FLAME | Fall 2018

VOLUME 5 ISSUE 3 FALL 2018 FLAME

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INSPIRE

FALL 2018

“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.” John 10:9

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INSPIRE

FALL 2018

Featured Artist

Artist: Tanner Deming Instagram: @demingdesign

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 5

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Living Faith breaks down what it means for us to accept Jesus as our gatekeeper. .

These BBQ Mushroom Tacos are perfect for Texas’s fall weather - fresh, delicious, and completely plant-based.

In Family, we outline an easy guide to creating a solid financial foundation for your family.

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Discipleship

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Wellness

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Discover the second part of a blueprint for growing younger churches in Discipleship.

September is Healthy Aging Month. Discover what healthy aging is all about in Wellness.

Join God’s team and see what real winning is like.

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Living Faith

Recipe

Family

Kids

Education

Community

Calendar

Scenic Hills Christian Academy has been through ups and downs, but its first graduating class proves the effort paid off.

The one year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey may be over, but communities are still recovering. Read how some in Houston have answered the call.

Save the date for these exciting events, training sessions, camporees, and much more.

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Feature

Perspective

Advent Movement

Ricky was one day away from being baptized when a work injury mangled his hand. Instead of giving in, he showed resolve in the face of adversity.

WhatsApp is changing the way we communicate in more ways than one.

Stay informed with the latest updates among Texas Conference staff and pastoral transitions.

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It’s All Who You Know

LIVING FAITH

FALL 2018

By Tom Grove

In 1999, after my wife and I visited Israel, we stopped in London for a few days on our way back. On one of those days, as we finished a tour at British Parliament, an English gentlemen asked if we’d like to see 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister’s residence. As we approached the gate, manned by law enforcement, our guide asked if we could see the Prime Minister. For a few moments, I held out hope that our guide could get us through the gate. Sadly, he couldn’t. I could have tried to access the Prime Minister’s residence other ways but all of them would have landed me in a British jail. The only access was through that gate. Jesus uses a similar metaphor regarding the Kingdom of God. John 10:7-8 says, “Therefore Jesus said again, ‘I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.’”

During the warmer months in the ancient east, shepherds would take their sheep to pastures to graze and bring them into the sheepfold for safety and security at night.

The gate of the sheepfold would be guarded by shepherds who would lie down at the entrance. The only way in or out was through the shepherd. Like how access to 10 Downing Street was only granted by the gatekeeper, the

only access to the Kingdom of God is through Jesus Christ. We are given three things once we access the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ.

Safety and security Just as the sheep felt secure in the sheepfold, we have safety and security in the Kingdom of God. • I can have security knowing that I have peace with God. • I can have security knowing that I am justified.

• I can have security knowing that I am forgiven of my failure and sins.

• I can have security knowing that I am accepted into God’s family.

• I can have security knowing that I am a new creation.

• I can have security knowing that I have been given eternal life.

Nourishment Beyond the physical safety of the sheep, the most important thing a shepherd could do was provide nourishment. Shepherds didn’t let their sheep forage to find nourishment on their own. They would lead their flock to where food could be found. David, in Psalms 23, alludes to this nourishment when he says

of the shepherd, “He makes me to lie down in green pasture, he leads me beside still waters.” Every day, Jesus invites us to come to Him for the promise of the nourishment that we need to live. He offers not grass and water, but rather His time as He leads us to nourishment for our spiritual lives.

An Abundant Life A shepherd recognizes that his primary objective is for the flock to flourish. Instead of only looking at life from a temporal or earthly perspective, we are able to see that the suffering or problems we experience aren’t going to last forever. This is a perspective that God is in control and He wants to see His flock flourish for eternity; a perspective that understands we may not comprehend everything here on earth, but that we serve a God who does. All of this is given not because of what we know, but because of who we know, our gatekeeper Jesus Christ.

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DISCIPLESHIP FALL 2018

Growing a Younger Generation Church | Part 2 Pursuing Intimacy With God

“Pursuing intimacy with God through our worship experience is the most prominent and heavily-engaging element of our mission,” says Allan Martin, Pastor for Younger Generation Church (YG) in Arlington. “We pursue this with everything we’ve got. On Friday nights, as we’re preparing for our worship service at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church, we’re brimming with groups of young adults doing everything from getting cameras ready to preparing prompters to artists up on stage getting the band ready.

We’re using YG Church as an opportunity for young adults to be heavily involved in every aspect of what we’re doing.” YG Church is not limited to a worship service, however.

