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November 21, 2013

ADRA Aids Philippine


Quake Relief 9
Highest Flight Ever 22
Married, but Alone
on the Sabbath 26

From
Clicktivist
to Activist
Taking caring
to another level
I flights in the history of aviation.

Air Force One


Jim Swindal was the pilot of a Boeing
707 with the tail number 26000. The
Swindal had to take off from Dallas
for the worst two-hour-and-eighteen-
minute flight of his life. The last hour
on the ground had been pure agony for
Swindal and everybody else: a hot, per-
HIGHEST FLIGHT eVer
Jackie Kennedy was one of the few flight, and not even Swindal’s breath-
Secret Service called it “Angel,” but most
of the world knew it simply as Air Force
spiring delay while Lyndon Johnson
waited for Texas judge Sarah Hughes to
who did participate. “Three years in the
White House,” Manchester states, “had
SOArINg HIgHEr than taking 41,000 feet. But a trip that lifts us
free from every last trace of this world’s
One. It was John F. Kennedy’s flagship air-
craft, loaded with elegance and $2 million
drive out to the airport and swear in the
new chief executive. There in the tail
given [Jackie] an abiding respect for her
husband’s office. She understood the
air Force one ugliness and hate, a trip beyond the
stars. Jesus promises us, “In my Father’s
worth of high-tech hardware. It featured area of Air Force One was a large coffin, symbols of authority, the need for some Secret Service agents track its every move; from it all. He wanted to lift him higher house are many mansions. . . . I go to prepare
offices equipped with electric typewriters, a Britannia model, solid bronze. Kenne- semblance of national majesty after the people stationed in unmarked cars along than he’d ever been before, remove him a place for you. And if I go and prepare a
and subscribed to 15 magazines and five dy’s bullet-riddled remains were in it. disaster, and so she came.” In the the route visually confirm its passage from the pain of earth, the danger of bul- place for you, I will come again, and receive
daily newspapers. Its presidential bed- Kennedy loyalists and Johnson staffers famous black-and-white photo by Cecil overhead. And this flight carried the dead lets and snipers and angry posters and you unto myself; that where I am, there ye
room, catering to times when the chief filled the plane, sick to the soul as they Stoughton where Johnson is sworn in, body of the former president and also the cruel editorials. And so he did. In all his may be also” (John 14:2, 3, KJV).
executive had to cross many time zones all grappled with painful tragedy and awk- the widow of John Kennedy is standing new president. There was no backup, no life, Kennedy had never been so far above Paul knew much about assassinations;
at once, included a special bed with a mat- ward transition, as one administration right there next to him.* vice vice president. And 26000 had no earth before; the 707 roared toward the in fact, his own life ended tragically. But
tress designed for Kennedy’s bad back.
Colonel Jim Swindal had already logged
ended and the other one began, there in
the sticky humidity of the 707 with the Flight
“Behold, I come quickly . . .” military escort for this trip. On the
ground below, the Pentagon set Air Force
stars, climbing at the incredible rate of
4,000 feet per minute. Swindal didn’t
in 1 Thessalonians he writes about how
we’ll soon be lifted up, caught up in the
some 75,000 miles on Air Force One in a
little more than a year since its commis-
disconnected air-conditioning.
William Manchester’s standout book,
Our mission is to uplift Jesus Christ by presenting stories of His
Then at 2:47 in the afternoon, CST, Air
Force One lifted off from Love Field. Just
bases on standby alert, with pilots
“belted in and ready to go.”
level off until they were at 41,000 feet,
approximately eight miles above the
clouds. And then we’ll head out for a
celestial journey that takes us far beyond
sioning. He was dedicated and loyal, both
to the presidency and to this thirty-fifth
The Death of a President, helps us focus:
Who should participate? Who should be matchless love, news of His present workings, help for knowing
three hours and nine minutes earlier
the plane had touched down for a victo-
Captain Swindal had to fly that plane car-
rying the dead body of his hero. It was
scarred world and its miserable Friday. the clouds, to a city that’s the capital of
the universe. To a city that’s home. It’s a
president, John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Ear- in the picture as Lyndon Johnson is rious parade. Spirits had been high; cel- November, with early sundowns. Flying west long, long way away, and frankly, we
lier in 1963 he had flown his hero to Ger- sworn in? LBJ had already expressed in a Him better, and hope in His soonWhat
ebration and sunshine and confetti return.a flight
to east to Washington, D.C., Air Force One want it to be a long, long way away from
many for the president’s famous “Ich bin general announcement to the whole were in the air. Now nothing but dark- was quickly immersed in shadows and then earth and sin and death and the endless
ein Berliner” speech. plane: “If anybody wants to join in in the
swearing-in ceremony, I would be happy
ness and tears.
Air Force One is the most secure plane
that’s going
in darkness that made the gloom more
unbearable. “It was the sickest plane I’ve ever
rows of tombstones at Arlington
National Cemetery. God’s angels will
and proud to have you.” But Swindal in the world. Every trip is exceptionally to be!
been on,” Mac Kilduff, a Kennedy advisor, gather His children together from the
and many others were simply too grief- guarded in terms of its flight path. The told people later. But no one seemed to feel it four winds of heaven and lift us up to
stricken to join in. Their president was plane zigs and zags, taking unorthodox as did the captain. Manchester writes: “No meet our Lord in the air (see Mark
lying in the box. routes for utmost secrecy. On the ground aircraft commander had ever been charged Flight—Again 13:27). “And so shall we ever be with the
with so grave a responsibility, yet he won- Fifty years later our world is just as Lord” (1 Thess. 4:17).
dered whether he could make it to Andrews. horribly scarred and miserable. It still Shout “Hallelujah,” friend of mine.
He was near collapse. ‘It became,’ in his harbors assassins and hurt of every What a flight that’s going to be! n
words, ‘a struggle to continue.’” kind. Hate is as cheap as the Internet.
Swindal had clearance to take his Leaders fall to bullets or scandals. Ter- * Quotations from William Manchester, The Death of
a President (London: Pan Books, 1967).
beloved president home at 29,000 feet, a rorists obliterate our tallest buildings
pretty standard level even today. Flights and slaughter our most innocent DaviD B. Smith is the author of
often climb up to these levels to avoid infants, loved ones, and friends. We Finding Waldo and Rachel MaRie,
turbulence. But with all that ache in his keep visiting more hospitals, attending stories set in his home country
heart, and with the defiant skyline of more funerals, and standing in more of thailand. Lonnie meLa-
Dallas just behind him, with all the cemeteries than we ever wanted to. We Shenko is a revivalist for the
hatred of people, the cities, and angry need a Swindal flight. columbia union conference.
civilizations just below him, spreading Except that what God’s Word prom-
out in all directions, Swindal ises is infinitely better. Not Dallas to Need
wished he could take his Washington, D.C., not a Boeing 707, not Pix
beloved president away two hours and eighteen minutes of

18
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22 8 6
www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013 |( 1 0 47 ) 23

COVER FEATURE ARTICLES DEPARTMENTS EDITORIALS


18 From Clicktivist 14 Dear Father . . . 4 Letters 6 Bill Knott
to Activist Sylvia Renz Go Ask Erica
Janelle Collins
A son tries to answer 7 Page 7
Can the world’s prob- his father’s decades- 7 Gerald A. Klingbeil
lems be solved in front old questions. 8 World News & Invisible Web
of a keyboard? Perspectives
22 Highest Flight Ever
David B. Smith and Lonnie
13 Give & Take
Melashenko
17 Cliff’s Edge
The night Air Force One
carried a president’s body 25 Back to Basics
26 Married, but Alone 29 The Life of Faith
on the Sabbath
Katherine Carey 30 Etc.
ON THE COVER A day of worship—for
her but not for him 31 Reflections
Southern Adventist University Next Week
graduate student Catie Whit-
ing shows a picture to children Cartography of Faith
in a Masai village in Kenya Not knowing where we’re
during a mission trip in 2013. going can be so traumatic that
(Courtesy of Sharon Pittman) we can’t enjoy the journey.

Publisher General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®, Executive Publisher Bill Knott, Associate Publisher Claude Richli, Publishing Board: Ted N. C. Wilson, chair; Benjamin D. Schoun,
vice chair; Bill Knott, secretary; Lisa Beardsley-Hardy; Daniel R. Jackson; Robert Lemon; Geoffrey Mbwana; G. T. Ng; Daisy Orion; Juan Prestol; Michael Ryan; Ella Simmons; Mark Thomas; Karnik
Doukmetzian, legal adviser. Editor Bill Knott, Associate Editors Lael Caesar, Gerald A. Klingbeil, Coordinating Editor Stephen Chavez, Online Editor Carlos Medley, Features Editor Sandra
Blackmer, Young Adult Editor Kimberly Luste Maran, KidsView Editor Wilona Karimabadi, News Editor Mark A. Kellner, Operations Manager Merle Poirier, Financial Manager Rachel Child,
Editorial Assistant Marvene Thorpe-Baptiste, Marketing Director Claude Richli, Editor-at-Large Mark A. Finley, Senior Advisor E. Edward Zinke, Art Director Bryan Gray, Design Daniel
Añez, Desktop Technician Fred Wuerstlin, Ad Sales Glen Gohlke, Subscriber Services Steve Hanson. To Writers: Writer’s guidelines are available at the Adventist Review Web site: www.ad-
ventistreview.org and click “About the Review.” For a printed copy, send a self-addressed envelope to: Writer’s Guidelines, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600.
E-mail: revieweditor@gc.adventist.org. Web site: www.adventistreview.org. Postmaster: Send address changes to Adventist Review, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740-7301. Unless
otherwise noted, Bible texts in this issue are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Unless
otherwise noted, all photos are © Thinkstock 2013. The Adventist Review (ISSN 0161-1119), published since 1849, is the general paper of the Seventh-day Adventist® Church. It is
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www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013 | ( 1 0 27 ) 3


inbox
gic planning through surveys preaching of Daniel 8:14?
of Adventist members God was at work—from
worldwide, Bible study, and those believers He would
the guidance of the Holy launch His “remnant” people
Letters From Our Readers Spirit, as reported by Eliza- who “must prophesy again.”
beth Lechleitner in “Major The 2300-year prophetic
Survey to Inform Adventist period has passed. Earth has
Church’s Next Strategic Plan” entered Daniel’s “time of the
(Oct. 24). end.” The message to be pro-
I also love the idea that claimed is found in Revela-
Value in Brevity Clergy Appreciation “more Bible reading and tion 14:6-12. If Seventh-day
»»Stephen Chavez’s editorial »»I appreciated the Review’s prayer will probably be in Adventists were to abandon
“Beyond Words” (Oct. 24, inclusion of “Seven Things every Adventist strategic this mission, we would
2013) about using Holy Pastors Wish Their Congre- plan until the world ends.” I become a part of Babylon.
Spirit-directed brevity in our gation Would Do” on page 7 pray that we, as members of Let us turn and live
communications is timely. of the October 24 edition. the Adventist Church, will be according to the appeal
There is value in complete- On an October Sabbath intentional as well! May we made by the everlasting gos-
ness, but sometimes more so this year one of my congrega- study our Bibles and pray pel. We must not let Satan’s
in brevity—it often invites tions (I pastor two churches) with the intent of getting to warfare turn us from the
further inquiry. The widely gave me a public affirmation know Jesus our Savior better God-given mission (see Rev.
known columnist Walter for Clergy Appreciation and of loving Him more 12:17). Then through the
Winchell was fond of telling Month, as well as a very nice fully! heavens we can beam the
this story of enforced brevity: gift. This congregation does Betty Villarreal message from tower to
A young cub reporter on a the same at Christmas and West Richland, Washington tower, saying, “O earth, it is
big metropolitan newspaper, for my birthday. I feel very Vol. 190, No.
OctO
ber 1
7, 2 0

29
13

the last, last hour. Jesus is


assigned to write obituaries, loved and appreciated by this www.ad
ventistreview.or
g
Octobe
r 17, 2013

