ Messages in a way that is not relevant to people living in our world Michael Halfhill is the incoming senior pastor of Piedmont Park Church in Lincoln, Nebraska.

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Roscoe Howard S = That Christ keeps this church together in unity, with all of its complexity and diversity W = Members mistaking uniformity for unity and not allowing for flexability within the body without compromising biblical principles O = To develop a relevant and holistic, strategic plan that will be contextualized in each division for the sharing of the Three Angels’ Message in a postmodern world T = Constitutional, racial, theological and cultural disunity Roscoe J. Howard III, DMin (can), is president of the Mid-America Union.

Jerome Lang S = The organization God gave us, which provides coordination and unity among the members W = Poor promotion of the ministries of the church, such as education of our young people O = For pastors and church members to work at retaining and restoring our current members T = Dissident and former members actively attacking people who believe in the mission and doctrines of the Adventist Church Jerome Lang, raised on a farm in North Dakota, has operated his own business in Lincoln, Nebraska for 50 years; he is actively involved with College View Church and Union College, from which he graduated.

Thomas Lemon S = Our message, founded on the Rock, Jesus Christ W = Our dependence upon ourselves, organizationally O = The missional creativity of our emerging generation T = Our reluctance to be legitimately inclusive of all the various people groups

Thomas Lemon is vice president for administration of the Mid-America Union.

Ruben Rivera S = Identity that drives our mission W = Our church growth is not compatible with the world’s growing population.

O = The fulfillment of signs related to the end of time is a great argument to proclaim the gospel in a receptive world.

T = Lack of consistency in some Christian life principles and theological issues may fragment our church body.

Ruben Rivera, DMin, was born in Mexico City and served as pastor in Mexico, Minnesota, Michigan, Georgia, and Colorado; currently he is Hispanic ministries coordinator of Rocky Mountain Conference.

David Smith (With all the duties associated with wrapping up a school year, Dr. Smith was unable to provide us his input in time for Outlook’s publication deadline.)

David Smith, PhD, is president of Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska and a member of the General Conference Executive Committee.

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Gary Thurber S = Without a doubt, our people . . . especially our young people, who are so on fire for the Lord!

W = Lack of time in God’s Word and prayer, and failure to utilize all the diverse gifts and talents in our church for sharing the last-day message of hope that God has entrusted to us O = To unite as one body and use all the resources and technology available to share the good news of Christ’s soon coming T = If we fragment, through failing to have the bond of unity the New Testament speaks so much about Gary Thurber is president of the Rocky Mountain Conference.

Gil Webb S = We have a sound biblical foundation.

W = We are not applying the principles of diversity on every level of human interaction.

O = With catastrophes and domestic challenges on every front, our service and health message can be a viable asset (if used appropriately).

T = Not discipling youth and young adults for ministry, we run the risk of losing them or simply being entertainment centers.

Gil Webb, a 34-year veteran of pastoral ministry, currently serves Linwood Boulevard SDA Temple in Kansas City, Missouri and is ministerial director of Central States Conference.

Rita Weisz

Photo not available

S = A foundation on the rock of Christ, the gift of prophecy and fruits of the Spirit.

W = Too many want to be a part of the world, to be entertained when they attend church and not be led by pastors who preach so that we will be ready for the final days and eternal life.

O = So many in this world are searching for peace and hope, and we have the message of the love of Christ that can bring them both.

T = We can be our own biggest threat by bringing division within the church, if more time is spent fighting among ourselves instead of uniting in the blessed hope.

Rita Weisz is a third generation Adventist from Bismarck, North Dakota, who has spent more than 30 years working within the public sector in child welfare services.

Marta Wells S = We are a Bible-based church, blessed and guided by the Holy Spirit.

W = The complacency of our people, represented by the Laodicean Church O = To utilize the extraordinary media advancements in sharing the wonderful love of Jesus T = Believing (individually and as a church) that we can accomplish great things in our own strength and wisdom Marta Wells describes herself as a Colorado wife, mother, grandmother and licensed professional who was raised as a farm girl and loves nature, animals and people.

Beverly Wombold S = Our understanding of the truth about God and His blessing in the writings of Ellen G. White W = Our failure to have the baptism of the Holy Spirit and strengthen one another in small group fellowship and ministry O = To tie current events to the soon coming of Christ and then warn the world to get ready T = The loss of our young people Beverly Wombold identifies herself as a child of God, wife and mother who is active in her church and who serves as a family nurse practitioner at a rural clinic in Osceola, Missouri.

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Pastor Terry Wolfe baptizes Aletrice Dunning in Kansas City after a series of evangelistic efforts.

Alive E

Photo courtesy of Maurice Valentine II

with vangelism

by Maurice Valentine II

J

ust before we entered the emergency room, the sustained note that signals death was silenced as the heart monitor resumed its strident beat. Before I arrived at the hospital, the patient had flatlined twice, but each time fibrillation was restored. The patient stated, “The paddles are too painful! If my heart stops again, let me go.” We were told to go in to say good-bye. Instead we filed in, gathered in a circle around his bed and prayed for recovery…

For many years, evangelism has experienced, at best, an erratic pulse. Since little had happened above the cardiac flatline, understandably, many had declared it dead.

Though evangelism’s heartbeat was erratic at best, it was still alive.

Last year I was privileged to conduct a meeting in which we enjoyed reasonably good attendance every night, but when it came to people signing on the dotted line, I didn’t see the harvest I had hoped for. Once before, when I saw less than stellar results, I questioned whether evangelistic outreach can truly be successful in a media-rich environment that has significantly shortened our attention span.

Undoubtedly, some of you who are reading this have wondered the same thing. If that’s a description of you, please consider the following.

Identity is key to the success of every individual and organization. Hence, the first and last attack that Jesus experienced in ministry was in regard to who He was.

Identity theft is not new. Fortunately, He understood that identity is rooted between history and destiny (John 13:25). Who we are today can’t be divorced from where we’ve come from or where we’re going. In regard to our past, our identity can be traced to a special prophetic purpose. As Jesus prophetically retraced the footsteps of Israel, down to Egypt and then back, we must retrace the footsteps of Jesus. At times, this means facing rejection. The Christian journey is an all-in endeavor of radical commitment.

Implicit within the command to take up our crosses and

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follow Him are times of dissatisfaction, disappointment, even despair. We set ourselves up for great disappointment if we believe that declaring God’s truths for these last days will be met with warm fuzzies everywhere we go.

Have we forgotten that the cries “crucify Him” rose from the very crowds He preached to, healed and loved? If disappointing results tempt us to toss the evangelistic towel into the ring of defeat, keeping His ministry in mind will help us to resist the urge to fold our arms and go home.

From triumph to tragedy, our attempts at ministry must be squarely rooted in the way He ministered, including the way He related to discouraging results. Following Him means devoting ourselves to intensive seasons of proclamation, regardless of the results.

Jesus used many methods to make disciples, some very personal but others very public. One example happened just before He fed the multitude. The miracle of multiplication is so marvelous that for most, it probably overshadows the fact that a three-day meeting of intensive proclamation had just concluded before this wonderful event.

With great regularity, Jesus devoted Himself to intensive seasons of proclamation, even to the neglect of His personal needs. And He preached to be faithful to the Father’s call, not worldwide acceptance or acclaim and challenged His disciples to do likewise (John 15:15-16). For this reason, the apostle Paul endured many hardships, including being beaten and left for dead by the “Come Again” sign just outside of town (2 Corinthians 11:24-27).

Identity is also rooted in present activity. As the Year of Evangelism reports have poured in, we have heard that something special is happening in our field. I personally witnessed it. An hour before our meeting began, the associate evangelist was present. But so were the hosts and hostesses, bakers who baked banana bread for the hospitality table, sound engineers, videographers, childcare workers, ushers, drivers who picked up attendees; all of us were in

place, working together. Youth, young adults and young our individualized silos of service, remembering that at heart rallied to the call. And let’s not forget those who whether it happens in Rome, Nome or right at home, prayed and those who gave from their pockets and purses, God is growing His church! My evangelistic endeavor each a selfless servant in his own right. We’re hearing simi- may not have enjoyed the same results as yours, but in lar things from across our field. It appears as though "all 2009, lifting together, the Mid-America Union enjoyed a Israel is coming together as one man" to share the hope. 31 percent increase in accessions to the faith over 2008.

Evangelism requires radical commitment and great regular- That’s something we all share in. And while we enjoyed ity, because its necessity arises from an urgent appeal that the highest percentage increase in the North American only we can make to a dying Division, the whole NAD world enslaved in sin. shares in our growth, yea As Moses stood before the whole world! No, it Pharaoh and declared doesn’t remotely match without equivocation, what is happening on “Let my people go,” we other parts of the globe. have been given a similar They have a different set message to declare in no of circumstances, the uncertain terms: “Come same as we do in our difout of her, my people.” ferent conferences and And they are looking for a cities. Yet, the first sign of way out. Although we arhealth on a team is if the rived one hour before our teammates don’t compete meeting, to our surprise, with one another. Thanks many of our guests were to our connectedness, this already there on many gospel of the kingdom is nights. The harvest truly is going everywhere. The ripe! All around our union Holy Spirit is blessing our churched and unchurched feeble efforts and, in line people are coming in unprecedented numbers and look- with our calling, has made us into a global movement that ing for answers. We have the answer in Jesus and it’s our is growing by leaps and bounds. duty to tell them.

Finally, do we want microwave popcorn or long-lasting Finally, in regard to identity, we must bear in mind disciples? If it’s the latter, then please keep in mind that where we are going. Our name Adventists necessitates a seeds mature at different rates. Praise the Lord for those missional connectedness. We’re heaven bound! Like the who give their hearts more fully to Jesus on short notice! children of Israel who followed the cloud, we look for a But for those whom we would dare rush, we must renew city, a heavenly Canaan. But this can’t happen un- member, fescue grass seems to germinate overnight but til the gospel of the kingdom goes everywhere (Matthew perennial grasses need more time. We want to see the end 24:14). Therefore, we can never give up on intersecting our from the beginning, but more and more, I’m convinced world. Our vision for mission must always be larger than we must encircle our endeavors in prayer. Next, do our our individual churches, conferences, unions Photo courtesy of Maurice Valentine II or divisions. That’s why we’ve always referred to ourselves as a dynamic movement rather than a static church set in immovable stone on some random street corner. We’re on a mission that is global in scope and time sensitive. And if we are truly global, your results are mine and mine are yours. Together we are to destroy the kingdom of the enemy brick-by-brick, city-by-city and country-by-country.

