FLAME | Spring 2014

{editor's note} THIS WINTER TEXAS, ALONG WITH THE REST OF THE COUNTRY, experienced some of the most extreme weather it has in a long time. Our Houston friends had the opportunity to share some of the icy conditions we saw in North Texas and I drove through “cobblestone” ice for the first time. Even the Valley experienced some freezing temperatures this year. But hopefully, most of that is behind us and you can eagerly look to Spring to pull out the flip flops and patio furniture.

The Spring issue of the FLAME is packed full of wonderful stories and articles to pull you out of those winter blues and propel you into April showers and May flowers. From the fresh Pasta Primavera recipe to our fitness experts’ take on cardio, this issue will awaken your senses and energize your spirit. Don’t forget to check out our eight refreshing activities to fill your social calendar and build new friendships, and discover the key to revolutionizing outreach in your church.

Working on this issue was especially exciting for me because I had the chance to visit my alma mater, Burton Adventist Academy. Although the realization that this year’s seniors, Class of 2014, were kindergarteners when I graduated in 2002 is a bit daunting, I enjoyed walking the halls and pointing out my class picture to a politely interested junior. I also inadvertently crossed paths with a person I had met, but not gotten to know very well years ago. Erica Morales and I had worked at Summer Camp the same summer she had the accident described in her story. Unbeknownst to us, a painful road waited this young woman. However, her journey to find acceptance and a place to call home will fill your heart with joy.

As always, I commend the FLAME contributors, translators and designers on a job well done. Pulling together the talent of many is reflected beautifully in this issue. I also want to take this opportunity to graciously thank Osvaldo Rigacci for his tireless efforts proofing and editing the Spanish version of the FLAME. We sincerely appreciate the time he allows us in addition to his responsibilities as Texas Conference Hispanic Ministries and Spanish Evangelism Director.

As you prepare to fight allergies and gather the courage to start your spring-cleaning, take a moment to flip through the FLAME. Let us know what you think and feel free to share your story. On behalf of the FLAME staff and the Texas Conference Administration, thank you for reading!

Kristina Pascual Lockhart Managing Editor FLAME@txsda.org

{contributors}

ASHLEY ORTIZ is the Director of Revive Community Care for the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church. On page 16, she shares how churches can become relevant, resourceful and responsible for their communities.

2 | FLAME Spring 2014

RUBER & KETTY LEAL are the Texas Conference Family Ministries Coordinators. In this issue, they share some great ways to break out of your routine and build new friendships regardless of your relationship status.

ALFREDO VERGEL is the Public Services and Special Collections Librarian at Southwestern Adventist University. In this issue he reflects on Southwestern Adventist University’s humble beginnings in 1894 to what it’s become today.

KENDALL TURCIOS is the pastor for Access Seventh-day Adventist Church. On page 15, he and his wife, Alexandra, touch on the how God is never as far we might think when times of adversity occur.

TOM GROVE is the executive pastor for the Arlington Seventhday Adventist Church.

In Three Actions That Speak Louder Than Words on Vacation, he gives practical advice for showing what Christianity is without ever saying anything.

In Every Issue

{CONTENTS}

2 From the Editor 4 Leadership Moment 4 Perspectives 10 Partners 21 On The Shelf 22 Calendar 23 Advent Movement

Spring 2014 5 LIVING FAITH Reminding you that faith doesn’t have to be left at home.

7 MINISTRIES Association— who they are and what they do for churches in Texas. page 8

8 EDUCATION Inspiring students to serve.

9 FITNESS Planning your fitness routine this Spring.

16 BRIDGES Taking outreach to the next level.

page 16

18 HISTORY A look back at Southwestern Adventist University’s 120-year history.

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

21 STEWARDSHIP Get the most out of the time you’ve been given.

11 SPOTLIGHT Highlighting members around the Texas Conference.

12 FAMILY MATTERS Proven ways to expand your social circle!

13 RECIPE This pasta primavera is the perfect addition to any spring menu.

14 FEATURE Erica Morales lost her faith at a young age. But thanks to an invitation from her brother, she found a loving church she could call home.

page 14

FLAME | 3 Spring 2014

leadership moment

CARLOS CRAIG

GARY BRADY

Q: What can we look forward to this year at Lake Whitney Ranch?

The development of Lake Whitney Ranch has been a journey of faith as we have made every attempt to progress with the camp’s development, yet be attentive to God’s direction. This year, two major things must be accomplished.

The first is the completion of the three family lodges. Second, the camporee facilities must be brought up to meet the needs of the three major camporees that take place each year, as well as the smaller area campouts that are also held at Lake Whitney Ranch. In addition, restroom facilities, long-term camping layouts and a plan to manage the high winds are in the works.

Please pray that the Lord will provide for these much needed items at our camp as we rely on His provision!

Q: What is RESTORE and how does it impact Texas?

RESTORE is an intentional focus on citywide evangelism initiated by our Texas Conference Evangelism Coordinators and Conference administration. There are three major components of this campaign. First, RESTORE allows the opportunity for local church to do evangelism at a low cost as the Texas Conference provides most of the resources. Next, small churches are able to participate in a larger effort with a sense of connectedness and synergy, partnering with other area churches.

Lastly, there is a celebration at the conclusion with all the participating churches to acknowledge and honor what God has done and is doing in the local area. It truly is an exciting consecrated experience!

president

secretary

EDWIN ROMERO treasurer

Q: As tax season rolls around, what can members keep in mind for 2014?

When it comes to tax season, every year is a little different. For the typical taxpayer, it means it’s time to gather tax forms of every size, shape and color. It’s important for taxpayers to review the past year for life changes that may result in tax savings. Tax breaks like education credits and deductions, the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Care Credit are often overlooked and can lead to a bigger refund. A change of jobs, getting married, having a child or a death in the family are some other things to be considered.

Pay attention to major changes in the tax code and always remember to take the time to prepare when filing to help the process go as smoothly as possible.

perspectives

H U N G RY

SOULS

IN SEOUL

I AROSE OPTIMISTICALLY THAT MORNING in Seoul, Korea. I had recently procured a “prestigious” Bachelors of Theology degree, coupled with a minor in Biblical languages, and I was ready to teach my first Bible class as a missionary. I had lead out in numerous Bible study programs in college and felt there was little the world had to offer me in the way of challenges.

I approached the board in front of my foreign audience that day and in perfect cursive, wrote the question I thought would most stimulate them. “How does the theme of salvation tie throughout the Old and The New Testament?” Have you ever noticed that painful silence typically found in the waiting room of a dentist’s office? That sums up the sound resonating in my class at that moment. It was

4 | FLAME Spring 2014

By Austin Sharp

painfully awkward, earth-shattering silence. Eventually however, a well-seasoned missionary teacher came to my aid interjecting a most profound question. “Has anyone in here ever read the Bible?” One hesitant hand rose out of fifty.

Needless to say, I exited in humble fashion.

I would soon discover the religious demographic of my class ranged colorfully from Buddhist, Shaman, Atheist, to “don’t know, don’t care.” My years of “successful” Bible studies within the Seventh-day Adventist meccas I previously inhabited suddenly counted for very little in Korea, but I soon received some graceful inspiration from above.