Lauded by
Adventists Society
Humane
8
coming again.”
was writing overly lengthy congregation.
Building Bridges
14
Willing Hearts
26
David Manzano
accounts many paragraphs On the other hand, my Harriman, Tennessee
long on the deaths of people other church has never had
of no particular station in any kind of public affirma- The Prophetic
life. Fed up with his wordi- tion of my ministry, nor have Rendezvous of 1844
ness, the editor threatened, I ever received any kind of »»Elijah Mvundura’s “The
“One more obit like this and gift for Clergy Appreciation Prophetic Rendezvous of
you’ll be fired!” Month, at Christmas, or my Following the 1844” (Oct. 17) is one very
The reporter’s next assign- birthday. I know that I’m Message difficult article to read. I
ment was to write about a appreciated because I hear it »»I’m writing in regard to found that the language
death in a hotel. He reported from an individual member Arthur Chadwick and Ingo
it this way: “John K. Brown now and then, but it’s never Sorke’s cover article “What
looked up the elevator shaft been done in a public way. on Earth Happened in 1844?”
of the Jones Hotel today to It’s amazing how different (Oct. 17, 2013). It is well doc-
see if the elevator was on its one congregation can be umented what occurred to
way down. It was. Age: 46.” from another. Perhaps your those believers who had
Thereinafter the editor article will inspire more responded to God’s pro-
had no problem with the churches to express their phetic words found in Daniel
reporter’s obituaries. appreciation to their pastors. 8:14. Another question is:
Brevity, yes, but that’s not Name Withheld What was our omniscient
our biggest problem. It is God doing by the message
merely opening our mouths The Adventist Church He sent to earth as presented
to speak a word for God’s Is Intentional in the tenth chapter of Reve-
truth “in season.” »»I love that the Adventist lation, for it describes the
Herbert Ford Church is intentional in its experience of those who
Angwin, California planning. I love that its embraced the prophetic
intentionality leads to strate-

4 ( 1 0 2 8 ) | www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013



nearly choked my under- and self-sacrifice.
standing of this work. I “got We would do well to heed
the drift” of the conclusion, these words from Ellen G. I pray that we, as members of the
but I would’ve appreciated White: “Should we dress in
Adventist Church, will be intentional


reading it without needing plain, modest apparel with-
to have a Thesaurus at my out reference to the fashions; as well!
fingertip. Maybe a second or should our tables at all times
third reading will help clarify be set with simple, healthful —Betty villarreal, West Richland, Washington
it more. food, avoiding all luxuries,
Janice Schnurr all extravagance; should our
via e-mail houses be built with becom- These are topics and ques- can get God in my life. I’ve
ing plainness, and furnished tions that need to be dealt read parts of the Bible again
Allure of the Church in the same manner, it would with. Thanks for being brave and again and never really
»»Jimmy Phillips’ article show the sanctifying power enough to tackle them. understood it. But now I will
“Allure of the Church” (Oct. of the truth and would have Beatrice Neall be able to read a section of
10, 2013) has started a train a telling influence upon Ooltewah, TN the Bible then
of thought. As I think of the unbelievers” (Testimonies for see what
life of Christ, the lives of the the Church, vol. 5, p. 206). Still Reading White has
apostles Paul and Peter, and Does self-denial and self- »»I’ve been a reader of the Ad- written about
the lives of our early Sev- sacrifice cause people to be ventist Review since my college it. I can now
enth-day Adventist Church sad-faced and joyless? It days (1953-1958) as copies understand
pioneers, I notice this: Their didn’t seem to do that to were available on the moni- what I’m reading and how I
lives were characterized by Jesus, Paul, or Peter—or tor’s counter in the dorm can relate it to my life.
self-denial and self-sacrifice. Ellen White. lobby. I would pick one up as Thank you so much for
It is crucial to realize that Donald E. Casebolt copies of The Youth’s Instructor showing this awesome way
self-denial and self-sacrifice, College Place, Washington were placed in each room by to me, I can now understand
which are also frequently the Friday monitor. God’s word and share it with
mentioned in the Spirit of Theological Articles I loved the Review then, and others better.
Prophecy writings, apply to a »»Thank you for your recent I’m still reading it. I’ve been a Amber B.
host of things, from luxury magazine editions contain- subscriber for many years. Niles, Michigan
cruises to personal adorn- ing articles on theology Thank you for this
ment, men’s toys, tickets to dealing with 1844, 1888, and magazine.
commercial sporting events, other issues that have Lydia Valido
elaborate homes, and fancy divided the church for many Waipahu, Hawaii
cars. generations. I refer to the We welcome your letters, noting,
There are people having topics of “last generation Understandable as always, that inclusion of a letter
trouble putting food on the holiness,” “universal legal »»Thank you for printing in this section does not imply that
table, or who are struggling justification,” and the nature Andy Nash’s “No One Close: the ideas expressed are endorsed by
to send their children to our of Christ’s humanity. (Actu- The Finest Adventist Author” either the editors of the Adventist
schools. There are AIDS ally, the human Christ was (Sept. 19, 2013). This article Review or the General Conference.
orphans and famine victims not like Adam either before has shown me how I can Short, specific, timely letters have
in Africa. These people could or after the Fall. He was compare Ellen White’s writ- the best chance at being published
benefit from our self-denial unique.) ings to the Bible to see how I (please include your complete
address and phone number—even


with e-mail messages). Letters will
be edited for space and clarity only.
Brevity, yes, but that’s not our biggest problem. It is Send correspondence to Letters to
merely opening our mouths to speak a word for God’s truth the Editor, Adventist Review, 12501


Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD
in season. 20904-6600; Internet: letters@
adventistreview.org.
—herbert ford, Angwin, California

www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013 | ( 1 0 2 9) 5


Editorials

Go Ask Erica
Jack and Marcia stand beside the shepherd at the sanctuary
door, eyes alight with holy joy, hair still damp from the still waters of the baptistry. Erica, not quite
4 and resplendent in her favorite purple dress, dances around them excitedly, knowing only that
something big is happening and that she and her parents are at the center of it.
The line of church members greeting the newly baptized couple at the exit is deliberately slow.
This isn’t a moment to be rushed. The congregation hasn’t witnessed the baptism of an undivided
family in six years, and there is—even though this is an Adventist church—an unmistakable
mood of celebration.
******
Jack and Marcia take the off-ramp from the interstate on their way to the Saturday “Price-
Buster Day” at the Eastfield shopping mall. Erica, suddenly alert, points excitedly out the rear
Bill passenger window as the Camry passes within hailing distance of the modest brick church. “Are
Knott we going to Sabbath school, Daddy? Are we, are we?” she squeals in anticipated delight. “It’s been
so long, Mommy. And I wonder if my favorite lamb is still there—you know, the one with the
brown nose? Why don’t we go there anymore?”
******
It is the least-acknowledged fact of our life together, the topic we would rather not discuss.
Fully 25 percent of those who join our fellowship by baptism or profession of faith have disap-
Each edition peared within the first 12 months of membership, taking with them their hope, their joys, and
gifts the Spirit intended us to have.
shines with “It’s just the price of doing the Lord’s business,” someone says in explanation. “You win some;
you lose some. It’s that way in every human enterprise.”
clarity and “No church bats 1,000 percent,” another quickly adds. “It’s not our fault that they fell away
from faith and stopped coming to church. They probably never really understood what they were
grace. doing in the first place. Being an Adventist isn’t always easy, you know.”
All of which seems remarkably clear-eyed and sensible, unless your name is Jack or Marcia—or
Erica. So long as we continue to congratulate ourselves on the fact that most of the flock is still
intact, we will not sorrow overmuch when some wander off and get lost; when wolves pick off the
stragglers or the doctrinally unsure; when chairs go empty and woolly lambs remain unloved in
the Kindergarten room. We did the best we could.
Really?
Among the ways of caring for the newest members of the church is a highly effective way of
bringing all that Adventism has to offer to their mailboxes every week. For 15 years, thousands
of generous Review readers have been sponsoring a one-year subscription—36 faith-filled, hope-
inspiring issues—to those who have just joined this movement. Each edition shines with clarity
and grace—with news, and Bible study, and stories of God’s everyday salvation.
The New Believer plan takes your $15 gift, matches it with gifts from other ministry partners,
and helps thousands of the “youngest” members of the flock find their feet in those challenging
first months. Those who experience that kind of steady, strong support through this magazine
and from fellow members invariably stay.
One hundred dollars blesses six; $500 blesses 33. One thousand dollars keeps the equivalent of
a small church—67 new believers—safely in the fold.
Not those we win . . . but those we keep. That’s how the Shepherd counts His sheep.
Send your gift of any size in the attached envelope by Christmas, and we’ll send you a KEEP HIS
SHEEP lapel pin to wear with joy—and commitment. Send a love gift of $100, and we’ll send you
a copy of Bradley Booth’s new book, Showers of Grasshoppers and Other Miracle Stories From Africa, to
thank you for your caring.
Are these new believers worth it?
Go ask Erica. n

6 ( 1 0 3 0) | www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013


Invisible Web
God’s invisible web connecting Adventists all around the
world is truly amazing. I was recently privileged to participate in an Adventist Heritage Tour
organized by Sue Patzer from the North Pacific Union Conference. On our first day, I met Shirley
and Larry Panasuk of College Place, Washington. Before his retirement, Gary worked for the
United States Department of Agriculture as part of its embassy staff all around the globe. From
1990 to 1995 Shirley and Larry had been stationed in Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey, a country with
very few Seventh-day Adventists. He told me how he had received a phone call one day from a
young Turkish woman who announced that she was a Seventh-day Adventist and was looking for
Adventist brothers and sisters. Her name was Melek.
When he mentioned that name my wife, Chantal, and I looked at each other. Could it be? Melek
and her young daughter, Pelen, had been our neighbors in our first year of married life living in a
tiny flat on the campus of Helderberg College, South Africa. Melek’s conversion had begun with a Gerald A.
South African Adventist tour group. Melek had been their tour guide, and God had found her in Klingbeil
Turkey. Friends helped her study at Helderberg College, and she later went to Andrews University,
where she met her husband, David. Both have been active in service for Jesus over the past 20 years.
Why do I tell you this story? God’s timing and His web design are impeccable. This particular
part of God’s web connected an American couple serving in Turkey, a Turkish woman searching
for peace and purpose, and a German studying in South Africa. God not only owns the cattle on
a thousand hills—He knows every one of His creatures and wants to make us part of His divine
web. I am looking forward to the time I will see God’s intricate web design of my life, the impact
that I have had on others and that others have had on me.
Standing around the throne of the Lamb promises to be exciting. n
photo : Courtesy La Sierra U niversit y
World News & Perspectives

REACCREDITED: La Sierra University recently received a three-year accreditation from the Adventist Accrediting Association.