In the face of modest means, thinking global rather than local is more challenging than ever. Nevertheless, it’s time to break from

My 101-year-old grandmother didn't join the church the first time she heard the good news at an evangelistic event. Fortunately for me, her church understood that getting results required going back to the same field over and over again.

Pastor Neil Dye (back row, left) and the Kirksville Church family with baptism candidates (front row) after an evangelistic series.

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best by developing a list of best practices from lessons learned, then improve our presentations, discover new methodologies, and above all trust God for the harvest.

My 101-year-old grandmother didn’t join the church the first time she heard the good news at an evangelistic event. Fortunately for me, her church understood that getting results required going back to the same field over and over again. The same church that ran the meeting grandmother attended set up a branch Sabbath school, and it became the avenue through which she eventually took the leap of faith! If that church had given up, I might not exist.

Recently, we lost our General Conference ministerial director, Elder Jim Cress. At one time we were privileged to have him in our field. As ministerial director of Mid-America Union, he taught young theologians’ fresh from school that evangelism should be the heartbeat rather than hiccup of church culture. Evangelism is how we started. It’s our strident beat, and without it, our message that is supposed to swell into a loud cry becomes limp and lifeless. We must constantly update our packaging, but never compromise our content that heralds the loving call: “Come out of her, My people!” If we abandon evangelism, we lose a key part of our identity and will drift into a sound of fury that

symbolizes nothing.

The paddles were applied to evangelism in Mid-America in 2009, and it has revived! As evangelism lives, so also the patient lived. I’m glad they didn’t give up the second time his heart stopped. They could have said, “Well, that didn’t work. Let’s try something new.” But after the second defibrillation and a moment of prayer by the faithful, his heart didn’t stop anymore.

And as for his pain, revival can be painful—especially if it’s the leading edge of a reformation, a change in habits and practices.

But pain is certainly better than the alternative. Thanks to those who gathered in circles to pray and then worked to see their prayers accomplished, churches that were destined to close now assert we have a future.

Moreover, we have heard reports that internal struggles have been replaced by externally focused mission. I would suggest if your church is up in arms, it might be because we need to supply work for those arms to do. Let’s redress ourselves in the mantle of mission and anchor this change by joining the strident beat, because evangelism lives!

The first sign of health on a team is if the teammates don't compete with one another.

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.

Maurice Valentine II is ministerial director of the Mid-America Union.

Mid-America Union News Central States News Central States Conference ordained two pastors and commissioned another to gospel ministry on April 24.

Ordained were Ronald Williams, pastor of Bethel Church in Kansas City, Photo courtesy of the Central States Conference

Ordination and commissioning prayer for Williams, Hoy and Rolle

Roger Bernard is executive secretary and communication director of the Central States Conference.

Photo courtesy of the Central States Conference

Missouri and Donald Rolle, pastor of Tabernacle of Praise Church in St. Louis. Central States also commissioned its first female minister, Darriel Hoy, pastor of the Leavenworth and Topeka churches in Kansas.

Pastor Williams recently moved to the Central States Conference from

Indianapolis, where he baptized more than 60 souls. He recently conducted a Revelation Seminar titled “Christ Uncut.”

Pastor Rolle, associate youth director of the Central States conference, is also co-director of “Serving it Up,” a weekly Internet Bible study/rap session that ministers to young people.

He served as moderator for a new DVD devotional workbook project as well, entitled, “Going Green for God.” The DVD, a production of the Central States Conference youth department, is available worldwide from www.AdventSource.org.

Pastor Hoy is not only a local pastor but the conference’s community services director. She has led several workshops about addressing the needs of neighbors.

Central States leaders pray for the continued growth in grace of these three pastors as each of them strives to advance the kingdom of God.

On a Sprint for God

by Roger Bernard Central States Conference is proud of Ralph Reid, a local church elder who is a vice president of Sprint Corporation. He was named in Savoy magazine as one of the top 100 most influential black people in corporate America. The Top 100 list recognizes African Americans who have Ralph Reid,VP at made the most posi- Sprint and elder tive impact in both at Linwood Blvd.

Temple workplace and community. Honorees manifested outstanding professional accomplishments and also excelled in inspiring others, while serving as exemplary citizens.

Reid described himself as “honored and grateful” to be thus recognized. He testifies that community service plays a large role in both his professional and personal life.

Brother Reid is a lay elder at Linwood Boulevard SDA Temple.

He somehow finds time to serve the Central States Conference as a member of the executive committee, while also chairing a newly formed subcommittee to study the construction of a senior housing project.

Photo courtesy of the Central States Conference

Commissioned and Ordained by Roger Bernard

For more news, events and up-to-date information, visit

www.central-states.org.

Roger Bernard, Ronald Williams, Darriel Hoy, Donale Rolle and Dr. Charles Drake

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Dakota News Youth Collaborate to Serve Pine Ridge Reservation

by Joseph Story finder Club, Rapid City students and the adults who served with them.

Joseph Story is the pastor of Payabya Company.

Photo by Joesph Story

Photo by Joseph Story

Ben Hobbs from Hot Springs painted the steeple and repaired the roof.

Pine Ridge members appreciate the contribution of time and effort on the part of the Green Bay Path-

Students use teamwork to remove old carpeting.

Photo by Joesph Story

Seven adults and seven Pathfinders from Green Bay, Wisconsin arrived at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation the evening of May 16 to paint Payabya (Pah-yaw-bee-ah) Church.

The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, eighth largest in the United States— larger than the states of Delaware and Rhode Island combined—is also the poorest.

Led by their pastor, Delmar Austin and their church school principal, David Smith, the Wisconsin group patched, sanded and painted the interior of Pine Ridge Church for two days. Then they pulled up the carpeting in preparation for new flooring.

The next day, four upper-grade students from Rapid City Church School joined them with their teacher, Nora Kertzman. She reported to the Green Bay Pathfinders: “We had a fun time and it was a really good experience for us to do service for others. Thank you for letting us join you.”

Preparing for painting

Ben Hobbs repairs the roof.

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Mid-America Union News Dakota News Young Chefs’ Cooking School Registration for Young Chefs’ Cooking School on the Wahpeton Church website had to be shut down because more parents were registering children than the church could accomodate. More than 40 children attended, with an average nightly attendance of 30-35. Twenty-nine registrants were new to church activities, and only three participants were from church families.

Aileen Profir and Peggy Wasemiller co-led the cooking classes supported by 14 childcare volunteers. The following article appeared in the Wahpeton Daily News.*

Kids Have a Relish for New Cooking School by Jennifer Johnson A class held at Richard’s Elementary School in Wahpeton is turning out delicious results in the hands of children. Thirty children stood at various tables, rolling pretzel dough at the Young Chefs’ Cooking School, a new initiative by Wahpeton’s Seventh-day Adventist Church, to further its philosophy of healthy eating.

For the past two weeks, Aileen Profir and a dozen or so volunteers have taught kids aged 5 to 11 how to cook guacamole, applesauce brownies and sushi. “I believe it’s really important for them to know how to cook for themselves,” said Profir, a mother of Photo by Aileen Profir

three. “When they make their own food, they’re so much more willing to try new things, too.”

At every class, kids follow a theme—fruits and vegetables, sweets—and observe a projection of Profir demonstrating the task on the wall. For the sushi, vegetables replaced raw fish—a kind of California roll of cucumber, red pepper and carrots—and the kids felt mixed about the results. “Two tables ate it all up, and another two seemed to say, ‘I would make it again; I just don’t want to eat it,’” she laughed. After class is finished, they can carry home their

newly-filled recipe book and apron.

The last session was Monday, May 24. The kids learned how to make such sweets as fruit tarts and ice cream in a bag. Profir is considering holding another four-week session this fall. The response has been so overwhelming, the church had to shut down registration, said Pastor Dragos Profir. “We’re encouraging kids to live healthy,” said Aileen Profir. “If you don’t teach it at home and they don’t learn it at school, they go out to college and just eat out of the box or fast food because it’s the cheapest. (This) gives them a good start and a love for cooking.” To learn about future classes, log on to www. wahpetonchurch.com.

Some of the comments received from the parents of attending children were written on Facebook: “One of the kids who missed the first class, but attended the second, was so excited that he went back home and called both his grandmothers to tell them about the cooking class.”

“My girl had a great time.!”

“I didn’t know they were going to get to make so much. The girls are ready to go back next week!” *Reprinted with permission.

Jennifer Johnson is a reporter with the Wahpeton Daily News.

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Dakota News Adventist Star in Dakota by Joann Hansen

Students Evangelize in Belize by Ruth Kobes Sixteen students and three sponsors lation densities in the world.

Joshua and Sarah helped at an orfrom Maplewood Academy traveled to Central America in March on a mission phanage in the organic garden, the into Belize. Upon returning, students stitution’s main source of support. They also assisted teachers Joshua Heinrich and at the church school, Sarah Emerson shared finding the students their experiences in eager to learn. Their a Sabbath testimony main responsibility to Bowdle Church in was to proclaim the South Dakota. They remessage of God’s ported that the biggest love. They preached immediate challenge nightly in a large tent, they faced was the with all the students temperature change taking turns. Among from Dakota’s below doctrines they taught zero weather to Belize’s upper 80s.

Joshua Heinrich and Sarah Emerson were the Sabbath and death as sleep.

Belize is the only The Belize adventure was Joshua’s country in Central America where second mission trip—the first was English is the official language. Tradito India in 2007; it was Sarah’s first. tional exotic recipes include armadillo Both agreed they would go again. meat and fried paca—a rodent similar to a guinea pig. Joshua and Sarah preferred local fruit. AIDS is prevalent, Ruth Kobes is communication secretary for and Belize has one of the lowest popu- Aberdeen Church.

