FLAME | Summer 2013

TXCSDA FLAME P.O. Box 800 Alvarado, TX 76009

advent movement {editor's note} SUMMERTIME IS QUITE OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH TRANSITIONS. Families move across the country to settle into new communities; vacations introduce us to new and unexplored spaces; students prepare for the next grade; even friendships tend to change during the course of the summer.

FLAME A publication of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Texas Conference.

It’s a theme we’ve picked up on in this summer issue of the FLAME magazine. Thanks to our dedicated editors and contributors, you’ll find insights into a new way of looking at family vacations and summertime fitness options, not to mention chocolate dip!

Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

But we’ve also tackled spiritual transitions. In the next few pages you’ll meet a local church, which is transitioning its members to a personal experience with God in Scripture.

You’ll also meet Earl Dabney, whose transformative story you won’t soon forget and two congregations that have transitioned into a relationship that transcends geographical proximity. Finally, you’ll have a chance to grapple with a transition that calls us to expand our circle of influence in our communities and our world.

P.O. Box 800 Alvarado, TX 76009 Phone: (817) 790-2255 Fax: (817) 783-5266 www.TexasAdventist.org

In addition, you’ll meet several Texas Conference members and leaders serving in the Central Texas and San Antonio area; gain perspective from parents who choose Adventist education; learn how Adventist Community Services made an impact on a Hill County Judge, and much more.

On behalf of our Texas Conference administration and the FLAME staff, thank you for taking time to enjoy the FLAME magazine, wherever you may be this summer!

Costin Jordache Editor-in-Chief @costinjordache (Twitter)

{contributors}

EDITORIAL

ADVENT Employees of the Adventist Church often change leadership positions and areas of responsibility. This section is to help you keep up with who’s where in Texas.

movement

Esequias Perea Jr.:

Pastor Mount Pleasant, Paris and Delta Churches

Christopher M. Jones:

Pastor The Woodlands and Houston North Churches

Richard Rose:

Pastor Rusk, Elkhart, Mineola and Athens Churches

ALFREDO VERGEL is the Public Services and Special Collections Librarian at Southwestern Adventist University.

In this issue he shares a historical journalistic perspective on some of Keene’s earliest settlers.

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TERI FOREMAN is the Fitness Center Director at Texas Health Huguley Hospital. In this issue, she offers practical tips for getting off the couch and maximizing your summer fitness routine.

MARLON PERKINS is senior pastor at the Arlington Alpha International Seventhday Adventist Church and Dallas Living Waters Worship Center of Seventh-day Adventists.

In his feature on page 14, Lost & Found, he shares Earl Dabney’s powerful testimony of God’s indescribable love.

MAKALA COLEMAN is a FLAME Contributor and on page 16, she tells how Adventist Community Services made a difference in the aftermath of the West, Texas explosion.

TITO CHARNECO is the pastor of the Keller Come and See Seventhday Adventist Church and on page 5, suggests a surprisingly unique way to practice biblical discipleship in your church and community.

Publisher..............................................Carlos Craig Editor-in-Chief .............................. Costin Jordache Managing Editor ......................Kristina P. Lockhart Assistant Editor.................................... Jason Busch Layout Design...............................Tammy G. Prieto Translation Coordination ........Kristina P. Lockhart

Joe McWilliams:

Pastor Fredericksburg and Kerrville Churches

Exiquio Durán:

Pastor Alvin Spanish, Rosenberg Spanish and Richwood Spanish Churches

Sora Yañez:

Graphic Designer Texas Conference Office of Seventh-day Adventists

Abigail Espinosa:

Hispanic Ministries and Hispanic Evangelism Administrative Assistant Texas Conference Office of Seventh-day Adventists

Jeanne Sadau:

Youth and Young Adults Administrative Assistant Texas Conference Office of Seventh-day Adventists

Michael Polinar:

Youth and Young Adults Special Projects Coordinator Texas Conference Office of Seventh-day Adventists

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Huguley Memorial Medical Center Southwestern Adventist University Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church Ruber and Ketty Leal Earl Dabney images by Vismo Studios Sandy Reyes images by Karen Savignon

ADMINISTRATION President ..............................................Carlos Craig Secretary ............................................... Gary Brady Treasurer .....................................Edwin G. Romero

PRINTING & MAILING Director ..........................................Mario Ledezma Designer ..................................... Madelein Terreros Print Shop Assistant............................Doug Denny Administrative Assistant ..................Erica Manzano

The FLAME is a publication of inspiration and education of the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. It is sent free of charge to all members of the Texas Conference on a quarterly basis. All others may request an annual subscription for a fee of $10.00.

It is our prayer that you will find the stories in these pages inspiring and empowering so that together we can share the flame of Christ's love with those around us, both in Texas and beyond.

If you have questions or comments, please email: communication@txsda.org.

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calendar

In Every Issue 2 From the Editor 4 Leadership Moment 4 Perspectives 7 Lake Whitney Ranch 8 Partners 21 On The Shelf 26 Calendar 27 Advent Movement

{CONTENTS}

Events AUGUST

August 2013

24 || Missional Compass

Hispanic Men’s Ministry Training Dallas-Fort Worth Area at the Dallas Spanish Oak Cliff Church.

25 ||

Women’s Ministries Leadership Certification Training: Level 2 Austin Area at the Austin Stonehill Church.

NOVEMBER

21 || Hispanic Men’s Ministry

Ministry Retreat at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel.

9 ||

Leadership Training Workshop Houston Area at the Houston Central Church.

10 ||

Treasury Training Dallas-Fort Worth Area at Burton Adventist Academy.

Empower Club Ministries Training Valley Area at the Edinburg Church.

Missional Compass Leadership Training Workshop Dallas-Fort Worth Area at the Dallas First Church.

16 || Missional Compass

30 || Empower Club Ministries

Training Central Texas Area at the San Marcos Church.

Leadership Training Workshop Valley Area at the Weslaco Church.

17 || Empower Club Ministries

Training Dallas-East Texas Area at the Garland Spanish Church.

17 ||

Southwestern Union Church Ministries Training at Valley Grande Adventist Academy.

SEPTEMBER

23 ||

Empower Club Ministries Training Houston Area at the Houston United African Church – Pathfinder emphasis.

24 || Empower Club Ministries

Training Houston Area at the Houston Spanish Spring Branch Church – Adventurer emphasis.

24 || Missional Compass

Leadership Training Workshop Austin Area at the Austin Stonehill Church.

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Training Houston Area at the Houston Spanish Bellaire Church.

Workshop Valley Area at the Edinburg Church.

6-8 || ForeverONE

Marriage Retreat at the Omni Hotel and Resort in Irving, TX.

OCTOBER 4 || Cowboy Camp Meeting at the Rustic Creek Ranch RV Park.

4-6 || Texas Conference 6 || Empower Club Ministries Training Fort Worth-Keene Area at the Fort Worth First Church.

Master Guide Camporee at Lake Whitney Ranch.

5 || Sabbath School Workshop

7 || Women’s Ministries

Leadership Certification Training: Level 2 Valley Area at the Weslaco Church.

7 || Sabbath School Workshop

San Antonio Area at the San Antonio Scenic Hills Church.

7 || Estate Planning Seminar Houston Area at the Houston Central Church.

7 || Estate Planning Seminar

East Texas Area at the Jefferson Academy Church.

26 || Hispanic Men’s Ministry Training Austin/San Antonio Area at the Austin Spanish First Church.

9 ||

21 || Sabbath School

18 || Treasury Training

Houston Area at the Adventist Christian Academy of Texas.

7 ||

14 FEATURE His stature will impress you; his story will move you. Hear from the man who changed the path he was traveling, just in time.

Fort Worth Area at the Fort Worth First Church.

18 || Texas Conference

16 BRIDGES Serving our neighbors in the midst of a disaster.

1 || Valley Spanish Women’s

2 || RESTORE Houston Soul 16 ||

18 SPOTLIGHT Highlighting members around the Texas Conference.

16 || Sabbath School

20 KIDZ KORNER Stories, activity ideas, and fun facts to impress your friends!

Winning Festival Location TBD.

Women’s Ministries Leadership Certification Training: Level 2 Houston Area at the Houston Central Church.

Workshop Dallas Area at the Richardson Church.

23 ||

Women’s Ministries Leadership Certification Training: Level 2 Dallas/Fort worth/East Texas Area at the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

23 ||

San Antonio 2015 Evangelism Project Launch.

Adventurer Family Camp at Lake Whitney Ranch.

page 7

7 MINISTRIES Meet the woman who is driving force behind Women’s Ministry in Texas.

9 EDUCATION Why do parents choose Adventist schools?

10 LIVING FAITH How to broaden your circle of influence.

11 FITNESS Taking healthy living to the great outdoors.

18 || RESTORE Houston at Houston Area churches.

26 || Women’s Ministries

Leadership Certification Training: Level 2 Central Texas Area at the San Antonio Laurel Heights Church.

page 14

Want more info?

Registration, information and more events on the Texas Conference website at TexasAdventist.org

12 FAMILY MATTERS Vacations shouldn’t end just because summer does.

22 THEOLOGY Part Two: How should we worship?

page 25

23 HISTORY Texas Adventist pioneers impress a young journalist at the turn of the 20th century 25 STEWARDSHIP One pastor’s appeal pulls two churches together.

13 RECIPE Healthy choices for your next picnic.

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stewardship

leadership moment

CARLOS CRAIG

GARY BRADY

EDWIN ROMERO

Why is Adventist education a critical investment?

I believe that Adventist schools offer an environment tailored to both academic development as well as the development of character. In partnership with parents who take an active role in their child’s growth and development, Seventh-day Adventist schools teach and model God’s plan for humanity— our children’s growth in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. The environment in which a student spends 6-8 hours per day is critical to this development and in Texas we strive to ensure that all our schools provide safe, godly, and high quality learning environments.

What does it mean for evangelism and church growth that three of the fastest growing US cities are in Texas?

We can view this reality in two ways. First, as a challenge. The population of these cities is growing faster than we can keep up with. On the other hand, it is a tremendous opportunity. The influx of new people moving into our communities, partnered with a strong economy in Texas makes for a strong environment in which to move forward with evangelism and outreach. In the end though, our response is dependent on whether every one of us views these statistics with a sense of urgency.

What are some highlights of the financial report presented to Constituency Session delegates in April?

We were honored to present a very healthy financial report and praise God for it. First, we’ve increased our financial reserves to 100% of the North American Division required value. We also have a liquidity ratio of 3.51, meaning that for every dollar of short-term obligations (salaries, utility payments, etc.) we have over three dollars available to meet that need. Finally, last year we allocated record amounts to two very important ministries in our conference, over $1.5 million to evangelism and approximately $7.5 million to education.

president

secretary

WHEN GOD LEADS YOU in a different direction

By Peter Weber, Edinburg Seventh-day Adventist Church Pastor

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By Jason Busch, Texas Conference Assistant Communication Director

treasurer

perspectives

I GREW UP IN SOUTH AMERICA with my family.

My parents owned multiple businesses and we were very wealthy. We lived in a three-story house and had service employees and several vehicles. My older brother and I attended a private school where only the most affluent families sent their kids. The majority of our teachers were priests, and when I was eight I wanted to be a priest as well.

Everything was great until my parents got divorced.

We lost every material thing we had ever had. My brother, mother and I moved into a small house that had no electricity, no running water and no toilet. Our lifestyle had completely flipped, but we realized that had to keep moving forward.

A while later, some friends invited us to join them for meetings their church was holding. After three months of faithfully attending the evangelistic meetings, we were baptized as Seventh-day Adventist Christians.

Two Churches One Family

When I finished high school, I agreed to work as a fisherman for the captain of a tuna clipper, a fishing boat that we would be taking around the world. The night before I was to embark, the evangelist who had brought us the message of hope visited our home.

He encouraged me to enroll at the Peruvian Union University, the country's Adventist university, and offered me a ride. Without any money, I decided to go and joined him for the overnight drive. I enrolled and began to take classes. It wasn’t long before I switched my major to theology. As a child, that’s what I had always wanted to do: work for God and His church. That decision changed my life completely. I still got to see the world, but rather than fishing for tuna, I had the privilege to fish for men and women who long for the Lord.

IN 2005, HURRICANE RITA was on a tour of destruction throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Unfortunately for the Groves Seventh-day Adventist Church, the behemoth hit a little too close to home and when the dust settled, only 20-30 percent of the church was left standing. The building looked like it had been on the wrong side of a wrecking ball—giant hole in the roof, insulation falling down, even pigeons started living in the sanctuary. The church was out of money and needed help—and found it in an unlikely neighbor.

Five years after the near-obliteration of the Groves church, the building still wasn’t repaired. When Pastor Will Klinke accepted the call to pastor the church, he did so with the understanding that he faced one of the most difficult building projects in all of Texas.

Little did he know what blessings would surface from the bleak situation.

The other church in Pastor Will’s jurisdiction is the Orange Seventh-day Adventist Church, with a membership roughly one-quarter the size of Groves. For years they had been busy paying off their debts and saving as much as possible. By the time Pastor Will came, they were debt free and financially secure.

Shortly into his tenure, the pastor knew what he had to do.

“I had to appeal to Orange to give what they could consistently

AFTER

BEFORE

to Groves, knowing that it might not be a popular message,” said Pastor Will. “Consistently being the key word here, because when all of God’s people work together it opens the door for greater blessings.”

What resulted went beyond anyone’s expectations. Pastor Will delivered his appeal and watched in amazement as Orange church members rose to the occasion. Over the next couple of years, and completely unbeknownst to the Groves church, the Orange church donated $6-8 thousand per month. One person even wrote a check for $10,000. In the midst of all this, the Orange church agreed to cosign on a loan for the Groves church and it was then that their generosity was made known. The building was fixed, but more importantly the people inside the building were fixed. The despair that Groves' members felt toward the future of their church was ripped away, leaving an unbendable hope and an unbreakable spirit.

In all, over $200,000 came from the pockets of Orange members for Groves. The members of the tiny Orange Seventh-day Adventist Church still give about $5,000 per month to Groves, proving that big things can still come in small packages. Orange members are living the truism that it’s better to give than to receive and have experienced blessings beyond any they could imagine.

No longer two churches, but one family. God’s family.

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discipleship

The Book

THE PEOPLE FILLING THE SMALL HOUSE hurriedly finished their meal – their attention turning toward the house leader as he explains, “Come closer; the reading will begin momentarily.” Shortly thereafter, the first reader wrestles in the dim lighting with the rolled parchment before her and begins reading, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus…” (Ephesians 1:1).

Using the house gatherings of the early church1 as a model, the Keller Come and See congregation has recently begun The Book Club. The purpose is threefold: to engage, equip, and encourage through an in-depth study of Scripture.

Peter Sciambia, a recently baptized member, explains “Because we discuss the text in great depth, the meaning of the message and its application stays with me longer. It entices

Club

By Tito Charneco, Keller Come and See Seventh-day Adventist Church Pastor

me to want to learn more.”