■ ■NORTH AMERICA Wisbey said, “La Sierra University

La Sierra University Receives appreciates the AAA board recogniz-


ing the good progress that the univer-
Adventist Accrediting sity is making and its grant of full
accreditation through 2016. We will
Association Renewal continue to build on the many com-
mendations of the visiting team and
BY MARK A. KELLNER, news editor will continue to follow through on
their recommendations.”
La Sierra University (LSU), a Seventh- The maximum term granted for According to the AAA handbook:
day Adventist-owned educational insti- accreditation is five years, Lisa Beards- “Through the accreditation process, the
tution in Riverside, California, received a ley-Hardy, director of education for the institution demonstrates how it aligns
three-year accreditation through 2016, Seventh-day Adventist world church its efforts and resources to provide the
following a vote by the Adventist Accred- and chair of the AAA board, said. The best academic education possible—
iting Association (AAA) board, which met three-year accreditation was granted while also nurturing faith in God and
Wednesday, October 9, in Silver Spring, following an April 2013 AAA commit- preparing students for positions of
Maryland. tee’s report of “good progress” by La leadership in their communities and
Formally known as the Accrediting Sierra administrators in addressing churches. The accreditation process
Association of Seventh-day Adventist items brought to their attention during helps the institution accomplish these
Schools, Colleges, and Universities, the a 2010 AAA site visit. The AAA action goals.”
AAA is the denominational accrediting Wednesday also specified that another The accreditation issue—which
authority for all tertiary and graduate “focused visit”—the terms of which includes denominational recognition by
educational programs and institutions Beardsley-Hardy did not specify— the church and qualifies a school for
owned by Seventh-day Adventist would take place after the first year of denominational appropriations—arose
Church entities. The organization meets the new accreditation term. following a two-year controversy over
twice each year to receive reports and The La Sierra accreditation decision La Sierra’s teachings on origins. Begin-
take actions to certify the uniquely Ad- was made after “a thorough and careful ning in 2009, critics—including some
ventist identity of the church’s 112 deliberation,” Beardsley-Hardy said. She church leaders, laypersons, and LSU
institutions of higher learning. Colleges also expressed “optimism that they students—claimed that the school
and universities are typically accredited [La Sierra] will continue to make taught the theory of evolution to biol-
for specified periods of time, and 25 progress.” ogy students as the explanation for the
institutions were considered at the Commenting on the action, La origin of life (see Adventist Review, Apr.
October 9 meeting. Sierra University president Randal R. 15, 2010, http://bit.ly/1dQ JcEw). n

8 ( 1 0 3 2 ) | www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013


■ ■Philippines
Outpouring of Prayer and Support in
Wake of Devastating Typhoon
ADRA preparing initial response; GC president Wilson calls for united prayer
BY ADVENTIST NEWS NETWORK staff

Seventh-day Adventists world- urged Adventists worldwide to join him The ADRA Philippines office owns
wide are rallying support and prayers in in “special prayer” for those in the cen- water purifiers, deployed to provide
the wake of what is likely the Philippines’ tral Philippines “who received such a potable water to devastated communi-
worst natural disaster, and one of the devastating blow.” Wilson also led a ties, officials said. A technical support
most powerful recorded typhoons to prayer service for the victims during a team from ADRA Germany is expected to
ever hit land. large rally in Manila on Saturday. assist in the implementation of this
Super Typhoon Haiyan barreled “Certainly this is the time for the Sev- purification system.
across the central islands of the archi- enth-day Adventist Church to show ADRA Philippines is planning to send
pelago beginning November 8, flatten- Christ’s compassion and power to help an appeal for donations to regional
ing entire towns with 195-mph rebuild lives,” Wilson said in a statement ADRA offices around the world. Needs
sustained winds and a massive storm from the Manila International Airport. are “overwhelming,” a news release
surge more often associated with a tsu- ADRA aid crews have been on the from the office said. Emergency funds in
nami, news reports said. ground in the Philippines since last the country are dwindling because of a
With cell towers toppled, widespread week, tracking the typhoon’s antici- series of recent disasters, including
power outages, and roads clogged with pated path and poised for rapid assess- October’s 7.2 magnitude earthquake.
debris, communication—especially to ment, ADRA officials said. Philippine president Benigno Aquino
remote rural areas—remains “very chal- Moises Musico, ADRA program officer declared a “state of calamity” in the
lenging,” according to a situation report and emergency coordinator, stationed in country on November 10. Philippines
from the Adventist Development and Bohol before the typhoon hit on Friday, officials estimate that at least 10,000
Relief Agency (ADRA), the church’s immediately left to assess destruction in people may have died in the storm. If
humanitarian arm. northern Cebu. “The damage we are see- confirmed, it would make Typhoon Hai-
“We are still trying to connect with ing so far is huge and scattered. . . . We yan the country’s worst recorded natu-
our people, pastors, church members, are expecting huge numbers of dam- ral disaster.
and loved ones in the hardest-hit areas,” aged homes and displaced residents,” The Adventist world church expects
said Adelaida Ortilano, ADRA Philip- Musico said after an initial assessment. to contribute funds to relief efforts, Wil-
pines office coordinator. ADRA’s emergency management team son said. As news of the super typhoon
General Conference president Ted N. is focusing on northern Cebu, Bohol, spread, Seventh-day Adventist congre-
C. Wilson, in Manila for the church’s and Iloilo, where aid workers are pre- gations around the world already began
Southern Asia-Pacific Division year-end paring to distribute shelter, food, and a response. In Vancouver, British
meetings when the typhoon struck, clean water. Columbia, Canada, the Vancouver Fili-
pino Seventh-day Adventist Church held
a special prayer service November 9, and
was visited by local media.
“Most of my family is there where the
photo: Moises Musico/ADRA Philippines
photo : M oises M usico/ADRA P hilippines

typhoon path is. The last time I heard


from them was just when the typhoon
hit. I have not heard from them today. I
am worrying, I am praying for them and
I hope that all of them are OK,” Vancou-
ver Filipino Adventist Church member
Johanna Trinidad told the Canada-based
DEVASTATION: A family sifts through SEEKING SHELTER: Survivors attempt to
build a temporary shelter from debris after Global News service. n
what is left of their home after super-
typhoon Yoland hit Northern Cebu super-typhoon Yolanda devastated parts —with additional reporting by Adventist
of the central Philippines. Review staff

www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013 | ( 1 0 3 3 ) 9


World News & Perspectives

■ ■WORLD CHURCH
Annual Council Ends With Flurry of

photo : Ansel O liver /Adventist N ews N etwork


Administrative, Ministry Actions
BY ELIZABETH LECHLEITNER, Adventist News Network

Deacons and deaconesses in the by former Biblical Research Institute


Seventh-day Adventist Church—a force director Ángel Manuel Rodríguez and
of 700,000 who support church activi- written by an international team of Ad-
ties worldwide, particularly in congre- ventist Bible scholars. CHANGES PROPOSED: Adventist Church
gations lacking a full-time pastor—will Andreasen said the new commentary undersecretary Myron Iseminger intro-
now be supported by the church’s Min- would deepen readers’ understanding duced several suggested policy adjust-
isterial Association, thanks to an Octo- of biblical themes, going section by sec- ments at Annual Council on October 16,
ber 16 vote by Annual Council tion rather than verse by verse. Verses, 2013.
delegates. he explained, were not added to the
The move was one of several actions Bible until later, making thematic study ence. “This is a huge accomplishment.
taken on the final day of the yearly gath- of the Scriptures essential. Congratulations and blessings.”
ering of Seventh-day Adventist leaders Delegates each received a printed Delegates also approved the reorgani-
from around the world, held this year in sample of selected portions of the com- zation of the Kenya Union Mission into
Silver Spring, Maryland. mentary. The General Conference is two union conferences—the East Kenya
Jonas Arrais, associate secretary for assisting Andrews University in fund- Union Conference and West Kenya
Elders and Ministerial Training, asked ing the project. Union Conference. Similarly, the Tanza-
delegates to officially place deacons and During the meeting, GC president Ted nia Union Mission will split into the
deaconesses under the auspices of the N. C. Wilson took to the microphone to North Tanzania Union Conference and
association, which already supports draw attention to the “distinction” the South Tanzania Union Mission.
church pastors and local elders. between church and institutional struc- Delegates also voted to grant union
Arrais explained that fewer than ture. Some church entities, he said, now mission status to the North East Congo
30,000 pastors oversee the Adventist use the title “vice president for finance” Attached Territory. All reorganizations
world church’s 140,000 congregations. instead of the traditional “treasurer.” will go into effect by December 31,
The church’s 250,000 elders are often Similarly, he said, some church adminis- allowing the newly created administra-
recognized—rightfully so—as surro- trators now favor “vice president for tive units to send delegates to the 2015
gate pastors, he said, but the work of administration” over “secretary.” General Conference session.
the church’s 700,000 deacons and dea- “This is not as it should be. Please use Earlier in the week, Annual Council
conesses often goes unacknowledged the correct nomenclature,” Wilson said. delegates also voted to receive a state-
and unsupported. “When you use the other nomenclature, ment from the recent International
“When Jesus came to earth, He came you are setting up a presidential system. Urban Mission Conference, in which the
to serve. The ministry of Jesus as a ser- Within the church, we report to the church pledged to make significant
vant is the model for the ministry of Executive Committee, not the president. efforts to reach large cities, particularly
deacons and deaconesses,” Arrais said. We work in consultation.” those without a Seventh-day Adventist
“They have a deep spirit of service. We Later delegates approved several presence. The statement calls for a
need to recognize, we need to value, the reorganization requests from local “twice-yearly reporting and assessment
work of these volunteers.” church administrative units. The Indian system that informs the church about
Delegates approved the request Ocean Union Mission and Botswana urban mission objectives, activities, and
unanimously. Union Mission will each become union progress.”
At the meeting, Andrews University conferences, a move that recognizes Delegates this week also celebrated
president Niels-Erik Andreasen intro- self-sufficiency in leadership and the success of the Great Controversy
duced a new Bible commentary to be finances. Project, an initiative to distribute copies
published by the university’s press in “It hasn’t been easy to gain union of The Great Controversy, authored by Ad-
2015. The commentary is a companion conference status in some parts of the ventist Church cofounder Ellen G.
to the previously released Andrews Study world,” said Pardon Mwansa, a general White. More than 142 million copies
Bible, Andreasen said. It is being edited vice president of the General Confer- have been distributed since the initia-

10 ( 1 0 3 4 ) | www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013


tive launched in 2011. ily, from Brazil. “We understand that testimony will be useful to many broth-
Many people joined the Adventist this is only the beginning of a new life,” ers and sisters who have not yet realized
Church through the initiative, including said dos Santos, who addressed dele- the infinite love of God.” n
Marcelo Pereira dos Santos and his fam- gates from the stage. “I hope my life and —additional reporting by Mark A. Kellner

■ ■WORLD CHURCH
Ten Years On,
Adventist
Church’s Hope
Channel Claims
Global Victories
New Philippines channel
launched during Annual
Council report
PHOTO: Brandan Roberts /A NN

BY MARK A. KELLNER, news editor

Devir Magaad uses his own strength


to operate a pedicab—a tricycle with a
large seat for passengers and cargo—
PHILIPPINES EXPANSION: Alberto C. Gulfan, president of the church’s Southern Asia-
through the streets of Cagayan de Oro Pacific Division, explains the plans for Hope Channel Philippines to Hope Channel execu-
City, capital of the southern province of tives Kandus Thorp, vice president for programming and international development,
Mindanao in the Republic of the Philip- center, and Brad Thorp, Hope Channel president.
pines. For that arduous work he makes
perhaps US$5 per day. tenth anniversary of Hope Channel’s grams are bringing results, he added,
Although Magaad is not yet a mem- launch, which took place at the 2003 quoting Erton Köhler, South American
ber of the Seventh-day Adventist yearly business meeting, and witnessed Division president: “Every week, thou-
Church, he was so inspired by the Ad- the formal launch of the Philippines’ sands of people come into Adventist
ventist message and the potential for station. churches because of the Hope
Christian television via a new Hope Brad Thorp, Hope Channel president, Channel.”
Channel Philippines, that he’s commit- recalled “a history of miracles” in the But it was the story of the Philip-
ted to donate 50 Philippine pesos, about course of developing the network. In pines opening that likely had the most
US$1.16, weekly to help the outreach the past few years Germany adjusted its emotional impact on the Annual Coun-
grow. broadcast standards to allow “single cil audience. The three Seventh-day Ad-
“I’m here to willingly give my dona- point-of-view” religious stations to ventist Church unions in the country,
tion,” Magaad says to a camera filming operate in the nation, something that along with the Southern Asia-Pacific
his visit to a Seventh-day Adventist hadn’t been possible in more than six Division, headquartered near Manila,
Church office. “I feel so happy to help decades. Thorp noted that Hope Chan- have established three media centers to
the Lord’s work.” nel Germany was the first such station serve production needs. However,
That spirit, augmented by the com- licensed by the government there. A licenses and related costs had to be
mitment of millions around the globe, similar license was approved in Bul- met, a total, division president Alberto
has propelled Hope Channel, a General garia, and an application is pending in C. Gulfan said, of 520 million Philip-
Conference-owned network now con- Russia, he added. pine pesos, or approximately US$12
sisting of 15 different satellite and Hope has added service for the Mid- million. Broadcast licenses have
broadcast operations spanning the dle East/North Africa region, India and already been obtained for five of the
globe and using a dozen or more lan- China, Thorp said. The organization nation’s largest cities, and 36 more
guages. Delegates to the 2013 Annual now has 65,000 hours of programming applications are due to be filed, Thorp
Council heard a report celebrating the available for broadcast. And such pro- added.

