FLAME | Winter 2014

Winter 2014

Igniting a Passion for Living and Serving in Texas

5 STEPS

to Connect with GRANDPARENTS PAGE 14

9 WAYS

to Give Back PAGE 5

4 REASONS TO PICK UP

KETTLEBELLS

A Publication of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Texas

PAGE 10

DISCOVERING

God’s Mercy

Tasty Twists

ON HOLIDAY TREATS PAGE 16

{editor's note} I HAVE THE LUXURY OF WRITING THIS NOTE on a lazy Sunday afternoon (not really since I’m obviously working) in my living room, next to our Christmas tree. The lights look like shiny little jewels and the bulbs and snowflakes reflect in their light. Christmastime is special. Families are getting together, dinners are being planned and holiday parties abound. I love making lists and thinking of gifts that will make my loved ones laugh, get excited or feel important. However, few will admit they love Christmas because they love getting gifts. Isn’t that being selfish? “It’s better to give than to receive” many say. We must remember the “reason for the season” or the “true meaning of Christmas”… right?

Have we gotten so caught up in a seemingly noble, altruistic state of self-denial that we forget the whole point of Christmas IS receiving a gift, the greatest gift of all time!

This year, as I hand out little treasures I have picked and carefully open up the gifts that have been bestowed upon me, I will confidently declare that I do love receiving gifts at Christmas. I love receiving the gift of eternal love and life that manifested itself in a little baby who suffered and sacrificed it all just for me. Just because He loves me.

We have some great holiday articles this issue to get you in the receiving mood. Other articles include a glimpse at a new project in Adventist Education in Texas, ways to show Grandma and Grandpa we love them and taking a moment to pause with God. Our feature this issue takes a look at a MinhTu and Mark Adle, a young couple whose encounter with God did not come as a result of a tumultuous past, but rather happy, comfortable lives that yearned for greater meaning and purpose.

Thank you to our amazing team that pours energy and passion into every issue of the FLAME. Our next issue will be a special edition constituency issue as we prepare for the Quadrennial Constituency Session of the Texas Conference next April. Until then, on behalf of the FLAME staff and the Texas Conference Administration, Happy New Year and happy reading!

Kristina Pascual Lockhart Editor FLAME@txsda.org

{contributors}

JASON BUSCH is the Associate Communication Director for the Texas Conference of Seventhday Adventists and Associate Editor for the FLAME. In this issue, he discusses the tremendous benefits found in one of the simplest exercise tools you’ll ever find.

2 | FLAME Winter 2014

ASHLEY ORTIZ is the Director of Revive Community Care at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church. On page 5, she offers great ideas to get involved in the community and sustain it throughout the year.

BENJAMIN GUERRERO is the pastor of the Warren and Beaumont Seventhday Adventist Churches.

In this issue, Benjamin tells about a time he faced his fears and came out stronger than he could have imagined.

MAKALA COLEMAN is a senior at Southwestern Adventist University. On page 14, she reflects on the impact that the Adventist message can have on the incarcerated and the importance to ministering wherever and whenever we can.

MINNER LABRADOR, JR. is the Vice President for Ministries, Men's Ministries, Sabbath School, and Stewardship Director for the Southwestern Union of Seventh-day Adventists.

On page 17, Minner tells an incredible story of how God multiplied a small offering into a huge treasure.

In Every Issue

{CONTENTS}

2 Editor’s Note 4 Leadership Moment 4 Perspectives 9 Partners 22 Calendar 23 Advent Movement

Winter 2014 5 LIVING FAITH

14 FAMILY MATTERS

Giving the gift of service to others.

Five steps to take your relationship with your grandparents to the next level.

7 MINISTRIES Discover the heart behind Children’s Ministry in Texas.

8 EDUCATION All the details on the new Educate for Eternity initiative.

10 FITNESS

page 10

Swinging into a centuriesold, yet highly effective fitness tool.

16 RECIPE Get cozy with these deliciously simple sticky buns and ginger hot chocolate.

page 16

A story of how God multiplies the meager into multitudes.

Highlighting pastors around the Texas Conference

MinhTu Adle grew up in a loving, Buddhist family, but the so-called Christians that bullied her for it became her first glimpse at Christianity.

It wasn’t until she met Mark that she began to realize the overwhelming love God had for her.

Breaking the chains of the prisoners around us.

17 STEWARDSHIP

11 SPOTLIGHT

12 FEATURE

15 BRIDGES

18 HISTORY

page 12

A look back at the upstart Adventist colony in East Texas.

20 THEOLOGY Learning how to pause with God. 21 KIDZ KORNER

Aaron Thomas Photography

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

FLAME | 3 Winter 2014

leadership moment

CARLOS CRAIG president

GARY BRADY

EDWIN ROMERO

secretary

treasurer

What are you most thankful for in 2014?

As I reflect upon the goodness and astounding faithfulness of God in 2014, there are many reasons for which I am compelled to give thanks. I am deeply grateful for life and health, for the love and companionship of spouse and family, as well as for the fellowship of church and ministry. Yet one thing that stands above the rest is not only the Reason for the Season, but also our reason for being. If it were not for the ever-abiding presence of Christ in our lives, where and who would we be? Acts 17:28 says, “For in Him we live and move, and have our being, as also some of your own people have said, for we are also His offspring.” His offspring? What a powerful thought! Not only did he create us, but we are so profoundly privileged that He desires to reproduce His likeness in us! I am thankful that he continues to work in me and although I’m not even close to what I should be, I am a long way from what I used to be!

perspectives THE FEAR WAS GROWING. I love team-building exercises and although I was surrounded by a number of pastor colleagues, I was dreading what I was about to experience. I can sleep soundly in a plane 30,000 feet above ground, but have me walk on a tightrope 40 feet in the air and I’ll scream like a banshee. If I had given into that fear, however, I would not have experienced the growth that I did.

After a couple of easy warm-ups, it was time to suit up. I slowly surveyed the length of the course, trying to pump myself up. As we began the climb, the mesh ropes made our muscles burn. “This isn’t so bad.” Then we got to the first walkway and I looked down. A little voice started to speak. “You’re not going to make it across.” I tried so hard to focus on just the next step, but my mind found it too easy to worry about what was coming.

Suddenly, I slipped off the wire and held onto my harness for dear life. All the fears I had been painting with the brush of my imagination flew onto the canvass of my mind. Some pastors tried giving advice, but

4 | FLAME Winter 2014

The holidays provide a good time for reflection. For my family and I, this time of the year brings a mixture of thoughts and emotions. Twenty-six years ago on November 30th my wife Rose and I lost a newborn son. We still grieve our loss deeply. We still wonder “what if”? But we “don’t grieve as those who have no hope,” as 1 Thessalonians 4:13 says. Our hope is made possible through Jesus (1 Peter 1). This year I’m once again thankful for that hope. This quote by W.T Purkiser resounds with me, “Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.” This year, the blessings have abounded yet again. May we measure our thanksgiving by how we use those blessings.

FACING the

In 2014, I am thankful for seeing God at work for His church in Texas and the faithfulness and commitment of our members through their generous giving. Such faithfulness is evidence that our brethren live a life of gratitude to God. Being thankful demonstrates having a heart and mind that is not in opposition to God. It shows humility and recognition that we are dependent upon God for all He provides. David’s prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 reminds us to whom our gratitude is due, “Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.”

Fear

By Benjamin Guerrero

there was only one voice I wanted to hear: the voice of my guide. He was the one with the training and he knew what was in store for me from start to finish. He reassuringly talked me through that segment until I made it to the end. Well, almost. I still had to jump! The guide hooked my harness to a pulley above me so I could zip down to the ground below.

When you look down and there’s nothing to cushion the fall, then no amount of peptalkin’, self-psychin’, or sermon-preachin’ was going to get me to step into air and fall to the ground. The guide stood by my side, gave the instructions and waited. He didn’t push me, bribe me, flatter me or dare me. He was just there. In his own training he had done this jump before. In guiding others he had seen this time and time again. After much internal debating, I finally I took the step and gently floated down.

