December 2017 Southwestern Union Record

Southwestern Union

December 2017

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The Ripple Effect of One Missionary

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A Seed Planted in Kenya 60 Years Ago

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Pastors Bless Beyond Borders

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Cultivating Christian Leadership in Egypt

Those 12 Reaching Right Next Door

Love Never Fails To All The World...

To All The World

Vol. 116, No. 12 | December 2017

Love Never Fails

Features:

Columns:

6 Every Nation, Tribe, People, and Tongue 9 Blessing Beyond Borders 12 Reach the World Next Door 3 4 10 11 14

On the Record: To All the World Inspiring: Missionary Ripple Effect Education: Cultivating Christian Leadership Wholeness: PrayerWorks Little Readers: Safe in the Arms of Jesus

The Record is an official publication of the Southwestern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

EDITOR

Jessica L. Lozano, jlozano@swuc.org MANAGING EDITOR

Kristina P. Lockhart, kplockhart@swuc.org LAYOUT/DESIGN

Reggie Johnson, rjohnson@swuc.org CIRCULATION

Tammy Prieto, tprieto@swuc.org ADVERTISING

News:

Back Pages:

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Southwestern Happenings Southwestern Union Southwestern Adventist University Arkansas-Louisiana Conference Oklahoma Conference Southwest Region Conference Texas Conference Texico Conference

37 Classified Ads 38 Obituaries

Bradley Ecord, becord@swuc.org PROOFREADER

Caroline A. Fisher

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

ARKANSAS-LOUISIANA Sylvia Downs, news@arklac.org OKLAHOMA James Bokovoy, news@okla-adventist.org SOUTHWEST REGION Leslie Soupet, news@swrgc.org TEXAS Jason Busch, news@txsda.org TEXICO Debbie Márquez, news@texico.org

Editor’s Note Our global mission, to tell all the world about the love Jesus, is inherent in everything we do as Seventh-day Adventists. It’s a part of our historical DNA. While some of us have been called to testify in our own backyards, others have been called to take His message to the ends of the earth.

This month we focus again on our quarterly theme, Love Never Fails, but look closely at some amazing examples of God planting seeds of faith far and wide, and how He has used His servants to cultivate and grow those seeds. Join us as we go “To All The World.”

Jessica L. Lozano Jessica L. Lozano

Cover photo by Aaron Thomas Photography

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SOUTHWESTERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY Darcy Force, dforce@swau.edu

Southwestern Union Conference 777 South Burleson Blvd.

Burleson, Texas 76031 Mail: P.O. Box 4000 Burleson, TX, 76097 Phone: 817.295.0476 Email: record@swuc.org

Our Mission: The Mission of the Southwestern Union is to Equip and Inspire the Southwestern Union Territory with the Distinctive Adventist Message of Hope and Wholeness.

On the Record

Love Never Fails To All The World

I thoroughly enjoy being part of a church that takes global reach seriously. By giving my tithe and offering, I can help support the global mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to share the gospel of Christ’s love and sacrifice and His soon return to every nation, tribe, people and tongue. Our Church has grown exponentially over the years, but is there even more we can do? Yes! In her book The Acts of the Apostles, Ellen White states, “Not upon the ordained minister only rests the responsibility of going forth to fulfill this commission. Everyone who has received Christ is called to work for the salvation of His fellow men.”

Some people, churches and schools take mission trips yearly. Perhaps we can’t all do that, but we can still be involved. A few years ago, I participated in a mission trip to Tanzania and it was life changing! I came home with renewed strength and purpose to do the same in this territory. Ever since then, I have held evangelistic meetings with the Share-Him programs stateside every year. I invite you to get involved with the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. You will be blessed!

Larry Moore | President

Each year I have had the privilege of conducting an evangelistic series in some part of the Southwestern Union territory.

It has been my joy and honor to work with local church pastors and their congregations to proclaim the love of Christ to people in the communities where the church resides.

The administrative work performed here at the Southwestern Union headquarters is vital and I enjoy my work tremendously, but my first love is sharing the gospel with others through public and personal evangelism. God has allowed me to observe the positive impact of the gospel on the lives of men, women, and children. I have the opportunity of ministering to people of different cultures and backgrounds. That in itself is exciting for it testifies to the fact that, regardless of an individual’s background and culture, the cross of Christ levels the ground for everyone and reminds us that we are one people—one family of humanity—loved and accepted by the God who created us in His image. Wherever you live and whatever you do, pray for the indwelling Spirit of God to ignite in your own soul the fire of enthusiasm to make Christ known to all who enter your circle of influence.

Buford Griffith, Jr. Executive Secretary

Living in the United States, we are blessed with many opportunities to share our faith. In Matthew 28, Jesus gives the commission to go into all the world. There are some countries where it is very difficult to visit and even more dangerous to attempt to spread the gospel. The interesting thing is that those same countries have people groups here in the United States. Regardless of a person’s political views on immigration, the fact is that it gives us a unique opportunity. If we can reach these people—our new neighbors—with the gospel, there is a good chance that our neighbors will then share it with their family and friends in their home country.

Jesus calls us to show His love and character to the world. What is God calling you to do? There are so many ways that we can reach people around the world. Mission trips are a great opportunity to build churches and hold evangelistic meetings. Technology has given our Church tremendous opportunities through the Internet, television, and radio. Look around at the people at your work or in your neighborhood and become friends with those who might have connections in other countries.

God wants to use you to reach the world.

John Page | Treasurer

DECEMBER 2017 3

Inspiring | Inspirando

Missionary Ripple Effect Efecto Dominó Misionero

Luis Rojas lost his father when he was only four years old.

Growing up in Tolota, Colombia, wasn’t easy and the family was faced with many hardships. However, in the midst of this hard time, hope entered their lives, bringing new life and a vision for a better future. A neighbor introduced them to Jesus and shared God’s love with them.

As the family rejoiced in their newfound faith, a passion for ministry began to burn in Rojas’s heart. He wanted to bring hope to others and impact their lives just as his had been impacted. He was determined to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone he could.

When Rojas was 16, he attended an Adventist vocational institute in Los Llanos, Colombia known as Instival. Instival allows students to work on campus in order to pay for their tuition fees and in addition to earning their education, they were taught how to give Bible studies and teach others about the love of God. During this time, a young missionary from Washington state travelled with his family to serve at Instival for a time. Rojas became acquainted with the missionary while they worked in the welding and mechanic shop and Rojas remembers learning about hard work, punctuality, and trusting in God during their time together.

Defeating the language barrier, they got to know each other pretty well over time. Rojas shared details of his upbringing and the challenges in his life. The missionary mentored Luis along his faith walk and encouraged him to continue his high school education and pursue a college degree.

Rojas finished high school and was presented with an amazing opportunity. The missionary knew of a position available at Eden Valley Wellness Institute in Loveland, Colorado, that would teach Rojas more about serving others through health ministry. He invited Rojas to pursue the opportunity and was instrumental in making it a reality. Little did the missionary know that this simple connection was just the beginning of one of many doors that would provide a young man with a difficult background means to access higher education and impact many people along the way.

In Colorado, Rojas learned about natural remedies and their impact on health and wholeness. He also served as a lay pastor for a few Spanish-speaking Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Greely and Loveland, Colorado. He was invited to work as the first Spanish-speaking Bible worker and translator for Kenneth Cox’s evangelistic campaigns in El Paso, Texas, and Tulsa, Okla-

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Luis Rojas y su familia enfrentaron mucha adversidad tras la muerte de su padre, sufriendo necesidad y dificultades. Fue durante estos momentos difíciles que un vecino se acercó a ellos y les compartió el mensaje del amor de Jesús, introduciendo a sus vidas esperanza y una visión de un mejor futuro. Desde ese entonces una necesidad ardiente de compartir el amor de Dios comenzó a crecer en el corazón de Rojas. Él quería traer esperanza a las vidas de otros tal como entró a la suya.

A los 16 años, Rojas se matriculó en la Institución Educativa Adventista del Llano, conocido como Instival, en Los Llanos, Colombia. Escogió este instituto porque permite que los estudiantes trabajen en el campus escolar y así paguen su colegiatura. Además de poder pagar por su educación, Instival enseña cómo dar estudios bíblicos y compartir el amor de Dios con la gente. La pasión que Rojas tenía en su corazón de compartir a Jesús con otros era evidente en todos los aspectos de su vida.

Durante ese tiempo un misionero del estado de Washington, en los Estados Unidos, viajó a Colombia para ir a servir a Dios en Instival. Rojas y este misionero trabajaron juntos en el taller de soldadura y mecánica y compartieron muchas experiencias memorables a través del trabajo. Al trabajar con el misionero, Rojas pudo aprender más acerca de la confianza en Dios, la puntualidad, y el valor del trabajo. Rojas compartió su historia, dificultades y sueños, derrotando las barreras del idioma y formando un estrecho vínculo de confianza. Tocado por el testimonio de Rojas e inspirado por Dios, el misionero animo a Rojas a continuar su educación y sacar adelante su sueños.

Rojas terminó sus años de educación media y se le presentó una increíble oportunidad. El misionero le comentó a Rojas sobre una posición disponible en Eden Valley Wellness Institute en Loveland, Colorado que le enseñaría a servir a otras a través del ministerio de la salud. El misionero fue instrumental en hacer realidad esa oportunidad. Poco sabía el misionero que esta simple conexión fue sólo el principio de una serie de puertas que se irían abriendo para poder proveer a un joven con un pasado difícil la posibilidad de acceder una formación superior e impactar la vida de muchas personas en el trayecto.

En Colorado, Rojas aprendió a servir a los demás a través de la medicina natural y el mensaje pro salud. También sirvió como pastor laico en algunas Iglesias Adventistas del Séptimo Día en las ciudades de Greeley y Loveland en Colorado. Fue invitado a participar en las campañas evangelísticas de Kenneth Cox en El Paso, Texas y en Tulsa, Oklahoma como traduc-

homa. Since then, Rojas has never stopped sharing the gospel, reaching thousands of people and bringing them to the Lord.

After working with Cox, Rojas became a missionary in the Amazon jungles of Venezuela for a year. His ministry took him to Chile, where he continued his education and, in 1996, graduated with a theology degree from Universidad Adventista de Chile.

Rojas went on to serve as the union evangelist for the Ecuadorian Union of Seventh-day Adventists for several years.

He then served as director for Adventist Development and Relief Agency in Ecuador. Rojas’s ministry has taken him to serve in seven countries, pastoring nearly 40 churches and small congregations, 16 of which he has served during his most recent time in Texas.

Rojas attributes all of his accomplishments to God for putting key people in his life to encourage him and provide him with the connections that would propel him to become a missionary and a minister. “Whenever you get in contact with a young person you never know what impact you will have in their life,” he says. For Rojas, it was a life-altering connection.

When thinking back about his journey, Rojas says he is “in awe of all the things God has allowed me to do and of the ways he has used me in his work.”

“Working with community is my joy,” Rojas declares, “and helping them capture the vision that God has for them is what I live for.”

Darling Michelle Rojas is a writer and journalism graduate of La Sierra University in Riverside, California. She lives in Dallas, Texas.

Luis Rojas is the pastor of the Houston Spanish Alief and Houston Spanish Love Seventh-day Adventist Churches. He lives in Houston, Texas with his wife Luz. They have three daughters: Mavis, Lizned, and Darling Michelle.

tor y único obrero bíblico de habla hispana. Desde ese entonces Rojas no ha parado de compartir el evangelio, alcanzando a miles de personas y trayendolas a los pies de Jesús.

Después de trabajar con Cox, Rojas se embarcó en una jornada misionera hacia la selva del Amazonas en Venezuela por un año. Su ministerio luego lo llevó a Chile, donde continuó su educación teológica y en 1996 se graduó de la Universidad Adventista de Chile.

