FLAME | Summer 2015

Summer 2015

Igniting a Passion for Living and Serving in Texas

6

Tips to Fortify Your Family

PAGEs 7, 9, 15

PAGE 14

Texas History of GC Session

A Publication of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Texas

PAGE 18

a quest for

Peace

5

Wholesome Spices PAGE 10

{editor's note} I haven’t had the chance to attend a General Conference Session before, but from what I hear it’s an extraordinary event! From the nightly reports presented by the different divisions around the world, to the major decisions that the global Church will make to further the ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the 2015 GC Session in San Antonio is already proving to be a significant one.

As many of you already know, the Texas Conference desired to do more in San Antonio than to just play host to this quinquennial event. In partnership with the Southwest Region Conference and the Southwestern Union Conference, several events have taken place in San Antonio with the purpose of reaching the city for Christ.

One of these efforts has been the #iwantMORE campaign. Through the #iwantMORE campaign, individuals share their testimonies of finding MORE in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Our feature story is one such testimony. Read about Sandra’s incredible quest for MORE peace through the most difficult of circumstances. The #iwantMORE slogan was also implemented in the MOREcompassion mission trip that took place in March.

You can read all about the wonderful things that were accomplished on page 7. The MOREfreedom Walk (page 15) was held as a conclusion to the mission trip and as part of the General Conference Youth Department’s Global Youth Day. Another major event was Your Best Pathway to Health (page 9) where over 6,000 individuals received free medical, dental and vision care over a span of three days.

It’s always exciting to share God’s incredible blessings in Texas with our readers. We hope you enjoy the other great articles in this issue and keep the Texas Conference and the Seventh-day Adventist Church in prayer this summer. There is great work yet to be done, but we serve a great God who strengthens and guides us as we further His ministry.

On behalf of the FLAME staff and Texas Conference Administration, happy reading!

Kristina Pascual Lockhart Editor FLAME@txsda.org

{contributors}

Jessica Lozano is Associate Communication Director for the Southwestern Union Conference. On page 9, she describes Your Best Pathway to Health, the free mega clinic held in San Antonio at the Alamodome this April.

2 | FLAME Summer 2015

Tom Grove is the Executive Pastor at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church. On page 5, he offers a glimpse of how more positivity, margin and thankfulness can lead to greater peace and contentment in our lives.

Darcy Force is Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Southwestern Adventist University. In the Education section on page 8, she highlights the new president, his first year and the impact it’s had on students.

David Runnels is Pastor of the San Antonio Philadelphia and Yancey Seventhday Adventist churches.

In Perspectives on page 4, he realizes that inconveniences can sometimes be God’s way of reminding us how much we’ve been given.

Chelsy Calumpiano is the Children’s Ministries Pastor at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church. On page 21, she remembers preferring the time of almost anything else to Jesus who was little more than imaginary friend.

In Every Issue

{contents}

Summer 2015

2 From the Editor 4 Leadership Moment 4 Perspectives 9 Partners 11 Spotlight 16 On The Shelf 17 Stewardship 22 Calendar 23 Advent Movement

5 Living Faith

14 Family Matters

Tom Grove shares how finding more positivity, more margin, and more thankfulness make all the difference in life.

Make your family time count by incorporating some of these helpful tips.

15 Bridges

7 Ministries The Youth and Young Adult Department sponsored mission trip, MOREcompassion, exemplifies the hands and feet of Jesus in the city of San Antonio.

The MOREfreedom Walk against human slavery and trafficking shed light on this crucial issue in San Antonio and across America.

8 Education

16 Recipe

Big things are happening at Southwestern Adventist University. Learn more inside!

Fire up the grill to share or load the picnic basket for a peaceful meal with these summertime faves.

10 Fitness

18 History

The simple way to add a healthy boost is by adding a little spice to your life.

With the focus on San Antonio’s General Conference Session, some may forget that it won’t be Texas’s first GC rodeo.

12 Feature

20 Theology

In the most difficult of circumstances, Sandra Martinez launches a quest for peace. Her journey is a featured story of the #iwantMORE campaign; her video can be viewed at MOREsanantonio.org.

Asaph gives a lesson in finding favor through humility.

21 Kidz Korner Is Jesus just an imaginary friend, or is He something more? page 12

FLAME | 3 Summer 2015

leadership moment

Carlos Craig president

Gary Brady secretary

Edwin Romero treasurer

How has the Texas Conference impacted San Antonio prior to the 2015 General Conference Session?

Several months ago, a General Conference official was asked if he could recall any other GC event preceded by four major evangelistic efforts.

The answer was a definite “No!” The opportunity for San Antonio residents to be ministered to by, Alejandro Bullon, Carlton Byrd, Mark Finley and Jose V. Rojas is unprecedented. These renowned ministers share powerful messages that resound with people looking for more in their lives. The coalition effort between the Southwestern Union, Southwest Region Conference and Texas Conference is priceless. We are also seeing the positive results of the city wide #iwantMORE campaign. God is mightily at work in San Antonio!

The Texas Conference is very excited about all that God is doing in San Antonio preceding the General Conference Session this summer.

For over three years the Texas Conference and the Southwestern Union have partnered together to lay an evangelistic groundwork like no other for the GC Session. This includes the MOREcompassion Mission Trip to San Antonio during spring break 2015, the Your Best Pathway to Health mega clinic in April, a number of lifestyle seminars presented by local churches and bringing in six new Bible Workers who are equipping and partnering with local churches. Three new Spanish congregations and one new English congregation have been planted as well!

The intentional three-year evangelism

plan for San Antonio has included everything from the #iwantMORE campaign to additional Bible Workers and major public evangelism meetings and events.

The Texas Conference has been blessed with so many resources from our faithful members that we have been able to designate over $500,000 to reach the city for Christ. The pastors, leaders and members in San Antonio have been working very hard to spread the message of Christ’s love to their neighbors and friends.

We are excited to see how God’s work grows in San Antonio and beyond!

perspectives

Because God Said So

By David Runnels A Few weeks ago, I was sitting in the examination room at an urgent care center near my house. I was having hot and cold flashes, my head was aching and my body felt like I had gone 12 rounds with boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather, Jr. After checking my vitals and administering a few tests, the doctor informed me that I had the flu. It finally sank in. I have the flu? To make matters worse, the doctor ordered me to stay in the house for at least four days!

4 | FLAME Summer 2015

As I was driving back home, I thought how inconvenient this was for me. I recently started a new position at my full-time job and still have 30 more days of probation. My kids have events for me to attend, I have grass to mow, school lunches to prepare, a house to help clean, groceries to buy, and I am scheduled to preach at both of my churches on Saturday.

Now, I have to stay in the house over a fourday period.

After getting home and sleeping a few hours, I jumped in the shower with a rejuvenated attitude. As I enjoyed a nice hot shower, God allowed me to realize some of the many blessings He has showered on me throughout my life. He has given me food, clothing, a house, four beautiful, smart and Christ-loving children, one beautiful, supportive and intelligent wife, four loving brothers, a mom and dad who talked, trained and modeled the love of Christ, as well as extended family, friends

and many acquaintances. Just like the water flowing out of the shower, God brought to my mind the blessings He has poured out on me, and I know there will always be other blessings waiting.

The Holy Spirit later led me to Isaiah 41:10, which happens to be what I call a put-yourname-in-the-text scriptural passage. “David, fear not, for I am with you; David, be not dismayed, for I am your God: I will strengthen you, David. I will help you, David. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” I know that as long as I have Jesus in my life and I continue learning how to appreciate and value the gifts He’s given me, everything will work out just fine for me. Why? Because God said so!

