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In Every Issue

Making ConnectionsMonte Sahlin

The Columbia Union Conference has adopted theAdventist Church’s “Year of World Evangelism” theme for

2004. But it’s more than public meetings, knocking ondoors, conference budgets, or church growth. It’s about

Rachael, Larry, Althea, and Jose�—people you know. Findout how you can evangelize on an everyday basis.

Sowing SeedsThe Seventh-day AdventistChurch has themed 2004 the “Year ofWorld Evangelism” and the ColumbiaUnion’s eight conferences have formu-lated various goals and activities. Seewhat’s going on in your conference.

Building God’s KingdomTamyra Horst

Local churches from the Pennsylvania and Mountain Viewconferences are piloting the principles of Natural Church

Development. Discover how you, too, can improve thequality of your congregation and build the membership.

Curious About JesusBeth Michaels

The Community Praise Center Seventh-day AdventistChurch in Alexandria, Va., recently sponsored an evangel-ism effort targeted solely to children. See how this uniqueevent enabled kids to apply the love of Jesus to their lives.

Editorial

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School ProfileCapital Memorial Church

Resource Guide

Newsletters23 Allegheny East

25 Chesapeake

27 Columbia Union College

29 El Telescopio

31 Highland View Academy

33 Mountain View

35 New Jersey

37 Ohio

39 Pennsylvania

41 Potomac

43 Shenandoah Valley Academy

Healing Ministry

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Table ofContents

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Cover Photography:S.Weimer/GoodSalt.com

News & Features

Celeste Ryan � Editor

LaVerne Henderson � Associate Editor for News & Features

Wilona Karimabadi � Associate Editor for Newsletters

Kelly Butler Coe � Art Director

Sandra Jones � Copy Editor

Monte Sahlin � Publisher

Publishing Board: Harold L. Lee (chair), Monte Sahlin (secretary),Raj Attiken, Charles Cheatham, Dowell Chow, LeRoy Finck, J. NevilleHarcombe, Ray Hartwell, James L. Lewis, Edward Motschiedler,Celeste Ryan, Dave Weigley, Kingsley Whitsett

MISSION STATEMENTThe Visitor provides news and information, resources for effectiveministry, and insight on issues with a spiritual focus to help peoplecelebrate God's transforming grace in preparation for His return.

COLUMBIA UNION CONFERENCEOF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

5427 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045(301) 596-0800 or (888) 4-VISITORhttp://www.columbiaunion.org

Free to Columbia Union members. Nonmembers—$15 per year.

COLUMBIA UNION CONFERENCE

Harold L. Lee PresidentEdward Motschiedler Executive SecretaryDowell Chow TreasurerHamlet Canosa Vice President/EducationRobert Patterson Vice President/General CounselMonte Sahlin Vice President/Creative MinistriesCeleste Ryan CommunicationHarold Greene Information TechnologyCurtis Boore Plant ServicesRobert Patterson Trust Services/PARLPeggy Lee Revolving FundCarol Wright Undertreasurer

CONFERENCES

ALLEGHENY EAST: Charles L. Cheatham, President; Robert Booker,Visitor Correspondent; P.O. Box 266, Pine Forge, PA 19548.Tel. (610) 326-4610

ALLEGHENY WEST: James L. Lewis, President; Robert C. Lewis,Visitor Correspondent; 1339 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205.Tel. (614) 252-5271

CHESAPEAKE: Neville Harcombe, President; Rob Vandeman,Visitor Correspondent; 6600 Martin Rd., Columbia, MD 21044.Tel. (410) 995-1910

MOUNTAIN VIEW: Kingsley Whitsett, President; Brian Jones,Visitor Correspondent; 1400 Liberty St., Parkersburg, WV 26101.Tel. (304) 422-4581

NEW JERSEY: LeRoy Finck, President; Aura Garcia, Visitor Correspondent; 2160 Brunswick Ave., Trenton, NJ 08648. Tel. (609) 392-7131

OHIO: Raj Attiken, President; Bette Toscano, VisitorCorrespondent; P.O. Box 1230, Mount Vernon, OH 43050. Tel. (740) 397-4665