Rojas continuó su ministerio sirviendo como evangelista de la Unión Ecuatoriana por unos años. Luego sirvió como director de la Agencia Adventista de Desarrollo y Recursos Asistenciales (ADRA) en Ecuador, El Ministerio de Rojas lo ha llevado a trabajar en siete países, pastoreando cerca de 40 iglesias y congregaciones, de las cuales 16 han sido en Texas, donde actualmente continúa su ministerio.

Rojas le da todo el crédito, honra y gloria a Dios por haber puesto a las personas adecuadas en su camino para animarlo y dirigirlo en lograr su propósito como ministro y misionero.

“Cuando estás en contacto con un joven no sabes de qué manera podrás impactar su vida”, dice Rojas. Para él, fue una conexión que cambió su vida para siempre. Al reflexionar en su vida, Rojas dice que está “atónito de todas las cosas que Dios me ha permitido hacer y de las maneras en las que me ha usado en su obra”.

“Trabajar con la comunidad es mi alegría”, dice Rojas, “y ayudarles a captar la visión que Dios tiene para ellos me da vida”.

Darling Michelle Rojas es escritora y se graduó de La Sierra University en California. Vive en Dallas, Texas. Luis Rojas es pastor de las Iglesias Hispanas Adventistas del Séptimo Día de Houston Aleif y Houston Love.

Vive con su esposa, Luz, en Houston, Texas. Tienen tres hijas, Mavis, Lizned y Darling Michelle.

DECEMBER 2017 5

To All The World

Over the flat and arid land of southern Kisii County, Kenya, the Maasai dwell. Living as nomads, they roam the land in search of grazing for their herds of cattle, sheep, and goats. For many years, the Kenyan government worked hard to limit interaction between Maasai people and Westerners. They wanted to preserve Maasai’s vibrant culture. The

Every Nation, Tribe, People, and Tongue A Seed Planted Grows in God’s Time people had little knowledge of Christ until recently, and mission work seemed impossible. Yet, during the 1960s, Fred and Jean Thomas planted a seed of mission work that has now grown into a full harvest.

Fred Thomas served as the president of the South Kenya Field in 1955, before it became the Kisii Conference. In a desire to reach out to the Maasai people, he talked with doctors at Kendu Mission Hospital, an Adventist institution, about going with him once a month to hold a clinic for the Maasai living on the border of Maasailand. Knowing that Western culture was not welcome, they still agreed to go.

This went well for several months.

As a nomadic culture, the Maasai often experienced danger and disease from living off the land. Now they could receive medical help near home. Until, one day, a letter came from the Kilgoris district commissioner.

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Aaron Thomas Photography

“The letter stated that we were no longer to enter Maasai country,” says Jean Thomas. “The local Maasai chief, Mafuta, had objected to our presence in his area.” This meant they could no longer reach out to the Maasai or help them in any way. Respecting the law, the Thomas family soon lost contact with all Maasai people.

They continued to work in surrounding areas, sharing about the love of God with whomever they could. Several months later, Fred Thomas returned to visit the Kendu Mission Hospital. There, he found the Maasai chief, Mafuta, and two of his wives wandering around the hospital grounds. This man had objected to their presence in his land, yet now traveled into the territory of another tribe specifically to visit the Seventh-day Adventist Hospital. Shocked, Fred talked with them.

“Mafuta,” he said, “What are you doing down here at our hospital? You didn't want us to hold a clinic for your people in Maasailand, so how are you here?”

“I got very sick,” Mafuta responded.

“So I went to the government hospital, but they could not help me. Then I went

to another hospital, but I did not get well there either. Then finally my wives suggested I come down here to your hospital, and they have made me well!”

That experience began to build Mafuta’s trust in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He welcomed the church, once again, to host health clinics in Maasailand. About that time, the Thomas’ left the Kisii area to continue mission work in a different part of Africa. They lost contact with the Maasai people, but the story continued.

“My grandpa worked hard to reach the Maasai people,” said Aaron Thomas, Jean and Fred’s grandson. “God put that on his heart, but he kept getting denied and denied. Even before he left he never saw huge success from it. It was up in the air if his work was doing anything or not. But, he knew in his heart that his goal was not to see results, but just to give.”

Fred Thomas passed away in 2015.

Rather than gifts of flowers for the funeral, the family suggested that people donate money to Maranatha for a mission trip to Kisii County, Kenya. They raised funds to build three churches in

Fred’s memory and, in July of this year, 20 family members and friends attended the mission trip with Jean and 100 other Maranatha volunteers.

When Maranatha sent a list of places in the Kisii area requesting a church building, Jean was asked whether she recognized any of the names.

“I could hardly believe my eyes,” said Jean. “One of the border districts of Maasai country requested three churches! How could this be?”

After a nine-hour flight from Dallas to Amsterdam, then another nine-hour flight from Amsterdam to Nairobi and a six-hour bus ride to Kisii, Seventh-day Adventist Maasai people greeted the weary travelers. The Maasai lined up to sing and dance as the missionary group stepped off the bus. The last time that Jean Thomas traveled to this region, there were no Seventh-day Adventist Maasai at all. Now, 200 members attend this one church out of many churches in Maasailand.

They spoke with pastors of the region.

Jean told them the story of Mafuta, explaining her amazement at the number of Maasai Adventists. As she shared

DECEMBER 2017 7

To All The World Mafuta’s story, a grin broke out on the pastor’s face. He called a young man over and introduced him as Mafuta’s grandson. The grandson verified Jean’s story and continued to share how the church started in Maasailand. Mafuta and his family were one of the first to convert to Christianity.

Now, every one in four people in that region, heavily populated by Maasai, are Seventh-day Adventist. Churches continue to be built as more and more people learn about Christ.

As the busses arrived for worship Sabbath morning, several Maasai choirs, dressed in colorful garments, welcomed the missionaries by singing Maasai style praise songs. While they danced and sang, members of the Maasai tribe wrapped each guest in a new red-

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checked Maasai blanket, giving each man a staff. They gave Jean a handmade necklace, telling her, ‘Welcome home.”

These gifts signified an honorary official induction into the Maasai tribe.

“The Maasai were once very secluded and did not welcome in foreign beliefs and cultures,” said Aaron. “They wanted to keep everything preserved. Now, they are opening up their minds and arms to us, letting us join them. Even today, that is uncommon.”

In an area once completely closed to the world, the Thomas family made the choice to serve God despite opposition. They did not see the fruits of their mission work, but trusted God to work all things for good. Now, many Maasai people know Jesus as their personal saviour. Jean Thomas celebrated her

90th birthday in November 2017. She continues to serve God every day and hopes to attend another Maranatha mission trip to the Kisii County if they offer another one.

“As a one-time missionary to that area, I am over-awed at what God has done and is still doing in that part of Africa,” said Jean. “I can’t wait for that day when we gather together on that sea of glass up in heaven, with all the tribes and nations from around the world, to sing praises to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. What a day that will be!”

Makala James is a writer and journalism graduate from Southwestern Adventist University. She lives in Granbury, Texas with her husband, Denny.

To All The World

Blessing Beyond Borders

Pastor’s Exchange Program Promotes Outreach at Home and Abroad Jamaica 2017

“Our Church is a world Church,” says Eddie Canales, founder of the Pastor’s Exchange Program in the Southwestern Union. “When we think beyond our borders and undertake evangelism outside of our division, we not only bless others, but also receive a blessing.”

The Pastor’s Exchange Program is designed to promote global outreach.

Each year, a group of pastors from the Southwestern Union travels to another country and hosts evangelistic meetings.

A few months later, pastors from that country visit the Southwestern Union and host meetings. Between 20-25 Southwestern Union pastors participate each year.

Eddie Canales, Vice President and Multicultural Ministries, Evangelism, and Personal Ministries Director for the Southwestern Union, started the program 15 years ago. His goal for the Pastor’s Exchange Program is to educate and motivate pastors, both globally and locally. By exposing pastors to evangelism methods all around the world, they learn many new outreach styles. The positive experience will then inspire those pastors to focus on outreach at their home church.

“Pastors are often so wrapped up in the challenges of their district that it can be difficult to focus on evangelism,” says Canales. “The Pastor’s Exchange Pro-

Colombia 2017

gram helps refocus and inspire them.”

When the program first began 15 years ago, Canales focused specifically on Spanish-speaking countries and churches because that was his area of ministry at the time. Evangelistic meetings took place in Argentina, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Perú, the Caribbean, and more.

Last year, Canales broadened the program to include English-speaking countries. A group of pastors from the Southwestern Union traveled to Jamaica, and then pastors from Jamaica traveled to churches in the Southwestern Union. Churches from around the world are finding out about the program. They contact Canales, requesting involvement, and the planning process begins.

There is a waiting list of global churches interested in involvement with the Pastor’s Exchange Program.

“When someone comes to preach from a different part of the world, it tends to attract people in a different way,” says Canales. “The program benefits both countries involved in the exchange, and in every meeting you see miracles take place.”

Recently, a group of pastors from Colombia held meetings in the Southwestern Union. Over 200 people chose to be baptized. Local church small groups worked with visiting pastors to make this

possible. They offered outreach, Bible studies, and friendship to locals interested in learning more about Jesus.

A Colombian pastor from a different denomination learned about some local upcoming meetings, and he came to the seminars and decided to be baptized.

Now, his entire church of 600 people worship on Sabbath.

“I think the program is getting better and better because our pastors are getting good at it,” says Canales. “It’s a great way of exposing our pastors to evangelism techniques and enhancing their ministry.”

The Pastor’s Exchange Program creates a ripple effect in communities all around the world. As pastors become excited about ministry, entire churches are inspired to spread the love of Jesus.

Church members then work to reach out to their community. Evangelistic meetings are hosted with pastors from many countries, and lives are changed.

Makala James is a writer and journalism graduate from Southwestern Adventist University. She lives in Granbury, Texas, with her husband, Denny. Eddie Canales is Vice President and Evangelism, Multicultural and Personal Ministries Director for the Southwestern Union. He lives in Alvarado, Texas, with his wife, Angie.

DECEMBER 2017 9

Education

Cultivating Christian Leadership Impacting Lives from Texas to the Middle East

By Damon Gillam, Nile Union Academy Principal, and Danae Gillam, NUA Elementary Teacher

Over the last few years, my wife Danae and I felt God was preparing us to serve Him in a different capacity. While we had both been fully engaged in the ministry of Adventist education in Texas, it felt as if God was asking us to do something much different. Consciously aware of the stirring within our hearts, we received contact from Egypt regarding a possible opportunity. At first, we weren’t too sure that this was what God meant by leaving our life of normalcy and predictability. We even made a list of all the reasons we shouldn’t move to Egypt. In an effort to be open to the Holy Spirit’s prompting, we chose to pray instead of decline. Time continued and we found that our “reasons not to go” list began shrinking by the day. In the end, God changed all of the reasons not to go into reasons why Danae, our children, Bryce and Peyton, and I had to accept a call to work at Nile Union Academy in Cairo, Egypt.

Nile Union Academy (NUA) is located on the northern outskirts of Cairo, and has served as the Seventh-day Adventist boarding academy for the country since 1954. NUA is currently at full capacity with 120 students. Out of those students, approximately 30 are Adventist

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and the rest are Orthodox Christians.

The students come from Egypt and South Sudan to study at a North American Division-accredited school that places emphasis on learning English.

Graduates from NUA continue studies at Middle East University, Andrews University, Union College, and other Adventist and public universities around the world.

The students at NUA are very special.

They work hard, yet do so with a joyful spirit. Christians in this part of the world face discrimination and persecution regularly, yet this does not deter their faith.

In fact, it’s quite the opposite! Christians in Egypt, which are a tiny minority of the population, have stubbornly clung to their faith for centuries. Our students proudly wear tattoos of crosses and pictures of Jesus as a way to differentiate themselves from the overwhelming majority of the population. A tiny cross tattoo on the wrist is a telltale sign of brother or sister in Christ!

Each Friday evening and Saturday during church services, our students sing songs of praise in English and Arabic, often off-key as the musical rhythm in Arabic is quite different than in English. To us, the off-key singing just

makes the songs even more beautiful!

