FLAME | Winter 2016

Winter 2016

Service

IN ACTION PAGE 7

BOND

of a Lifetime PAGE 14

SHAREABLE

Delectables PAGE 16

INCREASE YOUR INCLUSIVITY A Publication of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Texas

PAGE 18

All you need is

LOVE

{Editor's Note} AS 2016 DRAWS TO A CLOSE, WE CONCLUDE OUR LOVE-FOCUSED YEAR WITH THE THEME, LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR. Each issue of the FLAME has explored love from the inside out. In the Spring FLAME, themed Love Yourself we encouraged readers to look within and assess their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual growth. Love Your Family was the focus in the Summer issue and we challenged you to evaluate your priorities and the ways you demonstrate love at home. In the Fall we went a step further and looked at the relationships within our social circles. Whether at church, work or amongst friends, nurturing those connections allows us to encourage and appreciate others.

In this issue we narrow in on the ancient mandate to Love Your Neighbor. I consider this to be anyone who is exposed to you, be it stranger or someone known. You can love your neighbor when the cashier is unfriendly, a driver cuts you off or you’re asked if you can spare a few dollars. Your love for others is manifested through your unintended behavior. How do you react when inconvenienced? Is there room for improvement? Beyond this, our intentionality in sharing a smile, kind word or helping hand speaks volumes to our love for others. If you find you’re not proactively loving your neighbor, I encourage you to find ways to do so. This issue has some great stories to hearten your search. Ministries informs on the impact the Seventh-day Adventist Church has on local communities during a natural disaster. Living Faith has the firsthand account of a stranger who impacted a teen’s life. Insight reveals how the body of faith should embody Jesus’ example of mingling with others. Our feature takes us to Houston where a group of teenagers and young adults are loving a neighbor they never new existed. Read about the Love Team’s story on page 12.

I struggle to find the words for this paragraph. This is my last issue as FLAME editor and Communication Director for the Texas Conference. I’ve taken a call to serve as Associate Communication Director for the Southwestern Union. It’s hard to say goodbye, but I will be literally just up the road. I will always have a special place in my heart for the Texas Conference and its remarkable members and churches. God has blessed me tremendously in my time here and I’m honored to have been a part of His work in Texas. I am grateful to the office staff, pastors, teachers and leaders who showed me love and friendship as we labored together to reach people for Christ.

I’m extremely indebted to those who have served on the FLAME staff and contributed to our amazing publication, especially Associate Editor and Associate Communication Director, Jason Busch. On behalf of the Texas Conference Administration and FLAME staff, happy reading! Until we meet again!

Kristina Pascual Lockhart Editor

{Contributors}

DARLING ROJAS was the 2016 summer intern at the Texas Conference Communication Department. On page 8, she gives a detailed look at Enactus, the studentdriven leadership program that’s changing the world one project at a time.

2 | FLAME Winter 2016

BROCK AND COURTNEY REICHERT are medical professionals, as well as workout specialists. In the Fitness section on page 11, they discuss the incredible benefits that a high-intensity interval training regimen can bring.

MAKALA JAMES is a freelance writer and teaches music at Mountain Valley Studios. In her Family Matters op-ed on page 14, she describes why a sibling relationship is significant throughout adulthood.

DR. JOAQUIM ACEVEDO is an Assistant Professor at Southwestern Adventist University. In Insight on page 18, he writes on the concept of the remnant church and the perceptions it often generates.

HERMAN AGUILAR is the Texas Conference Communication Department Intern. In Kidz Korner on page 21, Herman remembers an important lesson he learned at a friend’s birthday party and why it stuck with him for so long.

In Every Issue 2 From the Editor

{CONTENTS}

4 Leadership Moment 4 Perspectives

Winter 2016

17 Word of Mouth 17 Stewardship 22 Calendar 23 Advent Movement

5 LIVING FAITH

14 FAMILY MATTERS

Stepping up in unexpected ways.

Exploring the nature of siblings and why this relationship is one of life’s most important.

7 MINISTRIES Adventist Community Services gives us the scoop on the history and mission of this vital ministry.

15 BRIDGES Follow Esperanza RTV as it brings hope back to the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

8 EDUCATION

16 RECIPE

Enactus is transforming the students of today into the leaders of tomorrow.

These miniature pumpkin pies are the perfect treat for all your holiday get-togethers!

10 FITNESS The wonders of high-intensity interval training from those who know it best.

12 FEATURE Moved by a desire to love their neighbors, a group of young people is making a difference in a small Houston community. As a result, the friendships formed prove that all you really need is love.

18 HISTORY The story behind the first Adventist hospital in Texas, and why Texas Health Huguley’s best days are still to come.

20 INSIGHT Isolation can seem like a natural byproduct of the remnant doctrine. Learn the biblical foundation for why the remnant church should feel more cohesive than ever.

page 12

Aaron Thomas Photography

FLAME | 3 Winter 2016

Leadership Moment

CARLOS CRAIG

ELTON DEMORAES

president

secretary

EDWIN ROMERO treasurer

How can we show love to those around us?

In his book, The Spirit of Love, William Law says, “The difference then between a good and a bad man does not lie in this, that the one wills that which is good and the other does not, but solely in this, that the one concurs with the living, inspiring Spirit of God within him, and the other resists that Spirit, and is and can be only chargeable with evil, simply because he resists the Spirit of God.” The true simplicity of whether we inspire and influence those around us with the transforming, healing love of God is if it lives in us, we will do it naturally. God calls us daily to follow Him; if we do, we carry the atmosphere of heaven into all we do. If we don’t, we are led into the paths of darkness.

Perspectives

The importance of showing God’s love to others cannot be understated. Jesus tells us in Luke 6:31, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Many will probably recognize this as the proverbial Golden Rule – the idea that treating others with the kindness and respect that Jesus calls for will result in similar conduct toward ourselves. But what happens when you aren’t treated the same way? The Bible makes it clear that acting respectfully in spite of ill treatment affords us the opportunity to show love in a powerful way. How are you showing love to the people around you?

It should be our life goal to be witnesses for Christ.

Hebrews 12:14 instructs us to “pursue peace with all men.” As we experience a close relationship with our Creator, our demeanor will demonstrate love and peace towards others. Our spirit will show meekness. We will be willing to yield to others, continually searching of good things, be gentle in our approach, and never engage in the spreading of rumors. We will always be a shining light so that others may see that those who show such a demeanor worship the one true God. Then, we will be true “witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

HOSPITAL Blues

By Jason Busch

THERE I WAS, languishing in one of Orlando’s largest hospitals, praying the next day would be the day I left. Five days went by before I was finally allowed to leave after developing a skin infection following a broken leg. In that span, I was poked, prodded, and woken up at all hours for medicine or imaging tests, but even in the 12 years since that time there’s one part that continues to shine through: the attitude of one of my hospital roommates.