Photo courtesy of the Dakota Conference

Photo courtesy of the Dakota Conference

Lieutenant Colonel Delvin Hansen (right), Unites States Air Force, was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal on March 25 at the Minot Air Force Base (AFB).

The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to any member of the U.S. Armed Forces who peforms an outstanding achievement of service to the United States. This award was established as the counterpart of the Bronze Star Medal for the recognition of meritorious noncombat service.

This award was given to Lt. Col. Hansen for services while stationed at Ramstein AFB in Germany. He is presently stationed at Minot AFB. The Hansens are members of Harvey Church.

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Mid-America Union News Iowa-Missouri News Charlotte’s Unique Baptism by Corey Zimmerman

Photo courtesy of Corey Zimmerman

To celebrate her new life in Jesus, this. She replied, “If someone wants Charlotte wanted to be baptized to be baptized because of their love and join her mother’s church. But for the Lord, they should be able health problems made walking difto do it.” Melissa herself obviously ficult and climbing stairs nearly loved the Lord. impossible. How then could she After Charlotte changed, Meget into the baptistry? lissa helped Charlotte into the Charlotte and her husband dishydro-chair lift and placed a gait cussed the situation with church belt around Charlotte’s waist for leaders. The decision was made to protection. Then Melissa lowered postpone the baptism for a couthe chair into the 94 degree conple of months until her safety and tinuous flow therapy pool. Charhealth could be assured. Mean- Pastor Corey Zimmerman prepares to baptize lotte’s eyes became big with exCharlotte with the help of physical therapy while, the church was praying. citement when she saw the pool After seeking God’s guidance assistant Melissa. surrounded with people to witHe proceeded to arrange a date with me, my wife, Angie, sent me ness her baptism. With Melissa on to two places that had not been ex- when he could be in town on the one side and me on the other, I bapplored. The first was a local swimming weekend and assign an individual tized the first person ever to be bappool that had a hydro-chair, which to assist for the baptism. Charlotte’s tized in the hospital’s therapy pool. lifted people in and out of the water. dream could now come true!

In ministry, there are times when The day of the baptism was memo- someone’s desire to be baptized conThe second place was an outpatient therapy center at the hospital where rable. As members and other friends flicts with their health or safety. CharAngie worked. As I approached the re- gathered into the pool area, Me- lotte’s experience illustrates how an ceptionist for help with my dilemma, lissa, the physical therapy assistant, innovative approach can modify traher answer was “no.” But Mitch, the wheeled Charlotte into the changing ditional baptism for their sake. With physical therapist in charge, knew room. While we waited for Charlotte to God, there is always a way.

Angie. He overheard my request and get ready, we chatted with Melissa. Aninterrupted his own conversation to gie asked her why she was willing to Corey Zimmerman is pastor of Kirksville reverse the denial. “Yes!” he declared. give her time on Saturday afternoon for Church in Missouri.

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Photo courtesy of the Iowa-Missouri Conference

The evangelistic meeting flyer came out of Bill Scriven’s mailbox and went into the trash can. But as it lay in there, Scriven saw something about Bible prophecy that aroused his curiosity. He told his wife, Carolyn, and together they attended Pastor/evangelist Terry Wolf’s meetings. Following serious Bible study, Pastor Ignacio Chaviano baptized them at Gladstone Adventist Church in Missouri. Now the Scrivens’ adult children and their families are attending Three Angels Church in St. Joseph.

Photo courtesy of the Iowa-Missouri Conference

Rescued for Baptism by Jerry Rexin

Bill Scrivens is baptized by Pastor Ignacio Chaviano at Gladstone Church.

As Bill looks on, his wife Caroline joins him in baptism.

Iowa-Missouri News Lee’s Summit Men Volunteer at Camp Heritage by Michelle Miracle

Photo by Jason Lassel

tools and a forklift loaned from Curt Kelly, who donated block, mortar and reinforcing wire along with 30 plus hours of work, not including extensive drive time.

Volunteers from Sunnydale, Springfield and Sedalia added their own work to what the Lee’s Summit men accomplished. Feliciano reports: “We have a new stage at the pavilion, a new nature building and a new climbing tower with observation deck thanks to the hard work of these dedicated members. Each of these projects Lee’s Summit men’s ministry group has something in common: helping building the Nature Center the camp to better meet the needs of groups and families. It will be exciting to see how things continue to progress and watch our campers and guests enjoy the new additions.”

Lassel testified, “I loved seeing the other men fall in love with camp, like I have. All of them want to come back next year. Our men’s ministry is going to make it an annual trip to come to camp for the weekend and work.”

The Nature Center is now ready for a roof.

Photo by Jason Lassel

The men’s ministry group at Lee’s Summit Church in Missouri has taken on Camp Heritage as their mission project. Ministry leader Jason Lassel is a big fan of the camp. “My wife, Rachel, introduced me to Camp Heritage when she began volunteering as camp nurse three years ago, and I was hooked,” said Lassel.

When Camp Director Josue Feliciano approached him about helping with some camp projects, he recognized a perfect opportunity to get his men involved in ministry. His reason: “Our church has a real love for children and ministering to them.”

Last year men from Lee’s Summit finished the drywall for classrooms in the pavilion at Camp Heritage and also built a storage shed.

The volunteering didn’t stop there.

Lassel’s crew returned in April of this year to lay block and pour concrete for the new nature center, along with other camp improvements. They also cleaned the pavilion. The men used their own

The new deck that will support the summer camp climbing wall Photo by Jason Lassel

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Mid-America Union News Kansas-Nebraska News VBS Extension Nets Baptisms by John Treolo

Photo by John Treolo

Vacation Bible School (VBS) need not be restricted to summertime, when school is out. At Hutchinson Church in Kansas, a VBS extension, “Kids in the Kitchen,” operated Wednesday evenings during the school year with amazing results. Three young participants were baptized one recent Sabbath.

“It’s a wonderful ministry that played a big role in these decisions,” says Pastor Birger Draget, who studied with the three baptismal candidates.

According to Jan Sexson, Hutchinson member who helped launch the program two years ago, this VBS continuation program offers a nice outlet Pastor Birger Draget (seated) is surrounded by Marshall Mendez, Courtney Dimmit for children attending both nearby Ad- and Chelsea Meyer, prior to their baptism at Hutchinson Church. . ventist churches, English and Spanish.

Draget had the privilege of baptizing give him something to look forward to “There seems to be good interest with the families that are coming and with Chelsea Meyer (12), Marshall Mendez between Sabbaths. “It’s really helped (16) and Courtney Dimmit (11), all my faith in God and has given me more the kids,” she reports.

Under the leadership of Brenda who credit their decision to attending faith in young people who can grow and be better people,” Marshall says.

Rollston, 15 young people attend Kids in the Kitchen.

Courtney attends for yet another rea“It’s been very good,” Chelsea says weekly and enjoy Bible stories, outdoor activities (soccer is a favorite), cooking with a grin. “I have learned more son. “It’s brought me closer to God. The leaders share different lessons of others lessons, snacks and fellowship. Some about the Bible.”

For Marshall, Wednesday meetings who have and devoted their lives to God.” older youth mentor the younger ones.

Constituents Approve New Plan for Education by Ron Carlson At a specially called constituency meeting on Sunday, June 6, 347 delegates came from across Nebraska and Kansas to address proposed changes in the Conference education program.

Three years ago, Platte Valley and Enterprise academies were merged to form Great Plains Academy (GPA). In spite of generous donations and valiant attempts to increase enrollment, the realities of a declining rural population, smaller families—many of whom are less willing to put their children in boarding schools— as well as responsible stewardship of Conference funds, the constituents voted to close GPA. The constituents also voted a generous scholarship plan to be man-

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aged by the Conference Executive Committee. Beginning immediately, Kansas-Nebraska youth who attend a Seventh-day Adventist boarding school of their choice will receive $2,000 each year, with additional scholarship funds awarded, up to $10,000, based on need.

“Since our Conference can no longer provide a boarding high school, we believe this will enable families who do not have access to an Adventist high school to provide quality Adventist education for their teens,” said Gary Kruger, educational superintendent.

The anticipated $500,000 annual scholarships will first be awarded to eligible boarding students. Some funds may be made available to families whose

children are in the Kansas-Nebraska Conference K-12 education system.

“Our commitment to the education of our youth has not changed,” stated Ron Carlson, Kansas-Nebraska Conference president. “Changing times demand the willingness to adapt to the needs of our Adventist families. We want to be open to whatever changes are necessary to make it possible for every Adventist child to receive the benefit of an Adventist education.”

Families can get more details by contacting Roma Sanders in the Education Department: 785.478.4726 or rsanders@ks-ne.org.

Ron Carlson is president of the KansasNebraska Conference

Kansas-Nebraska News Women’s Retreats Inspire and Encourage by Sue Carlson hold of their inheritance and live in the power of the living God. Meanwhile, Hispanic women throughout the conference, 160 in number, convened in Salina, Kansas for another retreat. Their theme was “Total Freedom,” with Annie Perez as featured speaker. Saturday evening, the women dressed up in the traditional clothing of their national heritage, taking turns to explain about their culture. The experience facilitated interpersonal acquaintances and bonding.

At Broken Arrow Ranch, women enjoyed a weekend of learning, fellowship and inspiration at Leadership Training Weekend. The event featured 11 seminars with multiple sharing times.

Each participant attained level one in the Women’s Leadership Certification Program from the General Conference

women’s ministries department.

Yolanda Doering and Iraida Pineda offered simultaneous Spanish translation.

Speakers included Carla Baker, North American Dr. Vicky Coe Divsion women’s reminds Kansas City ministries direc- One-day Retreat attendees who they tor; Nancy Buxton, are in Jesus.

Mid-America Union women’s ministries director; Angel Bock, associate pastor at College View Church; Daniela Larson, wife of North Platte pastor, Mike Larson; Ann Thrash-Trumbo, wife of Wichita Cornerstone’s pastor, Keith Trumbo; and Darlene Fairchild of Chapel Oaks Church.

Photo by Cheryl Barker.