Our students sing jubilantly and passionately with the love of Jesus shining radiantly on their faces.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Egypt has less than 700 members. It is estimated that there are more Egyptian Adventists in California than in Egypt.

For this reason, emphasis on leadership among the youth is essential. NUA’s purpose is to raise up the next generation of leaders for Jesus so that the Gospel may be spread throughout Egypt and the surrounding areas.

We are in our fourth month of service in Egypt. As with any transition, there have been numerous challenges. We have alternated between pure joy and homesickness, laughter and tears, and the thrill of conquering new challenges and being frustrated at a different way of living.

Through the difficult times we have learned to lean on our loving Savior as He carries us. Each time we have entered a new valley, God sends us a gift to raise us up. These gifts range from praising God for running water on campus, to finally receiving our shipping container of personal belongings in November, after living out of suitcases since June. God has been with us every step of the way.

Wholeness

PrayerWorks Intercession Without Limits

By Kristi Spurgeon Johnson, Adventist Health Portland Director of Marketing and Communications Each week, a group of chaplains and volunteers come together to pray aloud for each request they have received one at a time. It’s all part of Adventist Health’s commitment to demonstrating the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Adventist Health is a faith-based, not-forprofit health care network consisting of a 302-bed medical center, 34 medical clinics, and home care and hospice services in the Portland, Oregon metro area.

“My dream is that people begin to know Adventist Health not only for the quality of our care or the kindness of our providers, but as the hospital that prays for them,” says Dr. Terry Johnsson, Executive Director of Mission Integration at Adventist Health in Portland.

“In the competitive healthcare market people think hospitals are all about the money. Prayer is a gift we’re giving to the community—a gift of spiritual and emotional support, just because we care about them,” Johnsson says.

It’s this vision that has inspired Adventist Health to launch a new program that makes the power of community

prayer accessible to people throughout the Pacific Northwest, whatever their need and wherever they are.

Adventist Health’s PrayerWorks is a virtual prayer community, accessible from any computer or smart phone. On the PrayerWorks website visitors post requests, concerns, or struggles. They can also read other people’s requests and stories and acknowledge praying for them or share a message of encouragement. There is even an ongoing tally that lets the person who made the request know how many times it has been prayed for. It’s a tangible reminder that a community of faith is invested in these concerns.

More than half of Americans say they pray every day, according to a 2014 Pew Research Center survey. While the majority of Americans may be praying, for most of us, it’s a solitary act. We do it in bed, in the shower, as part of our morning devotion, before heading into a tough work meeting.

If we only ever pray alone, we’re missing out on a powerful component

of worship. The Bible says where two or three are gathered, God is there. PrayerWorks brings the power of community to people who might not know where to find it in their daily life.

Adventist Health’s mission is to provide physical, spiritual and mental healing. Patients who leave the hospital may be healed physically but often have other ongoing worries. With PrayerWorks, patients can stay supported spiritually and emotionally long after they leave an Adventist Health facility.

“When I visit churches throughout the Northwest, prayer is one thing that all churches can get behind. They appreciate that Adventist Health is developing a robust prayer network that will support our communities,” says Johnsson. “Ultimately, they know that PrayerWorks may be the first step on a journey that ends as part of a physical spiritual community.”

DECEMBER 2017 11

To All The World

Reach the World Next Door How Will They Know?

I lived in Southeast Asia with my family for 16 years. In Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, we crossed paths with thousands of Buddhists going to work, spending time with their families, and performing ceremonies at the temples.

They didn’t know the Creator God who personally loves each of them. We prayed and served and wondered, How will they know?

Earlier this year, Hurricane Harvey swept the coast of Texas and flooded thousands of houses. When it was over, a church member from the Metropolitan Seventh-day Adventist Church in Arlington, Texas, quietly went to work to help the Buddhist Cambodians in Rosharon, a town 30 miles south of Houston. Their homes had been destroyed by three feet of water. Lisa gathered volunteers, partnered with various organizations and personally went door-to-door listening to their stories and sharing their tears.

Then, she determinedly found answers for repairing or replacing their homes.

Drawn by the love they have seen, several Cambodian villagers in that area are now studying the Bible with Lisa. That’s how they’ll know.

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I had an eight-hour layover in Istanbul, Turkey. Everywhere I turned I saw beautiful garb from all kinds of cultures.

Most were Muslims and many were traveling on pilgrimage to Mecca. In my mind they stood for millions who don’t know Jesus as their personal friend and Savior. I knew the impossibility of being a missionary in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, or Somalia and I wondered, How will they know?

Joel and Renata attend the Houston International Seventh-day Adventist Church. They went to a seminar called “Reach the World Next Door” and then spent a weekend at the Houston First Fil-Am Seventh-day Adventist Church learning how to connect to and reach Muslims. They were motivated by the fact that some of their coworkers were Muslims. Joel called to excitedly share with me the significant conversations he had over lunch and the new friendships he and his wife are making with people who have never had a Christian friend.

That’s how they’ll know.

I walked besides the Ganges River and watched a devout man worshipping his Hindu god. I was overwhelmed by the reality of more than 2,000 distinctly dif-

ferent people groups in India, more than a billion individuals who have not yet placed their trust in Jesus’ saving sacrifice.

My heart cried out, How will they know?

Juan was not planning to stay for outreach at the Houston Alief Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church. Joel Meyer, a staff member at the new Reach the World Next Door missionary training center was visiting and invited Juan to go door-to-door with him at a nearby apartment complex. Reluctantly Juan went along unsure what he would say.

He was startled when they drove up to his very own apartment parking lot. No one had planned that. Juan was amazed as they met an Indian couple that was extremely open to the health coaching Joel offered. The woman was fighting cancer. Juan was glad he was not home taking a nap when his neighbors needed a friend. That’s how they’ll know.

Wherever we turn we can now easily find Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and many other people groups of these faiths. It’s not just Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has thousands of Vietnamese, Persians, and Thai. New Orleans, Louisiana, has many Chinese, Japa-

To All The World nese, and Indians. Additionally, many Yemeni and Telugu live in the Birmingham-Hoover metro area in Alabama.

Tulsa, Oklahoma, has the Hmong and Albuquerque, New Mexico, has the Lao. There is no doubt that having neighbors from countries and cultures across the globe living next door is a strategic part of God’s plan to finish the work.

Advocates for Southeast Asians and the Persecuted, or ASAP Ministries, is an independent faith-based Christian ministry that fully supports the spiritual mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. ASAP Ministries and the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists have partnered together to encourage

church members to finish the Great Commission starting right here. A nine-month training program for young adults is offered, as well as a DVD-based program you can do in your church or home. You can learn more about this and find further inspiration, methods, and training at ReachtheWorldNextDoor.com. God is eager to touch the lives of refugees, immigrants, and international students He has put within your reach.

Most importantly, I encourage you to pray. My wife, Julie, recently learned that the Somali are among the most unreached people groups in the world.

More than 85,000 have fled to America escaping war and intense poverty. “Please

God,” Julie prayed. “Help us meet someone from Somalia today.” At the last house of the afternoon outreach, her team visited a Somali who suffers from diabetes. He eagerly welcomed them.

How will they know? That’s how they’ll know.

Scott Griswold is the Director of Reach the World Next Door, a cross-cultural missionary training program that is a partnership between the Texas Conference and ASAP Ministries.

He and his wife, Julie, were missionaries in Cambodia and Thailand where their four children were born. To be further inspired and get involved visit ReachtheWorldNextDoor.com and MyLanguageMyLife.com or email scott@ reachtheworldnextdoor.com.

4 Ways to Reach the World Next Door Today!

1. Give A Special Welcome.

Imagine starting a life in a different country with a new language.

Receiving recent arrivals with a warm welcome can go a long way as they set up their new home. A basket of home necessities, a tour of your town, or a welcome dinner in your home are great expressions of love and care.

2. Cultural Adjustments.

New residents experience some sort of culture shock. A “thumbs-up” gesture may be obscene or strong eye contact in conversation may feel rude. Everything can seem new, different, and just plain strange. Talk about the family and ethical values of their home culture and how it differs from their new culture. You can help them deal with the huge changes and begin to understand your culture as they adapt to new ways.

3. Help Teach English.

One of the most significant needs of newly arrived refugees and international students is learning to speak English. To help, you don’t need to be an expert teacher. You don’t even

need to remember a thing about grammar. Just spend time talking with them. That’s what they need more than anything else.

4. Adopt a Family.

Invite your family to join you as you adopt a refugee family. You have the

opportunity to meet a family at the airport and help them get settled into their new home and new life.

Government and private organizations do much of the work, but like to partner with families to assist them with their various needs.

More ideas at ReachtheWorldNextDoor.com

DECEMBER 2017 13

Little Readers

Safe in the Arms of Jesus Sharing His Compassion I grew up in Orlando, Florida, and remember the joys of spending Sabbath afternoons by the lake near a hospital. My mom and I would skip rocks, feed the ducks, and then relax under a tree. She would read Bible stories to me and patiently explain the spiritual lesson in each one. One particular Sabbath, when I was seven or eight years old, a woman and two children sat down in the grass a short distance away. I quickly noticed they were not happy. The children were actually crying. Their mother tried to comfort them, but the children continued to cry.

“Carlos, let’s go over to that family and share some juice and crackers with those kids, and pray with their mother!” I wasn’t too sure about that. It seemed too embarrassing to me, but my mother grabbed my hand and tugged me along.

My mom began to talk with the woman.

She said her husband, the father of her two kids, had just passed away in the hospital.

She had no idea how she was going to raise the children all by herself. My mom took her hand and prayed for her and the children. When my mom finished, she reached over and hugged the woman.

I can still see the expression of peace and comfort that came over the woman’s face. That’s when I felt it. The tug of Jesus. Without thinking, I reached over and hugged the little boy who was close to my age. That was my first memory of

ministry! The little boy smiled an expression of thanks.

Then I did the unthinkable. I took my prized toy and handed it to the boy. “Here, it’s yours now!” I said. His face lit up.

The pain and sorrow of his heart vanished, at least for a few minutes. I had been given the opportunity to be the comforting hand of God at that precise moment in time.

As I reflect on the Bible verse found in Matthew 5, “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted,” I realize God uses us to comfort others. My mom taught me a lesson that afternoon that I have never forgotten.

Second Corinthians 1:3, 4 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” All over the world today, there are countless people who are in pain, who suffer in silence, who are burdened with grief.

God is calling us, men, women, youth and children, to be ministers of comfort, instruments of peace to those in need.

Let us watch for opportunities to be the hands and the voice of God to those around us, who so desperately need His presence.

By Carlos Craig, Texas Conference President

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be

comforted.

Matthew

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5:4

Little Readers

DID YOU

Look how much fun the boys are having with the toy that Carlos shared!

Try to find at least 10 things that do not belong on the second picture.

KNOW? As Adventists we are called to serve just like Jesus served. ADRA is a Seventh-day Adventist Church organization that helps lots of people in various parts of the world. Isn't it great to be a part of an organiztion who loves poeple as much as Jesus does? Let's help give love to those who need it.

adra.org

com•pas•sion Definition of:

Caring about other people.

When someone is feeling hurt or sad your heart wants that person to feel better.