www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013 | ( 1 0 3 5 ) 11


World News & Perspectives

Thus was born a campaign to get about 46 cents U.S., every Sabbath for the “When I first saw that [video] clip,”
100,000 of the Philippine’s 1 million Sev- next five years. It is to this campaign that Thorpe said, “I wept. This is the vision
enth-day Adventists to pledge 20 pesos, pedicab driver Magaad is donating. of taking the gospel to the cities.” n

■ ■north america
Kenyan Adventist Wins NYC Marathon’s
Women’s Section
Also, Colorado Adventists raise funds for vulnerable children

Photo : Courtesy of David K ennedy and Scott Miller


Seventh-day Advent-
ists played several roles in
the 2013 INC New York City
Marathon on November 3,
2013. A Kenyan Adventist
photo : A P/ Kath y W illens

won the women’s division of


the race, along with a U.S.
$500,000 prize.
Also, two Adventists from
Colorado ran to help vulner- Need caption head: Priscah Jeptoo (center) a GOING THE DISTANCE: David Kennedy
able children around the Seventh-day Adventist from Kenya, poses with (right) and Scott Miller ran the New York
world. fellow competitors after winning the women’s City Marathon to raise money for vulnera-
Kenyan Priscah Jeptoo not title at the New York City Marathon on November ble children. They attend the Newday Sev-
3. Jeptoo is a member of the Adventist Athletic enth-day Adventist Church in Parker, Colo-
only participated in her first Association in Kenya.
rado, where Kennedy is the pastor.
New York City Marathon
that day, but also finished
first, with a time of 2:25:07. She crossed the line 49 seconds way they are able to transform a community through child
ahead of the second-place women’s finisher, Buzunesh sponsorship. When we were invited to run the New York
Deba. With the victory, Jeptoo earned the World Marathon City Marathon to raise awareness and money for child pro-
Majors women’s title, and the $500,000 bonus that comes tection, it was a win-win—support a fantastic organization
with it. that does incredible work rescuing and protecting vulnera-
Jeptoo’s church pastor, Noah Kipkoeth Chumo, says that ble children, and get to run one of the most epic marathons
the church prayed for her. “We are very thankful for Priscah. in the world.” 

She and her husband are very dedicated and committed to The 32-member Team World Vision collectively raised
the church.” Chumo explains that Jeptoo’s husband has more than $208,000, with donations still coming in. Ken-
been called to be a deacon in the church next year, adding nedy exceeded his personal fund-raising goal of $6,100, and
that “when she comes back from New York, we will have a finished the race in 3:44:52. Miller exceeded his goal of
special celebration.” $5,000, and finished the marathon in 3:43:46. “That money
(Editor’s Note: The January 2014 issue of Adventist World mag- will be used in places such as Bangladesh and Cambodia to
azine will feature a longer report on Jeptoo’s win.) fight child slavery and sex trafficking,” Kennedy said.
Among the 50,000 other enthusiastic runners were David During the race, when things got tough, he said, “We
Kennedy (right), pastor of the Newday Christian Seventh- thought of children in dark places all over the world, and
day Adventist Church in Parker, Colorado, and his friend that gave us motivation to keep running. We were running
and church member Scott Miller. The Coloradans ran with for them.”
Team World Vision to raise awareness of vulnerable chil- World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization
dren worldwide.
 that tackles the causes of poverty and injustice regardless of
Kennedy said, “Our church has worked with World Vision religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. n
for the past 10 years in Rwanda, so we’ve seen firsthand the —reported by Adventist Review staff and Diane Thurber

12 ( 1 0 3 6) | www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013


© terry crews
poem

Lilacs
The sun set slowly a dve n tist l i f e
As the teardrops spilled on Soun d B i te Our children, Judy and Jimmy, were the first grand-
Lilacs she caressed children in the family. My two brothers, Bill and Roy,
In trembling hands.
Theirs had been a marriage to “Anyone can be a were visiting around Christmas and wanted to hear
their prayers at bedtime. At that time, there were two
remember, important things on the children’s minds: our big yel-


A love affair grown sweeter with the
years.
member. But it low cat that had sore, frostbitten ears, and my hus-
band, who was a smoker.

takes a real com-


We’ll soon be climbing mountains hand We all knelt down, and when it was time for Jimmy
in hand to pray, he said, “Dear Jesus, Please help Daddy’s ears
Together was the thought she savored to get well and the kitty to stop smoking.” My brothers


As she pictured sun-filled, glory-morned
tomorrows. mitment to clapped their hands over their mouths until the prayer
was over and they could laugh.
They would see the Master they both
Jesus Christ to
—Genevieve McIntosh, who submitted this prior to
loved passing away in 2012, was from Pensacola, Florida
Together, and would share more com

be a disciple.”
mon joy—
Of things God has prepared
For those who love Him all the way to —Pastor Hal Butman, Berkeley
a dve n tist l i f e
death Springs, West Virginia
And wait with patience We are looking for brief submissions in these
For His blessed return. categories:
—Ritchie Worley, Smithfield, North Carolina Sound Bites (quotes, profound or spontaneous)
Adventist Life (short anecdotes, especially from
the world of adults)
Camp Meeting Memories (150 words or less)
Jots and Tittles (church-related tips)
Please send your submissions to Give & Take, Ad-
ventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring,
MD 20904-6600; fax: 301-680-6638; e-mail:
marank@gc.adventist.org. Please include phone num-
ber, and city and state from which you are writing.

November 21, 2013 | ( 1 0 37 ) 13


Heart and Soul:
Biblical Studies

Dear
Father . . .
A letter marking a changed life
14 ( 1 0 3 8 ) | www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013
BY SYLVIA RENZ
My dear Father, felt good about them. You know me: I The next morning my brothers pulled
When you hold this letter in your was never satisfied with being medio- me out of the cistern. They were still
hands, you will have already greeted my cre. I wanted to reach the very top, and angry. They wanted to get rid of me. For-
brothers and will have heard that I am you mostly supported me in this. The tunately, they did not kill me, but sold
still alive. I know it must be hard to second dream went too far, you said, me to traders. Father, please do not
believe. You saw my coat, ripped and but I did not make it up. It came to me, punish my brothers. They did not know
splattered with blood. You thought I was unbidden, but not undesired (sigh). Yes, what they were doing. They wanted to
dead—torn to pieces by a wild animal. I admit that I was arrogant and vain. But, hurt me, but God used it to shape and bless
But the blood on my coat was not mine. thank God, life has taken care of that. me. After all, that’s what really counts,
A little lamb died, and I am alive. My *** isn’t it, Father?
heart bursts with joy over the thought of How long has it been? Twenty-two The slave traders treated me like live-
seeing you again. I have longed to see years? You also have probably never for- stock. They tied my hands and dragged
you for many years. I wish you would gotten that day. You sent me to look for me along—no use weeping and wailing.
come to me with the whole family. I have my brothers. They had roamed far, seek- They made camp for the night quite
already prepared everything for you: ing fresh pasture for our sheep. After close to our tents. I was so hoping that
houses, herds, stables, and apartments not hearing from them for a long time, one of our shepherds would come along
for the shepherds. Everything is ready, you got worried. I got lost on the way, so and see me. He would have set me free,
and your new home will be in the best it took me a few days to find my broth- and I would have returned to you
part of the country, in Goshen. ers and our herds. immediately. But no! None of our peo-
If you still doubt the news, please step ple were to be seen.
outside your tent. You will see a carriage Then our path led through the moun-
with Pharaoh’s coat of arms. It’s my car-
riage I have sent to you, so you may
I have traveled tains of Seir. Your brother, Esau, lives
there and requires a toll from all the
travel comfortably to Egypt. Lose no time to you so many traveling caravans. But his soldiers did
in departing, because the famine will
last another five years, and I do not want
times in my not recognize me. At first I was bitterly
disappointed and thought God had for-
my family to suffer any longer. Come to thoughts. gotten me. But now I know: I needed to
me in Egypt, and I will take care of you, come to Egypt. And you will also under-
because I am at the source of food. stand why I had to come here.
Father, you must be shaking your head The very sight of me made them ***
right now. Let me explain to you what angry. Maybe they thought I was spying In Egypt one of Pharaoh’s officers
has happened in the past years. on them. I had done it often enough, bought me. Potiphar was the captain of
*** and now I am sad about it, because it the royal bodyguard. He had a big house
But first things first: please forgive my created a wall between us. and many slaves. At first I was given
brothers. I forgave them long ago for But now this wall has been torn humble jobs to do. I took great pains in
what they did to me. Forgive them as down, because we are reconciled to one doing them well. Father, I thank you
well. We were all young and foolish another and have forgiven one another. that I learned to work at home. You
then. They allowed anger to take control So I plead with you: forgive them also. For- taught me to do tasks thoroughly and
of them. They saw your great love for give them for lying to you. They broke conscientiously. And I have felt every
me and were jealous. I was immature your heart when they told you I was day, every hour, that God is close to me.
and boasted with your love, as if I were dead. In reality they dumped me into a I did all my work with God watching
better than they were. Remember, you dry cistern. I thought that would be my over me, and I was successful. Gradu-
made me that special coat with long end; the walls were so steep—I never ally, I gained the trust of my master.
sleeves. It was truly fit for a prince, and I would have been able to get out on my Potiphar promoted me to his personal
wore it with pride. But I didn’t realize own again. That night in the cistern was assistant and left me to manage his
the pain it caused my brothers. They felt terrible! My only consolation was in entire household.
second-best. seeing the stars. They shone unwaver- It was an exciting time! In Potiphar’s
Steve Creitz © www.goodsalt.com

