OUTLOOK – April 2020

MID-AMERICA SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST NEWS & INSPIRATION SPECIAL FOCUS: COMMUNICATION MINISTRIES

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MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 PERSPECTIVES 4

THE FOUNDATION OF GOOD COMMUNICATION Gary Thurber

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YOUR WORDS: HOLY FLAME OR DUMPSTER FIRE? Seth Pierce

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FEATURES 6

MORE METHODS, MORE REACH

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BEHIND THE REDESIGN OF ADVENTIST.ORG

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YOU’VE GOT MAIL

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NEWS 11 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 29

MID-AMERICA UNION CENTRAL STATES DAKOTA IOWA-MISSOURI KANSAS-NEBRASKA MINNESOTA ROCKY MOUNTAIN UNION COLLEGE ADVENTHEALTH FAREWELL INFOMARKET

OUTLOOK (ISSN 0887-977X) April 2020, Volume 41, Number 4. OUTLOOK is published monthly (10 months per year) by the Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 8307 Pine Lake Road, Lincoln, NE 68516. Printed at Pacific Press Publishing Association, Periodical postage paid at Lincoln, NE and additional offices.

USPS number 006-245. Postmaster: Send all undeliverables to CFF. Free for Mid-America church members and $10 per year for subscribers. ©2017 Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Unless otherwise credited, all images are iStock. Adventist® and Seventh-day Adventist® are registered trademarks of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

CONTACT us by email: info@maucsda.org or phone: 402.484.3000.

“Make sure your words are set aflame by the Holy Spirit instead of being a dumpster fire carelessly setting the world ablaze.” —p. 5

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MID-AMERICA UNION CONFERENCE

ONLINE WANTED: MORE GRACIOUSNESS

mag.org

NEWS AND INSPIRATION

Today’s world is flooded with communication— some of it positive, but much negative. People often allow emotions to cloud reason. They rashly type words on a screen they would not say to a person’s face. A profound scarcity of graciousness haunts our hasty exchanges.

When we are abiding in Christ, we can do better— much better. We can learn to truly listen (p. 4), to think (p. 5) and share encouraging and inspiring words (p. 6-9) with our friends and family, our local church members and our communities.

Momentos Trágicos outlookmag.org/momentostragicos

Stressed and Guilty: Type A’s at Church outlookmag.org/stressed-guilty

This issue offers a foundation for effective communication, both personal and as representatives of our churches. Based on research, we now know more about communicative processes; we have more tools; we even have the potential of a worldwide audience.

The opportunities for sharing the beautiful, life-giving words of Jesus Christ are amazing and abundant. The question is, How are we going to use them?

BRENDA DICKERSON editor

ON THE COVER

#TuesdayTalk: Socializing outlookmag.org/tuesdaytalksocializing-the-social-mediageneration

For the past 10 years Mike Temple has been sharing a daily email devotional with his ever-growing audience.

More on p. 9 Photo by Tosha Rochelle Photography

President Gary Thurber Secretary Gil F. Webb Treasurer Troy Peoples Church Ministries Roger Wade Communication Brenda Dickerson Education LouAnn Howard Hispanic Ministries Roberto Correa Human Resources Raylene Jones Ministerial Mic Thurber Religious Liberty Darrel Huenergardt Women’s Ministries Nancy Buxton midamericaadventist.org OUTLOOK STAFF Editor: Brenda Dickerson Designer/Managing Editor: Brennan Hallock Digital Media Manager: Hugh Davis outlookmag.org CONFERENCE NEWS EDITORS Central States Brittany Winkfield communications@ central-states.org 913.371.1071 central-states.org Dakota Jacquie Biloff jbiloff@icloud.com 701.751.6177 dakotaadventist.org Iowa-Missouri Randy Harmdierks rharmdierks@imsda.org 515.223.1197 imsda.org Kansas-Nebraska Stephanie Gottfried sgottfried@ks-ne.org 785.478.4726 ks-ne.org Minnesota Savannah Carlson scarlson@mnsda.com 763.424.8923 mnsda.com Rocky Mountain Rajmund Dabrowski rayd@rmcsda.org 303.733.3771 rmcsda.org UNION COLLEGE Ryan Teller ryteller@ucollege.edu 402.486.2538 ucollege.edu

PERSPECTIVES

The Foundation of Good Communication “G

o therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:18-20).

Many people think they are multitasking when they are on their phones. They believe they can be present and active while at the same time engaging their smartphones. Unfortunately, studies have debunked this and the truth is that we can’t multitask. While other articles in this issue of OUTLOOK will focus on building our Here it is—our marching or- communication skills, I want ders from Jesus Himself. This to focus on what I consider to rhetorical questions about your is the reason we come together be one of our great deficiencies listening skills: as a church and organize in communication: listening.

Do you set your phone ourselves for service ... to share down and put other distracthe everlasting gospel with tions away when you are with the world, teaching them and people in your life where commaking disciples. munication is critical? With Have you ever been in Embedded in the Great your spouse? Your children? conversation with someone Commission is the need to While at church? When opporand your mind was somecommunicate. Consequently, tunity arises to be a witness? where else? I have done that a in this issue we are going to Do you find yourself “in the few times with very important talk about how we can become present” when you need to be people in my life.

I know I better communicators so we in an acute listening mode? can be as effective as possible in discouraged them when they Do you find yourself realized I wasn’t following their sharing the good news of Jesus. forming answers in your mind conversation closely.

In the Bible one of the most to what someone is sharing with you instead of just being sobering warnings we find throughout the books of Dan- a patient listener and hearing them out?

We have some extra commu- iel and Revelation is “To him Do you often find yourself nication challenges in today’s who has ears, let him hear...” offering quick fixes to what world we didn’t have just 20 This is simply imploring us to or so years ago. The majority truly be alert to what the Word someone is sharing with you?

Do you ask clarifying of people I observe now have of God is telling us and how questions instead of trying smartphones. This means they He is leading in our lives. So to be a mind reader? can get their email, browse the not only do we have a need to Do you keep good eye internet, watch TV or movies, be better listeners in our intertext, look at social media, or personal relationships, but also contact with those who are speaking with you? play games 24/7 on their phone. in our walk with God. Are you attentive to the If you just watch the behavior feelings of those communiof most people today, they can’t cating with you? sit a second without pulling Do you ever find yourself out their phone and becoming So, let me ask you some having selective hearing? glued to it.

Lacking focus

Listening to what you want to listen to and ignoring the rest?

These are just a few matters to consider in being a good listener, which I believe is the foundation of good communication.

May all of us have “ears to hear” the important communication we need to absorb to be fully engaged with the people God has put in our life and especially to hear the Lord speaking to our hearts.

Hyperconnected

Two ears, one mouth

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GARY THURBER is president of the Mid-America Union.

PERSPECTIVES

Holy Flame or Dumpster Fire? ust prior to writing this article, I was invited to observe an explosive thread on Facebook revolving around the words of an independent ministry leader sharing a politically partisan opinion. Full disclosure: I freely confess my sin of taking mild delight in other people’s online drama when it has nothing to do with me. I am fully aware of how social media manipulates the fight or flight part of the brain to get people’s attention, and yet I still succumb to the temptation of watching an online fight with all its corresponding nonsense. I am working on it …

In any case, while the leader of the ministry deleted the initial post, screenshots were taken, and now various digital fires are popping up as Adventists debate the merits of the leader’s political opinion and use of social media.

The thread I saw showcased a variety of wild accusations, arguments made in ALL CAPS TO DEMONSTRATE HOW SERIOUS THE ISSUE IS, good old-fashioned name calling—and even someone accusing the other of being willing to burn people alive if such-andsuch a leader requested it. “The tea,” as my

students like to say, “is hot.”

Piping hot.

The incident is sad, but certainly not isolated. When it comes to online engagement, many of God’s people put the very worst and wildest perspectives on display for the world to watch.

A couple years ago Ted Wilson, General Conference president, posted a video of his grandchildren singing Silent Night at church. Every Grinch and Scrooge from the darkest corners of the Internet showed up to condemn the video. It was a sad display with a lot of heat, but little light. Now, as we enter into an election season, people will use every communication technology they can to broadcast their perspectives.

potential for injustice, misunderstanding and community breakdowns multiplied.

As I have written previously, we are stewards of the gift of communication given to us in Eden (see Gen. 2:19). This doesn’t mean we avoid hard subjects or eliminate personal reflections from our life, but it does mean we need to take a little more responsibility for the content we create.

So, here are a few tips for creating good communicative content instead of making everyone crazy online.

Creating a gracious culture

First, avoid what are known as “God terms” and “Devil terms.” These are words designed to get a positive or negative reaction and The gift of speech “rally the troops” to one side of an issue or another. For In Aristotle’s Politics he example, flippantly throwing notes how people share the around terms like “liberal” or same ability as animals to “conservative” doesn’t help. vocalize experiences of pleaNot only do we not define sure or pain, but man is more them, but instead of engaging “political” because we have the ideas, we label them with gift of speech. Aristotle says our positive and negative as soon as speech communitrigger words and toss them cation enters the world’s exaside. It’s inflammatory and perience, so does the need for irresponsible. justice, personal responsibility Second, we need to curate and community. With each and monitor our personal new communication techplatforms. Insist that your nology, human beings find followers use good “netitheir speech amplified and the quette” by refraining from

personal attacks, condescending responses or foul language. Give warnings and, if need be, block them from conversations. If our goal is to seek truth, then we need to intentionally create online cultures that allow for questions and honest engagement and put boundaries on obnoxious behavior.