Challenging, inspiring and uplifting!—such were accolades bestowed upon the recent women’s retreat in Overland Park, Kansas. Dr. Vicky Coe, associate professor of education at Central Florida State University, was the main presenter at the one-day event.

Photo by Cheryl Barker.

From Scripture, she explained to the women who they are in Christ: a new creation, God’s workmanship, His holy and acceptable child, a conqueror and world overEnjoying speaker comer.

Coe then Annie Perez at the encouraged her Hispanic Women's Retreat in Salina audience to take

Conference Calendar July 16-18 — Camp Arrowhead Spiritual Convocation Lexington, Nebraska With John Sweigart, Biddle Bradley and more Contact: lindahunt28@gmail.com July 31 — Murray Miller Ordination 4 p.m. / Chanute Church Aug. 21 — Jim Martin Ordination 4 p.m. / La Crosse Church Sept. 3-6 — Hispanic Camp Meeting Broken Arrow Ranch — Olsburg, Kansas Contact: robpaucorrea@hotmail.com Sept. 3-6 — Family Labor Day Retreat Camp Arrowhead / Lexington, Nebraska Contact: lindahunt28@gmail.com

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Mid-America Union News Kansas-Nebraska News

Photo by John Treolo.

Hispanics Alive for Christ

In Wichita, a dozen people were baptized and joined four area Hispanic churches—Wichita West, Hutchinson, Arkansas City and Wichita Southeast.

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Photo by John Treolo.

Wanted:

Missionary minded couple for maintenance, custodial and fundraising at Camp Arrowhead in Lexington, Nebraska. Must be teachable in plumbing, electrical and mechanical. A friendly, positive, Christ-like attitude toward ALL who visit Camp Arrowhead is mandatory. If interested in this position, plan on spending time with the current ranger; autumn is best to learn what is done to winterize the campus. Housing and utilities are provided. For more details, visit camparrowheadlexington.com or call 308.324.3584 or 308.567.2489.

The first Hispanic Youth Festival was held at Broken Arrow Ranch. Coordinated

by Roberto Correa, Kansas-Nebraska Conference Hispanic ministries director, more than 160 youth attended. Pastor Jose Argumedo is shown with young people recently baptized.

Minnesota News What's Happening at Minnetonka Christian Academy by Pam Consuegra Farewells and Welcomings from the Minnesota Conference Education Director New 7th and 8th Grade Teacher

Many changes are afoot at Min- ership team as associate academic netonka Christian Academy (MCA) dean. For the past five years, he has for next year. With both gratitude and served as principal of Burton Adventist sadness we say goodbye to our cur- Academy in Texas. Dr. Coy has a wealth rent principal, Ken Rannow.

He has done an outstanding job of leading us the past three years. During his leadership, enrollment has grown, fundraising reached an all-time high and MCA had its first student-led evangelistic series.

He has worked to strengthen the relationship between MCA and other area SDA churches, resulting in students from 13 churches attending MCA. We also must say goodbye to our 7th and 8th grade teacher, Mrs. Dawn Campanello. Not only has she been a favorite of both parents and students, she served as principal for two Dr. Gerald Coy, Minnetonka's new principal years.

And while we won’t have to say good- of teaching, administrative and leadbye to Mrs. Stephanie Ferguson, she ership experience. We are excited and has decided not to teach music next blessed that he is coming on board to year. We want to thank each of them for help MCA realize its full potential. all of their dedicated efforts to our stuNew Vice Principals dents for all these years.

Leading a school the size and New Principal complexity of MCA is always a chalWe are delighted to announce that lenge. Two current teachers, Matt Dr. Gerald Coy has accepted the call to Jakobsons and Kathy Williams, have become principal of MCA. He began agreed to become the vice principals his career teaching various classes in of the high school and the elementahigh-school level math, drafting, auto ry school, respectively. While most of body, auto mechanic and machine their duties will remain in the classshop. His leadership skills were called room, for a portion of each day they upon when he became the vice prin- will be ensuring academic quality cipal of Blue Mountain Academy in and standards, working with other Pennsylvania, and later principal of staff on best practices in teaching, Highland Academy in Tennessee. He managing individual student develthen joined the staff at Andrews Uni- opment plans, and many other comversity, first teaching in the College of ponents required to operate a high Technology and then joining the lead- quality school.

Photo courtesy of Gerald Coy

We are pleased to announce that Mrs. Tasha Pizarro will be moving this summer from Virginia to become our 7th and 8th grade teacher. She is currently working on her Master in Educational Leadership from American Public University. Mrs. Pizarro’s experience includes teaching 7th, 8th and 9th grade algebra, and she challenges students with exciting and interesting projects in all areas. She is dedicated to helping students see Jesus as their friend and Savior, and she sees value in an education system that prepares students for their future on earth and in heaven.

Mrs. Pizarro has coached boys’ basketball and has planned school mission trips. Her broad array of talents and dedication to quality teaching will be a great addition to our elementary program.

New Music Teacher Mrs. Piersanti may be a new name to MCA, but only because of her recent marriage. We know her as our own Vanessa Hammer, a 2004 MCA graduate. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at Union College and has quickly developed an impressive reputation as a high quality choral director. She has been leading choral groups and teaching other music areas at Union Springs Academy and at Union College. She is not only an accomplished musician and teacher, but has a degree in marketing and has done great recruiting work in the past.

We look forward to the unique skill set she brings to MCA.

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Mid-America Union News Minnesota News Youth Evangelism at Home by Vicky Duran

Youth evangelism takes place in studied the Bible in our school Bible school, in Pathfinders, at summer classes and listened to bedtime stories every evening. camp—and also in the home.

Ben started asking questions—many I homeschool. In an effort to make sure my son has all the benefits of questions. Everything from the basic, school, my husband and I put Marc “How did the animals get into the ark?” into swimming lessons, homeschool to the much deeper, “How do I know I cooperatives and a community-based am saved?” and “Where do people go when they die?” boys' choir.

When questions When Marc first In his friendship with like these come joined the choir, up, other subjects we prepared him Marc, Ben had found get pushed aside to be a friendship something missing in in favor of taking minister. As he time to answer participated in all his life. He begged his questions and asof the choir events, parents to pull him from sure Ben of God's he was on the looklove for each and out for ways he public school and to every one of us. could be a friend Recently, we to those boys who send him to our house attended Music may withdraw for homeschooling.

Fest at Maplea little from the wood Academy. group. Soon, he became friends with another boy about Ben knew only one other student there, Marc. Having come from pubhis age. The two hit it off very well.

One day, about a year after Marc lic school, Ben was quick to notice started in choir, I received a phone how the many kids played and reactcall from Ben's mother, asking if ed to each other and with him. “EvI would be willing to tutor him. I eryone is just so nice here,” he told agreed. I helped Ben through the rest me. He greatly enjoyed his time at of the school year and was pleased Maplewood Academy and the music with his progress. But, he wanted he learned there.

At the beginning of the year, Ben more. In his friendship with Marc, Ben had found something missing in was content to listen while we had his life. He begged his parents to pull our worships and read from the Bible. him from public school and to send Now he joins in our reading and has him to my house. Together he and even asked his parents to have mornhis family asked me if I could home- ing and evening worship at home.

Youth Evangelism. It happens evschool him. I agreed, so during this past school year, I taught both Marc erywhere: in school, at camp, in the and Ben. Because of travel arrange- neighborhood and at home. ments, Ben spent many nights at our house. Being part of our family, he Vicky Duran is from Plymouth, Minnesota, took part in morning and evening and is a member of The Edge Christian worship, ate our vegetarian food, Worship Center in Brooklyn Park.

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Photo courtesy o the Minnesota Conference

A Thrilling Testimony About the Interaction of Hospitality and Christian Education

Pastor Dan Bates baptizes Sharon Buck.

Finding Love in Duluth Duluth Church members opened their arms and God’s word to Sharon Buck, and she responded in baptism

by Pastor Dan Bates. Recalling her experience, Buck testified: “When I attended this church one Sabbath, I was welcomed with open arms and felt a genuine love of God among the congregation.

"As I continued to study the Bible, I realized I needed to be baptized again by immersion.” She added: “Now I am a new person. I know the Lord is always with me and He continues to amaze me every day.”

Want to stay up to date on Minnesota Conference news and events?

Visit us at

www.mnsda.com.

Minnesota News Love + Truth = Baptism in Detroit Lakes Concluding a Revelation Seminar in April, Pastor Joel Kratzke baptized Alicia Romann in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. For a year, Alicia and her young son Connor had been attending church social events and Sabbath services. Bible studies began after Alicia formed friendships with members and became curious about church teachings.

God’s Word convicted her mind and heart during the pastor’s evangelistic series. Alicia testified, “The truths I have learned and the love I feel from this church and its members have convinced me that I am in the right place. This was the perfect time to proclaim my faith through baptism.”

Photo courtesy o the Minnesota Conference

by Harland Thompson

Loving members influenced Alicia Romann to become baptized after meetings by Pastor Joel Kratzke.

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Mid-America Union News Rocky Mountain News ShareFest in Cañon City: Collaborating to Serve the Community Cañon City members are known for serving their community in various ways. This year Pastor Steve Schwarz worked with other pastors of the ministerial alliance in planning the first annual Fremont County ShareFest. Community wide, 20 churches and 450 volunteers participated in more than 250 service projects.

Union College graduate Chris Gillig is intensively involved with his new community. Soon after moving into the Chris Gillig area, he took leadership of the 22 Adventist volunteers. They completed nine projects, ranging from yard mowing, raking, clearing trash, house painting, sink installation, furniture moving and drywall repair. Gillig took Pastor Schwarz’s encouragement of community involvement to a new level, serving side-by-side with other followers of Christ.

Steve Shwarz is pastor of Cañon City Church.

Photo by Judy Schwarz

Sheldin Bergondo helps the team stack wood.

Photo by Judy Schwarz

Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountain Conference

Brad Harris (left) and Amy McComb work on mudding the dry wall.

Rocky Mountain News Creating Servant Leaders by John H. Cress training such as marriage enrichment, parenting skills, dealing with difficult people and other life skills classes.