4 | FLAME Winter 2016

For a moody 16-year-old, getting stuck in the children’s ward is a huge insult to an already insecure ego. Shuffling me into a room that required roommates was just the icing on the cake! But that’s exactly where I found myself. I should interject that five days in the hospital was an abnormally long stay for that ward, so I did cycle through a few roommates.

But there was one in particular who taught me an important lesson of how to act toward others. You see, because I resented being there so much, I frequently came across as irritable, and had an aversion of talking with anyone. Even though I had plenty of visitors, it was the last place I wanted to make friends.

My second roommate was a kid who was probably half my age at the time. He had been born with a birth defect, that without going into detail, made him one of the facility’s most regular visitors. Because of that, he had every right to be a hundred times more upset than I

was about having to be there. Instead, he was the exact opposite. He treated the nurses and doctors with deference, laughed with the lunch delivery staff, and treated me with a kindness I might not have returned.

The Bible says in Philippians, “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Loving others doesn’t mean we have to know them as well as we do our parents, friends, or spouse; it just means taking an interest in their well-being, and working for the good of those around you. That hospital roommate showed me the difference between saying you love someone and actually showing them. That small distinction often makes all the difference.

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

Living Faith

Going and Beyond Above

By Dimitri Henderson

THE BIBLE TELLS US TO LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS AS OURSELVES, but who qualifies as my neighbor? On an ordinary night in December of 2014, someone I didn’t even know showed me the same kindness that Jesus was talking about.

It started as most nights back then did – with me playing in a basketball game for my school.

The game was off to a good start when one of the opposing players shot the ball. As the shot ricocheted off the rim and the ball began to descend, I ran toward it and jumped. At the same instant, an opponent pushed someone else’s elbow right into my face. I stayed on the ground trying to figure out what was wrong when I realized that my front tooth had been knocked out!

Trying not to panic, I knew I needed to alert my parents. I slowly got up and hobbled toward them, holding my mouth and ignoring the referee telling me to get back into the game. The crowd was yelling, and my coaches peppered me with questions as I made my way to where my parents were sitting.

We made eye contact and I showed them my bloody mouth and said, “my tooth fell out,” in my best grunting voice. They immediately rushed me to the gym’s lobby and began brainstorming what to do. Fortunately for us, a mutual friend suggested calling a local Burton Adventist Academy alumna whom he thought could help. Once the call was made, the only thing left to do was ignore as much of the pain as possible and wait.

While I was sitting there, I began to submit to my emotions and think about what had happened. My thoughts began to get the best of me. “You fool, how could you not wear a mouth guard!” I screamed at myself. “Why did you attempt to go for that rebound!” I began to hit the wall with my fist and wrestle with my emotions.

After what felt like an eternity, Dr. Heather Martinson came into the gym lobby where she immediately took me behind the concession stand and examined my mouth. Once she had finishing assessing the situation, she put my tooth back in place and asked us to follow her to her office for some emergency dental work.

I went back to her office the next morning so she could get a better look at my mouth and finish the surgery. It turned out that three other

teeth were also injured and that I would have to undergo treatment for the next couple months. During that time, Dr. Martinson went above and beyond to make sure I received the best care she could offer.

Fortunately, I was able to keep my teeth and use them without any difficulty, I owe it all to Dr. Martinson who came at a moment’s notice on her time off during her own birthday to take care of a stranger, and who continued to support me throughout the entire recovery process.

I encourage anyone who reads this to make it a habit to go out of their way to help the people around them. When we choose to love our neighbor, we often don’t get the chance to hear how it has impacted them. Well, I’ll tell you firsthand that it makes all the difference.

Dimitri Henderson is a senior at Burton Adventist Academy. He attends the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church with his family.

FLAME | 5 Winter 2016

A Legacy of Giving Theron Collins is creating a legacy of giving. “Having served the church for a number of years in the Trust Services Department, I have had opportunity to encourage our members to consider obtaining a Charitable Gift Annuity, in addition to their basic estate plan of a Will or a Trust Agreement. Since I have retired, I have decided to ‘practice what I preached’. Over the ensuing years, as I acquired more funds than I had need for, I put those funds into Charitable Gift Annuities. At this point in my retirement years I have several Charitable Gift Annuities, and receive a nice income from them. In addition, I have the assurance that at my death the remainder of each annuity will benefit some part of the Lord’s work. I highly recommend the use of this document as a way to be sure that some portion of your estate will benefit the closing work of God.” To find out more about how to create your own legacy of giving through a Charitable Gift Annuity, Trust Agreement, or Will, contact us by phone at (800) 847-2792 or email trust@txsda.org. Or visit our website, TexasConferenceLegacy.org.

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

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CHURCH(x)

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Begins Friday at 6:47 pm Austin Stonehill Seventh-day Adventist Church

4301 Kelly Ln • Pflugerville, TX 78660

For more information visit

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Ministries

ADVENTIST COMMUNITY SERVICES When disaster strikes in our country, we usually think about the Red Cross or UNICEF when it comes to relief aid. However, there is an Adventist ministry that is also making a difference in helping those who have been affected by natural disasters. We caught up with husband and wife, Joe and Sherry Watts, to get insight on the purpose and mission of Adventist Community Services. For over 30 years, Joe and Sherry have passionately developed this powerful ministry, training and supporting volunteers and serving the local community, including those who have been struck with natural disasters. And as they have come to find out, ACS has provided them with great enjoyment and blessings. Joe and Sherry take us on their journey of how they, and thousands of other volunteers have made an impact on the lives of others through ACS.

FLAME: What is Adventist Community Services?

WATTS: Adventist Community Services (ACS) is the humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, and other areas of the world. The motto of ACS is “Serving Communities in Christ’s Name.” Our volunteers find what is needed in their community, and try to work to meet that need. It may be a food pantry, holding English as a Second Language classes, or preparing back to school packs. Christ told us in Matthew how He wants us to treat those around us. We are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and imprisoned; and by helping those, we are doing it to and for Christ.

Whatever the need is, we try to help.

FLAME: What is the disaster response aspect of ACS? WATTS: ACS is a member of VOAD, Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster. We are a charter member of both the National and Texas VOAD. Rather than each organization trying to be all things to all people, we each have specialized roles. Adventist Community Services Disaster Response does Donation Management across North America.

That means we assist the states, counties and cities with the influx of unsolicited donated goods. We organize and make those donated goods available to the agencies who handle distribution. We occasionally operate a collection and distribution center as a single entity during a disaster emergency, as well.

FLAME: What disaster events has ACSDR been involved in?

WATTS: Starting in May of 2015 until the present, we have responded to the Van tornado, the Wichita Falls flood, the San Marcos/Wimberley flood, the Rio Grande Valley flood, the Kyle flood, the Bastrop flood, the Garland/Rowlett Tornado, the Deweyville flood, the Houston flood, the Brazoria County flood and the Baton Rouge flood in Louisiana.