Do you remember the two dreams? I ingly upon me, and I felt as if they were palace I met famous Egyptians, military
dreamed that my brothers’ sheaves calling to me: Do not be afraid. Above the commanders, and officials, because every-
would bow down before my sheaf, and starry sky is a living God. Do not be down- one with name and rank was Potiphar’s
that the sun and moon and 11 stars cast. God sees you. God cares for you. Ini- guest. I stood quietly in the background at
showed me reverence. I didn’t know tially, however, it didn’t seem as though these feasts, but my ears and eyes were
then what those dreams meant, but I God cared. wide open. I learned about politics and

www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013 | ( 1 0 3 9) 15


what’s important in ruling a country. raoh. He needed me to interpret his to you, I would have ruined God’s plan.
All looked well. Unfortunately Poti- dreams. Word had gotten out that I had Imagine if, 22 years ago, I would have
phar’s wife had her own plans. She correctly interpreted the dreams of the managed to escape from the slave trad-
thought she was in love with me. She palace baker and cupbearer. Pharaoh ers and come back home. What would
constantly tried to flirt with me—a was greatly disturbed by two dreams you have done to my brothers? What
slight touch of my hand, a coy look in that God had sent him. And God showed would you have said to them? You
my direction. But I did not give in to her me what He wanted to tell Pharaoh. God wouldn’t have changed them. They
advances. Could I disappoint God or warned the king about a devastating would have hardened their hearts even
deceive my master, who trusted me? seven-year-long famine. However, the more against you and me—and God.
One day she laid a trap for me, and harvests in the seven years preceding And later on, if I had run away from
when I refused, she screamed for help the famine would be abundant. Potiphar and returned to Canaan, we
and accused me hysterically of wanting I suggested to Pharaoh that grain would all be dead by now—starved to
to rape her. She put on a great act, but I should be stored up in these plentiful death. I sensed that I had to wait longer.
am not sure that Potiphar believed her. years. Then we would have enough for I wanted God’s go-ahead, the right time
However, he had to watch his reputa- the years of hardship that would lie for our family to be reunited.
tion, so he had me arrested and put into ahead. ***
prison. Not the prison for common Surprisingly, he liked my suggestion. When my brothers came, I recognized
criminals, but the prison for political Not only that, he appointed me as his them immediately. They bowed down
prisoners. second in command. Pharaoh realized before me, showed their respect, and
that God sometimes speaks through suddenly I saw my two dreams again.
me. He Yes, they were being fulfilled before my
even gave me a new name: Zaphenath- eyes. I knew that God had led me to
paneah, which in Egyptian means “God Egypt so that I could keep you all alive!
speaks, he is alive.” Would you have At first my brothers were afraid of
ever believed it possible that the most me. I was very strict with them. I had to
powerful ruler of the world would rec- find out if they had changed. I cannot
ognize the Creator-God? I still have a gang of robbers and violent men
marvel at it. in the country. As the second in com-
The people in Egypt have been very mand of the country of Egypt, I cannot
diligent. In the seven years that the har- allow my family to cause scandals. You
vests were plentiful, they brought so must understand that.
many sacks of grain to the storehouses I put them to the test, and I know
that we stopped counting them. Today now that they too have grown. They are
everyone is glad that we have these pro- no longer jealous or spiteful; quite the
visions. Not only Egyptians buy the opposite. They look out for one another
grain; many people come to us from and stick together. Would you believe
Canaan, and I am glad that I provide so that your fourth son, Judah, even
many people with food, even our family. offered his life in exchange for Benja-
*** min’s? But I will tell you that story
Maybe you are asking yourself: another time.
“Joseph, you could have contacted me Now get ready, Father, and come in
long ago. Why didn’t you send me a the carriage that I sent you. Don’t pack
message? Why do I only hear today that anything; you will get the best of every-
you are alive and have become a power- thing that Egypt has to offer. Just come
*** ful man in Egypt?” quickly, for I cannot wait any longer, my
The first few months were hard, but Father, I have traveled to you so many dear Father! I want to finally hold you
before long the prison master figured times in my thoughts. I have dreamed in my arms.
out how he could make life easier for so often of putting my arms around Your Joseph n
himself. He began giving me more and your neck and crying on your chest! But
more responsibility. I had free access to what would have happened if I had just Sylvia Renz works for the
the political prisoners. At that time I come and stood outside your tent? German Voice of Prophecy in
learned even more about politics, diplo- I have written many papyrus sheets— Alsbach-Hähnlein, Germany. She
macy, and the intrigues at court. only to discard them immediately. I felt is an accomplished author and
I spent more than two years in prison, that it was still too soon for us to be has published numerous books
when suddenly I was taken before Pha- reunited. If I had been in a hurry to come for children and adults.

16 ( 1 0 4 0) | www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013


Cliff’s Edge

“This Gospel”
Again and again Scripture authenticates itself, giving us more
reasons to trust it, even the parts that present a reality so much grander than the narrow parameters a
rationalistic twenty-first-century worldview easily allow.
The text in question is so familiar that we often overlook the powerful validation of faith it presents.
Speaking with His disciples a few days before the cross, Jesus opens to them world events leading to the
Second Coming. Amid it all He says, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world
as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:14).
Reading the text now—with Christianity having more adherents than any other faith, and a presence
in most every country—we can easily forget what a bold, even daring prediction this was when spoken,
or decades later when recorded.
For starters, when Jesus made that prediction, what was the status of the “this gospel,” not in
terms of being spread into “all the world” but in terms of simply being understood? At that
point, who but the Godhead knew the plan of salvation? Even those who might have had an
inkling about what the sacrifices pointed to surely didn’t expect a crucified and risen Messiah.
One powerful argument in favor of the resurrection of Jesus is that no one would have con-
cocted the story of the resurrection, because no one expected a crucified and risen Mes-
siah, especially one dying as atonement for the world’s sins. Then, even after Jesus gave
His followers 40 more days of instruction, some would ask before His ascension, “Lord,
are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6), which shows that
“this gospel” wasn’t fully understood by those He called to spread it.
Also, how many were believers in Jesus when He first spoke those words? Perhaps a few thou-
sand Jews throughout the Jewish nation and some scattered Gentiles, an insignificant number in
contrast to the world’s millions. When Jesus made that prediction, Judas hadn’t yet turned Him
in, nor did He yet face the reaction of His followers at His arrest: “Then everyone deserted him
and fled” (Mark 14:50). Hardly an auspicious beginning of a movement whose message was to be Cliff
heralded worldwide.
Besides the wrath and opposition from other Judeans, the early church would soon be hated, Goldstein
hunted, and persecuted by Rome, the greatest power the world had seen to that time. In the
ensuing centuries the empire tried to eradicate this Jewish sect arising from the troublesome
province of Judea. When Rome couldn’t eradicate Christianity, it co-opted it instead, and “this gospel,”
with scattered exceptions, all but vanished for more than a millennium. And unless you call the Crusades
or the attempted forced conversion of the Jews (often under the threat of death) “evangelism,” the gospel
hadn’t made a whole lot of progress outside the European continent in the sense of fulfilling Jesus’ bold
first-century prediction about it.
Then, of course, with the Protestant Reformation “this gospel” was rediscovered. But it took a few more
centuries before the great missionary movements began to spread it worldwide. Today Christianity in one form
or another is the world’s largest religion, and its adherents can be found in most every country. Seventh-day
Adventists have established work in 209 of 233 countries recognized by the United Nations, making the church
perhaps the most widespread Protestant denomination in the world. And though many areas that need mission
work remain, with today’s technology it’s not hard to imagine “this gospel” being proclaimed everywhere.
Again, think back almost 2,000 years ago with Jesus, surrounded by a handful of followers in a world that
not only had never heard of Him, but was often hostile when it did. Nevertheless, He made an exceedingly
implausible prediction that, though taking long centuries, is coming true. We have been privileged in seeing
a prediction all but fulfilled, which earlier generations of Christians would have had to take only as a great
leap of faith.
Thus with all the other solid reasons for belief in Jesus, we can add Matthew 24:14, powerful evidence for
rational, twenty-first-century minds regarding truths that go far beyond rationality itself. n

Clifford Goldstein is editor of the Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide. He is also featured on the Web site 1844made
simple.org.

www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013 | ( 1 0 4 1 ) 17


Cover

From Clicktivist
BY JANELLE COLLINS

M
aybe you’ve seen
them—those Facebook
posts beseeching view-
ers to read a story or
look at a picture. Most
of the time the photo or text evokes
empathy, and for a moment we are
moved to action—to donate by clicking
here or to offer a quick prayer before
scrolling further. Some causes even
send donors gift boxes that include
such items as T-shirts and bumper
stickers. Awareness and activism, how-
ever, are not synonymous concepts.
In a time of information overload,
most of us are aware of the suffering
millions of people experience, both
locally and globally. While there are
some who have become comfortable
with the idea that texting a $10 dona-
tion to a humanitarian organization
will suffice, Adventist young adults
today are taking the great commission
of “Go ye therefore” to heart.
P hoto : Courtesy of Luther W hiting

Days of Our Youth


Steve Erich, a senior business admin-
istration major at Andrews University,
felt a call to serve while in high school.
“During my senior year, Rio Lindo Acad-
emy sent a group of students on a mis-
sion trip to India. At the end of the trip because of this. There’s been a rise in what I love,” he says. “The important
we spent a couple days in Kolkata. There organizations offering petitions that thing is not to plan to do something in
I was first introduced to International can easily be signed online,” he the future, but to begin doing it now.”
Justice Mission—an organization that observed. “Now a petition with 1,000
works alongside local lawmakers and signatures is seen as quite small and Hands-on
police to enforce antihuman trafficking weak, and it needs 50,000 or even Javier Melendez, also an Andrews
laws in countries all around the world 100,000 in order to be noticed.” University student double-majoring in
that struggle with this issue,” Erich Erich, who currently serves as opera- social work and young adult ministry,
recalled. tions manager for the Stoplight Project,1 lives a similar hands-on philosophy. “I
While Erich believes social media is believes his opportunity to be an agent don’t think any type of social media can
an ideal way to promote humanitarian for change starts while he is young. “The really convey the true reality people face
causes, he understands that it can also past five years have shaped me and are when swallowed up by injustice. It’s
hinder people from truly being active. now propelling me outward. Without my something that we have to witness and
“It can give people the false impression experiences volunteering and advocating experience ourselves, which means
that they are helping. Recent terms such for justice during this time, I would not spending time with the people who are
as slacktivist or clicktivist have popped up have the opportunities I have now to do being oppressed,” he says. Melendez is

18 ( 1 0 42 ) | www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013


currently involved in a project in Ben- to change their circumstances.” Crum-
ton Harbor, Michigan, to help the ley, who graduated with a degree in
impoverished Hispanic community intercultural communication and Span-
SURVEYING THE WORK: Southern
Adventist University graduate connect with resources that will assist ish, looks forward to her two-year ser-
Luther Whiting surveys a project site them with moving out of poverty—and vice in the Peace Corps. “I get the feeling
in Afghanistan on horseback. he hopes to do much more. that I’m going to find a whole new host
“I plan to get certified to teach the of causes and connections.”
Bridges Out of Poverty2 and the Getting For Crumley, activism isn’t just some-
Ahead3 framework so that I can help thing to do—it comes from a basic
bridge the gap between different eco- human desire. “I think there’s an under-
nomic classes. As I learn more about the lying spiritual need to connect and con-
issues of poverty, I’m starting to find tribute to humanity. To see the point of
my passion and niche.” activism, I have to believe in the fact that
Melendez also wants to share his I can do something that matters. . . . You
desire for service. “I would like to see also have to believe that we have a
others find their passions and niches as responsibility to improve our world.”
well. I encourage people to find that
thing that makes their stomach turn, to Lifetime Activist
find whatever injustice they are unable Luther Whiting was a business
to watch, so that they can take a stand administration major at Southern Ad-
and fight.” ventist University when he began a non-
profit organization called Noshaq. “I
A Full Commitment started my nonprofit in Afghanistan
Shanna Crumley, a recent graduate of because I couldn’t have imagined any
Pacific Union College, labeled herself a other reaction to the horrific things I
“passive” giver, but recently discovered witnessed there while interning for
she could do more than simply give ADRA in the country’s Central High-
money. “I felt it wasn’t enough. It was lands,” Whiting said of the organization
helping from a distance, from inside a he founded at the age of 19.
bubble of convenience. But I wanted to be Whiting realized that social media
more actively involved in the causes I sup- could be an asset if used correctly. “I
ported.” After years of halfhearted service, used social networking to raise aware-
Crumley decided it was time for her to ness and financial support for our orga-
commit more fully to making a difference. nization,” he says, adding that he
“I decided to apply to the Peace employed pictures and multimedia pre-
Corps4 after I spent last summer with sentations to spread the word about his
ADRA (Adventist Development and organization, and also went on speaking
Relief Agency) Argentina.5 My time with tours. Whiting was featured in newspa-
ADRA was a turning point, both person- pers, local TV ads, and even held a fund-
ally and professionally. I got hooked on raising event.
a different kind of development, the Whiting believes that there’s no bet-
kind that empowers and enables people ter time to serve than when a person is

to Activist
Today’s youth aren’t
sitting on the sidelines.

