The FLAME | Spring 2019

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SPRING 2019 VOL. 6 ISSUE 1 GARETT COOK1

INSPIRE

JESUS SAID TO HER, “I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE. HE WHO BELIEVES IN ME WILL LIVE, EVEN THOUGH HE DIES; AND WHOEVER LIVES AND BELIEVES IN ME WILL NEVER DIE.” JOHN 11:25-26

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INSPIRE

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CONTENTS

EDITORIAL Editor: Jason Busch Managing Editor: Tamara Michalenko Terry Printing and Mailing: Bo Gendke Assistant Spanish Editors: Ismael Castillo, Madelein Terreros, Sora Yañez Layout & Design: Zack Posthumus | zackpostdesign.com Feature Images: Aaron Thomas Photography | aarontphoto.com Featured Artist: Sara Peterson

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INSIGHT

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COMMUNITY

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KIDS

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FEATURE

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LEGACY

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DISCIPLESHIP

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FAMILY

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WELLNESS

ADMINISTRATION President: Carlos J. Craig Secretary: Richard M. White Treasurer: Randall B. Terry Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists PO Box 800, Alvarado, TX 76009 TexasAdventist.org

MAGAZINE The FLAME is a publication of the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and strives to ignite a passion for living and serving in Texas. If you have any questions or comments, email flame@txsda.org.

THE UNAVOIDABLE THINGS

It’s the time of the year when we are reminded of the two things in life we can’t avoid. Interestingly, in 2019, the reminders come less than a week apart. On April 15, we come face-toface with the reality that we cannot avoid taxes (I guess you could if you like wearing orange jumpsuits). We send out forms and our money to that faceless government agency known by its acronym, IRS. We have fulfilled our responsibility and, for another year, we don’t think much about this annual reminder.

Then, just six days later, we come face-to-face with another unavoidable thing. This reminder takes the shape, not of a 1040 government form, but of a tomb. It serves as a stark reminder that this is in all our futures – death. No one can avoid it. Sadly, the reminders of the unavoidable fact of death comes to us not only on Easter weekend, but many times throughout the rest of the year. It can come in a doctor’s office when a diagnosis is given, it can come at a bedside when a last breath is taken, and it can come in a funeral home or

a cemetery when goodbyes are said to loved ones. Sometimes we see it a long way off, and other times it arrives unexpectedly. Still, it always does eventually show up. However, the tomb we gaze to on Easter weekend differs from any other tomb in the world. It is a tomb that is empty because the One who inhabited it for a short time defeated death.

Standing before another tomb, the words spoken by Jesus in John 11 give believers everywhere hope beyond death. He said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” This is the assurance every believer can hold on to as they stand before the tomb of a loved one. This is the assurance every believer has as they look in the mirror and are reminded that, while death is inevitable, it is not final.

I faced this reality last summer as my family and I traveled to Pennsylvania to attend the funeral service for my stepfather. As I stood before the casket containing the body

INSIGHT

BY TOM GROVE

of the man who helped raise me, those words that Jesus declared nearly 2,000 years ago, “I am the resurrection and the Life,” comforted me. As a pastor I had read those words countless times at funerals, but the words became more real than ever before in that moment. I had the assurance that it was not ‘goodbye forever’ but ‘so long, until we meet again.’

And so, as we are faced once again with the reminders that we can’t avoid death and taxes, our eternal hope is found in the One who is the Resurrection and the Life.

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COMMUNITY

REACHING THE WORLD

BY SCOTT GRISWOLD

“You smell funny,” the boys said to the new kid. Antoine laughed, too. He had just arrived from Tanzania and didn’t understand they were making fun of him. During his twelve years in a refugee camp, Antoine had gotten some schooling but only in French. Eventually, he threw himself into school and learned English in four months. At home, however, the stress associated with raising six children on a small income took its toll on Antoine’s parents, and they eventually separated.

When Antoine entered high school, he made a new friend who dressed in fancy clothes. “I want to be rich like you,” Antoine said. “What do I need to do?” All he had to do, he was told, was join their gang and be brave enough to fight; they’d teach everything else. Without his family knowing, Antoine’s training began. The gang taught him how to hotwire and steal a car, then how to sell drugs. “You’ll be good at it,” they promised. “You’re friendly.”