We have had the Mobile Distribution Unit at some of the events, distributed yellow flood buckets filled with cleaning supplies, helped communities organize distribution for incoming donated goods, set up and operated a large distribution site to serve those affected, operated a furniture and building materials warehouse, and collected and delivered food to assist churches that were housing and feeding flood survivors.

FLAME: What is a Mobile Distribution Unit?

WATTS: A Mobile Distribution Unit is a pickup, box truck, semi-trailer, or even a car or SUV, packed with needed items and taken to the affected area. The supplies are then distributed to the area where people need the most help.

FLAME: What services and resources has ACS distributed?

WATTS: The most recent statistics (2015) are based on the reports of about 10 percent of the churches within the Texas Conference.

Many churches have some form of community service project that they are supporting. In

2015, those churches, along with the ACS Disaster Response Depot, helped 150,994 people, distributed 84,971 pounds of food, gave 68,074 garments, with 928 volunteers working 16,979 hours and the total cash value of goods and services given was $643,255.

FLAME: How does ACS work with churches to impact their communities?

WATTS: Many churches have food pantries, clothing programs, after school tutoring and mentoring, back-to-school backpacks programs, working with the homeless, and many more. The churches are able to get funds to carry forward their local ministries from a percentage of the donations that they collect from the public or funds that church members donate directly. We are also available to do training and workshops in churches and we like to make those programs area-wide as it helps as many churches as possible.

FLAME: How has this impacted your life?

WATTS: Working with ACS has made us more aware of the needs in our community and around the world. Being involved in this ministry has heightened our awareness of the importance that God places on compassion and being concerned about others. God is interested in how we show compassion for others and what we are willing to do to assist them. Knowing that you make a difference in the lives of people in need has been the biggest blessing. It is so rewarding to have the privilege of being the hands and feet of Jesus.

FLAME | 7 Winter 2016

Education

One at a Time Project

By Herman Aguilar and Darling Rojas

TRANSFORMING HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS INTO CITY GUIDES, loaning cows to help more than double women’s income and turning plastic into fuel and income are just a few of the projects Enactus students are developing all over the world. Enactus is a community of student, academic, and business leaders committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world. Enactus, a nonprofit organization, provides a platform in which students are able to start projects that help and teach others to use their inventiveness to generate income that will eventually improve their livelihoods. With the guidance and support of educators, along with the expertise of business leaders, students from more than 1,700 universities in 36 countries have impacted the lives of over one million individuals across the globe.

Among those higher education institutions are Seventh-day Adventist universities that are changing the world one project at a time. At Southwestern Adventist University, the Enactus team has been active since 1998, when Enactus was known as SIFE or Students In Free Enterprise.

The Southwestern Adventist University Enactus team has unique and creative projects planned for this upcoming year. One of the main projects they will focus on is Business in a Box. Yarely Licea, junior business major and Vice President of Projects for the Southwestern Enactus team, describes Business in a Box as “a great opportunity for Keene Independent School District high school students to become entrepreneurs and for them to promote business techniques and concepts in a business and company setting.” Business in a Box assigns students a specific company for which they have to develop a product, on a specific budget, that the company can sell. Enactus’s second project for this year is called Rez Refuge. Bianca Chavez, junior business major and Vice President of Media, describes Rez Refuge as “the chance for Southwestern Enactus to go to a different state and help a community in need by helping to install a non-electric greenhouse as a better alternative to harvest produce.” The Rez Refuge project will be held during Spring Break 2017 and will take place in Fort Defiance, Arizona with the purpose of helping the Navajo community implement a business plan for their small-scale pickling industry.

Seventh-day Adventist universities are not only part of the Enactus community, but are renowned for their innovative projects. This

8 | FLAME Winter 2016

year, Southwestern Adventist University placed among the top 20 Universities in the Enactus USA Championship held in St. Louis, Missouri, and La Sierra University, an Adventist University in California, won first place. The mission-driven Adventist vision of students and staff has helped these universities excel in the Enactus community and develop projects that not only create a sustainable world, but change the lives of those involved for the better.

Herman Aguilar is a Journalism major in his senior year at Southwestern Adventist University and intern for the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Communication Department. Darling Rojas interned in the Communication Department this summer and is a Public Relations major at La Sierra University in Riverside, California

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Fitness

By Brock and Courtney Reichert

Aaron Thomas Photography

WORKOUT TRENDS SEEM TO COME AND GO ON A REGULAR BASIS. In the past, spending hours in the gym pumping iron was the go-to method until people started a little hobby called jogging. Yet, despite the numerous options available, there’s one style of exercise that’s on the rise and backed by industry-leading science.

HIIT, or High-intensity Interval Training, is a popular form of cardiovascular exercise designed to increase VO2 max (the amount of oxygen the body is able to use) and gives a quality workout in half the time of some others. HIIT encompasses a huge range of exercises and can be easily adapted from beginner to expert.

All kinds of HIIT exercise involves intervals with set times of high-intensity exercise followed by a period of low intensity or recovery time. The popularity of these workouts has grown because they’re finished more quickly, burn a greater amount of calories in minimal time, and break up the monotony of traditional cardio equipment in a steady-state fashion.

A traditional interval period is 30 seconds of work with 60 seconds of rest. A good example of this is the use of a stationary bike, although almost any exercise or cardio equipment can be substituted, such as swimming, running, or jumping rope. For 30 seconds, increase the resistance and pedal as hard as you can, then decrease resistance and peddle slower for the next 60 seconds as you try to catch your breath. After about 8-10 cycles of this you should be extremely tired. The work portion should be intense and is meant to push your heart rate to about 75 percent of its max, meaning you should be out of breath. If you don’t have access to workout equipment, then a sprint-focused HIIT workout can be just as effective. After a warmup and stretching session, sprint for 100 meters or about 12-15 seconds, then jog or walk for 30 seconds. Repeat this routine 10-12 times for a gut-busting workout!

Start with one HIIT session per week and slowly add more sessions. Try and push yourself. It may be a little uncomfortable to push your body to this range, but that’s how improvement is achieved. Before starting any exercise program, though, consider taking a fitness test and consulting with your physician.

The benefits of high-intensity interval training might be too great to pass up, which, according to the American College of Sports Medicine, can include an improved blood pressure, cardiovascular health, insulin sensitivity, efficient fat loss, and much more.

10 | FLAME Winter 2016

Brock and Courtney Reichert work at Medical Center Arlington. She is a Registered Nurse in the Labor and Delivery Department and he is a Physician Assistant in the Emergency Department. They attend the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos shot on location at The Gym in Arlington, TX.

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The GREATES T of These is They looked at the list. They had wanted to love, really love. After weeks of looking for organizations they could serve, these six young adults agreed that the first to answer the phone would be whom God was calling them to love. Dubbed the Love Team, they made that first call.

On the other end, a receptionist for Mission of Yahweh answered.

Aaron Thomas Photography

Love

Feature

them that day,” remembers Jonathan. “Our youth really enjoyed playing with the kids and meeting the ladies, but more importantly they loved. Our purpose was to infuse love.”