The goal is that members will be able to choose from the curriculum classes in future years, which will facilitate their maturity in Christ and effective service for the Kingdom. More than 50 members of LifeSource participated in this first training. In a survey at the end, nearly everyone commented that they had found it helpful and relevant in developing them as disciples of Jesus and leaders in His service. Many testified that it more than exceeded their expectations.

LifeSource is planning to hold two Leadership Boot Camps each year and has already scheduled the next leadership training for Aug. 28.

Photo courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Conference

Do you know your God-given strengths and spiritual gifts? Are you able to encourage neighbors who are experiencing significant stress in their lives? Do you know how to lead a small group? Do you know how to dig into scripture personally and find inspiration for life? All of these and more were topics at the first LifeSource “Leadership Boot Camp” held in February.

The Leadership Boot Camp is designed to develop fully engaged followers of Christ into effective leaders equipped to guide people into a relationship with Christ, to lead ministry within the church and to effectively bring the Kingdom of God to our community.

All the classes for the leadership training were divided into three categories: 1) leadership basics, 2) rolespecific training and 3) ongoing training and development.

Leadership basics are classes for every member to equip them for “works of service.” They include discovering your strengths and giftedness and fundamental leadership skills to increase one’s effectiveness.

The role-specific classes prepare

Pastor John Cress leads Boot Camp.

individuals in a role they are already serving so they can do their job more effectively. These roles include greeters, audio/video ministries, children’s ministry, worship team training and small group leadership training.

The third category, ongoing training, is also divided into three subcategories, with classes in advanced leadership skills, knowledge and spiritual development, and other recommended

John H. Cress is Lead Pastor of LifeSource Adventist Fellowship.

Vista Ridge and

Boulder Academy Alumni Don't Miss Out! Sept. 11-12 Honor classes: '30, '40, '50, '60, ‘70, ‘80, ‘90, 2000 and 2010

Photo courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Conference

Sabbath services held at Vista Ridge Academy, 3100 Ridge View Drive, Erie, CO 80516 Visit www.vrak12.org/Alumni for more information on a weekend full of worship, reunion, laughter and fun.

Eric and Amy Hansen participating in leadership training

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Rocky Mountain News What brought them together? Mile High Academy. What kept them together? Cooking and studying the Bible.

Aimee Reynolds had been praying for God to bring someone to mind who needed to know about His word—even though she felt convinced that she herself did not “know enough” to answer questions.

God answered. Aimee met Christina Sibuea at Mile High Academy, where their children attended. They immediately became friends and began meeting weekly to share their love of cooking. They also studied God’s Word through the “Lifting Up Jesus” lessons.

Meanwhile, Christina became more and more curious about her husband, Reindie’s (pronounced Randy) religion. He was such a quiet, loving witness—despite being deported back to Indonesia and in the process of trying

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to become an American citizen. (Reindie, in fact, is still in Indonesia, waiting for the last interview at the Consulate before hopefully returning to America and his family.)

Christina is now looking forward to baptism. Aimee says, “I am so grateful to God for putting Christina in my life.

I have been so blessed by her and her family. When you study with someone, Jesus creates a special, unbreakable bond between you. I wouldn’t have all these blessings if I hadn’t stepped out in faith, trusting Jesus would be with us in every study. I thank God for Karen Lewis, who stepped out in faith and gave me Bible studies several years ago when I had been away from the church.

I would still be in the dark if not for her.”

Aimee continues, “I think all of us who have been shown the light should find a way to ‘pay it forward.’ Ask God today to bring you someone. Be a part

Photo courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Conference

Pay It Forward — The Ripple Effect of Lifting Up Jesus

Aimee Reynolds (left) and Christina Sibuea

of the beautiful ripple effect that is spreading for His cause.”

For information on the lessons used in this story, visit www.liftingupjesus.net.

Correction: In reference to the May issue, Clayton Hart is Glacier View Ranch camp manager, not conference youth director. Apologies for this confusion.

—Martin Weber, editor

Union College Students Mentor High Schoolers with Learning Disabilities

by Michelle Current For Jeff Meador, a sophomore international rescue and relief major, high school was tough, and college seemed impossible. But with the help of Union College’s Teaching Learning Center, Meador is not only succeeding in college, but has the opportunity to help high school students with learning disabilities.

Meador had listened to the testimony of Mark Hall of the contemporary Christian band Casting Crowns, who has struggled with attention deficit disorder and dyslexia.

Hall’s story impressed and encouraged Meador. When Forshee-Sweeney called only a few hours after his insightful breakthrough, Meador felt God’s call help other students struggling with learning disabilities.

For more than 30 years, the Teaching and Learning Center has empowered Union College students with learning disabilities to be successful in their studies. Now through a grant from the Woods Foundation, the TLC has partnered with Lincoln Public Schools to help high school seniors with learning disabilities transition to college. Current Union College students co-teach the classes along with a high school teacher, to prepare seniors for the challenges they will face when attending college.

“Most of the students that come to the voluntary classes already want to go to college, but they don’t think they can be successful. They just need someone to tell them they have the ability, which is what we’re doing. Showing students the abilities they already have,” said Meador.

Southeast High School was the first to benefit from this program, with weekly classes starting last March. The classes are small—around 20 students—allowing participants to feel comfortable and safe in the learning environment.

The classes are designed to give the stu-

picture of what to expect in college. This method of teaching also gives the college students the flexibility they need in their normally rigorous schedules.

“I was really excited to do something like this again,” said Kay Sterndayle, a junior nursing major. “I used to mentor middle school kids when I was in high school. I’m really glad Union has such a great program, both for college students and now for the high school students.”

Sterndayle loves being in the classroom and watching students as they begin to have hope for the future. She believes that when a high school student sees someone who faces the same, or even more difficult challenges to learning, the high schoolers feel encouraged to keep trying.

Sterndayle and Meador’s dedicated service has opened a world of possibilities to the students they are teaching. “The 20 lives they are impacting is only the beginning of this wonderful project,” Forshee-Sweeney said.

She plans to expand to a year-long program next year that encompasses all of the public high schools in Lincoln.

This project creates a double-edged opportunity because it allows high school students the time and resources to choose their future and it gives the college students a safe place to implement public speaking skills, organization, time management and the desire to help others through service.

“I don’t want anyone to end up in a dead-end job because they were too afraid to try,” said Meador. “I came to Union under the freshman development plan and am glad I did. I want students to know there are programs out there to help them. They can be successful.”

dents access to all the resources they will need to plan for college.

Each student teacher goes through a training program developed by Debbie Forshee-Sweeney, director of the TLC, and Kyle Martsching, grant coordinator. “We based the program off of a similar one Kyle and I visited in Colorado Springs earlier this year,” said Forshee-Sweeney. “We have trained five students and are training five more.

"They don’t think they can be successful. Many times they just need someone to tell them they have the ability, which is what we’re doing."

By encouraging and educating high school students, I hope they will be able to mentor junior high students.”

Personal experience plays a prominent roll in the training sessions. Forshee-Sweeney helps students remember their own past struggles so they can better relate to the high school students.

Two main points of the training are selfadvocacy and understanding disability.

“Self-advocacy is the process of becoming independent and taking charge of the future; it is important that students selfadvocate,” said Forshee -Sweeney. “The best way to overcome a disability is to fully understand it; once it is understood, methods of studying can be applied.”

“I’m dyslexic,” explained Meador. “I don’t like to talk about it, but after realizing the similarities between my own struggle and the lives of the other students, I couldn’t stop sharing.”

Because the Union students come from a wide variety of backgrounds, majors and learning styles, team teaching gives high school students a better

Michelle Current is a senior commuication major at Union College.

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Mid-America Union News Union College Good classes educate. Great classes turn students into evangelists on the subject. For Kourtney Shoemaker, Conflict and Peacemaking was a great class. “If I had to pick a class that has challenged my views the most, it would be Conflict and Peacemaking,” said the junior business administration major.

“I’ve grown so much as a person, and the class has made me question—in a good way—how I live my life. I wish it were required for everyone.”

Conflict and Peacemaking explored the four pillars of peace outlined by the Seventh-day Adventist Church: dialogue, justice, forgiveness and reconPhoto by Steve Nazario ciliation. Taught

by Chris Blake, associate professor of English and communication, the course objective was to enable college students

to become peacemakers and challenge them to change their world—starting with themselves.

A significant portion of the Conflict and Peacemaking class centered on Peace Week. The students divided into groups and each group took one of the four pillars of peace to use in creating a fun learning activity. Peace Week lasted for five days, a day for each pillar of peace and the final day for the unveiling of a new Peace Sculpture Garden.

“We’re following the call found in the official church statement ‘A Seventhday Adventist Call for Peace,’” said Blake. “It says that each of more than 6,000 Adventist schools, colleges and universities should set aside one week each school year to make a specifically Adventist contribution to a culture of social harmony and peace.”

Shoemaker created Monday’s Let’s Talk, a discussion board in the lobby of the Everett Dick Administration Building to foster dialog. Discussion topics includ-

Photo by Steve Nazario

Teaching a Culture of Peace by Michelle Current

“Liberation”

"Prince of Peace"

Photo by Steve Nazario

“The Wall”

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Union College ed, but were not limited to: world hunger, capital punishment, water and human trafficking. The board was up all week to give time for adequate discussion.

Monday also included Paraphrasing Your Way to Fun, a game that honed active listening. Each player had to correctly understand what other players said and prove it through paraphrasing.

“I love to plan and organize events but to get up and lead was never my strength— or so I thought,” Shoemaker admitted.

“I learned that I could get up and lead a group of my peers. I learned more than I would have by just participating.”

Tuesday’s Forgiveness Quest featured faculty and staff who shared their personal stories of forgiveness with students. The quest started in the Ortner Center lobby and traveled to several different locations on campus.

Organized by Derek Williams, a junior math major, the event illustrated on a personal level the healing that can come from making peace.

Williams chose to take Conflict and Peacemaking because he wanted to expand his worldview. “I wanted to be able to understand why peacemaking is important, and what I can do to help.”

Wednesday and Thursday covered justice and reconciliation respectively.