These monthly studies focus on a predetermined book from Scripture, alternating between the Old and the New Testament.

They begin with a fellowship meal and are followed by a session of prayer time. The study continues with an overview of the book’s authorship, which precedes a brief explanation of the historical background and context.

“These are wonderful studies,” explains church member Donna Frost, “as they help me understand things I wouldn’t otherwise by myself. And the fellowship is superb.”

It is of the essence that believers spend ample time in Scripture— the greatest source of wisdom and understanding— rediscovering the wonderful traits of the Lord they serve. “I am learning biblical truths I didn’t know existed,” adds church member Wilma Herrera.“As The Book Club exposes me to

new and deeper truths, it reveals the essence of Scripture: who God is, His faithfulness in keeping His word and how He constantly pursues us so that we would be reconciled unto Him.” The Book Club is currently accepting new applicants, regardless of geographical location. The only requirements are a humble heart, a desire to be transformed and a willingness to guide others through the same steps. Join The Book Club or start your own – the dividends are everlasting!

1

The word ekkleœsia (church) as used in the New Testament during this time period, refers to an assembly, or the gathering of people. This assembly normally took place in the privacy of a believer’s home. Its current connotation as a formally organized group or a structure was a much later development.

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history

The Academy Building, later known as the College Building, was built in 1895 and had classrooms and administrative offices.

g in ust you m g ar Co Au ne is rch h t u a

L A

--

A workshop designed for Church Ministries Directors and Leaders

Faith Home

By Alfredo Vergel, Southwestern Adventist University Public Services and Special Collections Librarian, Ellen White Research Center Interim Director

MISSI

ON

to

ch

P A S M S O C

A Campus Drives

--

Dates on Page 26

BY ALL ACCOUNTS IT HAD BEEN AN ORDINARY spring day on campus. Classes were in session, the sick sought healing at the sanitarium, crops neared maturity and summer plans were taking form. The yearly round of public evangelism was in full swing across the Texas Conference and literature evangelists steadily canvassed neighborhoods, while crowds gathered at tent meetings. But it’s unclear if anyone in Keene noticed a 36-yearold journalist driving around town.

Scouting Texas for hints of the development of social values, William Garrott Brown was amazed at the sight of Keene.

Wherever his eyes turned, there was evidence of a hard working community with high values. Young and at the peek of his career, Brown had gotten an education at Harvard, written several books and was on assignment in Texas for the Boston Evening Transcript, a daily newspaper with great literary influence at the time.

“The Adventists have been here, I believe, only six or seven years,” Brown reported in 1904, “but all about the little village are the marks of a vigorous, intelligent, successful industry.”

Somehow the sight of cleared land, thoroughly cultivated fields, and modest but sturdy structures managed to leave a lasting impression of the Adventists. “A thriftier little community I never saw. And all is the work of people whose chief aim in this world is to be ready to leave it at a moment’s notice,” he quipped.

Brown probably caught a glimpse of the Keene Industrial Academy farm with its berry blossoms and sweet potato runners.

He may have driven by colporteur and well-known horticulturist J.T. Chestnut’s remarkable vineyard too. The volunteer work of local resident Rueben Wright on the campus grounds was probably evident.

And, without a doubt, he saw more of that diligence in other residents of Keene.

“Their faces showed not merely intelligence, but culture,” he wrote. In his eyes, Keene was an archetype of the evolving work values of the American South at the turn of the century, and he could not help wondering what the relationship was between the industriousness and the religion of that community.

As I think of Brown’s article, I can’t help but ponder the influence of Adventist life and more specifically, Adventist education on those who witness from the outside the character traits in evidence on campus.

What we do and how well we do it matters.

At least it did for a prominent journalist, who then shared his observations with the world at large.

My guess is that the same is true for our local churches, the businesses we own and our homes. What we do and how well we do it matters—something we may not always be aware of. I keep a small and well-maintained garden where my children can play, harvest fruit and pick flowers, but I haven’t necessarily considered that it may just be one of the most effective ways to help drive my faith home to my neighbors.

Texas Adventist pioneers harvested crops at the turn of the century, over 100 years ago.

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ministries

theology

How should we

alone; the Lord almighty is with you. Do not be afraid, He will go with you and hold you.” That still resounds with me today.

It has been a long journey that I could not have embarked on alone.

I have felt the Lord’s powerful arms sustaining and embracing me, letting me know that everything was going to be okay. I had surgery a month later and began chemotherapy in January 2013. Although I was physically weak, our great and powerful almighty God sustained me.

It has been nearly a year and I am still not done with treatment, but I know that if the Lord has been with me in the past, He will surely be with me still.

Worship? part two Part two is a continuation from a Spring 2013 FLAME article where basic ideas regarding the biblical practice of worship are being discussed.

By Jorge E. Rico, D.Min., Ph.D., Professor of Religion at Southwestern Adventist University

AS WORSHIP EVOLVED IN BIBLICAL TIMES, new elements were incorporated. Some of them became part of the temple services. In New Testament times, Jesus and the apostles also included those components in the worship of the church. Others simply remained a personal religious expression to God for what He had done for them, but were never aggregated to the temple or church services. Despite this newness, biblical characters did not divert from the theological meaning and foundation that characterized the worship of the Lord in previous periods. As a result, the adoration to God became more significant to the individual believer. The next two basic ideas about worship will attempt to clarify the additions incorporated in the worship of God. The •THIRD• basic idea indicates that, in every age, worship involved some common essential elements. The first two were an altar and a sacrificed animal (Gen. 8:20-21; Exo. 27:1-8; 1 Kings 18:30-38).

Acknowledgment that salvation is only possible by the blood of the lamb was pivotal to the individual worship experience. The next two components were the sacrificial knife and the fire (Gen.22:6-10; 1 Kings 18:24, 36-39). Both were instruments of judgment whose usage implied the recognition that God decided to take the responsibility for man’s sin and pay the penalty of death in his place (John 3:16; Romans 6:23).

The last common element involved in worship was the posture exhibited by the worshiper. In biblical times, the most common attitude for worship was complete prostration before the Lord, which included touching the ground with the face (Gen. 18:2; 19:1; 24:26, 48, 52; 42:6; Jos. 5:14; Neh. 8:6; Est. 3:2). This practice was equally meaningful for the worship experience of the believer. Connecting the face with the ground was the closest an individual can get to his place of origin. It meant that the believer, despite the circumstances surrounding his life (discouragement, boredom, or anger), acknowledged that he was nothing, but dust and God was everything (cf. Ps. 8:3-6; 144:3-4, 9, 15).

Therefore, worship was about the awesomeness of God and He was the center of it.

The •FOURTH• basic idea presents that worship included an element of celebration. This joy was generally expressed through music and songs. There are two recorded instances when some individuals also showed their personal gratitude and happiness to the Lord for what He had done through some type of movement. One, after God destroyed Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, Moses sang to God (Exo. 15:118). His song was followed by the women of Israel who, led by Miriam, Aaron’s sister, praised God with tambourines and dancing and also sang to thank the Lord for their liberation from the Egyptian yoke (Exo. 15:20 NIV). Some Bible translators have rendered the Hebrew term bimeholot, employed in this text, as dancing, but it literally means with pipes. It is possible that movement was involved, but the celebration of the women mainly consisted in playing musical instruments (see also Jud. 11:34; 21:21, 23; 1 Sam. 18:6).

Two, while bringing the ark to Jerusalem, David and the whole house

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of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord... (2 Sam. 6:5 NIV). Like in the previous event, the translation of the text needs to be clarified. The word celebrating comes from the Hebrew sahaq, which means to laugh, to sing, or to play an instrument (1 Sam. 18:7; 1 Chron. 13:8; 15:29). Besides celebrating, David was also leaping (2 Sam. 6:14, 16; 1 Chron. 15:29), which has also been translated in some Bible versions as dancing. The term leaping comes from the Hebrew karar, meaning to whirl, to rotate, or to jump. Thus David’s personal celebration involved some kind of movement (not necessarily dancing) and happiness.

David’s joy, however, went beyond moving to getting naked before the Lord and the girls of his servants (2 Sam. 6:20-22). Michal, his wife, saw the king celebrating from her window (2 Sam. 6:16) and despised, not his movements, but his nakedness because he became vulgar before his people (2 Sam 6:20). Not only did David admit to his indecent behavior, but also told her that he was going to become even more undignified than this (2 Sam. 6:22 NIV). David’s demeanor and attitude are not only unfortunate, but may also raise questions about his whole celebration. Can nakedness be an acceptable practice to worship God? Can this story serve as an example for modern worship? Besides being socially rejected, after sin, nakedness became a symbol of separation from God (Gen.3:7). For this reason, God wants us to be clothed with His righteousness (Rev. 3:18). Notice that David started the procession dressed as a priest, with a linen ephod (2 Sam. 6:14; 1 Chron. 15:27), but finished it naked.

These last two observations offer some additional conclusions. One, when worshiping God, emphasis must be placed on the greatness, grace, and beauty of the Lord, not on the emotional condition of the worshiper. Two, while music and singing became part of the temple services (1 Chron. 25:6-7) and of the Christian worship (Mrk. 14:26; Mt. 26:30), there is no biblical record that moving or dancing were incorporated as part of the worship conducted in the temple or the church.

Three, David’s celebration cannot be cited as a good example for dancing to the Lord because it is not biblically clear whether David really danced or not. Moreover, his decision to remove his clothes before his people, male and females, gives a negative connotation to his religious experience.

The study of these four basic ideas has led me to some conclusions: 1) worship is not about being liberal, conservative, or anything in between; 2) worship is not an event, but a personal experience with the Lord; 3) worship is not about getting something from God, but about giving ourselves to the Lord; 4) worship is ascribing value, worth, and appreciation to our eternal God for who He is and for what He has done; 5) worship should motivate people to dedicate their time, energy, talents, and finances to enhance God’s kingdom on earth. What is worship for you? I pray that as you attend church to praise and adore God, you will find yourself spiritually revived and nurtured.

FLAME: What has helped you get through this time?

SANDY: Trusting that the Lord will do what is best for me, even if I don’t understand it or like it. Secondly, I’ve felt my family’s prayers and love, as well as the many prayers of women across the Conference and the world.

WOMEN'S MINISTRIES

in Texas THE WOMEN’S MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT at the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists provides leadership and vision to women’s ministries in Texas.

Sandy Reyes, Women’s Ministries Director, has been involved in Women’s Ministries for over 15 years. She is married to Otoniel Reyes who currently pastors two Spanish churches and two Spanish companies in Mission and McAllen, Texas. They have two children and four grandchildren. We wanted our readers to get to know the woman behind the title and meet the spunky affable brunette whose laughter fills any room.

FLAME: How did you get involved in Women’s Ministries?

SANDY: When my husband was serving as a conference president in Mexico, I was asked to take on women’s ministries in addition to ministerial spouses and children’s ministries. I accepted the challenge and have loved it ever since.

FLAME: You recently faced some challenges with your health, what can you tell us about that?

SANDY: In September of 2012, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. When my doctor told me my diagnosis he also said, “You are a woman of faith. You are not

FLAME: What do you enjoy most about being Women’s Ministries Director for the Texas Conference?

SANDY: A number of things! Traveling around our conference and getting to know women and their leadership styles, helping out when they encounter a challenge, and praising the Lord with them when things go well in their churches.

FLAME: Is Women’s Ministries just for older ladies?

SANDY: Definitely not! If we want our church to keep growing we must learn to get the younger generations involved. This ministry is for everyone willing to serve, no matter their age. We want young women to become leaders.

FLAME: What are some examples of activities women are doing in their churches?

SANDY: Many churches have monthly Prayer Breakfast meetings on Sundays and others have prayer vigils on Friday or Saturday nights. PALS (Prayer and Love Saves) is an activity where women come together to pray for children that have distanced themselves from their church. Tea Party Ministry helps newcomers get acquainted with the ladies at the church. Bread and Water Ministry involves women who share a bottle of water, a loaf of bread and a designated book with homes in neighborhoods, telling the residents that we need Jesus in our lives as much as we need bread and water on our tables. These are only a few activities; we could go on and on.

FLAME: What woman do you look up to and why?

SANDY: Adventist pioneer and author, Ellen G. White.

She was chosen by God to fulfill a mission even though her health was fragile. She didn’t complain about her health and she served the Lord. He gave her the strength she needed to work for Him and that is a wonderful inspiration to me. I know the Lord will hold me when I am weak.

partners

on the shelf

HOME Away From HOME at

By Emily Nolasco, Sophomore Communication Major STUDENTS MAY BE FAR FROM FAMILY, but they often discover their home away from home at Southwestern Adventist University.

Talk to them and often you’ll find that a big reason they choose Southwestern is because of the closeness and camaraderie they feel with others and the extra care that many faculty members exhibit throughout the year.

“When I came to Southwestern, I was a little worried about being homesick or not fitting in, but as I’m finishing off my first year, I can honestly say that I no longer need to worry about any of that,” says Alex Loewen, a sophomore pre-physical therapy major.

Cornerstone Café is a special weekly lunch created for female students to

Southwestern Adventist University fellowship and learn from female leaders and women of faith. Man Up is a weekly Bible study group, started by the Men’s Dean, for young men in search of becoming the men God has called them to be. Biology professors Peter and Amy McHenry deliver freshly baked cookies to dorm students and offer to pray with them. Dr. Parryy and his g grandkids bake brownies every time his classes have a math test.

Both Diem Dennis, associate director of records, and Susan Grady, administrative ve assistant to the president, feed ed students from their homes during uring holidays, on band trips or before choirr performances.

Departmental vesspers and other events nts are also hosted at faculty homes, allowwing students to get to know their professors r rs

on a more personal level. Southwestern’s faculty really strives to make students feel loved, accepted, cared for and at home.

In addition, every six weeks, four grandmothers (of current Southwestern students) provide a delicious homemade breakfast.

Donned in matching aprons, they serve about 100 students.

“I wanted wan a way to get to know the students my grandson was going to school with and thought thou this was a perfect opportunity,” shares Shirley S Johnson, grandmother of sophomore education major Steven Dye. “We try e out new recipes and meet new students every time. We’ve had some of them over for Sabbath lunch, too.”