Thus began a monthly tradition. Like visits to a friend or relative, the Love Team is intentional about the couple of hours they spend at the Mission. Diego Bello, a Certified Public Accountant by trade, begins each visit with a worship thought in the Mission Chapel.

Meanwhile, the Love Team youth and leaders help out with chores around the Mission like cleaning windows, sorting through donations for the Mission Thrift Shop, helping with the landscaping or prepping the evening meal. After worship, all come together to play or do crafts and activities in the Sports Field/Courtyard in the center of the campus. “We really appreciate the youth from the

By Kristina P. Lockhart West Houston Love Team. It’s not always about a huge overall reach, sometimes it’s about being kind to just one person. Their youth are onathan Osorio, Houston West Seventh-day Adventist trained to do that. They laugh and play with the children and talk to Church associate pastor, set up a time to meet with the leadthe ladies. They take the time to love on people and show that they ers of Mission of Yahweh. “We consider groups that offer to are interested in them,” says Danielle. come out, but many are interested in helping on a one time The Love Team has provided a consistency that has built trust basis. However, something struck us about Jonathan—his with the residents. Jonathan recalls one resident who handed him heart and authenticity. He was so willing to make an impact a card and asked him to read it in front of her. “It said ‘thank you that it set him apart from other offers to volunteer,” recalls for not seeing us as homeless people, but as God’s children,” Danielle Trent, Mission of Yahweh Volunteer Coordinator. he remembers. Danielle shares the experience of As often happens when people filled with another resident who’d had negative relationships inspiration and energy decide to do somewith men. “Jonathan was kind and showed her thing great for God, an incredible initiative Christ’s love. She learned to open up and was born. It began when six young people realized she was worthy of love. She got a decided that, as youth leaders, they job, then got a car, and now has successfully wanted to genuinely love the teens in exited. I believe the Love Team played a their church. As those relationships develrole in that.” oped, trust grew and an intentional youth It has now been one year since the program was strengthened. These wise Love Team’s first visit to Mission of Yahweh.

20-somethings understood that the love “Their commitment is so distinctive. They are would eventually spill over and they wanted pretty much a permanent figure here,” Danielle a place to bless as they were being blessed.

JOHN 13:35 affirms. As the relationship grows, the Houston They wanted to love their neighbors, so they West Love Team has begun partnering with another started looking for them. Mission of Yahweh was church. Through an area gym night, leaders and youth two miles away. from Houston West met and shared what they were doing Mission of Yahweh was founded 55 years ago by Helen with youth from the Cleveland Seventh-day Adventist Church, Gay, known as Sister Gay, a courageous and faithful woman who which is northwest of Houston. Heidi works with Rachel Sandoval opened up her small home to women in crisis. Today, Mission of from the Cleveland church and they have been able to visit Mission of Yahweh houses up to 125 women and children. The Mission Campus Yahweh together for the last couple of months consists of 12 buildings, which includes two emergency dormitories “This all just started out as us wanting to love on our youth in and one transitional dorm for single women with children. The nonour church. I’ve heard some of our teens telling other kids— just profit is driven by its mission to enrich the lives of homeless women have your youth leaders talk to our youth leaders and we can work and children. Mission of Yahweh helps women build relationships and together,” smiles Heidi. A small love seed planted in the hearts of start healing. They offer classes and workshops to get women back young people has bloomed into a connection with strangers for the in the workforce. They have a fully licensed daycare on campus and simple purpose of doing as Christ did, loving others. work with local schools to provide tutoring for children. Through this Love is a powerful thing. Love transforms. Mahatma Gandhi holistic approach, the Mission helps women get back on their feet famously said, “Where there is love, there is life.” There is no denying and secure permanent housing. that love can affect change. Love changes you, love changes others.

Jonathan and his wife Vanessa, organized the first gathering of the Jesus left us with a simple directive, love our God and love our neighLove Team and Mission of Yahweh for Thanksgiving 2015. “We made bors. The “love chapter,” 1 Corinthians 13 spells this out for us. And it all the food. Six turkeys! I’d never made a turkey before in my life!” removes any doubt with these seven words: But the greatest of these remembers Heidi Baltodano. Heidi is one of the original six leaders is love. of the Love Team, along with Jonathan and Vanessa Osorio, Phil and Jackie Boyer, and Diego Bello. Heidi worked as Vanessa’s right hand as the initiative began. She has now taken the reins as Outreach Kristina Pascual Lockhart is the Associate Communication Director for the Southwestern Love Leader for the Love Team. She is 22 and a college junior at the Union Conference and former FLAME editor and Communication Director for the University of Houston.

Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

“There were about 50 of us from the Love Team. We brought More information about Mission of Yahweh is available at www.MissionofYahweh.org bounce houses and games and a whole Thanksgiving meal to eat with and Pastor Jonathan Osorio can be reached at josorio@txsda.org.

J

Your love

for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.

FLAME | 13 Winter 2016

Family Matters

It’s All

relative

By Makala James

SIBLINGS HAVE THE LONGEST-LASTING RELATIONSHIP AMONG THE MANY THAT PEOPLE WILL DEVELOP IN THEIR LIFE. They are raised together, grow together, and experience life together. The sibling relationship is even longer lasting than that of a child, spouse, or parent. It’s no surprise, then, that according to a large study by Lynn K. White in the Oxford Journal, two-thirds of adults with siblings said that a brother or sister was their best friend.

“Even though my brother Denny is eight years older than me, we have always been very close,” said Amy James, high school senior.

“Even before I was born, he was so excited to have a little sister that he spent his own money to buy a dress for me. He always took time to play with me and let me boss him around.”

As children, siblings are in direct contact with each other every day.

It’s easy to maintain a friendship under those circumstances. When living apart, it takes more of an effort to maintain a close bond.

“After Denny moved out of the house, we haven’t been able to talk as much as we used to,” said James. “Distance makes it more difficult to stay close, but I still go to him when I need honest advice.

He will always be my big brother and one of my best friends.”

Traditionally, a sibling is defined as two or more people that share at least one parent. That definition may also extend to include adopted and even foster siblings. No one knows this better than Mary Rudisaile-Coleman, a teacher at Lake Pointe Academy in Granbury.

Mary grew up surrounded by eight siblings. Only two of those siblings were born from her same two parents. Even so, no difference was made between full, half, or adopted siblings.

“The majority of us were all within five years of age, living under one roof,” said Rudisaile-Coleman. “It was like a dormitory. To us, we have never been anything but a family.”

Rudisaile-Coleman became close with her new sister, Lori. They understood the background behind their combined families and loved each other more dearly because of it.

“Now Lori lives in New Mexico and I live in Texas, but it never seems like time has passed when we’re together,” said RudisaileColeman. “All of the siblings are spread out, but we keep in touch with a big group text. We always keep each other in our thoughts and prayers.”