A mid-week activity helped students learn which corporations misuse their profits and which companies support

peace and equality. Then reconciliation activities planned by three students filled the day on Thursday, including a tug of war in the afternoon.

Peace Week culminated with the unveiling of Peace Sculpture Garden on Friday. Located in one of the main thoroughfares of campus life, “this Peace Sculpture Garden provides artistic reminders of the peace that can exist between people everywhere,” Blake said.

Amanda Clark, a 2010 graduate and leader of the Peace and Social Justice Club, created one of the sculptures. In it, a large book with pages swirling up into doves depicts education’s role in peace.

“Peacemaking is a large and treasured part of what it means to be truly Christian,” said Blake, who plans to make the week an annual tradition. “The difference between being a peace lover and a peacemaker is the difference between loving money and making money.”

“Peace is something we all need in our lives,” said Shoemaker. “With ourselves, friends, family, co-workers and the strangers on the street. For me it starts by having peace with my God. The most important lesson I have learned is that everything should start with love. It is the most important gift God has given humanity, and it is only through love that we can begin to make peace.”

Peace Scultpure Garden On April 9, as the culmination of Peace Week at Union College, the school unveiled a Peace Sculpture Garden in the lobby of the Ortner Center. “This Peace Sculpture Garden provides artistic reminders of the peace that can exist between people everywhere,” said Chris Blake, associate humanities professor.

“Peace Plow” (p. 37) by Greg Worthan carries the scars of past weapons. “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into fishing hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2:4).

“The Wall” (p. 36) is an actual piece of the Berlin Wall. This wire symbolizes walls that stand between people—barriers of prejudice and hatred. Like that wall, these barriers can be broken down and peacefully removed.

“Prince of Peace” (p. 36) by Victor Issa, a Union alumnus, shows Jesus of Nazareth, the one who brings gracious harmony to our weary, hostile, strife-torn world. “Love your enemies,” He commands us.

“Peace I give to you.”

“Liberation” (p. 36) by Amanda Clark, a 2010 graduate, depicts the power of education to lift all people above prisons of superstition and ignorance. Every person is endowed by the Creator with the freeing ability to think and to do.

Michelle Current is a senior communication major at Union College.

“Peace Plow”

Photo by Steve Nazario

A marker accompanying the sculptures says: “While nations and people will often try to defend themselves by responding militarily— which sometimes results in shortterm success—violence does not build enduring solutions. From both a Christian and a practical perspective, any lasting peace involves at least four ingredients: dialogue, justice, forgiveness and reconciliation.”

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Adventist Health System

The Call toServe Others

• Better health and a longer life • Weight loss • Increased desirability to employers • Less anxiety • Decreased levels of depression • A more meaningful life John Haynes is a highly involved volunteer at SMMC who helps with everything from escorting visitors to giving out newspapers to patients on the third floor.

“Volunteering here is unique because when people come into a hospital, they are under a lot of stress,” said Haynes. “It’s our job to help alleviate some of that stress by showing them where they need to go and anything else they might need.”

He often tries to provide humor to the patients when appropriate.

“Sometimes I’ll ask patients if they want to buy a free newspaper,” he explains. “Humor really helps with the healing process.”

Haynes’ decision to volunteer at SMMC was the result of being a patient here. After a backpacking trip to Wyoming, Haynes came down with a staph infection and was hospitalized for a week.

“Until you are actually a patient here, you don’t quite understand the impact volunteers make,” said Haynes.

“The experience is incredibly profound.”

While every volunteer dedicates their time for different reasons—whether it is to get out of the house or to change a life—it is clear that all of the SMMC volunteers really care about what they’re doing. In their effort to use their gifts from God in serving others, these exceptional individuals are glowing examples of SMCC’s goal to be much more than medicine.

.

Photo courtesy of Shawnee Mission Medical Center

E

ach one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms (1 Peter 4:10).

In 2009, the volunteers at Shawnee Mission Medical Center (SMMC) gave 102,813 hours of their time. Actually, the 550 volunteers provided the equivalent contribution of 49.43 full-time employees.

Volunteers can be found everywhere at SMMC. While volunteer services is a strictly supplemental department, the hospital relies heavily on its members. Their responsibilities include finding patient information for guests, escorting visitors, giving and explaiing maps to people, and greeting people as they enter SMMC. “We focus on having greeters at the main entrances like tower one, the emergency department and the outpatient entrance,” explained Peggy Todd, manager of Volunteer Services. “First impression really is everything.

Most people determine their opinion of a place within the first seven to 10 seconds of entering it.”

To ensure a positive first impression, all volunteers undergo ambassador training. This training aims to up customer satisfaction scores and incorporate professional standards.

“We tell all the volunteers that even a warm smile at the entrance to the hospital can make a huge difference,” Todd said.

The main goal of volunteering is to help others, but dedicating one’s time to the service of others has proven to have its benefits. These include:

Flower desk volunteers

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Adventist Health System

A Passion for Service V o l u n t e e r M i s s i o n T r i p s C o n n e c t C o l o r a d o ’ s Adv e n t i s t H o s p i t a l s t o t h e G l o b a l Ch u r c h

Into All the World Since the Global Health Initiatives program began in 2005, Wagnaar and more than a thousand other healthcare volunteers affiliated with Parker, Porter, Littleton and Avista Adventist hospitals have brought compassion and healing to people in eight countries worldwide. The teams offer free medical and surgical care, community health programs, education, training and many other services.

Photo courtesy of CMBell Company

Photo courtesy of CMBell Company

F

or Jeff Wagnaar, it started with a challenge—almost a dare. A mission trip to Rwanda was being organized

by Colorado’s four Seventh-day Adventist hospitals, and volunteers were needed.

“Hey, Jeff, why don’t you go?” asked a co-worker lightly at a planning meeting.

His first thought was an emphatic, “No.” Not Africa.

Anywhere but there. All sorts of images flashed into his mind—poisonous snakes and deadly diseases and dangers unknown. Besides, he had never even traveled outside the United States, and what about his family and responsibilities as Avista’s director of physical therapy? It just seemed like a scary, inconvenient proposal.

So he prayed about it, decided to challenge his fears and went.

Wagnaar has returned to Rwanda four times since then, and now looks forward to his annual stint of international service. No longer a nervous conscript, he’s become a zealous advocate for the partnership role Adventist hospitals play in fulfilling the worldwide mission of the church.

Donations arranged through Global Health Initiatives helped this young Rwandan man travel to Denver for life-changing corneal transplants. Here he poses with Abdulfattah Ali, M.D., the Porter-affiliated surgeon who volunteered his time.

At least a dozen such trips are scheduled each year, and for participants, the experience is anything but a free, continenthopping joyride. Volunteers—including physicians, nurses and other support personnel—pay at least half of their own travel expenses and give up vacation time for the sake of serving.

Each effort is targeted to an area where healthcare is limited and an Adventist hospital is struggling for survival.

Rather than seeking new destinations each year, the longterm impact is maximized with multiple visits to fewer sites. “We’re committed to helping mission hospitals become self-sustaining and better serve over the long haul,” says program director Greg Hodgson.

Partners in Mission As the mission program has expanded, hospital staff and donors from the entire system have joined in to help. To date, nearly $5 million in monetary aid, medical equipment and surgical supplies have been raised. Donations helped improve laundry facilities for Mugonero Hospital in Rwanda,

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Mid-America Outlook

Since 2006, employees of Colorado’s Adventist hospitals have participated in mission trips to eight countries. During a hectic clinic day in Peru, nurse Cathy Boyer spends a few energizing moments with grateful young patients.

for instance, and funded an architect to help guide master planning for future improvements.

Cooperation with other world church entities has also been critical. The Italian Union of Seventh-day Adventists contributed $50,000 toward a new maternity wing for Mugonero, and volunteers from Colorado’s Adventist hospitals helped build it.

The projects also frequently involve collaboration with Adventist Health International and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency. “It makes for great teamwork and is another way we fit into the work of the global church,” says Hodgson.

In a recent trend he finds exhilarating, Denver-area churches have been clamoring to participate in the hospitals’ medical outreach. In 2009, a group of 57 members of Newday Church in Parker and Franktown, Colorado followed the hospital team to Iquitos, Peru, for well drilling, church planting and evangelism.

“To have churches offer to come alongside as spiritual partners is an exciting development,” says Hodgson. “Together, we’re not only offering health and healing—we’re leading people to Christ."

to the United States and the tissue bank donated the corneas.

The surgery was successful, and the young man is now living with the Hodgson family and attending Vista Ridge Academy as he receives follow-up care. “This will make a huge difference in his life,” Hodgson says, “and when he returns home, he’ll be a great support for the Adventist Church in Rwanda.”

The Essence of Outreach It was an unforgettable encounter. As Wagnaar was walking with a friend on a path between the Adventist orphanage and hospital in Rwanda, a little girl came skipping up the trail.

When she saw the two strangers, she shrieked and ran away, simultaneously laughing and screaming for her mom.

As she ran, Wagnaar noticed she was almost falling, and realized the child’s feet were inverted and horribly deformed.

After returning to the U.S. and showing photos of her to family and friends, he was able to raise money for her corrective clubfoot surgery.

“Without that chance meeting on a jungle path, that beautiful little girl would have spent her life walking on the sides and top of her feet,” says Wagnaar. “God works in amazing ways, and as long as I have the opportunities, I’ll keep going back to Africa.”

.

Life-Altering Impact

After meeting a little girl and her mother on a Rwandan path, Jeff Wagnaar of Avista Adventist Hospital returned home and raised money to fund her corrective clubfoot surgery.

This article was submitted by Stephen King, senior vice president for mission and ministry for Colorado’s Adventist hospitals, and written

by CMBell Company.

Photo courtesy of CMBell Company

Though the Global Health Initiatives program is only five years old, the numbers are impressive. Hospital teams have treated almost 20,000 patients since it began, and have performed almost 800 surgeries. Even patients beyond the direct reach of visiting medical personnel are benefiting. Money raised is helping the estimated 186,000 Nepalese women suffering from uterine prolapse and is funding corrective surgeries for Rwandan children with debilitating clubfoot conditions.