DECEMBER 2017 15

Southwestern Happenings

December Events: 8

Southwestern Adventist University: Topping Out Ceremony for Larry R. Moore Nursing and Administration Building, www.swau.edu

8-9 Texas Conference: Leadership Convocation, Tyler Seventh-day Adventist Church, Tyler, Texas, TexasAdventist.org, 817.790.2255

18-23

Southwestern Union: Young Adult Cruise Retreat, SouthwesternAdventist.org, 817.295.0476

25-26 Christmas Holiday: Conference and Union offices closed

January Events: 1

New Year's’ Holiday: Conference and Union offices closed

12-13 Texas Conference: Glad Reaper, Fort Worth First Seventh-day Adventist Church, Fort Worth, Texas, YoungTexasAdventist.org, 817.790.2255

13 Texas Conference: Child Evangelism Training, Fort Worth First Seventh-day Adventist Church, Fort Worth, Texas, TexasAdventist.org, 817.790.2255

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13

Texas Conference: Evangelism Training, Fort Worth First Seventhday Adventist Church, Fort Worth, Texas, TexasEvangelism.org/train, 817.790.2255

19-20 Texas Conference: SEEDS Church Planting Conference, North Dallas Adventist Academy, Richardson, Texas, SeedsTexas.org, 817.790.2255

19-21 Arkansas-Louisiana Conference: Baton Rouge FREE Clinic, North Baton Rouge, La., 318.631.6240

19-21

Texas Conference: Women’s Retreat, Hyatt Regency Riverwalk, San Antonio, Texas, TexasAdventist.org, 817.790.2255

24-27

27

Texas Conference: Adventist Community Services Area Meeting, Houston United African Seventh-day Adventist Church, Houston, Texas, TexasAdventist.org, 817.641.7679

Southwestern Adventist University: Annual Basketball Tournament, Keene, Texas, www.swau. edu, 800.433.2240

26-28 Arkansas-Louisiana Conference: Spanish Men’s Ministry Symposium, Camp Yorktown Bay, Mt. Pine, Ark., 318.631.6240

For more events and information, visit SouthwesternAdventist.org.

Southwestern Union News

Reinvented

The Record Magazine in 2018 Burleson, Texas  The Southwestern Union Record magazine will be changing and expanding in 2018 to become more than a print magazine—it will become a suite of communication platforms that will include a variety of media. An immediate emphasis will be placed on an interactive web presence, social media, mobile platforms, and eNewsletter, as well as other digital and interactive media forms.

With this shift to include multiple channels in our communication strategy will come a change to the frequency and size of the print edition of the Record magazine. Beginning in January 2018, the magazine will be increased by 12 pages and will be mailed bimonthly rather than monthly.

Stories and news from local church members will continue to be sent to the conference communication departments

for inclusion in the conference news sections of the magazine, as well as for inclusion in other channels before the magazine is published.

We recognize the value the Record as a print magazine and incorporating a more diversified strategy allows for multiple points of engagement with our members and readers. Serving as a ministry tool, the Record will continue to connect and inspire our readers through the print magazine, and with stories, photos, and videos on our social media channels, as well as interaction with a robust news and information website.

We wish to support the mission of the Southwestern Union to equip and inspire the territory with the distinctive Adventist message of hope and wholeness. The Record will be better suited to minister to more of our members and friends more frequently by reaching

them through a variety of mediums they use.

So we invite you to journey with us as the Record continues to evolve and be an efficient ministry for those in the Southwestern Union territory and to all the world! Look for us and follow us early next year on social media platforms for the latest news and compelling stories from your churches, schools, members, and leaders. Visit SWURecord.org in January to see a total revamp of the website that will be easy to navigate, mobile device responsive, and spirit-filled.

Pray with us as we work to continue the age-old tradition of Seventh-day Adventists who were among the first to employ the use of modern technologies such as the printing press and broadcast radio to share the message of Christ’s love and sacrifice to our world.

Southwestern Union Communication

The Record: Reinvented

2018

DECEMBER 2017 17

Southwestern Union News

Equipped for Ministries Oklahoma City Meetings a Blessing Oklahoma City, Okla. » On August 25-26, the Southwestern Union presented its Equipped for Ministries conference at the Edmond Seventh-day Adventist Church with approximately 200 participants and leaders from the Oklahoma Conference, Southwest Region Conferences, and the Southwestern Union.

The mission of the Southwestern Union is to equip and inspire our Conferences and their churches. Working together as a Union and Conferences, we answer to the direct call of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:11-12 “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

The conference began with a stirring message from James Shires, Oklahoma Conference President. Shires opened the event with a call for all members and church leaders to turn to God and

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request the aid of the Holy Spirit. Shires affirmed, “Empowered by the Holy Spirit we will see great efficiency and wonderful results in service to others and soul winning.”

On Sabbath morning, guest speakers joined 10 different area churches for morning worship services and sermons.

Members were stirred with an invitation to serve in their communities and reach others for Christ.

The Equipped for Ministries training seminars began Sabbath afternoon on the campus of the host church, the Edmond Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Fifteen leaders presented different seminars with ways to be effective in their local churches, with the latest resources and information on effective ministry methods. The seminars, presented in both Spanish and English, not only shared information, but allowed for an interactive dialogue between participants and ministry leaders.

One member from the Edmond church commented, “I’m so grateful to have a union and conferences that bring us together for fellowship and this excellent training.” Another member commented, “I now know how to better run my department at my church. Thank you for this coming and helping us.”

The event concluded on Saturday night with a message from Stephen Brooks, Executive Secretary of the Southwest Region Conference. He thoroughly blessed the participants and brought them together as brothers and sisters of the Southwestern Union Territory.

An Equipped for Ministries training event is planned for the Texarkana area in March of 2018, and Midland, Texas in August of 2018. Visit EquippedForMinistries.com for the latest information and dates.

By Minner Labrador, D.Min. Vice President for Church Ministries Director of Men’s Ministries, Stewardship

Southwestern Union News

Communicators in Portland

Texas Conference and Southwestern Union Receive Awards Portland, Ore. » Although a cool fall rain streamed outside for most of the event, spirits were bright, minds were eager, and conversations were lively at the 2017 Society of Adventist Communicators (SAC) convention held in the Portland, Oregon, area on Oct. 19-21.

A blend of more than 250 professionals and students attended communication workshops, expert panel discussions, area media tours, and special worship services—all geared toward “Building Bridges” of communication with other Adventists and within the community.

One highlight from the event included a panel discussion on crisis communication. The dialogue centered around the convention theme, “Building Bridges,” and addressed how several Adventist communicators have handled crises that have impacted our organizations— schools, conferences, hospitals, and local churches. The discussion provided practical tips on how to navigate the unthinkable. Case studies included how communicators dealt with institutional closings, media inquiries, and tragedy.

“When a crisis occurs, administrators should be able to look to the communicators on their team to help the organization address the situation,” said panelist Celeste Ryan Blyden, Vice President for Strategic Communication and Public Relations for the Columbia Union Conference.

Blyden, who is also the author of Crisis Boot Camp, emphasized the importance of knowing how to respond, what questions to ask, and what steps to take.

“Our goal is to help our organizations respond empathically and effectively.”

During the Sabbath morning worship service 919 new pairs of socks were collected for Portland’s homeless as attendees filled red shopping bags and 12 baskets with their donations. In this drive coordinated by Adventist Health, the donated socks were handed off to a representative in attendance from Portland Rescue Mission.

“So often church groups arrive in a city for a convention—we gain knowledge and insight and then we leave without impacting the local community in a positive way,” said Dan Weber, Director of Communication for the North American Division and Executive Director of SAC. “We are so glad for the opportunity to partner with a local organization that is providing for the underserved population of Portland.”

The three-day event culminated with an awards banquet where almost 90 certificates were distributed to both professionals and students for communication projects in several disciplines.

Jessica Lozano, Southwestern Union Communication Director and the Record Editor, received an honorable mention short form feature award for her

article, “God’s Fingerprints.” The article discussed finding God in nature and appeared in the April 2017 issue of the Record. The Texas Conference received an honorable mention for magazine design award for the conference publication, FLAME magazine.

The 2017 Young Professional of the Year award went to Jason Busch, Texas Conference Communication Director.

The 29-year-old was recognized for his contribution to the FLAME magazine, as well as his impact in Texas with social media, online marketing, crisis communication, and media relations.

“Jason has demonstrated a strong work ethic, a passion for innovation, and a proven commitment to excellence in communication. He has a reputation as someone who is reliable, quick thinking, respectful, honest, and a true leader who loves Jesus,” said his nominators.

Next year’s convention will be held on Oct. 18-20 at the new NAD headquarters in Columbia, Maryland.

More information is available online at AdventistCommunicators.org.

North American Division and Southwestern Union Offices of Communication Left: Texas Conference and Southwestern Union communication professionals at SAC, Madelein Terreros, Kristina Pascual Lockhart, Jason Busch, Jessica Lozano, and Sora Yanez.

DECEMBER 2017 19

Southwestern Adventist University News

Best Colleges Rankings Increase University Continues Upward Trajectory Keene, Texas » Southwestern Adventist University has once again ranked in the annual U.S. News “Regional Colleges West” rankings list. Southwestern is now ranked 20th in the 15-state region for our category. This ranking is up from 21st in 2016 and 22nd in 2015.

“It is nice to receive affirmation from a reputable organization of the quality we all experience on a daily basis,” shares Dr. Ken Shaw, Southwestern Adventist University President.

U.S. News also ranked Southwestern Adventist University as the second Most Ethnically Diverse Campus for the West region (out of 15 states). The U.S. News rankings focus on academic excellence,

with schools ranked on up to 15 measures of academic quality. Overall, the rankings emphasize student outcomes including graduation and retention rates. The college ranking categories are based on the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the most widely accepted classification system in U.S. higher education. U.S. News has used the Carnegie classification system since the first Best Colleges rankings in 1983.

Southwestern was also ranked as the sixth safest college in the United States, out of 1,346, by Niche.com, and is ranked as the safest college in Texas.

You can read more about Southwestern

Adventist University’s additional rankings at swau.edu/about.

This past year, Southwestern Adventist University marked the highest student retention rate ever recorded in its history. The 81 percent retention rate for the 2016-2017 school year was 16 percent higher than the national average.

“The people are the reason why I stayed,” recalls communication major Tanya Soria, from San Diego, California. “Our campus has a way of making people feel at home. We’re loved and supported. Why would I go anywhere else?”

By Darcy Force, Director of Marketing and PR

Pass It On

Teaching to Make a Difference Keene, Texas » Human connections have the power to shape lives. In 2015, Ella Nguyen Burgos graduated with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Southwestern Adventist University. She is passionate about education and is a teacher at North Dallas Adventist Academy. She helps students just as teachers helped her in high school and college.

“As teachers we must connect with students,” says Burgos. “There’s always

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a common ground somewhere. Not everyone is Seventh-day Adventist and not everyone is a Christian, but we all come together.”

During high school, Burgos caused a lot of trouble. Still, her teachers always believed in her and never failed to provide quality instruction. Burgos realized how difficult it must be to teach and decided to “pay it forward.” She decided to study elementary education

and become a teacher.

Professors at Southwestern, such as Dr. Donna Berkner, provided experience based teaching tools. They prepared students for the academic world, teaching students how to prepare lesson plans, classroom techniques, and academic laws. Then student teaching gave Burgos first-hand experience. As she expected, Burgos found teaching to be a rewarding challenge.

Southwestern Adventist University News “There will always be challenges,” says Burgos, “But experience starts in the classroom, as a student teacher.

When you are in the classroom, applying the stuff you learned in undergrad, not everything is going to work. You have to find what works.”

During student teaching, Burgos discovered that one of her students had an egg allergy. When Burgos decided to provide cake for class, she handmade a vegan chocolate cake so everyone could enjoy. Impressed with Burgos’ dedication in similar situations, the Southwestern education department professors voted for Burgos to receive the award Student Teacher of the Year.

Encouragement and mentorship came to Burgos from many resources, including scholarships. Burgos received an education department scholarship from the Harder family during her time at Southwestern.

“Because the University encourages friendship between the donors and the scholarship recipients, I was able to

get to know the Harder family. They supported me spiritually as well as financially. After graduation I kept in touch with the Harders and they always let me know they were praying for me.”

At North Dallas Adventist Academy there was a boy in her classroom with the last name Harder.

“Imagine my delight when I discovered I had the Harders’ grandson in my classroom,” said Burgos. “What a privilege! ” For the 2017-2018 school year, Burgos teaches 6th grade social studies, English, physical education, as well as high school 10th and 11th grade English as a second language, and yearbook. Photography is one of Burgos’ hobbies.