Third, resist the urge to post an immediate emotionally loaded reply. Social media favors speed over accuracy, and emotional reactions instead of well thought out replies (Prov.

15:13). Sometimes we may need to have a strong reply if someone is being abusive, but even then, a clear statement of boundaries and a request for an apology or a modification of behavior or comments is better than replying in a way that matches a toxic conversation.

Finally, remember that other people can see what you post—including Jesus— so make sure your words are set aflame by the Holy Spirit (Acts 2) instead of being a dumpster fire carelessly setting the world ablaze with destructive communication (James 3:1-12).

DR. SETH PIERCE is a popular author and speaker who pastored for 16 years before entering academia as assistant communication professor at Union College.

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More methods, more reach

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hile traditional methods of communication must continue to be utilized, we also need to embrace new media and methods for reaching out to share the good news of salvation.

No one method or platform will reach everyone. And as the media landscape becomes more complex and cluttered, we must plan our communication carefully.

people in our community and all over the world. For the church to remain relevant—and stay connected to our members, friends and neighbors—we must learn to utilize these communication tools. Used correctly, they can be major instruments of evangelism and provide more cost-effective ways to do ministry in both rural and urban areas.

We live in a world of emails, texting, websites and social media which have become major instruments in connecting with

In Matt. 28:19-20 God provides us a communication mandate: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of

the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The Bible instructs us to go and teach. We have a number of technologies available today that allow us to go all over the world, but also just down the block. Some technologies and platforms come and go, but one that seems to have stood the test of time is Facebook.

Facebook: Friend or Foe of Mission Since its inception in 2006, Facebook has steadily grown. According to a 2019 Pew Research Center study, the share of U.S. adults who say they use popular online platforms or apps is statistically unchanged from where it stood in 2016, even amidst the long stretch of controversies over privacy, fake news and censorship on social media. Here are more stats:

Facebook is the most used platform in the U.S.

7 74% in

At the end of 2018, Facebook had over

2.32 billion monthly active users

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U.S. adults use Facebook.

of Facebook users visit the site daily.

Look around you. Someone you know is on Facebook. The Bible compels us to be a light in this digital mission field where millions of people spend hours of their day online. Matt. 5:16 states, “Let your light so shine before people, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

We can use Facebook safely and responsibly. Follow our digital missionary series at outlookmag.org or on our Facebook page to learn how.

Streaming, Online Video and Websites

Image Use and Copyrights

A benefit of being online is that it allows you to introduce your church, pastor or ministry to the community. Individuals might not visit you in person but they might visit you online through your website or through a streaming video of your church service. Facebook and YouTube have easyto-use features to stream your service online for free. Studies have predicted that the average time individuals spend watching online video will expand more than 20 percent over the next two years to an average of 100 minutes daily. Why not offer something worth watching to be part of those 100 minutes? (www.mediapost.com/publications/article/340714/

One thing to be mindful of when using online tools is copyright laws related to images that you use on any of your online platforms, whether on social media or your website. The legal department of the General Conference has shared with us that the main copyright violation churches need to be reminded of is that images on Google and other search engines are not free to use. They caution churches to either pay for images they want to use through stock photography image sites, or find free images that are licensed under a Creative Commons license and follow the terms and conditions of use. The GC has been involved

time-spent-watching-online-video-expanding-to-100.html)

How to Avoid Violating a Copyright with Jennifer Gray Woods bit.ly/IsYourChurchViolatingACopyright

We're Going Live: What to Know Before Your Church Live Streams bit.ly/WhatToKnowBeforeYourChurchLiveStreams

Websites also offer a great way to share what your church is doing, as well as introduce your community to your church. While the algorithms of social media sites determine what people see in their timeline, your website is always available to share with people exactly what you want them to see.

Adventist Church Connect provides all Adventist churches in North America with a free website that includes a number of tools and resources to help your church be active online. This is a great way to get your youth and young adults or retired members involved in ministry.

Hugh Davis is digital media manager for the Mid-America Union.

in lawsuits involving thousands of dollars for individuals and churches using images from the Internet without a license.

OUTLOOK magazine recommends free photo sites like freeimages.com, unsplash.com, or pexels. com. Even with these sites, be sure to check each license before use. Sometimes free images will require attribution. If, after searching these websites you still don’t see what you need, contact us and we will download an image for you from our paid istockphoto.com account (if you are a member of an Adventist church in our territory working on a project for your church or school).

If you have questions or concerns navigating this digital landscape, you are not alone. Feel free to call or email your conference communicator (see p. 10) or email us directly at myoutlookmag@gmail.com and we will be happy to help you become a better digital missionary for Christ. But first, always remember to “Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established” (Prov. 16:3).

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Behind the Redesign of

Adventist.org

An inside look at a crucial communication tool

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he OUTLOOK team recently met through Zoom with Brent Hardinge, assistant director for communication at the General Conference of Seventhday Adventists headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, to learn about the recent redesign of adventist.org. Here’s what we discovered.

Brent, what was the catalyst for redesigning the Adventist Church’s main website?

It came from a number of individual things and happened over a period of time.

About two years ago there was a series of meetings with communicators from around the building, including Hope Channel, Adventist Review Ministries, Adventist World Radio and ADRA. And we were asking, What can we do online to be more intentional about reaching people with what we believe as Adventists?

Then I started reading Building a Storybrand by Donald Miller, and I realized that while we may not be selling a business product, we are “selling” something—Jesus, what He means to us and what He’s done for us. That hit me hard.

What goals did you have for the redesign?

In the mid 1990s the first adventist.org site was established as a corporate site, sharing information about the Adventist Church. But there was no progression for taking the next step. We were missing huge opportunities to invite people to learn more about what we believe, to study the Bible or find an Adventist church near them.

Now we have moved from being the corporate face of the GC to being more about who Seventh-day Adventists are.

When you were developing the site, who did you envision using it?

It’s an outward-facing site geared toward seekers—people who want to learn more

Adventist.org Brand Promise “You can understand the Bible to find freedom, healing and hope in Jesus.”

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about spiritual things and specifically Adventism.

What are some lessons you learned along the way that could What do you want the be heplful to other site to help accomplish? ministries as they This site is partially the result redesign or update of Adventist evangelists fretheir website? quently telling us that we have to do something about how I would say bring together we present ourselves online. others in your church who Seekers want to know who we are interested in the site and are and what we have to offer. go for a long-term strategy.

It’s all about studying the Bible Collaborate and keep the long and developing a relationship haul in mind. You also want with Jesus. to be consistent—so figure out how to sustain what you How are you utilizing are doing on a regular basis.

SEO (Search Engine Try to meet the needs of your Optimization)? region and answer people’s Most of the content from questions. the old site moved through to the new site. But we didn’t have Why do you think information on the old site that conferences, churches and schools should still was geared toward bringing people in through their search. invest in their website?

During our internal research we Is it relevant in the age of social media? learned there is a huge market for engaging seekers. And our The analogy that has beliefs section is consistently the always made sense to me is highest used section. this: Social media is like your So we developed two new community. You enjoy going large sections that are focused out into it, but you don’t own on SEO using “topic clusters” it. It is outside your control. based on keyword research.

A website is like your home, And we are focusing on ways your property. You own it and we can better improve as you can control the content.

Google continues to change If you want people to “come and develop how it treats over to your house,” you need subdomains, since there are to maintain it and make it approximately 160 other inviting to them. websites associated with the GC (education, family, youth, health and more).

You’ve

This is your 10th year producing The Open Word. Why do you continue to do it?

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Pastor Mike Temple of the Grand Forks Church in North Dakota has dedicated a significant portion of his time and talents to reaching hundreds of people in his community and abroad through various communication methods. Hugh Davis recently spoke with Pastor Mike about his 10-year anniversary of producing his daily devotional titled The Open Word.

Tell us how The Open Word began.

In my last district (Bowman, North Dakota) we started a radio program on a couple of different stations. It was a morning weekday devotional called The Open Word. In 2009 my father passed away, and while struggling with the process of grief, the Holy Spirit inspired me to start this as a way of connecting with our listeners in Bowman in an avenue other than radio.

For me, it was about that one-to-one connection with people. And being in a small town, it was a way for me to reach out to the people there.

I started emailing it out and it took off. I started with 8 or 9 subscribers, and by the end of the first year I had 40. That is not a lot of subscribers, but people started passing it around and before long I had

a couple hundred. Now I have over 500. I have sent out over 3,000 e-devotionals to people’s inboxes every single day since I started.

How do you decide what topics to focus on in your e-devotional?

A lot of it comes from my own devotional life and from what I see on the news that I can make a spiritual parallel or analogy to. I talk about living an honest Christian life—how to be a Christian in the real world. I am intentional about not getting in people’s faces about doctrine; I just want to bring encouragement into their lives, something of a spiritual nature for them to think about in the morning that takes them through their day.