David Runnels is Pastor of the San Antonio Philadelphia and Yancey Seventh-day Adventist churches and is also a Service Coordinator for Superior Health Plan of Centene Company.

living faith

Finding More

This Summer

By Tom Grove

Once again, summer is upon us. It seems like it was just yesterday when we were saying farewell to summer and hello to a new school year and colder temperatures. Now, in what seems to be the blink of an eye, another Texas summer has arrived. If you are anything like our family, summer is full of things to do before August comes– vacations, school shopping, pastors’ meetings, General Conference Session, and of course, time by the pool. While life is still busy, the summer seems to have a different pace than the rest of the year. It could be that I am having to slow down just so I don’t burst into flames from the heat. But I have told myself that this summer is going to be different than past summers in that I want more of three things. While I would wish they would be more Blue Bell ice cream, more lazy hours in the pool, or more fireworks on the Fourth of July, what I want more of are things that help me to live a better life.

The first thing I want more of this summer is positivity.

Dictionary.com defines this as “the state or character of being positive.” I don’t want to just have a positive attitude in certain situations. No, I want my character to be positive no matter what happens. I want to be one of those people who always see the glass as not just half-full, but overflowing even when times are tough. I recognize that this is easier said than done. However, I am going to keep two texts in mind which will help me to have more positivity. Paul encourages us to, “Rejoice in the Lord always,” in Philippians 4:4. How can you not be positive when you are rejoicing always? Another text comes from the lips of Jesus: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world,” says John 16:33. While challenges will come my way, I know that I can have positivity because Jesus has already won the victory and promises to get me through the most difficult of challenges. That’s why this summer I aim to have more positivity.

The second thing I want more of this summer is margin. Richard Swenson in his book aptly titled Margin, demonstrates what this is: “Marginless is being thirty minutes late to the doctor’s office because you were twenty minutes late getting out of the bank because you were ten minutes late dropping the kids off at school because your car ran out of gas two blocks from the gas station and you forgot your wallet.”2 Can you relate? I know I can. Swenson continues, “Margin, on the other hand, is having breath at the top of the staircase, money left at the end of the month, and sanity left at the end of adolescence.”3 It seems like our lives constantly run at top speed. We have appointments here, errands there and activities all around us. It’s like we are running from the moment we get up in the morning until the moment we go to bed. The good news for us as Seventh-day Adventists is that we have accepted and understood the gift of the Sabbath, which helps create 24 hours of margin in our lives. However, I don’t believe that God gave it to us just so we could have energy to overload the other six days. Throughout Scripture He invites us to have margin in our

lives, not simply to prevent burnout, but so we can enjoy His Presence.

“Be still and know I am God,” says Psalm 37:7. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” affirms Matthew 11:28. These are not just good suggestions but keys to our happiness. This summer, I see more margin in my life.

Thirdly, I want more thankfulness. I know the idea of thankfulness is usually reserved for November and not July, but I am convinced that thankfulness should be something we have more of every day of the year. I hate to admit it, but the reason that I am not as thankful as I need to be is because I don’t have enough positivity and margin in my life. If I have more of those, then I will experience more thankfulness.

I will take the time to smell the roses and experience the wonderful blessings God has given. The summer is a great time to experience more thankfulness because we are more focused on family, relaxation, and fun. When I take the time to have a thankful heart and to thank God for His blessings, I will begin to recognize more of Him in my life.

So I want more thankfulness in my heart this summer.

I hope that you also experience more in the coming months. I especially desire that you experience more of God in your life, because He has so much more for you.

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 Summer 2015

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hen you take the small step of naming the Texas Conference Association as the Payable on Death (POD) or Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary of your investment, checking or savings account, or the beneficiary of an unneeded life insurance policy, you help us continue the mission of the church. A gift like this won’t affect your lifestyle and it will make a tremendous impact on the ministries within the church.

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ministries

A Living Testimony of

By Saul A. Flores, Armando Mirando Jr. & Sergio Ochaeta Youth and young adults from across Texas came together to minister to others this March. While they could have spent their spring break visiting family, taking road trips or going to the beach, these energetic individuals decided to serve the local communities of several Seventh-day Adventist churches in greater San Antonio.

The Texas Conference Youth and Young Adults Department organized MOREcompassion with the purpose of simply giving back to the residents of San Antonio. Nearly a dozen churches and seven schools participated in the two-week event.

Under MOREcommunity, voluneteers carried out different acts of service like mowing and cleaning up lawns, as well as picking up trash in neighborhoods around local churches. Reponses from local homeowners ranged from, “In 50 years I haven’t seen the church do anything in my neighborhood,” to “You guys are angels! Today I was warned by the city that I would be fined if I didn’t mow my lawn soon. I am going to cry!”

Through MOREsupport, the team partnered with local agencies that serve people and families in need. This project focused on helping at local homeless shelters, nursing homes and hospice centers. By supporting these local organizations, the team worked

Love

together to help those who were already doing something to bless others.

The MOREreach project involved the distribution of Christian literature, as well as invitations for the free mega clinic, Your Best Pathway to Health, which was sponsored by Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries.

The mega clinic later gave medical care to over 6,000 San Antonio residents over the course of three days (read about Your Best Pathway to Health on page 9).

The MOREfood project had two emphases. One included volunteering at the San Antonio Food Bank, while the other included supporting two local churches, Durango Spanish and Los Tres Ángeles Spanish, in their weekly food fair. A surprise blessing occurred while serving over two hundred families at the Los Tres Ángeles food fair on March 12, when an unexpected visitor approached the pastor. “When I saw [member] Alfredo Rodriguez,” said Los Tres Ángeles Pastor, Saul Flores, “I thought he was going to ask if he could leave his asphalt machinery at the church. Instead, he told me to take all of the cars out of the parking lot because he was going to do some repairs.”

The church’s main parking lot had been damaged from wear and tear and fixing it would be a massive expense. “Alfredo told

me that he was going to fix the main parking lot. I was stunned and immediately thought about the cost,” said Flores. The pastor was even more surprised to hear Rodriguez would be doing it for free. Immediately, Rodriguez’s employees got to work cutting the damaged part of the parking lot and pouring 25 tons of asphalt to repair it. After showing love and compassion to others, this church received a huge blessing from a member who had been impressed by God to give something back.

MOREcompassion saw pastors take off their suits, church leaders pick up garbage bags, and teenagers canvass neighborhoods.

While some prayed with homeowners, others gave out literature, and many spent their time making sure each house’s lawn looked flawless. In only a couple of weeks this team demonstrated to the city of San Antonio that the Seventh-day Adventist Church loves them and that Christ’s compassion is for us all.

Saul A. Flores is a senior at Southwestern Adventist University; Armando Miranda Jr. is NAD Associate Youth Director and Sergio Ochaeta is Associate Pastor at McAllen Spanish Valley Central Seventh-day Adventist Church.

FLAME | 7 Summer 2015

education

Advancing This fall, Southwestern Adventist University officially welcomed a new president at the presidential inauguration. Church leaders from the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists and fellow members of the higher education accrediting bodies shared insight on leadership and prayed with Dr. Ken Shaw and his family. The momentous occasion for Southwestern was solemn and inspiring, but that did not stop Shaw from taking a selfie on stage during his speech and drawing laughter from the crowd.

That’s a perfect illustration for the first year of Shaw’s presidency – a balance of hard work and good fun. Through it all, Ken Shaw and his wife, Ann, have grown to love Southwestern. Why? The answer boils down to one simple word: students.

“Students make up the story of this school,” said Shaw. “There’s just been an outpouring of love and support from students, faculty, and staff. We’ve been so blessed.”

The Shaws have taken deliberate steps to make students feel welcome, and in return they too are loved and welcomed on campus.

They are involved in events, address students by name, and openly care for Southwestern.

There’s no doubt that the Shaws are definitely a part of the Southwestern family.

While taking time to meet the students and getting to know Southwestern, Shaw also immediately dived into strategic planning. Even before his inauguration, Shaw issued a community-wide charge to examine the institution’s mission, vision, values and tagline in order to chart a five-year trajectory for the school.