Sab “I think what makes Southwestern fee feel like family is that everybody knows eac each other and the faculty really care for you and wish you success in your cla classes,” says Loewen. “Most of them wo would gladly take time out of their day to help you with anything.”

i am prepared to succeed / ƐƚĂƌƚĞĚ ŵLJ ĮƌƐƚ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ǁŚĞŶ / ǁĂƐ ϭϲ͘ / ǁĂƐ ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐĨƵů ďƵƚ / ĚĞĐŝĚĞĚ / ŶĞĞĚĞĚ ƚŽ ŐŽ ƚŽ ĐŽůůĞŐĞ͘ /͛ŵ ŶŽǁ ŐƌĂĚƵĂƟŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ĚĞŐƌĞĞ ŝŶ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ĮŶĂŶĐĞ͘ / ůŽǀĞ ŐŽŝŶŐ ƚŽ ^ŽƵƚŚǁĞƐƚĞƌŶ͘ /ƚ͛Ɛ ŽŶĞ ďŝŐ ĨĂŵŝůLJ ŚĞƌĞ͘ dŚĞ ƚĞĂĐŚĞƌƐ ĂƌĞ ŵŽƌĞ ƚŚĂŶ ũƵƐƚ ƚĞĂĐŚĞƌƐ͕ ƚŚĞLJ͛ƌĞ LJŽƵƌ ĨƌŝĞŶĚƐ͘ DLJ ƚĞĂĐŚĞƌƐ ĂŶƐǁĞƌ ƋƵĞƐƟŽŶƐ ǁĞůů ĂŶĚ ŵĂŬĞ ƐƵƌĞ ĞǀĞƌLJŽŶĞ ŝŶ ĐůĂƐƐ ƵŶĚĞƌƐƚĂŶĚƐ͘ dŚĞLJ ƚĂŬĞ ĂŶ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ ƵƐ͘ /Ŷ ŵLJ ĞŶƚƌĞƉƌĞŶĞƵƌƐŚŝƉ ĐůĂƐƐ / ŵĞƚ ƐŽŵĞŽŶĞ ǁŚŽ ŚĂƐ ďĞĐŽŵĞ ŵLJ ŵĞŶƚŽƌ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ǁŽƌůĚ͘ ,Ğ͛Ɛ ŶŽǁ Ă ŐŽŽĚ ĨƌŝĞŶĚ ŽĨ ŵŝŶĞ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ƐŽŵĞŽŶĞ ǁŚŽ ŝƐ ŚĞůƉŝŶŐ ŵĞ ŐƌŽǁ ŵLJ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ͘ /ŶƐƚĞĂĚ ŽĨ ĐŽůůĞŐĞ ƚĂŬŝŶŐ ĂǁĂLJ ĨƌŽŵ ŵLJ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ͕ ŝƚ͛Ɛ ŚĞůƉŝŶŐ ŝƚ ŐƌŽǁ͘ DLJ ĞĚƵĐĂƟŽŶ Ăƚ ^ŽƵƚŚǁĞƐƚĞƌŶ ŝƐ ŵĂŬŝŶŐ ŵĞ Ă ďĞƩĞƌ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐƉĞƌƐŽŶ͘ Eddys, Senior Business Major

APPLY TODAY! 800-433-2240 · 817-202-6794 enroll@swau.edu · www.swau.edu

education

kidz korner

By Diego Coello, Summer Camp Enthusiast

Here is some stuff to do if you get bored at home or after church or school. Some you can do all on your own, but for others you need permission and help from an adult.

1. Have Your Own Photo Shoot

Use hair products to style your hair in different ways, get some friends and take silly pictures inside and outside. Be creative!

2. Start a Garden

Use gardening tools to carve out a corner of your yard for a garden.

Beans, cucumbers, lettuce, radishes, broccoli and carrots are some veggies you can plant in August and September that will be ready to harvest in the Fall.

3. Learn How to Make Tortillas

There are lots of recipes online and you only need four ingredients, flour, salt, water and oil!

4. Make Your Own Greeting Cards Using blank cards from a crafts store, design and decorate birthday, thank-you, get well and congratulation cards! Use colored pens, stickers, gems, felt, ribbon, stamps and dry flowers.

My name is Diego Coello, I am 12-years-old and I’ve been going to summer camp since I was seven.

After five years I can really say I love summer camp. It is so much fun and I get to hang out with friends that live all over Texas. Something awesome that happened to me at camp was my decision to follow Jesus.

Over 15 family members came to see my baptism at the camp pool. Some crazy stuff has happened too and it has taught me an important lesson.

A couple summers ago my friend, Cole, and I were walking to canoeing class when another boy told us we should take a shortcut. It seemed like a good idea, even though we didn't know him very well. We followed him through what was supposed to be a shorter route, but it was full of trees, bushes and rocks.

As we were walking I stepped on something and fell. My foot was hurting and when I looked down I saw that I had stepped on a stick, and now that stick was sticking out of me! The sole of my foot was bleeding so I called out to Cole who was ahead of me. He came back, helped me get the stick out of my foot and helped me keep walking.

On the way we saw a golf cart with a counselor and told him what had happened. He drove me to see Nurse Margie, the nicest nurse ever. She got me cleaned up and bandaged and sent me back to class—she is the type of person that really is like Jesus to the campers.

I had stopped focusing on the pain in my foot but, now something else was hurting. I went to the restroom and discovered there were a lot of prickly things stuck to my bottom. When I fell during my journey on the “shortcut”, I had landed on a cactus.

What was I going to do? The little spines really hurt! I found the canoe instructor and told him my dilemma. He grabbed the radio and called for help… “I need a golf cart, I have a camper who has some... cactus spikes on his... buttocks,” he said into the walkie-talkies that every activity station had turned on.

I was bright red and really embarrassed. I took another golf cart ride to see Nurse Margie. This time, I had to hold myself up because every bump reminded me I had cactus spines on my behind. Nurse Margie helped me get every single spine out; there were 27 in total!

My injuries reminded me that shortcuts are not always good; especially when you take them from people you don't know very well. The staff, spiritual programs and fun activities make summer camp awesome. It’s also awesome to learn more about Jesus and learn to make good choices. I learned that taking shortcuts is not a good decision. Jesus says “I am the way the truth and the life.” Jesus is the way to God and to heaven; there are no shortcuts there.

Do you have a story of God impacting your life?

Share it with us! Send us your story and we may use it in the “kidz korner” of the next FLAME issue! Email stories, 400 words or less, to FLAME@txsda.org

by September 9, 2013.

• The Bible mentions that the Garden of Eden was near four rivers. Two of those, the Euphrates and the Tigris, can still be found on maps today. Both rivers run through Iraq before pouring in to the Persian Gulf.

• Noah and his family entered the ark seven days before it started to rain. It rained for 40 days and 40 nights, but the earth was flooded for 150 days. After the water had receded and the earth dried up, Noah and his family were able to come out of the ark, by that time they had spent a year and ten days in the ark.

• After Joseph’s brothers had thrown him in a pit, they decided to sell him to Medianite merchants for 20 shekels of silver.

That’s the equivalent of less than $200 today!

• Ruth was not an Israelite, but she married Boaz. This eventually made her King David’s great-grandmother.

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The Adventist

Difference Compiled by Jason Busch, Texas Conference Assistant Communication Director

AS THE WORLD’S SECOND-LARGEST Christian school system, Seventh-day Adventist education has provided high-quality, affordable, Christian education for almost 150 years. In fact, students across all demographics enrolled in Seventh-day Adventist schools typically outperform the national average.1 But what factors do most parents look for when deciding their child’s educational needs? While many features could be considered important, we wanted to discover the top reasons why parents chose Adventist education for their kids. That’s why we talked to families across Texas to find the answers – here’s what we uncovered:

1 Christ-centered Education | Without a doubt, this was the greatest motivation for parents when deciding where to send their children. For many parents, introducing their kids to Christianity begins well before they’re sent to school but it stands to reason that providing a positive, Christian environment would be an easy choice to make. One of the parents we surveyed, Donna Walton, summarized her feelings about this when she said, “Family worships are great, but most of a child's waking moments are spent in the classroom. For me, this needs to be a godly environment.”

2 Life-long Christian Friendships | “My son attended both Adventist schools and public state schools, and his deepest, most enduring friendships have all come from the former,” said Vikki Ives, parent of a recent graduate. “Not to say he doesn’t have non-Christian friends—he does. But as humans, we tend to form closer relationships with people of similar beliefs and interests, whether Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or none of the above.”

3 Smaller Class Size | “Do you want to be known by your name or by a number?” That’s the age-old question when it comes to class size, and one that the Adventist educational system answers incredibly well.

Classes and schools tend to be smaller than average; even the largest Adventist university in the world has only 8,000 students. “But it is this 'smallness' that makes us a family,” according to Cheri Beth Chong,

another parent in our survey. “Whether in elementary school, high school, or college, this smallness means your teachers know you—not just your name.”

There’s no such thing as a perfect school, Adventist or otherwise.

But when deciding what school is right for your children, the combination of qualities that Adventist education offers can be hard to beat. Perfectly encapsulating this sentiment, Cheri condensed her decision-making process to a single thought: “Going to a Seventh-day Adventist school is reasonable for some and costly enough for most, so parents have to prioritize family needs. But if it means my children and future grandchildren stay grounded in their faith and live a life of service, then it was worth every hard-earned penny.”

1

The Christian Science Monitor, For real education reform, take a cue from the Adventists. Nov. 15, 2010

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living faith

spotlight Joshua Ramirez

Expanding Your

Circle

By Costin Jordache, Texas Conference Assistant to the President for Communication

BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER, claims the somewhat clichéd proverb. And yet there remains a great deal of truth to it. As human beings we tend to cluster into groups that have values and worldviews similar to our own. Any group, from a political party to the kids who sit together at lunchtime, exists because its members feel comfortable expressing their views and having their values affirmed in a safe environment.

As with anything in life, there are trade-offs to our tendency to flock.

On the one hand feeling camaraderie with other like-minded people contributes to a sense of belonging, a critical factor for well-being. On the other hand, if the only environments we flock to are ones that mirror our own experience, then we may miss out on broadening our own understanding and perspective on life; and contributing to someone else’s with our own perspectives.

As Christians, and more specifically as Seventh-day Adventist Christians, we are sometimes challenged with the same tendencies— forming and cultivating relationships only with members of our local church and others who believe like we do. Again, there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, the apostle Paul encourages us not to forget gathering together with other believers.1 At the same time, the same apostle, who unapologetically was “all things to all people”2 , demonstrated a passion for forming and cultivating relationships outside of his comfort zone for the sake of understanding his culture better and for the opportunity to influence that culture for the Gospel.

So how can we broaden our circle of influence for the same reasons? Consider the following suggestions:

2 Spend time with co-workers outside of the office. Begin to see your co-workers as friends and invite them to join you for out-of-office activities: Cycling, local parades, ball games, even just having dinner together with your families. The possibilities are endless.

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grew up in Weslaco, Texas. The son of migrant workers, he fondly remembers traveling throughout the country, visiting nearly every state. Jaime is the Director for Pastoral Care at Metroplex Adventist Hospital in Killeen, and also serves as the pastor for the Killeen Spanish Adventist Church.

Jaime enjoys spending time with his wife, Rosy and their daughter, Belicia, who is a student at Southwestern Adventist University. His heroes are Mr. and Mrs. Yamashiro, who led him to Christ. Jaime says one way to reach out to our family and friends is through random acts of kindness. Although it was difficult for some of his family members to accept his new faith when he became a Seventh-day Adventist Christian, he counts it a blessing to be able to provide them with spiritual and emotional support.

recalls her father’s example and sacrifices made in order to provide her with an Adventist education. She has infused this commitment in her own family. Cheryl is married to Bill Lindeman, pastor of the Corpus Christi and Anneville Churches. Her two children Tami and Erick, are also parents who have determined to send their kids to Adventist schools. Cheryl grew up in Boise, Idaho, and graduated from Walla Walla College with Bill. She dreamed of becoming a missionary nurse as a child and studied nursing in school. A career as a registered nurse has allowed her to help people and teach patients how to live healthier lives. Cheryl loves playing piano, cooking, hiking and biking. After Cheryl’s mother passed away when she was young, her father was baptized into the Adventist faith. She says it’s the best gift he could have ever given her. Being a Seventh-day Adventist Christian has impacted her life in many ways, including— as she says— being given a family by God, when she was a motherless child.

Mitchell Jonakin 3 Join a local interest group. Every city or county has a host of interest groups, from photography and running clubs to play-date groups and book clubs. Join a group and volunteer to help in any way. A great online resource is Meetup.com where you can search for interest groups in your area.

1 2

b

is the third of four brothers who have been raised in San Antonio in a Mexican-Peruvian home.

At nine, Joshua wanted to be a rock star. His father’s solution was gifting him a classical guitar. He learned how to play and his passion for both music and Christ drove him to become a worship leader at Scenic Hills Adventist Church. Joshua enjoys basketball and worshiping with his two bands, Levi, which performed at the General Conference Session in Atlanta in 2010, and Glory2Him, which led out in worship during the 2013 Texas Conference Pathfinder Camporee. He admires his mother’s strength and support and considers her one of his heroes. Joshua says growing up in the church can be challenging, as you have to discern between lifestyle or tradition and having a personal connection with Christ.

Cheryl Lindeman

1 Know what you believe and why. The first step to venturing outside of the familiar is having a firm grasp on what you believe—and more importantly—why you believe it. Brush up on the core elements of your faith, join a Bible study, purchase a One Year Bible and read through the Bible in one year. The point is to (re)familiarize yourself with your belief system, because eventually, someone will ask.

Jaime Guajardo

Hebrews 10:24-25 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee and has great memories of waterskiing on Possum Creek. Growing up he wanted to be an architect, due to his fascination with the blueprints in his father’s office. He graduated with a degree in architecture and joined the Seventh-day Adventist faith less than a year later. He met his wife, Karon, after vespers the night before he was baptized. Six years later, a career change led him to Andrews University where he pursued ministry. After having pastored in Michigan, New Jersey and Colorado, he made his way to Texas, where he currently serves as pastor for the Laurel Heights Church and the Lifetime Sabbath Fellowships house church network in San Antonio. Mitchell feels that smart phones and tablets, along with Internet streaming, can greatly assist the church in accomplishing its mission to reach the world with the Gospel.

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fitness

spotlight This section highlights a few of our church members and leaders across the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. In this issue, our Texas Family Spotlight features individuals from the Central Texas and San

SPOTLIGHT Sherry Clapp

loves working with kids and teens. She is the principal and a teacher at Scenic Hills Seventh-day Adventist Christian School. As a child she wanted to be a nurse, but after working at summer camp, she decided she wanted to teach.

Along with her husband, Gene, and their two sons, Rob and Chris, Sherry has spent many years working with Pathfinder clubs at the local and conference level. She also enjoys reading, quilting, camping and the outdoors. She plays piano for Beginners Sabbath School and is an elder at San Antonio Scenic Hills Adventist Church. She believes getting involved helping with and attending community events is a great opportunity for Adventist Christians to demonstrate God’s love and genuine interest in others.

Antonio region, including Laredo and Corpus Christi.

By Kristina P. Lockhart, Texas Conference Associate Communication Director

Ervin Ortiz

was born in Mexico and grew up in the state of Chiapas.

Surrounded by mountains, rivers and lakes, he aspired to become a police officer or firefighter. Ervin, his mother and sisters joined the Adventist Church when they were young and he was the first to graduate from an Adventist academy, later graduating from the Adventist University of Montemorelos. He loves nature and spending time with his wife, Nancy, and children, Andrew and Abbrianna. Ervin is the pastor for the Laredo North, Laredo South, and Laredos Tres Angeles Spanish churches as well as the Laredo Company. Additionally, he is involved in various levels of youth ministry in his churches, including club ministries and children’s church. Ervin says serving humanity and focusing on helping others while bringing them the Gospel message is the best thing about being an Adventist Christian.