I have asked myself that question many times because some days I wonder what I’m going to write about. But I get so many comments from people, and I’ve built so many relationships through this.

I have a subscriber in the Philippines who writes to me two or three times a week, and I try to respond with encouraging messages. I have another subscriber who asks questions about the Bible, and he and I communicate regularly. Now that we have over 500 subscribers, someone writes me daily.

I feel like if I stop I would be letting them down.

I have several subscribers who tell me this is the first thing they look at when they wake up. And I have many subscribers who say things like, How could you have known this is exactly what I am going through? I tell them I didn’t.

The Holy Spirit did.

The gospel commission challenges us to spread the good news, and

this generation has the tools to do it. Do you have any insights or advice about how we can use technology to reach the unreached?

With all the technology we have, the bottom line for me is connecting with people.

Technology is great, but when you pull the human component out and it’s just technology for technology’s sake, we miss something. We need to connect with people as much as we can.

I do that with a lot of people in our town—more than people may know. That is really what we have been told to do: go out and build relationships with people. We need to be in our communities. Be present.

Technology can be a twoedged sword; it can be used negatively, but you need to take the positive aspects of technology to use them for the kingdom of God. We see all the ways people use social media today and we have to be careful how we use these tools so we make sure our witness is something heaven can put its stamp of approval on.

You can subscribe to Pastor Mike’s free e-devotional, The Open Word, by visiting openwordjourney.com. Or visit his website, openwordshow.com, to listen to his past radio spots and find other inspiring resources.

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Your

Conference News Editors

What is happening in your church that you would like to spread the word about? Or that could inspire others in the Mid-America Union? Reach out to your conference communicator and let him or her know how God is leading in your community.

Brittany Winkfield

Stephanie Gottfried

Randy Harmdierks

Central States Conference

Kansas-Nebraska Conference

Iowa-Missouri Conference

Savannah Carlson

Rajmund Dabrowski

Jacquie Biloff

Minnesota Conference

Rocky Mountain Conference

Dakota Conference

communication@central-states.org

scarlson@mnsda.com

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sgottfried@ks-ne.org

rayd@rmcsda.org

rharmdierks@imsda.org

communications@dakotaadventist.org

MID-AMERICA UNION NEWS

MAUC Hosts Children’s Ministries Training

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nergy levels were high and smiles abounded as over 120 participants gathered Feb. 27-28 in Omaha, Nebraska, for the Mid-America Union Conference’s Children’s Ministry convention themed Come To Me. This training event, which attracted attendees from five of the six conferences in the union, as well as other regions, aimed not only to spotlight new resources for children’s Sabbath school programs and Vacation Bible School, but also to offer a time of spiritual renewal for each participant.

“We have an incredible opportunity to develop as leaders through this powerful training,” said Roger Wade, MAUC Church Ministries director and event

Fletcher Pride

coordinator, during his welcome to attendees.

Weekend presenters included Pastor Guadalupe Montour from the College View Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, and four certified trainers from the North American Division Children’s Ministries department.

Understanding Children and Child Evangelism were two of the classes being offered toward certification in Children’s Ministries. The tracks were also offered in Spanish. There are six total tracks for certification.

Rachel Ashworth, a leader from the Sikeston Church in Missouri, was excited to attend and discover new resources for her small church. “We got a lot of ideas

for developing a quiet room,” she said. “And I might have to learn how to make animal balloons too!”

Sue Carlson, Children’s Ministries director for the Kansas-Nebraska Conference, described a seminar she attended where she learned about one church that has a notebook for each child who attends. “People can write prayers for the child and their family since the notebooks are laying out. Then they have

a program every year where the kids receive their books to take home. What an amazing, tangible expression of how much the church family loves them!”

The next Children’s Ministry training offered by the Mid-America Union is planned for February 2022.

Stories on this page were written by Brenda Dickerson, communication director for the Mid-America Union Conference.

Mid-America Pathfinders Learn Life Lessons from Pathfinder Bible Experience

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ighteen Pathfinder teams representing all six conferences in the MidAmerica Union gathered at the College View Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, to test their knowledge of Scripture during the annual Pathfinder Bible Experience.

“Over the past 12 months, Pathfinders from around our union have been studying the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Hosea, Amos, Jonah and Micah,” said MAUC Church Ministries director Roger Wade.

Through a video message,

MAUC president Gary Thurber congratulated the teams for reaching the union level of participation and encouraged the Pathfinders to treasure the words of Scripture they have memorized.

To reach the union level, teams have already advanced through the area and conference levels. Scoring is done on a curve, based on the highest scoring team, and teams advance depending on how they score.

Light of the World club director Jilian Maranga from the Ramsey Church in

Minnesota said she has seen spiritual growth in her club as a result of PBE. “It’s a learning experience for everyone,” she added.

A Pathfinder from Shining Doves, one of two teams from the Ramsey Church, has participated in PBE for five years now. In reference to the testing process, she said, “It’s really nerve wracking because you’re so close to the end, but yet you can be so far.”

Based on the scores from Feb. 15, five teams are eligible to participate in the division level PBE: Ramsey Church

Golden Lamps, Ramsey Church Shining Doves, Sedalia Church Pioneers, Cedar Rapids Church Timberwolves, and College View Church Machnadebai.

Due to the COVID-19 virus, the division finals will be hosted online.

Brenda Dickerson

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CENTRAL STATES CONFERENCE

Regular Quadrennial Session of the Central States Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

­ Roger A. Bernard, Jr., President — —Cryston E. Josiah, Vice President for Administration

Regular Meeting of the Members of the Central States Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists

—Roger A. Bernard Jr., President —Cryston E. Josiah, Vice President for Administration

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ollowing a groundbreaking ceremony last June, the construction of 12 senior buildings (24 apartments) at 34th and Garfield Streets in Kansas City, Kansas, is moving forward under the direction of The Osborne Company.

Elder Cryston Josiah, CSC vice president of administration, reported that because of the way tax credit projects work, this development was at no cost to the Central States Conference.

“We actually were paid for

the land that is being used,” said Josiah.

The contract includes a 15-year compliance period.

Then the conference will have the opportunity to own the units outright at that time, or may decide to sell them. They are estimated to be worth over $5 million.

“Whatever we decide in 15 years will be a win-win for the conference. God is good and has tasked us to be good stewards of the 39 acres He has blessed us to manage,” Josiah stated.

This architect’s rendering depicts a completed senior living duplex.

Courtesy Central States Conference

Notice is hereby given that the Regular Membership Meeting of the Central States Conference Association of the Seventh-day Adventists, a non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Kansas, will meet in connection with the Regular Quadrennial Session of the Central States Conference of Seventh-day Adventists at the G. Alexander Bryant Youth Center, May 31, 2020 at 9 am. The purpose of the call is to elect a Board of Trustees and to transact such other business as may properly come before the delegates.

All delegates to the Conference Session are delegates of the Association.

Photos: Cameron Palin

Notice is hereby given that the Regular Session of the Central States Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is called to convene at the Central States Conference G. Alexander Bryant Youth Center, May 31, 2020 at 9 am.

The purpose of the meeting is to elect the Executive Committee members, Constitution and Bylaws Committee, officers, departmental directors, review recommended constitutional changes and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the session. Delegates for this session will be appointed one for each church and one additional delegate for each twenty-five (25) members or major fraction thereof.

Conference’s Senior

CENTRAL STATES CONFERENCE

Housing Project Moves Forward Photos: Cameron Palin

The apartments will all be accessible with wide halls and doorways and will not have any steps. Maintenance, lawn care and snow removal will be provided. Each unit features a one car garage, full kitchens, full size washer and dryer, and a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower.

There will be 11 units renting for $650 per month, 10 units renting for $550 per month, and two units for $450 per month. As required by the state of Kansas, one unit is

designated for use at no cost to help those going through financial crisis and needing a housing transition time. Conference staff will share details about applying for occupancy as construction progresses. The projected completion date is October 2020.

Information compiled by Brittany Winkfield, communication director for Central States Conference.

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DAKOTA CONFERENCE

Dakota Adventist Academy Hosts Robotics Meet

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akota Adventist Academy has participated in several robotics events in recent years, but on Jan. 17 they hosted their first robotics meet. Held in the recently renovated gymnasium, nine teams participated in the regional meet: DAA, Tioga, Alexander,

Wilton, Bismarck’s Career Academy and Technology Center, Shiloh Christian, St. Mary’s Central, Williston, and another school from the Minot area.

The robotics meet, which was described by organizers as a “scrimmage,” was an opportunity for students to

test their electromechanical creations against peers—and the clock—in an official competition-level arena.

The robots feature limited computer-programming and are designed to perform specific functions. They are built by students from a variety of electronic, mechanical and structural elements. This year’s challenge required the ability to lift and move sizable plastic

blocks around obstacles between two points within the 12 foot by 12 foot arena.

Each machine was controlled remotely by two students: a pilot and a lift-function operator. This demanded practiced cooperation and split-second decision-making. Within each two-minute match, points were awarded for the number of blocks moved a Photos: Tracy Peterson

14 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2020

DAKOTA CONFERENCE

Mark Seibold is vice president of finance for the Dakota Conference.