PENNSYLVANIA: Ray Hartwell, President; Tamyra Horst, VisitorCorrespondent; 720 Museum Rd., Reading, PA 19611. Tel. (610) 374-8331

POTOMAC: Dave Weigley, President; Janet Olsyne, VisitorCorrespondent; 606 Greenville Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401.Tel. (540) 886-0771

COLLEGES

COLUMBIA UNION COLLEGE: Randal Wisbey, President; Angela Abraham, Visitor Correspondent; 7600 Flower Ave.,Takoma Park, MD 20912. Tel. (301) 891-4000

KETTERING COLLEGE OF MEDICAL ARTS: Charles Scriven,President; 3737 Southern Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429. Tel. (937) 395-8601

HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS

ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: William G. Robertson, President & CEO; Robert Jepson, Visitor Correspondent; 1801 ResearchBlvd., Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel. (301) 315-3030

KETTERING ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: Frank Perez, President& CEO; Kenneth Chaij, Visitor Correspondent; 3965 SouthernBlvd., Kettering, OH 45429. Tel. (937) 395-8167

Published by the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-dayAdventists. Printed at the Review & Herald Publishing Association.

Volume 109 � Issue 1

WEveryday EvangelismWelcome to the Year of World Evangelism. This year, Seventh-dayAdventists around the world are invited to participate in a special initiative. Our goal is to make new friends for Christ and tell themabout the blessings of His life-transforming grace and love,and the hope of His soon return.

The opportunities to share our faith are every-where. In our homes, neighborhoods, at work, atschool—all around us—there arepeople who need to know theSavior who came that they mighthave the more abundant life. Theyneed to know the God who “gaveHis only begotten son so thatwhosoever believes would haveeverlasting life” (John 3:16). Theyneed to know that Jesus is comingagain and that when He does therewill be no more war, death, envi-ronmental catastrophes, cancer, or financial problems.

The Friendship FactorWhile major organized events and efforts target the masses, it is

genuine friendship and personal contact that attracts people to acommunity of faith. One of the best ways to reach people is tobefriend them, just as Jesus did. “The Savior mingled with men asone who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them,ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He badethem, ‘Follow Me.’ There is need of coming close to the people bypersonal effort. … The poor are to be relieved, the sick cared for,the sorrowing and the bereaved comforted, the ignorant instructed,the inexperienced counseled. We are to weep with those that weep,and rejoice with those that rejoice. Accompanied by the power ofpersuasion, the power of prayer, and the power of the love of God,this work will not, cannot, be without fruit” (The Ministry ofHealing, pp. 143-144).

It is never out of season to give ourselves to the task of sharingGod’s good news with a friend. Your healthy lunch, their grief overthe death of a loved one or the loss of a job, barbershop debates aboutcurrent issues, your group’s book club selection, a difficult dilemmaor life-changing decision—all provide excellent opportunities to shareyour Source of confidence and trust, your faith, an inspirational Biblepromise, a prayer, or an invitation to study the Bible.

When you allow the Holy Spirit to work through you in such sim-ple ways on a daily basis, you’re opening doors and planting seeds forGod to harvest in due season. “Only through the grace of Christ canthe work of restoration—physical, mental, and spiritual—be accom-plished” in people’s lives (The Ministry of Healing, p. 143).

Now is the time for every one of us to make friends for Christ.This issue details our plan for evangelism in the Columbia Union for2004, what each conference is planning, and how you can beinvolved. What opportunities do you have? Who will you reach? Howwill God use you this today, this month, this year? Think about it!

Harold L. Lee is president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in theeight-state region served by the Columbia Union Conference.

EditorialHarold L. Lee

We areto weep with thosethat weep, andrejoice with thosethat rejoice. —E.G. White

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4 VISITOR

Church to Distribute 1 BillionBible Study Invitations

Sow 1 Billion is a world church initiative with anextraordinary goal—to distribute 1 billion specialBible study invitation brochures in 2004. Adventistsaround the globe, regardless of age, background, orexperience, are invited to take partin this unprecedented effort to con-nect people with God’s word. The2004 goal for the Church in NorthAmerica is to distribute 25 millioninvitations by mail or in person. Theworldwide scope of Sow 1 Billion isso phenomenal that a mere one per-cent response rate would result in 10million requests for Bible studies.The brochures offer two ways torequest Bible studies—contacting a local Bible correspondence school or visiting www.hopetalk.orgfor lessons in up to 100 different languages. To findout more about Sow 1 Billion in your area, contactyour local conference or visit the following sites:http://presidential.adventist.ods.org/ or www.adventist.org.—Bettina Krause