“Photography started out as a way to capture memories for parents to see because they are not with the kids during the entire day,” says Burgos. “But I like doing it especially because you get to capture the sweet moments that you can’t always go back and redo.”

Whether taking pictures, baking vegan cakes, or working hard on new teaching

challenges, Burgos always strives to help students succeed and feel at home in the classroom. Burgos is now working on her master’s degree from Southwestern Adventist University and advises all graduates to pursue graduate school.

“My teachers dedicated their time to me and helped me with my work and education, so my goal is to do the same for these kids, no matter what,” says Burgos.

By Makala James 2015 journalism graduate and writer Previous page, top left: Ella, now Mrs. Burgos, teaches her students at North Dallas Adventist Academy Top right: Ella helped students learn gymnastics when she was a student teacher.

Bottom: Ella and her fellow student teachers dressed up as characters in their story books and presented the stories to the elementary students.

DECEMBER 2017 21

Arkansas-Louisiana Conference News

Crossing Borders

An “Overseas” Missionary At Home

I

n the early days of our Church history, there were many who felt that, as a Church, we had no need of going beyond our own territory to share the three angels’ messages. Evangelizing in our own cities and communities was deemed sufficient. When the first conference (Michigan Conference) was organized in 1861, and then the General Conference in 1863, there was still no decisive plan of carrying the gospel to every nation, tongue, and people. Yet slowly the realization grew that the special message that God had given to His people had to be taken to all the world.

It was eight years later that John N. Andrews was commissioned by the General Conference and officially sent to Europe as our first overseas missionary. Since that time literally thousands have traveled the globe with a resolute commitment to share the message of Jesus. However, it is not just people from North America who are going to other countries to impact communities of people. Today, people from virtually every division of the church are crossing borders with a passion and determination to make a difference for the kingdom of heaven.

As church members, we have always loved to hear the reports of returned missionaries or of those who have come back from a short overseas mission trip. Knowing that progress is being made and that miracles of transformation are being witnessed, all bring joy to our hearts. We are grateful for those who are willing to go and serve others, often at great personal sacrifice. Today the challenges are endless and literally hundreds of needs and projects cry out for support. Many of us give our offerings and are thankful that we can participate to make a difference on a global perspective.

Yet the reality today is that the world is coming to us! We have immigrants and refugees who are coming from all parts of the world and they are now our neighbors!

What the missionary might have done for them in their city or village, is now something we can do—without leaving town! They are now our responsibility. No offering collection is required for me to show compassion and kindness. God is calling for us to be missionaries in our own “back yard.”

I’m reminded of the song popularized by Sandi Patty: “Love in any language, Straight from the heart, Pulls us all together, Never apart. And once we learn to speak it, All the world will hear, Love in any language, Fluently spoken here.” Today you don’t need to cross the ocean to be a foreign missionary. You can make global impact as you find meaningful ways to meet needs and minister to the family that came across the ocean but who now lives in your community. Who knows but that God brought them to you so that they might have an opportunity to learn of Jesus!

By Stephen Orian, President

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Arkansas-Louisiana Conference News

Prayers and Supplies

Shreveport Members Help Hurricane Survivors Shreveport, La. » More than two years ago, David Farmer, pastor of the Shreveport First Seventh-day Adventist Church, came in contact with a woman named Loretta Yelverton through eBay and started a Bible study with her. Yelverton gets Farmer’s sermons each week and has been excitedly passing them on to her own church group. She is not an Adventist, but has obtained many books by Ellen G. White. She lives in Katy, Texas, which was part of the flooded Houston area. Loretta had called the night of Hurricane Harvey and told Farmer that the water was coming up around their

house and they didn’t know what would happen by morning.

Farmer prayed with Lorretta and her husband, Andy, and asked God to send angels to surround them and protect them. When she was able to get through to Farmer again, she said that the water came up to their door step, but did not come in. Homes all around them were flooded completely!

Since the Shreveport First Church feels a special connection to Lorretta and Andy, they decided to use the Children’s Offering one Sabbath to collect money for disaster supplies and collected

a little more than $500. Glenn Gifford and Farmer were able to deliver a van load of cleaning supplies to Katy where Lorretta and Andy, along with Daniel Schramm, a member of the Katy Seventh-day Adventist Church, were ready and able to help distribute supplies.

By David Farmer Left: The front yards in Katy, Texas, were strewn with debris from Hurricane Harvey.

Below: Residents were grateful to receive cleaning supplies purchased by a special offering from the Shreveport church.

3ABN Touches Hearts

Recuperation in Texarkana Turns to Baptisms Texarkana, Texas » David Teel and his wife, Bree, live in a secluded area that doesn’t allow for good TV coverage. David said he always stayed busy with his favorite hobbies and things to do, and didn’t devote a lot of time to other things outside of those interests. But sometimes bad things happen for good reasons.

When an injury temporarily disabled David, he had no choice but to stay home and recuperate. The TV antenna provided little coverage, but a previously-ignored channel, 3ABN, caught his attention.

David decided to find out more about the Seventh-day Adventist Church and became a regular visitor at the Texarkana Seventh-day Adventist Church and a regular volunteer with maintenance needs. We are pleased that David is now our newest baptized member.

By Lorretta Johnson Right: David Teel was baptized by Pastor Daniel Supler after he was led to visit the Texarkana Seventh-day Adventist Church through 3ABN’s television channel.

DECEMBER 2017 23

Arkansas-Louisiana Conference News

International Sabbath

Fort Smith Seventh-day Adventist Church Hosts Special Event Fort Smith, Ark. » The Fort Smith Seventh-day Adventist Church joined together with Love’s Chapel to celebrate an International Sabbath program. It was a very special Sabbath for all who attended. The church service began with a parade of flags from the United States of America, the Christian flag and the Arkansas flag. These were followed by flags from Belize, Cuba, Czech Republic, England, United Kingdom, Germany, Honduras, Holland, Indonesia, India, Ireland, Mexico, Tasmania, and Wales.

The flags were carried by individuals from these countries or whose heritage is

from that country. Nancy Brennan and Cindy Howell read a brief description of each country as the flags were carried down the aisle. Some in attendance wore clothing representing their country. The sermon presented by Lenton Butler was entitled “A Transcending Culture with Good News.” After the service, an international fellowship meal was held in the gymnasium. It was a bountiful feast featuring delicious cuisine from the many countries represented that day. An International Concert was held in the sanctuary in the afternoon. A variety of music and instruments was presented. A special thank you

Unique Outreach

to Evelyn Butler who chaired this wonderful event. Although we are from many cultures, we are unified by our oneness as we worship our Creator and Savior.

By Lea Treshnell Below left: The Fort Smith Seventh-day Adventist Church presented a special international Sabbath celebrating the nationalities of those in attendance. Pictured are some of the flags of the countries presented.

Below: A handful of the participants from the special international Sabbath in the Texarkana church’s sanctuary.

Heber Springs Hosts Annual Free Snow Cones Event Heber Springs, Ark. » The Heber Springs Seventh-day Adventist Church recently hosted its third Annual “Free Snow Cones Daze” for the community.

This year, the church members decorated the booth with a Hawaiian theme.

We had so much fun and many, many people stopped to enjoy a cooling snow cone on a hot day. We gave away quite a few books and literature.

One special moment was when a man stopped by who knew one of the church’s elders, and he ended up staying

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for a couple hours, seeking answers to some of his spiritual questions. We praise the Lord for the opportunity to reach out in unique ways! Each year the community becomes more and more familiar with our church, and they can see and experience Jesus’ love!

By Judith Newton Right: The Heber Springs Seventh-day Adventist Church kids promoting “Free Snow Cone Daze,” an event which allows the community to get to know the church members.

Oklahoma Conference News

Do Likewise

Thinking Globally About Our Mission

M

y first encounter with global thinking occurred in the fourth grade when our class did a mural of the countries of Europe.

Each student was assigned a different country. We were to draw something on the mural representing the country. I was given Holland. I drew children my age ice skating and walking among the flowers and windmills of Holland. As I drew, I was struck how much we were alike and had in common.

Years later, I was drafted into the army and deployed to Thailand for just over two years. My first impression arriving in Thailand was how different it was. The geography, smells, food, and culture were different. But after a year or so and making many local friends, I was struck by how much we had in common as well. Thinking globally for me was noticing and being impressed about the idea of the world as a large human family, with more similarities than differences. A few years after leaving the Army, I joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church. I learned about the world Church, made up of people from every nation. I heard expressions like “the family of God,” and “all God’s children.”

A few years later, I entered the ministry and eventually ended up in the Oklahoma Conference. A friend of mine, a fellow pastor, invited me to go on a mission trip to Mexico. I joined him and approximately 20 others to help finish a church building project, conduct VBS, do community service, and conduct evangelistic meetings. We went door-to-door in the community visiting people. Our mission was to discover their needs and invite them to our programs. We gave away blankets, food, and clothing. We became close to the people and shed tears when we left to go home. I was so moved by the experience that I continued going to Mexico for 10 more years with mission teams. I discovered the experience of serving brothers and sisters outside of our country changes you. I continued to notice more the similarities I have with people of other cultures than the differences.

I had a practical experience of what the apostle Paul said in Acts 17:26: “God hath made of one blood all nations of men to dwell upon the earth….” He also wrote in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, bond, nor free, male or female, for ye are all one in Christ.” Yes, there are differences of culture, social class, and gender. However, the common bond we have as children of our Creator and being redeemed by the blood of Christ, give us equal worth and importance. The devil’s plan is to have us focus on our differences in order to divide us. The Holy Spirit’s work is to bring us together. Working together and serving one another defeats the enemy. It makes us more like our Creator who was thinking not globally, but universally. Jesus became human to show us our common bond with Him. He gave His life in service and death to unite us once more with our heavenly family. Then He said, “Go into all the world and do likewise.” Amen.

By James Shires, President

DECEMBER 2017 25

Oklahoma Conference News

Messiah’s Mansion

A Blessed Event Reaches More than 1,100 Cherokee » Cherokee Adventist Fellowship Church Plant invited Messiah’s Mansion to Cherokee to share the message of God's love as shown through the Sanctuary. The Messiah’s Mansion group, the church plant team, and several people from the community worked together to assemble the Tabernacle structure in just two days.

The Hardtner Community Building and Fairgrounds provided more than 200 chairs free of charge. The city of Cherokee allowed our church plant to use the community airport field to set up the Tabernacle at no cost. The Cherokee Ministerial Alliance thrift store

donated water bottles and our church members provided food. A local radio station invited us to come for an interview about our event. A church member allowed the entire Messiah’s Mansion team of 22 people to stay in their home while their family stayed in a camper in their yard. God used the church and the community to make the Messiah’s Mansion event happen.

Just four weeks before Messiah’s Mansion was to arrive, the airport where the event was scheduled was flooded.

Prayers were lifted up for dry weather.

The smallest rain would cause additional flooding and the area would not dry

An Answered Prayer Ethan and Weslee Go to Church Broken Arrow » Ethan has a friend named Weslee. Ethan goes to church but Weslee does not. Ethan wants his friend to go to church with him and learn about Jesus.

Every week Ethan asks Weslee to go to church with him, but his friend doesn't go. Ethan tells his mother he is going to quit asking Weslee to go to church. But he won't quit praying for his friend to go to church with him. So, all week Ethan prays for Weslee to go to church with him next Sabbath.

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Ethan is sad when he thinks that Weslee has not come to his house Sabbath morning. But when he opens the front door to go to church, Ethan is happily surprised. His friend Weslee is ready and waiting for his first day at church.

Ethan is happy. Weslee is happy.

Mother is happy. God is the happiest of all as they leave for church. Ethan tells Jesus thank you for answering his prayer.

By Judy Marquette

out. God answered our prayers for dry ground and nice weather. Prayers for a successful outreach were also answered with over 1,100 people attending the Messiah’s Mansion tour. More than 100 people asked for Bible studies. Our little church plant of six adults and 10 children is very excited about being busy with Bible studies!