Of course, not all siblings get along. Fighting can take place at all ages. Fighting between two friends often leads to a disintegration in the relationship. In the book, Sibling Relationships Across the Lifespan, Victor G. Cicirelli, gives a little more hope to siblings. He writes that siblings are quicker to forgive because they are ascribed rather than earned. In other words, siblings are more likely to revitalize a strained relationship due to shared genetics.

In my own sibling relationship, my younger sister, Kami, is the family storyteller. We often find ourselves laughing uncontrollably at long-forgotten childhood dramatics, and questioning the validity of unflattering epics that no one but Kami seems to remember. But Kami and I are very different people.Our many differences may seem drastic to a stranger, but a closer observation will show that, at the core, we share many similar beliefs. We understand, accept, and love each other for exactly who we are.

As one of the longest-lasting family connections a person will experience, siblings should be treasured. Proverbs 17:17 said, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Despite differences and distances, it’s important to nurture the sibling relationship. It is a friendship unlike any other.

Makala James is a freelance writer and teaches music at Mountain Valley Studios.

14 | FLAME Winter 2016

Bridges

Hope

on the Air

By Herman Aguilar

THE ART OF RADIO HAS BEEN ALIVE SINCE THE LATE 1800s.

From that moment on, radio has transformed drastically; from being a platform for music to being a source for news. However, countless radio stations across the globe have employed this channel as a means to spread the gospel to those in need. In Texas, we have over a dozen Seventh-day Adventist radio and television stations broadcasting a message of hope over the airways.

Esperanza RTV in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is one of them. The ministry is a combined radio and television initiative sponsored by many of the Spanish-speaking churches and pastors in North Texas.

Retired Texas Conference pastor Josue Amador was instrumental in getting the ministry of the ground. Today, Carlos Quintana, pastor of the Spring Valley Spanish and North Dallas Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Churches carries the reins along with Josias Ordoñez, Esperanza RTV Commission Director.

Monday through Friday, from 6 to 7:30 am, Esperanza RTV, found on 700 AM, has four Spanish segments that help people get to know and learn more about Jesus Christ and the Seventh-day Adventist faith. One of the segments is called Waking Up With Jesus, a devotional segment that helps listeners start their morning in a positive way. Esperanza RTV’s television station is found on digital channel 20.3. A sister ministry of Good News TV, an English station sponsored by the Crowley Seventh-day Adventist church on digital channel 20.4, Esperanza RTV continues to spread God’s word to its viewers and listeners every hour of every day.

This radio and television ministry has already impacted the lives of many of its listeners and viewers. One of those impacted greatly by this ministry was Belkis Falcon. Falcon, who grew up in Cuba, moved to Florida where her Christian beliefs started to blossom. Falcon later moved to Dallas and on her drive to work one morning, she turned on the radio. Little did she know that what she was about to hear would change her life forever. As she started to listen to daily messages from Pastor Quintana, she began to believe in the hope of Jesus. Esperanza RTV allowed Falcon to learn more about God and His love, while also learning about the Adventist faith. After visiting a local church over the next several weekends, Falcon decided to get baptized and officially become a member of the Adventist Church. “This radio ministry completely changed my life and allowed me to make one of the most important decisions of my life,” said Falcon.

However, Falcon hasn’t been the person that has been blessed by this ministry; Jose Diaz also had the unique opportunity to see his life changed by Esperanza RTV. As he drove his 18-wheeler back

to work one day, he heard a sermon on Esperanza RTV that resonated with him. Diaz recounts, “I knew some of what the Bible said.

However, through listening to Esperanza RTV, I started to believe things that I had always doubted.” Diaz began to attend the Irving Emmanuel Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church, where he was received with open arms. Diaz thanks God for allowing him to be part of an Adventist community and advocates the continued support of this radio station. Among Esperanza RTV’s listening audience, about 200 are taking Bible studies. However, Esperanza RTV wants to continue to expand its ministry in order to reach many more people in need of Jesus. If you or your loved ones speak Spanish and are in the DFW area, we encourage you to check out 700 AM from 6 to 7 a.m. for radio or 20.3 for television. If you would like more information or would like donate to this ministry to further their efforts, visit www.EsperanzaRTV.org. Esperanza RTV is a living testimony of how resources like radio and television, can be used as a platform to spread the gospel to those who need it most.

Herman Aguilar is a Journalism major in his senior year at Southwestern Adventist University and interns for the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Communication Department.

FLAME | 15 Winter 2016

Recipe

These easy , 10-ingredient mini vegan

mini

pumpkin pies

pumpkin pies with coconut oil crust are naturally sweetened, simple to make, and so flaky and delicious! The perfect dessert this winter!

FILLING

CRUST

• 2 ¾ cups pumpkin puree

• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup Grade A maple syrup • ¼ cup muscovado sugar, organic brown sugar or coconut sugar • ¹⁄3 cup unsweetened plain almond milk • 1 Tbsp olive oil or melted coconut oil • 2 ½ Tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot starch

• ½ tsp sea salt • ²⁄3 cup coconut oil, scoopable* • 3-6 Tbsp ice cold water

TOPPING optional •

Coconut Whipped Cream

•

Brown Sugar Pecans

• 1 ¾ tsp pumpkin pie spice • ¼ tsp sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and see notes about coconut oil before starting. Add all pie filling ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, then set aside.

2. To prepare crust, add flour and salt to a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Next, add coconut oil in spoonfuls and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the two together, until it resembles wet sand. Add ice-cold water one Tbsp at a time and use a wooden spoon to gently mix, adding only as much water as needed to help it come together and form a dough - about 3-4 Tbsp. Use your hands to gently knead/form the dough in the bowl and gather any loose scraps. Then transfer directly to a well-floured surface and form into a disc with your hands. Roll out your dough into a circle about 1/4-inch thick, adding more flour if the crust sticks. Then use a large, round cookie cutter to cut out as many circles as the dough will allow. Dust a flat surface with flour, and use a spatula to scoop on one circle at a time. Lightly flour top of circle, then use your rolling pin to gently roll it out slightly larger and thinner about 1.5 times its starting size. Use your spatula to lift the crust, then use your hands to drape the crust into your muffin tin, allowing the edges to fold and curl over itself to accommodate its shape. Use your hands to carefully form the crust into the tins, being careful not to stretch the dough, but rather fold and push it down to meet the tin’s shape.

Repeat until all tins have been filled and most of the crust is used.

3. Pour filling into piecrusts and use a spoon to level the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes, or until the crust is light golden brown and the filling appears golden brown and slightly cracked on top.

4. Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving, about 2-3 hours. Serve at room temperature or transfer to a serving platter.

Loosely cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours or overnight. Serve as is, or with coconut whipped cream and an additional sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, and/or pumpkin pie spice.

Recipe from MinimalistBaker.com

16 | FLAME Winter 2016

*Make sure your coconut oil is scoopable, not liquid. If it’s too pourable, set in refrigerator to firm up for 30 minutes, then stir and let rest another 30 minutes to 1 hour at room temperature. It should be consistently solid, not solid in some parts and liquid in others.