www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013 | ( 1 0 43 ) 19


young. “Your years as a student place adventures await me, or if Afghanistan dents use social media. “Today’s social-
you in an ideal incubator for acting on will reenter my life. But I sincerely hope media generation can accomplish
your dreams. You’re surrounded by a that service will remain a prominent grassroots movements that have a huge
large network of fellow young people to part of my life and career.” impact in a very short amount of time,”
plan, scheme, and dream with,” he says. he says. “The opportunities that social
“To miss out on service involvement A Generation of Doers media provide to get the word out, to
during school is to miss the stop to one Paddy McCoy, the campus chaplain of fund-raise, and to promote causes . . .
of life’s most epic adventures.” Walla Walla University, believes that the are quite astounding.”
Though Noshaq is no longer active, young people he encounters in his min- McCoy believes that younger and
Whiting—now a staff assistant for U.S. istry are far more passionate than older generations can work together to
Senator Susan Collins (Maine)—hopes they’re given credit for. “I see a very bring a message to those who need it.
to continue being involved in the causes active group of young adults who want “If others can help them see how and
closest to his heart. “I don’t know what to do something and get their hands where to help and meet the greatest
dirty.  Sure, there are those who feel that needs, then they are willing to do
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Andrews as long as they donate here or there it. They also need help knowing how
University Business Administration they’ve given their service. But by and best to take the good-news message to
major Steve Erich (left), who also large, this generation is waiting to be let other places,” he said.
serves as operations manager for the loose,” he said. “They are not a compla- Sharon Pittman has found much of
Stoplight Project to help end human
cent generation.” the same attitude in her work with
trafficking, discusses program strate-
gies with other members of the non- In his many years of youth ministry young adults. She is director of the
profit organization. McCoy has witnessed a change that he newly minted Master of Global Com-
describes as “incredible” in how stu- munity Development program at South-
ern Adventist University,6 “Engaging
students in mission-focused ministries
is an ‘easy sell,’ Pittman says. “They see
the often harsh and hurting world and
are highly motivated and looking for
opportunities to make a difference. As
an Adventist professor, my job is to link
their passion and skills to opportuni-
ties to engage in sustainable service
learning ministries.”
Pittman’s own involvement in service
Photo : Austin Ho

began at an early age. “As a missionary


kid growing up in Pakistan, where my
parents work at our Seventh-day Ad-

Developing a New Skill—No matter

Benefits of your professional field, volunteering can


provide access to a whole new set of skills.

Volunteering From technology to conservation methods,


volunteering offers a wide range of oppor-
INFORMATION COMPILED BY JANELLE COLLINS tunities for you to grow your skill set or use
what you already know in new ways.
There’s nothing quite like giving back. Whether Meeting New People—After a few
it’s volunteering at a soup kitchen or going on a years in the same town, industry, or church,
your social circle becomes set. Volunteering
short-term mission trip, lending your time to care can introduce you to new groups of people
for others is part of our God-given mission. And and is a good opportunity to meet others
there are personal plusses as well. Here are five outside your faith. This offers the opportu-
nity to witness to those you otherwise
benefits of giving back:* wouldn’t meet.

20 ( 1 0 4 4 ) | www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013


ventist hospital, I often came to school
to find that mothers had abandoned Organizations Looking for Volunteers
sick and dying babies during the night,”
she recalls. “Early on, I was impacted by Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA): .............................www.adra.org
the idea that the life of each child of God
Adventist Volunteer Service (AVS): ................................. www.adventistvolunteers.org
is precious, whether young or old.”
These early experiences led her to pur- Adventist Community Services (ACS): .............................www.communityservices.org
sue a life of service to help instill that Maranatha Volunteers International: ............................................ www.maranatha.org
same passion in others. “I have always Volunteer Match: . ............................................................................. www.volunteermatch.org
dreamed that one day I could start a United Way: ..................................................................................................... www.unitedway.org
graduate program where people who He Said Go: ................................................................................ www.hesaidgo.net
desired to do so could learn to build
Adventist Mission: . ........................................................................www.adventistmission.org
skills to help others.”
The Southern Adventist University Habitat for Humanity: . ...................................................................................www.habitat.org
masters program combines faith-based Adventist Frontier Missions: . ................................................................ www.afmonline.org
studies with development strategies to
help students learn how they can make
the biggest impact in their communities online ministry instead of online shop- Janelle Collins recently
and around the world. ping. Christianity in North America, by Need graduated with a degree in
and large, has a bad reputation. But journalism from Andrews
Pix
Go Light Your World when Christians get involved and love University. She wrote this
Pittman believes that activism is a way others, that bad rep begins to change. article while a 2013 summer
to fight off our natural propensity toward That’s what I’m living and working for.” intern for Adventist Review.
selfishness. “It is easy to be self-absorbed There’s a demand for change in the
and internally focused,” she says. “Shar- world, and it should be the burden of
ing a biblical model for abundant life Christians to meet that need. These LEARNING FIRSTHAND: Javier
requires that we set aside our selfishness young adults have made it their aim to do Melendez poses with a boy he met
to reach out and care for the long haul.” more than donate funds or share a Face- while serving in Madagascar in
2013.
McCoy shares a similar view when it book photo: they’re spreading a message
comes to setting aside self for the good of healing and restoration to a dying
of others. “We make the time for all world. n

Photo : Courtesy of Javier M elendez


sorts of things we believe to be a prior- 1 
http://thestoplightproject.org.
ity. I’m just wondering what would 2 
www.bridgesoutofpoverty.com.
happen if once a week we got involved 3 
www.gettingahead.org.
in our community for an hour instead
4 
www.peacecorps.gov.
5 
www.adra.org.
of watching TV, or if we supported an 6 
https://www.southern.edu/gcd.

Gaining a Sense of Achievement— Teaching Opportunities—Not everyone LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE:


Even if you enjoy your work, it’s still a job is able to teach in a classroom setting, but Shanna Crumley, who recently gradu-
and earns a paycheck. But giving your time that doesn’t mean you can’t be a teacher. ated from Pacific Union College with
a degree in Intercultural Communica-
to something you aren’t being paid for and Hundreds of nonprofit organizations offer tion and Spanish, describes her sum-
seeing the joy it brings others can create a volunteers the opportunity to mentor kids. mer working for ADRA Argentina as a
sense of accomplishment that can be far Through these programs you can pass on turning point that led her to commit
more satisfying than simply earning wages. your practical skills as well as general life les- more fully to mission service.
Exploring New Career Options—School sons, blessing others with your acquired
isn’t the only place to discover career pas- knowledge. This can encourage youth you
sions. Volunteering for a nonprofit organiza- come in contact with to “pay it forward”­­—
tion can help you discover new interests and and volunteer when they get older too.
P hoto: Courtesy of Shanna Crumley

explore other fields you may never have con- * Sources: www.unitedway.org/take-action/benefits-
sidered. If you’re thinking about a career of-volunteering and www.worldvolunteerweb.org/
change, volunteering can be a perfect open- resources/how-to-guides/volunteer/doc/benefits-of-
volunteering.html.
ing to see what else is out there.

www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013 | ( 1 0 45 ) 21


Devotional

By DAVID B. SMITH AND LONNIE MELASHENKO

I
HIGHE
t happened 50 years ago this month: National Tragedy
perhaps one of the most wrenching Now, on a crushing Friday afternoon,
flights in the history of aviation. Swindal had to take off from Dallas
for the worst two-hour-and-eighteen-
Air Force One minute flight of his life. The last hour
Jim Swindal was the pilot of a Boeing on the ground had been pure agony for
707 with the tail number 26000. The Swindal and everybody else: a hot, per- Jackie Kennedy was one of the few
Secret Service called it “Angel,” but most spiring delay while Lyndon Johnson who did participate. “Three years in the
of the world knew it simply as Air Force waited for Texas judge Sarah Hughes to White House,” Manchester states, “had
One. It was John F. Kennedy’s flagship air- drive out to the airport and swear in the given [Jackie] an abiding respect for her
craft, loaded with elegance and $2 million new chief executive. There in the tail husband’s office. She understood the
worth of high-tech hardware. It featured area of Air Force One was a large coffin, symbols of authority, the need for some
offices equipped with electric typewriters, a Britannia model, solid bronze. Kenne- semblance of national majesty after the
and carried subscriptions to 15 maga- dy’s bullet-riddled remains were in it. disaster, and so she came.” In the
zines and five daily newspapers. Its presi- Kennedy loyalists and Johnson staffers famous black-and-white photo by Cecil
dential bedroom, catering to times when filled the plane, sick to the soul as they Stoughton of Johnson being sworn in,
the chief executive had to cross many time grappled with painful tragedy and awk- the widow of John Kennedy is standing
zones all at once, included a special bed ward transition, as one administration right next to him.*
with a mattress designed for Kennedy’s ended and the other one began, in the
bad back. sticky humidity of the 707 with the dis- Flight
Colonel Jim Swindal had already logged connected air-conditioning. Then at 2:47 in the afternoon, CST, Air
some 75,000 miles on Air Force One in a William Manchester’s standout book, Force One lifted off from Love Field. Just
little more than a year since its commis- The Death of a President, helps us focus: three hours and nine minutes earlier
sioning. He was dedicated and loyal, both Who should participate? Who should be the plane had touched down for a victo-
to the presidency and to this thirty-fifth in the picture as Lyndon Johnson is rious parade. Spirits had been high; cel-
president, John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Ear- sworn in? LBJ had already expressed in a ebration and sunshine and confetti
lier in 1963 he had flown his hero to Ger- general announcement to the whole were in the air. Now nothing but dark-
many for the president’s famous “Ich bin plane: “If anybody wants to join in in the ness and tears.
ein Berliner” speech. swearing-in ceremony, I would be happy Air Force One is the most secure plane
and proud to have you.” But Swindal in the world. Every trip is exceptionally
and many others were simply too grief- guarded in terms of its flight path. The
stricken to join in. Their president was plane zigs and zags, taking unorthodox
lying in the box. routes for utmost secrecy. On the ground

22
EST FLIGHT EVER flight, and not even Swindal’s breath-
Soaring higher than taking 41,000 feet. But a trip that lifts us
free from every last trace of this world’s
Air Force One ugliness and hate, a trip beyond the
stars. Jesus promises us, “In my Father’s
Secret Service agents track its every move; from it all. He wanted to lift him higher house are many mansions. . . . I go to prepare
people stationed in unmarked cars along than he’d ever been before, remove him a place for you. And if I go and prepare a
the route visually confirm its passage from the pain of earth, the danger of bul- place for you, I will come again, and receive
overhead. And this flight carried the dead lets and snipers and angry posters and you unto myself; that where I am, there ye
body of the former president and also the cruel editorials. And so he did. In all his may be also” (John 14:2, 3, KJV).
new president. There was no backup, no life, Kennedy had never been so far above Paul knew much about assassinations;
vice vice president. And 26000 had no earth before; the 707 roared toward the in fact, his own life ended tragically. But
military escort for this trip. On the stars, climbing at the incredible rate of in 1 Thessalonians he writes about how
ground below, the Pentagon put Air Force 4,000 feet per minute. Swindal didn’t we’ll soon be lifted up, caught up in the
bases on standby alert, with pilots level off until they were at 41,000 feet, clouds. And then we’ll head out for a
“belted in and ready to go.” approximately eight miles above the celestial journey that takes us far beyond
Captain Swindal had to fly that plane car- scarred world and its miserable Friday. the clouds, to a city that’s the capital of
rying the dead body of his hero. It was the universe. To a city that’s home. It’s a
November, with early sundowns. Flying west long, long way away, and frankly, we
to east to Washington, D.C., Air Force One
was quickly immersed in shadows and then
What a flight want it to be a long, long way away from
earth and sin and death and the endless
in darkness that made the gloom more
unbearable. “It was the sickest plane I’ve ever
that’s going rows of tombstones at Arlington
National Cemetery. God’s angels will
been on,” Mac Kilduff, a Kennedy advisor, to be! gather His children together from the
told people later. But no one seemed to feel it four winds of heaven and lift us up to
as did the captain. Manchester writes: “No meet our Lord in the air (see Mark
aircraft commander had ever been charged Flight—Again 13:27). “And so shall we ever be with the
with so grave a responsibility, yet he won- Fifty years later, our world is just as Lord” (1 Thess. 4:17).
dered whether he could make it to Andrews. horribly scarred and miserable. It still Shout “Hallelujah,” friend of mine.
He was near collapse. ‘It became,’ in his harbors assassins and hurt of every What a flight that’s going to be! n
words, ‘a struggle to continue.’ ” kind. Hate is as cheap as the Internet.
Swindal had clearance to take his Leaders fall to bullets or scandals. Ter- * Quotations from William Manchester, The Death of
a President (London: Pan Books, 1967).
beloved president home at 29,000 feet, a rorists obliterate our tallest buildings
pretty standard level even today. Flights and slaughter our most innocent David B. Smith is the author of
often climb up to these levels to avoid infants, loved ones, and friends. We Finding Waldo and Rachel Marie,
turbulence. But with all that ache in his keep visiting more hospitals, attending stories set in his home country
heart, and with the defiant skyline of more funerals, and standing in more of Thailand.
Dallas just behind him, with all the cemeteries than we ever wanted to. We
hatred of people, the cities, and angry need a Swindal flight. Lonnie Melashenko is a
civilizations just below him, spreading Except that what God’s Word prom- revivalist for the Columbia
out in all directions, Swindal ises is infinitely better. Not Dallas to Union Conference.
wished he could take his Washington, D.C., not a Boeing 707, not
beloved president away two hours and eighteen minutes of