I thought, “when in doubt, bring food!” When my students punctually filled their seats in the next class, they were greeted with a veritable

smorgasbord of Korean delicacies. Bribery is strong word— this was merely a visual way of illustrating a spiritual truth. I conveyed to the class that they could have as much food as they wanted, but they could not serve themselves. As we ate our sweet morsels together, I related to them how Christianity was about serving Jesus and others, the way He first served us and what we did that day was a model of service. I began to share with newly opened minds about this Jesus and many of the things He did for us, and while not everybody openly embraced Him, many eventually did.

I often re-visit these memories and I can still see curious, attentive faces munching away as they ponder what Jesus did for us. The lesson I brought home with me stateside and have strived to apply in my ministry is that when we share with others, we must contextualize the gospel in a way that people can relate to and in which it's inherent value can be seen.

Austin Sharp is the pastor of the Seguin, San Antonio Immanuel and San Antonio Valley View Seventh-day Adventist Churches.

living faith

3 Actions

Than Words That Speak On Vacation Louder

By Dr. Tom Grove

AFTER MOVING FROM PENNSYLVANIA nearly three years ago, I have discovered that my favorite Texas season is spring. I love spring because the weather is so pleasant and the bluebonnets are in full bloom. Springtime is also the first chance many folks get to go on vacation each year. Whether it is a trip to the Florida beaches, a resort in Mexico, a ski trip to Colorado or even a staycation, spring break is a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your family. But, do you realize that even on vacation you are able to let your faith influence others?

While you are on vacation, you are rubbing shoulders with individuals you might never have impacted with the love of Jesus. Actions speak louder than words, right? So let your actions speak of Jesus’s love while you are on vacation this spring break and in the future.

How do you do that? Consider these three ways of showing your faith to others. These simple methods can make a difference in someone else’s life while you are vacationing.

1

Be courteous. I'm sure you wouldn't be surprised to hear that I have observed my fair share of discourteous people, even in the friendly South (don't even get me started about the freeways). But Christians are called to be different. Jesus shared that as His followers we are to practice the Golden Rule found in Luke 6:31, "Do to others as you would have them do to you." It doesn't have to be anything extravagant. It could be as simple as making sure you always say thank-you to your hotel wait staff, or to the individual who is cleaning your room after the kids have strewn crumbs everywhere, or to the front desk person who checks you in. It could be helping that mom who has a crying baby and a fidgety toddler by pushing her overflowing cart to the register or by helping load her groceries into her car. Courtesy seems to be a lost art, and showing appreciation or giving a helping hand will speak volumes.

2

Be generous. Unfortunately, generosity is one

of the last practiced Christian virtues. So often, we try to get by with the least we can give instead of the maximum. In other words, as long as we do something—anything something—anything—then it is enough. But that doesn't seem to be what Scripture teaches or what Christ modeled. Christians are to be some of the most generous people on earth.

At the end of your meal instead of tipping the server the least amount acceptable, try tipping them generously. You have no idea what that generosity may do for your server. Your generosity may be something that gets them through the day because you have demonstrated how much you value them.

3

Pay it forward. I think many of us are familiar with the concept of "paying it forward" or "a random act of kindness." A vacation is one of the best times to pay it forward. What might that look like? It might be that you pay for the food of the person behind you at a restaurant drivethrough, or you could pay for another person's tank of gas as you’re filling up your own. The magical element here is that not only do you help by paying it forward, but that you could also inspire someone else to pay it forward by brightening up their day.

While being on vacation may mean that you leave your worries and cares at home, you don't have to leave your faith at home as well. You never know when you may run into someone who has seen your faith lived out in your actions, so make every moment count!

Dr. Tom Grove holds a Doctorate of Ministry with an emphasis in leadership and is the Executive Pastor of the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church.

FLAME | 5 Spring 2014

YOU ARE NOT

TOO YOUNG TO NEED A Will or TrusT! You may think that you are too young to plan for the future, but if you have children or own real estate it’s important to have a plan. If it’s time for you to create or update your will or trust, we can provide you with a free Wills Planning Guide to help you get started. To request your free guide, or for assistance in preparing or updating a plan, please give us a call. You may also visit our website for more valuable information on estate planning.

Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Department of Trust Services P.O. Box 800 • Alvarado, TX 76009 Phone: 817-790-2255 • Toll Free: 800-847-2792 Fax: 817-783-2698 • Email: trust@txsda.org www.TexasConferenceLegacy.org

COMING SOON!

School of Evangelism in North Texas

For youth and young adults who are hearing God’s call to work the harvest in these last days!

April 25-27 | July 25-27 | October 24-26 • Texas Conference Office For more information and to register today for the School of Evangelism in North Texas visit: YoungTexasAdventist.org

& Young Adults making ministers for the master

Adults

master

ministries

The Texas Conference

ASSOCIATION of Seventh-day Adventists

THE TEXAS CONFERENCE ASSOCIATION OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS may sound like a vague department and many don’t even know what the Association is, but upon closer inspection its responsibilities are some of the most important for the Conference. Under the guidance of Director Roger Mekelburg, the Association oversees numerous church property issues throughout the Texas Conference.

Roger and Building Supervisor, Wes Schram, provide decades of experience to pastors and church leadership who may be purchasing, selling or renting property, or even bringing buildings up to code and dealing with liens.

That’s what makes their service so invaluable— they offer the opportunity to take the stress out of property management, which allows churches to focus on other areas.

Although their work entails long hours and a lot of traveling, they’re always willing to take on more projects when needed. FLAME sat down with Roger to discuss Association topics like the daily routine, past experience, and the Association’s mission and more. Find out what the Texas Conference Association is all about below.

FLAME: What is the Texas Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists and what does that department do?

Roger: The Texas Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt corporation organized to hold title to all Conference assets. The Texas Conference Association Department exists to serve our constituent churches as they purchase, build, sell and rent church properties. The Association Department also maintains our religious tax exemptions.

FLAME: How did you become involved in this field?

Roger: Growing up on a family farm gave me opportunities to be involved in the purchasing and selling process. After I graduated high school, I was able to purchase some farmland of my own with my parents' help. My wife and I lived and raised our two daughters on that land for 14 years. After finishing my MBA, I began working in the Iowa-Missouri Conference as the Trust Services Field Representative.

We moved to Texas in 2001 where I served as Association Treasurer and Trust Services Field Representative for the Texas Conference. Today, I am honored to continue to serve the Conference as Association & Trust Services Director.

FLAME: What types of interaction does the Association have with local churches?

Roger: To me, this is where the Association is a ministry— in the interaction with our various churches through their leadership teams and boards. Having the opportunity to meet with many congregations and listen to their wants and desires for their own facility to enhance their ministry outreach is a blessing. With that blessing there are usually many challenges.

Financing is typically the first and foremost.

To address the financing challenge, any church wanting to purchase an existing facility is asked to complete a prequalification application. This application gives a snapshot of a church's growth and finances for the past three years. The objective is to give the church a clear picture of the amount they can spend on a project. This is similar to a bank studying your finances before approving a loan to purchase a home.