Experiencing community with one another is an important element of YG that happens all week, and is integral to reaching the hearts of younger generations.

Experiencing Community

“Millennials are a lonely generation,” says Martin. “They have very few relationships of depth, but a billion friends on social media.

So, we believe at YG Church that, in order for us to grow big, we have to grow small.”

On any given Saturday, around 1,200 people experience at least one of the three services offered at the Arlington Church. In order to ensure that YG members have an opportunity to experience community, each member is encouraged to join a LIFEgroup. These groups range from interest-based gatherings, such as basketball teams, to theological discussion groups. However, each group studies the Bible together, prays together, and seeks to hold one another accountable.

“That’s where growth happens, where relationships form, and where accountability happens,” says Martin. “The first-century church flourished because people were doing life together. We aspire to do the same.”

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Inspiring Hope

The third aspect of YG Church’s mission is “inspiring those around us with the hope of grace.”

“We know from research that most young adults won’t give a second look to your church if you’re not doing something meaningful in your local community to make a difference,” says Martin. “So, we do everything from helping out at the local food bank to being involved recently with hurricane and disaster relief efforts. This is more than just evangelistic, though it can include evangelism. It’s about making a positive difference in our world for the sake of Jesus.”

YG Church has made this value such a part of their corporate identity that they encourage their members to carry a heart of service wherever they go.

“We have a saying at the church: I Am YG. No matter where our members are, they’re being compelled to be involved in their community and be an extension of our church, even if they’re college students studying far away and are not able to be here every single weekend,” adds Martin.

Start With Listening

To pastors or leaders in churches where ministry to younger generations is practically nonexistent, Martin makes this challenge: “If a church decides they want to reach out to young adults, all they have to do is begin listening to the young adults they already have. As adult members create opportunities to spend time with young adults, even if it’s just over meals, watching a TV show together, or attending a ball game—as the Holy Spirit gives your members a heart for the young person, inevitably, God will come up. Faith will come up. Questions about life will come up. Remember what’s most important to the conversation. Start by listening.”

Your gifts

make a

difference “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Luke 6:38 NIV

If christians would grasp the

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Life Insurance Gift

IRA Rollover Gift

If you are 70 1/ 2 or older you can avoid extra income this year by making a gift to the church from your IRA

principles of biblical economics as shown in the building of the temple by the Israelites in the wilderness, and apply them in their daily lives, every church, every mission outreach, every Christian school -and yes, every Christian home in the worldwould be able to say, ‘Stop, Lord, we’ve got too much!

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Eliminate an old or unneeded life insurance policy by making a gift of the cash balance to support the Lord’s work

Life Income Gift

Make a gift for a gift annuity and receive lifetime payments.

Ask us for a free illustration with your benefits

Gift of Securities Give to charity your old stock (with a low basis) that has appreciated in the rising market and avoid capital gains tax

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Charitable Bequest

Make a gift to support the work that costs you nothing today. Provide for your loved ones first, and then the church with a bequest made in your Will or Trust

Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists • Department of Trust Services P.O. Box 800 • Alvarado, TX 76009 • Phone: 817-790-2255 • Fax: 817-783-2698 • Email: trust@txsda.org • www.TexasGiving.org 17AB01

Copyright © 2017 Crescendo Interactive, Inc. Used by permission.

EDUCATION FALL 2018

A Dream Fulfilled

By Jon Dickerson

“It’s an answer to prayer for me and our families. Simply put, it’s awesome!” That was the sentiment of Ricardo Saravia when asked what having the first graduating class from Scenic Hills Christian Academy meant to him. “It feels good to know that we don’t have to look for other places for our kids to have quality Christian education.”

About six years ago, the Scenic Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church, under the leadership of then-pastor Rodney Mills, embarked on a dream to establish a Seventh-day Adventist high school in San Antonio.

San Antonio is the 24th largest metropolitan area in the United States and for several years there had been no local secondary options for parents wishing to send their children to an Adventist high school.

For years, the church had operated a small school, but slowly the school was outgrowing the church’s classrooms. Additionally, the task of moving out school furnishings each week to make room for churchrelated classes was becoming a major headache.

That’s when plans were drawn up for a new school building with six classrooms and a library. Ground was broken in January 2014, but construction delays mounted. In anticipation of a new facility, enrollment began to climb. In the fall, 78 students enrolled and ninth grade was added. The following year enrollment increased to 104 with tenth grade added, but still the building was not finished. Even some of the church’s fellowship space had to be used as a classroom due to overcrowding.