Hodgson has seen the rewards of the program fall equally on both recipients and those who deliver care, as participants gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the global mission of the Adventist Church. Tom Eickmann, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon who just returned from his first hospital mission trip, wholeheartedly agrees. “It was an incredible reminder that I don’t experience a fraction of the hardship others do, and helped put life in perspective,” he says. “It was also an opportunity to more directly spread the love of Christ.”

“It has deepened my trust in God,” adds Wagnaar, reflecting on the growing number of life-altering moments he’s experienced through the program. “At some point in every trip, you sit back and realize you’re learning more about life from those you serve than you’re teaching them.”

On a deeply personal level, Hodgson relates a story that brings the potential impact into clear focus. On one of his first trips to Rwanda, he met a teenage orphan in dire need of a corneal transplant, a procedure that couldn’t be performed in the mission hospital. Though without surgery the boy’s future was bleak, Hodgson was determined to help—and a miracle ensued.

A Denver surgeon and anesthesiologist volunteered their time, community residents helped pay for his visa and airfare

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Information Farewell Behrendt, Hanna E., b. Aug. 26,

Johnson, Ernest George, b. June 12,

1925, d. March 13, 2010. Preceded in death by husband, Reinhold; son, Andreas; and son-in-law, Guenther. Survived by daughters, Renate and Gisela Schulz; daughter-in-law, Catherine; and grandchildren, Benjamin, Alexander, and Kate.

1914, in Brainerd, MN, d. March 19, 2010.

Served in a bomber plant in WWII. Survived by wife, Orvetta; daughters, Sharon Morrison, Bernadine Delafield, Roberta Christensen, and Diane Sorensen; sister, Mildred Winterowd; and brothers, Martin and Allen.

Ells, Mary Ann, b. Nov. 6, 1940, in

Kemmerer, Doug, b. March 3, 1958,

Denver, CO, d. April 14, 2010, in Denver, CO. Longtime member of Brighton Church. Survived by husband, Ben; daughter, Cheri Ells; sons, Ron Ells and Kevin Ells; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

d. May 22, 2010, near Woodland Park, CO. Member of Colorado Springs South Church and mentored many in AA program. Survived by his wife, Lynee; son, Jeremiah; mother; Irma Mattson, and sister, Cherrie Kemmerer.

Fletcher, Judith “Judy” E., b. Nov. 1, 1958, in Lincoln, NE, d. May 21, 2010, in Lincoln, NE. Member of College View Church. Survived by mother, Mavis; brothers Franz, Wayne and Garth; niece, Mackenzie; and nephew, Easton.

Fowler, John W., b. May 15, 1935, in Heavener, OK, d. Nov. 30, 2009, in Hagerstown, MD. Member of Willow Brook Church, in MD. Served as ministerial secretary in many NAD conferences and unions, even overseas; as conference president for MO and OH; and as executive secretary for KYTN Conference. Alumnus of Southern and Andrews. Preceded in death by parents. Survived by wife, Kay (Scott); son, Mark; daughters, Melonie and Marcia Scorpio; six grandchildren; and four brothers and sisters.

Luikart, Aubrey Delbert, b. Feb. 3, 1923, in Pickens, WV, d. May 13, 2010, in Springfield, MO. Member of Oak Grove Heights, in MO. Decorated veteran, including service in WWII. Served as elder, deacon, greeter, and

community center volunteer. Preceded in death by parents, Arthur and Mattie; and wife, Margaret. Survived by sisters, Avah Holderbaum and Regina Henson.

Montoya, Nathan, b. Feb. 13, 1966, in Brighton, CO, d. May 6, 2010, in Brighton, CO. Member of Brighton Church. Survived by two sisters and two brothers. Preceded in death by parents and two brothers.

Eckley, CO, d. April 6, 2010, in Littleton CO. Member of the Yuma Church.

Survived by sons, Darrell and Edwin.

Reynolds, Russell R., b. Nov. 16, 1906, in Kansas City, MO, d. April 18, 2010, in Lee’s Summit, MO. Member of Kansas City Central Church and attended Kingsville Church. Preceded in death by wife, Marie. Survived by wife, Janice; son, Robert L.; daughter, Betty M.; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Opp, Ellen, b. Aug. 21, 1921, in Streeter, ND, d. April 21, 2010, in Wishek, ND. Member of Lehr Church. Preceded in death by husband, Herbert. Survived by daughters, Maxine MCdaniel and Patty Marsh; son, Larnie; sister, Ruby Werth; brothers, Harold, Walter and Jehu Miller; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Piper, Lila Mae, b. Aug. 30, 1919, in

Webster, Virginia, b. Jan. 18, 1917, in Battlecreek, MI, d. Feb. 28, 2010, in Denver, CO. Member of Brighton Church and a fourth generation SDA. Survived by daughters, June Stevenson, Carol Schmidt, Bonnie Fuller, Susan Meseraull and Ginny Gilpin; son, Henry Vaden; 24 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Sunset Calendar

Furne, Gina Ann, b. Nov. 30, 1956, in Denver, CO, d. May 8, 2009, Arvada, CO. Member of Arvada Church.

Served as a worker in the Rocky Mtn. Conference for many years. Survived by husband, Gordon (Jim) Furne Jr.; daughter, Mandy Furne; sons, Michael Pate and Jesse Furne; sister Rhea Martinez; brother, Marc Martinez; and six grandchildren.

Gutknecht, Willard Norman, b.

March 15, 1922, in Chasely, ND, d. May 19, 2010 in Lincoln, NE. Member of College View Church.

Survived by wife, Betty; daughter, Sheila Shea; son, Cordell; sisters Eileen White, Erna Kline, and Carol Pfaff; brothers, Arnold and Richard; six grandchildren; and five greatgrandchildren.

44 July/August 2010 | Mid-America Outlook

Colorado July 16 July 23 July 30 Aug. 6 Aug. 13 Aug. 20 Aug. 27 Denver 8:26 8:21 8:15 8:07 7:59 7:49 7:39 Grand Junction 8:39 8:34 8:28 8:20 8:12 8:02 7:52 Pueblo 8:21 8:16 8:10 8:03 7:55 7:46 7:36 Iowa

Davenport 8:34 8:29 8:22 8:14 8:05 7:54 7:44 Des Moines 8:46 8:41 8:34 8:26 8:17 8:07 7:56 Sioux City 9:00 8:55 8:48 8:39 8:30 8:19 8:08 Kansas Dodge City 9:01 8:56 8:51 8:43 8:35 8:26 8:17 Goodland 8:12 8:07 8:01 7:53 7:45 7:35 7:25 Topeka 8:47 8:42 8:36 8:29 8:20 8:11 8:01 Wichita 8:50 8:46 8:40 8:31 8:24 8:15 8:06 Minnesota Duluth 8:58 8:51 8:43 8:33 8:22 8:10 7:57 International Falls 9:10 9:03 8:54 8:44 8:32 8:19 8:05 Minneapolis 8:56 8:50 8:42 8:33 8:23 8:11 7:59 Missouri Columbia 8:33 8:28 8:22 8:15 8:06 7:57 7:47 Kansas City 8:43 8:38 8:32 8:24 8:16 8:06 7:56 Springfield 8:33 8:28 8:22 8:15 8:07 7:59 7:49 St. Louis 8:24 8:20 8:14 8:06 7:58 7:49 7:39 Nebraska Grand Island 9:03 8:58 8:51 8:44 8:34 8:25 8:14 Lincoln 8:56 8:51 8:44 8:37 8:28 8:18 8:07 North Platte 9:14 9:08 9:02 8:54 8:45 8:34 8:24 Scottsbluff 8:27 8:22 8:15 8:07 7:58 7:47 7:36 North Dakota Bismarck 9:33 9:26 9:18 9:08 8:57 8:40 8:32 Fargo 9:17 9:10 9:02 8:52 8:41 8:29 8:16 Williston 9:49 9:42 9:33 9:23 9:11 8:59 8:46 South Dakota Pierre 9:22 9:16 9:09 9:00 8:49 8:38 8:26 Rapid City 8:33 8:27 8:19 8:10 8:00 7:49 7:38 Sioux Falls 9:05 8:59 8:52 8:43 8:33 8:22 8:11 Wyoming Casper 8:41 8:35 8:28 8:20 8:10 8:00 7:48 Cheyenne 8:30 8:24 8:18 8:10 8:01 7:51 7:40 Sheridan 8:50 8:44 8:36 8:27 8:17 8:06 7:54

Information Information Classifieds Advertising Policy

Adventist Lawyer in Colorado:

Christian Based Massage School: 10 month, 1,000 hour

Classified ads must be submitted with approval from your local conference or pastor. Ads may be e-mailed, faxed or typewritten. Outlook does not accept responsibility for categorical or typographical errors.

Display ad information available at w w w.midame ricaadventis t. o rg o r 402.484.3028.

Take care of your family, assets, and business at affordable rates! (1) Estate Planning—advance directives, wills, and trusts. (2) Business Law—Contracts, Entity Formation, and Dispute Resolution. D. White Law, P.C. 1355 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 600, Denver, CO 80222. Contact Derek White at 303.758.9910 or derekw@dwhitelawpc.com.

Massage Therapy Course is based on Christian principles and methods. We teach scientific, evidencebased techniques. New session begins Sept.7, 2010. Housing available on campus. Contact Carrie at Black Hills Health & Education Center, 605.255.4101 X 23 or www. bhhec.org.

Pricing: Inside Mid-America $25 for first 50 words, 35¢ each additional word.

Black Hills Health and Education Center in Hermosa, S.D. (near

Colorado Mountain Hikers/ Climbers— If you enjoy climbing

Outside Mid-America

$35 for first 50 words, 85¢ each additional word.

A box can be added around an ad for $5.

Notices or Announcements Notices of events, alumni weekends, camp meetings, etc., can be printed at no charge if no product or service is involved and no price is listed. Placement is not guaranteed, however, unless the notice is purchased.

Services AdventistEvangelism.com, your #1 source for seminar handbills and brochures. If you are considering a community outreach series in your area, we can help you design, print and mail your invitations. Call Color Press toll free at 800.222.2145 and ask for Janet or Lorraine.