An 18-member strategic planning committee, as well as faculty, staff, various University constituencies and the University’s Board of Trustees provided valuable contributions to the five-year strategic plan.

With that sort of momentum, the 20142015 school year has seen a lot of growth. A $500,000 gift from an anonymous donor will provide the Biology Department with an additional full-time faculty member for the next four years. A $2 million gift from Adventist Health System has provided a tremendous boost to Southwestern Adventist University by

8 | FLAME Summer 2015

the Legacy

By Makala Coleman and Darcy Force

providing an endowed chair for the Business Department. A $2 million challenge grant by the Southwestern Union and a $1 million challenge grant by the Mabee Foundation have provided needed momentum in the capital campaign to raise $10 million dollars for the new Nursing and Administration Building.

Additions to the campus include facelifts in Findley Administration Building, Dilts Chapel, Miller Hall, and Harmon Hall, led by Ann Shaw.

A new pathway circles the duck pond in the Callicott Student Park. And right next to this path, winding its way through the fields and forest, is a new disc golf course designed and funded by Southwestern’s young alumni.

Southwestern also continues to grow academically. The new Fire Science program marched its first graduates in May. The Dinosaur Project will receive national attention in a new documentary being released in June. The Nursing program sent over 70 students and faculty to help with Your Best Pathway to Health, a medical mission trip to San Antonio in April.

Behind the scenes, nursing faculty has been working with administration on plans for their updated headquarters.

Through all the opportunities to rub shoulders with the president, students have realized that Shaw will not only be a leader, but also a mentor and friend. “At my core I hold great value for students,” said Shaw. “I believe the faculty and staff here are similar in that way.

They have dedicated their lives to Christian education.”

“It’s really great to have professors who don’t just treat you as a number, but as a person,” said Heidi Dart, freshman marketing major. “Having professors like this really helps my classmates and me be successful.”

“I try to represent Christ as best as I can,” said Shaw. “To represent Him in a positive way through service. Working in education, I am constantly thinking about what I can do for students and how to equip faculty. It’s a part of our tagline: knowledge, faith, service.”

Mission Southwestern Adventist University commits to educating a diverse student body in a Christ-centered environment shaped by Seventh-day Adventist Christian beliefs for service and leadership.

Vision Believing in the transformative power of the Gospel and affirming the importance of the life of the mind, Southwestern Adventist University seeks to promote inquiry through faith, to balance tradition with innovation, and to become a force for positive and significant change in global society.

Values • Christ as our central focus.

• Education that promotes achievement and enriches life.

• Interaction that affirms faith, integrity, and humanity.

• Responsibility for ourselves, our neighbors, and our world.

• Service as a ministry for Christ.

• Integration of Seventh-day Adventist beliefs and practice into daily life.

Makala Coleman is a recent communication graduate and Darcy Force is the Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Southwestern Adventist University.

partners

Pathway

health

By Jessica Lozano

W

hen the sun began to rise in San Antonio on April 8, thousands of people were already lined up outside the Alamodome, waiting for free medical services and the promise of a healthier future. The event, put on by Your Best Pathway to Health, a service of Adventist-laymen’s Services & Industries (ASI), in collaboration with the North American Division, the Texas and Southwest Region Conferences, Adventist Health System, and many other entities, has been called the largest medical mission trip within the U.S. that the Seventh-day Adventist Church has ever undertaken.

By the end of the three-day event, more than 6,000 people had received medical and homeopathic services worth more than $20 million from over 1,700 volunteers, approximately 1,000 of them medical professionals, who had come from all across the country. In addition, dozens of individuals and corporations donated supplies and services for the event.

The services provided were numerous, and included primary care visits, women’s healthcare including pap smears, consultation by medical specialists including heart evaluation, as well as gastroenterology, neurology, pulmonology, rheumatology, infectious disease, general and orthopedic surgery, pediatrics, podiatry, immunizations, root canals, crowns, fillings, extractions, dental cleaning, pharmacy, eyeglass fittings and examinations, STD screenings, physical therapy, x-rays, laboratory services, and even a free meal. No insurance or identification was required.

Lisa Salazar, a resident of San Antonio, was one of the first in line early Wednesday morning. A literature evangelist had approached her at her home and, after learning more about her, had told her about the free clinic coming to San Antonio. He also invited her to attend the Adventist church near her home. When he left, he reminded her to go to the mega clinic. She was skeptical, but decided to attend and was able to see a dentist to have her teeth checked and cleaned. “I was looking for a church and I was needing to find a way to take care of my health. I found both here today!” she said.

Volunteer Juventino Beliz, a certified dental technician and a registered dental hygienist from Houston, Texas, performed approximately 90 dental cleanings and assisted with restorative care. “A lot of the patients had severe gum disease and needed comprehensive work.

We’ve done the first step of getting rid of the buildup of tartar, and some have also been able to get restorative care here,” said Beliz.

Restorative care included bridges and crowns, which were made on the spot by five CERAC II machines, the use of which was donated by dental supply company Patterson Dental. Images of patients’ gums and teeth were created in seconds, which were used to create the crowns and bridges. Dozens of patients left with bridge and crown pieces worth thousands of dollars. “This has been a great experience.

We’ve helped these patients with their dental health needs now, provided them information about low-cost care available in the area for after they leave, and we were also able to tell them a little bit about the Lord so they will see this as His work,” said Beliz.

Gayle Daniels, an optometrist from Fort Worth, led the Vision Department and was able to witness miracle after miracle. In one instance, a woman was being cared for in another department when she dropped and broke her glasses. She was told to visit the vision department for a new pair. The woman didn’t want to take another person’s place, but was persuaded to go ahead by the volunteers.

While visiting the Vision Department, she had the opportunity to have retinal scans made, after being persuaded yet again. The scans revealed bleeding in her retina, which could lead to retina detachment and blindness. They were able to send her to a local clinic with whom had contracted for immediate treatment.

Daniels said the Vision Department saw many patients with retina bleeding or retina detachment, most likely related to diabetes and lifestyle management issues. Patients were sent through the Lifestyle Department where they were able to learn how to incorporate healthy practices and could sign up for seminars on various health topics to be held in local Adventist churches the following week.

Patients received a free meal each day of the event and were able to take advantage of hydrotherapy, medical massage, counseling, and haircutting services. Chaplaincy services were also available and many patients took advantage of the opportunity for prayer and spiritual care. Local churches in San Antonio are following up with patients who requested Bible studies or visits from a pastor.

There were numerous visits by the different media outlets during the mega clinic, as well as an appearance from San Antonio Mayor, Ivy Taylor. She addressed the patients and volunteers, echoing the grateful sentiments felt by so many. There is little doubt that Your Best Pathway to Health made an impression in San Antonio. One of the many footprints the Seventh-day Adventist Church hopes to make in the city and throughScan the QR code or visit out the world.

MOREsanantonio.org to see a video recap of Your Best Pathway to Health.

Jessica Lozano is the Associate Communication Director at the Southwestern Union Conference.

FLAME | 9 Summer 2015

fitness

THE SPICES of

By Jason Busch

Life

It’s easy to espouse fruits and vegetables as a wholesome part of any diet. Most are already aware of the numerous health benefits associated with them, but fewer may know of how to take them to the next level in both taste and nutrition. Spices add a new dimension to anyone’s cooking, yet are often overlooked. Though to report on the benefit of every known spice would take up the contents of this entire magazine, we hope to give you just a taste of this delicious world.

Ginger: As a nutritional powerhouse, ginger is noted for its ability to fight colds, nausea, and inflammation. Its active

ingredient, gingerol, has shown to have cancer-fighting properties according to The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry and may help reduce arthritis pain as well. Skip the ginger ale and add it to water and tea instead, or get creative and mix it in your meals to take advantage of its healthy goodness.