Finally, in August 2016, the doors of Scenic Hills Christian Academy opened for business. It was immediately apparent that six classrooms weren’t enough room and the library was converted into a seventh classroom. During the 2017-2018 school year, 131 students in grades Pre-K through 12 received an Adventist education, fulfilling the dream established six years ago. Rolando Lerma, Jr., one of the four graduating seniors, said, “Being a part of SHCA’s first graduating

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class feels monumental. It’s like we set the standard of what it means to be a student here, which is to succeed and make a name for yourself all while honoring God and your family.”

Scenic Hills Christian Academy is still growing, and a portable building was added this summer to provide one more classroom. The success of Scenic Hills shows us that there are still many people both inside and outside our church who understand how important Seventhday Adventist education is today. It offers the chance to teach more than just reading, writing, and arithmetic; it’s an opportunity to share the overwhelming love of God. As Katelin Bankston, a junior who recently completed her first year at SHCA says, “When I first started attending Scenic Hills, I had a bit of social anxiety. This changed thanks to the positive and uplifting atmosphere provided by amazing teachers and students. Little did I know the changes that would happen to me intellectually, emotionally, but most importantly, spiritually.

This school has helped me begin to discover my true identity as a child of God.” For more information about Scenic Hills Christian Academy, visit www.ScenicHills.academy.

EDUCATION

FALL 2018

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FEATURE

FALL 2018

The Strength of a Man

By Janelle Sundin 10

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FEATURE

FALL 2018

On a hot summer day two years ago, entrepreneur Raul Romero walked past a young man standing outside a restaurant and felt the Holy Spirit tug on his heart. “I saw him standing there with a sign, and I just felt the Lord put compassion in me,” Raul explained. “So I asked him how much he was being paid. He said he was earning $10 per day, so I offered him a job for $10 an hour.”

That young man was fifteen-year-old Ricky Mcknight, and he’d taken the restaurant job because he was tired of having to steal to help support his family. Ricky’s father had never returned from prison, and his mother labored to make ends meet as she tried to provide for six children on her own. The struggle took a toll on the whole family. Ricky had already seen one brother put in prison, and another had recently died. He wanted to live differently.

“I admired Ricky when I met him,” said Raul. “I thought, ‘You’re coming from this neighborhood and working in the hot sun for just $10 a day? You must be special.’” So Raul taught Ricky construction skills, starting with how to dig tunnels for plumbers. As the two worked together, Raul learned about the family’s difficulties and did his best to help.

“His mother got stranded with no money, so we placed her in a hotel for six months,” Raul said. “When the money ran out, I let her stay in the church we were remodeling and then found a place to rent across from that church.”

Ricky views Raul as his mentor. “When I met Raul, he told me about the Lord and invited me to church,” he said. “I went to church with him and met his sons. They gave me extra food when my family had nothing and were really good to me. If I hadn’t met him, I don’t know where I would be.”

One day, Ricky saw a flyer for evangelistic meetings by Richard Halversen and the Crowley Seventh-day Adventist Church. Crowley usually hosts these meetings once or twice a year, but this year was the first time they held them away from their church – in a recreation center not far from where Ricky and Raul were working.

Ricky was intrigued by the topic of God’s second coming. He talked with his boss about it, and Raul ended up bringing not only Ricky but also his coworkers to a meeting after work. They didn’t even take time to change out of their work clothes.

“Ricky was eager and interested,” said Crowley Church Pastor Buster Swoopes. “He faithfully attended every night, and he met with Halversen and me several times. He really held on to the Sabbath truth.”

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FEATURE

FALL 2018

“I may still have problems, but I know I don’t have to worry about anything now.”

As the meetings continued, Ricky decided that he wanted to be baptized. “It took time for me to stay on God’s side,” Ricky explained. “But I got tired of it, put my foot down, and said, ‘Enough sin is enough.’ The next step was getting baptized. It was something I’d always wanted to do. I’d been baptized before when I was only six-years-old. I’m not even sure what church it was. But I wanted to get baptized again once I understood what it meant.”

Ricky made plans to be baptized on the last day of the meetings, a Friday, with six other people. But unlike the others, Ricky did not show up for his baptism. His friends at the church became worried.

“We called him several times,” said Swoopes. “And he didn’t answer. We even drove by the house to give him a ride, but he wasn’t there.”

Earlier that day, Ricky had been working with Raul when disaster struck. “We were planting palm trees,” Ricky explained. “They’re big and heavy – they weigh about 1,000 pounds. My boss, Raul, was using a Bobcat to move a tree with a chain wrapped around it, but he started moving before I was ready and my fingers were caught under the chains.”