My guide helped bring my own courage to the surface. He didn’t shame me for my fear;

rather he was patient and encouraging. I faced my fears and, with my guide’s help, came out stronger than before.

Joshua 1:9 reminds us, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Are you facing any fears today? Remember, with our Guide’s help, we can face that fear and come out stronger.

Benjamin Guerrero is the Pastor of the Beaumont and Warren Churches and a Straight 2 the Heart Team Member.

living faith

The Gift

of Service

By Ashley Ortiz

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO SERVE OTHERS? Let’s be real. Do you even want to help others? Or, are you just looking for the perfect photo op for your Facebook or Instagram account? Don’t just “do good” do service! Get your hands dirty. Leave the iPhone at home and be fully present while helping others. Service is a gift to those being served, but equally important it is a gift given to those serving.

The holiday season is an excellent opportunity for the community of faith to serve. Rally the congregation to make a difference in the lives of others in their local community. Christ’s example was clear—feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and those in prison, then once relationship is established give words of advice and/ or preach the good news. God does not call us to qualify those who we think worthy of benevolence. I have read and reread Matthew 25:35-36 and it reads to simply “give.” Give food, give clothing, give drink, give hospitality, give care, and give visitation. In other words, give of yourself in serving others. It becomes a gift given back to you.

So the question becomes, whom do we help? Whom do we serve? According to Feeding America, the national think tank regarding hunger, one in seven people in Tarrant County depend on food programs from the Tarrant Area Food Bank. With so much need, it really does not take much effort to find people who are struggling. If many in your community are food challenged, the deduction is they will find it equally difficult to provide, for example, Christmas gifts for their families.

Here are some great ways to get involved during the holidays and throughout the rest of the year: 1.

CONTACT A LOCAL FOSTER CARE AGENCY TO PROVIDE A “BUILD-A-BEAR” FOR CHILDREN. Set a time and day to have children meet with members of your church to help foster children build a Build-A-Bear. The cost is usually around $30.00 per child.

2.

SET UP A CHRISTMAS TOY STORE IN A CHURCH CLASSROOM. Ask your members to donate new toys. On a specified date, have parents come pick out a toy for their child. Other members can be on hand to wrap the chosen gifts.

3.

DECORATE A CHRISTMAS TREE WITH THE NAMES, AGE, AND WISH LIST OF CHILDREN. On the weekend, members can take one (or more) names to purchase gifts for the child. Names of children needing Christmas can come from local members or a foster home.

4.

TAKE COOKIES AND OTHER BAKED GOODS to your local fire station or police department for a special treat and a gift of thanks for their service.

5.

PROVIDE FREE GIFT-WRAPPING SERVICE a day or two at your local mall during the holiday season.

6.

GREET PARENTS WITH HOT CHOCOLATE AND A PASTRY as they drop off their students on the way to work if your church has a school.

7.

GIVE YOUR TEACHERS A BASKET OF GOODIES or a note of appreciation for their service.

8.

OLD-FASHIONED CAROLING is always fun, but liven it up a bit with a song set in downtown, or take it to a nursing home where people will really appreciate the effort and the music. You will probably find at either locales people will join in the festival of praise.

9.

PROVIDE FOOD BASKETS with all the fixings for a delicious meal. Food can be donated or purchased.

Ashley Oritz 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. Contact Ashley@ArlingtonAdventist.com for questions or to share your ideas for serving Him during this holiday season.

FLAME | 5 Winter 2014

SUMMER CAMP School of Evangelism in Texas For youth and young adults who are hearing God’s call to work the harvest in these last days!

2015

@ Lake Whitney Ranch

CAMP

AGES

REG. FEE

Cub Camp June 14-21

7-9

$295.00

Junior Camp June 21-28

10-12

$295.00

Tween Camp July 12-19

12-14

$295.00

Teen Camp July 19-26

14-17

$295.00

January 23-25 | April 24-26 | July 24-26 | October 23-25

2015

Scenic Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church 11223 Bandera Rd. San Antonio, TX 78250

For more information: & Young Adults making ministers for the master

YoungTexasAdventist.org

For more information and registration: YoungTexasAdventist.org | 817.790.2255 ext. 2201

& Young Adults making ministers for the master

Are you Making Plans for the Future?

There are many ways to plan for the future through your will or trust. A good plan will help you care for your loved ones after you are gone, plan for your own care or even make a gift to charity.

If you would like to include the church in your planning, please call to discuss any of these charitable estate planning options or visit our website for more information.

Schedule your visit today!

Contact LakeWhitneyRanch@txsda.org

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

ministries In May, the Texas Conference named Barbara Craft Children’s Ministry Coordinator. Barbara has served the Texas Conference in the Treasury Department for over 12 years. This new responsibility is in addition to serving as Assistant Treasurer and Payroll Director. The goal of the Children’s Ministry Department is to provide every child in Texas with an opportunity to know that Jesus loves them and that they are valuable.

In order to reach that goal, a bulk of time is spent providing training and resources to local church leadership in Children’s Ministry and Sabbath School. Barbara Craft leads in this endeavor along with nine volunteer coordinators located throughout the Conference. FLAME recently caught up with Barbara to get a snapshot of this important ministry.

Texas Conference

Ministries

Children’s

FLAME: How did you first get involved with Children’s Ministry?

BARBARA: I began to work with Children’s Ministry when I was 13. I am so thankful to those church leaders who had enough vision and faith to give a teenager that opportunity.

It was while teaching the Cradle Roll (now called Beginner) and Kindergarten class for my local church, that I realized how much I enjoyed working with children.

I began working as a volunteer with Margaret Taglavore, former Children’s Ministry Leader for the Southwestern Union, and her team about 12 years ago as I was completing the Children’s Ministry Certification courses presented by the union. Her love for children was such a blessing and her leadership was so helpful and inspirational.

FLAME: How has this ministry impacted your life and your family?

BARBARA: Children’s Ministry has always been a part of my life. There was hardly a time while my daughters were growing up that I was not involved in Sabbath School or VBS. Today, they are both very active in their local church Sabbath Schools. This new responsibility involves quite a bit of traveling and I’m thankful that my husband is supportive and joins me when he can.

Watching a child’s face light up as they learn that you truly love them and that they are special to God is such a wonderful

experience. Even as I minister to older kids and show them what following God really means, my walk with God becomes stronger.

FLAME: What resources are available for Children’s Ministry leaders in local churches?

BARBARA: We have a very experienced group of volunteer coordinators throughout the Conference who are available to assist any local church. The area coordinators are listed on the Children’s Ministry page at www.TexasAdventist.org.

The North American Division has developed the “Children’s Ministry Certification Training” program. This is an intensive course set up with basic and advanced levels. There are two tracks per level and 10 seminars per track. We are planning to provide these training sessions in several locations throughout the Conference in 2015. The training will be a weekend event consisting of 10 one-hour sessions.

We will also be conducting Vacation Bible School and Sabbath School trainings throughout the Conference.

FLAME: How can parents and leaders utilize technology to foster spiritual growth in kids today?

BARBARA: Today’s technology is so much a part of the world our kids are living in that we must include it as a tool for their spiritual growth. There are several apps available with

different versions of the Bible that include stories, games and activities. If children want to use this in place of a traditional hard-copy Bible, it can be a real incentive to their personal Bible Study.

The General Conference Sabbath School program website, www.GraceLink.net , has a lot of games and activities that can be used by both leaders and parents to help the kids enjoy the Bible lesson each week. The North American Division Children’s Ministry website, www.KidsMinistryIdeas.org, also has ideas for parents and those who work with children in the local church.

FLAME: Why is Children’s ministry relevant today?

BARBARA: Children today live in such a dysfunctional world that, without Jesus to hold on to, life could easily become too much to bear. Children need hope more than ever before. The Barna Group, a research company that has tracked the role of faith in America, revealed the following after one of their major studies: “If people do not embrace Jesus Christ as their Savior before they reach their teenage years, their chance of doing so in greatly reduced.” If the child wanders away from God later in life, they are more likely to return if they made a decision to follow Christ as a child. I encourage you to support your local church’s Children’s Ministry program as their foster spiritual growth in the lives of young men and women.