Once a property is located, we evaluate the overall condition of the building. The Association Secretary will work with the local church in setting the initial contract offer. The

inspection period begins once the contract is prepared and approved by all parties. During the inspection period a Title Commitment is prepared to reveal if there are any taxes, liens, deed restrictions, etc.

At closing, all the documents are signed by two officers of the Texas Conference Association. All funds are received by the Title company for distribution, a Warranty Deed is prepared giving ownership to the Texas Conference Association, and finally, a Religious Exemption is filed.

FLAME: Why is the Association necessary?

Roger: Not only does the Association hold title to all real property, but it also serves as a resource for our congregations as they consider any real estate transaction whether it is a sale, purchase or lease of church property.

FLAME: What don’t most people know about the Association?

Roger: Until you are actively involved in the process, many don't realize all the many details and issues that the Association manages on a daily basis. Those issues deal with various types of contracts, building codes, religious exemptions, code violations and mineral interests on our church properties.

FLAME: How is the Association a ministry?

Roger: There is no greater blessing for us than when we’re able to facilitate and assist our congregations with obtaining the right facility (whether through purchase or build) in the right location and see firsthand the growth and ministry that takes place.

FLAME | 7 Spring 2014

education

Burton More Than Just Adventist Academics Academy

By Kristina P. Lockhart

PULLING INTO THE PARKING LOT, I look around at the familiar buildings. I’ve been back before, but each time feels a little different. I put the car in park and grab my laptop and my camera just as the bell sounds. “Oh man,” I think to myself, “now it really feels like I’m back.”

I graduated from Burton Adventist Academy in 2002 and while I only spent two years there, they are years I remember fondly. My Adventist education began at Fort Worth Adventist Junior Academy, a small multi-grade school where every other year I’d find myself in class with my younger brother. I was intimidated by Burton at first. It seemed like such a large school compared to my Jr. Academy. But there was a group of us who made the transition after finishing at FWAJA, and we were received warmly.

We made friends and became acquainted with the teachers. I remember joking with other students that if we were ever on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” we would put Mr. Monroe Solomon down as our “Call a Friend” lifeline because he was always full of facts and information. I also remember Mr. Tommy Simons calling the students “sis” and “bub,” endearing terms he still uses when we run into each other. And during my senior year, I remember being called to the chapel on September 11th where then Principal John Hopps, prayed with the student body, assuring us of our faith even though our lives would soon be changed. It was a blessing to be surrounded by a supportive community during that crucial time.

In the office I am greeted by smiling familiar faces and directed to Principal Darlene White’s office. She introduces me to David Bell, a polite junior who has been impacted by an encounter with a stranger in need during the school’s Community Service Day. David, along with the rest of the high school, was distributing food boxes for Mission Arlington, a Christian non-profit that serves the community, when he met a gentleman on a bicycle.

“Community service day was wonderful! We were assigned the task of delivering sports camp flyers to four different apartment complexes.

After that we loaded boxes of food onto our bus to take to another complex. We knocked on doors and let people know that we were there with food to help them out. This wasn’t like any other apartment complex— these people didn’t even have some of the basic necessities that we take for granted every day,” he shared.

After the last door, David and some of the other students went back to the bus to help finish passing out the food. “As we were doing so, a man rode up on a bicycle. Several of the guys in my group started talking with him. As I walked up to try and join in, I heard him say that he had five kids and that it was hard to keep them fed. We gave him a box of food and he started to leave but, knowing how much kids eat— being that I am one, I had to ask if he needed more. I knew he would say yes. So we gave him two more boxes,” David continued.

8 | FLAME Spring 2014

“I realized that he wouldn’t be able to carry everything on his bike, so I asked him where he lived. He pointed up the road saying it was about a half mile away. My friend and I picked up the boxes and followed him to his house.“ Realizing time was running out for them to get back to the bus, David and his friend decided to pick up the pace.

“After a few steps, we broke into a run. We ran all the way to his house. While we ran the man told us that it was a blessing to be getting so much food. He said that it was a For David Bell, serving others is only one birthday gift from God! Yes, it of the many lessons he is learning at was his birthday! I felt sad that Burton Adventist Academy.

I didn’t have more to give him, but was happy that we had helped spread God’s love and kindness through service.“ David’s face lights up as he tells me this story. He is excited to be at a school where God and service are reflected in all of his classes.

“There isn’t hardly anything we do that doesn’t involve getting to know God better,” he tells me.

I am proud to be a part of this legacy and happy to see that it continues from my Community Service Days at Burton. Service is one of the many virtues that Burton and other Adventist schools instill in their students. As they grow into adulthood, our schools are teaching empathy, tolerance and love.

“Its not enough for our students to excel academically,” says Burton Adventist Academy Principal, Darlene White. “We are a school, so high academic standards should be a given. But, we want to inspire the students to have a relationship with Jesus that will be apparent in their lives, and serving our fellow man is a demonstration of having Christ in our hearts.”

I’m honored to be an alumna of Burton Adventist Academy and I’m proud of my college friends who are now teachers at the school. But most of all, I’m humbled by the opportunity to witness students growing in Christ and giving of themselves in service to others.

Kristina Pascual Lockhart is the Managing Editor of the FLAME magazine. She also manages the Communication Department at the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

fitness

Put a Spring in Your STEP

By Sheri Hayworth and Sasha Eagle

HAVE YOU EVER HAD BIG PLANS to join a gym and get in shape, only to end up on the treadmill or elliptical and unsure of where to go from there? We reached out to two licensed trainers to get the skinny (no pun intended) on cardio and what makes it one of the building blocks of a great exercise program.

SHERI SAYS:

When you lace up your sneakers and head out the door for the gym, what is your plan? Are your workouts determined by the machines available when you arrive? You aren’t alone. Oftentimes, people find the gym to be overwhelming. It really doesn’t have to be!

If you’re married to the treadmill or elliptical, you may find that your fitness level hasn’t changed in a while. If this is the case for you, try a group fitness class! Fitness centers have a wide variety of classes suitable for all fitness levels. Instructors will show modifications for exercises, so if you have a knee issue and afraid you will be asked to lunge or jump too much, an option is given to avoid further aggravation. Classes can range from a muscle conditioning class, to Pilates or yoga, to even Tabata or boot camp style workouts.

With group fitness classes, the goal is to give you a total body workout. If time is an issue, a class during lunch three times per week can be just what you need to get out of your fitness rut. If your friends attend the same fitness center, team up with them and keep each other accountable.

As 2014 marches on, establish a gym plan and improve upon your fitness goals.

It doesn’t have to be daunting; just pick up a group fitness schedule and work in some classes— you won’t be sorry.

Have a Plan!

There are a multitude of choices to get your cardiovascular exercise other than running.

While running is excellent exercise, it’s very important to cross train and have other options. Our bodies adapt to what we do on a regular basis, so in order to continue improving we must vary the types of workouts we do.

Swimming, water aerobics and aqua jogging are all incredible ways to get cardio and all are no-to-low impact, which means

SASHA SAYS:

Jump in!

less stress on your joints and feet.