Five Graduate From Leadership Training Course

The Columbia Union Christian Leadership Centerhas contracted with Developmental DimensionsInternational (DDI), a leadership development consult-

ing firm, toenhance theskills of keyUnion leadershippersonnel. Thefirst trainingclass to certifyinstructors in theuse of DDI mate-rials resulted in

five graduates (pictured above): Hamlet Canosa,Columbia Union vice president for education; JerryLutz, senior pastor of the Chesapeake Conference’sSpencerville church; José Cortés, New Jersey Conferenceexecutive secretary; Peter Bath, senior pastor of thePotomac Conference’s Sligo church, and the DDI mastertrainer; Marwood Hallett, Ohio Conference director ofclergy care and leadership development; Gary Patterson,retired General Conference leader; and Jane Blicharz,DDI consultant. “The Christian Leadership Center ofthe Columbia Union will use theseDDI trainers, and others, to teachleadership skills throughout ourunion,” says Edward Motschiedler,Columbia Union executive secre-tary. “Future plans include pro-grams for conferences, institutionalleaders, pastors, teachers, and key

lay leaders.” Other DDI certified instructors were trainedat Kettering Medical Center.—LaVerne Henderson

Potomac Member Becomes Vibrant Life Editor

Charles Mills, Adventist author and media producer,has taken the helm of Vibrant Life magazine. Mills, awell-known writer, author of over 40 books and hun-dreds of magazine articles, and a Potomac Conferencemember, assumed editorial duties for the officialAdventist health journal with the January/Februaryissue. “We were promoting the biblical principles ofhealth generations ago. Water treatments, a plant-based diet, daily exercise, fresh air and sunshine, trustin divine power, temperance, and proper rest havelong formed the foundations of our many worldwide‘entering wedge’ ministries,” Millssays. “We will continue to pumpup the volume on the spiritualaspects of health by giving equaltime to the physical health, men-tal clarity, and spiritual balancethat every person needs to main-tain a happy, robust life.” TheReview and Herald Publishing Association has alsocommissioned Mills to develop a new series ofVibrant Life releases targeting specific health topics.“We will update our Stop Smoking issue and delveinto nutrition, stress reduction, and the benefits of avegetarian lifestyle,” he explains. “Vibrant Life willalways put Christ front and center in its outreach,because without God in the equation, optimumhealth simply isn’t possible.” To learn more aboutVibrant Life, visit www.vibrantlife.com or call (800) 765-6955.—LaVerne Henderson

Marriage Conference Garners 40 Bible Study Requests

More than 40 people, including 22 from theWashington, D.C., area, requested Bible studies afterattending a “From This Day Forward” marriage confer-ence last year. Following each event, the Voice ofProphecy follows up with those requesting Bible stud-ies. “Family ministries is aboutleading people to Jesus and thesemarriage conferences are one ofmany such vehicles. When theyrealize that God’s power is able todo great things for their marriages,they want Jesus to take over therest of their lives as well,” saysWillie Oliver, director of family ministries for theSeventh-day Adventist Church in North America. Overthe last four years, Oliver and his wife, Elaine, haveincreased the family conferences from one to severalannually, and added a team of presenters.

“After 33 years of marriage, I thought I knew aboutall I needed or wanted to know about our marriage,”

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says Robert Patterson, a vice president for theColumbia Union who attended one of the confer-ences with his wife, Trish. “The seminar was interac-tive with the couples learning valuable skills relatedto commitment, communication, problem-solving,and forgiveness, as well as a greater understanding ofthe more intimate aspects of married life.”