Word of Mouth

UNCOMMON COURAGE, UNSHAKEABLE CONVICTION

By Jason Busch

Reviews for books, movies, gadgets and apps that help enhance ministry and spiritual growth.

Every few years, it seems, Seventh-day Adventism is thrust into mainstream conversation.

In the last year, we’ve had events like the General Conference Session, which saw close to 70,000 Adventists descend on San Antonio for global church business and strategic planning, as well as an Adventist presidential contender in Dr. Ben Carson.

Perhaps there’s no better time for Adventists to build on the conversation that has already begun.

In November, actor and director Mel Gibson released his first film in over 10 years, dubbed Hacksaw Ridge. This movie highlights the life of Medal of Honor recipient, Desmond T. Doss, an Adventist man who saved the lives of 75 fellow soldiers while under extreme duress in the Battle of Okinawa – all while refusing to carry a firearm. The film chronicles his life from country farmer, his enlistment in the U.S. Army, journey through boot camp, and culminates in the final battle scenes.

For those thinking about watching the movie, or possibly taking the entire family, there are some things you should know going in. First, the movie does a tremendous job in quickly establishing Doss’s family situation, his desire to enlist, and the budding relationship with his future wife. After his enlistment, you’re taken through his struggle for

acceptance amongst peers and the internal battle between his commanding officers over his refusal to carry a gun. The film is rated R for a reason, however, and finally reveals why during the battle for Hacksaw Ridge. In addition to language, the movie’s battle scenes are extremely graphic and accurately portray the most hellish aspects of war.

Therefore, I’d only recommend the movie for a more adult audience. Those who attend will be rewarded with fantastic acting from bigname stars such as Andrew Garfield (The Amazing Spider-Man, The Social Network) as Desmond Doss, Hugo Weaving (The Matrix, Lord of the Rings) as Doss’s father, and Vince Vaughn (The Internship, Wedding Crashers) among a cast of others.

For those interested in Doss’s story without the violence, there’s an incredible documentary from 2004

Health Equals Wealth

entitled The Conscientious Objector that includes multiple interviews from both Doss himself and many of those with whom he interacted. While many may not find that the the Hollywood film version lines up with their personal preferences, it is a great opportunity to be prepared to discuss our faith. Both the promotion and the film specifically identify Doss as a Seventh-day Adventist and questions about the Seventh-day Adventist faith community are sure to arise.

However you choose to hear Desmond T. Doss’s story, it is evident that his life stands as a testament to the powerful combination of faith, conviction, and courage. For more information about the quiet American hero and Adventist legend, visit DesmondDoss.com.

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

Stewardship

By Jason Busch

Good stewardship is more than just your money in the bank or the time you spend with family, friends, or in prayer. Don’t misunderstand, those things are extremely important!

But without decent health, how much can they be enjoyed? Stewardship might include a lot of things, but in my opinion, a healthy body leads to greater appreciation of everything else. Yes, stewardship also encompasses the careful, responsible management of how we treat ourselves. They might seem simple, but these three steps will have you on the path to good health in no time!

1. BE ACTIVE This may sound like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how little most people exercise. Although there was a slight decrease in overall inactivity throughout the country from 2010-2015, levels are still at an alarmingly high rate. Only one in three children are active every day, and less than five percent of adults engage in 30 minutes of daily activity, yet fitness is vital to good health. Check out our

Fitness article on high-intensity interval training on page 10 to propel your activity levels into overdrive.

2. EMBRACE FIBER We don’t mean for you to start spinning yarn or to pick up cross-stitching. While there are many ways to eat a healthy diet, fiber is essential. And with Americans eating less than the recommended amounts of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, it’s becoming more important than ever. Fiber helps maintain bowel health, lowers cholesterol, controls blood sugar levels, and aids in losing weight by keeping people satisfied for much longer than the standard burger and fries. Mix up your fiber intake by consuming fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains, and you’ll have added an important ingredient in the recipe for excellent health.

3. LET IT GO You started singing the Disney song, didn’t you? No matter, forgiveness is another

important aspect of health. Research by the Mayo Clinic shows that forgiveness can yield better relationships, improved heart health, higher self-esteem, a stronger immune system, and a variety of other benefits. It’s no surprise, then, why Jesus spoke about its significance so often. As the old saying goes, “Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” It may not be easy, but forgiving those who have hurt you is a fundamental part of healthy living.

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

FLAME | 17 Winter 2016

History

Reaches Huguley Milestone

By Patricia Benoit

THE REPORT FROM THE SOUTHWESTERN UNION CONFERENCE SESSION in February 1976 was buoyant.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church was united in its efforts to build a North Texas hospital, one that would serve as a flagship. Clergy and laity were equally optimistic that their efforts were divinely led and their hospital would answer many prayers.

“As the hospital project continues to progress both in construction and staffing, we shall continue to move forward with optimism and courage with the firm belief that this project was ordained by God in an effort to make medical missionary work the right arm of the message,” the committee concluded. “It is our desire not only to provide for the physical needs of people through this facility but following the example of the Master Healer, to provide an opportunity to learn more about what God has in store for them.”

Meanwhile, in formerly vacant land, steel beams and concrete were the early visages of Huguley Memorial Medical Center. The property straddled the Tarrant and Johnson county lines, serving a mostly rural area in the shadow of two large metropolitan cities of Fort Worth and Dallas. The once fertile farmland of Oak Grove, a tiny Tarrant County community that had dwindled in the 1940s, was booming again in the 1970s with construction.

Giving the project a healthy boost was the $6 million estate of Herbert Taylor Huguley, D.D.S., who stipulated that the money be used to build a hospital to honor his parents, Areta Taylor and William Job Huguley.

Huguley Memorial Medical Center was officially dedicated on February 20, 1977, with keynote speaker Governor Dolph Briscoe.

Anticipating the hospital was the Huguley Medical Arts Office Building,

opening July 9, 1976. Huguley grew to a 213-bed general hospital, part of the Florida-based Adventist Health System, the largest not-forprofit Protestant health care provider in the country.

Now in its 40th year of service, Huguley has evolved as the surrounding community grew and as medical practice changed. In 2013, Huguley merged with Texas Health Resources network, joining a highly ranked system serving North Texas. Now called Texas Health Huguley Hospital Fort Worth South, the hospital still maintains its close ties with the Adventist Health System and with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

A history of the hospital was recently completed and a few surprising details have emerged, thanks to assistance from the archives at Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, such as the deep Adventist roots of the Huguley family, including their involvement in the 1878 camp meeting with Adventist founder, Ellen White, that firmly established the Church in Texas; and the Church’s early efforts to establish Keene Sanitarium, patterned after the Battle Creek, Michigan, sanitarium. One thing is for sure, Texas Health Huguley will continue its mission of service-oriented care long into the future.

Patricia Benoit is a historian and the author of the most recent history of Texas Health Huguley Hospital Fort Worth South.