FLAME | 7 Winter 2014

education

For Educate Eternity

By Karen Reinke

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each providing one-third of the total. The goal is to offer a Seventhday Adventist education to 200 children who would otherwise not be able to receive the benefits of having a Christ-centered learning environment.

The Texas Conference is contributing seed money to get the Educate for Eternity program started. However, we need our members all across the conference to participate with us in order for the program to continue and to grow. A contribution of $150 per month would sponsor a student’s full tuition in one of our schools, since that contribution would be matched by the family and the school.

While our goal is to have a number of full sponsors contributing $150 per month, sponsors donating at other levels also provide students with the opportunity for a Seventh-day Adventist education who may not otherwise have it.

Jesus says in Matthew 25 that we will not know some of those we have helped to reach the kingdom. What a tremendous opportunity to have someone come up to you in heaven and say, “Thank you for helping me receive an Adventist Christian education.” Please join us in our evangelistic crusade by marking your tithe envelope Educate for Eternity with your contribution. If you have more questions, contact the Office of Education at educ@txsda.org or contact 817-790-2255.

O

THE GOSPEL COMMISSION COMPELS US to go forward and teach the gospel message to the whole world. Each August, the 31 church schools and academies of the Texas Conference begin a 180-day evangelistic crusade to reach the children of the Texas Conference for Christ.

The Texas Conference Department of Education is delighted to announce that we are experiencing the highest enrollment figures that we have seen in decades, perhaps ever. While we are excited about more students having the opportunity for a Christian education, we realize that these numbers do not include all the children within our conference. The Lord promises in Isaiah 54:13 that, “All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.” The Texas Conference would like every child to have the opportunity to learn about Jesus each day at school. Our mission is to make Seventh-day Adventist education accessible for them. That is why we are pleased to introduce the Educate for Eternity program.

Educate for Eternity came about as a part of the conference officers’ vision to have everyone participating in Seventh-day Adventist education, and it was met with enthusiastic support from the Texas Conference Executive Committee. Educate for Eternity is a partnership between families, the local church school, the Texas Conference, and you! Students who are new to Seventh-day Adventist education will have the opportunity to receive tuition assistance as a three-way partnership between the families, the local church school, and the Texas Conference

S

Keren Reinke is a Curriculum and Instructional Coach in the Office of Education for the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

partners

By Kenn Dixon

“Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attraction.” – ALBERT EINSTEIN “YOU ARE PRE-DIABETIC AND OVERWEIGHT.” Those were the only words I heard as my mouth dropped to the floor. Me, a former marine, gymnast, and on-and-off cyclist, was now pre-diabetic. How could this be? My lack of exercise after my fourth Achilles tendon surgery, crossing the 40-year old mark and having a demanding pastoral life all played their part in my regression. Now, everything had grinded to a halt with the news of life-changing health concerns.

Elizabeth Landau with CNN.com Health reported that in 2010, the adult obesity rate had risen in 28 states over the past years. She continued in her article, Obesity Rising: Southern States Have Highest Rates, by saying, “Ten out of 11 states with the highest rates of obesity are located in the South. Mississippi has the highest for the sixth year in a row.” These findings are incredible and frightening.

Furthermore, 2010 obesity rates in black and Latino communities

in the U.S. were higher than with any other races in nearly every state, Landau points out. In 2014, the numbers are continuing to worsen.

The rate of childhood obesity is not fairing any better according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)’s data from the National Survey of Children’s Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They report that the overall obesity rate remains high and prevalent among children from ages 2-19 and have been consistent for the past nine to ten years.

Einstein’s quote about “life’s coming attraction” birthed the idea of the Tour de Youth 2015. The goal is to be an example by taking care of our bodies whilst simultaneously raising funds for worthy educational scholarships. In June 2015, pastors, lay-leaders, and cyclists from around the United States will join the Southwest Region Conference Tour de Youth cycling event by riding from Dallas to San Antonio, Texas with the mission of “Ride For The Future.” This cycling event will last from June 28 to July 2, 2015 covering 4 days and 325 miles.

We will start, wheels down, at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday morning from the Southwest Region Conference’s Headquarters in Dallas, Texas, and conclude at our 60th General Conference Session in San Antonio, Texas.

We are determined to make a difference with the vessels that God has given us. I challenge you to make a transformation and feel the burden to support our young people. Join us as we “Ride for the Future.” Visit MySouthwestRegion.org/TourdeYouth2015 to get more information about registering and donating.

Pastor Kenn Dixon is the Communication and Media Relations Director for the Southwest Region Conference of Seventh-day Adventists as well as the Senior Pastor of the Catalina Drive Seventh-day Adventist Church in Garland, TX.

health PathwaytoHealthVolunteer.org Sponsored by Your Best Pathway to Health in collaboration with: Southwestern Union, North American Division, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Adventist Health System, Loma Linda University Health and many other organizations.

Scan for video

Join Your Best Pathway to Health in San Antonio, Texas, April 8-11, 2015.

3-day Adventist Medical & Dental Mission Trip and Convention

1,500 Volunteers Needed: Dentists, Dental Hygenists & Assistants, Opthalmologists, Other Physicians, Other Medical and Non-medical Volunteers Special convention continues through Sabbath, April 11 with speakers including Ted Wilson and Mark Finley.

Full children’s program available for volunteers throughout the event.

Information & Volunteer Registration at PathwaytoHealthVolunteer.org

FLAME | 9 Winter 2014

fitness

Carol of the FOR

KETTLEBELLS

By Jason Busch

WHAT WOULD YOU DO if I told you there was a tool that was cheap, could be used anywhere and required a minimal time commitment, yet was guaranteed to chisel your body and simultaneously improve your strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness? Going one step further, what if I told you this wasn’t some new fad but something that has been around for hundreds of years? While it certainly sounds too good to be true, the kettlebell and its numerous health benefits are here to stay. Originally developed by Russian farmers in the 1700s, its popularity in the United States spiked in the early 2000s when Dragon Door Publications and kettlebell guru Pavel Tsatsouline introduced the country’s first instructor certification program. In 2002, the kettlebell was named the ‘Hot Weight of the Year’ by Rolling Stone magazine and its recognition has continued to climb due to its convenience, affordability, and inclusion in global fitness programs like CrossFit. We could fill a dozen pages discussing each kettlebell motion and its effect on the body. Rather, consider the top four ways a kettlebell can breathe life back into your fitness regimen and set you on the path to optimum health.

1

TOTAL BODY WORKOUT: To the layman, a kettlebell is no different than any other weight. In reality, the most radical difference between the kettlebell and a traditional dumbbell lies in their centers of gravity. The center of gravity in the kettlebell is 6-8 inches below the grip, which changes the way it interacts with your body. This difference allows for movements that affect your legs, thighs, hips, chest, arms, and core muscles in a single move. Dumbbells focus the center of gravity in your hand. While this does build strength, the gains are localized instead of working out the entire body.

2

STRENGTH + CARDIO: Kettlebell size can vary anywhere from 5 lbs. to 100 lbs. but finding the right weight for your workout is crucial. The duality of strength and cardio training comes from the traditional kettlebell workouts that involve swinging, pushing, pulling and snatching (swinging the bell between your legs and using the motion to bring it overhead). A study by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) found that 20 minutes of snatching resulted in burning over 400 calories, or the equivalent of running a 6-minute mile!

The only exercise they could find that burns as many calories was cross-country skiing uphill at a fast pace.1

3

CONVENIENCE: With a single piece of equipment and a little floor space, you have the chance to burn up to 1,200 calories per hour. You may not want to pack it in your suitcase, but the kettlebell can be stored almost anywhere. Throw it into your closet or under the bed and it’ll be out of sight until your next workout.

4

RESOURCES: One of the biggest benefits to working out with kettlebells is the wealth of resources available at the tip of your fingers. Check out popular websites like DragonDoor.com or GiryaStrength.com for articles, videos, nutrition guides, and more. Scour YouTube or Google for the latest tips and techniques. Most importantly, find what works for you.