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pproximately 10 years ago, while Pastor Darrin Purdy was leading the Cleveland-Jamestown district in North Dakota, a one-hour radio spot became available. Pastor Purdy had no experience in radio, but the Cleveland Church felt it was a worthy outreach. They chose to fill most of the hour with a Revelation seminar, but Pastor Purdy needed to introduce the program and take the last couple of minutes to invite listeners to return for the next scheduled appointment. This was his introduction to radio.

The Jamestown Church also wanted to do something, but a full hour was expensive.

A radio station sales manager registered his child at the local Adventist school, so the pastor discussed the matter with him. The sales manager researched, arranged and organized a daily one-minute slot for when people were driving to and from work.

“We will put you on right before the farm guy and right after the weather,” he said. He also arranged for

Photos: Jacquie Biloff

minimum distance, blocks placed or stacked on a special tray, and for other time and performance achievements.

These elements produced great team excitement and fun for spectators.

After the initial rounds of single head-to-head competition, clubs were paired for the elimination rounds based on accumulated points. The demand for teamwork kicked into high gear, as clubs maximized their points standing by optimizing cooperative efforts with their new teammates.

In the limited space of the arena, this proved to be a challenge, but the pairings did well, improving as the matches continued. The DAA Tinheads made the final rounds, and their paired team placed second overall.

DAA student participants included Orrin Waldner, Colton Playle, Elena Goldsberry, Austin Hay, DaYeong Ko, Jaelyn Pickett, PawLay Pway, Rosalyn Ray and Casey Waldner. Two team members unable to attend were Tasian Subigca and Sierra Schlenker.

“This was an excellent opportunity to be involved in a larger way in our community and region while showcasing our school,” said principal Anthony Oucharek. “We hope our visitors enjoyed their stay and share positively with others about what they experienced.”

One-minute Radio Spot Impacts Cleveland-Jamestown Community manageable pricing.

“These are little devotional spots, which we call Drive Time,” says Pastor Purdy. The slot starts with guitar music and the sound of a car starting. “The aim is to give people a spiritual thought and to get them to look a little higher in their day. There is an intro and outro, so I have 42 seconds; about 120-130 words,” he explains.

The radio station promoted Drive Time with an interview.

Pastor Purdy spent a morning in the studio. Between regular planning, the disc jockey asked questions and talked about the radio spot: “What church do you pastor?” and “We have Pastor Darren Purdy here in the studio…

Drive Time.”

“I had to get several dozen done ahead of time,” said Pastor Purdy. I didn’t want to talk too fast, but I needed to get a message across. It is a challenge to eliminate superfluous words. I want to allude to scripture without being preachy; not doctrinal but devotional.”

Drive Time became a

connecting point with the community. Pastor Purdy’s goal was to break down barriers. “People believe you are legitimate because they have heard you on the radio,” says Pastor Purdy. “They become open to attending seminars associated with your church or your name. It also gives the church members something to promote, something they can be proud of.”

After the program ran for a while, if someone heard his voice at the store or saw his name at the bank, they would say, “I just love those little talks,” “It gets me thinking,” or “That is what I think about all day long.”

Pastor Purdy has since moved to a South Dakota district, but still owns the drivetime1.com website. His goal for the website is to have a blog where people can ask questions he answers, to provide Bible information and lesson studies, and to link to other Adventist media.

His 260-300 one-minute clips are currently run on Bismarck Christian Education Radio Station 90.9, KTWJ, located in the basement of the Dakota Conference.

“I want to lift up Christ. I want people to know that God thinks about them and loves them,” adds Pastor Purdy.

Jacquie Biloff is communication director for the Dakota Conference.

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APRIL 2020 15

IOWA-MISSOURI CONFERENCE

Woodland Hills Church Plant Sponsors Advanced Disaster Survival Course

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he Woodland Hills church plant near Des Moines recently partnered with the city of Pleasant Hill to sponsor an advanced disaster survival training course at a local youth center.

Taught by Jerry DuVall, pastor of the Nixa and Kimberling City churches in Missouri and a former Army counterintelligence agent, the advanced course built on the basics of an introductory course held in Altoona last fall. In addition to learning how to assess threats, be prepared for

sudden disaster, build fires, make temporary shelters and more, attendees of the advanced course were also taught when and how to tie a variety of knots, how to best utilize materials commonly found in nature, how to make sure water found in nature is drinkable, and how to think through various scenarios to ensure longterm survival.

In addition to local church members, there were approximately 35 guests who attended the course. It was a great opportunity to connect

with community members in a neutral environment and learn more about what interests them. Guests completed a survey that will help the church know how to best minister to their needs in the future, and there were several giveaways of survival tools and other items that could be used in a disaster. Many expressed an interest in future events the church is planning, as well as Bible studies and prophecy seminars.

The course was also a great opportunity to build relationships with community

leaders who were enthusiastic about the course and expressed appreciation for providing it to the public. The Woodland Hills church plant would like to thank Pastor DuVall, the city of Pleasant Hill, the church members who attended or volunteered to help, and all of the guests for making it a success.

Anita Fischer is a member of the Ankeny Church in Ankeny, Iowa.

The Woodland Hills church plant is a church planting initiative of the Ankeny Church.

(left) Pastor DuVall shares recent earthquake data with attendees. (right) Various types of knots, tools and other items valuable during a disaster are put on display. Giveaway drawings were held throughout the event for items such as nylon ropes, a foldable saw, ready-to-eat prepackaged meals, filtered water bottles and more.

Photos: Anita Fischer

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IOWA-MISSOURI CONFERENCE

Cransons Accept Call to Rocky Mountain Courtesy Nathan Cranson

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t’s with great reluctance that we say goodbye to Pastor Nathan and Michelle Cranson, who recently accepted a call to the Rocky Mountain Conference.

Nathan had been serving the Albia, Centerville and Ottumwa churches in Iowa for the past four years and was joined by Michelle when they married in 2018.

Nathan was instrumental in helping create a video studio at Sunnydale Academy that will serve the conference

well for years to come, and he and Michelle were also heavily involved with youth ministry at camp meetings and Iowa youth rallies.

Though they will be greatly missed, the conference wishes the Cransons well as they begin this new chapter in ministry that allows them to be closer to family. Please join us in praying for them as they make this transition.

Lee Rochholz is ministerial director for the Iowa-Missouri Conference.

Did you know the conference sends out a weekly e-newsletter called imConnected?

CHURCH LIFE

SCHOOL LIFE

PERSONAL LIFE

Celebrate what God is doing in churches around the conference, such as baptisms, ministry in our communities and more.

Find out what students are learning as they grow academically and spiritually at our elementary schools and Sunnydale Academy.

Get to know fellow believers around the conference as you read powerful testimonies about what God is doing in people’s lives.

SIGN UP TODAY!

imsda.org/newsletter

OUTLOOKMAG.ORG

APRIL 2020 17

KANSAS-NEBRASKA CONFERENCE

High Plains Christian School Growing High Plains Christian School teacher Jessi Whitson takes her seven students on a field trip to the local airport the year the school reopened (2015-2016).

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18 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2020

under the leadership of their teacher, Jessi Whitson, and the support of committed church members. When the school first opened in 2015, they began with seven students. The next year enrollment more than doubled to 15 students. In 2017, the enrollment increased to 18 students, and since then it has continued to grow.

Currently the school is at maximum capacity of 20 students, and they have had to turn away students.

High Plains Christian School is the only Protestant elementary school in Garden City, and there has been considerable interest in Christian education from the community. For example, without any advertising the 2019 summer VBS program mentored approximately 50 children. What a blessing, considering the population is approximately 30,000 people.

The church has met to discuss the possibility of adding another teacher to allow for increased capacity at the school. But with a modest church membership of approximately 100

people, the decision to add another teacher is a major financial commitment.

The school is in one room adjacent to the church. They are currently considering converting a Sabbath school classroom into a school classroom, since there is no extra space and they cannot afford to build additional space while meeting the monthly church budget.

There is no gym space for the students, yet the school is blessed with happy students who are excelling.

Whitson has been a blessing, and God has opened the

doors for the community with this outreach through Christian education. The only way to continue to expand and provide a Christian education in the community is through God. Melissa Moutray is a member of the Garden City Church in Kansas.

1. Reist, Margaret. “Population Shifts, Demographic Changes Pose Challenges for Nebraska Educators.”

Lincoln Journal Star. Aug. 3, 2011.

2. Man, Fred. “Census: More People Moving Out of Kansas Than Moving In.” The Kansas City Star.

March 27, 2014.

High Plains Christian School is now at maximum capacity with 20 students (pictured on a field trip to the local zoo).

Photos Courtesy Kansas-Nebraska Conference

id you know that there were once 23 small schools in our conference which are no longer in operation today? Towns like Gothenburg, Nebraska, and Fort Scott, Kansas, once had small Adventist schools.

Most of these schools no longer exist due to demographic shifts. Many rural counties in Kansas and Nebraska have smaller populations than they did 100 years ago.

The 2010 census showed more than half of Nebraska’s 93 counties lost 10 percent or more of their population, while counties around Lincoln and Omaha grew.1 Kansas has a similar story.

Census information from 2014 indicates that from 2000 to 2013, the state had a net loss of 10,197 people.2 In 2015, when the members of the Garden City Church in Kansas decided to step out in faith and reopen their school, which had been closed for several years, no one knew what the result would be.