Turmeric: Add turmeric for a little Indian flavor in your dishes. When you do, you’ll enjoy its potent antioxidant benefits

that studies show help with diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Some studies1 also show its worth in inhibiting tumor growth. Its healing nature is so widely regarded that some in India even apply it to wounds.

Garlic: Known for its ability to draw people to the kitchen as it cooks, garlic also has a host of health benefits including anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to lower cholesterol. Because of wide appeal, garlic is easy to add to almost any meal. For true aficionados, consider visiting The Stinking Rose, a garlic-centric restaurant in California. Just remember the mints afterward!

Cayenne: For those who like to kick it up a notch, cayenne is the spice for you.

Capsaicin, the leading ingredient in cayenne pepper, feels like it’s burning a hole in your stomach as you eat. Surprisingly, the exact opposite is happening. Research in the Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants shows consuming it strengthens your stomach lining and ability to fight ulcers, as well as clears congestion and bolsters the immune system.

Cinnamon: For a warming and flavorful dessert spice, look no further than cinnamon – one of the most broadly used spices in the United States. Cinnamon was even described by King Solomon as one of the world’s finest spices and it isn’t hard to see why. Cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar and enhance metabolism. It’s also a good source of fiber and manganese, cementing cinnamon as a healthy staple in the spice world.

This is simply a snapshot of what spices can do for your diet, and the merits are more pronounced each day. From anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting abilities, to digestive and circulatory properties, the ease of which these benefits can be incorporated is becoming difficult to ignore. Isn’t it time to add a little spice to your life?

1 Sood, A.k., Y.g. Lin, G. Armaiz-Pena, S.k. Lutgendorf, and B.b. Aggarwal. “116.

Curcumin Inhibits Tumor Growth and Angiogenesis in Ovarian Carcinoma by Targeting the Nuclear Factor-xB Pathway.” Brain, Behavior, and Immunity: S57.

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

10 | FLAME Summer 2015

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

Minner Labrador, Jr. is the Vice-President for Ministries, as well as Men’s Ministries, Sabbath School, and Stewardship Director for the Southwestern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and oversees the Stewardship section for the FLAME. He considers himself fortunate that his work responsibilities coincide with his greatest ministry passions. Growing up in Philadelphia, Minner recalls his best childhood memory as chasing a neighborhood kid when he was nine-yearsold – the same neighbor who would later become his wife. He’s been married now for 29 years and has two children, Minner III and Mario Adan, and grandson, Lucas Minervino. Minner says the easiest way to reach others is by loving and caring for them, yet the reality is that many people don’t love or care for themselves and that makes it difficult to do the same for others. The main thing, he concludes, is to keep Jesus’ love the main thing and the rest will follow.

Associate Communication Director

Makala Coleman is a recent graduate from the communication program at Southwestern Adventist University and is like the pinch hitting writer for the FLAME, as she can be trusted with almost any section of the magazine.

It’s fitting then that she produced her own magazine when she was younger and sold subscriptions to family members. While she loves working in communication her two favorite hobbies are art and music, and finds that most frustrations fade under the stroke of the paintbrush. Though a Texan at heart, she compares the beauty of New Mexico to a living canvas and revels in the state’s unique culture and cuisine. Makala considers her grandmother one of her greatest heroes because of her selfless and loving attitude, and says she always managed to take care of those who needed it despite raising five boys of her own. Similarly, Makala says, the most effective way share God’s love with others is simply by loving them.

Many congratulations from the FLAME family on Makala’s upcoming October nuptials!

Makala Coleman

Alfredo Vergel writes for the History section of each FLAME issue and is the Public Services and Special Collections Librarian, as well as the Ellen White Research Center Director for Southwestern Adventist University. Alfredo enjoys the way his Master’s degrees in Computer Information Systems, Library Science, and Education integrate closely with his work. He, his wife, and two sons are a close-knit bunch, and he confesses the boys are a sweet, yet gray hair producing pair. When not on the job, Alfredo enjoys reading, cooking, camping, and being in his garden, which he says is a calming reprieve from the hustle and bustle of life. He volunteers as one of the youth Sabbath school teachers, as well as communication director for the Burleson Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church. Alfredo reiterates that the Seventh-day Adventist lifestyle has led to him being more healthful, balanced, and hopeful, and given him a more rewarding life that he could have imagined possible.

By Jason Busch, FLAME Associate Editor and Texas Conference

Ruber J. Leal is the pastor for the Garland Faith Community Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Director for Family Ministries of the Texas Conference. Along with his wife and Co-Director, Ketty, they oversee the Family Ministries section in each FLAME. He grew up in a pastoral family in the countries of Colombia and Venezuela and considers going to his grandparent’s ranch every summer to ride horses, brand cows and climb trees some of his favorite childhood moments. Ruber’s hobbies are writing, singing, mountain biking, going out with his wife, and spending time with his children. Today, his passion is helping families and marriages to experience the oneness God intended from the beginning. To help accomplish this, Ruber and Ketty organize the ForeverONE Marriage Retreat, as well as family weekends throughout the year.

He and Ketty have been married for 20 years and have been blessed with Yarianni, 17, and Jeriel, 12. To create unity and purpose, Ruber says, we must foster a life of ongoing service to the people around us.

Ruber J. Leal

Minner Labrador, Jr.

Alfredo Vergel

Spotlight

this issue features our regular FLAME contributors.

FLAME | 11 Summer 2015

peace

A Quest “I believed that this was the end for me and that I was passed the point of saving.

So I gave up on life.

I didn’t want to feel pain or allow my family to see me suffer from this terrible affliction.”

Peace

feature

t for

By Sandra Martinez

S

andra Martinez’s testimony is one of the featured stories of the #iwantMORE campaign. The Texas Conference campaign focuses on individuals who yearn for MORE of something in their lives. Sandra’s journey is one of finding peace and she shares it below. Her story is heartbreaking, but her faith is firm and inspiring.

Sandra’s trust in God is concrete and her perseverance is admirable.

I have metastatic breast cancer. This type of cancer can spread to other organs in the body like the bones, lungs, liver or brain. My battle began in November of 2006 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in stage 3-4. The oncologist told me that it was advanced, but local. The news shattered my world because I thought there was no hope of recovery and my mind wandered to the worst outcomes imaginable. I didn’t know God. I couldn’t think clearly. My first resonating thought was that I was only 29-years-old.

The other was of the future my two children, Yazmin and Ricardo, Jr., would endure without their mother. At the time, all I could say to my husband was that I loved him and our children very much. I believed that this was the end for me and that I was passed the point of saving.

So I gave up on life. I didn’t want to feel pain or allow my family to see me suffer from this terrible affliction.

Nevertheless, I was given a medical plan that consisted of eight chemotherapy sessions to shrink the tumor, followed by a mastectomy and six weeks of almost daily radiation treatment. When the doctor described the process as a long dark tunnel, I became terrified. The fear was so strong that it would make me physically tremble. I wanted more for myself and for my family than a dark tunnel full of pain and the unknown. I craved peace. Then, I felt the God I knew nothing about calling me to walk with Him. I found the nearest Bible and opened it to Psalm 91. The verses showed me that God was my refuge and that He would take care of me. I started visiting a church and although it helped lift my spirits, I still felt that something was missing.

I knew my aunt Teresa Luna’s church friends had been praying for me and wanted to meet me. One day, I finally decided to attend the Los Tres Ángeles Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church. A quiet calm encompassed me as I entered; the comfort and peace I felt in that place was palpable. The people were waiting with open arms and made me feel like family, like I belonged. I continued visiting the church while learning more about God and His overwhelming love. From that day on, I have never felt alone. God has always been beside me.

I finished the entire medical treatment plan in mid-2007. Afterward, the oncologist prescribed a five-year medication plan that included a monthly shot and daily oral medication. Two years later, a part of my stomach was removed and used in breast reconstruction surgery. In 2012, my doctor declared me cancer free and it was the happiest news I had heard in a long time! My family and I rejoiced, hoping to put these difficult times behind us.