The resistance of the water and speed of movement can actually make it a high intensity workout.

Water exercise is great for increasing range of motion and flexibility.

As Sheri mentioned, there are major benefits to group classes with rhythm. Even those with little experience can attend a Zumba or Hip Hop class and get a great workout. The movements are repeated often enough that you can become familiar with the steps in just one class. Group classes are motivating and the atmosphere is energetic and fun.

Are you a bit competitive?

Basketball, volleyball, baseball and football all include quite a bit of cardio, even if you’re just playing with family or a group of friends. An hour or two of a sport, even if it’s casual, will burn a ton of calories and improve heart and lung function.

Any activity that increases heart rate, breathing and body temperature is cardiovascular in nature. So, if walking with friends, rollerblading or gardening are what give you the most enjoyment, then get out there and do it! If you do what you love, you’re more likely to make it a lifelong habit.

Sheri Hayworth is Land Coordinator/ Group Fitness Instructor and Sasha Eagle is Water Coordinator/Group Fitness Instructor at Texas Health Huguley Fitness Center in Fort Worth.

FLAME | 9 Spring 2014

partners

TWO Can Be STRONGER Than ONE Adventist Health System AďŹƒliation Benefits Patients and Hospital

By Susan Moses, Senior Marketing Communications Specialist at Texas Health Huguley Hospital Fort Worth South A MEMBER OF ADVENTIST HEALTH SYSTEM, Huguley Hospital opened in 1977 on the remote outskirts of Fort Worth. For the next 35 years, the hospital remained an outsider to the health care systems dominating the North Texas market.

However, two years of study and analysis suggested that an affiliation with Texas Health Resources, a major regional health care provider, would allow both health care systems and their patients to benefit by combining resources and talents to better reach more people in need.

So in 2012, Adventist Health System partnered with Texas Health Resources to jointly own the hospital, which took the name Texas Health Huguley Hospital Fort Worth South last year. Adventist Health System continues to manage and operate the hospital and employ the staff.

With its strong regional presence and reputation for high quality health care, Texas Health Resources gives the hospital a more secure future in the local market. Management by

Adventist Health System maintains the Seventh-day Adventist identity of the hospital and its strong commitment to mission. Both health care systems share a commitment to providing excellent patient care inspired by the healing ministry of Christ.

According to leadership from both organizations, the success of the partnership exceeds all expectations. Already, the systems are coordinating services across many areas, sharing clinical research and technology to enhance patient care, and combining community outreach and education efforts.

The partnership has also improved the financial position of the hospital. Last year saw significant facility improvements, and plans are underway for a new patient tower.

Patient satisfaction scores are reaching new heights, and several awards have confirmed the hospital's quality of care. The Leapfrog Group awarded the hospital an "A" grade for patient safety, and the hospital was named an Emergency Center of Excellence

by Emergency Excellence. Cardiac care was recognized when the Chest Pain Center achieved the highest level of accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care, and the American College of Cardiology awarded the hospital the Silver Performance Achievement Award from the American College of Cardiology.

"This is an exciting time to be part of Texas Health Huguley. We have the opportunity to continue expanding and meeting the healthcare needs of the communities we serve. Both of our parent organizations strongly endorse our mission of extending the healing ministry of Christ," says Ken Finch, president and CEO of Texas Health Huguley Hospital.

Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ

GD 6686 12-13 VL Texas Health Huguley Hospital

Texas Family

This section highlights a few of our church members and leaders across the Texas Conference of Seventhday Adventists. Our Texas Family Spotlight this issue features individuals from the Houston Bay Area.

Ben pastors the Beaumont and Warren Seventh-day Adventist Churches and views fulltime ministry as a front-row seat to see God at work.

Though he was raised in Redlands, California, attended La Sierra University in Riverside, and thinks Laguna Beach is one of the most picturesque places on earth, Ben considers himself blessed to be in the Houston Bay area to help members discover their passion and role in ministering to others. Ben finds inspiration in people like Hudson Taylor, a medical missionary to China, and Seventh-day Adventist Church pioneer J.N. Andrews for their dedication and beneficence to advancing the Gospel message. Ben strongly believes that God wants to move us from being informed fans to transformed followers and is part of the Straight 2 the Heart discipleship ministry designed to do exactly that. Ben knows that, while people may disagree on certain points, the grace that Christ gives can overcome any differences.

Communication Director

Jean Hagen

Smith wanted to be a New York Yankee growing up, but felt the call to ministry instead and is currently the youth pastor at Houston Spanish Spring Branch Seventh-day Adventist Church. One of the biggest adversities in Smith’s life was his father’s death, which came when Smith was only 12-years-old. His mom, however, held their family together and became one of his biggest heroes in the process. His favorite childhood memories are the summers spent on the beach in his native Dominican Republic. He still considers the Dominican Republic one of his favorite places, but now he enjoys visiting with his wife, Rosalva.

Smith knows the importance of youth ministries and works to find creative ways to mentor young people. He also believes that giving back to the community lies in the heart of the Gospel and that the most effective way to share God’s love with others is through our actions.

By Jason Busch, FLAME Editor and Texas Conference Assistant

Jean is the Communication Director and Assistant Head Deaconess for the Houston Gulfhaven Seventh-day Adventist Church. She remembers her father telling her stories from the Bible when she was young, but it wasn’t until her brother accepted Christ that her interest grew. Although she recently retired from working with special needs students, she continues to find fulfillment in teaching two of her grandchildren. Jean strongly believes in following the model Jesus gave when trying to positively impact others— address physical needs like food, shelter, or water first, then transition to their spiritual needs. Her hope is that people move away from criticizing and condemning and always look for the good in everyone because, “Jesus doesn’t see us how we are, but rather what we can become through Him.”

Brenda attends the Oaks Adventist Christian School in Houston.

As a pastor’s daughter, she frequents the churches he oversees including Houston Alief Spanish, Houston Love Spanish and Houston Southeast Spanish Seventh-day Adventist churches. She loves to read and learn new things, but camping and exploring nature are two of her favorite activities. She fondly remembers climbing trees and getting fresh produce while growing up in her native Puerto Rico. She stays active in church ministries like youth programs, worship and media teams, as well as her school choir. Brenda feels an overwhelming sense of purpose to be a Christ-like example to her peers. Her parents are her heroes because of the sacrifice they make to put her in a Christian school. She believes that the Bible is the one object she can’t live without because it’s the one object she can’t live without.

Brenda Ramos

Smith Castillo

SPOTLIGHT

Ben Guerrero

t

spotlight

FLAME | 11 Spring 2014

family matters

By Ruber and Ketty Leal

From WallfLoWer tO Social Butterfly 8

SOME OF OUR FAVORITE MEMORIES actually come from a time before we had kids and before we were even married. Right after high school, Ketty moved away from home to live in another country. Adjusting to a new culture and people was a challenge at first. It didn’t take her long to discover that in order to make friends and enjoy her new life she would have to step out of her comfort zone.