The same week the Messiah’s Mansion event concluded, a colporteur team of 20 people came up from Oklahoma Academy and began working in the community. It's been a blessed planting season and we are looking forward to a great harvest!

By Gabi Simpson

Oklahoma Conference News

A New Start

A Church Comes Together to Help A Member Sallisaw » Oklahoma ranks as one of the least healthy states, but that hasn’t stopped the Sallisaw Seventh-day Adventist Church from experiencing a health makeover—thanks in part to one member who made some healthy changes of her own.

Five months ago, Lisa McInerney thought her life was over. She stayed in bed 22 hours a day, cried nonstop when she was awake, and was crushed by anxiety, depression, and a host of medical problems. Only 52 years old, she had lost the ability to do her favorite activities, including attending church, teaching children’s Sabbath school, and caring for her grandchildren. She couldn’t even manage daily tasks such as driving, paying the bills, or buying groceries.

Every attempt to get medical care left Lisa feeling worse. Unsure of a treatment plan, her physicians kept prescribing more medicine. Unfortunately, the side effects of the medicine left her sicker than before.

By the time she was on 12 medications, her anxiety had become crippling.

Twice she was admitted into a psychiatric hospital, where they tripled her medicine and sent her home even more hopeless.

“They said there was nothing else they could do, that I just had to go home and deal with it,” says Lisa. “But I just didn’t know any way to deal with it. I didn’t think there was any hope. I thought that was the end.”

That was until she got a call from her pastor saying that he had good news for her. “I thought he was going to tell me that I was going to be healed somehow,” says Lisa. And, in a way, that is what he told her. The Sallisaw Adventist Church had rallied together and quickly raised the money to send Lisa to the 18-day NEWSTART program at Weimar Institute, in Weimar, California.

“We saw her suffering, and we knew we had to do something,” says Pastor Robert Quintana. “It was exciting to

see everyone come together to help in her time of need.”

Lisa had never heard of Weimar Institute, an Adventist educational and health care institution that runs a NEWSTART lifestyle program based on eight principles of health (nutrition, exercise, water, sunlight, temperance, air, rest, and trust). She had never been on a plane before, and she didn’t even own a suitcase. She was terrified by the idea of going to California, but she felt like it was her only hope.

“I knew this might be the way that God was going to heal me,” says Lisa.

“It just seemed like a God thing.”

Within days, Lisa was on her way to Weimar Institute, where she learned new ways to eat, got motivated to exercise, and was surrounded by the prayer and support of others. By the end of the 18-day program, she was smiling and laughing again, walking five miles a day, and was off almost all of her medicine.

Even before leaving the program, Lisa was worried that she wouldn’t be able to maintain the healthier lifestyle once she came back to Oklahoma—but she arrived home to find her church and husband eager to be a support system.

“Her first Sabbath back, we had a special potluck and asked people to bring all plant-based foods: beans, greens, and fruits,” says Pastor Quintana. “There was such a spirit of joy and unity at the lunch.”

In fact, church members liked the new and improved potluck so much that they didn’t want to go back to fat-laden entrees and high calorie casseroles.

“It was the most delicious potluck I’ve been to in my entire life,” says Gretchen Dobbs, who has been a member of the church for 46 years. Other members agreed—and have committed to making future church meals nutritious and delicious.

In addition, the church formed a walking club so Lisa wouldn’t have to walk alone. Every weekday at 8:00 a.m., you’ll

find a group of Adventists on the local walking trail. Even in inclement weather, the group walks the ½-mile loop 10 times to ensure that Lisa—and everyone else—gets in five miles for the day.

“The walking has brought us closer together,” says Lisa. “One of the ladies said the other day that we had been going to church together for six years but didn’t know anything about each other.

After a few walking trips, we know each other’s whole life stories!”

Lisa has inspired the church in ways she never would have expected. Every week, church members mention new ways they have been influenced by Lisa’s health makeover. One member has also lost weight, while another said she has learned a lot from Lisa about new foods, such as flaxseeds.

The church is now planning a community cooking class to share some of the recipes and tips that helped Lisa regain her health.

Closer to home, there are also plenty of healthy changes. Lisa has lost 50 pounds (11 of which she lost while at Weimar), and her husband has lost 15 pounds. “My husband and I walk together on the weekends,” says Lisa.

“And we bike together several times during the week.” Her husband Mike, a life-long meat eater, also enjoys the healthier fare Lisa now makes, which he jokes is often one of two things: “rice and beans” or “beans and rice.”

“If my church hadn’t done this for me, I wouldn’t be alive,” says Lisa, who glows with restored health and happiness. “My goal is to keep exercising and to stay healthy.”

Many of the church members now share those same healthy goals. “This wasn’t just good for Lisa,” says Gretchen. “This was good for all of us. Her experience has improved the quality of life for all of us.”

By Heather Quintana

DECEMBER 2017 27

Southwest Region Conference News

Beyond Four Walls

Breaking Out of the Adventist Comfort Zone

S

o often as Christians and especially Adventist Christians, we live isolated lives. Our Christianity is hidden within our four walls and we exclude those who don't dress like us, look like us, sing our Adventist-style music, wear our Adventist-style clothes, or practice our traditions. Still, we can conclude that we are good God-fearing people, and for most, that is a true statement.

Christians in general have a streak of selfishness that runs deep in our core set values. How easy it is for us to be comfortable, residing in our safe warm and cozy Adventist environment. A look at Christ’s methods and His practices are truly in odds with modern-day Christianity. Selfish love cripples the power of God. In order for us to truly live out the true meaning of what Jesus promoted we must vacate the Adventist comfort zone of playing it safe.

What is this love that Jesus was so good at showing? Was it a mere act? Or was it a sincere an attempt to show that He was concerned more about human needs than He was about dogma? Did Jesus understand that doctrine never reaches a person’s heart unless the person that is delivering the doctrine is able to connect with the person’s needs? It is impossible for us to think that doctrines have feelings, that doctrines can touch a person where they truly itch. Love—true love—ventures out into the unknown, to the uncertain, cruel, dangerous environment.

As Christians, we must be willing to step out of the Adventist comfort zone and stereotypes—our norms, our opinions, and our biases—to reach the unreached and to save the unsaved and to touch the untouchable. While it is safe to remain behind those walls, there is no growth for us unless we step out. We have created a generation of spiritual midgets and immature Christians because the only way to grow is by exercising unlimited, unbiased, unrestrained, unrestricted love toward our fellow man. Christ’s methods alone are the true example of showing love. His methods never erected any walls but His main goal was to tear down walls.

Church walls in themselves are wrong. Walls isolate and insulate us from the world.

Our goal as Christians should never seek to build walls but to tear them down so that the love of God can flow out freely. Then, those who need His love the most can come to Him without any restrictions. There are no walls when it comes to moving closer to Jesus and being a part of His family of believers. To the undocumented, He says, “Come.” To the poor, He says, “Come.” To the widow, He says, “Come.” To the rich, He says, “Come.” Jesus said, “Whosoever will…let him come,” (Revelation 22:17).

By Calvin L. Watkins, Sr., President

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Southwest Region Conference News

Hanging Up the Chalk Long-time Educator Ivy Jones Retires Baton Rouge, La. » A yard sign with a “larger than life” headshot said it all: “Congratulations, Ivy Jones, on Your Retirement.” The sign, strategically mounted in front of Harrison (Sonny) and Nelwin Johnson’s home, was the neighbors’ tribute to Jones who, for the last 20 years, passed through their neighborhood en route to her teaching job at the Martin Luther King Christian Academy (MLK). Jones’ various positions had included that of vice-principal, disciplinarian, and social studies and science teacher. Recently, several of Jones’ neighbors reported to a Berean worship service and, with the Johnsons acting as representatives, presented Jones with a plaque from the neighborhood and a proclamation from Baton Rouge’s mayor. Nelwin Johnson recounted how Jones would wave as she and her students

walked through the neighborhood sharing veggies from the school’s garden and making sure the children spoke. “In the process, you taught us how to live and forgive, and we’re here today to celebrate your new journey,” Johnson said.

The following are Jones’ responses to questions posed to her following her last MLK graduation as a faculty member.

“I am retiring from teaching because I feel confident that God is ready to take me to another phase of my life’s journey.

There is much left for me to do. I want to continue my service to God. He is not through with me yet.” She stated that her teaching tenure positively impacted her family and how sharing her numerous teacher-student encounters would often spark much laughter and conversation. “I’m sure I could write a ‘best-seller,’” said Jones, who was convinced that

she was able to maintain a well-balanced life while working. She adds that teaching was not her first choice for a career, but when the opportunity to teach in a Christian atmosphere presented itself, she couldn’t resist. “I mean, how often does one get to teach academics and also teach about the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ? My 20 years afforded me just that.” Jones’ future plans include continuing her love for gardening, traveling, and seeking opportunities to help others while pursuing academic courses of interest. Jones closed by revealing that the thing she will miss most about teaching is her daily interactions with her students: “watching them grow, learn, and mature. Their lives have blessed and impacted me as much, if not more, than I have impacted theirs.”

By Evelyn M. Edwards

DECEMBER 2017 29

Southwest Region Conference News

New Life Cookout

Engaging the Community for Evangelism Lawton, Okla. » In September, the New Life Seventh-day Adventist Church had an old-fashioned cookout. We believe in engaging the community.

Christ mingled with the crowd and in the city with His people. An old-fashioned cookout can be affordable and engages the community with fun games, activities for the kids, as well as themes for the grown-ups. Good food is always a plus! I believe that the most important witnessing that I can do is to mingle with the people outside of the church walls. Often, I have found that we get

so comfortable being in the church that we start to treat it like a country club instead of a public institution. Whenever we host these events, we make meaningful connections with our community.

Any and everything we do must lead back to evangelism. Why? Because in order for me to be a true Christian, I must live out Matthew 28. Simple cookouts are great ways to break the ice with your community and to also showcase opportunities and services that your church might offer.

By Gregory Hines, Pastor

Surviving Harvey

Learning From My Hurricane Experience Houston, Texas » My neighborhood sits against a levee, and as rain saturated our city, the levee started to fill. When the sheriff and police officers came to talk to us about evacuating, they explained how excess rain would force the levee to flood our subdivision.

They insisted on a mandatory evacuation for some of the homes in our subdivision. My neighbors were upset and angry. Then, the officers struck a rather intolerant tone: “Either you leave, or don’t bother to call us if and when the levee breaks.”

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Many were upset. They didn’t want to leave their homes and definitely didn’t appreciate that tone. The next day, when the police returned, they shut down power to those homes which might be in danger. Then, residents were forced to leave.

Many of us are just like my neighbors.

God has given us His love and yet many of us refuse to take it. He has given us warnings, and yet we ignore those warnings. The Bible has given us example after example of people who went against God’s word. Yet we ignore that still,

small voice, and forge full speed ahead in the wrong direction. Do we think we know more than God? My neighbors fought the very people who were trying to help them. But many of us do the same thing spiritually. We fight God for our way instead of asking Him which way to go. The evacuation was inconvenient, but it was for our protection.

Proverbs 3:5 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

By Paula Blackwell Morris

Texas Conference News

Tell It To Every Nation Right In Our Own Backyard

T

he mandate given by Christ to His faithful followers is to “Go!” to every nation, tongue and people with the good news of the gospel. Fortunately for us, the Lord has placed in our lap the grand opportunity to walk or drive very short distances to encounter souls from all parts of the world in our own neighborhoods and communities. Many of those neighbors desperately need a word from above and common assistance that will soften their hearts for the work of the Holy Spirit.

As we interpret the signs of the times, we see that time is short. Within the past few months, we have experienced portentous events of the greatest magnitude. That includes the tremendous devastation by Hurricane Harvey as flood waters destroyed houses, schools, churches and businesses and claimed more than 80 precious souls. Shortly afterward, the destructive winds and water of Irma swept over Florida taking over 70 lives with it. Then the crumbling effect of the earthquakes in Mexico took more than 200 lives. Puerto Rico was referred to as a war zone after Hurricane Maria went through the area. The deadliest mass shooting in recent US history took place in Las Vegas. The death toll for that crisis was nearly 60 with 500 wounded. Time is precious!