Make the MOST of your

SUMMER

By Teri Foreman, Texas Health Huguley Fitness Center Director

Peter Walker grew up in Jamaica and remembers swimming and fishing with friends in a river by his home, a small town near Ocho Rios. Dreams of becoming a pilot materialized into a career as an engineering professor instead. He can spend hours playing table tennis with friends and also enjoys running and reading. Peter and his best friend and wife, Lisa, have two children, Matthew and Christina. Lorenzo McNaught, an elementary school teacher who exemplified Christ and invested in him as a young boy is one of his heroes. Peter is an elder and a Sabbath School group facilitator at the Stonehill Adventist Church in Pflugerville, a suburb of the Austin metro area. Peter says that Sabbath continually reminds him that he accomplishes things not by his strength, but by the grace of God. As a scientist and a Christian, the Sabbath truth reminds him that he is an intentionally created human being.

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Summertime! Just the word conjures up memories of fun-filled days with few responsibilities, yet plenty of activities. As adults, we can’t go back to those long, carefree summer months we enjoyed as children, but we can make the most of the season.

Summer weather, food, and clothes are here, but summer can still mean family time!

Make an effort to return to the good ol’ days and plan family activities that are both fun and healthy for all. You can encompass some or even your entire workout into family fitness.

You’ll be surprised at the many benefits that come your way this summer.

Many activities can be done outside, especially during our warm summer months.

Hiking, soccer, golf, sand volleyball, kickball,

baseball, softball and tennis are merely a sample of outdoor activities. Throw a Frisbee, play croquet, swim or go for a leisurely walk – any activity is better than none at all.

Healthier bodies build healthier minds; healthier minds build healthier souls; and all three make us better role models, examples, and leaders. Challenge yourself to try something different this summer with your workout, your diet, and your personal relationships.

Don’t forget the importance of listening to your body during these hot summer days.

Enjoy everything in moderation while outside.

Be sure to take the proper precautions to protect yourself from sun damage, dehydration and other heat issues.

When it’s too hot to be outside, use the

time for other activities such as bowling, board games, Nintendo® Wii™ active games or other things that bring you together as a family. Take the time and build better, stronger relationships. When you feel better on the outside, you’ll feel better on the inside!

Summer is also a great time to assess your diet. Check which fruits and vegetables are in season and try adding them to your regimen.

Remember: fresh vegetables and fruits are always better for you than canned or frozen.

Try grilling them to add variety to your meals.

Most of all, enjoy the summer, enjoy your family and enjoy your life. That is God’s plan for all of us.

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family matters 1. Schedule time off.

Inform others you will be on vacation—they don’t need to know you won’t be leaving town.

2. Clean your house first.

Remember, no chores on vacation, get them done before the vacation begins! Make it fun and save the major to-do project list for another time.

3. Let phone calls go to voicemail.

A hurricane can dump more than

Challenge each family member to pay a dollar for every time they answer a work or school related call. At the end of your staycation use that money on frozen yogurt or a sweet treat!

of rain a day.

4. Make a restaurant list.

Include favorite spots and new places. You may not go through the entire list, but save it! It may come in handy later on when your family has to decide, “Where are we eating tonight?”

5. Pick up tourist brochures from a local hotel lobby.

There are often coupons and discounts for great activities just a few miles away from home that you haven’t discovered yet.

6. Allow each person to choose an activity.

This way, each family member is included and gets to do an activity of their choice.

7. Take a day-trip to a state park.

VACATIONS

Not Just for Summertime

By Ruber and Ketty Leal, Texas Conference Family Ministries Coordinators ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING THINGS a family can do together is plan and go on a family vacation. Planning allows members to share their opinions and interests. Vacations allow for time away from the daily stresses and the regular routine, which often allows us to connect on deeper levels and make wonderful lifelong memories. But is there a way to infuse some of these vacation benefits into the rest of the year?

Recently, families have discovered that vacations don’t necessarily need to be in far away places, for long periods of time, or incur big expenses. Have you ever thought of turning your own home into a vacation destination?

“Staycations” have many great advantages: You can sleep in your own bed. No packing required. Money otherwise spent on hotel rooms can now be dedicated to more fun and exciting activities and meals. No tiresome road trips and no long lay overs in busy airports.

After brainstorming and researching as a family, we found the following suggestions for getting the most out of a staycation.

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Summer 2013 b

The National Park Service website, NPS.gov allows you to search for parks, monuments, and historic sites in your area.

8. Sleep in.

Remember, there’s no checkout time at home.

9. Have a rainy day plan.

Plan designated indoor activities that are fun for everyone. Puzzles, crafts and scrapbooks are good ways to pass the time without getting bored. Spend time on a favorite family hobby or come up with a new one that’s unique to you.

10. Pull out the board games.

Visit TimeWellSpent.org for hundreds of other game ideas that go beyond Monopoly.

Have a great staycation idea? How does your family make staycations fun? Share your stories at FLAME@txsda.org!

Damages from tornado in Moore, OK

2.4 trillion gallons

1-3

hurricanes hit the U.S.

EACH YEAR

$2 billion In one month,the Adventist Community Services Distribution Center in Moore, OK registered

550 volunteers and over 3,000 volunteer hours.

132 (avg.)

tornadoes hit Texas

EACH YEAR

bridges

Exceptional Service When It

Matters Most

By Makala Coleman, FLAME Contributor

ADVENTIST COMMUNITY SERVICES DISASTER RELIEF (ACS DR), the denominational organization responsible for aiding our communities during moments of crisis, served with notable distinction after the West, Texas fertilizer explosion in April. In the days following the disaster, the public came together in massive numbers to volunteer and donate supplies.

Hill County Judge, Justin Lewis oversees administration of Hill County, including proper handling of crisis management. “ACS was very instrumental in diverting the pressure of getting everything done,” he said. “They gave our first responders more elbow room to do their job.”

Without a doubt, this was a stressful time for all emergency responders and volunteers. The amount of donations coming in was so large that those who needed supplies had a hard time getting to the donation grounds. So, volunteers and county workers set up a system where donations were dropped off in nearby cities, organized, then moved to the immediate impact zone to be picked up. "There was a tremendous amount of donated goods,” said Joe Watts, Texas ACS edibly gratifying to Director. “It was very hard work, but incredibly help our fellow men and women in a time e when they're hurting. It makes you feel good."

ACS worked with three storefronts, divided into different types of donation centers, at the Hillsboro Outlet Mall. Inside each store, ACS sub-organized supplies and donations. Once everything was in place, those supplies were loaded into trucks to be distributed.

“The Adventists, from what I understand, set up a collection point in Hillsboro,” said Judge Lewis. “Then they just showed up at the unloading spot. They seemed to magically appear.

They were very hardworking, generous and willing to work long hours.”

ACS wore bright yellow shirts with their eir dy to logo, making them easy to find and ready help at any possible time.

“After working for a while, we had planned anned to e Cikada, close down on Friday night,” said Connie volunteer. "But Judge Lewis, called and asked us to keep it open at least one more day because ause of how well

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Summer 2013 b

organized the ACS operation was. We ended up staying open Sunday too. It was a real blessing.”

Empty rooms were used for organizing supplies. ACS coordinators were told that they could use as much space as needed, but that there would be no electricity. On Saturday, the team had extra help from Southwestern Adventist University when a group of students drove to West to serve.

“The whole group was full of very gracious people,” said Judge Lewis. “They would take the stuff inside, clean it if needed, type in their inventory system, load the supplies into their semi trailer, then bring their own crew to unload it. After that they went back and started all over again."

Once organized, supplies were unloaded at the West, Texas fairgrounds and donation centers were set up at different areas throughout Hill County. There was inventory work, daily briefing, and working with many different groups, including Texas emergency management.

“ACS worked hard and it was very well done,” said Sherri Hemr Hemrick, volunteer and wife of Tom Hemrick, Hem Hill County Emergency Manager.

“J “Just the fact that everyone was so willing to help, no one was there just for themselves. There were no arguments, just getting things done.”

“I am still amazed at the outpouring of volunteers and donations that came in during this disaster,” said Lewis. “So many people were willing to help out during this time. People who had nothing to give gave anyway. The community really came together. My interaction with the Adventist group was very limited, but I saw that they were wond derful people who worked tirelessly.”

“W represent our church,” said Cikada.

“We “People “Pe may not realize that others are watc watching, but they are! And it makes a differe difference.

At some point, we will all be affected by a disaster. We need to be prepared with hearts of love and compassion. We r need to be ready so we can respond in a Christ-like way when a disaster dis hits.”

Picnics have a tendency to not be as healthy as they could be.

With homemade guacamole, tasty kale salad, or an interesting take on a chocolate classic (hint: it’s made with beans), these recipes provide a healthful spin to any picnic. Pack a basket and grab a blanket!

All-Natural Guacamole

Garbanzo Kale Salad

INGREDIENTS • 2 medium avocados (ripe) • 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/4 cup onion, chopped • 4 1/2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

INGREDIENTS • 1/2 head kale (3 cups chopped) • 1/2 cup parsley, chopped • 2 15-oz cans garbanzo beans, drained • 1 clove garlic, minced • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

DIRECTIONS Wash skins of avocados, then cut in half.

Scoop avocado flesh into a bowl and discard skins. Add remaining ingredients and mash by hand, or pulse together on the low setting of a food processor if you like it chunky, and process longer for a smoother consistency. Serve immediately or chill in a covered container until serving.

DIRECTIONS Mix oil, salt, lemon juice and garlic and let sit while you chop the kale and parsley.

Add the "dressing" to the kale and parsley, and add drained garbanzo beans. Stir, and serve.

Michelle Jones is head copywriter and recipe curator at Full Plate Living.

Chocolate Dip with a Twist

INGREDIENTS • 1 can cannellini beans – drained and rinsed • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder • ½ cup coconut milk fat (solid out of coconut milk can) • 2 tablespoons coconut milk liquid (liquid on bottom of coconut milk can) • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract DIRECTIONS Blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender on high until smooth (about 1 minute). Pour into serving dish and place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set. Serve with your favorite fruit: bananas, strawberries, grapes, kiwi, pineapple, etc.

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feature

feature THE TURNING POINT

By Pastor Marlon T. Perkins, Sr., Living Waters Worship Center of Seventh-day Adventists Pastor

H

e sat quietly during the prayer meeting service, nodding occasionally in approval of certain points made during the sermon. After the service, I shook his hand and introduced myself. In the few moments that we connected, I detected a quality in him that made an immediate impression on me; Earl possessed a spiritual depth that, as I would discover, provided a stark contrast to the life he once lived.

Earl David Dabney arrived in Dallas in early 2012 from Opelousas, Louisiana. Opelousas is the parish seat for St. Landry Parish in south central Louisiana, an area considered to be the heart of Creole and Cajun culture and heritage in the state. Even with a population of less than 25,000, Opelousas is considered to be the most densely populated incorporated city in Louisiana. It’s also an area known for its dense concentration of crime, gangs and drugs.

BEGINNINGS

Earl came to Dallas to escape the gangs and drug trafficking that had been a part of his life for more than twenty years. “God led me to Dallas,” he explained. It all began when he was a little boy. His mother used drugs when Earl was a child, so his maternal grandparents took

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him in and raised him. Earl’s grandfather provided a strong father figure in the little boy’s life. “He was quiet and soft spoken but stern,” recalls Earl. “He did a lot for me but he expected a lot from me as well. He had a strong work ethic and taught me the same.”

While Earl was in high school, his grandfather passed away, leaving a deep and lasting emotional void in Earl’s life. It also left a moral void, as his grandfather had been the moral compass in his life up to that point. In time, Earl succumbed to the temptations of the street life that surrounded him daily. In school, he would often gaze out of the window, looking down at the street below where one of his own cousins hung out, draped in gold watches, rings, necklaces, stylish clothes, cars, and of course, women. Earl wanted a part of that life, so he joined his cousin’s gang. When this same cousin was brutally murdered, the gang was left leaderless. It was decided among the gang’s members that Earl possessed the moxie and skills needed to lead the gang, so he was promoted to gang leader. Like his grandfather, Earl ruled with a firm hand. Gang life in Opelousas was cruel and unmerciful, a persona that Earl took upon himself to keep order within the gang’s rank and file as well as to maintain its respect among rival gangs.

One day, Earl received a knock at his front door. The visitor wanted to buy some marijuana, so Earl invited him in and the two sat down to talk. The visitor seemed nervous. Suddenly, the door burst open and a second man rushed in and pointed a 12-guage shotgun at Earl, demanding all of his drugs and money. Earl gave him some, but it wasn’t enough for the two thieves. The man with the shotgun then pointed it toward Earl’s little daughter, who had been playing on the couch, and demanded more.

Something in Earl snapped.

“I knew at that moment,” he recounts, “I was going to kill both of them.” He told them to hold on, that he had some more marijuana in a punching bag hanging next to the door.

Unbeknownst to the thieves, he also had a loaded .45 handgun behind that bag. As he reached for the drugs, he grabbed the handgun, spun around and shot both thieves, killing one of them. He grabbed his daughter, fled the scene and turned himself in to the police shortly after. At only 22-years-old, he was given a 17-year prison sentence for the murder and drug possession.

In prison, the Lord began to speak to Earl and his heart began to soften. He read the Bible and attended Bible study groups. In 2008, through a miraculous turn of events, Earl was released from prison having served only ten of the seventeen-year sentence.

Though he initially went back to his old lifestyle, he began sensing the clear leading of God. As he recalls, “The Lord gave me a spirit of discernment. He started showing me that if I continued on the path that I was travelling, I was going to end up dead. He impressed me clearly, on more than one occasion, that my life of gangs and drugs was over.”

worship service, the following Wednesday evening. He did, and he hasn’t stopped coming since.

In November 2012, at an evangelism rally hosted by the Dallas-area churches of the Texas Conference, it was my privilege to baptize Earl David Dabney. He still sits quietly, smiling and occasionally nodding in approval during the services at Living Waters Worship Center, always radiating the inner peace and spiritual strength to which God has so miraculously led him.

"The Lord...started showing me that if I continued on the path that I was traveling, I was going

to end up dead."

DESTINATION REACHED

In early 2012, Earl purchased a one-way bus ticket to Dallas and moved in with an uncle. Perhaps a coincidence to some, but not to Earl, his new home was next door to a church. The church sign read, Living Waters Worship Center of Seventh-day Adventists.