One day, he and his best friend were selling drugs when another gang drove by and began shooting at them. Bullets riddled his friend. Antoine ran to call the police, but it was too late. At the funeral, his friend’s mother took Antoine’s hands and earnestly said, “God saved you for a purpose. Jesus loves you a lot.” Antoine was shaken.

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At the urging of a friend, Antoine hesitantly shared his story in church. His mother began crying, and hadn’t known he was in a gang. God saved her son for a special reason. A Seventh-day Adventist pastor visiting the area heard about Antoine’s experience and encouraged him to go to the missionary training program at Reach the World Next Door (RWND) in Houston.

Antoine called RWND and was surprised at being interviewed on the phone. “Tell me why you want to come to our training program,” the interviewer asked. Antoine shared his testimony and his desire for a better life. Antoine also said that he was working in a casino, which was a step toward a better life after selling drugs. The interviewer pressed on. “I really think you would benefit from selling Christian books.

It would help you grow spiritually and use your skills productively.” Antoine wasn’t sure he would like it but he took the step of faith. At first, he hated it and would stay back and play on his phone but the group surrounded him with love, and his attitude began to change. Since being baptized and coming to RWND in 2017, Antoine has knocked on many doors, torn out drywall and insulation from hurricane-battered houses, and studied his Bible deeply.

Because of his background, Antoine has a special interest in meeting people from Rwanda who speak his native Kinyarwanda language. One day, another student led him to a family who couldn’t speak English. The lady was hesitant to open the door until Antoine began speaking their common language. As they visited, they realized that she was also Seventh-day Adventist and that she had almost no furniture in the house. So, Antoine worked with the missionary team at RWND to gather a rice cooker, toaster, iron, plates, and two sets of bunk beds for her and her family. Antoine says, “What’s really changed is my outlook. I used to hate everything because of my situation. Now, God has taken what was intended for my harm and used it for good, just like the Bible promises.”

KIDS

LOST AND FOUND

BY ALEXIS RIVERA It was a bright and sunny morning, and I was excited because it was trail riding day! My horse, Preacher, loves the trails as much as I do, so we would go out once a month with a friend to ride on some longer trails in the area. My friend couldn’t come on this particular day, but she was still willing to drop us off by the trailhead barn.

The ride was wonderful. We stayed out all day enjoying the beautiful creation around us. As evening approached, I turned Preacher around to head back to where we came from. Soon, however, I realized I wasn’t sure of the right direction.

Have you ever felt completely lost? It can be a scary feeling, even when you are an adult. I knew that I had taken several wrong turns, and twilight was fast approaching. It would be dark soon, but I couldn’t find the right way to get back to the trailhead.

In that moment I breathed a prayer, “Lord, help me find the way home.” Then I paused to look around. I still had no idea where to turn, but the thought crossed my mind to drop the reigns and ask Preacher to help. Horses have a better sense of direction, and Preacher paced along the trail with confidence. Occasionally, he would whinny and listen for the other horses, but as night came we found ourselves back by the barn. Preacher knew exactly where to go! Needless to say, he got a few extra treats from his rider.

This story reminds me of a lesson about guidance. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 3:56 to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” I may not have known where I was while I was lost on the trail, but Preacher knew, and I had to trust my riding partner by loosening the reins so he could find the right way.

It is important to trust in God and let him have control of the reins in our lives. We make all kinds of decisions, both big and small. Sometimes we even lose our way by making decisions that are not best. But, we can always trust God to guide us in the right direction so long as we fully trust in him and His understanding of the trail.

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FEATURE

THE COURAGE TO FOLLOW

BY JANELLE SUNDIN

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FEATURE

Garett Cook grew up dreaming of coaching football. “It was something I always wanted to do,” he said. “I ate, slept, drank, and worshiped the game.”

An intelligent and highly motivated young man, he quickly achieved his goal and began teaching high school biology and coaching football for a public school in Missouri. But God had more in store for Garett than he could have imagined.

Garett grew up Lutheran, but by the time he became a teacher, he no longer attended church on a regular basis. Then he met Hifsy – an Adventist woman who, like him, had lapsed a bit in church attendance.