Working with kettebells isn’t easy. The exercises are taxing and the movements are the same for beginner and advanced users alike. But if you want something that challenges you, burns fat and builds muscle, then you may find that although it isn’t easy, it is worth it.

Jason Busch is the FLAME Associate Editor as well as Associate Communication Director for the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

1

10 | FLAME Winter 2014

"Kettlebells: Twice the Results in Half the Time?" ACE FitnessMatters Jan. - Feb. 2010: 6-11.

spotlight

Texas Family

This section highlights a few of our church members and leaders across the territory of the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Our Texas Family Spotlight this issue features pastors throughout the Texas

Art Preuss is the Associate Pastor for the Burleson Seventh-day Adventist Church and grew up in South Lancaster, MA. After one year at Atlantic Union College, he decided to attend Universidade Adventista de São Paulo in Brazil where he graduated with his Bachelor’s in theology. “I always told my dad the last thing I’d be is a pastor,” recalls Art. “But God has a sense of humor.” Art enjoys the calming effect that the ocean can bring and fondly remembers the first wave he ever caught and surfed by himself as a child. He has been married to Vivian for 10 years and they have a three-yearold named Maya and a one-year-old named Victor. Art endeavors to demonstrate that Jesus lived the Gospel rather than just preached it and believes that the church of tomorrow is dependent on the youth of today.

Associate Communication Director

Eric Louw is the Associate Pastor for the Richardson Seventh-day Adventist Church, but grew up in South Africa and made his way to Rocklin, CA for his A.A. in Graphic Design.

Though his parents and sister chose to minister to physical health, Eric decided to help heal the spiritually hurting and attended Southern Adventist University for his theology degree before making the journey to the Lone Star State. He attests that when church members show how much they care in the little, spiritually unrelated areas of others’ lives, then they can demonstrate that Christianity is more than just a set of beliefs but a call to action. Eric concludes that the best way to create unity and purpose in our communities is by building relationships, spending time with others, lending a listening ear or by being there for them when they need it. Simply put, be authentic.

Eric Louw

Gabriel Perea grew up throughout Texas, but spent the majority of his life in Keene where he attended Southwestern Adventist University. Much like “George Costanza,” being an architect was his first goal until God’s call to ministry steered him to theology.

He currently serves as the Associate Pastor for the Scenic Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church and as the Teaching Pastor for Advent Project Church, a ministry borne out of Scenic Hills. Gabriel enjoys the best of both worlds when it comes to the great outdoors and the latest tech. Rarely can he be found without a pocketknife, flashlight, reliable pen, or his iPhone. He married his college sweetheart, Jessica, and together they have four children, Eyrelynn, Eoin, Serén, and Madeleine. Gabriel believes churches need to continually strive to reach others in tangible ways and considers religion ineffectual unless those within its borders are persistently searching for the lost and the broken.

By Jason Busch, FLAME Associate Editor and Texas Conference

Ismael Castillo is the Senior Pastor of the Houston Spring Branch Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church. Ismael grew up in Montemorelos, Nuevo León, Mexico and attended Universidad de Montemorelos for his theology degree. His Christmases in Mexico are a sight to behold, since his family has grown to over 120 members from all over the world. As a pastor, he supports all the ministries within the church. However, increasing funding, awareness, and responsibility of Adventist education in Houston has become one of his primary objectives. Ismael counts his parents and his wife as his biggest heroes for being some of his best supporters and friends. Ismael and Lizeth have two teens named Ismael and Ana. He also appreciates the global community of friendship and familiarity that Seventh-day Adventism offers. When we are sure of the love of God in our lives, Ismael says, only then can we truly become ambassadors of the Gospel message.

Ismael Castillo

Art Preuss

Gabriel Perea

SPOTLIGHT

Conference.

FLAME | 11 Winter 2014

Unwavering Mercy THEY ARE CUTE AND PETITE. AT

ONE GLANCE YOU’D THINK THEY ARE JUST ANOTHER PRECIOUS COUPLE. BUT BEHIND THE SWEET SMILES AND SOFT VOICES, THERE IS STRENGTH, DETERMINATION AND PASSION ENGRAINED IN THIS YOUNG, PURPOSEDRIVEN PAIR.

feature

THE BOUNDLESS

LOVE OF A SAVIOR

By Kristina P Lockhart

He is a nurse anesthetist; she is a physician in her first year of residency. Neither is even 30-years-old yet. However, what is most remarkable about Mark and MinhTu Adle is how grounded they are in their faith.

Divergent Pasts Their upbringings are vastly different. Mark grew up in Dallas with Filipino parents and attended Adventist Schools for most of his life. MinhTu was born in Vietnam and immigrated to the US when she was two years old. Her parents, who had been high school teachers in their country, found themselves in Baton Rouge working odd jobs to provide for their children. In elementary school it quickly became apparent to MinhTu that her family was in the minority. There were few Asians in her neighborhood and even fewer Buddhist families like hers. Nevertheless, the close family unit trudged forward while staying true to their roots and traditions.

When MinhTu was in kindergarten, a classmate asked if she believed in God. When she responded that she did not because they were Buddhist, she was mocked and told that she would burn in hell. That was the first of many similar encounters she had with Christians. “My impression was that these Christians were mean and used their faith to bully others,” she remembers. “Buddhists believe in treating others with loving kindness and respect. There are examples in Vietnamese history of Buddhist monks responding to violence and persecution with peaceful protests and well wishes for their persecutors. Those were my role models.” So, as she grew older, MinhTu was determined to stick to her beliefs and dismiss any well- or ill-intentioned attempts by others to talk to her about God and Jesus.

“I always knew I would marry an Adventist,” says Mark. His upbringing had forged a desire to continue his Adventist heritage, even though he admits he wasn’t the most active or engaged church member. “I was 17 and she was 15,” he says of when he and MinhTu met. They liked each other and started dating. Each assumed this was just a high school relationship and didn’t give much thought to it being serious. Five years later, though, they were still together and focused on finishing college and wondering what was in store in their adult futures.

Mark loved MinhTu and wanted her to find God for herself, not just for their relationship.

He was always available and accessible, but

never imposed anything on her. When she had questions, he answered them; often realizing he needed to brush up on his own biblical knowledge. In Mark, MinhTu discovered that all of the qualities she loved about him stemmed from his Christian faith. “When I realized I couldn’t spend the rest of my life with anyone but him, I knew I had to open my heart to this important part of his life.”

United Futures When Mark and his mom transferred their church membership to the Richardson Seventh-day Adventist Church, they were surprised with an additional step in the process. “When someone asks to join our church, whether it’s through a membership transfer, baptism or profession of faith, they

“MY IMPRESSION WAS THAT CHRISTIANS WERE MEAN AND USED THEIR FAITH TO BULLY OTHERS.” are invited to attend a one-hour orientation,” explains Senior Pastor Dan Serns. “During this orientation, we go over Seventh-day Adventist Church beliefs and we encourage folks to ask questions. This introduces us to new members and allows us to get to know them.” As MinhTu had done before, she accompanied Mark to what seemed to be just another church meeting. However, during the question portion, she asked Serns what happens to people who do not go to heaven. Her understanding of an eternal hell with burning fire had not been cleared up completely. He shared that God, being a loving and merciful God, would not allow those individuals to suffer any further. There was no eternal damnation or hell fire. They would simply cease to be. For the first time, MinhTu understood God’s mercy. As the meeting came to a close, everyone gathered in a circle for prayer and Serns invited each person to pray just one sentence. When it was MinhTu’s turn, her words surprised Mark. Her walls came down and she asked to begin a journey with God. Serns followed up with Mark and MinhTu and offered to study the Bible with them.

Mark started relearning things he had forgotten and began growing his relationship with Christ. This was the first time MinhTu had really delved into the Bible and she relished

the stories of God’s love and how He worked through imperfect humans. Yet, she continued to struggle with questions regarding her family and ancestors who had never had the opportunity to learn about Christ.

Serns addressed her concerns and shared a research paper he had written on that exact topic. “At that point, I had an overwhelming sense that God has loved me my whole life, before I even knew His name. Even when I swore I would never become a Christian, given my negative experiences, He continued to have faith in me. I believe God brought all the right people into my life.” MinhTu now had a new sense of hope. She understood God works on everyone, not just Christians.