Ricky’s hands were torn up, and he was rushed to the hospital. “I visited and sat with him while he was getting stitches,” said Swoopes. “The first thing he said was, ‘Can I still be baptized tomorrow?’ I remember saying, ‘Of course, but let’s get you fixed up first!’”

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FEATURE

FALL 2018

Ricky was baptized the next day, as requested. He even used plastic bags to protect his hands as he went under the water. “I’m glad I got baptized,” Ricky said. “I may still have problems, but I know I don’t have to worry about anything now. When you get baptized, it gives you peace. It gives you hope.”

Ricky has seen the power of Jesus transform his life. “It changed who I hang out with. I used to stay home a lot, but now I spend time with other Christians. It changed the way I talk. I don’t curse anymore. It changed the way I live,” he said. “I used to spend my life thinking there was no hope. But now I pray and ask forgiveness. There are some things I still struggle with. I’m not perfect, but I know God is. His perfect strength is all I need.”

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RECIPE

FALL 2018

BBQ Mushroom Tacos Ingredients 1 large cucumber, trimmed, seeded, and julienned 1/2 cup filtered water 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided, plus more to taste 4 medium portobello mushrooms, stemmed, cleaned (i.e. gills removed), thinly sliced 1 pound shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced 1 1/2 tablespoons smoked paprika 1 teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon coconut sugar 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/3 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for serving 12 small corn tortillas 3 scallions, very thinly sliced Cilantro leaves (optional) Sesame seeds (optional) Find more healthy creations at blissfulbasil.com and see the full recipe at blissfulbasil.com/ vegan-bbq-mushroom-tacos.

WELLNESS

FALL 2018

Never Too Late

By Vikki Ives

It’s never too late. We’ve all heard this phrase hundreds of times. Yet, as we enter our middle ages and beyond (45+) we may tend to dismiss it with a shrug while thinking that some goals are unattainable. Still, as Power of Positivity lists among its “7 Reasons Why It’s Never Too Late In Life,” the ability to improve yourself does not expire.

September is the month for healthy aging awareness, and may be all the incentive you need to get started. Like the old adage states, there’s no time like the present. Maybe you’ve just been thinking about making a change or perhaps you’ve already met that defining moment but have doubts about succeeding. I assure you, from experience, you can do it.

The moment came for me while attending a high school reunion. It had been 30 years, but I thought I hadn’t changed much.

Never mind that I had gained weight over the years, was not physically active, and had been experiencing some minor health issues. What I encountered when I met my old buddies was life-changing. My friends all looked great! I was amazed that their physical appearances had not significantly changed.

When I returned home I was determined that I was going to look as good as they did.

What I didn’t realize then was that what began as nothing more than vanity was going to reshape my entire life.

Once back home, I took a bold step and joined a gym. During my first class, the trainer

had me doing ball squats. An exercise ball is put behind your back and you roll the ball up and down the wall as you squat. No problem!

I bent my knees and continued sinking until I was sitting on the floor (not the intended outcome). Fortunately, my determination overshadowed any embarrassment I had. I have been attending that gym for twelve years now and am in the best shape of my life. It helps that 80 percent of the members are over 45-years-old. Finding the right fit has helped me succeed.

During these last several years I have also completely changed my diet. I noticed that family members and friends seemed to accept their deteriorating health as a part of aging, so I decided I wanted to prevent disease rather than treat it. Studies continue to prove that many common ailments afflicting people today are both reversible and preventable through diet. Do your research, find what works for you, and make the change.

Whether you seek a change of health, career, or attitude, this is not a temporary journey, but rather a lifestyle change. Take baby steps. If you enter an IRONMAN triathlon as a fitness initiation, you will most surely fail. Start small and remember you’re not competing against anyone but your past self. It is said it takes twenty-one days to develop a new habit; stick with it and it will become a part of your life. There will be challenging days but it’s perseverance that

matters. Track and Field athlete Florence Griffith Joyner said, “I don’t always have the best eating habits. I like butter and ice cream.

There are days when I should work out and I don’t. But it’s never too late to change old habits.”

Don’t just age. Make the choice to age well and live a healthy, happy life.

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COMMUNITY FALL 2018

Small Chores. Big Miracles.

By Kristina Gemici

Hurricane Harvey hit Houston in August of 2017, causing damage to over 200,000 homes and forcing 30,000 people to be displaced. It’s estimated that Hurricane Harvey caused $125 billion dollars in damage to Houston and the surrounding cities. While the devastation was beyond overwhelming, friends, family members, and even strangers risked their lives to rescue those who were trapped, and have since spent countless months helping their neighbors recover from this great loss. The question wasn’t of who needed help, but rather where to begin.