They fell in love and, as their relationship became more serious, so did their conversations. “She planned to raise her children in an Adventist church and wanted to know whether I’d be okay with that,” Garett explained. “Then she introduced me to an Adventist guy named Doug Batchelor.”

Garett soon found that he could not get enough. He began attending Bible studies with a local Adventist pastor.

“I could finally see that there was a biblical purpose for everything, and I felt convicted,” he said. “It changed me. I came to know Christ and live with Him.” As he learned about Sabbath, the act of resting and worshiping from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, Garett realized that he needed to reevaluate his career goals. He loved coaching high school football, but he had to attend games and practices during Sabbath hours. “In a sermon, I heard that all worship is what we spend our time on,” he said. “I thought, ‘If I’m not worshiping God on His Sabbath, I have to make a change.’”

Garett completed his master’s degree and found a job as an assistant

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FEATURE

principal. He did his best to live out his faith at work. When someone asked for advice, he suggested prayer. When a coach asked to build a Fellowship of Christian Athletes, he said yes. But, he still found himself being asked to supervise events on the Sabbath. “I tried to trick myself by saying I was serving and building relationships, but I kept remembering what Jesus said about denying him,” Garett said.

“There was this lingering feeling that said, ‘This is not okay.’”

One day, as Garett was praying about maintaining integrity in his position, he did something he had not often done before. He said, “God, I’m ignorant, and I don’t know what to do here. Slap me in the face with the direction You want me to go.”

Garett was soon reminded that the Associate Superintendent of Education for the Texas Conference of Seventhday Adventists, Raul Aguilar, had been trying to get in touch with him.

“God put Garett in my path,” Raul explained. “I ran into an old friend and mentioned that I was looking for someone to be the principal of a small school. He said, ‘My son-in-law would be a really excellent principal; he’s a new Adventist working in the public school system.’ I decided to see whether I could bring him into Adventist education. He didn’t know we had our own system, and when I explained that we had schools all over the world, he was blown away.”

“We spoke for two hours about Christian versus public school education and our experiences as teachers versus our experiences as administrators,” Garett recalled.

Then Raul mentioned that he had a few schools in mind that might be a good fit for his philosophy and skill set. “I told him I was happy where I was,” Garett said. “We had a great community, we had just bought a house, and I had plans to work on my doctorate. We were committed for the next five years.”

Two weeks later, the Bible app on Garett’s phone had Joshua 1:9 as the verse of the day: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor 10

be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

“I thought about the lingering issues I’d been having with my career and spiritual life,” Garett said. He spoke to his wife, Hifsy, about the situation, and she asked where the schools in Texas were. Garett told her about the school in Conroe, Texas. She said she would never move to southern Texas.

So, Garett forgot about it – but God didn’t. As Garett continued to pray about his situation, Joshua 1:9 kept returning to his mind. Later, he had an epiphany while teaching Sabbath school. “We were going over the passage in Matthew 6 about laying up treasures in Heaven and not on the

Earth,” Garett explained. “I kept asking myself, ‘Is my son going to grow up seeing me honor God’s wishes?’”

Garett discussed the situation with Hifsy once more, and she said they should see where the interview process took them. The first meeting with the board was exciting – the school needed someone with the same skills that Garett had been using as assistant principal.

“Each school has its own personality, and we’d had a hard time connecting with principals,” said Jeff Hughes, chairman of the school board. “We were looking for a person who could bring the calm back into our school, who had a vision for how the school

FEATURE

would be run, and, most importantly, who was passionate about service.”

“The key that unlocked the door involved the video I sent to introduce myself after I was hired,” Garett said.

In it, he shared what he’d learned from Joshua 1:9. When the first viewing ended, a board member, Janet Salazar, stood up crying and explained that she was part of a small group that had been meeting every week to pray for a leader like Joshua.

“I don’t doubt one bit that God has put me here,” Garett said. “All I ask is that He continue giving me the strength to lead this school and the courage to follow His plan.”

“I DON’T DOUBT ONE BIT THAT GOD HAS PUT ME HERE”

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LEGACY

FAITH AFTER DEATH

BY DEYVY RODRIGUEZ “We believe that when God tells us to move, we need to move,” said Dr. Encil Brown, “even though we can’t understand, even though we can’t see where He is taking us, if He wants us to move, and if we move, we will see the miracles.”