“They may not use the same vocabulary or know God by the same names, but I believe faith in Him is more universal and inclusive than I originally thought.”

Continuous Journeys The more MinhTu learned about Christ, the more peace spread into other aspects of her life. “It is humbling, as a physician, because I’ve realized that we have a lot less control over what happens to our patients than we think, whether it be good or bad. There is a peace that comes from knowing that God has a plan for everyone. I may not always understand, but that’s all right.” After Mark and MinhTu finished a series of studies, MinhTu decided to be baptized and invited her family to church with her that Sabbath. It was a momentous occasion and she wanted to share it with them. Mark was also baptized, reaffirming his commitment to strengthen his relationship with Christ. After church that day, MinhTu remembers her family saying how warm and welcoming everybody had been.

They could see she was embraced by a caring and loving church family.

Mark and MinhTu were married a few months later. They consider themselves as still taking baby steps, growing daily in their faith.

Both of them had experienced happy, comfortable lives. However, they recognized the need for something bigger than themselves to give them purpose and meaning. They needed the love and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding.

Kristina Pascual Lockhart is the Editor of the FLAME as well as Assistant to the President for Communication for the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

FLAME | 13 Winter 2014

family matters

GRANDPARENTS: What Would We do Without Them?

By Ruber and Ketty Leal

GRANDPARENTS… COULD THE WORLD BE COMPLETE WITHOUT THEM? Most people cherish their childhood memories of spending summers, holidays and any other possible time with those older adults we call grandparents. It is sometimes puzzling to think that in spite of such an age difference between most grandchildren and their grandparents, there seems to be a natural, almost unbreakable bond created with grandparents.

Who is willing to watch the same silly video over and over without complaint? Who reads six stories at bedtime without even breaking a sweat? Who changes a diaper without feeling the least bit fazed?

Who has the most fun way to spend an afternoon whether sunshine or rain? Grandparents, of course!

The relationship between grandparents and grandchildren brings great benefits for both parties. Emily Perlman Abedon from Parenting.com suggests that grandparents’ unconditional brand of love has a potent role in helping a child develop trust. Among many other benefits, grandparents can also provide a safe place for toddlers to practice being away from their parents, a sense of identity and family history, feelings of stability that come from the child being accepted as he is, assistance with childcare, as well as advice and support for parents.

Whether you are looking forward to a visit from the grandparents for the holidays or planning to send your children to Grandma and Grandpa’s this summer, here are a few things you can do to reinforce this important relationship in your family: 1.

2.

3.

HONOR THEIR STATUS: They are not only older, but a lifetime of experience grants wisdom that younger people lack. Give them the respect and caring they deserve regardless of how old-fashioned they may look or sound.

BE GENUINE: Grandparents can be a great help in a number of ways, but let them feel that your love for them isn’t just out of convenience. Be intentional about visiting them other than when needing their help.

BE PATIENT AND UNDERSTANDING: Getting older has its rewards but also has major challenges. Change becomes difficult

14 | FLAME Winter 2014

and trying new things does not come easy. Be patient and understanding when they don’t move, change or accept new things as quickly as you would like.

4.

LET THEM DECIDE: As long as they are physically and mentally able, let them make their own decisions and respect those decisions even when you may disagree with them.

5.

HAVE FUN: Fun has different meanings for different people, but everyone likes having fun. Find out what your grandparents enjoy and join in as often as possible.

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.

bridges

Sharing Behind Bars Christ

By Makala Coleman

THE LAST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH a small group from the Edinburg Seventh-day Adventist Church steps out of their comfort zone to teach Christ in prison. They write and preach sermons, share music, and invite guest speakers. Many churches conduct similar meetings in prison on a regular basis. It’s an often-overlooked opportunity to share the gospel, changing lives of both prisoners and volunteers.

“People in prison come from many different places,” says Daniel Margo, director of Prison Ministries at the Edinburg Seventh-day Adventist Church. “For some, the only human contact they get is that of guards. Even a monthly visit makes a tremendous impact. It not only changes their lives, but also the lives of volunteers.” The men in prison are engaged. They open their Bible attentively. They bring pens and highlighters to each meeting. They are eager to learn more.

A year ago, Margo presented a study on the biblical Sabbath. The majority of men, coming from a strong Catholic background, did not see eye-to-eye with the message. They had never heard of the Sabbath, and didn’t want to learn more. That didn’t stop Edinburg church members from visiting the prison each month. Over time, a change took place in those men. “The guys that gave us flak about Sabbath last year are standing up for it to the new guys,” says Margo.

“It’s amazing.”

One man came to prison from Guatemala. He had been in jail for many years, and then he started joining Bible study groups and attending church meetings. When the man was deported back to Guatemala, he started to preach the gospel to prisoners there. The man now works at it full-time, changing the lives of many people. “In ministry you never just change the life of one person,” says Margo.

“It’s like a ripple effect. This is true of any ministry that shows the light of God.” Another gentleman went into prison for drug trafficking. He became interested in reading The Great Controversy, by Adventist author Ellen White, while attending the Saturday meetings. Soon, the man began asking for more and more literature. He got out of prison and now attends a local church. “I believe prisoners are open to the gospel because they’ve reached the lowest they can go,” says Margo. “You have to remember, these men have seen bad things. People die in prison. They want out and realize that Jesus is the only way.”

Teaching the gospel in prison makes an impact on more than just prisoners. It’s a life-changing experience for those who volunteer as well. “This ministry changed my life,” says Margo. He was raised in the church, but started to stray. Church didn’t seem real to Margo and

he began to make bad choices, which ultimately lead him in a bad direction.

“One day my cousin asked me to attend a prison outreach from his church,” says Margo. “Going there, I saw that my life could end up like these men if I didn’t change my ways and follow God. The experience humbled me. It opened my eyes to the need of the gospel in prison.”

People are often afraid to go behind prison walls and get involved.

Yet it’s an ideal location to spread the gospel and serve God. Margo likes to quote Matthew 25:35, 36, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

“If you’re interested, just go for it,” says Margo. “Don’t be scared.

Once you see the men’s faces and what the gospel is doing for them, it is all worth it.”

The Edinburg Seventh-day Adventist Church is not the only place with an opportunity to serve God in prison. Many churches conduct meetings on a regular basis. Contact a pastor in your area for ways to get involved.

Makala Coleman is a senior communication major at Southwestern Adventist University.

FLAME | 15 Winter 2014

THE WORLD’S EASIEST

STICKY BUNS Easy, fool-proof sticky buns for the novice baker. Nine basic ingredients, no complicated methods, just straight-forward ooey gooey sticky buns. And they’re vegan!

INGREDIENTS: DOUGH • 1 cup unsweetened plain almond milk • 3 Tbsp vegan butter • 1 packet rapid rise (instant) yeast (~ 2 1/4 tsp) • 1 Tbsp sugar • 1/4 tsp salt • 2½ - 3 cups unbleached all purpose flour FILLING • 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted • 1/2 cup brown sugar OR granulated sugar • 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon STICKY GLAZE • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 1/2 cup vegan butter • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. In a large saucepan (or in a bowl in the microwave at 30 sec increments), heat the almond milk and 3 Tbsp Earth Balance until warm and melted, never reaching boiling. Remove from heat and let cool. It should be warm but not too hot or it will kill the yeast.

2. Transfer mixture to a large mixing bowl and sprinkle on yeast. Let activate for 10 minutes, then add 1 Tbsp sugar and the salt and stir.

3. Next add in flour 1/2 cup at a time, stirring as you go. When it is too thick to stir, transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for a minute or so until it forms a loose ball, adding more flour as you go and as it will absorb. Rinse your mixing bowl out, coat it with canola or grapeseed oil, and add your dough ball back in. Roll around to coat all sides. Cover with plastic wrap and set in a warm place to rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4. While dough is rising, prepare sticky glaze by mixing butter and brown sugar and spreading it in an even layer on the bottom of an 8x8 baking dish. Top with pecans and set aside.