She was single and independent and had her whole life ahead of her. Determined to use the talents God had given her, she started out helping at a local radio station and soon had her own radio program. Later, she joined a group and traveled around the country singing and recording.

There is a season for everything in life.

Being single is a gift God gives to everyone.

Some enjoy this gift for a short time, others for longer, and some even for life. In Single and Loving It, Kate McVeigh reminds singles that their lives are far from being incomplete, and are abounding with opportunities for incredible joy, high achievement, and most importantly, a time to become an explosive force for God. To help you enjoy every season of your life, we’ve prepared some activities to help you do just that. Whether you are younger, older, single or married, check out these great ideas to get you out of your routine or comfort zone and have fun while getting to know other people!

1

eNrOll iN aN eXeRciSE cLaSs.

Join a gym, studio or your local recreation center. If pumping iron isn’t for you, then try a group class! These upbeat groups provide a great opportunity for getting fit and getting friends!

2

pIcK uP nEw A hObBy. Bookstores

have lots of starter kits from crochet, to origami, to harmonica lessons.

Websites such as Groupon.com and LivingSocial.com also have discounts for lessons and classes. Pick something that allows you to be uniquely you.

3

jOiN a sPoRts tEAm.

Most leagues have co-ed teams and games are usually on weeknights. Bring some friends from church or start an office team. Community leagues feature softball, soccer, basketball, flag football and more.

8

7

4

gEt in sOmE vOlUntEeR tIMe.

Organize a group or participate in an outreach project to your local homeless shelter or nursing home. Find an area of interest and start giving back.

5 aTtEnd a sPoRtiNG eVeNt.

If you haven’t cheered on your favorite team in person, now is the time! Grab your gang and try to get a group rate. Go all out with face paint, signs and dress in your team’s colors.

6

cHecK ouT lOcaL cUlTurE.

tAkE a cOmMunItY cLaSs. Most local

universities offer community enrichment classes from cooking and photography to language and music. Always wanted to learn guitar? Have an unfulfilled desire to learn French? Sign up for a class, don't be intimidated because others in the class are there for the same reason you are!

Haven’t been to the museum since your last field trip? Look for new or traveling exhibits near you. Plan a fancy night out to see a play, musical or orchestra. Also, check out local comedians and bands.

sTaRt A bIblE sTudY gRoUp. Select a book of the Bible or topics of interest and get together

once a week to spend time connecting with God and with one another. Christian bookstores also offer great study guides for small groups and there are tons of online resources as well.

Ruber and Ketty Leal are the Texas Conference Family Ministries Coordinators. Ruber also pastors the Garland Faith Community Church, while Ketty is a supervisor in the Microbiology Lab at Methodist Richardson Medical Center. Find them on Facebook and online at BeForeverOne.org.

12 | FLAME Spring 2014

Recipe inspired and adapted from Katie Mae at PlantBasedKatie.com.

B

INGREDIENTS SERVES 6 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

12 ounces quinoa bowtie pasta 3 cups chopped broccoli 2 cups diced carrots 1 diced onion 1 cup diced red bell pepper 1½ tablespoon garlic granules 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth ½ cup raw cashews 1 cup almond milk ½ cup oat flour 2 cups green peas ¼ teaspoon black pepper 2 teaspoons dried or 2 tablespoons fresh basil 2 teaspoons dried or 2 tablespoons fresh oregano 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

uon

Ap petit

o

INSTRUCTIONS

In a medium pot, bring water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the directions on the box. When the pasta is slightly al dente, remove from heat, drain, and set aside. While pasta cooks, in a large sauté pan, sweat* the broccoli, carrots, onion, red pepper, and garlic on medium heat for 10 minutes. Keep them covered and stir occasionally. Then stir in the vegetable broth and simmer for another 10 minutes. Grind the cashews in a spice grinder to form a cashew powder. A coffee grinder or blender would also work. Either way, make sure the appliance is completely dry. Stir in the almond milk, oat flour and cashew powder and stir occasionally to prevent the oats from clumping together. Add the peas, black pepper, and dried herbs. Simmer for 10 minutes, continuing to stir occasionally, until the oats and cashews create a creamy sauce. Mix in the pasta and tomatoes. Best served right away. Also delicious chilled as a pasta salad. *Sweating is a mix of sautéing and steaming. The idea is that the water will come out or “sweat” from the veggies, which creates enough moisture so that no added liquid is needed.

To sweat an item, put the cut veggie in a sauté pan without oil or water over medium heat.

Keep the pan covered and stir frequently. Do this until the item is cooked to desired tenderness. If the pan is becoming dry or veggies start to stick to the bottom of pan, add a splash of water or vegetable broth. Avoid browning the vegetables. If you are using fresh herbs, add them in the last step when you are mixing in the pasta and tomatoes.

feature

By Alexandra and Dr. Kendall Turcios

feature IS IT REALLY POSSIBLE TO WALK SO FAR FROM GOD that you cannot be rescued? We’ve seen God miraculously intervene in several ‘impossible’ scenarios where all hope seemed lost. The Bible promises that, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God” (Luke 18:27). For Erica Morales, the humanly impossible became possible in her own prodigal experience.

Erica was raised a Seventh-day Adventist Christian. She grew up learning songs and memory verses, and leading out at church. A distinguished youth leader, she also worked at summer camp in Texas where she survived a tragic accident. A new horse began to buck with a camper still on it. Erica lunged to help, and the horse kicked her face with full force, breaking her jaw. In spite of her injury, she managed to pull the camper to safety while holding her jaw in one hand and the camper in the other. She recovered from her injury but few people knew her heart and spirit had been broken long before.

Unable to endure unspeakable horrors at home, she ran away at 17. She was angry at the God of the Bible whom she had sung to, prayed to, and served. How could He allow her to suffer so much pain? Erica recalls that she just couldn’t believe anymore. “I just lost my faith.

How could there be a God of love when all my life I experienced the exact opposite.” She turned her back on God and for over a decade walked through an arid and dry place full of fear and emptiness.

The Bible uses the word prodigal to describe reckless spending, wasteful extravagance and wild living. When Erica left home she didn’t take any money and had nothing to be wasteful with, but she did embrace a wild and worldly life. The story of the prodigal son (or daughter) challenges us. Luke 15:11-32 tells of a son who asks for his inheritance before his father dies and then squanders it in wild living. When he finally comes to his senses and returns home, the father restores the son to the same status he held before. Some have inferred the ring placed on the prodigal’s finger (vs. 22) was a signet ring giving him instant access to all of the father’s remaining wealth; the ATM pin if you will.

Many times this does not sit well with those who want the prodigal to prove their repentance and contrition before being restored. The last thing many think of doing is throwing an extravagant feast to celebrate the return of a known wild child. Wouldn’t that enable their behavior? Wouldn’t the message be that there are no consequences for sin? What if churches were challenged with the Biblical model of celebrating those who come home after being far from the father?

My wife Alexandra and I accepted the challenge and set out to plant an Adventist church in Texas with the founding principle of unconditional acceptance. The vision was simple: create an inter-generational mentoring and discipling community of faith with the goal of reaching the current generation for Jesus Christ within their culture. This would be a dedicated and committed church, praying and planning for “Welcome Home” celebrations every week. The result was the Access Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sugar Land, a rapidly growing city southwest of Houston.