One Saturday afternoon, as he was walking through the church parking lot, he noticed some people standing outside of the front entrance talking. As he looked through the glass entrance doors, a polite woman asked him, “Do you have a church home?” Earl answered, “no.” He had attended several churches near his apartment home, but none of them appealed to him. She invited him to attend the church’s next

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feature

feature THE TURNING POINT

By Pastor Marlon T. Perkins, Sr., Living Waters Worship Center of Seventh-day Adventists Pastor

H

e sat quietly during the prayer meeting service, nodding occasionally in approval of certain points made during the sermon. After the service, I shook his hand and introduced myself. In the few moments that we connected, I detected a quality in him that made an immediate impression on me; Earl possessed a spiritual depth that, as I would discover, provided a stark contrast to the life he once lived.

Earl David Dabney arrived in Dallas in early 2012 from Opelousas, Louisiana. Opelousas is the parish seat for St. Landry Parish in south central Louisiana, an area considered to be the heart of Creole and Cajun culture and heritage in the state. Even with a population of less than 25,000, Opelousas is considered to be the most densely populated incorporated city in Louisiana. It’s also an area known for its dense concentration of crime, gangs and drugs.

BEGINNINGS

Earl came to Dallas to escape the gangs and drug trafficking that had been a part of his life for more than twenty years. “God led me to Dallas,” he explained. It all began when he was a little boy. His mother used drugs when Earl was a child, so his maternal grandparents took

14 | FLAME b

Summer 2013 b

him in and raised him. Earl’s grandfather provided a strong father figure in the little boy’s life. “He was quiet and soft spoken but stern,” recalls Earl. “He did a lot for me but he expected a lot from me as well. He had a strong work ethic and taught me the same.”

While Earl was in high school, his grandfather passed away, leaving a deep and lasting emotional void in Earl’s life. It also left a moral void, as his grandfather had been the moral compass in his life up to that point. In time, Earl succumbed to the temptations of the street life that surrounded him daily. In school, he would often gaze out of the window, looking down at the street below where one of his own cousins hung out, draped in gold watches, rings, necklaces, stylish clothes, cars, and of course, women. Earl wanted a part of that life, so he joined his cousin’s gang. When this same cousin was brutally murdered, the gang was left leaderless. It was decided among the gang’s members that Earl possessed the moxie and skills needed to lead the gang, so he was promoted to gang leader. Like his grandfather, Earl ruled with a firm hand. Gang life in Opelousas was cruel and unmerciful, a persona that Earl took upon himself to keep order within the gang’s rank and file as well as to maintain its respect among rival gangs.

One day, Earl received a knock at his front door. The visitor wanted to buy some marijuana, so Earl invited him in and the two sat down to talk. The visitor seemed nervous. Suddenly, the door burst open and a second man rushed in and pointed a 12-guage shotgun at Earl, demanding all of his drugs and money. Earl gave him some, but it wasn’t enough for the two thieves. The man with the shotgun then pointed it toward Earl’s little daughter, who had been playing on the couch, and demanded more.

Something in Earl snapped.

“I knew at that moment,” he recounts, “I was going to kill both of them.” He told them to hold on, that he had some more marijuana in a punching bag hanging next to the door.

Unbeknownst to the thieves, he also had a loaded .45 handgun behind that bag. As he reached for the drugs, he grabbed the handgun, spun around and shot both thieves, killing one of them. He grabbed his daughter, fled the scene and turned himself in to the police shortly after. At only 22-years-old, he was given a 17-year prison sentence for the murder and drug possession.

In prison, the Lord began to speak to Earl and his heart began to soften. He read the Bible and attended Bible study groups. In 2008, through a miraculous turn of events, Earl was released from prison having served only ten of the seventeen-year sentence.

Though he initially went back to his old lifestyle, he began sensing the clear leading of God. As he recalls, “The Lord gave me a spirit of discernment. He started showing me that if I continued on the path that I was travelling, I was going to end up dead. He impressed me clearly, on more than one occasion, that my life of gangs and drugs was over.”

worship service, the following Wednesday evening. He did, and he hasn’t stopped coming since.

In November 2012, at an evangelism rally hosted by the Dallas-area churches of the Texas Conference, it was my privilege to baptize Earl David Dabney. He still sits quietly, smiling and occasionally nodding in approval during the services at Living Waters Worship Center, always radiating the inner peace and spiritual strength to which God has so miraculously led him.

"The Lord...started showing me that if I continued on the path that I was traveling, I was going

to end up dead."

DESTINATION REACHED

In early 2012, Earl purchased a one-way bus ticket to Dallas and moved in with an uncle. Perhaps a coincidence to some, but not to Earl, his new home was next door to a church. The church sign read, Living Waters Worship Center of Seventh-day Adventists.

One Saturday afternoon, as he was walking through the church parking lot, he noticed some people standing outside of the front entrance talking. As he looked through the glass entrance doors, a polite woman asked him, “Do you have a church home?” Earl answered, “no.” He had attended several churches near his apartment home, but none of them appealed to him. She invited him to attend the church’s next

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bridges

Exceptional Service When It

Matters Most

By Makala Coleman, FLAME Contributor

ADVENTIST COMMUNITY SERVICES DISASTER RELIEF (ACS DR), the denominational organization responsible for aiding our communities during moments of crisis, served with notable distinction after the West, Texas fertilizer explosion in April. In the days following the disaster, the public came together in massive numbers to volunteer and donate supplies.

Hill County Judge, Justin Lewis oversees administration of Hill County, including proper handling of crisis management. “ACS was very instrumental in diverting the pressure of getting everything done,” he said. “They gave our first responders more elbow room to do their job.”

Without a doubt, this was a stressful time for all emergency responders and volunteers. The amount of donations coming in was so large that those who needed supplies had a hard time getting to the donation grounds. So, volunteers and county workers set up a system where donations were dropped off in nearby cities, organized, then moved to the immediate impact zone to be picked up. "There was a tremendous amount of donated goods,” said Joe Watts, Texas ACS edibly gratifying to Director. “It was very hard work, but incredibly help our fellow men and women in a time e when they're hurting. It makes you feel good."

ACS worked with three storefronts, divided into different types of donation centers, at the Hillsboro Outlet Mall. Inside each store, ACS sub-organized supplies and donations. Once everything was in place, those supplies were loaded into trucks to be distributed.

“The Adventists, from what I understand, set up a collection point in Hillsboro,” said Judge Lewis. “Then they just showed up at the unloading spot. They seemed to magically appear.

They were very hardworking, generous and willing to work long hours.”

ACS wore bright yellow shirts with their eir dy to logo, making them easy to find and ready help at any possible time.

“After working for a while, we had planned anned to e Cikada, close down on Friday night,” said Connie volunteer. "But Judge Lewis, called and asked us to keep it open at least one more day because ause of how well

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organized the ACS operation was. We ended up staying open Sunday too. It was a real blessing.”

Empty rooms were used for organizing supplies. ACS coordinators were told that they could use as much space as needed, but that there would be no electricity. On Saturday, the team had extra help from Southwestern Adventist University when a group of students drove to West to serve.

“The whole group was full of very gracious people,” said Judge Lewis. “They would take the stuff inside, clean it if needed, type in their inventory system, load the supplies into their semi trailer, then bring their own crew to unload it. After that they went back and started all over again."

Once organized, supplies were unloaded at the West, Texas fairgrounds and donation centers were set up at different areas throughout Hill County. There was inventory work, daily briefing, and working with many different groups, including Texas emergency management.

“ACS worked hard and it was very well done,” said Sherri Hemr Hemrick, volunteer and wife of Tom Hemrick, Hem Hill County Emergency Manager.

“J “Just the fact that everyone was so willing to help, no one was there just for themselves. There were no arguments, just getting things done.”

“I am still amazed at the outpouring of volunteers and donations that came in during this disaster,” said Lewis. “So many people were willing to help out during this time. People who had nothing to give gave anyway. The community really came together. My interaction with the Adventist group was very limited, but I saw that they were wond derful people who worked tirelessly.”

“W represent our church,” said Cikada.

“We “People “Pe may not realize that others are watc watching, but they are! And it makes a differe difference.

At some point, we will all be affected by a disaster. We need to be prepared with hearts of love and compassion. We r need to be ready so we can respond in a Christ-like way when a disaster dis hits.”

Picnics have a tendency to not be as healthy as they could be.

With homemade guacamole, tasty kale salad, or an interesting take on a chocolate classic (hint: it’s made with beans), these recipes provide a healthful spin to any picnic. Pack a basket and grab a blanket!

All-Natural Guacamole

Garbanzo Kale Salad

INGREDIENTS • 2 medium avocados (ripe) • 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/4 cup onion, chopped • 4 1/2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

INGREDIENTS • 1/2 head kale (3 cups chopped) • 1/2 cup parsley, chopped • 2 15-oz cans garbanzo beans, drained • 1 clove garlic, minced • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

DIRECTIONS Wash skins of avocados, then cut in half.

Scoop avocado flesh into a bowl and discard skins. Add remaining ingredients and mash by hand, or pulse together on the low setting of a food processor if you like it chunky, and process longer for a smoother consistency. Serve immediately or chill in a covered container until serving.

DIRECTIONS Mix oil, salt, lemon juice and garlic and let sit while you chop the kale and parsley.

Add the "dressing" to the kale and parsley, and add drained garbanzo beans. Stir, and serve.

Michelle Jones is head copywriter and recipe curator at Full Plate Living.

Chocolate Dip with a Twist

INGREDIENTS • 1 can cannellini beans – drained and rinsed • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder • ½ cup coconut milk fat (solid out of coconut milk can) • 2 tablespoons coconut milk liquid (liquid on bottom of coconut milk can) • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract DIRECTIONS Blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender on high until smooth (about 1 minute). Pour into serving dish and place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set. Serve with your favorite fruit: bananas, strawberries, grapes, kiwi, pineapple, etc.

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family matters 1. Schedule time off.

Inform others you will be on vacation—they don’t need to know you won’t be leaving town.

2. Clean your house first.

Remember, no chores on vacation, get them done before the vacation begins! Make it fun and save the major to-do project list for another time.

3. Let phone calls go to voicemail.

A hurricane can dump more than

Challenge each family member to pay a dollar for every time they answer a work or school related call. At the end of your staycation use that money on frozen yogurt or a sweet treat!

of rain a day.

4. Make a restaurant list.

Include favorite spots and new places. You may not go through the entire list, but save it! It may come in handy later on when your family has to decide, “Where are we eating tonight?”

5. Pick up tourist brochures from a local hotel lobby.

There are often coupons and discounts for great activities just a few miles away from home that you haven’t discovered yet.

6. Allow each person to choose an activity.

This way, each family member is included and gets to do an activity of their choice.

7. Take a day-trip to a state park.

VACATIONS

Not Just for Summertime

By Ruber and Ketty Leal, Texas Conference Family Ministries Coordinators ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING THINGS a family can do together is plan and go on a family vacation. Planning allows members to share their opinions and interests. Vacations allow for time away from the daily stresses and the regular routine, which often allows us to connect on deeper levels and make wonderful lifelong memories. But is there a way to infuse some of these vacation benefits into the rest of the year?

Recently, families have discovered that vacations don’t necessarily need to be in far away places, for long periods of time, or incur big expenses. Have you ever thought of turning your own home into a vacation destination?

“Staycations” have many great advantages: You can sleep in your own bed. No packing required. Money otherwise spent on hotel rooms can now be dedicated to more fun and exciting activities and meals. No tiresome road trips and no long lay overs in busy airports.

After brainstorming and researching as a family, we found the following suggestions for getting the most out of a staycation.

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The National Park Service website, NPS.gov allows you to search for parks, monuments, and historic sites in your area.

8. Sleep in.

Remember, there’s no checkout time at home.

9. Have a rainy day plan.

Plan designated indoor activities that are fun for everyone. Puzzles, crafts and scrapbooks are good ways to pass the time without getting bored. Spend time on a favorite family hobby or come up with a new one that’s unique to you.

10. Pull out the board games.

Visit TimeWellSpent.org for hundreds of other game ideas that go beyond Monopoly.

Have a great staycation idea? How does your family make staycations fun? Share your stories at FLAME@txsda.org!

Damages from tornado in Moore, OK

2.4 trillion gallons

1-3

hurricanes hit the U.S.

EACH YEAR

$2 billion In one month,the Adventist Community Services Distribution Center in Moore, OK registered

550 volunteers and over 3,000 volunteer hours.

132 (avg.)

tornadoes hit Texas

EACH YEAR

fitness

spotlight This section highlights a few of our church members and leaders across the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. In this issue, our Texas Family Spotlight features individuals from the Central Texas and San

SPOTLIGHT Sherry Clapp

loves working with kids and teens. She is the principal and a teacher at Scenic Hills Seventh-day Adventist Christian School. As a child she wanted to be a nurse, but after working at summer camp, she decided she wanted to teach.

Along with her husband, Gene, and their two sons, Rob and Chris, Sherry has spent many years working with Pathfinder clubs at the local and conference level. She also enjoys reading, quilting, camping and the outdoors. She plays piano for Beginners Sabbath School and is an elder at San Antonio Scenic Hills Adventist Church. She believes getting involved helping with and attending community events is a great opportunity for Adventist Christians to demonstrate God’s love and genuine interest in others.

Antonio region, including Laredo and Corpus Christi.

By Kristina P. Lockhart, Texas Conference Associate Communication Director

Ervin Ortiz

was born in Mexico and grew up in the state of Chiapas.

Surrounded by mountains, rivers and lakes, he aspired to become a police officer or firefighter. Ervin, his mother and sisters joined the Adventist Church when they were young and he was the first to graduate from an Adventist academy, later graduating from the Adventist University of Montemorelos. He loves nature and spending time with his wife, Nancy, and children, Andrew and Abbrianna. Ervin is the pastor for the Laredo North, Laredo South, and Laredos Tres Angeles Spanish churches as well as the Laredo Company. Additionally, he is involved in various levels of youth ministry in his churches, including club ministries and children’s church. Ervin says serving humanity and focusing on helping others while bringing them the Gospel message is the best thing about being an Adventist Christian.

Make the MOST of your

SUMMER

By Teri Foreman, Texas Health Huguley Fitness Center Director

Peter Walker grew up in Jamaica and remembers swimming and fishing with friends in a river by his home, a small town near Ocho Rios. Dreams of becoming a pilot materialized into a career as an engineering professor instead. He can spend hours playing table tennis with friends and also enjoys running and reading. Peter and his best friend and wife, Lisa, have two children, Matthew and Christina. Lorenzo McNaught, an elementary school teacher who exemplified Christ and invested in him as a young boy is one of his heroes. Peter is an elder and a Sabbath School group facilitator at the Stonehill Adventist Church in Pflugerville, a suburb of the Austin metro area. Peter says that Sabbath continually reminds him that he accomplishes things not by his strength, but by the grace of God. As a scientist and a Christian, the Sabbath truth reminds him that he is an intentionally created human being.

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Summertime! Just the word conjures up memories of fun-filled days with few responsibilities, yet plenty of activities. As adults, we can’t go back to those long, carefree summer months we enjoyed as children, but we can make the most of the season.

Summer weather, food, and clothes are here, but summer can still mean family time!