5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin rectangle. Brush with 1/4 cup melted vegan butter and top with 1/2 cup brown sugar (or granulated sugar) and 1/2 - 1 Tbsp cinnamon.

6. Starting at one end, tightly roll up the dough and situate seam side down.

Then with a serrated knife or a string of floss, cut the dough into 1.5 - 2 inch sections and position in your 8x8 dish with the glaze layer on the bottom (you should have about 10 rolls). Cover with plastic wrap and set on top of the oven to let it briefly rise again while you preheat oven to 350 degrees.

7. Once the oven is hot, bake rolls for 25-30 minutes or until slightly golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes, carefully invert and then serve immediately. http://minimalistbaker.com/the-worlds-easiest-sticky-buns

INGREDIENTS: • 2 cups milk (unsweetened vanilla almond or coconut work well) • 1 cup water • Sweetener to taste (1 packet non-bitter stevia, raw sugar, honey, etc. work fine) • 1/4-1/2 tsp ground or fresh grated ginger (depending on preference) • 1/4 cup cocoa or cacao powder • Pinch sea salt • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract • 2-3 ginger candies (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Heat the milk and water in a medium saucepan. Once it comes to a simmer, reduce heat slightly and whisk in cocoa powder, sea salt and ginger. Whisk vigorously to incorporate.

2. Once the cocoa is hot enough for your liking (about 3-5 minutes), remove from heat and add vanilla extract. Stir once more.

3. Take your ginger candies and rub them along the rims of your serving glasses or mugs. Eat or discard; they get mushy when added to the beverage.

4. Pour in hot cocoa and top with coconut cream, whipped cream or marshmallows - whatever you like. http://minimalistbaker.com/ginger-hot-chocolate

GINGER HOT CHOCOLATE A sweet and not-too-spicy hot chocolate with a hint of ginger. Perfect for cold winter nights or as a light dessert.

Don’t Miss Out on These Devotionals for 2015!

For eBooks, go to AdventistBookCenter.com

EVENING Maranatha Ellen G. White

© 2015 Pacific Press® Publishing Association Please contact your ABC for pricing in Canada.

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ADULT

PARENTING

Something Better

Altogether Lovely

Help! I’m a Parent

Calvin Rock

Ardis Dick Stenbakken and Carolyn Rathbun Sutton, editors

Karen Pearson, editor

This favorite devotional brings together Ellen White’s writings about the closing events of earth’s history and the return of our Lord.

You will rejoice that Jesus is coming soon.

Calvin Rock lifts our view from the stresses and trials of life to the neverfailing promises of God. His devotional readings make each new day an open door to something better.

Hardcover 978-0-8280-2801-1 US$17.99 Also available as an eBook.

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In this intimate devotional, many daughters of God share their praises, their prayers, their victories, and even their heartaches.

Hardcover 978-0-8280-2808-0 US$17.99 Also available as an eBook.

This all-new devotional helps moms and dads face the challenges of modern parenting with wisdom, hope, and courage.

Hardcover 978-0-8280-2807-3 US$17.99 Also available as an eBook.

Three ways to order:

Five Loaves, Two Fish and Fifty Seven Cents

By Minner Labrador AROUND THE YEAR 1886, Hattie May Wiatt, a little girl from a very poor family, lived near a Baptist church in Philadelphia. The Sunday school was very crowded and often, children who came late could not get in. The pastor, Russell H. Conwell, repeatedly told his congregation that he dreamed of one day having buildings big enough to allow everyone to attend who wanted to. Unbeknown to anyone but God, Hattie shared his dream with remarkable consequences.

When Hattie became ill and died, Pastor Conwell was asked to conduct her funeral.

Her mother presented him with Hattie’s small purse in which she had saved 57 cents toward the dream of building a church big enough for everyone. Each penny she lovingly and carefully saved in her little purse made an enormous impact. Pastor Conwell told his congregation about Hattie’s savings toward building a bigger church, and then auctioned each penny to the highest bidder—with a

WOMEN

yield of about $250. Some church members then formed the Wiatt Mite Society dedicated to making Hattie’s 57 cents grow as much as possible! It grew, over the years, into the large Temple Church, Temple University and Temple University Hospital.

God multiples what we willingly give!

In God’s hands, no offering is insignificant. When faced with feeding 5,000 men, in addition to women and children, we read that Jesus’ disciples thought a small boy’s lunch of five loaves and two fish were of little use—without realizing that God can multiply anything that passes into His power. As long as the loaves and fishes were in the hands of the boy, they were under the boy’s control.

But when the boy willingly turned them over to Jesus, they became His personal property and went from human to divine.

Well-meaning adults might be tempted to reason, “My insignificant offering can’t

stewardship possibly make a difference.

I’m embarrassed to bring such a small amount for such a huge need.” Like the disciples we often judge our small amount of little use. Yet when we willingly release our gifts to God, it passes from our power into the realm of His supernatural power.

Both the story of Hattie’s 57 cents and the little boy with his small lunch 2,000 years ago, provide us with insight into God’s character of who He is and how He works. When we willingly give Him our life, our time, our possessions, and our hearts, He gives it all back to us enlarged, grown, multiplied, and filled with His blessings! This is why Jesus promised, “Give and it will be given to you” in Luke 6:38.

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

FLAME | 17 Winter 2014

history

The Little that Could School

By Alfredo Vergel

DEFYING THE ODDS imposed by a location with stagnant population to 19 baptisms and the organization of a 48-member congregation. growth, Jefferson Christian Academy celebrated 100 years in 2014.

Within four years all of the original 1,770 acres in the Piney Woods had Owing to a committed network of supporters, the school continues been sold, and more families continued to join the settlement through to plow ahead educating students in a decidedly Christ-centered the 1920s.

Adventist tradition.

The Pillgreens Family, who had recently become Seventh-day A picturesque historic little town in Texas, Jefferson was once a Adventists, decided to move to Jefferson, along with their cattle, all booming inland river port. Not long after being founded in the 1840s, the way from Hico, Louisiana. Early settlers generally lived off the residents cleared Big Cypress Creek for navigation, thus connectland. John Powell, a child back then, recalled years ago how his family ing Northeast Texas downstream to Shreveport and New Orleans. “became part of a community of honest, poor folks who tried to make Throughout the latter half of the 19th century steamboats took local a living by farming. There was little else for one to do, but we were cotton and other produce to markets far away while bringing supplies happy.” A grocery store, first owned by W. S. Lowry then bought by and manufactured goods for the growing community.

H. H. Hopkins, would become the colony’s hub and its gateway to the Big Cypress Creek owed its navigable water level to the Great Red outside world.

River Raft, a huge log jam that diverted water to East Texas. While as Throughout its history the community, and the school that has early as 1838 American inventor and steamboat captain Henry Shreve helped anchor it, has weathered the effects of two world wars, had unclogged the raft, it formed again over the course of a few years, national economic downturns, and the decline of its local population. making possible the thriving community on the shores of Big Cypress Nevertheless, it continues to enjoy wide support from an Adventist Creek. However, Jefferson began to lose much of its steam when in community that now includes three congregations. the 1870s the raft was more permanently cleared.

In 2003 the Texas Conference turned ownership of the school over The city had until then managed to progress, even after devastatto the Jefferson Academy Foundation. The school’s modest campus ing fires and the Civil War. The first place in Texas with an ironworks, but pleasant natural surroundings are often the venue of regional and artificial gas and ice, it seemed to be on an unstoppable upward church events. More importantly, its culture, curriculum and staff course. However, the building of a rail-line circumventing town and remain unequivocally Adventist. connecting the nearby town of Marshall to the Texas and Pacific Railway eventually halted development for good. At the turn of the century Jefferson had lost more than half of its population, and was a Alfredo Vergel is the Public Services and Special Collections Librarian, as well as Ellen shadow of its former self. Up to this point the Adventist presence in White Research Center Director for Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, TX. town had been limited to the work of literature evangelists.