However, our happiness would eventually fade. One year ago, my doctor informed me that the cancer had not only retuned, but also metastasized to the bones. I asked why I had been declared cancer free in 2012, but the answer he gave dumbfounded me. He said that I had never been cancer free. The cancer cells had always been there, but were so insignificant that they couldn’t be detected.

The news was devastating. Yet I knew I wasn’t alone; I knew God was still fighting my battles.

The prognosis gave me about one more year to live showing there was a five centimeter tumor on my chest bone and that I was out of treatment options. The doctor urged me to go home, take care of my children and get my affairs in order. In my heart, however, I knew this wasn’t it. I knew there was more to my story and I was going to trust that God had control over my life.

Six months later, I met with Naturopathic Doctor Catharine Hunter, to develop a plan to defeat the cancer using natural supplements and treatments. After several months of this new outlook, the tumor has significantly

reduced to almost half its original size. Still, because of the time I spent without treatment, the cancer has produced eight other tumors in my neck, lung, breast, chest bone, and back. It sounds awful, but there were times I couldn’t even walk to my own kitchen and today I can walk almost anywhere! I should be dead by now according to the oncologist, but I am a living testimony of God’s grace and natural medicine. My body, soul and mind belong to Him. Throughout this ordeal I have felt the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” described in Philippians 4:7. God granted me this peace even with the odds stacked against me and has blessed me with more than I can fathom. I can’t complain about anything. He has given me an exceptional husband who loves me with all his heart, a mother who cares for me and cooks for my family and a sister who is always there when I need her. My children and nieces motivate me to get better every day. But the most significant blessing I can claim is knowing that God will always keep me moving forward and offers comfort when I need it most. Even when the harsh treatments take a toll on my body, God keeps me strong. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “If I help one person to have hope, I shall not live in vain.” My desire is to share my story so that others can see God’s faithfulness and come to know His heavenly peace, regardless of the circumstances surrounding them .

Sandra Martinez, husband Ricardo Gomez and children Yazmin and Ricardo Jr. attend the Durango Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church in San Antonio. You can watch her video testimony by scanning this QR code or visiting MOREsanantonio.org.

FLAME | 13 Summer 2015

family matters

For What Matters

By Ruber and Ketty Leal Texas Conference Family Ministries Directors Do you ever feel like you just need more time? We often have days we wish were a little longer, hoping we could have an extra hour, an extra day or, sometimes, an extra week to complete what we think is important. Unfortunately, no matter how much extra time we wish for when the deadlines loom, we have as much as we’ll ever have.

When it comes to family relationships, most of us may take too long to realize the importance of time. We are not talking about the trivial time we are usually frantic for, but the realization that what really counts in relationships is more quality time. One of the greatest regrets many people have when dying is not having spent more time with their loved ones. You never hear people on their death beds declare, “I wish I had spent more time at work or school.”

Getting enough quality family time builds intimacy, opens communication and strengthens bonds with each member of the family.

Plus, it provides a model for younger children to follow when as they establish their own relationships in the future. That’s why we are sharing ways to help you craft more time together with those who matter most. Make it count!

Define quality time: Take time as a family to discuss and discover the things that most members of the family enjoy doing together. Not everyone may like all the options. But, you can make a list, keep it handy and mix things up!

Adopt a project: Valuable and unforgettable moments occur when families chooses to make a difference in the lives of others. Pick a community project together, get involved and start being the change you want to see in the world!

Set regular family activities: Establish simple things such as eating a meal together daily or having regular family devotionals. Have a family game night every week or go on a family outing once a month.

Plan for a family vacation: It is important that every family take intentional time off at least once each year to have fun together.

Family vacations don’t need to break the bank. Many families opt for staycations and make the best of vacationing at home.

Celebrate achievements together: Take time to celebrate a good report card, completing a major project at work or other accomplishments in your household.

Parties don’t need to wait for an annual birthday.

Learn to say no: Perhaps the biggest threat to family time is the struggle of saying no to other obligations. We need to recognize quality family time as a vital part of each day, even if it means forgoing overtime at work or studying a little later.

Ruber and Ketty Leal are the Texas Conference Family Ministries Co-Directors. 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.

14 | FLAME Summer 2015

bridges

By Brisa Ramirez

The MOREfreedom Walk took place on May 21, 2015 in downtown San Antonio. The event, sponsored by the Southwestern Union and the Texas Conference, was part of the General Conference Youth Department’s Global Youth Day and the Texas Conference #iwantMORE initiative. On this day, thousands of young people throughout the world took a stand to impact society. Youth from Texas and the Southwestern Union tackled domestic human trafficking and slavery. Below is one young participant’s experience.

More freedom. It seems like freedom is something we have plenty of in this country, but with human trafficking, freedom can be taken away from people in a very cruel way. Freedom is every person’s right, yet some are losing that right to modern-day slavery.

I had the opportunity to be a part of the MOREfreedom Walk on March 21, a two-mile march around downtown San Antonio to raise awareness of this critical issue. Although a flood warning had been issued for that day, attendees were determined to proceed and while it did rain, it was not the deluge that had been predicted.

About 1,000 people came out to support the cause from surrounding churches, across the state and from various academies and schools. A large number of the MOREfreedom Walk participants had been a part of the MOREcompassion mission trip that took place in the San Antonio area the previous two weeks. Volunteers came from all over Texas to mow lawns, help out at local food banks, and do a variety of other good deeds around the community (read about MOREcompassion on page 7).

The MOREfreedom walk began around 9 am. A drum corps from the Dallas City Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church Pathfinder Club led the way at the front of the procession, walking and playing, while the crowd followed.

There were people of all ages and places who joined the throng and carried signs denouncing human slavery. There were young people,

Walk older adults, children with their parents, and even a mom pushing a baby in a stroller.

As the march advanced, many shop owners and bystanders stopped to watch what was happening. The answer, however, seemed to bring up even more questions. People were amazed by this youthful crowd taking a stand on such a usually obscure topic. What began as a curiosity for passersby became a cause for applause by the end.

The MOREfreedom Walk concluded with several advocates speaking against the issue including Pastor and Movementum President José Rojas and representatives from two local non-profit organizations, Ransomed Life and the Think Freedom Campaign. A firsthand survivor of human trafficking also shared how this issue had impacted her family. The statistics shared caught the crowd most off guard. According to enditnow, a global campaign to raise awareness and advocate for the end of violence against women and girls around the world, up to seven out of 10 women experience either physical or sexual abuse (or both) during some point in their lives. An estimated one million children enter the sex trade every year.

These statistics are daunting. While this is a big issue, and something we should talk about, so much more needs to be done.

Participating in the MOREfreedom Walk and hearing about the reality of human slavery opened my eyes to how serious and prevalent it actually is. Imagine what you would do if this happened to someone you’re close to like a friend, classmate or relative. What will you do to make sure that never happens? What will you do to end it now?

For more resources and to find out how to get involved in San Antonio visit RansomedLifeTexas.org or ThinkFreedomCampaign.org.

Visit MOREsanantonio.org to see a recap video of the MOREfreedom Walk or scan the code below to watch it now!

Brisa Ramirez is a Senior Communication major with an emphasis in Journalism at Southwestern Adventist University.

FLAME | 15 Summer 2015

7

Ingredients:

INGREDIENT

VEGGIE

SLIDERS

These summertime staples are not your typical burgers and fries. Add these to your picnics or cookouts this season for a healthy, yet savory

option!