During this catastrophe, God presented a huge opportunity for the Access Seventh-day Adventist Church to reach a neighborhood on Cat Springs Street in Katy, Texas. Like many neighborhoods in the area, these homes were flooded with at least one to three feet of water. This caused each house to lose almost all appliances, furniture, bedding, and most personal items. Along with the loss of essentials for living and precious memories, people were forced to remove 2-4 feet of drywall and strip out most floors, leaving their homes in a state of disrepair. And yet, they did not give up hope. Instead, they joined with the hundreds who came to help.

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After spending several months working with volunteers from Access Seventh-day Adventist Church and groups from other churches and organizations, Access reached out to the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The Texas Conference informed us that a retired contractor and his wife were on their way to Houston to volunteer, but weren’t sure where to dedicate their time.

After meeting this couple that same weekend, we learned that Wendell and Claudia Bobst had made the decision to sell everything they had in California, and to make it their life’s work to serve where they were needed. With only their RV, one vehicle, and the family dog, Wendell and Claudia set off on their journey, waiting for God to lead. He led them straight to Texas, and had a plan beyond any we could have imagined. Wendell, a highly skilled retired contractor, and Claudia helped Cat Springs for over two months alongside Access and other volunteers.

Every morning, Wendell would arrive and go door-to-door asking each person what he could do for them. By the end of their mission, Wendell had helped with plumbing, door repairs, drywall issues, installing kitchen and bathroom cabinets, lawn mower repairs,

roofing, window installation, and much more.

Far beyond the physical help that Wendell provided, he also spent hours providing emotional support to the neighborhood.

Wendell’s work was 100 percent donated to these homes, often at the couple’s own cost.

Words cannot even express what Wendell and Claudia have done for Cat Springs.

After two months of help from Wendell and Claudia, they departed for the next place to leave their mark. Before going, Wendell and Claudia left each homeowner with The Great Controversy, a book by Adventist author Ellen White, and left our town with questions about why God had chosen them for such an amazing miracle. Wendell and Claudia are perfect examples of what it means to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and how, with God, all things are possible.

COMMUNITY FALL 2018

Reflections from the Storm: A Year Later

By Tamara Michalenko Terry

Texans are resilient people. They’ve seen hurricanes before, but nothing prepared the state, or the country, for Hurricane Harvey.

As the rains continued in the Houston area, the flood waters rose and left many people stranded. It was sobering to watch news stories of people being rescued, or interviews from people who had come from all over the world to help those in need.

Unfortunately, when the water receded, so did many of the reporters. When the media leaves, so do the visuals. The lost connection means the donations start slowing down.

People who aren’t experiencing the crisis start focusing on the next story as the media doesn’t always cover the lengthy rebuilding process. Television shows use hundreds of volunteers and contractors to rebuild a house in a week. If only residents had that many people coming to repair their homes and businesses.

Hurricane Harvey provided on the job training for Marshall and Julie Gonzales, new Texas Conference Adventist Community Services Director and Assistant Director who started their positions August 1, 2017.

“When I first joined Texas ACS, my big vision was to involve every Seventh-day Adventist

church in the state in community outreach,” reflected Marshall. “I wanted Texas ACS to be a resource center for our churches and any other agency working to reach the community and provide training in community services or disaster response.” Focused on helping those affected by Hurricane Harvey, that goal took a back seat.

“Hurricane Harvey struck Rockport, then hit Refugio before going off towards Houston,” shared Marshall. “The impact of the hurricane on Refugio has been devastating. It left many residents, who were already struggling economically, emotionally depressed.” Having toured the area again earlier this year, Marshall noticed those who stayed were struggling to get their homes back in livable condition. “The houses may look fine on the outside, but on the inside, they need plumbing, electrical, and drywall work.”

People are willing to help, but they need more people. “And funds,” added Marshall.

“A local church is willing to house volunteers who will help those in the area. Another group donates their labor to roof houses as materials are supplied. That is only part of the challenge. There is still a need to clean out

houses, level foundations, paint, and more, and this is only for one county. More counties have similar needs.”

The Texas Conference, along with the Southwestern Union Conference, donated funds to have the foundation repaired for 15 homes in Refugio County. But there are many more that need help.