It was in this context that the Jefferson Progressive Club, a local civic organization, offered the Adventist Church financial incentives to establish a colony near town. The North Texas Conference President at the time, W. A. McCutchen, jumped at the opportunity, purchasing a former 1,770-acre plantation that was later parceled out and sold to Adventist families with his own money. A modest school building was erected with donations from the citizens of Jefferson.

During the months leading to the November 1, 1914 opening of the school, a handful of Adventist families began to settle in Berea, the name given to the Adventist colony. That same year, the conference held a Berea School original building in 1914 camp meeting in Jefferson that eventually led

18 | FLAME Winter 2014

2015 Homes of Hope evangelism Training

2015 Homes of Hope evangelism Training

SavEthEDatE

Jan. 3 » San Antonio Day of Prayer at Laurel Heights » 3-6 PM

Evangelism Training » 3-7 PM

We will

»

Pray Daily

for our neighborhood.

»

Jan. 10 Jan. 31 Jan. 31 Feb. 6-8

Connect Weekly

through literature, visits, Bible Studies and/or Group(s).

»

Report Monthly

to our designated Church Elder.

»

Win Quarterly

the most receptive through community outreach and/or Evangelism.

» » » »

McAllen Valley Central Spanish Austin First Spanish Tyler San Antonio SPECIAL TRAINING: Presented by Mark Finley, Robert Costa, Don MacIntosh

Feb. 21 » Houston Central Feb. 28 » Dallas First Feb. 28 » Fort Worth First

more of the Spirit less of me TexasAdventist.org/Evangelism

to Plant MORE Churches for the Kingdom

SEEDS San antonio

January 16-17, 2015 Begins Friday at 7 p.m.

ScEnic HillS SEvEntH-day advEntiSt cHuRcH

With training seminars for church planters, church planting teams and churches interested in multiplying

11223 Bandera Road San Antonio, TX 78250 Featured Speakers

Guest Artist

Justin lawman President north new South Wales conference, australia

ivan Williams director Ministerial department north american division

tom Evans associate director church Planting, coaching, ncd nadEi

Peter casillas church Planting director Potomac conference

Freddy Sanchez church Planter Florida conference

andres Flores church Planter Epic church, chicago illinois conference

Hope Montana Soloist

theology

PAUSE

for a Moment

By Ingo Sorke

IN ADVENTIST CO-FOUNDER ELLEN WHITE’S book, The Desire of Ages, she says, “For more than a thousand years the Jewish people had awaited the Savior’s coming. Upon this event they had rested their brightest hopes. In song and prophecy, in temple rite and household prayer, they had enshrined His name. And yet at His coming they knew Him not.”

Our spiritual theme at Southwestern Adventist University this fall was “Pause”.

Pause.

It was a dangerous theme. Think about it. Pushing the “Pause button” means that one can easily hit “Play” at any time. And play means returning to business as usual. Continuing where we left off. Play means that the pause was just an interruption. A brief nod towards God; can we get back to play now?

Pausing could be translated as “Let’s pray real quick.” Pause could convey that God is a side issue. We pause what we are doing, only to return to the status quo. Just push Play again, and God will have to wait until we (might) have time for another Pause— real quick.

Often we don’t seriously pause for God. God pauses us. It happened to us this summer. When we took the scenic route to a camp meeting in California, our engine light came on… in Death Valley at 121 degrees Fahrenheit! Needless to say, our trip was interrupted by a 6-hour pause at the nearest service center. The irony is that the mandatory pause ensured that we would reach our final destination. An inconvenience? Yes. A change in our itinerary? Certainly. But the pause fixed the problem. No pause, no progress.

Some pauses turn from inconvenient interruptions into painful and sometimes prolonged halts. Often the reason for such suspensions is not transparent. But pause we must. True pauses are really stops. Full stops.

In musical notation the rest symbol represents no mere pause. A rest in the midst of sound creates a dynamic tension, only to be resolved by a harmonic resolution… or by an unexpected surprise. The pause heightens anticipation. It introduces a question mark into our predictable rhythms of life.

When Jesus came to this earth, the key players forgot to pause.

Their anticipation did not translate into appropriate acceptance. The divinely orchestrated antidote, a pause called Sabbath, became a cover-up for religiously garbed restlessness. And so, when the moment came they had been waiting for, the moment of moments, the religious leaders “knew Him not”. Makes one pause, doesn’t it?

20 | FLAME Winter 2014

What if they had paused? A prophetic pause to avoid their pathetic ignorance and arrogance. A full theological stop not to miss the boat.

But… they knew Him not.

Someone did pause. Mary. The Bible records that she simply “kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart,” says Luke 2:19. Mary paused while the professors missed the moment and the Messiah. Mary practiced what Adventist author Ellen White termed later on in her book, “a thoughtful hour in contemplation of the life of Christ.” True pause. It comes to no surprise, then, that Jesus paused on the cross.

I recommend a pause during the (self-inflicted) busiest time of the year. Pause. Alone. With family. Pause. Don’t hit play too soon. Linger in pause mode a little longer.

May we not catch ourselves pausing from God instead of for God. They knew Him not. Do you?

Dr. Ingo Sorke holds a doctorate degree in New Testament Studies and is a Professor in the Religion Department of Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, TX. His teaching motto: To Educate is to Redeem.

kidz korner

A Love Sweeter

Than Cake

By Jason Busch, Cake Lover and Birthday Party Enthusiast

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. BUILD A GINGERBREAD HOUSE. You can find kits for pretty cheap or round up some of the ingredients and put your architecture skills to work!

Don’t forget the candies and icing for the final touches!

2. DO A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS. Think of some simple ways to make somebody’s day. It may be as easy as doing the dishes when it’s not your turn, or writing a thank-you letter to a teacher or church leader who you appreciate.

3. CREATE A BUCKET LIST FOR 2015.

Think of 12 things you would like to do or visit and make a plan to knock one out each month next year. Be creative!

4. MAKE YOUR OWN NATIVITY SET. Even if Christmas is almost over, a Nativity set is a great way to share the reason for the season with others. Use cardboard cutouts, repurpose old dolls with new costumes or create the characters from scratch.

5. CREATE YOUR OWN CONFETTI. Before your family throws out all that old gift wrapping paper, gather it up and start clipping away. Cut up or shred tiny pieces of wrapping paper and put into baggies for New Year’s Eve. They’ll come in handy as you count down from 10!

The anticipation was killing me!

Sure, I was another year older and surrounded by my best friends but what I was really waiting for was the cake. For my birthday every year, my mom would create the most mouthwatering, spectacular cakes you’ve ever seen. Maybe they should even be called art instead of cakes! In previous years, she had made a giant caterpillar, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a football stadium, and even recreated a scene from Disney’s Aladdin. But this year’s cake was going to be amazing, because I knew my mom was transforming my favorite television show, Dragonball Z, into delicious, action-packed cake. After unwrapping my birthday gifts, it was finally time for the unveiling.

With my eyes closed and the sounds of the birthday song ringing in my ears, I could smell the fire from each candle slowly coming closer. “Make a wish,” my friend whispered, and after another few seconds of silence my eyes opened to see the absolute coolest cake I had ever seen. Everywhere I looked contained a new morsel of Dragonball Z action—Goku and Frieza fighting in mid-air, Vegeta readying another energy blast, and Piccolo lifting himself out of one of the cake craters. “It’s awesome, thanks mom!” I eventually managed to say while choking back some manly tears.

The pastry feast my friends and I had that night remains one of my most memorable.

My mom made many more great cakes through the years, but what I finally realized when I got older was why she always put so much work into them. I came to understand that my mom just wanted me to be happy, and if that meant creating an awesome birthday cake for me then she was glad to do it. That didn’t always mean that she’d give me whatever I wanted. But it did mean she would go out of her way to do something special.

If our parents can love us that much, how much more do you think God can love you? In Jeremiah 1:5, God tells us that, “Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you.” How cool is that? That means that before you, your parents, or even your grandparents were born God had something special in store for you.

My mom has done some incredible things for me—she’s taken me on fun vacations, helped pay for my school, and stayed up every Christmas Eve to put together toys and playsets. But for as much love as she’s shown me, she is the first to admit that God’s love is beyond anything she could ever imagine. God loved us so much that He gave up His only child to live and die for us, so that we would be able to spend forever with Him.