Indeed, in 2010, Dr. Brown, along with about 30 members of the Edinburg Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Texas believed that God was calling them to move by faith and plant an Englishspeaking church in Mission, Texas. With the blessing of the Edinburg church board, the Mission Hope Seventh-day Adventist Church began as a small group that met in a local theater for their first evangelistic meetings. After two new members chose to be baptized, the group rented a facility where they could worship and continue their evangelistic plans. With their desire to have a permanent building of their own, they prayed for a clear direction. Soon after, they found a church for sale. While the building was not perfect and would require renovations, they believed they were led to this place. With the help of the Seventh-day Adventist state headquarters, they were able to obtain a loan to purchase the building.

By this time, Dr. Brown was leading the congregation as the lay pastor of the church. One day, he began Bible studies with a former Episcopalian minister who was interested in learning more about the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The minister was moved during his studies and decided to join the church through baptism. With his love for Jesus, for His church, and for the advancement of the gospel in mission, this gentleman felt impressed to do more. What he did was an act of love and faith that will forever be remembered.

“He wasn’t quite sure what he was going to do with his resources,” said Dr. Brown, “but after coming to the church and seeing the social services for the community, he decided to name the Mission Hope Seventh-day Adventist Church on his Will as beneficiary of all that he owned at the time of his death. He passed away a little over a year ago. He left his house with three acres, a piece of land with ten acres, and he left a Trust that holds over two million dollars for the church.”

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Pastor Brown believes that God had a plan for Mission Hope and continues to guide it. “I believe that God placed this gentleman in our path so that his resources could be used for God’s mission in Mission.

We have now paid our mortgage, and we intend to help other Seventh-day Adventist Churches in need,” he said.

Hebrews tells us that, “He died, but through his faith he is still speaking.” Let the Texas Conference Planned Giving and Trust Services Department help you create an estate plan with a faith that will speak even after death.

Visit issuu.com/texasadventist to watch a video testimonial about this story.

DISCIPLESHIP

LEADERS RAISE UP LEADERS Last Fall, Kristi Reeves was part of a team from the San Marcos Seventh-day Adventist Church to attend the Growing Together Summit held in San Antonio. Her team, as well as teams from over 20 other churches, embraced core commitments that can make a church a great place to grow. One of these commitments, Keychain Leadership, talks about entrusting young people with access and authority to be of influence in their local church.

After the summit, Kristi and her team were inspired about what they learned and eager to share it with their congregation.

They even made intentional plans to help their whole church love next generations better. In fact, Kristi had some ideas as to how to apply the core commitments as soon as the next weekend.

“I thought it would be great to have young people help with greeting on Saturday mornings,” said Kristi.

When church leaders give opportunities for next generations to be involved, it helps young people form a sense of identity, belonging, and purpose within their church.

“The younger people were so excited to greet, some of them headed out into the parking lot to welcome people and hand out compliments,” said Kristi. “It was incredible.”

That’s where ­five-year-old, Sarah Sidlo, came in. Adult greeters, Vilma Resendiz and Kristi, invited Sarah to join their greeting team one morning, and the glow on Sarah’s face could only be matched in the responsive warmth of those she welcomed to church. Sarah was so thrilled to be a greeter at church that, following that experience, she marched into the pastor’s office and asked if there was anything else she could do in the church.

Sarah was fired up.

BY A. ALLAN MARTIN When young people love their church and embrace responsibility and leadership, the whole church benefits. Growing Young Adventists is about drawing next generations into the vitality of church life and discovering not only the vibrancy of intergenerational relationships, but finding Jesus at the center of it all.

Growing Young Adventists is a learning journey for local churches and leaders helping to build faith communities that will not just survive, but thrive in the years ahead. It is an intergenerational movement nurturing relationship building and cultural transformation that embraces young people and benefits all generations in the Adventist church.

Sarah is one of tens of thousands of young people who can, even at an early age, be invited to serve in their local church. It will take additional effort and require building trust in youth and young adults, but if Sarah is any indication, it is well worth it.

Churches that embrace Growing Young Adventists have leaders who are raising up leaders. For more information and/or to join in the Growing Together Journey, go to GrowingYoungAdventists.com.