Consider adopting a house affected

by Hurricane Harvey. Donations can be given online to help #RehabRefugio at TexasAdventist.org. One hundred percent of the funds donated will help with hurricane relief. If your church, business or school group would like to donate time to help in Refugio or surrounding areas, please contact Marshall or Julie Gonzales at 817.641.7679 or email acs@txsda.org. Follow the progress, and other disaster related updates, on the Texas Adventist Community Services’ Facebook page @TXACS. Life is not without its challenges, but God promises to stay with us through all the storms life may bring.

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PERSPECTIVE FALL 2018

The Speed of Prayer

By Dr. Laurice Kafrouni-Durrant

I recently went through an incredible experience that resulted in a more meaningful approach to prayer. First, let me share the events that led to this epiphany. Some close friends who had supplied me with a small iPhone ten years ago gifted me a new smartphone this past Christmas, but, at 90-years-old, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to master all of its complexities. My friends, however, felt confident I would learn.

So, in time, I have learned how to check the weather, how to store phone numbers of family and friends, how to call them, and how to text – all those activities that were initially foreign.

Another friend from Cairo (my birthplace) sent me an email saying we could correspond much faster if we used WhatsApp. Even after looking it up, I was still in the dark about how to implement WhatsApp to communicate with friends in foreign countries, but this problem was solved when my grandson gave me some simple steps to follow. After a few blunders, I succeeded in using WhatsApp to text my Egyptian friend and I received a response instantly. It was like magic!

I have since used WhatsApp again and again to communicate with friends around the world. Still, a much deeper, spiritual purpose for my phone became apparent. Firstly, I have marveled over the ingenuity of those whom God has blessed with minds to create such an expressway to reach across land and sea. As the Proverbs say, “The Lord gives wisdom; out of His mouth comes knowledge and understanding,” (Proverbs 2:6). Secondly, could I use the WhatsApp mentality to talk to God and expect an immediate response from Him? After all, He created the minds who developed this commodity.

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Praying or talking to God has taken on a new meaning since my experience with WhatsApp. I approach Him believing that I am in His very presence. Take Daniel, for instance. His prayer in Daniel 9 concludes with this: “While I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. He instructed me and said to me, ‘Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed,’” (Dan. 9:21-23). God sent His angel to Daniel even before he had completed his prayer!

I recently listened to Adventist evangelist Doug Batchelor’s Bible Answers program about prayer. He describes it as, “Faster than the speed of light and the speed of sound is the speed of prayer.” The Psalmist, David, must have known something about that when he said, “Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly,” Psalm 102:2.

My WhatsApp connection with God is working, and prayer has taken on a new meaning. Try this instantaneous connection mentality with God and watch Him work!

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2018

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For more information please call 936-419-6224 19 FLAME

FAMILY

FALL 2018

Find Financial Freedom

By Ruber and Ketty Leal

Since the Great Depression of 1929, the United States has experienced 14 economic recessions including the Great Recession of 2008. Some financial experts even estimate that we’ll see another recession in the near future. Whether one comes or not, it is critical for each person and family to develop good financial management habits. Edward Reid, who has written extensively on the subject, shares several guidelines for financial management and encourages every Christian to practice prudent living when it comes to spending and investing.

Here are a few of Edward’s best practices for relieving financial stress both now and in the years to come.

Get Organized You must know the state of your personal finances. Even if it’s not dollar-for-dollar, having a budget and sticking to it will take away the fear of the unknown from your financial life. Simply knowing the value of your assets against the amount of debt you have would be a good first step. Apps like Personal Finance or Mint can help tremendously in this area.

Spend Less Be determined to live within your income.

The Bible says, “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” It’s easy to overspend, but a little self-discipline can go a long way.

Save a Little The lack of a savings account is one of the major reasons people use credit cards for emergencies and end up paying large amounts of interest on emergency spending. Saving should be as regular as spending. If saving seems difficult, automatic payroll deductions can help. It becomes easier to save when you don’t even see the money leave.

Avoid Debt Interest is one expense you can live without.

Out of control personal or family debt is the main underlying reason for bankruptcy. If you are in serious debt, consider taking drastic measures to get it under control. This means no more credit spending and setting up a plan to pay off your debts that you stick with until you are completely debt-free.

Be Diligent Do your best work each and every day, and people will begin to notice. Ask God for wisdom to do your work efficiently so that you can continue to work when times are difficult.

Having the essentials like food and housing means we may have to find jobs outside our preferences at times, but good results and a positive attitude can work wonders for advancement.