Ellen White talks about the urgency of the hour: “Sound an alarm throughout the length and breadth of the earth. Tell the people that the day of the Lord is near and hasteth greatly. Let none be left unwarned. We might have been placed among barbarians. According to the truth we have received above others, we are debtors to impart the same to them” (Christian Service: A Compilation, p. 78).

The cities in our territory are teeming with countless souls who need to hear the gospel message. We can accomplish this task in several ways: by being the salt of the earth, by being a light in the midst of darkness, and by seeking and grasping every opportunity to do good.

You and I have been called to take Jesus to our families, friends, neighbors and co-workers before it is too late. The key to the Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:20: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

If Christ is with you, you will be salt, you will be light, you will be a blessing wherever you go. I am thrilled with the stories that I am hearing from our people as they witness for Christ in these waning hours of earth’s history. God is opening doors and brothers and sisters led by the Spirit are allowing themselves to be used as vessels of grace.

May God’s kingdom continue to inherit the people of the world that reside in our midst. Only eternity will reveal the success of our efforts in the measure that we have teamed up with the Holy Spirit to do His will.

By Carlos J. Craig, President

DECEMBER 2017 31

Texas Conference News

Adventist Community Services Working Year-round for Times Like This

Becky Chen

Keene » Even before Hurricane Harvey made landfall, the Adventist Community Services Depot in Keene was ready.

“Texas and Florida are disaster prone,” Joe Watts, Texas Conference Adventist Community Services (ACS) director, stated. “We need to be ready for these kinds of events.”

Joe and his wife, Sherry, Texas Conference ACS assistant director, have been assisting with disasters for 25 years, 21 years based in Keene. Scheduled to retire for the second time, Hurricane Harvey provided on-the-job training for Marshall and Julie Gonzales, the new Texas Conference ACS director and assistant director.

As soon as they could get vehicles in the area, Joe sent the Gonzales’ to Rockport, Victoria, and San Antonio with 2,000 prepackaged clothing outfits, blankets and comfort kits that included washcloths, towels and toiletries. “For those who had to leave their houses with nothing, the clothing, blanket, and comfort kits were a blessing,” Julie said.

Once residents were able to return to their homes, the next challenge was cleaning the flood water damage. The ACS Depot was ready for that as well as they work year-round to have cleaning kits ready to go. The cleaning buckets include cleansers, soaps, sponges, gloves, masks, trash bags, and other items necessary for the recovery process.

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Glen Robinson

The Watts guesstimate they sent around 4,000 cleaning kit buckets for Hurricane Harvey relief. Adventist churches in north Texas that assisted with funds and volunteered at the Depot include Burleson, Denton First, Joshua, Keene, Killeen, Richardson, Waco Spanish and Waxahachie Seventh-day Adventist Churches. Keene and Joshua Adventist churches gave major donations.

In the Houston area, the Woodlands Seventh-day Adventist Church asked for 240 buckets, sharing that they were coordinating with three other churches and businesses in the area. They set up in a parking lot and started distributing them. Two days later, they asked for 1,000 more. They are just one of the many churches in the Hurricane Harvey zone assisting residents.

Seeing a need to help sufferers establish their kitchens again, Joe requested a grant from Adventist Development and Relief Agency to purchase kitchen kits with basic things such as plates, silverware, pots and pans. What some consider “little things” can bring a tremendous amount of hope to people often discouraged by their loss.

Volunteers and donations are still needed at the Depot in Keene. There are even projects kids can do, such as sorting disposable gloves, with 10 out of a package of 100 going into each bucket.

“I am so impressed by what our members are doing to bring hope to those affected by Hurricane Harvey,” Carlos Craig, Texas Conference president, stated. “We cannot thank Joe and Sherry Watts enough for their service with disasters for more than 20 years and so appreciate Marshall and Julie Gonzales’ willingness to now serve in this capacity. They definitely received on-the-job training as they delivered kits and are now assisting with a multi-agency warehouse in San Antonio.”

By Glen Robinson Right: Joe and Sherry Watts served the Texas Conference for the past 21 years assisting with many disasters.

Left: Marshall and Julie Gonzales are the new Texas Conference Adventist Community Services director and assistant director following the Watts’ retirement.

Texas Conference News

Hurricane Harvey Provides Blessings in the Storm Spring » “It can’t get any worse than this,” Rossie Reyes said as she looked back at a year that brought a divorce and a diagnosis of an autoimmune disease. She didn’t know that a massive hurricane would soon hit her hometown and destroy her home.

Reyes and her two sons, Jose, 24, and Joshua, 17, were used to hurricane season. It wasn’t until the third day that she realized the seriousness of Harvey.

As the water rose, they took cover on the second floor. A community member helped them get to dry land.

“Days after the hurricane, I walked into my house. I couldn’t help but cry,” she said. Thankfully, her church family from the Houston Northwest Seventh-day Adventist Church helped her.

“I can say with certainty that God is with us and He will take care of us because I saw Him do it.”

Read the full story and others from Hurricane Harvey on the Texas Conference website at txsda.org.

By Divya Joseph

Church Plant Grows With Small Group Bible Studies San Antonio » A Seventh-day Adventist Church plant in San Antonio, Adventist Christian Fellowship, clings to the words in John 12 when Jesus says, “If I am lifted up...will draw all peoples to Myself.”

What began in a hotel lobby following the Mark Finley 2015 evangelistic series is now an official company focused on small group Bible studies. In 2016, 40

percent of the baptisms came from these studies. Now, there are almost two dozen people seeking to sharpen their skills, including Sunday keepers who lead another church.

Adventist Christian Fellowship is now in its own remodeled building and conducted its first Daniel and Revelation prophecy seminar this past fall. Adven-

tist Christian Fellowship is following the blueprint that Jesus and his disciples modeled in Acts 2.

By Marc Lien

Marc Lien

DECEMBER 2017 33

Texico Conference News

Finding Common Ground

Let His Light Shine Before We Even Say His Name

“I

have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some,” (1 Corinthians 9:22).

When reading the epistles, it is easy to see that Paul was an effective and dynamic preacher. Although he was not always fit for spreading the gospel, once he learned that God had chosen him to preach to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people, he changed his perspective and conformed it to God’s will. He then demonstrated that he could persuade and motivate Romans, Greeks, and Jews alike. His logic was sound and his emotional appeal was powerful. However, what made him most effective was his ability to find common ground with people so that he could bring them to Christ.

We could learn a lot from Paul, because God too has called us to reach and minister to the world around us; to the world that extends far beyond the walls of our church that hosts people from all walks of life. If we look closer at the key to Paul’s success in reaching people, we will see that he welcomed the opportunities God gave him, and then went beyond superficial contact. For example, when Paul became shipwrecked in Acts 27, he first comforted and encouraged the sailors that were with him. “Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head,” (Acts 27:34). Then, “after he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves,” (Acts 27:35-36). Here we can see that he acknowledged the current state they were in first, before he even mentioned God. As a result, they were encouraged.

We, too, can imitate this approach and can prepare ourselves to find commonalities with whoever we encounter. Before we begin to share the good news, we should consider exploring the needs, concerns, likes, and dislikes of people first. Additionally, and most significantly, we need to take into account and show respect for people’s customs and cultural differences. In a world that is heavily divided, Paul is showing us that we can bridge the gaps that divide us by letting God’s greatest command, to love one another, be at the core of our actions, and allow Jesus to shine through our attentiveness and flexibility.

Moving forward, I pray that God will help us embrace this concept and give us opportunities to reach different people the way Paul did. May we become spiritual chameleons that do not conform to the ways of the world, but comply with what Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” May we also remember what Titus 2:11 says, “for the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.”

By Lee-Roy Chacon, President

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Texico Conference News

Let’s Move Day 2017

6th Annual McKelligon Canyon Challenge El Paso, Texas » Hundreds of runners and walkers hit McKelligon Canyon Road on September 17, 2017 for the 6th Annual McKelligon Canyon Challenge 5K run/walk. Approximately 630 men, women, and children of all ages participated in this year’s event.

The popular race, which takes participants on a tough course that is known for its use in military training, was started in 2012 by several Seventh-day Adventist churches and the El Paso on the Move group as a part of the Adventist Instep for Life initiative, “Let’s Move Day,” to help fight the obesity epidemic. The event has since seen ongoing success and continues to grow each year. According to event organizers, this was the biggest race yet.

“Many churches sense a responsibility to reach out to the world outside their walls, and the El Paso on the Move

organization, along with the Adventist churches in the area, are doing a tremendous job in giving a positive testimony through this event,” said Texico Conference President and race participant, Lee-Roy Chacon. “They’re are not only reaching out to the running community but to the El Paso community at large. People in this area now know the Adventist name and realize how important health is to our faith.”

Among this year’s winners was 16-yearold Michael Abeyta, who finished first in his age group and was the overall winner with a time of 16:47. This was Michael’s fourth year in a row winning the race and friends and family say he is improving his time every year and is just getting started.

In addition to receiving colorful race T-shirts and finisher medals, race participants and attendees also enjoyed music

and healthy snacks, and received health and Christian literature from several vendors and organizations.

By Debbie Márquez, Communication Director Top left: Approximately 630 men, women and children of all ages participated in this year’s 6th Annual McKelligon Canyon Challenge 5K run/walk.

Top right: 16-year-old Michael Abeyta, overall winner with a time of 16:47. This was Michael’s fourth year in a row winning the race.

Bottom left: Texico Conference President and race participant Lee-Roy Chacon congratulates race participants as he hands out the winning medals.

Bottom right: El Paso Adventist Jr. Academy was among those handing out information.

DECEMBER 2017 35

Texico Conference News

Exodus

FESJA’s 2017 Texico Retreat Sacramento, N. Mex. » For more than 10 years, the Adventist Youth Federation FESJA has organized youth retreats to encourage Hispanic teens and young adults throughout Texico to grow deeper in their spiritual life. The retreat, which occurs twice a year in different cities throughout New Mexico and West Texas, took place for the second time this year from July 14-16, 2017.

More than 130 youth gathered at a campground in the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico to worship and hear guest speaker Pablo Partida preach

on the book of Exodus. Partida also spoke about dating, personal growth and the importance of having goals in life.

On Friday evening, Partida reminded the youth of God’s power to free them from sin. The night concluded with a special communion service. The weekend was full of inspiring activities and it ended with a 5K run with 30 participants. The FESJA Texico team is already working hard and planning the next FESJA event that is set for February 2018 in El Paso, Texas. Organizers encourage youth directors, pastors and churches to support

this special weekend by promoting and assisting the youth to attend.

For more information about FESJA and ways to get involved, please contact info@ fesjatexico.org or visit fesjatexico.org.

By Daniela Marquez, FESJA Secretary Left: Youth at the FESJA retreat participating in the ritual of foot washing during the communion service.

Below: FESJA “Exodus” ended the with a morning 5K run that included 30 participants of all ages.

Learning to Share Christ

Children’s Sabbath School Teacher Grows Disciples Amarillo, Texas » Sandra Zubia wanted to teach her Sabbath school students and son about sharing God’s love.

She took children from the Amarillo Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church to the local park geared with colorful balloons and Adventist literature. With the message “Jesus Loves You” written across the balloons, it was not long before kids visiting the park flocked to the balloons and were happy to take the balloons and literature. According to Sandra, one of the Sabbath school lessons this past quarter was about

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when the disciples received the special gift of the Holy Spirit. Once filled with the Spirit, the disciples were excited to tell others about Jesus. “I truly believe that children of all ages are capable of sharing the good news about Jesus,” said Sandra. The children were thrilled to have shared God’s love.

By Juscileide Gomes Children from the Amarillo Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church handed out balloons and children’s literature at Thompson Park in Amarillo.