Today, High Plains Christian School is thriving

KANSAS-NEBRASKA CONFERENCE

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OUTLOOKMAG.ORG

APRIL 2020 19

MINNESOTA CONFERENCE

Southview Pathfinders Lead Church Service Photos Courtesy Minnesota Conference

The Southview Pathfinder Club leads the church service, including a drum corps, telling children’s story, doing special music, and preaching the sermon.

Pathfinders so everyone had a specific job, from greeter ast November 9 the to deacon to praise team, Southview Pathfinder children’s story teller and Club led the entire Southview special music presenter. Our Adventist Church service. drum corps practiced for the Dressed in Class A uniforms, march in. club members marched in The biggest question, accompanied by our drum though, was whether someone corps, welcomed everyone, led would volunteer to preach the the songs of praise, told the sermon.Would any Pathfinder children’s story and preached be willing to preach to our the sermon. church body of about 300 At Southview Church, people? We immediately had getting our children and four volunteers! During the youth involved in day-tosermon time, Pathfinders day ministry is an important Daniel, Emma, Hellen and component to our church’s Christian each spoke on a strategy. We want to equip our favorite topic. kids “for works of service, so Seeing our Pathfinders that the body of Christ may be share their message—either in built up” (Eph. 4: 12). action, word or music—made It’s not enough for kids to for a memorable service. At just attend church. Instead, we the end, Pastor Sean Lee told want them to gain experience the congregation, “If these and feel a sense of purpose young people can preach, so by being actively engaged. By can you!” involving them, we hope to Afterward a church memlead them to a lifelong perber commented, “That was sonal relationship with Christ. a wonderful service. What a During the planning phase, way to teach our young people club leadership knew our leadership skills!” club of 34 could fill a lot of Vicki Duran is Pathfinder direcroles. Staff member Miggy tor for the Southview Church in Wood began organizing our Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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20 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2020

MINNESOTA CONFERENCE

Members of The Way Serve Each Other and Their Community Members of The Way pass out batteries to the local community for smoke detectors during Fire Awareness month.

special day, Tracii Hauck shared her inspiring testimony to a packed church.

Many from the Hmong community came to witness this event.

Our Family Life team invited Pastor Kevin and Shelly Powell from Arkansas to speak for a weekend event.

Their message encouraged and inspired us to be proactive in relationships with spouses, children and other family members.

The year of events culminated in Fire Awareness month, when many of the members visited homes in the local community to pass out batteries for smoke detectors. Many homeowners expressed appreciation for the thoughtful gift.

Besides the major events, smaller groups of church members participated in other outreach—from raking leaves to feeding the hungry to helping with a move.

We are thankful for God’s blessings this last year and for all the opportunities He has given us.

Sarah Little is a member of The Way Church in Shoreview, Minnesota.

Courtesy Minnesota Conference

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miles. Greeting. Love.

Energy. Ideas. Sharing.

Compassion.

This is what you will encounter on an average Sabbath at The Way—or at any other meeting during the week. We have been working hard to reach out and reach in as a group.

We hosted a Neil Nedley depression and anxiety recovery program at the beginning of 2019. People from our church, nearby churches and the community enjoyed the weekly sessions. The information was valuable and the discussion groups were inspirational and encouraging.

One participant expressed that the principles for improving brain health would highly benefit everyone, whether or not they experience depression.

Last summer we invited Randy Rincon, who had joined us in 2018, to return as our evangelism coordinator for a few months. He studied with interested individuals and coordinated outreach opportunities. He worked hard to build up our young adult ministries as well.

We enjoyed spiritual refreshment in a 10-day revival series with speaker David Machado of Revelation of Love Ministries in California, and singer Laura Williams from Washington.

In September 2019, we celebrated a baptism. For this

Minnesota Conference Association Constituency Official Notice Minnesota Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists Notice is hereby given that the 109th Regular Session, and 3rd Quadrennial Session, of the Minnesota Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists, a nonprofit corporation under the laws of the State of Minnesota, will be held at Banquets of Minnesota, 6310 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley, Minnesota, 55432 on Sunday, May 17, 2020 at 10 am.

The purpose of the meeting is to elect the officers and members for the Board of Trustees for said Association, as well as transact any other business that may properly come before the delegates. Delegates from the churches comprising the Minnesota Conference are on the following basis: One (1) delegate for the organization and one (1) additional delegate for each thirty-five (35) members (as of Dec. 31, 2019) or fractional majority thereof.

The first meeting will be called to order at 10 am on said date, at which time all duly elected delegates shall be seated.

Justin C. Lyons, President Brian K. Mungandi, Vice President for Administration Dwayne W. Mauk, Vice President for Finance

OUTLOOKMAG.ORG

APRIL 2020 21

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE

reENVISION Change Creates New Culture for Young Adults

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am a Millennial. I am young enough to use Google as a verb, but old enough to have owned mix tapes. I refuse to shop at Walmart because of the labor conditions in their Asian factories, yet I admit I have no idea who my state representatives are.

The Millennial generation is a passionate sea of contradiction and controversy.

Our parents told us we could follow our dreams and our hearts. As a result, we travel on a dime and fight for the acceptance of all people. At the same time we are the most narcissistic generation in history. It’s as if Millennials are pinned between technology and a deep need for fulfillment, so we grab onto the new while feeling nostalgia for the old.

One more characteristic of Millennials is we want change in our churches. We don’t do things just because that’s how they’ve always been done. We question tradition, are skeptical of titles, and believe each individual should be seen, known and heard.

If you attend, could you sing a song, share a welcome, write a poem, or offer the prayer?

The goal of reENVISION Change is to create a church environment based on participatory experience. Each month, a different young adult is asked to participate in the service in some way, and our hope is that every year, each person attending will have stood on our stage A stage of participation at least once.

We started reENVIWe have 50-80 people who SION Change at Lifesource attend worship each month Adventist Fellowship because at LifeSource Adventist we wanted to stand in the gap Fellowship. Eighty percent of of our church and our gener- these people don’t attend our ation. We wanted to provide church, and about 40 percent a space for people to get what are not Adventist. We want Marcus Lemonis called “the them to participate anyway.

Millennials are the most opportunity to make a differ- We believe the best way to educated generation to date. ence.” We live in an age where feel ownership of something Roughly 34 percent of us everyone gets to be seen and is to participate in it. have a college degree. We are heard, yet we tell people they After each service, we a generation of people who have to sit down and be quiet have an event focused on were taught to ask questions, in our pews. building community. That so we do. We ask questions of We wanted to try someway people who come alone our government, our bosses thing different, something we can leave feeling a part of and our churches. hoped would attract young something bigger.

Marcus Lemonis, best adults. We asked the people We have basketball tourknown from CNBC’s hit show who attend our Saturday naments, volleyball games, The Profit, said the key to night services to participate. spoken word poetry slams and open mic nights. We have board games and free Each month, a different young adult is asked to participate in the food. Young adults don’t want service in some way. reENVISION strives to provide a culture where a church service; they want Millennials don’t need the church, the church needs Millennials. a relationship. We want to reENVISION a change that makes them feel included.

Eighteen to 35-year-olds keep telling us they don’t need church, so we want to provide a culture where the church needs them.

Photos: Mickey Mallory

22 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2020

Research from the Barna Group says that only 4 percent of Millennials (currently ages 22-35) are Bible-based believers. In fact, the Barna Group says that: • Only two in 10 Americans under 30 believe attending a church is important or worthwhile (an alltime low).

• 59 percent of Millennials raised in a church have dropped out.

• 35 percent of Millennials have an anti-church stance, believing the church does more harm than good.

• Millennials are the least likely age group to attend church (by far).

keeping Millennials fulfilled and happy is to give them the opportunity to make a difference in the workplace.

As a church, I believe we can learn a lot from the research being done on Millennials in the workplace. Understanding how Millennials function in their careers can help churches understand how Millennials perceive their place of worship.

Seth Day with Dr. Heather Thompson Day

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE

Grand Junction Church Shares Poetry—and Pizza Photos: Rajmund Dabrowski

The Pizza and Poetry event included 14 participants who read personal or favorite poems.

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t all started with pies, followed by popcorn. In February, 30 Grand Junction Church members added another “p” to poetry: pizza.

The Pizza and Poetry event delighted those who attended this popular Connect Ministry event.

Fourteen participants who mustered courage and defied vulnerability read their own poems, their favorite poems, or poems from classical poetry books.

A brainchild of Karla Klemm, she believes this cultural event binds people together. A similar comment was offered by Bernie Hartnell, referring to the popular event as “providing the glue for our community.”

Bernie, who is known for his creative engineering and related hobbies, read his

poem entitled “Don’t Let the Old Men In.” Among those who read their personal or favorite poems was a retired pastor, a veteran of the Korean war, a daughter of a railroad man of 49 years, a farmer’s wife, and a local building contractor.

The poems included such themes as environmental concerns, patriotism, the meaning of colors, nature, and the difference between hymns and praise music.

While others read their poems nicely typed or from a well-worn book, Taylor, one of the youngest in the group, read his poem from two Post-it notes. His poem had colors, and ultimately described how the color of Jesus’ shed blood was meaningful for our salvation.