Over the years, Erica’s brother had kept in touch with her. He began to attend Access Church and invited Erica to try a new, different kind of church. Erica had her reservations. She knew she needed

God because her life remained empty. She had visited some churches, but hadn’t been able to connect. “For about a month and a half Brian would call me on Fridays and invite me to Access. He kept telling me how this church was different and accepting. I had this little voice in my head telling me to go, but I was scared. I thought they were going to be like every other church. I’m going to walk in and there will be people staring at me whispering. They’re going to judge my tattoos, that I’m pregnant and not married, that I’m Hispanic and my boyfriend is black.”

One week, she gathered enough courage and went to the Access Church, but sat in the parking lot fearful to enter. Her discouraging thoughts nearly dissuaded her, but through Brian and his wife Veronica’s encouragement she finally stepped inside. Erica was amazed by how warmly she was greeted. The sincerity and kindness of the members was overwhelming. She came in and sat down as one of the elders, Joey Ricafrente, shared the Sabbath School lesson.

After asking if she had the study materials, he offered her his own Bible and teachers edition workbook. As the lesson progressed she was invited to read and participate. Erica felt unconditional acceptance at the Access Church. They were inviting her to participate without knowing her, regardless of her appearance. Everything she had known about how a church “should be” was falling apart.

Erica and her boyfriend, Anthony, continued attending the church eagerly. Soon, Anthony began helping with the church’s sound system and media ministry. “Anthony was so excited about helping,” Erica said.

“He kept talking about what he had learned and how he enjoyed it.” One Sabbath, the church celebrated communion services. Anthony had not participated in a foot washing ceremony for communion before and Erica remembers, “He was deeply moved by the experience and we prayed together afterwards. It was an amazing moment.”

“Access feels like full acceptance,” says Erica. “There are no feelings of fear that would keep me from wanting to go to church. I look forward to going to church. I don’t feel like I need to hide myself.

Although, I’m pregnant and have tattoos, it’s a loving and accepting environment. That makes me want to get closer to God, and so does Anthony. The church looks at the person who walks through the door, and not their appearance. They are just accepting, and with that example we just grow as a person because we feel it and want to, not because we feel forced.”

As leaders, we are overwhelming grateful for Joey and all of the leadership at Access who are living out unconditional acceptance for everyone who walks through our doors. We are prayerfully striving to live the Biblical truth, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). In November of last year, Erica recommitted her life to Jesus and was baptized along with Brian and Veronica.

In addition to our celebration, Luke 15:7 affirms that there was also a party in heaven that day for Erica, God’s prodigal daughter, who has finally come home.

Erica and Anthony have found a home for their family at Access Seventhday Adventist Church.

Alexandra Turcios is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner for the CVIMU at Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center. Dr. Kendall Turcios holds a doctorate in Youth Discipleship and Evangelism. He is the pastor for Access Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sugar Land, TX.

FLAME | 15 Spring 2014

bridges

Revolutionizing

Outreach

THE WORD COMMUNITY REFLECTS A COMMON INTEREST or interaction of people in a common location. As a body of believers with an incredible message of hope, how can we bridge the gap between our churches and our communities? How can our churches become relevant, resourceful, and responsible for the surrounding population rather than just a building that opens on Saturday mornings?

• FIRST • in order for a church to really make an impact, the congregation itself must desire to bridge the gap between church and community. Without the passion of its members, the church will not be seen as a resource or refuge, nor be relevant to those living within view of its steeple. It requires passion to reach out, passion to interact, passion to listen and passion to act. Passion is the first step.

• SECOND • a church must be in tune to their community’s needs.

Never assume you know the needs of the community. As a church assesses the needs, it should visit local non-profit agencies to understand what services are currently provided. As the church discovers what it can do to offer assistance, it will not only become a resource, but also responsible to its community.

The Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church has had a food pantry for 50 years, however the small pantry only provided for about 10 families a month. A phone call and subsequent visit to the Tarrant Area Food Bank revealed the dire needs of the surrounding area suffering from hunger. An exciting partnership was formed and a food pantry was created that actually met the needs of the community.

As a result, the Revive Food Pantry now serves Volunteering at the North Texas Food Bank. four times as many families each month.

• THIRD • a church must organize itself in a way that will accommodate the community. Within each organization, assign a point person tasked with reaching out to community leaders and groups; this is key to bridging the gap. Engaging in dialogue is a fundamental element of the process and organization striving to build bridges.

Shortly after tornados ripped through Arlington in 2011, the church was invited to collaborate with other congregations and form a disaster preparedness team. The team works with the city to be ready to

16 | FLAME Spring 2014

respond to any natural disaster. As a result of a simple invitation, the Arlington Church is currently a member of the Arlington Christian Disaster Network. As such, the church works directly with the city and other local churches in preparation, planning and response should disaster strike again.

By Ashley Ortiz Revolutionizing outreach in your church will require growth. Sometimes growth is manifested in sharing a Sabbath school classroom with clients waiting to access the food pantry or turning the fellowship hall into a makeshift food sorting area. In order to build bridges, growth also requires volunteers. Passion will come to a sudden halt if members are not willing to share their building or time to minister to others. We have been called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the communities where God has placed us. Consider these three steps to building bridges with your community and ask your congregation how your church can serve "the least of Partnering with ACH Child and Family these."

Services to build bears with foster children.

OUTREACH REVIVE COMMUNITY CARE OUTREACH SNAPSHOT

Revive Food Pantry, open weekly.

Unity Park, monthly distribution of lunches, snacks, water, socks to homeless.

Thanksgiving Baskets, handed out to over 290 families yearly.

Angel Tree, serving at least 45 children in need each year.

Build A Bear, yearly event gifts bears to 30 foster children.

North Texas Food Bank, volunteer quarterly.

Tarrant Area Food Bank, volunteer quarterly.

International Mission Trip, yearly.

Ashley Ortiz is the Director of Revive Community Care, a ministry of the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church developed to serve its community and provide opportunities for its members to serve.

Ij fe pr

Ih th So

Ia Ip

H

I just arrived on campus as a freshman in August but it already feels like home. The staff and students are so friendly. I can tell my professors really care.

I have lived in Texas all my life and that’s one of the reasons I chose this University. I also grew up hearing my parents’ stories about Southwestern. I could tell they really enjoyed their time here.

I am looking forward to making my own memories and experiences.

I plan to be a dietitian and a proud alumni of Southwestern!

Gabriella, Freshman Biology Major

Join the Southwestern Family and Be Part of Our History!

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

history

Southwestern Turns

120

JANUARY 7, 2014 MARKED THE 120TH ANNIVERSARY of the opening of Keene Industrial Academy. It was a humble beginning, involving three teachers, 56 students and one repurposed building. In the words of an early graduate, “The school was founded in poverty, supported by toil, sanctified by prayer.” It was certainly a godly venture at a time when accumulated wisdom did not stand in the way of enterprising spirits as much as today.