18 | FLAME Winter 2016

The New Texas Health Huguley Hospital

Now Serving You With our new hospital, Texas Health Huguley is reaching new heights in health care. This state-of-the-art hospital is built on a legacy of 39 years of caring for the community like those we love the most.

Dedicated to Women An entire floor designed for women! Our spacious, beautiful rooms enhance your comfort and care and allow loved ones to join you at this special time of your life.

Award-Winning Care From the emergency department to the patient floors, our recent awards and certifications from national and state agencies reflect our commitment to the highest quality of patient care and safety.

A Joint Success Hips and knees get new life in our orthopedic wing which features a gym and carefully planned patient rooms. Plus, our care coordinator walks with you through every step of your joint replacement journey.

A Big Welcome Visitors enjoy conveniently located lab and x-ray, three lounges on each patient floor and a relaxing lobby with a cafĂŠ, gift shop, chapel and landscaped courtyard.

Overnight guests relax on the couch that folds into a bed in every patient room.

YourNewHuguley.org | 817-293-9110 11801 South Freeway, Fort Worth, TX 76028

Insight

An Remnant Isolated

By Joaquim Acevedo

JESUS, OUR EXAMPLE of what the true remnant should be, became flesh and dwelt among us says John 1:14. John 1:1-3 asserts that He embodied the totality of the Godhead and through the process of redemption we are to reflect His loving character (Galatians 2:20); that is the work of the Holy Spirit in us and the central characteristic of the remnant as well. This is why Revelation 12:17 reads that the remnant people are those “who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

In every period of human history, the remnant was to be in the process of transformation. This includes the present time. God’s character is being written in their hearts and minds, and as a consequence of that, they give the testimony of Jesus Christ in their daily lives. With this thought in mind, prophet Jeremiah stated that “this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people,” (Jeremiah 31:33).

Thus, isolation has no room in the biblical concept of the remnant.

This is clearly perceived in Jesus’ ministry. He taught His disciples to be the salt of the earth in Matthew 5:13, and the light of the world in verse 14. He told them to go two by two to preach the gospel, “freely you have received freely you should give,” affirms Matthew 10:8.

Adventist author and founder, Ellen White wrote that “The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good,” in her book, The Ministry of Healing. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 reads, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations….” That means, mingle with them! The Three Angels’ Message in Revelation 14:6 says that the gospel will be preached to “those who dwell on the earth— to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people.” All the inhabitants of this planet are included as the recipients of this message.

Notice that Jesus was accused of eating with sinners and tax collectors in Matthew 9:11 and Mark 2:16. Despite all of that, He still could say, “Who can accuse me of sin?” Thus, the remnant should not be a byproduct of isolation, rather they should be the result of the fruition of the work of the Holy Spirit in them. It is not self-achievement; it has to do with God’s grace toward them. Noah, the remnant of the flood, was considered righteous among his generation in the sight of God (Genesis 6:9). Therefore, it is more than just being the survivor of a crisis, it is the result of God’s grace.

According to Amos, it is not repentance or conversion that merits God’s grace. Amos makes it clear that it is divine grace that decides the case, “Hate evil, love good; establish justice in the gate. It may be that the Lord will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph,” (Amos 5:15).

In the book, Toward a Theology of the Remnant, Tarsee Li’s article,

20 | FLAME Winter 2016

“The Remnant in the Old Testament” states, on the other hand, that being part of the remnant “…is not an unconditional status. Human action cannot substitute for divine action, nor can divine grace substitute for human faithfulness. God’s grace does not preclude the call to faithfulness on the part of its recipients.” Noah found grace in God’s sight. This, however, didn’t lessen his responsibility of building the ark for the salvation of people, himself, and the animals.

Therefore, “isolation” and the “remnant” should not be a byproduct of each other. On the contrary, a commitment to the mission that God has left should be the result of the status of being part of the remnant. The concept of the remnant people has nothing to do with the unconsciously and widely accepted philosophy that I would call, “Noah’s Ark Theological Approach.” By that I mean, “if you are shut in, you are saved.”

Notice that God is the only one who knows those who will finally be saved. The task of the visible remnant is to reach out in love, embodying the teachings of Jesus and His character in their interaction with others. The invisible remnant will join the visible eschatological one in God’s chosen time.

Let us break any isolation and get busy mingling with people as Jesus did, without losing our identity as God’s remnant people! Jesus is bidding us today as he did in Luke 10:37, “go and do likewise.”

Dr. Joaquim Acevedo is an assistant professor in the Religion Department of Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, TX.

kidz korner

By Herman Aguilar, Bounce House Pro

MY FRIEND ETHAN 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. SHOESTRING SHAPES - Take out

the laces of any of pair of shoes that you have. With friends, create different shapes and figures with the shoelaces. Let your friends figure out what you have created.

Take turns creating and figuring out what shapes each person has created. Let your curiosity run wild.

2. OCEAN IN A BOTTLE - Fill an empty soda bottle half way with water. Then add just a little bit of blue food dye (too much and you won’t be able to see the ocean creatures) Fill the rest up with oil.

Add as much glitter and toy animals as desired. Seal off the lid by using super glue, so that nothing spills when you shake the bottle to see the ocean affect.

3. EDUCATIONAL “I SPY” - With a group of friends, look out for things that you spy in your house or park using unique clues such as “I spy something with the answer of 5 times 4 on it.” Make it creative so that your friends have to think hard about what you are spying!

4. PAPER “SNOWBALL” FIGHT -

Crumble strips of any kind of paper or newspaper and try to hit your friends with the paper snowball.

The person with the most hits gets to choose which treat they want to eat after the game. Don’t forget to recycle the paper snowballs after you are done playing.

During medieval times, only kings had birthday parties because no one else was considered important enough to have a celebration.

SHARING IS

CARIN G

, who was turning eight-yearsold, had invited several of his friends, including me, to celebrate his birthday. The party had everything you could imagine. It had cool balloons, awesome party hats, super fun bounce houses and, of course, a delicious and colorful cake. When it was finally time to cut and eat the cake, I was so excited! Not only was I excited to see Ethan blow out the candles, but I also wanted to eat a big slice of the cake because it looked so tasty. As Ethan’s mother called everyone to come watch Ethan blow out the birthday candles, I noticed that my friend Tony had not arrived to the party yet. But, I quickly forgot about it as we began singing “happy birthday” to Ethan.

When I finally received my big piece of chocolate cake, I was extremely happy. While I was eating it though, Tony finally arrived to the party and asked if he could have some of my cake because there wasn’t anymore. I readily said, “No you can’t! It is my piece of cake.” As soon as I said that, Tony became very sad because I did not share any of my cake with him, but I paid him no mind. A few minutes later we all went to play at the bounce house. After bouncing and jumping for about an hour, Ethan’s mother called us in to get some lemonade to refresh ourselves. I was having too much fun and decided to stay and play at the bounce house by myself. After getting tired of jumping, I went back inside for some lemonade but it was all gone. I noticed that Tony still had some left, so I rushed over and asked if I could have some of his. To my surprise, without a hint of hesitation, Tony gave me some of his lemonade.