This year, there will be five “From This DayForward” marriage conferences scheduled throughoutNorth America. The Columbia Union event is sched-uled for October 9 in Arlington, Va. For more informa-tion, visit http://family.nadadventist.org—Kristi de Melo

Bible Course Taught in Public Schools

According to the National Council on BibleCurriculum in Public Schools, the Bible is beingtaught as part of the literary offering in many of thenation’s public schools. Council President ElizabethRidenour says that 153,000 students, in 244 publicschool districts, in 33 states have already taken thisone-year, elective course. Within the ColumbiaUnion, public schools in Maryland, Pennsylvania,Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia have integrated theBible into their curriculums. “It is not our intent toindoctrinate students to a particular religion. Instead,we equip them with a fundamental understanding ofthe influence of Bible on history, law, and ourAmerican culture, and help them gain insight into thethoughts of our country’s Founding Fathers so theycan understand the Bible’s influence on those men’sviews of human rights,” she says.—LaVerne Henderson

Ministry Care Line SupportsChurch Employees

Kettering Clergy Care Center, an affiliate of theKettering Medical Center Network in Dayton, Ohio,operates the Ministry Care Line (MCL), a national800 phone service for pastors, teachers, staff, theirspouses, and children. The purpose of MCL is toprovide church professionals and their immediatefamily members with confidential access to, and thesupport of, trained Christian mental health profes-sionals. Referrals to local Christian practitioners arealso available. The Ministry Care Line is designed tofacilitate a happier and more productive work forceand lower costly medical health benefits. MinistryCare Line consultants are available Monday-Fridaywith some evening hours. Current statistics indicatethat most calls are of a personal nature, followed by marriage or family related issues, consultationrequests, and referrals to local counselors.Inaugurated in February 1992 with about 1,000employees in 7 organizations, there are currentlyover 3,400 eligible employee participants, plus fami-ly members, in about 30 subscribing organizations.For more information call (800) 767-8837 or visitwww.kmcnetwork.org/kccc.—LaVerne Henderson

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TAMYRA HORST

Last month Ray Hartwell was elected president of the Pennsylvania Conference by

its executive committee. Hartwell became the conference’s executive secre-

tary and ministerial director eight years ago, prompt-ing the family’s move to Pennsylvania. An associate inthe ministerial department, his wife, Jeanne, alsoserves as the family life director for the conference.

A native of Florida, Hartwell spent 15 months withthe Maranatha Youth Evangelism Team after graduat-ing from Forest Lake Academy. It was during this timethat he felt the call to pastoral ministry. He met JeanneZacharias, a native of Indiana, at Southern AdventistUniversity and the two married in May, 1978.

The couple interned at Tennessee’s MadisonBoulevard church before heading to seminary atAndrews University. After graduation, they served inthe Elizabethtown and Litchfield districts in theKentucky-Tennessee Conference.

In 1983, the Hartwells moved from Kentucky tothe Gallatin and Hendersonville districts inTennessee. Both of these church plants were rentingfacilities. Utilizing a format similar to Pennsylvania’sArise and Build concept, the Gallatin church erectedtheir new building with volunteer labor through theHelping Hands program. Jim McConnell, who wasinstrumental, later came to Pennsylvania and assistedwith the building of the Shenango Valley church, thefirst Arise and Build project.

While serving as pastor for Missouri’s Columbiachurch, from 1985 to 1990, the Hartwell’s co-editedPraxis magazine, a quarterly journal for pastors pub-lished by the Mid-America Union. In 1990 Hartwellwas called to be the senior pastor of the ColumbiaSouth Carolina church and Jeanne was the associatepastor. He was also the speaker/producer of 40episodes of Encounter, a weekly television programdeveloped by the Columbia church, which aired twicea week on a local cable channel.

People Reaching PeopleHartwell has a burden for reaching the lost and

misguided and desires to continue to treatPennsylvania as a mission field. “God has calledeveryone of us to proclaim His gospel,” he says, “sowe have to treat our communities as mission fields.Every function and activity of the church must inten-tionally reach out to our community.” Hartwellbelieves God has given us two incredible resources—God’s bidding and prayer.

While reaching the 12.1 million people inPennsylvania may seem like a huge challenge,Hartwell incorporates a three-step strategy:

1. Make friends with the unchurched.

2. Learn to share Christ and, eventually, theAdventist hope with these new friends.

3. Provide church events and invite thesefriends so they can have the opportunity tomake a decision to follow Christ and becomepart of the Adventist family.