• • • • •

1 Tbsp chili powder (or sub cumin) salt and pepper ½ red onion, finely diced (or about ¾ cup) 6 button or baby bella mushrooms, diced (or about 1 ¼ cups) 1 15-ounce can of beans (black or kidney), well rinsed and drained • ¾ cup cooked quinoa • ½ cup raw walnuts, crushed or ground into a loose meal • OPTIONAL: For even more flavor, add a shake of vegan worcestershire or A-1 sauce when adding the chili powder

Instructions: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add some nonstick spray or add a bit of olive oil. When hot add the onion and slowly sauté, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper.

When the onions are soft (about 5 minutes) turn up the heat to medium and add the mushrooms. Season with another pinch of salt and pepper and cook until the mushrooms and onions are slightly browned and fragrant (about 3 minutes).

Remove from heat and add beans and mash. You’re looking for a rough mash, not to turn it into a paste, so you can leave some whole or halved if you want. Taste and add another pinch of salt, or pepper if needed.

Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl, add the quinoa, chili powder or cumin and stir. Lastly, add the walnuts a little at a time until the mixture is thick and malleable enough to form into patties. Pop in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to cool and preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Coat a baking sheet with nonstick spray or olive oil.

Once chilled, form into small patties. A peanut butter jar lid lined with plastic wrap to get the perfect, mess-free shape is a great tool!

Arrange on the baking sheet and brush or spray the tops with olive oil and another pinch of black pepper and any leftover crushed walnuts. Bake at 375 degrees for 40-45 minutes, flipping around the 20-minute mark. Cook longer to dry them out even more and achieve more crisp, but it’s not necessary. For a quicker option, form into thinner patties (1/4 inch) and brown in a saucepan over medium to medium-high heat lightly coated with olive oil. Cook until brown on both sides or about 3-4 minutes on each side. Note that this version doesn’t get them as well done in the middle.

Serve on small buns or atop mixed greens with desired toppings. Makes about 10 medium baked patties, or 16 thin sautéed patties.

If you don’t want to cook the whole batch at once, form into 10 thicker patties, par-bake them at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Then cool and freeze stacked between layers of parchment paper. To cook, bake as instructed until desired color is reached. minimalistbaker.com/7-ingredient-veggie-sliders

CRISPY BAKED ROSEMARY GARLIC FRIES Ingredients:

• 3 russet potatoes, roughly peeled and cut into even wedges or strips • 2-3 Tbsp canola or olive oil to rim pan • 1 Tbsp olive oil (for coating fries) • sea salt and pepper to taste (about ¼ tsp each) • large handful rosemary • 2-3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Soak potatoes in hot water for 15 minutes, then drain and dry thoroughly or clean dish towels.

2. Dry the bowl they were in and then place them back in. Drizzle with 1-2 Tbsp olive oil and add ¼ tsp of salt and pepper and toss.

3. Generously coat a rimmed baking sheet with

canola oil and drain off any excess.

Transfer fries to baking sheet and arrange in a single layer.

4. Cover with foil and bake for 5 minutes.

Then remove foil and bake for 15 minutes more. Remove from oven to turn over. If they stick, just gently nudge them with a spatula and they will lift off the sheet.

Make sure to keep them in a single layer to ensure even baking. Place back in oven to cook for another 5 minutes.

5. Remove from oven, flip once more.

Return to oven for 5-10 minutes more or until golden brown and crispy.

6. Remove from oven and transfer to a large bowl. Season with additional salt to taste and minced garlic and rosemary while still hot. Toss and serve warm.

minimalistbaker.com/ crispy-baked-rosemary-garlic-fries

stewardship

Pursuit of

By Jason Busch

Happiness

A few years ago, I found myself strapped into what some would call a bona fide death machine. I remember the harness being stiflingly tight, personifying the anticipation I felt in my stomach. It probably wasn’t the best time for an existential crisis. Cedar Point claims to be the roller coaster capital of the world and seconds from being launched on its infamous Top Thrill Dragster, I realized that I was at a crossroads. No, I don’t mean that I was questioning my own sanity for voluntarily being jettisoned at 120mph, up a 427 ft. vertical, then rolling back to ground level. I was at an emotional crossroads. I wondered whether I was happy in my daily life or only living for the milestones.

The term ‘stewardship’ often conjures images of saving money or time. But do you ever consider being a good steward of your own contentment? Making others happy can be tremendously satisfying, but not if it comes at the cost of our own. So the next time you feel drained and unable to spend one more second on that roller

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.”

Philippians 4:12 coaster of the mind, consider the following principles.

First, make time for what brings you joy. Do you love hiking? Spend a weekend outdoors.

Maybe reading is your passion. Don’t wait for Oprah’s Book Club list, start that next book today. To those who love experimenting in the kitchen – it isn’t going to send you a formal

invitation, so get in there and get cooking!

Responsibilities can tie us down, whether kids, pets, work, or school, the list can be endless.

That makes it all the more reason to take a little time each day to do something you enjoy.

Second, enjoy the little things. You may not be able to spend all your time backpacking through Europe, sailing around the Mediterranean, or sleeping on a Hawaiian beach. You can, however, find time to enjoy the time in-between. Take a bubble bath, watch a movie, exercise, or learn a new language. Discover what makes you happy, then set time aside for it.

Happiness can be infectious; when you feel recharged, revitalized, and rejuvenated others will notice. I’m not suggesting you stop trying to make sure others are happy and taken care of, but spend time taking care of yourself too.

Like the Partridge Family always sang: Come on, get happy!

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

Elders’ Gathering 2015 A Texas Conference Annual Event Designed Especially for Church Elders

Coming to your area!

August 1 August 8 August 15 August 22

Valley Houston Austin/San Antonio Dallas/ Fort Worth

Edinburg Church Houston West Church San Marcos Church Arlington Church

August 23

East Texas

Tyler Church (10am –1:30pm)

(Sunday)

From 4:00 – 7:30pm (except East Texas) Light meal will be provided For Information: Contact Rhonda Garner at rgarner@txsda.org or (817) 790-2255 ext. 2123 RSVP at www.TexasAdventist.org/elders

FLAME | 17 Summer 2015

S

history

A

Texas

Encore

2

By Alfredo Vergel

the

CA As San Antonio is fixin’ to host the 60th General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church this summer, it might be useful to point out that this ain’t the first rodeo for the Texas Conference. Indeed, Texas hosted one other session 35 years ago in Dallas.

Dallas welcomed nearly 2,000 delegates and many more observers to the 53rd General Conference Session with balmy mid-April weather (over 70,000 are expected this July in San Antonio). A recently expanded Dallas Convention Center easily accommodated the crowd.

They were welcomed by, among others, then Southwestern Union President Ben Leach, who donned a cowboy hat and bolo tie for the occasion. Then Texas Conference President Cyril Miller greeted with a hearty “Howdy, y’all!” The worldwide church matched the ‘everything’s bigger in Texas’ mentality with an elaborate pageant of nations from the convention center, through the heart of downtown Dallas, and finally to Thanks-Giving Square.

The delegates hailed from 190 countries, including China, Burma and Russia, and represented well over three million church members.

For the first time in history the North American delegation did not represent the largest membership block, a spot that the Inter-American Division, spanning from Mexico to Guyana and the Caribbean, has since occupied. That fact, and the large Mexican population of Texas, accounted for Spanish being heard at every turn, English being the official language of the session notwithstanding.

The overwhelming internationalization of the Church drove significant actions such as rearranging the Church’s African map in order to move away from a colonial organizational structure and allow native leadership and membership to bloom. The ordinary process of editing the Church Manual took into account the fact that in many territories it was one of the only guiding Church documents available, so it was expanded in great detail. Partly for the same reason, sections addressing doctrinal instruction for baptismal candidates, polygamy, growing and selling tobacco, alternative communion symbols, and local church organization and governance were subjects of lively debate.

Another first was an officially voted Statement of Beliefs. The unofficial statement was replaced by one that went through a much more consensual process that included input from delegates during the Session. There was much discussion over the wording of all beliefs, but especially those about creation, the Lord’s Supper, Christian behavior and Christ’s ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. Interestingly, this year’s proposal to modify the statement about creation to include the word “literal” to qualify the six days of creation was also considered in 1980.