The school’s founders planned its opening amid the worst economic depression experienced by the nation at the time. The downturn, caused by the bursting of a railroad bubble, temporarily hampered the growth that was typical of the American Gilded Age. In Dallas, banks and industries failed and cotton, the mainstay of the region’s rural economy, dropped steeply in price.

While it may have seemed unreasonable to set up a school in such a negative economic environment, it may have been a buyer’s market. Once the purchase of a large tract of land in the vicinity of Cleburne was ratified by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and effectively made by local church leaders, a migration wave began.

With dogged determination and a vision for the education of the next generation, Adventist families started moving to the area that would eventually become Keene, months before the school opened. Pitching tents as makeshift quarters and logging the once heavily forested sliver of the Texas oak woods and prairies, the Adventist settlement started to take shape.

The Academy rode a wave of ensuing prosperity. Rapid growth in enrollment, staff and facilities during its first decade of existence led to its transition into Southwestern Junior College in 1916. However, challenges loomed on the horizon. The following decades would see America involved in two world wars that included military drafts, a period of accelerated urbanization and secularization, and an even greater economic depression.

Deprived of the enrollment of a significant number of male students

18 | FLAME Spring 2014

By Alfredo Vergel

during wartime, countered by the shifting social values of the Roaring Twenties, and threatened by the Great Depression, the school emerged from the first half of the 20th century battered, but poised to expand its academic programs. By 1963, Southwestern started offering four-year college degrees. The school’s name changed to Southwestern Union College.

Steady progress accompanied the next few years, but a concern over surplus capacity in Adventist higher education in North America had some considering a possible consolidation with another campus. Local opposition was strong, however. In the words of then Southwestern Union Conference President Ben Leach, anyone pursuing the idea of consolidation in higher church hierarchy would have had to fight him and others “right down to the last tumbleweed.”

Expansion and growth continued. By the early 1990s, Southwestern was offering graduate-level degrees, and in 1995 the name changed yet again from the 1977 designation of Southwestern Adventist College to Southwestern Adventist University. Enrollment peaked at the turn the century.

Today, Southwestern remains the only school offering four-year degrees in Johnson County. It is notable for its highly diverse student body, its comparable affordability, a remarkable dinosaur excavation research project in the Lance Formation of eastern Wyoming, as well as an active research center of the Ellen G. White Estate.

Staffed by professors who have not lost faith in its mission, and free of increasing long-term debt or deferred millions of dollars in maintenance, Southwestern is positioned to continue its greatest contribution to church and society at large. It remains committed to the education of men and women in a Christ-centered environment shaped by Seventh-day Adventist Christian values.

Alfredo Vergel is the Public Services and Special Collections Librarian, as well as Ellen White Research Center Director for Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, TX.

kidz korner

By Brenda Olague, Outdoor enthusiast and lover of adventure

Here is some stuff to do when you get bored. Some you can do on your own, but you need permission and help from an adult for others.

1. PLANT A GARDEN. Most dollar stores sell flower and vegetable seeds. Research the best seeds to plant this season and you could be eating from your own garden in a matter of weeks!

2. BUILD A FORT OR TREE HOUSE. Use plywood and 2x4 pieces of wood to start a base. Be sure to get help from an adult as you hammer away!

3. CAMP OUT IN YOUR BACK YARD. No time for a state park? No problem!

Pitch a tent behind your house. Your family could even grill for dinner that night. Don’t forget the bug spray!

WHEN I WAS 10-YEARS-OLD, my family and I lived in California. As we often did, one day we decided to spend the day together at the beach. The sun was warm and the sand was fun to play in.

We were all playing in the water and jumping the waves when something crazy happened. All of a sudden, the force of the waves pulled me under and as the water rolled into the sand, I started to roll with it. I was scared and started panicking. I couldn’t get up and sand was getting in my nose. I began swallowing water when I felt a hand reach down and grab my wrist.

The grip was very strong and it did not let go of me, even as I rolled around the ocean floor. After a few seconds, the hand pulled up me up out of the water. It was Mario, my older brother. The wave had pulled both of us under, but he was taller and stronger than I, so he reached out for me when we went down. He held on to me until the waves settled and he could pull both of us up.

In Matthew 14 we read about how Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, is on a boat on a windy night with the rest of the disciples. Jesus appears to them and He is actually walking on the water. Because Peter asks to come out, Jesus calls him to walk on the water too. And he does! But, the wind picks up and Peter gets scared. He starts sinking and cries to Jesus, “Lord, save me!”

When I was 10-years-old, I didn’t know Jesus yet. But, I believe HE is the one who saved my brother and me that fateful day in California. When I’m scared and the winds of life pick up around me, I try and remember this Bible story. I try to remember that even though there is stuff going on around me, as long as my eyes are fixed on my best friend, Jesus, I’ll stay afloat like Peter did. But, if I get distracted and scared and start to worry about those things, I’ll start to sink like Peter did. The best part is that just like my story, Peter’s story also had a happy ending. When Peter asked for Jesus’ help, Jesus reached down and caught him. Just like Peter, we need to focus on Jesus, especially during the storms of our lives. If we feel we are starting to sink, He is always ready to pull us out of the depths!

4. MAKE POPSICLES. Pour your favorite juice or smoothie into Popsicle or ice trays. Leave in freezer for about 15 minutes, and then slowly insert Popsicle sticks or long toothpicks. Wait another 30 minutes then enjoy!

5. JAZZ UP YOUR WARDROBE. Give last year's flip-flops a facelift adding flowers, pom poms or jewels.

Turn old T-shirts into new styles by cutting off the sleeves or dying them new colors!

Do you have a story? 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 LEAVES OF THREE? LET IT BE! This is one of the simplest ways to steer clear of itchy poison ivy, but there are other ways to look for it too. It usually sprouts into a vine with bright green leaves in the spring and summer; in the fall they’ll be reddish orange. During the summer, poison ivy often buds flowers that can be gray, white, yellow or green and grow in clusters. Stay away from similar plants if you still aren’t sure how to identify the dreaded poison ivy!

Mansfield Seventh-day Adventist Church Presents:

Saturday, June 14 | 11 am “Watch and Pray” Saturday, June 14 | 6 pm “The Time is Near”

With guest Speaker: Chaplin Barry C. Black Chaplain of the United States Senate.

Mansfield Seventh-day Adventist Church 1951 North Main Street. Mansfield, Texas 76063 Tel: 817-483-1665 MansfieldAdventist.com • info@mansfieldadventist.com

www.TheTimeisatHand.org

SPEAKER: Steve Wohlberg

Director of White Horse Media WhiteHorseMedia.com

Mansfield Seventh-day Adventist Church

1951 North Main Street. Mansfield, Texas 76063 • Tel: 817-483-1665 MansfieldAdventist.com • info@mansfieldadventist.com

LIVE on Goodnews TV. DFW 20.4

on the shelf

ry

ate.