Hartwell’s belief that “people are reached by people”fuels his desire to see churches move toward relationalministry followed by evangelistic events. As president,he will continue the emphasis on church planting, lay-driven ministry, and missions—here and abroad.

A product of Christian education, he is proud ofPennsylvania’s schools and views them as a vital partof its ministry. The Hartwell’s two children attendconference schools—17-year-old Josh is a junior atBlue Mountain Academy and 13-year-old Abby is aseventh-grader at Blue Mountain Elementary.

“Our family has grown to love the people ofPennsylvania,” Hartwell says. “We have an amazingconference staff, committed pastors, and dedicatedteachers. I know God has great things ahead.”

Tamyra Horst is communication director for thePennsylvania Conference.

Pennsylvania Conference Elects New President

Hartwell Family: The Hartwell family (left to right)Abby, Jeanne, Ray, and Josh, celebrate Dad’s election aspresident of the Pennsylvania Conference.

JANUARY 2004 7

Newsline

CELESTE RYAN

At the final Executive Committee Meeting of 2003,Columbia Union Conference President Harold L.

Lee gave a year-end report that reiterated the strategicgoals and initiatives of the Columbia UnionConference in five key areas:

Evangelism and Mission� To find creative approaches to evangelism andchurch growth for the 21st century.� To pursue initiatives in the 10 largest metropolitanareas for personal and public evangelism, churchplanting, increased visibility, and community service.� To engage younger generations.� To develop Missions Abroad partnerships overseas.

Education� To continue processing recommendations from theJoint Retreat of executive committees and trusteesheld in May 2002.� To assure quality and spirituality.� To provide a strategic investment in ColumbiaUnion College.� To appoint a taskforce to study secondary education and governance.� To survey constituent needs and attitudes relativeto Adventist schools.

Communication� To connect with every member.� To listen to member needs and views.� To enlist each member in ministry and support ofthe mission of the Adventist Church.� To facilitate more effective communication with theconferences, institutions, and ministries.� To inform local leaders of the resources availablefor effective ministry.

Stewardship Education� To mobilize the time, talents, and financialresources of every member.� To demonstrate good stewardship in the utilizationof the gifts of members.� To create a resource for members expressing appre-ciation for their faithfulness in support of the missionof the church.� To report in the Visitor how the tithe and offeringsare used annually for mission.

Governance� To implement recommendations from the Joint Retreatof executive committees and trustees in May 2002.� To provide training for governing bodies to helpthem operate effectively and efficiently.� To develop resources for increasing the effective-ness of committee and board members.� To develop a Christian Leadership Center thattrains church and school leaders to be effective,result-oriented leaders.

Additional ReportsCommittee members appointed a committee to

evaluate the Union president’s work, voted to commission several teachers, and were given anoverview of the Union’s plans for the Year of WorldEvangelism (see pp. 10-13).

Members also heard church growth reports fromExecutive Secretary Edward Motschiedler, TreasurerDowell Chow, and the presidents of AdventistHealthCare, Kettering Adventist HealthCare, andColumbia Union College.

In addition, Robyn Kajiura, associate director of theGeneral Conference Auditing Service gave a specialpresentation that highlighted the major provisions ofnew auditing standards and procedures on fraud, andthe new requirements of management in dealing withfraud. “The new standards will result in an increase inthe time and work that goes into a financial statementaudit,” Kajiura announced, “but it’s necessary becausefraud poses a problem within our denomination, justas it does in the larger public sector.”

Kajiura also presented the audited financial state-ment, policy compliance report, and management let-ter for the Union and noted, “The auditors issued anunqualified (clean) opinion on the Union’s financialstatement and wish to thank the administration forits cooperation and good work.”

The next meeting of the Columbia UnionConference Executive Committee will be March 18.

President Reviews Strategic Goals at Year End

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LAVERNE HENDERSON

Sonrise Over Baltimore,” held September 5-October 11, 2003, was the largest-ever public

evangelism campaign in the Baltimore (Md.) metropolitan area. This collaborative effort ofAllegheny East and Chesapeake conferences, theColumbia Union Conference, Andrews UniversityTheological Seminary, and the Religion Departmentof Columbia Union College resulted in over 200 indi-viduals joining the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The following churches hosted “Sonrise OverBaltimore” meetings: Baltimore First, Beacon Light,Brooklyn, Dundalk (Baltimore Travel Plaza), GlenBurnie, Liberty, Reisterstown, Sharon, Wheaton, Wilna, and White Marsh.