Be Faithful In both feast and famine, maintaining regular tithe and offering matters. God promises that when we are faithful with little, we will be given much. The Bible is full of promises for staying faithful. Put God first and the rest will follow.

While we look forward to the soon return of Jesus Christ, the reality of the world around us necessitates things like having a job, a home, a car, or more. But, good financial management can take the stress of worrying whether there’s enough money to cover big things like a house or little things like your next meal. You can’t put a price on financial freedom.

KIDS

FALL 2018

The Dream Team

By Jason Busch

Gooooooaaaaaaaaaaal! If you watched the World Cup this year, no doubt you heard that word dozens of times. However, for every highlight reel of players like Harry Kane or Cristiano Ronaldo racing down the field and scoring, there’s a strong team behind them assisting, drawing away defenses, and running with them in case help is needed. And while the rush of success can feel personal, even the Bible recognizes that a team is stronger than the individual. Ecclesiastes 4:9 tells us that, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.”

When I was younger, I was part of a soccer league through school. I found out quickly that I wasn’t a prodigy at the sport, and the only goal I ever remember scoring came right before the whistle sounded to end the game.

The score was tied at zero and I stood with the ball at half-field, launching it toward the net while the opposing team’s goalie thought the game over and ran off. As it sailed in, I heard that immortal word: “Goal!” Half the crowd went wild, and we won the match. Did I congratulate myself for a job well-done or win the game on my own since I scored the only goal? No. I ran to my team so that we could celebrate together.

The Bible talks a lot about the importance of teamwork, but there are two verses that really stand out to me. The first is Ephesians 4:16 that says, “He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing

and full of love.” Our various strengths, weaknesses, and abilities are meant to work in harmony for a common goal. Just like our bodies have many different parts, so does our church. Not every member can be the pastor, or a hundred separate people handle the church’s finances. You don’t want a church with only younger people or a church with only older people. Life is about balance, and different talents, ages, interests, and experiences make for a stronger team.

Matthew 6:33 says,” Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”

At first glance, it might not seem like this has much to do with teamwork. But think about what it means to be an athlete. They practice nonstop in their quest to bring their team a championship. Should we act differently?

As part of God’s team, it’s our job to seek Him above all else. His gift of salvation is the ultimate championship for which we strive; and although we can’t attain that goal on others’ behalf, we can do everything it takes to help along the way. The stronger the team, the more likely it becomes for all its members to reach this everlasting prize. Like this year’s best World Cup teams, you have to keep believing, keep striving, and keep training, and your team will be even stronger!

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EVENTS September

October

November

1-3 | 7th & 8th Grade Music Fest at North Dallas Adventist Academy.

2 | Dallas/Fort Worth Area Marriage Certification Training at the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

3 | Keene/Fort Worth Area Children’s Ministries Family Worship Workshop at the Joshua Seventh-day Adventist Church.

1 | East Texas Area Men’s Ministries Rally at Lufkin Seventh-day Adventist Church.

4-7 | Freshmen Bible Conference at Riverbend Retreat Center in Glen Rose, TX.

8-11 | Men’s Ministries Retreat at Lake Whitney Ranch.

7-8 | Dallas/Fort Worth Area Cowboy Camp Meeting at North Texas Jellystone Park in Burleson, TX.

5-6 | Dallas/Fort Worth Area Growing Together Summit at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church.

10 | East Texas Area Children’s Ministries Family Worship Workshop at the Tyler Seventh-day Adventist Church.

8 | Church Leadership Summit at McAllen Spanish Valley Central Seventh-day Adventist Church.

6 | Houston Area Men’s Ministries Rally at United African Seventh-day Adventist Church.

8 | Church Planting Rally at Austin Spanish First Seventhday Adventist Church.

8 | Dallas Area Men’s Ministries Rally at Richardson Seventh-day Adventist Church.

9 | Church Treasurers’ Training at North Dallas Adventist Academy.

9 | Family Ministries Certification at McAllen Spanish Valley Central Seventh-day Adventist Church.

14-15 | Growing Together Summit at San Antonio Scenic Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church.

14-16 | Dallas/Fort Worth Area Stewardship Leader Training at Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

15 | Church Leadership Summit at Houston Spanish Spring Branch Seventh-day Adventist Church.

15 | Estate Planning Seminar at Dallas-Fort Worth Fil-Am Seventh-day Adventist Church.

16 | Family Ministries Certification at Houston Spanish Spring Branch Seventh-day Adventist Church.

23 | Valley Area Church Clerks’ Training at Edinburg Seventh-day Adventist Church.

28-30 | Master Guide Camporee at Lake Whitney Ranch.