63

t.com

.4

stewardship

By Minner Labrador I REMEMBER SITTING IN THE BACK ROW of a big yellow bus on the way to school. I felt a knot in my stomach as I thought about the science test I would be taking during the first class of the day. I had meant to study, but somehow ran out of time while riding my bicycle and playing with my friends. As I looked out the bus window, I felt like I would never graduate from high school.

Graduation seemed like an eternity to a young boy in trouble with his science class. Thirty years later, I’ve learned a few things about this experience.

Time seems to accelerate while I’m doing something fun, but it slows when something unfavorable, painful or boring is happening.

While I was riding my bicycle and playing with my friends, time seemed to fly, but when I was in trouble, it slowed. I now know that time doesn’t speed up or slow down— ever! Time steadily moves forward at its pace without haste or delay. One moment that passes can

never be recovered. When it’s gone, it’s gone.

No vast amounts of treasure or wealth can turn back the hands of time.

As a steward of my time, I have to choose the best possible use of this gift of God. Daily choices are seldom as easy as choosing between good and evil. It’s more of a choice between good, better and best. Everyone has the same twenty-four hours in the day and yet some prosper and are healthy, while others don’t prosper

and are unhealthy. The mismanagement of our time can destroy our homes, health and happiness.

Jesus gave us a parable to help us understand what is truly important. In Luke 12 Jesus tells us of a man that forgot about his limits of time. This man planned to build larger barns and store away his harvest, forgetting that his time would end that very night. Time is one of the most precious assets entrusted to us by God. What we do with this treasure of time brings Him glory and blesses us. Jesus gave us the answer to time management: “Our life does not consist in the abundance of wealth, but in being rich towards God.” Moses said it this way in Psalm 90:12: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” We are stewards of time.

Take a moment to think about your day, week, month and year. How can you be a better steward and get the most out of the time we have been given?

Minner Labrador is the Men’s Ministries Director, Church Ministries Director and Stewardship Director for the Southwestern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

FLAME | 21 Spring 2014

calendar

Events MARCH

APRIL

MAY

7-9 ||

Women’s Ministries Leadership Certification Training at the Texas Conference Office.

4-6 ||

Women’s Ministries Leadership Certification Training at the San Antonio Laurel Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Women’s Ministries Leadership Certification Training at the Austin Stonehill Seventh-day Adventist Church.

8 ||

DFW Evangelism Training at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church at 3 pm.

8 || Estate Planning Seminar

at the Groves Community Seventh-day Adventist Church.

15 || Houston Evangelism

Training at The Oaks Christian School in Cypress, TX at 3 pm.

16-21 || Lake Whitney

Ranch Mission Trip sponsored by the Texas Conference Youth and Young Adult Department.

28-29 || Chisholm School of Evangelism in NorthTrail Texas

Academy Homecoming Friday service at 7:30 pm and Sabbath services begin at 9:00 am.

Saturday night program starts at 7:15 pm, followed by CTA Blazers basketball game and ho are hearing God’s call to work the harvest in these last days! honor class parties.

28-29 ||

Adventist University Homecoming at Southwestern Adventist University.

19 ||

19 || Soul-Winning Festival in

16-18 || Women’s

Ministries Leadership Certification Training at the Houston Central Seventh-day Adventist Church.

McAllen, TX.

20-24 || Outdoor School at Camp Hoblitzelle in Midlothian, TX.

25-26 ||

SEEDS En Español Church Planting Rally for spanish churches at San Antonio Spanish Los Tres Angeles Church.

17 || Valley Area Elders'

Gathering, Clerk Training and Communication Directors' Workshop at the Edinburg Seventh-day Adventist Church.

30-Jun 1 || Hispanic

& Young Adults

of Evangelism in North Texas at the Texas Conference office.

making ministers for the master

Gathering, Clerk Training and Communication Directors' Workshop at the San Marcos Seventh-day Adventist Church.

8 ||

Lake Whitney Ranch Super Sprint Triathlon. Open to all participants 14 years old and up. Proceeds benefit Lake Whitney Ranch Swimming Pool Complex.

21 ||

Houston Area Elders' Gathering, Clerk Training and Communication Directors' Workshop at the Houston West Seventh-day Adventist Church.

28 || Dallas-Fort Worth Area

Elders' Gathering, Clerk Training and Communication Directors' Workshop at the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church.

29 || East Texas Area Elders' Gathering, Clerk Training and Communication Directors' Workshop at the Tyler Seventhday Adventist Church.

Men’s Retreat at Camp Hoblitzelle in Midlothian, TX.

25-27 || S.E.N.T. – School

at the Alvin Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Spring 2014

Southwestern Adventist University Graduation Weekend, tickets required.

10-13 || Southwestern

26 || Estate Planning Seminar

22 | FLAME

9-11 ||

area churches.

27 | October 24-26 • Texas Conference Office

egister today for the School of EvangelismStewardship in North Texas visit: and Estate Planning Seminars YoungTexasAdventist.org at the Dallas First Seventh-day Adventist Church.

2-4 ||

4-19 || RESTORE at Valley

Estate Planning Seminar at the Katy Seventh-day Adventist Church.

7 || Central Texas Area Elders'

JUNE 6-7 ||

Stewardship and Estate Planning Seminars at the Dallas First Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Want more info?

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

advent movement

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

Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists P.O. Box 800 Alvarado, TX 76009 Phone: (817) 790-2255 www.TexasAdventist.org

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

Gabriel Perea: Associate Pastor San Antonio Scenic Hills Church

Lizeth Hernandez: Pastor

iLife Worship Center

Jim Teel: Associate Pastor Edinburg Church Pablo Carrizo: Pastor

Rio Grande City Spanish Church, Mission Spanish North, Sullivan City Spanish, and Zapata Spanish Companies

Mitchell Jonakin: Pastor Austin South and Granite Shoals-Highland Lakes Churches, and Austin Central Company Kendall Turcios: Pastor

Access Church

Publisher..............................................Carlos Craig Managing Editor.......................Kristina P. Lockhart Editor................................................... Jason Busch Assistant Spanish Editor.................Osvaldo Rigacci Layout Design...............................Tammy G. Prieto Texas Conference Designer..........Madelein Terreros Texas Conference Designer.....................Sora Yañez Translation Coordination........Kristina P. Lockhart

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Texas Health Huguley Hospital Southwestern Adventist University Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church Southwestern Union Conference Ruber and Ketty Leal Erica Morales images by Vismo Studios

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

Rudy Salazar: Trust Services Field Representative Austin, Houston and East Texas area

Rigoberto Nuñez: Pastor Houston Spanish Southwest and Houston Spanish Northwest Churches Joon Hwan Huh: Pastor Houston Korean Church

PRINTING & MAILING Director...........................................Mario Ledezma Pressman .......................................... Miguel Gomez 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: flame@txsda.org

FLAME | 23 Spring 2014

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

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID CBSI

Join a team of family life specialists as they make this event an unforgettable experience for you and your spouse

199 Early Bird

$

Deadline July 15

(per couple) • includes three meals for each participant and seminar materials • for accommodation call resort at 1-877-286-9590 and ask for Forever One Group rate

For questions call

(817) 790-2255 EXT. 2108

Visit our website for weekend details and registration!

www.BeForeverOne.org