While the locations varied, so did the testimonies,conversions, and number of baptisms. Here are a few highlights:

Liberty’s Impact Stronger Than Hurricane Isabel’s

Allegheny East’s Liberty Seventh-day AdventistChurch began their “Sonrise Over Baltimore” serieswith an opening night attendance of 350-400.Things were going smoothly when Hurricane Isabelswept through Maryland on her way up the eastcoast. “After Isabel hit, people were dealing withflooding and power outages and we weren’t sureabout having our service the following evening,”said Pastor Leslie Moise. “But, we decided to goahead as planned and had more than 100 peoplecome out that night. Because of this, we knew thatthe Lord had blessed us and our meetings definitelyimpacted the community. We had 43 baptisms.”

Wheaton Bonds With VisitorsThe Wheaton Seventh-day Adventist Church’s

“Revelation of Hope” seminar featured speaker SkipBell, from the Adventist Theological Seminary.Opening night attendance was 430. “We had about20 members serving as row-hosts,” said Pastor JohnRobbins. “These individuals sat on the end of eachpew and registered, got to know, and bonded withour visitors. This unique evangelism method createda connection between our guests and members,which resulted in 36 baptisms. Without this bonding,many visitors would’ve stopped coming to Wheatonas soon as the evangelist left. The spirit of our churchhas been re-charged.”

Dundalk Delivers Demon-PossessedWoman

Pastor Sedley Johnson, speaker Ken Stout, mem-bers, and seminary students spent an hour inearnest prayer for a young woman during theirSonrise meetings. Admitting to being brieflyinvolved in an “occult” group, she requested specialprayer after feeling agitated and uncomfortable dur-ing the services. “We sat her in the middle of ourcircle and prayed, read Bible texts, sang, and laidhands on her as she moaned and jerked throughoutthe exhausting, one-hour session,” reported Stout.“Although we were aware of God’s presence, therewas an evil, eerie feeling as well.” She graduallybegan to calm down and speak the name of Jesus.An even greater blessing was that, following theseries, she was one of 20 baptismal candidates.

200 Baptized in “Sonrise” Series

Pastor Leslie Moise and the Liberty Church were blessed with 43 baptisms.

Pastor John Robbins and the Wheaton Church wereblessed with 36 baptisms.

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BRIAN JONES

There was a definite hum and busyness at WestVirginia’s Buckhannon church last fall. Members

had been going out of their way to become betteracquainted with community residents during the pastyear. They were carefully learning to mark their Biblesso they could give Bible studies. Why all the activity?Everything was in preparation for the upcoming“Prophecies of Destiny” evangelistic meetings.

Richard Cutright, Buckhannon pastor, and hiswife, Bonnie, were born and raised in theBuckhannon area. Rick was a coal minor for manyyears and had little interest in joining any church.Bonnie was a member of a country Methodistchurch. Twenty years ago, they became the onlymembers in their families to become Seventh-dayAdventist believers.

Fast-forward 20 years. The Cutrights worked faith-fully and hard to organize theirchurch in preparation for the“Prophecies of Destiny” meetings.The extra bonus was that their for-mer pastor and current MountainView president, Kingsley Whitsett(pictured left), conducted the seriesat the Buckhannon middle school.

Presenting Clear Prophetic MessagesParticipants were exposed to the Adventist mes-

sage in a number of ways during the series: � Through the spoken word� Through PowerPoint images

� Through a nightly quiz � Through a nightly four-page, message outline � Through available books on related topics� Through Cutright’s highlights of the previousnight’s topic

Even members expressed that this was the clearest,most convincing, present-truth message they had heard.

Following the series, 12 individuals made deci-sions to follow Jesus and were baptized; severalwere relatives of Rick and Bonnie! Their joy at hav-ing earthly family members become members of thekingdom of God was inexpressible. “Learning thesenew truths has made such a positive difference inmy life,” says Laverne Shifflett, another new mem-ber. “I’ve found more peace and happiness than Iever thought possible.”