Marti Hartnell, Bernie’s

wife, commented that an event like Pizza and Poetry is “a great opportunity to come together as a church family, socializing and getting to know each other better.”

Bernie added that, “Fellowship really does not happen unless you have some intimacy on a human level.

You don’t get it sitting in church. You get it in a more social realm, and that’s what bonds people.”

Klemm says these events are important to her because “Different ages and generations come together, talk together and share. In this world of electronics, we just need to talk to each other.”

Rajmund Dabrowski is communication director for the Rocky Mountain Conference.

HMS Students Participate in Bridge-building Project

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ifth and sixth graders at HMS Richards Elementary School have been diligently working on a bridge-building project that teacher Paul Bragaw assigns his class to complete every other year. The class divides into groups, which they call “companies.” The goal of the project is to build a bridge out of toothpicks that is the correct dimensions and able to bear weight.

The companies must come up with a name and assign each person a job. The names the companies chose include Purified Builders, American Bridge Building Company,

WASBE (first letter of the names of each member of the group), and National Bridge Building Company.

The jobs include project director, architect, accountant, carpenter and transportation chief. Bragaw is in charge of the warehouse which provides the materials.

Each job is important and can only be done by the person to whom it is assigned. This challenges the teams to use teamwork. The accountant is in charge of the imaginary $1.55 million budget and must maintain the balance. The teams may also be fined for talking to other companies, distracting

companies or having messy and dangerous conditions.

The first step is drawing up the plans, which must be approved by Bragaw. The next step is buying the correct amount of supplies, which include toothpicks and glue, and making sure there is enough money in the budget.

The building process then begins. This involves a lot of trial and error, and sometimes groups need to revise their plans. After the bridge is standing, there is a test to see how much weight the bridge can bear. The company whose bridge can hold the most weight wins.

Evie Lange, one of the participating students, remarked, “It’s fun, but also frustrating and stressful. We didn’t have a lot of money left, and sometimes we would fight.

We may not win, but we still try our hardest.”

Megan Michalenko with RMCNews Jill Harlow

OUTLOOKMAG.ORG

APRIL 2020 23

UNION COLLEGE

time of spiritual growth and making my relationships and my religion my own,” she said. “Union is very mission-oriented, and the spiritual atmosphere was strong. It fostered growth in me. The relationships we built there changed our lives.”

After graduating, the two married and moved to Loma Linda University so James could complete medical school. With overseas missions their ultimate goal, they signed up for the Deferred Mission Appointee program, which matches graduates with mission opportunities. The program repays a portion of participants’ student loans, making it possible for recent graduates to pay Photos Courtesy James and Rachel Fernando for their education and live their calling.

Shortly after James completed his residency, the Fernandos received a call. They signed on for an Union grads follow their calling to an African hospital initial five-year stint, and within weeks they were on orking at a hospital hospital, sometimes helping didn’t initially share James’ a plane to their new home in Sierra Leone is a on the children’s ward. yearning to be a missionary. in Sierra Leone. far cry from the well-funded Their journey together In fact, she recalls watching Both say that the edumodern medical facilities began at Union. friends embark on student cation they received while in America, but for gradJames wanted a way missionary journeys. at Union has made their uates James and Rachel to turn his passion for “I have very clear memprofessional lives easier. “A Fernando, Union College mission trips into a career. ories of thinking that was lot of the things I learned planted a seed that grew So he enrolled in Union not for me—I was not called in the IRR program that into a calling the two now College’s International to go overseas,” she said. may not have been useful live out daily while serving Rescue and Relief program But, over time, serving as stateside have really helped, this African community. on the pre-med track, a missionary became her and I’ve found good use for The Fernandos work at knowing that being a doc- dream too. my education here,” James Waterloo Hospital, where tor could help him reach She credits James’ excite- said. “Practicing medicine James is a family medicine his missionary goals. ment for the mission field in this environment is a doctor. Rachel is a partWhile at Union, he met and her college experience whole different world than time physician assistant physician assistant stufor helping shape her plans. so much of what we learned in the female ward of the dent Rachel O’Hare. She “My time at Union was a in medical school.”

Serving Sierra Leone

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UNION COLLEGE

Life can be hard, and money is tight. Waterloo Hospital receives no government support for finances or supplies, despite seeing nearly 10,000 patients a year.

While the hospital is close to the country’s capital, endemic poverty strains the system. “More than 70 percent of our patients can’t pay their entire bill,” James said. “Paying staff is hard, and sometimes we have to delay payments. We’re on the absolute edge of viability.”

He adds that countrywide inflation further raises prices, making it harder to meet financial obligations.

Patients are often very ill and require intense treatment, as their inability to pay keeps many from seeking early medical intervention. But the hospital never turns away patients based on their inability to pay, even though that adds to the financial strain.

Still, the Fernandos find joy in the little victories, and they appreciate the network of support they have while overseas. “Going to Union helped us connect with people of a similar mindset,” James said. “We lean on those contacts with

like-minded people.”

Along with their friends and Union connections, they’re also grateful for the systemic support they receive as Adventist missionaries. As the only two American Adventists in the entire country of Sierra Leone, they say they’ve watched missionaries from other denominations struggle without similar support or connections.

Along with his daily patient-care duties, one of James’ main goals is educating local healthcare providers about best practices. “Here, you can buy basically any antibiotic over the counter, even dangerous medications that are no longer used in the United States,” he said. “Education is the thing that will outlast us here if we can pass on that knowledge.”

He adds that witnessing

is also an important factor of their work. In a country that’s 70 percent Muslim, he and Rachel hope to share the gospel with others.

“We want our lives to be a resource for others and an influence for the church,” he said. “There are a lot of opportunities here.”

Rachel said that lessons she learned while at Union often echo in her daily work. “Pastor Rich [Carlson] always said, ‘If it’s important to God, it will be clear in His Word,’

and those words have come into play in my life a lot,” she said. “In the Great Commission, it’s pretty clear what God is telling us to do.

Not everyone is asked to leave home, but God made it clear to us that He wanted us in Sierra Leone, and He led us here.”

Lauren Schwarz is a Union College graduate and freelance author based in Bozeman, Montana.

Follow the Fernandos’ journey on their blog: farflungfernandos.blogspot.com.

Learn more about Waterloo Hospital and support its mission by visiting adventisthealthsystem.sl or ghi.llu.edu/ partnerships/strategic-partner-sites/ waterloo-hospital.

For James and Rachel Fernando, Union College planted the seed that led them to Sierra Leone, Africa, to provide medical care for the patients of Waterloo Hospital.

OUTLOOKMAG.ORG

APRIL 2020 25

ADVENTHEALTH SHAWNEE MISSION

AdventHealth and Partners Work to Improve Health in Underserved Neighborhoods

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healthy community depends on access to healthy food, education and medical care. To help meet those needs, AdventHealth Shawnee Mission is working with community partners to improve healthcare for two neighborhoods in the Kansas City area.

The plan was inspired by Anna Coridan, RN. A surgical nurse at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, Coridan moved into a neighborhood in Kansas City, Kansas, to help refugee families with limited access to resources like healthcare and youth programs. She became friends with a group of youth who decided to create a ministry called NC4Y (New Change for Youth). After several months the youth ministry became a Pathfinder Club, which helps young people develop good character traits and learn life skills.

“There are still so many kids on the street,” says Coridan. “Our goal is to help these families adjust to life in this country and to know that they’re not alone.”

Coridan and other Pathfinder staff members, who are also AdventHealth team members, shared the NC4Y story with others at the hospital, including Jeanette Metzler, manager of community benefits at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission. Metzler manages the hospital’s Community Health Needs Assessment and collaborates with community leaders to

improve public health.

As part of the Community Health Needs Assessment Committee, Metzler and the other leaders work to identify health needs in the area by reviewing community surveys, stakeholder surveys, and hospital inpatient and emergency room data. After hearing the NC4Y story, they knew they wanted to help the families in Coridan’s neighborhood.

“We wanted to focus our

improve health resources— Coridan’s neighborhood in Kansas City and another in Shawnee, Kansas. Metzler and the committee talked with school leaders and family service professionals about the issues residents face and how to best serve those needs.

The committee’s first goal is to increase access to healthcare services in those neighborhoods. According to Metzler, about 34 percent of people in the Kansas City

Hugh Davis

The youth ministry NC4Y at the International Pathfinder Camporee in Oshkosh, Wisconsin attention to see what we could do to help people in underserved neighborhoods,” says Metzler. “Anna had built trust with her neighbors, so it made sense to start there and support her in her efforts. By focusing on a small area, we hoped to make a big difference for the residents.”

The committee identified two neighborhoods to

26 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2020 SPONSORED BY AH SHAWNEE MISSION

neighborhood are uninsured, along with 21 percent of people in the Shawnee neighborhood.

“We want to focus on how to connect people with healthcare and how we can get them set up for health insurance,” says Metzler.

“That can mean helping them to get access to health coverage and assuring kids

are covered with Children’s Health Insurance Program.”

Another goal is to increase access to healthy food for low-income families in the targeted neighborhoods. That can mean increasing participation in food assistance programs through awareness and sign-up opportunities.