28-30 | Dallas/Fort Worth Area Spanish-language Small Group Training at Garland Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church.

7 | Town Hall Meeting at Edinburg Seventh-day Adventist Church.

8 | Town Hall Meeting at San Antonio Scenic Hills Seventhday Adventist Church.

9 | Town Hall Meeting at Houston West Seventh-day Adventist Church.

10 | Town Hall Meeting at Austin Spanish First Seventh-day Adventist Church.

12-13 | East Texas Area Youth Evangelism Training at Tyler Seventh-day Adventist Church.

12-14 | Dallas/Fort Worth Area Sabbath School Training at Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

13 | Dallas Area Men’s Ministries Rally at Mesquite Seventh-day Adventist Church.

13-14 | Hispanic Men’s Ministries Retreat at Hoblitzelle Camp & Conference Center in Midlothian, TX. 15 | Town Hall Meeting at Tyler Seventh-day Adventist Church.

16 | Town Hall Meeting at Dallas First Seventh-day Adventist Church.

17 | Town Hall Meeting at Burleson Seventh-day Adventist Church.

17 | Dallas/Fort Worth Area Stewardship Training at Mansfield Seventh-day Adventist Church.

20 | Men’s Ministries Rally at San Antonio Laurel Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church.

29 | Men’s Ministries Rally at Houston West Seventh-day Adventist Church.

19-21 | Adventurer Family Camp at Lake Whitney Ranch.

30 | Valley Area Church Treasurers’ Training at South Texas Christian Academy.

27 | Dallas/Fort Worth Area Children’s Ministries Family Worship Workshop at the Richardson Seventh-day Adventist Church.

27 | Valley Area Men’s Rally at Edinburg Seventh-day Adventist Church

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FLAME

17 | Central Texas Area Children’s Ministries Family Worship Workshop | Visit TexasAdventist.org for more information.

17 | Soul-Winning Festival at the St. George Maronite Catholic Church in San Antonio, TX. 30-1 | East Texas Area Church Leadership Summit at Tyler Seventh-day Adventist Church.

December 1 | Houston Area Children’s Ministries Family Worship Workshop | visit TexasAdventist.org for more information.

8 | San Antonio Area Children’s Ministries Family Worship Workshop | Visit TexasAdventist.org for more information.

14-15 | Engaged Couples’ Retreat at Lake Whitney Ranch.

15 | Valley Area Children’s Ministries Family Worship Workshop | Visit TexasAdventist.org for more information.

28-Jan 1 | GYC 2018 Convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX. Registration, information, and more events are on the Texas Conference website at TexasAdventist.org. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @TexasAdventist.

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

Francisco Pollock

Associate Treasurer, Auditing Director Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Francisco Robledo

Business Manager Texas Adventist Book Center

Exiquio Durán

Pastor Dallas Spanish West and Grand Prairie Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Churches

Robson DeOliveira

Pastor Laredo, Laredo Spanish Mines, and Zapata Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Churches

Enoc García

Associate Pastor Houston Spanish Spring Branch Seventh-day Adventist Church

Andrew Cabán

Associate Pastor San Antonio Scenic Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church

Juan Robledo

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

Publisher: Carlos Craig Editor: Jason Busch Managing Editor: Tamara Terry Assistant Spanish Editor: Ismael Castillo Layout & Design: Zack Posthumus | zackpostdesign.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church Southwestern Adventist University Feature and Profile images by Aaron Thomas Photography | aarontphoto.com Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists PO Box 800, Alvarado, TX 76009 Contact us at 817.790.2255 or visit TexasAdventist.org

ADMINISTRATION

President: Carlos Craig Treasurer: Randall B. Terry

PRINTING AND MAILING

Director: Bo Gendke Pressman: Miguel Gomez Designers: Madelein Terreros, Sora E. Yañez Print Shop Assistant: Doug Denny Administrative Assistant: Jannet Diaz

Associate Pastor Garland Spanish Seventh-day Adventist 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. If you have any questions or comments, please email FLAME@txsda.org.

FLAME

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TXCSDA FLAME PO Box 800 Alvarado, TX 76009

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

DETERMINED Texas Master Guide Camporee 2018 September 28 through 30 at Lake whitney ranch

Guest Speaker Roger Hernandez registration cost

EARLY $55 - until August 6 REGULAR $60 - Until September 10 LATE $65 - Until September 24 sign up at TXYouth.com

Late Registration does not guarantee Shirt

Early Arrival

incentive

Banana boat & Tubing 3:00 - 5:00 PM