Make an effort to return to the good ol’ days and plan family activities that are both fun and healthy for all. You can encompass some or even your entire workout into family fitness.

You’ll be surprised at the many benefits that come your way this summer.

Many activities can be done outside, especially during our warm summer months.

Hiking, soccer, golf, sand volleyball, kickball,

baseball, softball and tennis are merely a sample of outdoor activities. Throw a Frisbee, play croquet, swim or go for a leisurely walk – any activity is better than none at all.

Healthier bodies build healthier minds; healthier minds build healthier souls; and all three make us better role models, examples, and leaders. Challenge yourself to try something different this summer with your workout, your diet, and your personal relationships.

Don’t forget the importance of listening to your body during these hot summer days.

Enjoy everything in moderation while outside.

Be sure to take the proper precautions to protect yourself from sun damage, dehydration and other heat issues.

When it’s too hot to be outside, use the

time for other activities such as bowling, board games, Nintendo® Wii™ active games or other things that bring you together as a family. Take the time and build better, stronger relationships. When you feel better on the outside, you’ll feel better on the inside!

Summer is also a great time to assess your diet. Check which fruits and vegetables are in season and try adding them to your regimen.

Remember: fresh vegetables and fruits are always better for you than canned or frozen.

Try grilling them to add variety to your meals.

Most of all, enjoy the summer, enjoy your family and enjoy your life. That is God’s plan for all of us.

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living faith

spotlight Joshua Ramirez

Expanding Your

Circle

By Costin Jordache, Texas Conference Assistant to the President for Communication

BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER, claims the somewhat clichéd proverb. And yet there remains a great deal of truth to it. As human beings we tend to cluster into groups that have values and worldviews similar to our own. Any group, from a political party to the kids who sit together at lunchtime, exists because its members feel comfortable expressing their views and having their values affirmed in a safe environment.

As with anything in life, there are trade-offs to our tendency to flock.

On the one hand feeling camaraderie with other like-minded people contributes to a sense of belonging, a critical factor for well-being. On the other hand, if the only environments we flock to are ones that mirror our own experience, then we may miss out on broadening our own understanding and perspective on life; and contributing to someone else’s with our own perspectives.

As Christians, and more specifically as Seventh-day Adventist Christians, we are sometimes challenged with the same tendencies— forming and cultivating relationships only with members of our local church and others who believe like we do. Again, there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, the apostle Paul encourages us not to forget gathering together with other believers.1 At the same time, the same apostle, who unapologetically was “all things to all people”2 , demonstrated a passion for forming and cultivating relationships outside of his comfort zone for the sake of understanding his culture better and for the opportunity to influence that culture for the Gospel.

So how can we broaden our circle of influence for the same reasons? Consider the following suggestions:

2 Spend time with co-workers outside of the office. Begin to see your co-workers as friends and invite them to join you for out-of-office activities: Cycling, local parades, ball games, even just having dinner together with your families. The possibilities are endless.

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grew up in Weslaco, Texas. The son of migrant workers, he fondly remembers traveling throughout the country, visiting nearly every state. Jaime is the Director for Pastoral Care at Metroplex Adventist Hospital in Killeen, and also serves as the pastor for the Killeen Spanish Adventist Church.

Jaime enjoys spending time with his wife, Rosy and their daughter, Belicia, who is a student at Southwestern Adventist University. His heroes are Mr. and Mrs. Yamashiro, who led him to Christ. Jaime says one way to reach out to our family and friends is through random acts of kindness. Although it was difficult for some of his family members to accept his new faith when he became a Seventh-day Adventist Christian, he counts it a blessing to be able to provide them with spiritual and emotional support.

recalls her father’s example and sacrifices made in order to provide her with an Adventist education. She has infused this commitment in her own family. Cheryl is married to Bill Lindeman, pastor of the Corpus Christi and Anneville Churches. Her two children Tami and Erick, are also parents who have determined to send their kids to Adventist schools. Cheryl grew up in Boise, Idaho, and graduated from Walla Walla College with Bill. She dreamed of becoming a missionary nurse as a child and studied nursing in school. A career as a registered nurse has allowed her to help people and teach patients how to live healthier lives. Cheryl loves playing piano, cooking, hiking and biking. After Cheryl’s mother passed away when she was young, her father was baptized into the Adventist faith. She says it’s the best gift he could have ever given her. Being a Seventh-day Adventist Christian has impacted her life in many ways, including— as she says— being given a family by God, when she was a motherless child.

Mitchell Jonakin 3 Join a local interest group. Every city or county has a host of interest groups, from photography and running clubs to play-date groups and book clubs. Join a group and volunteer to help in any way. A great online resource is Meetup.com where you can search for interest groups in your area.

1 2

b

is the third of four brothers who have been raised in San Antonio in a Mexican-Peruvian home.

At nine, Joshua wanted to be a rock star. His father’s solution was gifting him a classical guitar. He learned how to play and his passion for both music and Christ drove him to become a worship leader at Scenic Hills Adventist Church. Joshua enjoys basketball and worshiping with his two bands, Levi, which performed at the General Conference Session in Atlanta in 2010, and Glory2Him, which led out in worship during the 2013 Texas Conference Pathfinder Camporee. He admires his mother’s strength and support and considers her one of his heroes. Joshua says growing up in the church can be challenging, as you have to discern between lifestyle or tradition and having a personal connection with Christ.

Cheryl Lindeman

1 Know what you believe and why. The first step to venturing outside of the familiar is having a firm grasp on what you believe—and more importantly—why you believe it. Brush up on the core elements of your faith, join a Bible study, purchase a One Year Bible and read through the Bible in one year. The point is to (re)familiarize yourself with your belief system, because eventually, someone will ask.

Jaime Guajardo

Hebrews 10:24-25 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee and has great memories of waterskiing on Possum Creek. Growing up he wanted to be an architect, due to his fascination with the blueprints in his father’s office. He graduated with a degree in architecture and joined the Seventh-day Adventist faith less than a year later. He met his wife, Karon, after vespers the night before he was baptized. Six years later, a career change led him to Andrews University where he pursued ministry. After having pastored in Michigan, New Jersey and Colorado, he made his way to Texas, where he currently serves as pastor for the Laurel Heights Church and the Lifetime Sabbath Fellowships house church network in San Antonio. Mitchell feels that smart phones and tablets, along with Internet streaming, can greatly assist the church in accomplishing its mission to reach the world with the Gospel.

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education

kidz korner

By Diego Coello, Summer Camp Enthusiast

Here is some stuff to do if you get bored at home or after church or school. Some you can do all on your own, but for others you need permission and help from an adult.

1. Have Your Own Photo Shoot

Use hair products to style your hair in different ways, get some friends and take silly pictures inside and outside. Be creative!

2. Start a Garden

Use gardening tools to carve out a corner of your yard for a garden.

Beans, cucumbers, lettuce, radishes, broccoli and carrots are some veggies you can plant in August and September that will be ready to harvest in the Fall.

3. Learn How to Make Tortillas

There are lots of recipes online and you only need four ingredients, flour, salt, water and oil!

4. Make Your Own Greeting Cards Using blank cards from a crafts store, design and decorate birthday, thank-you, get well and congratulation cards! Use colored pens, stickers, gems, felt, ribbon, stamps and dry flowers.

My name is Diego Coello, I am 12-years-old and I’ve been going to summer camp since I was seven.

After five years I can really say I love summer camp. It is so much fun and I get to hang out with friends that live all over Texas. Something awesome that happened to me at camp was my decision to follow Jesus.

Over 15 family members came to see my baptism at the camp pool. Some crazy stuff has happened too and it has taught me an important lesson.

A couple summers ago my friend, Cole, and I were walking to canoeing class when another boy told us we should take a shortcut. It seemed like a good idea, even though we didn't know him very well. We followed him through what was supposed to be a shorter route, but it was full of trees, bushes and rocks.

As we were walking I stepped on something and fell. My foot was hurting and when I looked down I saw that I had stepped on a stick, and now that stick was sticking out of me! The sole of my foot was bleeding so I called out to Cole who was ahead of me. He came back, helped me get the stick out of my foot and helped me keep walking.

On the way we saw a golf cart with a counselor and told him what had happened. He drove me to see Nurse Margie, the nicest nurse ever. She got me cleaned up and bandaged and sent me back to class—she is the type of person that really is like Jesus to the campers.

I had stopped focusing on the pain in my foot but, now something else was hurting. I went to the restroom and discovered there were a lot of prickly things stuck to my bottom. When I fell during my journey on the “shortcut”, I had landed on a cactus.

What was I going to do? The little spines really hurt! I found the canoe instructor and told him my dilemma. He grabbed the radio and called for help… “I need a golf cart, I have a camper who has some... cactus spikes on his... buttocks,” he said into the walkie-talkies that every activity station had turned on.

I was bright red and really embarrassed. I took another golf cart ride to see Nurse Margie. This time, I had to hold myself up because every bump reminded me I had cactus spines on my behind. Nurse Margie helped me get every single spine out; there were 27 in total!

My injuries reminded me that shortcuts are not always good; especially when you take them from people you don't know very well. The staff, spiritual programs and fun activities make summer camp awesome. It’s also awesome to learn more about Jesus and learn to make good choices. I learned that taking shortcuts is not a good decision. Jesus says “I am the way the truth and the life.” Jesus is the way to God and to heaven; there are no shortcuts there.

Do you have a story of God impacting your life?

Share it with us! Send us your story and we may use it in the “kidz korner” of the next FLAME issue! Email stories, 400 words or less, to FLAME@txsda.org

by September 9, 2013.

• The Bible mentions that the Garden of Eden was near four rivers. Two of those, the Euphrates and the Tigris, can still be found on maps today. Both rivers run through Iraq before pouring in to the Persian Gulf.

• Noah and his family entered the ark seven days before it started to rain. It rained for 40 days and 40 nights, but the earth was flooded for 150 days. After the water had receded and the earth dried up, Noah and his family were able to come out of the ark, by that time they had spent a year and ten days in the ark.

• After Joseph’s brothers had thrown him in a pit, they decided to sell him to Medianite merchants for 20 shekels of silver.

That’s the equivalent of less than $200 today!

• Ruth was not an Israelite, but she married Boaz. This eventually made her King David’s great-grandmother.

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The Adventist

Difference Compiled by Jason Busch, Texas Conference Assistant Communication Director

AS THE WORLD’S SECOND-LARGEST Christian school system, Seventh-day Adventist education has provided high-quality, affordable, Christian education for almost 150 years. In fact, students across all demographics enrolled in Seventh-day Adventist schools typically outperform the national average.1 But what factors do most parents look for when deciding their child’s educational needs? While many features could be considered important, we wanted to discover the top reasons why parents chose Adventist education for their kids. That’s why we talked to families across Texas to find the answers – here’s what we uncovered:

1 Christ-centered Education | Without a doubt, this was the greatest motivation for parents when deciding where to send their children. For many parents, introducing their kids to Christianity begins well before they’re sent to school but it stands to reason that providing a positive, Christian environment would be an easy choice to make. One of the parents we surveyed, Donna Walton, summarized her feelings about this when she said, “Family worships are great, but most of a child's waking moments are spent in the classroom. For me, this needs to be a godly environment.”

2 Life-long Christian Friendships | “My son attended both Adventist schools and public state schools, and his deepest, most enduring friendships have all come from the former,” said Vikki Ives, parent of a recent graduate. “Not to say he doesn’t have non-Christian friends—he does. But as humans, we tend to form closer relationships with people of similar beliefs and interests, whether Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or none of the above.”

3 Smaller Class Size | “Do you want to be known by your name or by a number?” That’s the age-old question when it comes to class size, and one that the Adventist educational system answers incredibly well.

Classes and schools tend to be smaller than average; even the largest Adventist university in the world has only 8,000 students. “But it is this 'smallness' that makes us a family,” according to Cheri Beth Chong,

another parent in our survey. “Whether in elementary school, high school, or college, this smallness means your teachers know you—not just your name.”

There’s no such thing as a perfect school, Adventist or otherwise.

But when deciding what school is right for your children, the combination of qualities that Adventist education offers can be hard to beat. Perfectly encapsulating this sentiment, Cheri condensed her decision-making process to a single thought: “Going to a Seventh-day Adventist school is reasonable for some and costly enough for most, so parents have to prioritize family needs. But if it means my children and future grandchildren stay grounded in their faith and live a life of service, then it was worth every hard-earned penny.”

1

The Christian Science Monitor, For real education reform, take a cue from the Adventists. Nov. 15, 2010

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partners

on the shelf

HOME Away From HOME at

By Emily Nolasco, Sophomore Communication Major STUDENTS MAY BE FAR FROM FAMILY, but they often discover their home away from home at Southwestern Adventist University.

Talk to them and often you’ll find that a big reason they choose Southwestern is because of the closeness and camaraderie they feel with others and the extra care that many faculty members exhibit throughout the year.

“When I came to Southwestern, I was a little worried about being homesick or not fitting in, but as I’m finishing off my first year, I can honestly say that I no longer need to worry about any of that,” says Alex Loewen, a sophomore pre-physical therapy major.

Cornerstone Café is a special weekly lunch created for female students to

Southwestern Adventist University fellowship and learn from female leaders and women of faith. Man Up is a weekly Bible study group, started by the Men’s Dean, for young men in search of becoming the men God has called them to be. Biology professors Peter and Amy McHenry deliver freshly baked cookies to dorm students and offer to pray with them. Dr. Parryy and his g grandkids bake brownies every time his classes have a math test.

Both Diem Dennis, associate director of records, and Susan Grady, administrative ve assistant to the president, feed ed students from their homes during uring holidays, on band trips or before choirr performances.

Departmental vesspers and other events nts are also hosted at faculty homes, allowwing students to get to know their professors r rs

on a more personal level. Southwestern’s faculty really strives to make students feel loved, accepted, cared for and at home.

In addition, every six weeks, four grandmothers (of current Southwestern students) provide a delicious homemade breakfast.

Donned in matching aprons, they serve about 100 students.

“I wanted wan a way to get to know the students my grandson was going to school with and thought thou this was a perfect opportunity,” shares Shirley S Johnson, grandmother of sophomore education major Steven Dye. “We try e out new recipes and meet new students every time. We’ve had some of them over for Sabbath lunch, too.”