Arguably the most important development of the Session, the Statement of Beliefs, and the discussion that preceded its adoption, was a timely response to growing theological controversies within the Church. Although written for the general population, the statement represented consensus that would help anchor the Church through

18 | FLAME Summer 2015

significant oncoming challenges to its distinctive doctrines. The moderation of newly minted General Conference President Neal Wilson has often been credited with the well-mannered proceedings leading to the adoption of the statement.

Elder Wilson took office together with a slew of new leaders elected to replace a whole generation of retirees. Raised in both South Africa and India, he learned several African dialects and Hindi. Years of leadership in Egypt added to his international acumen, which made him an overwhelmingly favored choice for the presidency. The first General Conference president to be the son of a minister, Elder Wilson was also the father of current General Conference President, Ted Wilson.

In terms of technology, the 1980 session in Dallas appears to be ages in the past. The Church had a mature presence on radio waves, but was only beginning to make inroads into television. An array of now outdated or not commonly used technologies made the Dallas session run smoothly and captured it for posterity. Film photography and video, slide projectors, audiotapes, typewriters, fax and telex machines, amateur radio, payphones and crude computers were among them.

As is predictable in Texas, unreliable weather made an appearance as well. The temperatures cooled down significantly by the end of the 10-day Session, but there was no dampening of the spirits. The Session was a festival of uplifting music, renewed acquaintances, and newly kindled friendships, as much it was a business meeting.

As then Signs of the Times Editor, Lawrence Maxwell, would put it: “Everywhere you turn there is an old friend. Or a new friend to make.”

The 60th General Conference Session is scheduled to take place in San Antonio from July 2-11, 2015. Information about the Session including events, schedule and lodging can be found at 2015.gcsession.org.

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.

Jun

Twe

Cub

Teen

makin

SUMMER CAMP

2015

@ Lake Whitney Ranch

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1 CAMP

DATE

AGES

Junior Camp

June 14-21

10-12

Tween Camp

June 21-28

12-14

Cub Camp

June 28-July 5

7-9

Teen Camp

July 12-19

14-17

& Young Adults making ministers for the master

REGISTER NOW!

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

theology

On the Looking Out Inside

By Bill Kilgore

A few years ago, my wife and I visited the famous high-security prison, Alcatraz, while vacationing in San Francisco. We took a boat to the remote island and received the traditional tour. When we stepped out of one of the lock-up units, the guide invited us to step up on a small baseboard ledge and look through one of the air vents. He said that on a clear night the inmates at Alcatraz could see the lights of San Francisco in the distance through that hole. If the conditions were right some prisoners said they could actually hear the sounds and smell the aromas of freedom through that tiny opening, which made them long to be on the outside again.

In the Bible there is a man who is trapped and longing to be free, not from the inside of a prison, but from the religion of his upbringing. Asaph chronicles his frustration of being trapped on the inside and looking out in Psalm 73. This young Psalmist is imprisoned by his beliefs and the only relief available to him is secretly gazing at the wicked as they pass by his window. The wicked look to him like individuals who, “have no struggles; and their bodies are healthy and strong.

They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.” Psalm 73:4-5.

To Asaph, the wicked seem to wear their pride as a necklace and their mouths lay claim to heaven and earth with no sense of accountability to God or man for their actions. In frustration he confesses that when he sees the lifestyle of the wicked, he is envious and “when I tried to understand all this it was too oppressive to me.”

What a frustrating place to be. Trapped in ceremonialism and rituals that do not meet the hunger of the soul and to be envious of the rich and famous who have no respect for the things of God. Asaph is not the first one to have a distorted picture of sinfulness that is appealing and alluring. He confessed that his feet almost slipped. But there is hope for the drifting Asaph and for those who have been tempted to turn their backs on responsibility and run away from commitments that have been important their whole lives.

Asaph wrote in Psalm 73:17 that he felt the undertow of wickedness secretly tugging at his heart until, he said, “I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their destiny.” The Bible records that Asaph went into the sanctuary of God daily to carry out his responsibilities, but there is a difference between just going through motions of faith and actually entering into the presence of God. Asaph had that aha experience. It was through God’s revelation in the sanctuary that he

20 | FLAME Summer 2015

saw the consequences and the ultimate outcome of those who turn their back on a relationship with Him. Asaph confesses, “my heart was grieved, my spirit was embittered.”

The word for “embittered” in Hebrew means to sour, to turn, or to spoil. Bitterness in the heart can close the eyes to the mighty acts of God in life. No wonder Asaph described himself with a bitter heart as an animal out of control and a brute beast that is senseless. Looking back on this experience, what broke Asaph’s heart most was the realization that God never left him while he was going through this inner turmoil. Asaph wrote, “Yet I was always with you; and you hold my hand.”

It is only a changed heart that can proclaim, “Whom have I in heaven but you and earth has nothing I desire beside you. My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Dr. Bill Kilgore is a Religion Professor at Southwestern Adventist University. He holds a Doctorate of Ministry in Preaching.

kidz korner

Matilda, Sailor Moon and Jesus

By Chelsy Calumpiano,

Book Worm and Good Student

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. Set Up a Lemonade Stand

You’ll need a table, posters for signs and lemonade! Raise money for your local church or school, or for another family who could use the help. Add strawberries, raspberries or fresh mint leaves to have different varieties available. Take any leftovers to your local fire or police station!

2. Volunteer Locally

You only need to be 12-years-old to volunteer at most public libraries. Most humane societies let you volunteer at 12 if you have a parent volunteer with you.

Spend a couple hours or a couple days learning how libraries work or playing with puppies and kittens!

3. Start an Herb Garden

You can grow herbs like parsley, oregano and basil right from your windowsill!

Most grocery and hardware stores sell inexpensive seedlings or young plants that you can just replant in your own windowsill garden. Make sure you know how much water and sunlight is necessary and use the herbs in your dinners at home!

4. Go Backyard Camping

Aren’t able to go out of town? No problem! Dust off that sleeping bag and camp out in your own backyard! Sleep on a tarp under the stars or go all out and set up your tent. Pack a picnic, grill some hot dogs or microwave s’mores!

Hike around your back yard and see how many different flowers, insects or rocks you find!

Did you know

Jesus isn’t all that important.

That’s what I thought when I was a kid. He was Do you have a story? Share it with us! Send as cool and as useful as an imaginary friend– so not us your story and we may use it in the “kidz really cool or useful because who over the age of five korner” of the next FLAME issue! has imaginary friends anymore? I had heard and learned Email stories, 400 words or less, about Jesus at home and at church, but he didn’t seem much to FLAME@txsda.org different from the characters in stories I read at school. Jesus, James and his giant peach, Matilda– all cool people with entertaining stories that were just pretend.

There were far more important things I wanted than Jesus anyway. I wanted more Super Mario Brothers games for my Nintendo Gamecube. I wanted to watch more TV like Pokémon or Sailor Moon. I wanted to go to the library and check out more books to read like The Chronicles of Narnia. Most importantly, I wanted good grades, the highest scores in my class on all my assignments and tests all the time (which was pretty hard to accomplish). So I had a lot to do and wasn’t interested in Jesus; there were other things I wanted more.

But I wasn’t the only one wanting more of something.

As I got older, I met more people who made Jesus and His love for me more real. Sabbath School teachers, academy teachers, and other grown-ups at church all showed me Jesus’ love through their kind words, invitations to come to their homes and hang out with other kids my age, and loving me as much as my own parents did.