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

S T C A F N U F

Because of the way the earth tilts, when it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere it’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

owfall r the most sn The record fo iod in the United er ke, in a 24-hour p ed in Silver La ay, en p p ha es at d St at th g in 21. Dur Colorado in 19 inches of snow fell. ur six feet and fo

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calendar

Events JANUARY

31 ||

Evangelism Training at Austin Spanish First Seventh-day Adventist Church.

3 || San Antonio Day of

Prayer at San Antonio Laurel Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church.

31 || Evangelism Training

at Tyler Seventh-day Adventist Church.

9-11 || Club Ministries

Council at the Texas Conference Office.

FEBRUARY

20-22 || Pastors’ Wives

21 || Youth Evangelistic

21 || Estate Planning

APRIL

Retreat in San Antonio, TX.

Seminar at Pharr Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church.

21 || Evangelism Training at Houston Central Seventh-day Adventist Church.

10 ||

5-8 || Southwestern Union

2015 Homes of Hope evangelism Training

Young Adult Ski Retreat in Taos, thE SavE DatE New Mexico.

Jan. 3 » San Antonio Day of Prayer at Laurel Heights » 3-6 PM

»

Evangelism Training » 3-7 PM

Pray Daily

|| Lay Bible Worker 17 || Estate Planning Seminar 5-8 »

for our neighborhood.

»

»

Jan. 10 McAllen Valley Central Spanish Connect Weekly Training at Scenic Hills Seventhat Waller Seventh-day Adventist through literature, visits, Bible Studies Jan. 31 » Austin First Spanish and/or Group(s).

day Adventist Church.

Church.

Jan. 31 » Tyler Feb. 6-8 » San Antonio

Report Monthly

to our designated Church Elder.

»

Win Quarterly

16-17 || SEEDS Church

the most receptive through community outreach and/or Evangelism.

Planting Rally in the San area.

SPECIAL TRAINING: Presented by Mark Finley, Robert Costa, Don MacIntosh

12 ||

Academy Music Fest Feb. 21 » Houston Central Adventist Antonio » Southwestern Feb. 28 at Dallas First » Fort Worth First Feb. 28 University.

23-25 || SENT School of Evangelism in Texas at Scenic Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church.

24-31 || El Centinela

Festival in San Antonio, TX.

Winter 2014

Camp Hoblitzelle in Midlothian, TX.

Leadership CertificationPathwaytoHealthVolunteer.org Training at Houston Central Seventh-day Adventist Church.

14-21 || Jesus Loves Jeans

health

Sponsored by Your Best Pathway to Health in collaboration with: Southwestern Union, North American Division, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Adventist Health System, Loma Linda University Health and many other organizations.

Scan for video

Join Your Best Pathway to Health in San Antonio, Texas, April 8-11, 2015.

3-day Adventist Medical & Dental Mission Trip and Convention

1,500 Volunteers Needed: Dentists, Dental Hygenists & Assistants, Opthalmologists, Other Physicians, Other Medical and Non-medical Volunteers

28 || Evangelism Training

8-10 ||

Special convention continues through Sabbath, April 11 with speakers including Ted Wilson and Mark Finley.

Your Best Pathway Full children’s program available for volunteers throughout the event.

Health Medical Outreach at at Dallas First Seventh-day Information & Volunteer to Registration at PathwaytoHealthVolunteer.org the Alamodome in San Antonio, Adventist Church.

TX.

28 ||

Evangelism Training at Fort Worth First Seventh-day Adventist Church.

28 || Estate Planning

Seminar at Bryan/College Station Seventh-day Adventist Church.

TexasAdventist.org/Evangelism

22 | FLAME

5-9 || Outdoor School at

22 || Women’s Ministries

Evangelism Training at McAllen Spanish Valley Central Seventh-day Adventist Church.

We will

2-5 || Pathfinder Camporee at Lake Whitney Ranch.

2015 Homes of Hope evangelism Training

Meeting with Jose Rojas in San Antonio, TX.

MARCH

9-12 ||

Alumni Weekend at Southwestern Adventist University.

25 ||

Estate Planning Seminar at Dallas Spanish Oak Cliff Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Youth Rally in San Antonio, TX.

19 || 7th & 8th Grade Music Fest at Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Want more info?

8-20 || MORECompassion Mission Trip in San Antonio, TX.

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

Adam Keating: Associate Pastor

Paul LeBlanc: Pastor

West Houston Church

San Antonio Valley View, San Antonio Immanuel and Seguin Churches

Roger Curtis: Pastor Sugarland Access Church

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church Southwestern Union Conference Ruber and Ketty Leal Adle images by Aaron Thomas Photography

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

Adrian Solis: Pastor Jefferson Central, Atlanta, Linden and MariettaNew Hope Churches

Chuck Woods: Pastor Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi Annaville and Alice Churches

Publisher..............................................Carlos Craig Editor.......................................Kristina P. Lockhart Associate Editor.................................... Jason Busch Assistant Spanish Editor.................Osvaldo Rigacci Layout Design...................................... Rachel Ortiz Translation Coordination.........Kristina P. Lockhart Translators......... Mariangela Busby, Jorge Ordoñez, Silverman Terreros, Alfredo Vergel, Jackie Martinez

Alex Ruiz: Pastor San Antonio Spanish Bynum and San Antonio Spanish Marbach Churches

PRINTING & MAILING Director...........................................Mario Ledezma Pressman .......................................... Miguel Gomez Designer...................................... Madelein Terreros Designer...................................................Sora Yañez 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 Winter 2014

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

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Ft. Worth, TX Permit No. 3310

I am Succeeding Join a team “I’ve wanted to be a teacher ever since I can remember. When I was little I would line up my stuffed animals and pass out to them the papers that I had brought home of family life from school that day and “teach” them whatever I had just learned. Sure, there specialists as theywere a few years in high school where I decided that being a teacher would be the decision I could ever make. By the time I was a senior and deciding on a make this event worst Saturday major, I realized I had never been able to fully picture myself doing anything else. night an unforgettable So I started Southwestern with a major in English, a minor in music,couple’s an emphasis date night in secondary education, and a promise to myself that if I hated it after a year, & dinner will Ibe on experience your own! would change my major. I absolutely loved it. The professors are so dedicated and for you and your full of knowledge. One of the great things about Southwestern is how all of the professors genuinely care about you as a person and want to see you succeed. I spouse

currently teach at South Texas Christian Academy. Going to Southwestern was a great chapter of my life, one that helped prepare me for the beginning of this new chapter.”

Stephanie (Rudisaile) Wilczynski, English, 2014

A.A.S. in Fire Science Enrolling students for Spring 2015 Associate of Applied Science degree with Firefighter, EMT, and Fire Inspector certification In partnership with Training Division, Crowley

Apply Now!*

FINANCIAL AID SEMINARS

Adventist Education you can afford

*

Limited spots available

Burton Adventist Academy Wednesday, January 14, 6:00 pm

Adventist Christian Academy of Texas Thursday, February 19, 6:00 pm

Chisholm Trail Academy Wednesday, January 21, 6:30 pm, in Pechero Hall room 128

Find the location nearest you

Valley Grande Adventist Academy Tuesday, February 3, 6:00 pm South Texas Christian Academy February 4, 6:00 pm

Visit our website for weekend details and registration!

Wednesday,

www.BeForeverOne.org

Jefferson Adventist Academy

For questions call (817) 790-2255 EXT. 2108 I’m an Enrollment Counselor at Thursday, February 5, 6:30 pm Southwestern. Call, email, send a carrier pigeon… or meet me North Dallas Adventist Academy at a financial aid seminar!$Come Wednesday, February 11, 6:30 pm 199 Early Bird (per couple) say hello. I’m here to help + you! $ Lodging ( 109 per night + tax) Christian School The Oaks Adventist 800-433-2240 | enroll@swau.edu Guadalupe Williams • includes three meals per person, seminar materials, and a special gift Wednesday, February 18, ┃ 7:00 pm www.swau.edu

• deadline july 15 extended to september 15

children not allowed