Whitsett was encouraged and delighted to see hisformer member leading others to Christ. Cutrightprovides strong pastoral leadership while Bonnieserves as a church schoolteacher and singing evangel-ist. When asked if the series took time away from hisadministrative duties, he replied, “Administratorswho lead the way in soul winning aren’t being divert-ed from their mission, they are carrying out the mostessential part of it.”

To date, there have been three Sabbath baptismsand Pastor Cutright is following up with a weeklyFamily Bible Marking Plan and a Revelation Seminar.

Brian Jones is communication director for the MountainView Conference.

Pastor Richard Cutright, of the Buckhannon church, isflanked by newly baptized members Louise Heater (left)and Lilly Bond.

Lilly Bond expresses her joy after being baptized byPastor Richard Cutright at the Buckhannon church.

Friendship Evangelism Strengthens West Virginia Meetings

10 VISITOR

MONTE SAHLIN

You know Rachael. She’s a co-worker. Or, maybe she lives in the same neighbor-

hood. What you don’t know is what she’s going through and that she’s

waiting for you to share whatever, or Whomever, it is that gives your life hope.

Rachael’s marriage broke up and she’s had to find ajob to feed her two children. Maybe she’s dealing withthe fact that her mother died last summer and, at age27, she feels all alone in the world. Or, perhaps she’sone of the 300,000 unfortunate people in the ColumbiaUnion territory who lost jobs in the last year.

Who is Rachael? She is a typical person among themillions in this mission field. But, most importantly,she is someone for whom Jesus died. The Seventh-dayAdventist Church has themed 2004 the “Year of WorldEvangelism.” Don’t quit reading! Don’t go ho-hum!!It’s not about public meetings, knocking on doors,conference budgets, or church growth. It’s aboutRachael. It’s about Larry and Althea and Jose�—peopleyou know. And, it’s about people you don’t know.

Larry lives across the street from one of the 600local churches in this eight-state region. He sees peo-ple drive up in suits and heels every Saturday, carryingBibles. He wonders if they know it’s the wrong day forchurch. But, they are quiet people and he doesn’t havetime to find out. For that matter, he doesn’t reallycare. As far as he’s concerned, they are irrelevant.

Let’s get serious about Larry and Rachael in2004. They need you and the hope that you have.In today’s world, hope is a commodity in short

C o l u m b i a U n i o n M a k e s B o l dE v a n g e l i s m P l a n s f o r 2 0 0 4

CONNECTMA K I N G

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supply. Even if you don’t feel very hopeful yourself,you have a connection with the AdventistChurch—the people of hope.

Reach out to all the Rachaels and Larrys and makea connection this year. Jesus gave His life for you. Hedoesn’t demand very much in return, but He wouldsure like to be introduced to at least one of the peo-ple in your life. Please don’t disappoint Him!

TIRED OF OLD-FASHIONED WITNESSING METHODS?

Handing out tracts door-to-door in this electronicage simply doesn’t work for some members. Even ifyou are among that group, Jesus has not relieved youof the Great Commission! There are other ways tospread the good news.

“Viral faith” is a contagious spirituality thatspreads, unintentionally, from person to person.

While it consists of random acts of kindness,unplanned Bible studies, and casual conversations, it’s no accident!

People with “viral faith” are Christ centered to thevery core of their being. His unconditional love givesthem a powerful sense of caring for others wholisti-cally or relationally, physically, economically, andspiritually. Acquaintances, co-workers, neighbors, rel-atives, and friends are their focus group.

These individuals find creative ways to demonstrateGod’s compassion for the people around them andshare His word. For example, one member gave ananniversary party to celebrate the 25 years since herbaptism as a teenager. The invitation read, “to cele-brate 25 years of new birth” and she invited her pastorto give the invocation. One of the other invitees, aprofessional colleague, said, “Tell us more about thisnew birth.” She kept her responses to short, one-sen-tence answers. “They had to pry it out of me with lotsof questions,” she says. “I was amazed at how curiousthey were. These same people had always seemed sosecular, so uninterested in religion.”