In that moment I realized that what I had done earlier to Tony was not right and even though I did not give him any of my cake he was still willing to give me some of his lemonade like a good friend.

God wants us to treat others with love and care. Sometimes it’s hard for us to share and give others what we have. God teaches us to not be selfish but to be caring and helpful people to those around us. Jesus cared for everyone and He wants us to follow His example and treat those around us with love.

Do you have a story? Share it with us! Send us your story and we may use it in the “kidz korner” of the next FLAME issue! Email stories, 400 words or less, to FLAME@txsda.org

S T C A F N U F and date When your age me, that of birth are the saown as special day is kn day. For your Golden Birth were born example, if you then your on October 17, uld be 17th birthday wothday. the Golden Bir In 1989, the world’s largest birthday cake was created. It weighed 128,000 lbs. and used 16,000 lbs. of icing!

August is the most popular birthday month, accounting for about 9% of all the birthdays in the world.

popular The most te is a d th ir b while 5 r e b Octo opular p st a le 2 the is May 2 birthday

Calendar

Events 28-29 | Houston Area ACS

December

28-Jan. 1 | GYC

Convention at George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.

Training/Donations Operations at Houston International Seventhday Adventist Church.

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

Southwestern Adventist University Alumni Weekend in Keene, TX.

5-7 | Southwestern

Adventist University Graduation Weekend in Keene, TX.

13-16 | Pathfinder

Camporee at Lake Whitney Ranch.

Up from #22 in 2016!

25 |

Dallas Area Evangelism Training at Oak Cliff Seventh-day Experience the Spirit Adventist Church. of Southwestern!

Churches That Multiply

s:

Music Festival February 23–26

g er ito Esposito Forciniti

A Night at the Meyerson February 26

day at 6:47 pm

Ln • Pflugerville, TX 78660

May

According to US News Best Colleges West Region Rankings

January 20-21, 2017

Seventh-day Adventist Church.

RCH(x)

ehill Seventh-day Adventist Church

11 |

Texas Conference Midterm Constituency at Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Evangelism Training at Tyler Seventh-day Adventist Church.

6-9 |

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

18 | Keene Area Evangelism Training RANKED #21at Keene Seventh-day 20-21 | AUSTIN SEEDS Church Adventist Church.

BEST COLLEGES Planting Rally at Austin Stonehill

eeds texas

Camp Hoblitzelle in Midlothian, TX.

April

11 | Central Texas Area

Evangelism Training at Houston Central Seventh-day Adventist Church.

4 | East Texas Area

San Antonio Area Evangelism Training at Scenic Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church.

4 | Valley Area Evangelism

14 | Houston Area

23-27 | Outdoor School at

30 |

February

January

March

For more information visit

www.seedstexas.org

28 | DFW Area Evangelism

Training at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church.

26 |Southwestern Adventist

University Music Festival: A Night at the Meyerson at the Morton H. Meyerson Sypmhony Center in Dallas.

University Experience March 23–26 Alumni Homecoming April 6–9

22 | Soul-Winning Festival

University Experience April 20–23

at World Harvest Seventh-day Church in Houston, TX.

Dates subject to change; check our website to stay up to date.

Adventist swau.edu

enroll@swau.edu 800-433-2240

Meyerson a night at the

Enjoy the grand finale of Southwestern’s annual Music Festival at one of the world’s best performance halls featuring the world premiere of a new composition by award-winning Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds—a night you won’t forget!

26 7:30PM SUNDAY FEBRUARY

Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center 2301 Flora St, Dallas, TX

Tickets, videos, and photos available online at www.swau.edu/musicfestival

22 | FLAME Winter 2016

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...................................... Rachel Ortiz Translation Coordination.........Kristina P. Lockhart Translators... Silverman Terreros, Mariangela Busby,

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.

Jorge Ordoñez, Jackie Martinez, Angelo España

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

movement

Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church Texas Health Huguley Hospital Southwestern Adventist University Editorial & Fitness images by Aaron Thomas Photography

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

David Montoya

Josue Muñoz

Agostino Misuraca

Pastor Eagle Pass, Uvalde, Del RioDel, and Rio-San Felipe Churches

Pastor Brownsville Spanish, Los Fresnos Spanish, and San Benito Spanish Churches

Associate Pastor Houston Spanish Southeast and Houston West Spanish Churches

Carlos Quintana

Pastor Waller Church

President...............................................Carlos Craig

James Berglund

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

Arturo Quintero Pastor Richardson Spanish Church

Pedro Guzman Pastor Arlington Spanish North and Arlington Spanish Central Churches

Sergio Balboa Pastor Dallas Spanish West and Grand Prairie Spanish Churches

Pastor Dallas Spanish North and Richardson Spring Valley Spanish Churches

Sergio Rodriguez Pastor Burleson Spanish Church

Enoc Calderon Senior Pastor Keene Spanish Church

Ruben Caro

Senior Pastor Killeen Church

Devin Grady Associate Pastor Keene Church

Gio Marin Pastor Houston Fil-Am and Cypress Churches

Heraclio Robles

Jose Larrota

Pastor Harlingen Spanish, Mercedes Spanish, and Donna Spanish Churches

Pastor Haltom City Spanish, Fort Worth West Spanish, and Forest Hill Spanish Shalom Churches

Sebastian Lopez

Dayron Batista

Christopher Morris

Pastor Edinburg Spanish, Pharr Spanish, and Falfurrias Churches

Pastor Spring-Tomball Spanish and Conroe Spanish North Churches

Associate Pastor Burleson Church

Jorge Peña

Marcus Acosta

Pastor McAllen Spanish Jordan and Hidalgo Spanish Churches

Associate Pastor Garland Spanish and Arlington Spanish South Churches

Salomon Espinosa Associate Pastor West Houston Church

Roberto Coronado Pastor Infinite Life Church

ADMINISTRATION Executive Secretary.........................Elton DeMoraes

PRINTING & MAILING Director...........................................Mario Ledezma Pressman .......................................... Miguel Gomez Designers.............. Madelein Terreros, Sora E. Yañez Print Shop Assistant............................Doug Denny Administrative Assistant...................Erica Manzano

The FLAME is a publication of inspiration and education of the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. It is sent free of charge to all members of the Texas Conference on a quarterly basis.

It is our prayer that you will find the stories in these pages inspiring and empowering so that together we can share the flame of Christ’s love with those around us, both in Texas and beyond.

If you have questions or comments, please email: FLAME@txsda.org

FLAME | 23 Winter 2016

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

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

New look for a new year, Join a team visit us today! of family life

specialists as they make this event an unforgettable WWW.TEX A SA D VENTI ST. O RG experience for you and your spouse

Visit our website for weekend details and registration!

www.BeForeverOne.org

For questions call (817) 790-2255 EXT. 2108

199 Early Bird (per couple) + 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

Saturday night

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