“We want to make sure they have access to nutritious foods,” says Metzler. “Obesity can lead to other health issues, so it’s important to focus on providing healthy foods rather than processed foods.”

In addition, Metzler says they’ve started meeting with refugee families in Coridan’s community to learn more about where they need help, whether that’s transportation, education or finding a job.

“It ties into the mission of our hospital,” she says. “We want to know how we can best support people so we can improve whole health—body, mind and spirit—throughout our communities.”

Ann Muder is a freelance writer and editor for AdventHealth Shawnee Mission.

For more information about AdventHealth Shawnee Mission’s Community Health Needs Assessment, visit AdventHealthKC.com.

CENTURA HEALTH ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION

Neurosurgeon’s Quick Work Helps Save Teen Crash Victim

K

yli Hopkins’ mother credits God and the quick thinking of doctors and nurses at Centura-Littleton Adventist Hospital for saving her daughter from a fate her family is all too familiar with.

Three years after her brother was killed instantly because of being hit by a driver while walking, Hopkins was hit too while walking to her gym in a strip mall. “I don’t want another mom to go through what I’ve gone through,” says Hopkins’ mother, Gina.

Hopkins’ fiancé, Zach Brock, said her symptoms in the moments after she was struck seemed like concussion symptoms. They would soon learn it was far worse.

Although Hopkins was awake and talking at the hospital, doctors decided to perform a CT scan to make

sure her injuries weren’t more serious. They realized the internal injury was much more severe than Hopkins’ family had thought. “It went from one nurse to about 30 in

“It went from one nurse to about 30 in the room, and they said, ‘We have to do emergency surgery to save her life.’” the room, and they said, ‘We have to do emergency surgery to save her life,’” Brock said. “The doctors, nurses, everyone here was amazing,” he said of the caregivers at Centura-Littleton.

Centura neurosurgeon Dr.

Andrew Romeo performed an emergency operation to remove part of Hopkins’ skull and allow her brain to swell, which avoided pressure that could have ended her life.

“The [initial] procedure prevented Hopkins from suffering brain herniation, which is generally a fatal event,” Dr. Romeo explained. “Based on her initial presentation, she was on the verge of suffering brain herniation prior to the operation.” Instead, she’ll soon be headed to rehab and then back to CenturaLittleton Adventist Hospital for another operation.

Hopkins was all smiles when she spoke to Denver’s FOX-affiliated TV station KDVR about her experience, despite a badly bruised leg, 45 staples in her scalp and two skull fractures. “I just feel

really fortunate I get to be here,” she told the TV station.

The car that hit Hopkins was only going about 10 miles per hour, police told her family, but it was enough to cause the critical injuries.

They don’t blame the driver, who stayed on the scene to help, but Hopkins has advice for others. “Just be more cautious, aware of your surroundings and slow down,” she said.

Hopkins is expected to make a full recovery.

Submitted by Wendy Forbes, director of media relations and public relations for Centura Health.

(left) Kyli Hopkins talks with KDVR-TV about being hit by a car and nearly dying from bleeding and pressure in her brain. (right) Dr. Andrew Romeo is the neurosurgeon at Littleton Adventist Hospital who performed the operation to relieve swelling in Hopkins’ brain.

For more information about Centura Health Rocky Mountain Region, visit centura.org.

Photos Courtesy Centura Health

SPONSORED BY AH ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION OUTLOOKMAG.ORG

APRIL 2020 27

FAREWELL Addei, Mary Adwoa, b. Jan. 26, 1954 in Ghana, West Africa. d. Aug. 2, 2019 in Minneapolis, MN. Member of Westview (MN) Church. Preceded in death by husband George; 1 granddaughter. Survivors include daughter Elizabeth; 3 siblings; 3 grandchildren.

Church. Survivors include children Caleb, Joshua, Amber Keller, and Mindi Hufman; 5 siblings; 6 grandchildren.

Survivors include wife Janice; son Dwayne; daughter Laura Jordon; sister Donna Mellish.

Murphy, James “Mike,” b.

March 22, 1947 in St. Joseph, Hobbs, Richard “Gene” E., MO. d. Jan. 23, 2020 in St. b. Nov. 17, 1937 in Kingsville, Joseph, MO. Member of MO. d. Dec. 7, 2019 in CaThree Angels (MO) Church. bool, MO. Member of Willow Preceded in death by 1 Barker, Harvey “Duane,” b.

Springs (MO) Church. Surbrother. Survivors include Sept. 4, 1933 in Jaroso, CO. d. vivors include wife Verlene; wife Joyce; son Gary; 1 sister; Dec. 3, 2018. Member of Nixa daughters Cynthia Vinson3 grandchildren.

(MO) Church. Preceded in haler, Sherri Smith, and death by first wife Rose; son Kathy Yates; 8 grandchildren; Scott, Marjorie P., b. Nov. Todd; 9 siblings. Survivors 8 great-grandchildren.

28, 1922 in Oconto, NE. d. include wife Joy; daughter Jan. 11, 2020 in Broken Bow, Cinde Swartz; stepsons Gary, James, Barbara J., b. April NE. Member of Broken Bow Jack, and Kirk Manes; 2 12, 1930 in Seattle, WA. d.

Church. Preceded in death grandchildren; 2 step-grand- Feb. 8, 2020 in Henderson, by husband Henry; 2 sisters; children; 2 great-grandchilNC. Member of Sullivan 1 brother. Survivors include dren. Served in U.S. Army.

(MO) Church. Preceded daughter Vickie Osborn; 2 in death by husbands John grandsons.

Hazelwood, Virgil, b. Dec. Dodd and Carl James. Survi13, 1933. d. Jan. 30, 2019. vors include son Benjamin; Slate, David D., b. May Member of Lamar (CO) 3 stepchildren; 1 brother; 2 24, 1940. d. Nov. 13, 2019.

Church. grandchildren.

Member of Saint Francis (KS) Church. Survivors include Heinrich, Gordon L., b.

Mauk, Wilbur T., b. Nov. 6, daughter Tema Trumbo; 3 March 18, 1956 in Bowdle, 1943 in Astoria, OR. d. Jan. grandchildren; 2 great-grandSD. d. Feb. 15, 2020 in Sioux 31, 2020 in Gordon, NE. children.

Falls, SD. Member of Bowdle Member of Gordon Church.

Thompson, Joseph L., b.

July 21, 1948. d. Oct. 4, 2019.

Member of Rolla (MO) Church. Preceded in death by son Keith. Survivors include wife Juanita (who has since passed); daughters Darla Schneider and Karen Thompson; son Joseph Jr.; 4 grandchildren.

Thompson, Marion C., b.

Dec. 19, 1920 in Gerald, MO. d. July 13, 2019 in Owensville, MO. Member of Rolla (MO) Church. Preceded in death by husband Cecil; daughter Lois Harrison; 1 sister; two grandsons.

Survivors include daughters Carolyn Rollins and Donna Caplinger; sons Lenard and Ira; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren.

Troutman, Ronald J., b.

April 26, 1943. d. June 1, 2019. Member of Piedmont Park (NE) Church.

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7:54 8:10 7:23

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8:16 8:33 7:46

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8:25 8:09 8:38

8:35 8:19 8:48

8:44 8:28 8:58

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8:20 7:31 8:04

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Share the story of Adventist Health and Healing AdventHealth is sharing the legacy and stories of the Seventh-day Adventist Church with our 80,000 team members through a series of inspirational videos and other resources.

Join us in the journey.

Watch the videos and learn more at:

AdventHealth.com/AdventistHealthCare GETTI

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Sometimes we may feel our individual contribution at work is so small that we wonder if it really matters. The reality is, every cheery word, every pleasant smile, every task well done is a strand of DNA in our mission of extending the healing ministry of Christ. In what ways do those of other denominations, other faith traditions and other worldviews comfortably and enthusiastically contribute to the ongoing legacy of AdventHealth’s mission?

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When people consider your life of service, what would they say about you? What would you want them to say about you?

•

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Many people become missionaries because they believe they’ve been called by God to serve. In what way do you consider your work a calling—be it a sense of divine call or an inescapable feeling that you’re doing what you should be doing, and in the place you should be doing it? How do such strong feelings affect your attitude each time you start your shift?

•

Sometimes serving others means you get out of your comfort zone. Share a time when you got out of your comfort zone. What was the result?

Getting to Know Adventists Toolkit ⊲ ⊲ ⊲

healing ministry of Christ may involve

•

acts. May our interactions with patients and fellow employees foster a sense of peace and tranquility. May we ensure that each patient and team member find the strength and hope needed for today.

⊲

Getting to Know Adventists Adventist Health Care Worldwide Adventist Mission Outreach Adventist Education

A LEGACY OF WHOLENESS

|

TEAM MEMBER SERIES

Early Leaders of the Adventist Church

Ellen and James White A LEGACY OF WHOLENESS

|

Legacy of Adventist Health Care Toolkit

TEAM MEMBER SERIES

The Corn Flake Connection &

John Harvey Kellogg •

Adventists see themselves as called by God to share with the world a message of wholeness for the mind, body, and spirit. This model is the healing ministry of Christ, “who DID YOU KNOW? went about doing good.” (Acts 10:38) This vision included a The Smithsonian magazine named conviction that the health message should be shared, and Ellen White thus among theset 100 Most they out to share this healthier lifestyle. Dr. John Significant Americans of All Time in medical director of the Battle Harvey Kellogg, the first acknowledgment of her influence on Sanitarium, new and better ways to help religion. SheCreek is considered theresearched most his patients healthy, and in the process created a more published female writer stay in history, writing nutritious breakfast more than 5,000 articles and 40option, books Corn Flakes. on health, relationships, and faith in God. These publications have been translated into more than 80 languages.