Sab “I think what makes Southwestern fee feel like family is that everybody knows eac each other and the faculty really care for you and wish you success in your cla classes,” says Loewen. “Most of them wo would gladly take time out of their day to help you with anything.”

i am prepared to succeed / ƐƚĂƌƚĞĚ ŵLJ ĮƌƐƚ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ǁŚĞŶ / ǁĂƐ ϭϲ͘ / ǁĂƐ ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐĨƵů ďƵƚ / ĚĞĐŝĚĞĚ / ŶĞĞĚĞĚ ƚŽ ŐŽ ƚŽ ĐŽůůĞŐĞ͘ /͛ŵ ŶŽǁ ŐƌĂĚƵĂƟŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ĚĞŐƌĞĞ ŝŶ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ĮŶĂŶĐĞ͘ / ůŽǀĞ ŐŽŝŶŐ ƚŽ ^ŽƵƚŚǁĞƐƚĞƌŶ͘ /ƚ͛Ɛ ŽŶĞ ďŝŐ ĨĂŵŝůLJ ŚĞƌĞ͘ dŚĞ ƚĞĂĐŚĞƌƐ ĂƌĞ ŵŽƌĞ ƚŚĂŶ ũƵƐƚ ƚĞĂĐŚĞƌƐ͕ ƚŚĞLJ͛ƌĞ LJŽƵƌ ĨƌŝĞŶĚƐ͘ DLJ ƚĞĂĐŚĞƌƐ ĂŶƐǁĞƌ ƋƵĞƐƟŽŶƐ ǁĞůů ĂŶĚ ŵĂŬĞ ƐƵƌĞ ĞǀĞƌLJŽŶĞ ŝŶ ĐůĂƐƐ ƵŶĚĞƌƐƚĂŶĚƐ͘ dŚĞLJ ƚĂŬĞ ĂŶ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ ƵƐ͘ /Ŷ ŵLJ ĞŶƚƌĞƉƌĞŶĞƵƌƐŚŝƉ ĐůĂƐƐ / ŵĞƚ ƐŽŵĞŽŶĞ ǁŚŽ ŚĂƐ ďĞĐŽŵĞ ŵLJ ŵĞŶƚŽƌ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ǁŽƌůĚ͘ ,Ğ͛Ɛ ŶŽǁ Ă ŐŽŽĚ ĨƌŝĞŶĚ ŽĨ ŵŝŶĞ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ƐŽŵĞŽŶĞ ǁŚŽ ŝƐ ŚĞůƉŝŶŐ ŵĞ ŐƌŽǁ ŵLJ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ͘ /ŶƐƚĞĂĚ ŽĨ ĐŽůůĞŐĞ ƚĂŬŝŶŐ ĂǁĂLJ ĨƌŽŵ ŵLJ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ͕ ŝƚ͛Ɛ ŚĞůƉŝŶŐ ŝƚ ŐƌŽǁ͘ DLJ ĞĚƵĐĂƟŽŶ Ăƚ ^ŽƵƚŚǁĞƐƚĞƌŶ ŝƐ ŵĂŬŝŶŐ ŵĞ Ă ďĞƩĞƌ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐƉĞƌƐŽŶ͘ Eddys, Senior Business Major

APPLY TODAY! 800-433-2240 · 817-202-6794 enroll@swau.edu · www.swau.edu

ministries

theology

How should we

alone; the Lord almighty is with you. Do not be afraid, He will go with you and hold you.” That still resounds with me today.

It has been a long journey that I could not have embarked on alone.

I have felt the Lord’s powerful arms sustaining and embracing me, letting me know that everything was going to be okay. I had surgery a month later and began chemotherapy in January 2013. Although I was physically weak, our great and powerful almighty God sustained me.

It has been nearly a year and I am still not done with treatment, but I know that if the Lord has been with me in the past, He will surely be with me still.

Worship? part two Part two is a continuation from a Spring 2013 FLAME article where basic ideas regarding the biblical practice of worship are being discussed.

By Jorge E. Rico, D.Min., Ph.D., Professor of Religion at Southwestern Adventist University

AS WORSHIP EVOLVED IN BIBLICAL TIMES, new elements were incorporated. Some of them became part of the temple services. In New Testament times, Jesus and the apostles also included those components in the worship of the church. Others simply remained a personal religious expression to God for what He had done for them, but were never aggregated to the temple or church services. Despite this newness, biblical characters did not divert from the theological meaning and foundation that characterized the worship of the Lord in previous periods. As a result, the adoration to God became more significant to the individual believer. The next two basic ideas about worship will attempt to clarify the additions incorporated in the worship of God. The •THIRD• basic idea indicates that, in every age, worship involved some common essential elements. The first two were an altar and a sacrificed animal (Gen. 8:20-21; Exo. 27:1-8; 1 Kings 18:30-38).

Acknowledgment that salvation is only possible by the blood of the lamb was pivotal to the individual worship experience. The next two components were the sacrificial knife and the fire (Gen.22:6-10; 1 Kings 18:24, 36-39). Both were instruments of judgment whose usage implied the recognition that God decided to take the responsibility for man’s sin and pay the penalty of death in his place (John 3:16; Romans 6:23).

The last common element involved in worship was the posture exhibited by the worshiper. In biblical times, the most common attitude for worship was complete prostration before the Lord, which included touching the ground with the face (Gen. 18:2; 19:1; 24:26, 48, 52; 42:6; Jos. 5:14; Neh. 8:6; Est. 3:2). This practice was equally meaningful for the worship experience of the believer. Connecting the face with the ground was the closest an individual can get to his place of origin. It meant that the believer, despite the circumstances surrounding his life (discouragement, boredom, or anger), acknowledged that he was nothing, but dust and God was everything (cf. Ps. 8:3-6; 144:3-4, 9, 15).

Therefore, worship was about the awesomeness of God and He was the center of it.

The •FOURTH• basic idea presents that worship included an element of celebration. This joy was generally expressed through music and songs. There are two recorded instances when some individuals also showed their personal gratitude and happiness to the Lord for what He had done through some type of movement. One, after God destroyed Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, Moses sang to God (Exo. 15:118). His song was followed by the women of Israel who, led by Miriam, Aaron’s sister, praised God with tambourines and dancing and also sang to thank the Lord for their liberation from the Egyptian yoke (Exo. 15:20 NIV). Some Bible translators have rendered the Hebrew term bimeholot, employed in this text, as dancing, but it literally means with pipes. It is possible that movement was involved, but the celebration of the women mainly consisted in playing musical instruments (see also Jud. 11:34; 21:21, 23; 1 Sam. 18:6).

Two, while bringing the ark to Jerusalem, David and the whole house

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of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord... (2 Sam. 6:5 NIV). Like in the previous event, the translation of the text needs to be clarified. The word celebrating comes from the Hebrew sahaq, which means to laugh, to sing, or to play an instrument (1 Sam. 18:7; 1 Chron. 13:8; 15:29). Besides celebrating, David was also leaping (2 Sam. 6:14, 16; 1 Chron. 15:29), which has also been translated in some Bible versions as dancing. The term leaping comes from the Hebrew karar, meaning to whirl, to rotate, or to jump. Thus David’s personal celebration involved some kind of movement (not necessarily dancing) and happiness.

David’s joy, however, went beyond moving to getting naked before the Lord and the girls of his servants (2 Sam. 6:20-22). Michal, his wife, saw the king celebrating from her window (2 Sam. 6:16) and despised, not his movements, but his nakedness because he became vulgar before his people (2 Sam 6:20). Not only did David admit to his indecent behavior, but also told her that he was going to become even more undignified than this (2 Sam. 6:22 NIV). David’s demeanor and attitude are not only unfortunate, but may also raise questions about his whole celebration. Can nakedness be an acceptable practice to worship God? Can this story serve as an example for modern worship? Besides being socially rejected, after sin, nakedness became a symbol of separation from God (Gen.3:7). For this reason, God wants us to be clothed with His righteousness (Rev. 3:18). Notice that David started the procession dressed as a priest, with a linen ephod (2 Sam. 6:14; 1 Chron. 15:27), but finished it naked.

These last two observations offer some additional conclusions. One, when worshiping God, emphasis must be placed on the greatness, grace, and beauty of the Lord, not on the emotional condition of the worshiper. Two, while music and singing became part of the temple services (1 Chron. 25:6-7) and of the Christian worship (Mrk. 14:26; Mt. 26:30), there is no biblical record that moving or dancing were incorporated as part of the worship conducted in the temple or the church.

Three, David’s celebration cannot be cited as a good example for dancing to the Lord because it is not biblically clear whether David really danced or not. Moreover, his decision to remove his clothes before his people, male and females, gives a negative connotation to his religious experience.

The study of these four basic ideas has led me to some conclusions: 1) worship is not about being liberal, conservative, or anything in between; 2) worship is not an event, but a personal experience with the Lord; 3) worship is not about getting something from God, but about giving ourselves to the Lord; 4) worship is ascribing value, worth, and appreciation to our eternal God for who He is and for what He has done; 5) worship should motivate people to dedicate their time, energy, talents, and finances to enhance God’s kingdom on earth. What is worship for you? I pray that as you attend church to praise and adore God, you will find yourself spiritually revived and nurtured.

FLAME: What has helped you get through this time?

SANDY: Trusting that the Lord will do what is best for me, even if I don’t understand it or like it. Secondly, I’ve felt my family’s prayers and love, as well as the many prayers of women across the Conference and the world.

WOMEN'S MINISTRIES

in Texas THE WOMEN’S MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT at the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists provides leadership and vision to women’s ministries in Texas.

Sandy Reyes, Women’s Ministries Director, has been involved in Women’s Ministries for over 15 years. She is married to Otoniel Reyes who currently pastors two Spanish churches and two Spanish companies in Mission and McAllen, Texas. They have two children and four grandchildren. We wanted our readers to get to know the woman behind the title and meet the spunky affable brunette whose laughter fills any room.

FLAME: How did you get involved in Women’s Ministries?

SANDY: When my husband was serving as a conference president in Mexico, I was asked to take on women’s ministries in addition to ministerial spouses and children’s ministries. I accepted the challenge and have loved it ever since.

FLAME: You recently faced some challenges with your health, what can you tell us about that?

SANDY: In September of 2012, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. When my doctor told me my diagnosis he also said, “You are a woman of faith. You are not

FLAME: What do you enjoy most about being Women’s Ministries Director for the Texas Conference?

SANDY: A number of things! Traveling around our conference and getting to know women and their leadership styles, helping out when they encounter a challenge, and praising the Lord with them when things go well in their churches.

FLAME: Is Women’s Ministries just for older ladies?

SANDY: Definitely not! If we want our church to keep growing we must learn to get the younger generations involved. This ministry is for everyone willing to serve, no matter their age. We want young women to become leaders.

FLAME: What are some examples of activities women are doing in their churches?

SANDY: Many churches have monthly Prayer Breakfast meetings on Sundays and others have prayer vigils on Friday or Saturday nights. PALS (Prayer and Love Saves) is an activity where women come together to pray for children that have distanced themselves from their church. Tea Party Ministry helps newcomers get acquainted with the ladies at the church. Bread and Water Ministry involves women who share a bottle of water, a loaf of bread and a designated book with homes in neighborhoods, telling the residents that we need Jesus in our lives as much as we need bread and water on our tables. These are only a few activities; we could go on and on.

FLAME: What woman do you look up to and why?

SANDY: Adventist pioneer and author, Ellen G. White.

She was chosen by God to fulfill a mission even though her health was fragile. She didn’t complain about her health and she served the Lord. He gave her the strength she needed to work for Him and that is a wonderful inspiration to me. I know the Lord will hold me when I am weak.

history

The Academy Building, later known as the College Building, was built in 1895 and had classrooms and administrative offices.

g in ust you m g ar Co Au ne is rch h t u a

L A

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A workshop designed for Church Ministries Directors and Leaders

Faith Home

By Alfredo Vergel, Southwestern Adventist University Public Services and Special Collections Librarian, Ellen White Research Center Interim Director

MISSI

ON

to

ch

P A S M S O C

A Campus Drives

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Dates on Page 26

BY ALL ACCOUNTS IT HAD BEEN AN ORDINARY spring day on campus. Classes were in session, the sick sought healing at the sanitarium, crops neared maturity and summer plans were taking form. The yearly round of public evangelism was in full swing across the Texas Conference and literature evangelists steadily canvassed neighborhoods, while crowds gathered at tent meetings. But it’s unclear if anyone in Keene noticed a 36-yearold journalist driving around town.

Scouting Texas for hints of the development of social values, William Garrott Brown was amazed at the sight of Keene.

Wherever his eyes turned, there was evidence of a hard working community with high values. Young and at the peek of his career, Brown had gotten an education at Harvard, written several books and was on assignment in Texas for the Boston Evening Transcript, a daily newspaper with great literary influence at the time.

“The Adventists have been here, I believe, only six or seven years,” Brown reported in 1904, “but all about the little village are the marks of a vigorous, intelligent, successful industry.”

Somehow the sight of cleared land, thoroughly cultivated fields, and modest but sturdy structures managed to leave a lasting impression of the Adventists. “A thriftier little community I never saw. And all is the work of people whose chief aim in this world is to be ready to leave it at a moment’s notice,” he quipped.

Brown probably caught a glimpse of the Keene Industrial Academy farm with its berry blossoms and sweet potato runners.

He may have driven by colporteur and well-known horticulturist J.T. Chestnut’s remarkable vineyard too. The volunteer work of local resident Rueben Wright on the campus grounds was probably evident.

And, without a doubt, he saw more of that diligence in other residents of Keene.

“Their faces showed not merely intelligence, but culture,” he wrote. In his eyes, Keene was an archetype of the evolving work values of the American South at the turn of the century, and he could not help wondering what the relationship was between the industriousness and the religion of that community.

As I think of Brown’s article, I can’t help but ponder the influence of Adventist life and more specifically, Adventist education on those who witness from the outside the character traits in evidence on campus.

What we do and how well we do it matters.

At least it did for a prominent journalist, who then shared his observations with the world at large.

My guess is that the same is true for our local churches, the businesses we own and our homes. What we do and how well we do it matters—something we may not always be aware of. I keep a small and well-maintained garden where my children can play, harvest fruit and pick flowers, but I haven’t necessarily considered that it may just be one of the most effective ways to help drive my faith home to my neighbors.

Texas Adventist pioneers harvested crops at the turn of the century, over 100 years ago.

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discipleship

The Book

THE PEOPLE FILLING THE SMALL HOUSE hurriedly finished their meal – their attention turning toward the house leader as he explains, “Come closer; the reading will begin momentarily.” Shortly thereafter, the first reader wrestles in the dim lighting with the rolled parchment before her and begins reading, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus…” (Ephesians 1:1).

Using the house gatherings of the early church1 as a model, the Keller Come and See congregation has recently begun The Book Club. The purpose is threefold: to engage, equip, and encourage through an in-depth study of Scripture.

Peter Sciambia, a recently baptized member, explains “Because we discuss the text in great depth, the meaning of the message and its application stays with me longer. It entices

Club

By Tito Charneco, Keller Come and See Seventh-day Adventist Church Pastor

me to want to learn more.”

These monthly studies focus on a predetermined book from Scripture, alternating between the Old and the New Testament.

They begin with a fellowship meal and are followed by a session of prayer time. The study continues with an overview of the book’s authorship, which precedes a brief explanation of the historical background and context.

“These are wonderful studies,” explains church member Donna Frost, “as they help me understand things I wouldn’t otherwise by myself. And the fellowship is superb.”