www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013 |( 1 0 47 ) 23


Back to Basics

When Anger Is Sin


Have you ever been the recipient of an evil eye? You know, the look
that is sharper than a dagger and more damaging than a rattlesnake bite? The angry glances intended to kill,
if not the body, at least the spirit? In fact, if looks could kill, we would be a nation of dead men and women
walking, because we are all angry with ourselves or others—some for a lifetime.
We see it in government dysfunction at the national level, in random acts of domestic and societal vio-
lence, and in divisive discourses from the pulpits of so-called Christian churches where pastors malign and
threaten to maim those who believe differently.
However, before we jump on the bandwagon of blaming the other side, let me remind us that this
national behavior is a reflection of the personal brokenness that exists in all our lives today. This broken-
ness results from a disposition of sin inherited by every human born after the Fall (Ps. 51:5), and is
most often manifested in actions that emphasize the belief that “I am my own god.” It has been
perpetuated from generation to generation. As those living in the last days, we have inherited the
cumulative effect of humanity’s repudiation of divine directives for reconciliation.
Condemnation for this disposition of sin comes when the Holy Spirit brings to our attention
the fact that Jesus came to deliver us from it. Yet we refuse to allow Him to do so. From that
moment, followed by persistent rejection, we begin to receive the seal of condemnation. “This is
the verdict,” said Jesus about that critical moment: “Light has come into the world, but people loved
darkness instead of light” (John 3:19).
So where do we go from there? We must immediately decide to let God heal our personal broken-
ness, then obey His divine directives and be reconciled with one another.
In the Beatitudes (Matt. 5:3-12), also known as the Christian Magna Carta and constitution of the
kingdom of God, Jesus told His disciples—then and now—that His kingdom code is deeper and more
personal than the laws of the scribes and Pharisees. For instance, His kingdom code is to honor God,
not just with behaviors that can be observed and measured, but with thoughts, motives, and attitudes,
the unseen evidence of being. Jesus calls us, His followers, to commit ourselves not simply to external
requirements that make it appear as if we are doing the right thing, but to an inner allegiance to His
kingdom code that includes our thoughts, motives, and attitudes toward things such as anger (cf. Matt.
5:21-26).
Jesus didn’t say that anger—the normal, agitated outburst to offenses or reaction to hurt, harm, and
hostility—is a sin. He Himself was angry when He saw how God’s house of prayer had been transformed
into a den of robbers. Hyveth
The apostle Paul, who wrote more about anger than anyone in the New Testament, urged, “In your anger Williams
do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Eph.
4:26, 27). James adds this caveat: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become
angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” (James 1:19, 20).
Here’s the lesson for us today: It’s OK to get angry, but not to let it seethe and simmer until it boils over.
Instead, practice the “go” of reconciliation, because it’s a divine directive (Matt. 5:23, 24). It’s also important
and urgent enough to interrupt our worship of God. This is usually the last thing we want to do, especially
when our pride causes us to assert that divine principles are at stake. But we must be reconciled with one
another because unresolved anger is sin; and like all other sins, it destroys us.
Our lives should be guided by Alma Bazel Androzzo’s classic lyrics:
“If I can do my duty as a Christian ought,
If I can bring back beauty to a world upwrought,
If I can spread love’s message, as the Master taught,
Then my living shall not be in vain.” n

Hyveth Williams teaches homiletics at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary.

www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013 | ( 1 0 49) 25


Adventist Life

Married, but
Alone on the Sabbath
Living with an
BY KATHERINE CAREY

A
manda is a member of a

unbelieving spouse
suburban Seventh-day Ad-
ventist church. It’s Sabbath
afternoon, and she’s
stretched out on her living
room couch reading the Adventist Review.
In the background, her husband, Kevin,
watches an international golf tourna-
ment on television. She sits with her
back to the screen, aware of who is win-
ning because of Kevin’s occasional com-
ments. But she stays immersed in her
reading despite the continuous chatter
of the sports announcer. This is a typical
after-church Sabbath for Amanda.
Ironically, she is reading an article on
Sabbathkeeping. She finds it both amus-
ing and frustrating, because most of the
advice does not fit her life with Kevin,
her unchurched spouse. For 15 years
Amanda has attended church alone—
one of the many “church widows” in an
average North American church. But she
has sisters all around the globe.
We don’t know the percentage, but a
large number of Adventists are married
to nonmembers, and most of them are
women. Although the principles pre-
sented in this article apply to husbands
as well as wives, it will primarily
address women. Church researchers tell
us that the majority of Adventist mem-
bers are women, limiting the number of
men available for marriage.
For such women Sabbathkeeping is a
challenge. It’s most difficult in cultures
in which the female is viewed as having
less equality in the marriage relation-
ship. She may be subject to the whims
and needs of her husband to the point
that Sabbath is like any other day.
Should she refuse to serve him, her life

26 ( 1 0 5 0) | www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013


would be filled with tension, threats, or but almost all religiously split homes intimidating because none of us is a
even abuse. If she is fortunate, she has will face challenges on the Sabbath that perfect human being. Trying to live up
an understanding partner who allows often require some sort of compromise to such a high standard can be a burden
her to attend church, which in some from the ideal. in an environment of conflicting values.
countries can fill the whole day and So how do we reach those lofty, life-
provide spiritual fellowship. The Influence of changing behaviors in a marriage? We
Not all religiously divided homes Spiritual Fruits can’t do so consistently on a daily basis.
involve spouses. We’ve heard stories of A Bible text that many Christian It’s always a struggle, and Sabbathkeep-
children and youth who became Advent- spouses cherish is 1 Corinthians 7:14: ing remains one of its biggest tests. The
ists in spite of uninvolved or even hos- “For the unbelieving husband is sancti- following are some important guide-
tile parents and siblings. Their Sabbaths fied by the wife, and the unbelieving wife lines for working through these diffi-
can be especially tough. In many by the husband” (NKJV).1 A caring and cult issues that this writer has learned
instances their families mistreat them loving spouse sanctifies by influence. from years of experience:
or force them to leave home. These, of The fruits of the Holy Spirit act as a wit- Make prayer and study of the Word a
course, are the extreme cases. Most con- ness to God’s character: love, joy, peace, priority. Prayer opens the mind to the
verts to Adventism forebearance, gentleness, kindness, faith- influence of the Holy Spirit, who
don’t face such overt fulness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22, 23). changes our thoughts and lives in accor-
familial persecution; These spiritual fruits may sound dance with God’s will. But too often we
give in to our selfish desires. When that
happens, it’s important to ask for for-
giveness before the day ends.
Never nag or try to change the other
person. Many homes have broken up
because the believer expects her hus-
band to follow her practices and accept
her ideas. I remember a friend who mar-
ried an agnostic and then pressured
him to give 10 percent of his salary to
her church every Sabbath. Being a kind
man, he did so for a time, but such an
expectation wore out his patience. Why
should he pay to support ideas he
didn’t believe in? The same logic applies
to the husband’s use of his time. How a
believer relates to her spouse on Sab-
bath can be vital to his appreciation for
it in the future.
Linking pleasant memories with Sab-
bath makes it worth anticipating. Pre-
sented as a day for family, children
associate it with happiness—and so can
spouses. Nature trips offer an enjoyable
way to spend Sabbath. But don’t expect
the spouse to talk of religion or avoid
secular conversation; and don’t scold
him for it or any other Sabbath lapse.
Sabbath trips will be remembered by
the family, perhaps forever. Consider an
occasional whole day. It’s not good, how-
ever, to miss church more than a week at a
time, except for vacations. Nonattendance
can become habitual, and the believing
spouse needs church fellowship.
Granted, most entertainment doesn’t
fit the goal of a sanctifying Sabbath, but

www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013 | ( 1 0 5 1 ) 27


we can still find appropriate, creative, organized religion or Christianity. Many
and fun things to do together. do not trust religion because of negative
Worship with others and make last- experiences. Perhaps they grew up in a
ing church friendships. These friends are rigid home in which religion was more
our support group. Sabbathkeeping can toxic than helpful; or it could have been
be done in conjunction with other a home in which religion was either
women who attend alone. An evangelist’s nonexistent or scorned. Many Jewish
wife told me about a group of women in husbands have been raised with a dis-
Russia who worship in the apartment of trust of Christianity. I know a Jewish
a single woman each Sabbath and spend man whose grandmother was forced to
the whole day. This weekly spiritual convert to Catholicism in prewar
retreat avoids the problems of Sabbath- Europe, which left him with a dislike for
keeping at home (if it doesn’t leave the structured religions. We can be knowl-
husband feeling abandoned). Such a edgeable of, and sympathetic to, a
practice may not work everywhere, but it spouse’s experience with religion, and
does offer a unique alternative. respect his feelings.
Never say your spouse is unsaved or Consider compromise. Compromise
believe your marriage is a mistake.2 is not always negative and is necessary acceptance of this fact is one of the
What if your spouse believed you were for peace and respect in homes in which pains in such a relationship.
lost? How would that affect your life husband and wife have differing beliefs.
together? Yet I suspect many wives The Adventist wife must decide what Worth the Wait
believe this and even voice it to their things can and cannot be compromised. As the Amandas of Adventism can tell
unchurched husbands. Imagine, too, We know to avoid tasks identified with you, being married to an unchurched
how you would feel if your spouse the working world for Sabbath to be husband or someone of a different faith
believed your marriage was a mistake. Sabbath; that generally means not is a lonely road on which one frequently
Don’t argue over religion. It never laboring at home or on a job. But there feels isolated. Those who treasure the
helps, because it doesn’t change minds; is no overall formula that works for joy of conversing about faith matters
instead, it reinforces individual opin- everyone; no one-size-fits-all Sabbath- can only imagine what it’s like when
ions. This is particularly true on the keeping in these nontraditional homes. such insights are out of bounds. It’s
Sabbath, which can easily become a day The Adventist spouse must prayerfully akin to residing in a different dimen-
associated with confrontation. consider what will work best in her par- sion from one’s mate; the inability to
Most religiously divided marriages ticular situation. share spiritual insights and truths is
occur between a believer and an Plan ahead. To arrive home after a painful—the thing you hold dearest in
unchurched spouse. It’s unusual but joyful time in church among friends life cannot be comprehended by the
not impossible, however, that two who love the Lord can be a letdown on person you love. It’s a situation that
strong believers find themselves in an Sabbath. When a wife walks through the causes some to drift away from their
interfaith marriage. When a woman door, she may be met by a blaring televi- church and faith.
marries a staunch believer of another sion and a rush to make lunch. It’s as if Yet, there are instances in which this
faith, it’s important that she respect the Sabbath has come to an end! But it type of marriage works well. It takes
that faith. If she ever expects her hus- hasn’t. It’s actually just a prayer away. two mature and loving adults who are
band to attend church with her, she Nothing can crush Sabbath joy more able to work through their differences
ought to be willing to attend his church. quickly than an unprepared response to on life’s most important relationship—
The couple must make it a point not the day. Many church families plan Sab- their relationship with God. It may take
to argue over differences but emphasize bath activities on Friday afternoon. The years, but for those who endure, it’s
similarities. By praying and studying spouse of the unchurched must plan worth the wait.
together, they open their lives to the even more carefully. If there are chil- It’s all about acceptance, respect,
Holy Spirit. Neither one should insist dren, it means guiding them to enjoy hope, faith, and love—and the greatest
on a particular interpretation of the Sabbath. It becomes a problem when the of these is love. n
Bible unless their partner requests to be spouse differs on what children should 1 
Texts credited to NKJV are from the New King
part of such a discussion. Remember to do, and the believing wife often has to James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by
listen to each other: we can learn from accept the husband’s decision, because Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights
another’s faith journey. she does not parent alone. reserved.
2 
Ellen G. White, The Adventist Home (Nashville:
Understand and discuss in a non- Unfortunately, the husband may Southern Pub. Assn., 1952), p. 106.
threatening way an unchurched hus- never feel comfortable with his Ad-
band’s reasons for discomfort with ventist wife’s choices for Sabbath, and Katherine Carey is a pseudonym.