Even though I didn’t know it, Jesus was working through them to show me that He was wanting more just as I was, except He wanting more of ME. I especially saw that when I took a new look at the story of Jesus on the cross. Imagine getting grounded for something you did, but then your best friend says he’ll take your place and get grounded for you. He’ll do it all because he doesn’t want to see me suffer that punishment. It sounds ridiculous! But that’s what Jesus did for me and for you. He took the punishment we deserve because He didn’t want us to suffer that consequence. He did it because He loves us. Jesus isn’t pretend like a storybook character or uncool like having an imaginary friend when you’re ten years old. He is real, and he just wants more of YOU!

C.S. Lewis, is that the author of The Chronicles of Narnia, ? tian authors of all time considered one of the most influential Chris

According to

History Today, the first popular fictional cartoon character was Dr. Syntax, created over 200 years ago in 1809!

Fun Facts In 1634, the Pentamerone from

Italy became the first major published collection of European folk tales. However, A Little Pretty Pocket-Book, written and published by John Newbery and published in 1744, is widely considered the first modern children’s book.

calendar

Events JUNE

1-2 || Houston Area

Women’s Ministries Certification Training Level 3 at Houston Central Seventh-day Adventist Church.

5-27 ||

Ancient Discoveries Evangelism with Mark Finley at San Antonio Shrine Auditorium.

14-21 || Junior Camp

Summer Camp for ages 10-12 at Lake Whitney Ranch.

JULY 2-11 || General Conference Session at the Alamodome and Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio.

2 || San Antonio Area Clerk’s

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

20 || Estate Planning

Seminar at Corpus Christi Seventh-day Adventist Church.

20-27 ||

6-9 || General Conference

MÁSesperanza Evangelism with Alejandro Bullón at TriPoint Event Center in San Antonio, TX.

Session Day Camp for ages 10-16 in San Antonio, TX.

21-28 || Tween Camp

Summer Camp for ages 14-17 at Lake Whitney Ranch.

Summer Camp for ages 12-14 at Lake Whitney Ranch.

28-Jul 1 ||

Tour de Youth Cycling Event from Dallas to San Antonio, TX.

28- Jul 5 ||

Cub Camp Summer Camp for ages 7-9 at Lake Whitney Ranch.

12-19 || Teen Camp

19 || Austin Area Clerk’s

Training at Austin Spanish First Seventh-day Adventist Church.

24-26 ||

SENT School of Evangelism at Scenic Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church.

AUGUST 1 ||

Valley Area Elder’s Gathering at Edinburg Seventhday Adventist Church.

Summer 2015

Gathering at Arlington Seventhday Adventist Church.

23 ||

8 || Houston Area Elder’s 8-9 ||

BYOB Young Adult Retreat at Lone Star Ranch in Athens, TX.

Gathering at Houston West Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Dallas-Fort Worth Area Women’s Ministries Certification Training Level 3 at Houston Central Seventh-day Adventist Church.

14-16 || Houston Area

Empower Training in Bryan, TX.

Elder’s Gathering at San Marcos Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Area Women’s Ministries Certification Training Level 4 at San Marcos Seventh-day Adventist Church.

16 ||

28-29 || Valley Area

Camp Meeting at McAllen Valley Central Seventh-day Adventist Church and South Padre Island Convention Center.

Area Clerk’s Training at Texas Conference Office.

30 || Houston Area Women’s

16 || Central Texas

North Dallas Area Clerk’s Training at Richardson Seventh-day Adventist Church.

27-30 ||

30 || Keene-Fort Worth

15 || Central Texas Area

Ministries Certification Training Level 4 at Houston Central Seventh-day Adventist Church.

SEPTEMBER 11-13 || Hispanic Women’s

TEXAS CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

Ministries Retreat at La Torretta Lake Resort and Spa in Montgomery, TX.

Clerk’s

Training Seminar

this Summer

9:00 am-10:30 am » Basic Clerk’s Training 10:45 am-12:30 pm » Clerk’s eAdventist Training 12:30 pm-1:30 pm » Appreciation Lunch for Clerks sUndAYs May 31 » June 7 » June 14 » July 19 » Aug. 2 » Aug. 16 » Aug. 30 »

eAsT TeXAs AreA at Longview Church hoUsTon AreA at houston West vALLeY/CorpUs ChrisTi AreA at edinburg Church AUsTin AreA at Austin spanish First Church sAn AnTonio AreA at s.A. Laurel heights Church norTh dALLAs AreA at richardson Church FT WorTh/keene AreA at Texas Conference office

» no ChiLdCAre provided

22 | FLAME

22 || DFW Area Elder’s

East Texas Area Elder’s Gathering at Tyler Seventh-day Adventist Church.

2-11 ||

Impact San Antonio young adult leadership and discipleship experience presented by the NAD and GC San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter.

22 ||

Estate Planning Seminar at Granite ShoalsHighland Lakes Seventh-day Adventist Church.

BAsiC CLerk’s TrAining

if you are new to the role of church clerk, or just want to review the basics, this is an overview of all responsibilities and how to report church membership updates to the Conference.

CLerk’s eAdvenTisT TrAining

if you are interested in online access to your church records to print various reports, make updates and corrections to membership records, or process baptisms and transfers without waiting for the Conference, join us to learn how to navigate eAdventist.

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.

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

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.

Jair Pinilla: Senior Pastor Keene Spanish Church

contributing Editors Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church Southwestern Adventist University

movement

Michael Tuionetoa: Pastor Tyler Church

Ruber and Ketty Leal Feature images by skaMEDIA

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

David Maldonado: Pastor Eastland, Stephenville and Hico Churches

Administration President...............................................Carlos Craig Secretary................................................ Gary Brady

Dayner Acosta: Pastor

Abner Rodriguez: Pastor

Brad Minett: Pastor

Houston Spanish North, Kingwood Spanish and Livingston Spanish Churches

Las Minas Spanish Church and Laredo English Company

Lufkin, Nacogdoches, Hemphill and Corrigan Churches

Treasurer...........................................Edwin Romero

PRINTING & MAILING Director...........................................Mario Ledezma Pressman .......................................... Miguel Gomez

Carlos Rodriguez: Pastor Highland Hills, Atascosa and Wilson County Churches

Albert Handal:

Bill Dudgeon III:

Associate Pastor, Keene Church

Associate Pastor, Killeen Church

Designers..................................... Madelein Terreros Sora E. Yañez Print Shop Assistant............................Doug Denny Administrative Assistant...................Erica Manzano

Logan Schultz: Pastor Kerrville and Fredericksburg Churches

James Winegardner:

Eugene Kitney: Pastor Austin Stonehill Church

Nelson Bahena: Pastor Graham and Mineral Wells Churches

Pastor of Administration Keene Church

Frank Lugo: Senior Pastor Fairview Mosaic Church

Keith Gray: Pastor Acts II Plano Church

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 Summer 2015

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

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

Let ’s Meet in

!

SAN ANTONIO

Join a team of family life specialists as they make this event an unforgettable Connect with us at GC Session 2015 experience for you and your take Visit ourspouse booth in the

NAD section to enter to WIN a $32,000 scholarship!

Saturday night

couple’s date night & dinner will be on your own!

your picture with our

T-rex!

Alumni! Lunch is on us!*

ALUMNI

A special occasion just for you on the spectacular

RIVER WALK

July 10 at 12:00 pm Casa Rio Restaurant

REUNION

430 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX

*Then, just two blocks down the street

Hear our

UNIVERSITY SINGERS in joint concert with the Andrews University Singers TWO PRESENTATIONS

Visit our website for weekend details and registration!

www.BeForeverOne.org

July 10 at 2:00 pm July 11 at 2:00 pm For questions call (817) 790-2255 EXT. 2108 St. Joseph’s Parish $ 623 E Commerce St,Early San Antonio, TXcouple) 199 Bird (per

+ Lodging ($109 per night + tax)

• includes three meals per person, seminar materials, and a special gift • deadline july 15 extended to september 15 ┃ children not allowed

For more information visit swau.edu/GC