It is of the essence that believers spend ample time in Scripture— the greatest source of wisdom and understanding— rediscovering the wonderful traits of the Lord they serve. “I am learning biblical truths I didn’t know existed,” adds church member Wilma Herrera.“As The Book Club exposes me to

new and deeper truths, it reveals the essence of Scripture: who God is, His faithfulness in keeping His word and how He constantly pursues us so that we would be reconciled unto Him.” The Book Club is currently accepting new applicants, regardless of geographical location. The only requirements are a humble heart, a desire to be transformed and a willingness to guide others through the same steps. Join The Book Club or start your own – the dividends are everlasting!

1

The word ekkleœsia (church) as used in the New Testament during this time period, refers to an assembly, or the gathering of people. This assembly normally took place in the privacy of a believer’s home. Its current connotation as a formally organized group or a structure was a much later development.

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stewardship

leadership moment

CARLOS CRAIG

GARY BRADY

EDWIN ROMERO

Why is Adventist education a critical investment?

I believe that Adventist schools offer an environment tailored to both academic development as well as the development of character. In partnership with parents who take an active role in their child’s growth and development, Seventh-day Adventist schools teach and model God’s plan for humanity— our children’s growth in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. The environment in which a student spends 6-8 hours per day is critical to this development and in Texas we strive to ensure that all our schools provide safe, godly, and high quality learning environments.

What does it mean for evangelism and church growth that three of the fastest growing US cities are in Texas?

We can view this reality in two ways. First, as a challenge. The population of these cities is growing faster than we can keep up with. On the other hand, it is a tremendous opportunity. The influx of new people moving into our communities, partnered with a strong economy in Texas makes for a strong environment in which to move forward with evangelism and outreach. In the end though, our response is dependent on whether every one of us views these statistics with a sense of urgency.

What are some highlights of the financial report presented to Constituency Session delegates in April?

We were honored to present a very healthy financial report and praise God for it. First, we’ve increased our financial reserves to 100% of the North American Division required value. We also have a liquidity ratio of 3.51, meaning that for every dollar of short-term obligations (salaries, utility payments, etc.) we have over three dollars available to meet that need. Finally, last year we allocated record amounts to two very important ministries in our conference, over $1.5 million to evangelism and approximately $7.5 million to education.

president

secretary

WHEN GOD LEADS YOU in a different direction

By Peter Weber, Edinburg Seventh-day Adventist Church Pastor

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By Jason Busch, Texas Conference Assistant Communication Director

treasurer

perspectives

I GREW UP IN SOUTH AMERICA with my family.

My parents owned multiple businesses and we were very wealthy. We lived in a three-story house and had service employees and several vehicles. My older brother and I attended a private school where only the most affluent families sent their kids. The majority of our teachers were priests, and when I was eight I wanted to be a priest as well.

Everything was great until my parents got divorced.

We lost every material thing we had ever had. My brother, mother and I moved into a small house that had no electricity, no running water and no toilet. Our lifestyle had completely flipped, but we realized that had to keep moving forward.

A while later, some friends invited us to join them for meetings their church was holding. After three months of faithfully attending the evangelistic meetings, we were baptized as Seventh-day Adventist Christians.

Two Churches One Family

When I finished high school, I agreed to work as a fisherman for the captain of a tuna clipper, a fishing boat that we would be taking around the world. The night before I was to embark, the evangelist who had brought us the message of hope visited our home.

He encouraged me to enroll at the Peruvian Union University, the country's Adventist university, and offered me a ride. Without any money, I decided to go and joined him for the overnight drive. I enrolled and began to take classes. It wasn’t long before I switched my major to theology. As a child, that’s what I had always wanted to do: work for God and His church. That decision changed my life completely. I still got to see the world, but rather than fishing for tuna, I had the privilege to fish for men and women who long for the Lord.

IN 2005, HURRICANE RITA was on a tour of destruction throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Unfortunately for the Groves Seventh-day Adventist Church, the behemoth hit a little too close to home and when the dust settled, only 20-30 percent of the church was left standing. The building looked like it had been on the wrong side of a wrecking ball—giant hole in the roof, insulation falling down, even pigeons started living in the sanctuary. The church was out of money and needed help—and found it in an unlikely neighbor.

Five years after the near-obliteration of the Groves church, the building still wasn’t repaired. When Pastor Will Klinke accepted the call to pastor the church, he did so with the understanding that he faced one of the most difficult building projects in all of Texas.

Little did he know what blessings would surface from the bleak situation.

The other church in Pastor Will’s jurisdiction is the Orange Seventh-day Adventist Church, with a membership roughly one-quarter the size of Groves. For years they had been busy paying off their debts and saving as much as possible. By the time Pastor Will came, they were debt free and financially secure.

Shortly into his tenure, the pastor knew what he had to do.

“I had to appeal to Orange to give what they could consistently

AFTER

BEFORE

to Groves, knowing that it might not be a popular message,” said Pastor Will. “Consistently being the key word here, because when all of God’s people work together it opens the door for greater blessings.”

What resulted went beyond anyone’s expectations. Pastor Will delivered his appeal and watched in amazement as Orange church members rose to the occasion. Over the next couple of years, and completely unbeknownst to the Groves church, the Orange church donated $6-8 thousand per month. One person even wrote a check for $10,000. In the midst of all this, the Orange church agreed to cosign on a loan for the Groves church and it was then that their generosity was made known. The building was fixed, but more importantly the people inside the building were fixed. The despair that Groves' members felt toward the future of their church was ripped away, leaving an unbendable hope and an unbreakable spirit.

In all, over $200,000 came from the pockets of Orange members for Groves. The members of the tiny Orange Seventh-day Adventist Church still give about $5,000 per month to Groves, proving that big things can still come in small packages. Orange members are living the truism that it’s better to give than to receive and have experienced blessings beyond any they could imagine.

No longer two churches, but one family. God’s family.

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calendar

In Every Issue 2 From the Editor 4 Leadership Moment 4 Perspectives 7 Lake Whitney Ranch 8 Partners 21 On The Shelf 26 Calendar 27 Advent Movement

{CONTENTS}

Events AUGUST

August 2013

24 || Missional Compass

Hispanic Men’s Ministry Training Dallas-Fort Worth Area at the Dallas Spanish Oak Cliff Church.

25 ||

Women’s Ministries Leadership Certification Training: Level 2 Austin Area at the Austin Stonehill Church.

NOVEMBER

21 || Hispanic Men’s Ministry

Ministry Retreat at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel.

9 ||

Leadership Training Workshop Houston Area at the Houston Central Church.

10 ||

Treasury Training Dallas-Fort Worth Area at Burton Adventist Academy.

Empower Club Ministries Training Valley Area at the Edinburg Church.

Missional Compass Leadership Training Workshop Dallas-Fort Worth Area at the Dallas First Church.

16 || Missional Compass

30 || Empower Club Ministries

Training Central Texas Area at the San Marcos Church.

Leadership Training Workshop Valley Area at the Weslaco Church.

17 || Empower Club Ministries

Training Dallas-East Texas Area at the Garland Spanish Church.

17 ||

Southwestern Union Church Ministries Training at Valley Grande Adventist Academy.

SEPTEMBER

23 ||

Empower Club Ministries Training Houston Area at the Houston United African Church – Pathfinder emphasis.

24 || Empower Club Ministries

Training Houston Area at the Houston Spanish Spring Branch Church – Adventurer emphasis.

24 || Missional Compass

Leadership Training Workshop Austin Area at the Austin Stonehill Church.

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Training Houston Area at the Houston Spanish Bellaire Church.

Workshop Valley Area at the Edinburg Church.

6-8 || ForeverONE

Marriage Retreat at the Omni Hotel and Resort in Irving, TX.

OCTOBER 4 || Cowboy Camp Meeting at the Rustic Creek Ranch RV Park.

4-6 || Texas Conference 6 || Empower Club Ministries Training Fort Worth-Keene Area at the Fort Worth First Church.

Master Guide Camporee at Lake Whitney Ranch.

5 || Sabbath School Workshop

7 || Women’s Ministries

Leadership Certification Training: Level 2 Valley Area at the Weslaco Church.

7 || Sabbath School Workshop

San Antonio Area at the San Antonio Scenic Hills Church.

7 || Estate Planning Seminar Houston Area at the Houston Central Church.

7 || Estate Planning Seminar

East Texas Area at the Jefferson Academy Church.

26 || Hispanic Men’s Ministry Training Austin/San Antonio Area at the Austin Spanish First Church.

9 ||

21 || Sabbath School

18 || Treasury Training

Houston Area at the Adventist Christian Academy of Texas.

7 ||

14 FEATURE His stature will impress you; his story will move you. Hear from the man who changed the path he was traveling, just in time.

Fort Worth Area at the Fort Worth First Church.

18 || Texas Conference

16 BRIDGES Serving our neighbors in the midst of a disaster.

1 || Valley Spanish Women’s

2 || RESTORE Houston Soul 16 ||

18 SPOTLIGHT Highlighting members around the Texas Conference.

16 || Sabbath School

20 KIDZ KORNER Stories, activity ideas, and fun facts to impress your friends!

Winning Festival Location TBD.

Women’s Ministries Leadership Certification Training: Level 2 Houston Area at the Houston Central Church.

Workshop Dallas Area at the Richardson Church.

23 ||

Women’s Ministries Leadership Certification Training: Level 2 Dallas/Fort worth/East Texas Area at the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

23 ||

San Antonio 2015 Evangelism Project Launch.

Adventurer Family Camp at Lake Whitney Ranch.

page 7

7 MINISTRIES Meet the woman who is driving force behind Women’s Ministry in Texas.

9 EDUCATION Why do parents choose Adventist schools?

10 LIVING FAITH How to broaden your circle of influence.

11 FITNESS Taking healthy living to the great outdoors.

18 || RESTORE Houston at Houston Area churches.

26 || Women’s Ministries

Leadership Certification Training: Level 2 Central Texas Area at the San Antonio Laurel Heights Church.

page 14

Want more info?

Registration, information and more events on the Texas Conference website at TexasAdventist.org

12 FAMILY MATTERS Vacations shouldn’t end just because summer does.

22 THEOLOGY Part Two: How should we worship?

page 25

23 HISTORY Texas Adventist pioneers impress a young journalist at the turn of the 20th century 25 STEWARDSHIP One pastor’s appeal pulls two churches together.

13 RECIPE Healthy choices for your next picnic.

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Summer 2013 b

advent movement {editor's note} SUMMERTIME IS QUITE OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH TRANSITIONS. Families move across the country to settle into new communities; vacations introduce us to new and unexplored spaces; students prepare for the next grade; even friendships tend to change during the course of the summer.

FLAME A publication of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Texas Conference.

It’s a theme we’ve picked up on in this summer issue of the FLAME magazine. Thanks to our dedicated editors and contributors, you’ll find insights into a new way of looking at family vacations and summertime fitness options, not to mention chocolate dip!

Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

But we’ve also tackled spiritual transitions. In the next few pages you’ll meet a local church, which is transitioning its members to a personal experience with God in Scripture.

You’ll also meet Earl Dabney, whose transformative story you won’t soon forget and two congregations that have transitioned into a relationship that transcends geographical proximity. Finally, you’ll have a chance to grapple with a transition that calls us to expand our circle of influence in our communities and our world.

P.O. Box 800 Alvarado, TX 76009 Phone: (817) 790-2255 Fax: (817) 783-5266 www.TexasAdventist.org

In addition, you’ll meet several Texas Conference members and leaders serving in the Central Texas and San Antonio area; gain perspective from parents who choose Adventist education; learn how Adventist Community Services made an impact on a Hill County Judge, and much more.

On behalf of our Texas Conference administration and the FLAME staff, thank you for taking time to enjoy the FLAME magazine, wherever you may be this summer!

Costin Jordache Editor-in-Chief @costinjordache (Twitter)

{contributors}

EDITORIAL

ADVENT Employees of the Adventist Church often change leadership positions and areas of responsibility. This section is to help you keep up with who’s where in Texas.

movement

Esequias Perea Jr.:

Pastor Mount Pleasant, Paris and Delta Churches

Christopher M. Jones:

Pastor The Woodlands and Houston North Churches

Richard Rose:

Pastor Rusk, Elkhart, Mineola and Athens Churches

ALFREDO VERGEL is the Public Services and Special Collections Librarian at Southwestern Adventist University.

In this issue he shares a historical journalistic perspective on some of Keene’s earliest settlers.

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TERI FOREMAN is the Fitness Center Director at Texas Health Huguley Hospital. In this issue, she offers practical tips for getting off the couch and maximizing your summer fitness routine.

MARLON PERKINS is senior pastor at the Arlington Alpha International Seventhday Adventist Church and Dallas Living Waters Worship Center of Seventh-day Adventists.

In his feature on page 14, Lost & Found, he shares Earl Dabney’s powerful testimony of God’s indescribable love.

MAKALA COLEMAN is a FLAME Contributor and on page 16, she tells how Adventist Community Services made a difference in the aftermath of the West, Texas explosion.

TITO CHARNECO is the pastor of the Keller Come and See Seventhday Adventist Church and on page 5, suggests a surprisingly unique way to practice biblical discipleship in your church and community.

Publisher..............................................Carlos Craig Editor-in-Chief .............................. Costin Jordache Managing Editor ......................Kristina P. Lockhart Assistant Editor.................................... Jason Busch Layout Design...............................Tammy G. Prieto Translation Coordination ........Kristina P. Lockhart

Joe McWilliams:

Pastor Fredericksburg and Kerrville Churches

Exiquio Durán:

Pastor Alvin Spanish, Rosenberg Spanish and Richwood Spanish Churches

Sora Yañez:

Graphic Designer Texas Conference Office of Seventh-day Adventists

Abigail Espinosa:

Hispanic Ministries and Hispanic Evangelism Administrative Assistant Texas Conference Office of Seventh-day Adventists

Jeanne Sadau:

Youth and Young Adults Administrative Assistant Texas Conference Office of Seventh-day Adventists

Michael Polinar:

Youth and Young Adults Special Projects Coordinator Texas Conference Office of Seventh-day Adventists

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Huguley Memorial Medical Center Southwestern Adventist University Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church Ruber and Ketty Leal Earl Dabney images by Vismo Studios Sandy Reyes images by Karen Savignon

ADMINISTRATION President ..............................................Carlos Craig Secretary ............................................... Gary Brady Treasurer .....................................Edwin G. Romero

PRINTING & MAILING Director ..........................................Mario Ledezma Designer ..................................... Madelein Terreros Print Shop Assistant............................Doug Denny Administrative Assistant ..................Erica Manzano

The FLAME is a publication of inspiration and education of the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. It is sent free of charge to all members of the Texas Conference on a quarterly basis. All others may request an annual subscription for a fee of $10.00.

It is our prayer that you will find the stories in these pages inspiring and empowering so that together we can share the flame of Christ's love with those around us, both in Texas and beyond.

If you have questions or comments, please email: communication@txsda.org.

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TXCSDA FLAME P.O. Box 800 Alvarado, TX 76009