⊲ DID YOU KNOW?

OBJECTIVE • In the late 1800s, few understood the

health impact of poorthe sanitation.

Each Through story of the breakfast cereal Corn Flakes, team day on the streets of New York,that horses members will learn the Adventist health care legacy is deposited 2.5 million pounds of to manure rooted in the desire enrich lives through a healthier lifestyle. and 60,000 gallons of urine. This uncollected waste polluted the water.

VIDEO Industrial pollution and lack of underground sewers made living in John Harvey Kellogg large cities a health hazard. Early Adventist health-advocate Ellen White 1:56 minutes youtu.be/oy0ky_WjIIY preached of these dangers—urging people to move out of cities.

• C. W. Barron, founder of The Wall

Street Journal, told a reporter he didn’t understand Dr. Kellogg. “He should have been one of the richest men in the world, but that he lets money slip through his fingers so easily.” In reply, Kellogg stated, “What is money for, except to make the world better, to help people have a better life?”

• The Adventists interest in health was well known. In 1904, Kellogg exhibited health literature and ran a cooking school at the preacher, and intense searcher of the St. Louis World Fair. September 29 was DISCUSSION Bible. He established and became editor officially proclaimed by the fair as Battle do you think Dr. is Kellogg dedicated his energy to • Why of the first church publication, which Creek Sanitarium Day. createtoday healthier still being published underfood the options?

• The Battle Creek Sanitarium offered name Adventist Review. He also served • As a group, discuss some ways you can be innovative in patients the latest in technology, such as as president of the newly formed General your approach to delivering health care. the Universal Dynamometer Dr. Kellogg Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

A LEGACY OF WHOLENESSinvented, | TEAM MEMBER SERIES to test the strength of his patient’s muscles. It was based on the PRAYER same principle as blood pressure Thank You for guiding our health care system with a vision for machines and quickly became part of whole-person health. We ask You to reach down and fill us West Point Military Academy’s fitness with a love that only You can provide. Bless those we serve, training program in the early 20th century. providing courage and hope where needed.

PRAYER

In Your name, Amen

Healing Through

Natural Remedies

In Your name, Amen

A LEGACY OF WHOLENESS

|

TEAM MEMBER SERIES

The whole-person principles of the Seventh-day Adventist Church are grounded in the biblical ? view of how God created us—an inseparable ist health Advent only integration of mental, physical, and spiritual 0s, when States had the for well-being. Pioneering Adventists realized from e of absenc of care the beginning that education was the ideal way 200 hospita e of the tanding r. about to nurture this concept. They created the Battle ly ill. Becaus of unders recove mental and the lack lly did not ium Creek Sanitarium as a place for people to learn e Sanitar , hygien patients genera Creek priority how to stay well. s germs, er, the Battle ion was a patient Howev t. Sanitat Kellogg’s l rate Harvey surviva was differen John antly higher and Dr. signific of . had a rcent after surgery only two-pe water; for a OBJECTIVE gn late 1880s had running Adventist health care institutions were built on principles • In the York homes . The campai ng the New rarely bathed was sweepiEarly of innovation, excellence, and teaching. Team members will people ay night bath”some effect. ted understand how this rich heritage of learning informs our “Saturd and having White, advocaas mission today. r, Ellen as often l country bathe reforme counse of health should health— VIDEO for their ed the health that people a week improv twice antly d this advice. a gave that signific followe A Place For Learning Nixon who Asia. those nt Richard his trip to ls 2:06 minutes Preside details of ist hospita youtu.be/hbFo2zJvRrI • In 1971, sharing the Advent ers were e speech about ted caregiv dedica s of medicin He talked where system to say, “I (can) in Asia to improve on make . He went more to helping DISCUSSION country that does than that kind that in nothing • Battle Creek Sanitarium was known as a place to learn abroad think of for America to stay well. How do we reflect this same goal today? …” friends service • As a group, discuss ideas you have for sharing the of selfless wholeness principles.

Thank You for blessing our educational endeavors, as we continue teaching others how to stay well. We ask You to reach down and fill us with a love that only You can provide. Bless those we serve, providing courage and hope where needed.

In Your name, Amen

Adventists founded the health care institutions based on the Bible’s principles of health outlined in the Bible’s story of creation. Unlike the common thought of the day, they believed health care should treat the disease rather than just the symptoms.

Adventists began to advocate the benefits of diet, water, exercise, adequate rest, and trust in God. This makes sense to us today, but more than 150 years ago it was a radical new approach.

Team members will understand the Adventist church’s wholeperson health message—which today we express as CREATION Life—a concept revolutionary in its time. These whole-person healing principles guide us in our philosophy of care.

VIDEO Natural Remedies 2:26 minutes youtu.be/k--h-tOVDDc

DID YOU KNOW? DISCUSSION • As health care providers, we often face the reality that • Founded in 1874, Battle Creek College

•

was the first Adventist college and is physical healing for our patients is not always possible. In known today as Andrews University. what ways can emotional or spiritual healing still take place?

Andrews has grown and now attracts• As a group, discuss innovative ways we deliver health undergraduate to doctoral students from care today, like our pioneers who used natural remedies around the globe. U.S. News and Worldfor healing.

Report ranks Andrews University as one of the most culturally diverse universities PRAYER in the nation.

Thank You for giving us health principles in the creation story Today, Adventists operate the largestto guide Your healing ministry. We ask You to reach down and protestant educational system in thefill us with a love that only You can provide. Bless those we world, with nearly 8,000 schools—from serve, providing courage and hope where needed. preschools to universities—in more than In Your name, Amen 100 countries. A major focus of Adventist schools is training new generations of health care providers.

⊲ ⊲

DID YOU KNOW?

OBJECTIVE

KNOW

PRAYER

⊲

• James White was also a writer and editor,

Thank You for leading our pioneers in the past to give us purpose in the present. We ask You to reach down and fill us with a love that only You can provide. Bless those we serve, providing courage and hope where needed.

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COMPASSION IN ACTION

LEADER PREPARATION PRAYER/REFLECTION

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Adventist Mission Outreach

Ellen and James White were instrumental in forming the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They realized from their study of Scripture that Jesus devoted a great deal of His time on Earth to healing the sick and helping those in need. In fact, He seemingly sought out people experiencing hardships, offering them a new and better life. The members of the young church wanted to pattern a first-class institution after these principles— caring for the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. In 1866, the ? health care facility, named the Western Health the KNOW first Adventist sion of DID YOU Reform Institute, opened in Battle Creek, Michigan. expres h-day is the look Health of the Sevent churches , centers • Advent ministry . Adventist health ist Church n worship Christia worship on Advent like other open for much OBJECTIVE doors ist Advent but theiry mornings. h-day Share the story of thewas founders of the Seventh-day Adventist States Saturda Sevent theChurch and what motivated the movement of health and s when the United Familie wholeness. members will reflect on how each of us on • In 1863, got its start, Civil War.Team fought in our own way today. of the Church continue this legacy as they war middle in the after the was torn apart often Six days Lincoln were te sides.VIDEO m political issues opposi President Abraha h the sides ended, nated. Althoug on both g. assassi people, many of meanin ngEllen and James White collecti s,” divided to God in search 2:17 minutes n quilt, turned nity-sew“bucket brigade youtu.be/k8bjVZqo-tU ways e a commu were pay, • Raffling ns with roadsid or no ist church for little and Advent health donatio and workingnity, staff, r to open togethe late 1800s. s DISCUSSION that commu rs came efulnes to in the ums membe sanitari resourc the difficulties that the early health care leaders • Considerand ce, ative effort . reform e, resilien faced. the In what waysthe arecountry they similar to challenges we cooper ks of Sacrific across experience stoday? hallmar ist facilitie were • As a group, discuss why you choose to serve others build Advent through health care.

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• The whole-person lifestyle—CREATION

Life principles—has been featured in National Geographic, CNN, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and The Blue Zones, a New York Times bestseller book that describes the lifestyle habits of the world’s longest living people. You can learn more by visiting CREATIONLife.com.

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• One of the most significant contributions

that Seventh-day Adventists have made to the effectiveness of a healthy lifestyle can be found in the publications based on the Adventist Health Studies. Begun in 1958, these studies have covered topics such as diet, air pollution, religion, and health, and have gained the sponsorship of the National Cancer Institute/National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the World Cancer Research Fund.

• During a smallpox epidemic in 1870,

nearly 10 of every 11 patients recovered from the unique treatments of the Adventist philosophy of natural remedies.

In contrast, only one in five recovered under the care of other physicians using popular drug treatments of the day.

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The Story of Whole Person Health Ellen and James White John Harvey Kellogg Growth of Sanitariums A Place for Learning Natural Remedies