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FAMILY

BY RUBER AND KETTY LEAL

LIFE WITHOUT REGRETS The husband opened the bottom drawer of his wife’s bureau and lifted out a tissue-wrapped package. “What a beautiful scarf,” he said, handing it to his best friend. His friend discarded the tissue and looked intensely at the scarf. It was exquisite, handmade silk and trimmed with a cobweb of lace.

The price tag was still attached and was astronomical. “Susie bought this the first time we went to New York, at least eight or nine years ago. She never wore it, since she was saving it for a special occasion. I guess this is the occasion.”

He took the scarf from his friend’s hand and put it on the bed with the other clothes they were taking to the mortician.

His hands lingered on the soft material for a moment, then turned once again to his friend saying, “Don’t ever save anything for a special occasion. Every day you’re alive is special enough.”

We all like special occasions, and it is natural to want the best for such times. But, perhaps we need to start making the routine moments special for no other reason than being alive.

The reality is that whatever you have not done, not worn, or not said because you are waiting for that special moment may never come. Maybe it’s time to stop saving the things, the clothes, and the words we are holding back. How would it look to live like that?

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Stop saving the good china and crystal for just a special event – use it often! Stop saving the good perfume or the expensive cologne for the special party. Stop saving vacation days that you may lose; use the new year to take some – even if you stay home. It’s time to stop using words like ‘someday’ and ‘one of these days.’ If it is worth seeing, hearing, doing, or saying, then it’s worth doing right now.

It’s the little deeds left undone that would make you regretful if you knew how much time was left. Regret because you put off seeing good friends whom you were going to get in touch with someday. Regret because you hadn’t written letters that you intended to write one of these days. Regret and sorrow that you didn’t tell your spouse, your children, or your friends how much you truly love them often enough. Let’s stop putting it off, let’s stop holding back, let’s stop saving anything that would add laughter and joy to our lives.

Every time you wake up, tell yourself that today is a special day. Every day, every minute, and every breath is a gift from God, making it your best day yet. Always remember, “This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.”

WELLNESS

POWER OF CHOICE Over the next few issues, The FLAME will delve into each tenet of the CREATION Health concept and what it means to live a healthy lifestyle. While each letter in CREATION stands for an important health aspect, we’ll begin with the letter C for Choice. Maybe you’d like to change your life for the better. You might want to become physically fit or adopt a plantbased lifestyle. Whatever it may be, the first step in the right direction is making a choice towards self-improvement.

Be Ethical By choosing to live by ethical standards, you have the power to be a better person.

Be brave enough to allow yourself to think about how your actions affect yourself and others. For example, maybe you tend to be petty in some circumstances. Next time that behavior comes up, stop and reflect why you’re feeling that way and what can be done to reverse it.

Be Healthy By choosing to be healthy, you’ll be taking care of your mind, body, and spirit. You can begin by making small changes towards success. Rather than eating a greasy meal for lunch, you may opt for a salad instead. This one choice might eventually lead to a plant-based lifestyle.

Be Responsible By choosing to be responsible, you’ll have control over your own decisions in a positive way. Letting others control you may seem like the easy way out, but it becomes more and more costly. Know how important your own life is so you can live it the way you want.

Be Impactful Your positive choices will likely inspire others to make smart choices as well.

This realistically helps to make the world a better place. One example of this is volunteering. When someone selflessly gives their time and effort to walk a dog, raise funds for charity, or give to the poor, others often take notice. People need someone to provide the inspiration to get motivated and live.

Your health and well-being depend on the decisions you make. Each positive choice is a step in the right direction.

Everyone deserves to understand that a better life is waiting for them if they just make the choice to live it. Learn more at creationhealth.com.

Be Spiritual By choosing to be spiritual, you can gain depth, meaning, and purpose. You may learn that there’s more to life than simply collecting material possessions. This one choice could lead you down a path of goodwill you might not have experienced before. Embarking on or deepening one’s spiritual path can lead to profound changes.

Be Committed By choosing to be committed to your goal, you’re setting yourself on a trajectory to achieving it. First, begin with a plan.

You can even write in a daily journal to keep track of your progress. Know what your goal is and clearly state each step necessary to making it happen. If you make mistakes along the way, forgive yourself and get back on track.

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