Classified Ads 37 | Obituaries 38

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Looking to move out of the cities? Looking for unlimited ministry options? Check us out at: HillsboroFamilyDentistry.net and on Facebook at Hillsboro Family Dentistry - Dr. Bryan Nickell. If you have questions or would like to set up a time to come meet with Dr. Nickell call 937.241.8903.

PUC is seeking a candidate for Facilities Associate Director in

our Facilities Maintenance Department. Preference is experience in planning, budgeting, maintenance of College facilities, in addition to strong leadership/ interpersonal skills/team leader. Responsibilities in roads, building safety, HVAC, water distribution/ treatment, general building maintenance, compliance for hazardous materials, etc. For more information or to apply, please call 707.965.6231 or visit PUC.edu/faculty-staff/current-jobpostings.

PUC is seeking full time positions in our Facilities Maintenance Department. Looking for

positions of Tradesman Supervisor-Painter, and Tradesman 1- Carpenter.

Preference is for training and applied experience in trade areas of general painting, and carpentry.

For Painter, experience in color/finish/application/ etc. For Carpenter, experience in cabinet making/floor coverings/ installation/etc. For both, able to be team player, handle multiple projects. For more information or to apply, please call 707.965.6231 or visit PUC.edu/faculty-staff/current-jobpostings.

Southwestern Adventist University is seeking an online adjunct professor(s) to teach part-time

courses in newly organized Senior Living Management Certificate program through the Department of Business.

Submit cover letter and current CV/resume to Denise.Rivera@SWAU.edu. Candidates must have industry-specific (Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care) knowledge and/or experience and a minimum of a master’s degree in a related field. Preference given with prior teaching experience.

Southwestern Adventist University is looking for a full-time English professor with a Ph.D.

Candidates with a degree in any literature or writing specialty will be considered.

Send a CV to Dr. Judy Myers Laue, Chair, Department of English, Southwestern Adventist University, 100 W. Hillcrest Street, Keene, TX 76059 or LaueJ@SWAU.edu.

related to teaching, service, research, publication, and administration.

Andrews University seeks a University Faculty-Architecture.

is an Adventist community in a rural setting but close to Oklahoma City medical facilities and shopping. Made up of mostly individual homes, the village has fellowship you’ll enjoy. Onsite church, independent living, nursing home and transportation as needed.

Website: SummitRidgeVillage.org or call Bill Norman 405.208.1289.

The Assistant/Associate Professor of Architecture holds a faculty appointment and has academic, service, and scholarship responsibilities consistent with the mission and philosophy of the School of Architecture & Interior Design. This individual demonstrates competence in design studio education, teaching, and curriculum development at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Andrews.edu/admres/jobs/show/ faculty#job_2

Andrews University seeks an Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care and Psychology. The Assistant

Professor of Pastoral Care and Psychology will teach a full load of courses in pastoral care, counseling, advise and provide mentorship to Seminary students, provide spiritual, and therapeutic counseling services to seminarians, direct the psychological screening of applicants to Seminary, provide advocacy and leadership in the area of pastoral care and counseling to the Seminary community, participate in Seminary and University life and carry regular faculty responsibilities

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Back Pages The Wildwood Lifestyle Center can

help you naturally treat and reverse diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, obesity, arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, lupus, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, cancer, substance abuse, stress, anxiety, depression and many more. Invest in your health and call 800.634.9355 for more information or visit WildwoodHealth.org/Lifestyle.

ADVENTIST BOOKS: Looking

for NEW Adventist titles to encourage and grow your daily walk? Visit us at TEACHServices.com. For USED Adventist books visit LNFBooks.com. AUTHORS: If you’re interested in having your book published, call 800.367.1844 for a free evaluation.

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colorful catalog for gifts that will continue to be a blessing all year. For a free sample call 800.777.2848 or visit FamilyHeritageBooks.com.

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The 4th Annual Adventist Agricultural Conference invites you to

Ouachita Healthy Living Center in southwest Arkansas. This is where

Glen Rose, Texas, January 17-20, 2018. Our theme "Something Better" brings practical skills and knowledge as well as studying God's plan for His people today through seminars, networking and exhibits. Registration OPEN now at AdventistAg.org.

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 relocation

Peggy Marie Hollon, 91 of Goodlettsville,

Tennessee died on September 27, 2017, in White House, Tennessee.

She was born September 7, 1926, to Clarence Hardy and Lillie Hardy in Dallas, Texas. She married Wm. Hubbard Hollon on March 12, 1948, in Dallas, Texas. She leaves behind her daughter, Denise Hollon Kohler of Goodlettsville, Tennessee; sons, Bill Hollon of Dallas, Gary Hollon of Van, and Mark Hollon of Richardson; sister Dorothy Moore of Terrell, Texas; nine grandchildren, one great-grandson, nieces and nephews and extended family members Arthur and Patti Brown of Dallas, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wm. Hubbard Hollon. Peggy was a member of the Dallas First Seventh Day Adventist Church where she supported her husband, “Hub” for more than 30 years, with his Christmas basket program and helping those in need. She was an avid doll collector with a passion for vintage dolls from her childhood era. She lived the past five years of her life with her daughter Denise and son-in-law, Benny in Tennessee. She was a wonderful and loving mother and grandmother and was loved dearly by her family. She will be sorely missed.

38 RECORD MAGAZINE

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Our first week-long, live-in program begins April 1, 2018. Please contact us via e-mail at drsi@ohhealth.org or call 318.426.1843.

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Gregg, of Bishop, Calif.; two grandchildren.

Curtis, Barbara Elizabeth Downs;

born June 23, 1936, Pitcher, Okla., died September 18, 2017 in Dierks, Ark. Church membership: Beacon Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church. Preceded in death by parents Haskell and Nellie F. Swager Downs; husband, Patrick Donald Curtis; son, De Wayne Curtis; two brothers, Claude Ray “Sonny” Downs and Mike Whitney. Survivors: sons, James Curtis, Donald Curtis, and Mark Curtis, of De Queen, Ark.; five grandchildren.

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Frye, James; born Sept. 5, 1946,

April 5-8, 2018 — ROSARIO SINGLES RETREAT in Anacortes, WA,

1946, Staunton, Va.; died November 25, 2016, Gentry, Ark. Church membership: Gentry Seventh-day Adventist Church. He was previously the Superintendent of Schools for the ArkansasLouisiana Conference and spent years in education serving as a teacher, principal, and superintendent in the states of Virginia, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Colorado.

Survivors: Eva Hevener, of Gentry; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Sam Campbell, of Siloam Springs, Ark.; son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Cammi Hevener, of Siloam Springs; brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Fillmer and Celia Hevener, of Farmville, Va.; five grandchildren.

with keynote speaker Marvin Wray. Experience a spiritual, social, and fun time.

Registration opens March 1, 2018. Join the retreat email list: WashingtonASAM@gmail.com.

Obituaries Beltz, Harold; born November

9, 1925, Morrill, Neb.; died June 26, 2017. He retired as a minister from the Rocky Mountain Conference in 1994. Survivors: wife, LaVerna; daughter: Patsy Sogioka, of Oak Glen, Calif.; daughter, Linda Richards and her husband,

Coffeyville, Kansas; died Sept. 13, 2017, Lenapah, Okla. Church membership: Nowata Seventh-day Adventist Church. Surviving: nephew, Marty Frye.

Hevener, Donald Ray; born July 19,

Back Pages Edward Horne died on March

16, 2017, at the age of 85, and a few months later his wife of 66 years, Nola, also 85, died on June 24, 2017. They were long-time members of the Westlakes SeventhDay Adventist Church in West Monroe, Louisiana.

They are survived by a son, Dr. Stephen Horne and wife Kathy; two grandsons, Christopher and wife Christine, and Patrick and wife Melissa; and two great-grandchildren, Mikayla and Michael. It would be hard to find a more Christian loving couple. Countless Sabbaths would find new members or visitors welcomed into their home for Sabbath lunch.

Edward especially loved children and young people and despite the age difference, youth of all ages wanted to spend time with him. Through their generosity an untold number of kids had a Christmas or were able to attend junior camp.

Edward was an engineer for the state of Louisiana and his expertise was invaluable in the building of our church and the road leading up to the church. He was the driving force behind our church getting the chimes that play daily and Sabbath, welcoming all to church on Sabbath morning.

Edward was always involved in church functions, going all the way back to 1951 when he was featured in The Record as the instructor in a Red Cross first aid class after attending a Medical Cadet Camp in Colorado.

Nola Horne was a leader in church activities most of her adult life. As early as 1954 she was mentioned in The Record as being home missionary leader and leading out in a successful ingathering campaign. She held many positions in the local church, including being the first woman elder in the ArkLa Conference and possibly in the Southwestern Union. The pastor from that time still says she was the best elder he ever had. Nola and daughter-in-law Kathy Horne graced the cover and were featured in the lead article of the July/August 1986 issue of Women of Spirit magazine. She served on the executive committee of the Southwestern Union and also as delegate to the General Conference. She continued her service by accepting the position of Director of Women’s Ministries for the ArkLa Conference and a few years later accepted the position of Director of Women’s Ministries for the Southwestern Union. Always looking for ways to foster church recognition and growth, she organized Westlakes’ first and very well received Cowboy Camp Meeting.

These members are missed by our local church family and community as they were well-known and loved throughout the ArkLaMiss region.

Mylonas, Seth Owen, born January

6, 2016; died July 18, 2017, Ardmore, Okla. Survivors: parents, Tommy and Teresa Mylonas; brother, Samuel Mylonas; sister, Elizabeth Mylonas; grandparents, Kathy Farrow; Willard Farrow; Tommy and Kathy Mylonas.

Phillips, Isaac Franklin; born

August 17, 1925, Taiban, N. Mex.; died September 2, 2017, Amarillo, Texas.

Church membership: Amarillo Seventh-day Adventist Church. Survivors: wife, Geraldine Phillips, of Amarillo; daughter, Linda Lavender, of Amarillo; son, Mark Phillips, of Amarillo; son, Jimmy Phillips, of Clovis, N. Mex.

Stuteville, Dennis Ray; born June

20, 1948, Long Beach, Calif.; died Oct. 1, 2017, Austin, Texas. Church membership: Amarillo Seventh-day Adventist Church. Preceded in death by his parents; brother, Darel Stuteville; and daughter, Misty Stuteville.

Survivors: daughter, Robin Stuteville Broyles, of Bowie, Texas; step-daughter, Tanya Stuteville, of Amarillo, Texas; sister, Darlene Stuteville; five grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

Wilczek, Karina Ramos; born Oct.

16, 1986, Teocaltiche, Jalisco, Mexico; died Aug. 19, 2017.

Church membership: Okeene Seventh-day Adventist Church. Preceded in death by her son Taylor Lane and daughter Mikaela Rose.

Surviving: husband, David Wilczek; parents, Casimiro and Micaela Ramos; sister, Araceli (Aaron); brother, Eric Ramos; father and mother-in-

law, David and Rose Wilczek; sister-in-law, Amanda (William); 3 grandchildren.

Wolcott, Fred Edward; born June

25, 1929 in El Dorado, Ark.; died June 16, 2017, De Queen, Ark. Church membership: Beacon Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church. Survivors: wife, Mae Evelyn Burrow Wolcott, of DeQueen; son, Dennis Wolcott, of Salt Lake City, Utah; son, Steve Stewart, of DeQueen; daughters, Brenda Lovell, Glenda Icenhower, and Deborah Smith, of DeQueen; 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren.

Submissions Back Pages:

To submit family milestones, obituaries, announcements, or address changes, visit www.

SWURecord.org, or call 817.295.0476.

The Record also accepts expanded obituaries. For submission and cost information, contact record@swuc. org, or call 817.295.0476.

News and Articles:

Send your local church news and high-resolution photographs to your local conference communication representative listed on page 2.

If you are interested in writing for the Record, view our writer’s guide at www.

SWURecord.org, or email record@swuc.org.

Advertising:

Contact: Bradley Ecord becord@swuc.org 817.295.0476

DECEMBER 2017 39

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