Rapid City) will present a Special Health Seminar with Dr. McNeilus and others, teaching methods of reversing diabetes, overweight, hypertention, and a whole host of other ailments without drugs, pills or herbal supplements. Date: July 19-22. Phone: 800.658.5433; e-mail: wellness@bhhec.org; web: www.bhhec.org. Cost: $75 (housing extra, if needed). ALSO: Immediately following from July 23-30 will be a Wellness Coach Training Session with the above program as a prerequisite. Cost $150.

mountains in Colorado, check out this new website: CoMtnRegisters.com. Register your name on any Colorado peak over the web. Registration is free. Choose your own username, so it is safe for your kids and for parents alike. CoMtnRegisters.com is family friendly, designed and hosted by Adventists, and everyone is welcome.

www.internationalbibles.com.

Online Religious Super Store, 7115 Mormon Bridge Rd., Omaha, NE 68152. E-mail: service@ internationalbibles.com. Phone: 402.502.0883

Looking for Outstanding Christian Education? Maranatha Adventist School in Moberly, MO has openings for students in grades K-8. Our two-classroom school promotes individualized learning and close student/teacher/parent relationships. For more information, call 660.263.8600 or visit moberlymaranathaschool.org.

BOOKS—More than 250,000 new and used Adventist books in stock at www.LNFBooks.com. Looking for a publisher? Free review of your manuscript. Call 800.367.1844 or visit www.TEACHServices.com.

AdventistSingles.org Free 14day Trial! Join thousands of Adventist singles online. Free chat, search, profiles, match notifications! Adventist owners since 1993. Visit www.elliotdylan.com for the Undercover Angels series of novels for Christian teens that build on Biblical principles and reinforce integrity. Great for Sabbath reading, church and home schools, and gifts!

Adventist Coin Dealer: Silver .900 fine American coins by the roll.

Pre-1933 American gold coins.

Choice coins, medals and tokens.

Free appraisal of individual coin or entire collection. Phone, write or email. Dr. Lawrence J. Lee, World Coins & Medals. 402.488.2646, P.O. Box 6194, Lincoln, NE 68506. Lee@ athena.csdco.com.

17 HOSPITALS IN: CALIFORNIA HAWAII OREGON WASHINGTON

OUR MISSION:

TO SHARE GOD’S LOVE BY PROVIDING PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SPIRITUAL HEALING. FOR JOB OPPORTUNITIES, VISIT: www.adventisthealth.org

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Information Services continued Move With an Award-winning Agency. Apex Moving & Storage partners with the General Conference to provide quality moves at a discounted rate. Call us for all your relocations needs! Adventist beliefs uncompromised. Contact Marcy Dante’ at 800.766.1902 for a free estimate. Visit us at www.apexmoving. com/Adventist/.

Need Help with Care? Try Griffin Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. SDA family owned & operated.

SDA Chaplain. Opening for man, woman or couple. Skilled Care Facility. Quality 24/7 Nursing Care.

Odor-free Environment. Physical, occupational & speech therapy.

Medicare & Medicaid approved.

641.842.2187, Knoxville, Iowa. See us online at: www.griffinnrc.com.

Need K-8 Church School? Muscatine SDA Christian School, in Iowa, stresses spiritual, intellectual,

emotional, and physical development—tuition $95.00 per child. Significant scholarships available. Call Pastor Ray Kelch at 563.260.6008; 563.890.3362 or Carol Swayze at 563.260.5286.

PHONECARDLAND.COM 10% DISCOUNT. Home of the pinless/ rechargeable True Minutes phonecard. True Minutes long distance service is 1.9c/minute including UK and Canada. No tax, no fees, no expiration. Visit www.phonecardland.com and choose the best plan for all your phone calls around the world. User-friendly, secure. E-mail: sales@phonecardland.com.

Call 863.216.0160.

Planning an Evangelistic Series or Health Seminar? Have questions? Need affordable, professionally prepared handbills, brochures, signs, banners and mailing services? Call free, 800.274.0016 and ask for HOPE Customer Service or visit www.hopesource.com. You deserve the best with confidence and peace

of mind. Your friends at Hamblin’s HOPE deliver on-time.

RVs! RVs! Motorhomes and Trailers! Adventist Owned and Operated RV Dealership has been helping SDAs for nearly 40 years.

Huge inventory, courtesy airport pickup and on-site hookups. Call Lee Litchfield toll-free 888.933.9300 or e-mail. Lee’s RV Oklahoma City.

Visit our website www.leesrv.com or e-mail lee@leesrv.com.

SDA-managed Health Food Store and Cafe. All vegan food made from scratch. Huge salad bar. Two homemade soups daily, plus entree, sandwiches, wraps veggie burgers and desserts. Free WIFI. Visit us online at greatgrainscafe.com and on Facebook.

Single and Over 40? The only interracial group for Adventist singles over 40. Stay home and meet new friends in the USA with a Pen Pal monthly newsletter of members and album. For information, send large, self-addressed, stamped envelope to ASO 40; 2747 Nonpareil; Sutherlin, OR 97479.

Wildwood Chef School: Intensive 14-day seminar focusing on vegan food preparation, storage and preservation, nutritional insights, meal planning, and more. Aug. 8-22, 2010.

Site: Wildwood Health Retreat, Iron City, TN. Cost: $499 per person. (Includes room, vegan meals).

Contact: Lew Keith 931.724.6706 or Sarah 931.724.5603. www.wildwoodhealthretreat.org, or e-mail: lykeith@gmail.com.

Employment Union College seeks tenure track professor in Old Testament or Biblical Studies beginning Fall 2011.

Courses include Greek, Hebrew, theology. Prefer doctorate and ministry experience. Commitment to undergraduate education, training/mentoring for pastoral ministry is required. Contact Robert Fetrick, Chair, Division of Religion, Union College, 402.486.2600 x2373, or rofetric@ucollege.edu.

Travel/Rentals Completely Furnished Turn-key Apartments in quiet New England home on peaceful farm at edge of woods near ocean. Peaceful solitude for time to commune with God, nature and your own soul. Available for few days to few months. Elizabeth Boyd at 207.729.3115 for brochure, rates.

Steamboat Springs, CO: Exhilarating year-round vacation spot. World-class skiing, summer fishing, hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, rafting. Kids under 12 ski free. Large condo, sleeps 9-11. Two bedroom loft/two bath.

Fully furnished, fireplace, hot tubs, pool. Call 763.506.0436. E-mail: rdleach@aol.com.

For Sale Country Home, Call NOW! Six Acres, six miles SE of Union College, 3+ Bedrooms, 3 Baths, Many Closets, Custom Built, All Electric, 24,000 sq./ft., two levels, Stone Fireplace, Double Garage, two Large Out Buildings, Large Garden Area & Garden Barn. Peach, Apple, Pear, Cherry Trees and Gazebo. $290,000 O.B.O. 402.782.8035.

46 July/August 2010 | Mid-America Outlook

Information Information Flagstaff,

Arizona. Like new, 3-Bedroom, 2-Bath; approximately 1,944 sq. ft; vaulted ceilings, gaslight fireplace. Home on five acres.

Panoramic views of San Francisco Peaks. Separate 900 sq. ft. insulated garage/workshop. Horse shed.

Newly reduced, $399,000. 5225 Brnadis Way, Flagstaff, AZ 86004.

Photos/details at www.realtor. com/realestateandhomes-detail/ Flagstaff_AZ_86004_1104414125 or call Esther at 308.547.2287 or 308.214.0902.

Just Reduced! Retire in Western Colorado. Located above Cedaredge, CO. Gorgeous views. 2,028 sq ft home on 3.69 acres w/stream and waterfall running through property, 3 bed/2 bath, large room w/ windows galore! 2 car garage, laundry, office and den area. Possible Owner financing. $229,000.00. Call 310.422.1738.

Make Spelling Fun! A Reason For Spelling® homeschool curriculum combines Scripture verses and values with classroom-tested research to provide mastery-based learning.

Activities with a purpose are the key to success! Now available at your local Adventist Book Center, online at www.adventistbookcenter.com, or by calling 1.800.765.6955.

SAVE $6.00 July 1-31, 2010!

ABC Deal of the Month: Lewis C. Sheafe, by Douglas Morgan. Regularly $22.99, SALE $16.99. Sheafe’s story sheds light on the reason no lasting, separate Black Adventist denomination ever formed. Available at your ABC, at www.AdventistBookCenter.com, or by calling 1.800.765.6955.

Thinking of a Country Home? Want to move out of the city? Visit www. countrylivinghomes.info. All properties are located out of the city limit,

have an alternate water source other than city water & have at least one acre. Arkansas & Missouri properties currently offered. Call Cindy at 417.293.8487 for information.

Events Campion Academy Alumni Weekend: Sept. 23-25. “Serving Your Neighbor, Serving the World.” Thursday, Reeder Classic at Ute Creek Golf Course in Longmont. For more information, contact campionacademygolf@gmail.com. Friday vespers featuring Campion’s Belize mission trip presentation by students. Also, Common Ground Café at Center Campus to reconnect with young alumni over hot drinks and biscotti.

Church and vespers on Sabbath in the gymnasium with Jose Rojas. Alumni soccer and basketball games following vespers. More info at www.campionalumni.net.

Women’s Retreat (Teen Program 14-18)— Texico Conference.

“Come to the Waters” Sept. 17-19, 2010, Radisson Hotel & Water Park Albuquerque, Albuquerque, NM 800.395.7046. Women’s-Keynote Speaker: Dr Susie Hill, English & Spanish (separate sessions); Musician: Angela Bryant Brownincluding concert Saturday night.

Teens: JerMara Welch presenting The Super Model Society®—redefining “traditional” standards of beauty through divine inspiration.

Musician: Lisa Hickman. Register at www.PLUSLINE.org or 800.732.7587.

WWU

Alumni

e-Newsletter:

Walla Walla University is starting an e-newsletter to communicate with alumni. It will go out once a month beginning June 2010. To sign-up to receive the e-newsletter, please visit the website at alumni.wallawalla.edu.

Blogs / Videos / News / Information all online at www.midamericaadventist.org

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