28 ( 1 0 5 2 ) | www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013


The Life of Faith

Jews, Christians, and Psalm 110


In biblical interpretation, one can be right for the wrong reasons,
and wrong for the right reasons. There’s an important passage in Scripture about which I believe Christians
have been right for the wrong reasons, and Jews have been wrong for the right reasons.
Psalm 110 is crucial to the Christian faith because its interpretation is traceable to Jesus Himself. In a
fascinating exchange with His own Jewish people, Jesus raised the tantalizing possibility that the Jewish
Messiah was more than human:
“While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, ‘What do you think about the Mes-
siah? Whose son is he?’
“ ‘The son of David,’ they replied.
“He said to them, ‘How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him “Lord”? For he says,
“The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.’ ”
“ ‘If then David calls him “Lord,” how can he be his son?’
“No one could say a word in reply” (Matt. 22:41-46).
This exchange, which “delighted” the crowds (see Mark 12:37), has been less than delightful
to Jewish theologians through the centuries—in part, because Christians often present it
wrongly. In fact, our Bibles have contributed to the problem.
Many versions of the Bible translate Psalm 110:1: “The LORD says to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right
hand’ ” (NKJV).1 LORD (all capitals) indicates Yahweh, while Lord (capitalized) indicates Adonai;
both are divine. In essence, eager Trinitarian Christians have explained this verse as: God [the
Father] says to God [the Son], “Sit at My right hand.”
Unfortunately, this has resulted in Christians being dismissed by Jews as naive and careless with
Scripture. Why? Because the second “Lord” in verse 1 should not, in fact, be translated adonai
(Hebrew for divine Lord) but adoni (Hebrew for human lord).2 This verse should read: “The LORD Andy
says to my lord” (NIV).
Our Jewish friends are right. They are also wrong. Nash
There’s another “Lord” in this psalm. He can be found in verse 5, sitting at the right hand. He is the
Lord, Adonai. But at whose right hand is Adonai sitting? Who else, but Yahweh’s?3 What? How can a
human lord sit at the right hand of Yahweh in verse 1, and a divine Lord sit at the right hand of Yahweh
in verse 5? How can one figure be both human and divine at the same time?
It’s the Jewish reminder of careful exegesis that, ironically, makes Psalm 110 even more powerful than
what many Christians have realized and taught. Indeed, it’s the human nature of “lord” in verse 1 that sets
up the cosmic punch line: the divine nature of this same “Lord” in verse 5. The revelation is startling: This
Messiah is not only from earth; He’s from heaven. He’s not only the Son of man; He’s the Son of God. He’s
not only the offspring of David; He’s the Root of Jesse (Rev. 22:16).
This is precisely the point Jesus was making all along. n
1 
Texts credited to NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All
rights reserved.
2 
The Hebrew term adon can mean either a human lord or divine Lord. But when adon appears with the possessive “my” (adoni in Hebrew), it
always refers to a human lord or master (even angel), not to God (see, for example, 1 Sam. 29:8; Ex. 21:5; Gen. 18:12; Joshua 5:14).
3 
Some have suggested that in verse 5 adonai sits at the right hand of a human lord, meaning that we’ve gone from a human at the right hand
of Yahweh in verse 1 to a divine Adonai at the right hand of a human in verse 5. While this is possible, it must be asked: Did these figures some-
how switch seats? If so, why? Also, if the “LORD” (Yahweh) of verse 1 is the same figure as the “Lord” (adonai) of verse 5 (who’s described as the
“Lord” who will crush kings and judge the nations [verses 5, 6]) would the LORD (Yahweh) also have to drink from a brook along the way (verse
7)? Does it not make more sense that the lord (adoni) invited to sit at the right hand of Yahweh in verse 1 is the same Lord (adonai) seated at the
right hand of Yahweh in verse 5?

Andy Nash is a professor and lay pastor. He’s leading two tours to Israel next summer. Contact him at andynash5@gmail.com.

www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013 | ( 1 0 5 3 ) 29


Bookmark

Creation Health: A Journey of Discovery


CREATION Health: A Journey of Discov- description. It’s not a textbook; it’s not cures that are simple, effective, and
ery, Chris Blake, Florida Hospital Mis- literature; more than anything it’s a lasting.
sion Development, Orlando, Florida, workbook, packed with more informa- CREATION Health’s message is over-
2013, 228 pages, US$14.99. Reviewed tion, activities, questions, and quotes whelmingly positive. It’s not a book
by Stephen Chavez, coordinating editor, than can be absorbed in one setting. about prohibitions. It’s a book of pre-
Adventist Review. And that’s the idea. This isn’t a book scriptions: “eight universal principles
to curl up with and read straight for living life to the fullest.” Author

H ealth is hot. You can’t go anywhere


without seeing an article, an ad, a
program about eating healthfully, los-
through; it’s a book to digest, a little at a
time, preferably with friends or fellow
church members in small groups.
Chris Blake uses three words to describe
the book: accessible, deep, practical. All
the principles begin with the Bible, but
ing weight, beating addictions, or According to Robyn Edgerton, Mission they don’t end there. They move into
reducing your risk of heart attack, our lives and touch those areas
stroke, or various forms of cancer. where we live, work, recreate,
A generation ago Adventists share relationships, and enjoy
were well-known for speaking out life.
against smoking, using illicit The only drawback to this
drugs, and drinking alcohol. book can be stated in one
Indeed, in many venues ours was word: accessibility. As of this
the predominant voice in oppos- writing (the first week of
ing these habits. November), the only way to
Now it’s not only Adventists get copies of this book is to
who lobby against corporations call Mission Development at
that promote tobacco, alcohol, Florida Hospital and order
and factory farming. Some might them. The phone number
wonder whether we have any- (407-303-7711) isn’t even toll-
thing to offer, or if we’ll ever free. For a generation used to
have the influence we one-click shopping, this is a
once had. huge disadvantage. Books
CREATION Health can also be ordered from
is one response. The CreationHealth.com, but
book, written by well- when I went to the site I
known author Chris Blake, is couldn’t find a link with
an exposition of the CREATION which to order the book.
health outline adopted by the Gen- Development direc- CREATION Health is ideal for small-
eral Conference Health Ministries tor for Florida Hospital and editor of group Bible studies, prayer meetings,
Department and embodied by the Flor- the book, the book is designed to go Sabbath school classes, youth and young
ida Hospital Health System. CREATION where Adventists aren’t generally adult groups. It’s also a great, non-
health (choice, rest, environment, activ- invited: government agencies, county threatening way to introduce people to
ity, trust, interpersonal relationships, health departments, community recre- the practical truths of the Bible. The
outlook, nutrition) is the twenty-first- ation centers. writing and activities are engaging and
century child of the NEWSTART health And why not? With the current thought-provoking, providing many
system, used so well and so effectively emphasis on health and health care, opportunities to make personal
as part of the Adventist health message employers, employees, and individuals applications.
in the last half of the twentieth century. are increasingly looking for ways to If only it were available on Amazon.
The book CREATION Health defies stretch their health resources, to find com or at Adventist Book Centers. n

30 ( 1 0 5 4 ) | www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013


Reflections

Fissures in Fine-China Christianity


“OK, girls. Can you help me get dinner ready?” My mother spoke
quickly as we moved from the car into the house. “Mindy, will you please set the table?”
Still wearing my favorite church dress—the one with pale-pink roses and soft cream lace trim—and filled
with 12-year-old self-importance, I led the two girls into the kitchen. I felt sure I knew all there was to know
about Sabbath dinner preparation, and I was ready to impress.
We had five small guests eating with us—siblings ranging from 3 to 11 years old. They came from difficult
circumstances: their mother was in jail, and their father was in charge yet absent, intent on a very public
affair with another woman. As the pastor’s family, we had invited to take them to church and to dinner with
us afterward.
The flash of steel and the fast motion of the knife in my mother’s hand quickly chopped a buffet of green,
red, and yellow vegetables for a fresh relish tray. Hymns played from the stereo, and rich savory smells
escaped from the oven door as the vegetarian roast was reheated. My mouth was already watering. Break-
fast seemed so long ago.
I started confidently toward our country-blue china hutch, its glass doors revealing an array of beautiful
dishes, glass goblets, and bowls. While their brothers roughhoused and played in the living room, the two
girls stood awkwardly, faces grimy and clothes stained, in the middle of the dining room. Their eyes tracked
my every movement.
From inside the cupboard I began to pull out my mother’s wedding china. White and
richly delicate with gleaming silver trim and a lacy flower design, it caught the light as
I counted out the plates we would need. One, two, three, four. . . Next, I would count
out the matching fancy silverware. I already knew what my table-setting finale
would be: the tall crystal candlesticks. Their glittering cut glass, catching and
refracting the light, would surely awe my two young friends.
All of a sudden, out of the corner of my eye, I saw my mother motioning to
me. She was shaking her head. What’s wrong? I wondered. Am I in trouble for some-
thing? But once she had my attention, she simply smiled and opened one of the
kitchen cupboards, silently motioning that I should use our everyday plastic
blue dishes.
At first, I stood there confused. Why did my mother not want me to use our spe-
cial Sabbath china? She was the one who had taught us that Sabbath was a special day,
a day to honor God by using only our best. I looked from my mother’s face to the two
little girls silently watching me and then back into my mother’s eyes. Suddenly I
understood.
That Sabbath we ate from our scarred and battered everyday plastic dishes, and I learned
an important lesson. Without saying a word, my mother had taught me the importance of
being careful with people’s feelings. That day I realized that showing God’s love to others
might not always mean offering your best. It is about making your guests feel comfortable and
at home.
In the same way, our churches can have the most beautiful stained glass, the shiniest grand piano, and the
richest upholstered pews; but unless people—all kinds of people—feel welcome, we are not truly sharing
God’s marvelous love and providing them with a safe church home. Even though that Sabbath dinner hap-
pened more than a decade ago, I remember the powerful lesson my mother taught me that day. There are fis-
sures in fine-china Christianity, and truly caring about people’s feelings is how we genuinely honor God. n

Mindy Liebelt writes from Lincoln, Nebraska.

www.AdventistReview.org | November 21, 2013 | ( 1 0 5 5 ) 31

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