Another man ordered a Super Bowl witnessing kitwith a video of short testimonies by well-knownChristian athletes. He invited two or three of his neigh-bors to watch the football classic on a large-screen TVthat he rented and showed the video during half time.“I was disappointed at first,” he says. “No one said any-thing. Several days later, however, one of the guys askedif going to church helped my marriage. Then he and hiswife started attending our Sabbath school class and hiskids love the children’s ministries.”

These members are 21st century frontier missionaries!We must find new ways to pass on the life-giving truthand hope that is in Jesus. In this “information age,” any means of communication has a short shelf life. Ifwe use outdated means of communicating Christ’s message, it’s sometimes interpreted as being out of date,dog-eared, and dusty, but that is a misrepresentation of the truth about God.

IONS

EVANGELISM CHALLENGES � Total population of 50 million people� Half have never heard of the

Adventist Church� 1/3 of one percent are Adventist� 7 percent have visited an Adventist

Church at least once� 22 percent know an Adventist� 45 percent belong to no religion� 90 percent live in metropolitan areas� 3 percent live in Appalachia*

*Most of our churches are located in the places where the other 7 percent of the population lives.

PHOT

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If you have a new approach to sharing Christ, even if it’s an untested idea or undeveloped concept, please tell us about it. Send an e-mail tomsahlin@creativeministry.org or call (800) 438-9600.The Union’s Office of Creative Ministries is a clear-inghouse for new ideas and has a network of “labchurches” and pilot projects to use as testers.

2004 EVANGELISM GOALSThe General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists has

set the following goals for the Year of World Evangelism.The Columbia Union Conference Executive Committeevoted the specific objectives to fulfill those goals:

1. Focus on initiatives for (A) urban centers, (B) the10/40 Window, and (C) the secular, post-modernmind.

A. Involves metro initiatives and the Center forMetropolitan Ministry at Columbia Union College.Underway are the Baltimore, Columbus, DelawareValley, Newark, and Pittsburgh metro initiatives. Stillto come are the Cincinnati, Cleveland, Washington,D.C., and Virginia Beach-Newport News metro initiatives.

B. Develop opportunities for Missions Abroadprojects in the 10/40 Window, which extends from10 to 40 degrees north of the equator and runsfrom northwest Africa, through the Middle East,

and into Asia. Conduct an InternationalFriendship Ministries training event to introduceand implement the strategy via immigrants andforeign students from Union communities.

C. Pilot project in Hoboken, N.J., to reach thislarge secular community, which is in close prox-imity to New York.

2. Every church and school will be involved in a specific evangelistic activity in 2004.

A. Conferences will challenge churches and pastors to develop an evangelism plan for 2004.

B. Union administration will extend the challengeto the union college and healthcare institutions.

C. Union’s Office of Education will extend thechallenge to Adventist schools.

3. Every Adventist employee will be involved inpresenting the biblical, Christ-centered message ofScripture in a personal or public setting.

A. The 29 Columbia Union Conference employeeswere challenged by administration to assist inleading a Bible seminar, small group Bible study,or to minister on a personal level during 2004.Similar challenges will be presented to employeesof each conference and institution.

1 Invite a few unchurched friends to a party atyour house and have someone from church

give a three-minute testimony. It’s important tochoose someone who has the ability to navigatesocially in the secular world and articulate his orher faith in an understandable and attractive way.

2 Start a weekly, lunchtime Bible study at work.For downloadable starter materials, visit

www.creativeministry.org for Spiritual Resourcesfor Professional Success.

3 Join a civic club or neighborhood council.Introduce yourself by saying: “Because of my

faith and values, I really want to make more of acontribution to my community.” Be prepared tohave a private conversation with anyone whopicks up on this and questions you later.

4 Start a Home Bible Fellowship. Get your pastor to come along and make the following

introduction: “Hello, I’m Pastor … and this is …

He/she lives down the block and has been thinking that people in this neighborhood reallydon’t know each other and should get betteracquainted. So, for the next four weeks we’regoing to have an open Bible study discussiongroup at his/her home on Tuesday evenings.Would you like to come?”

5 Invite an unchurched friend to attend awomen’s or men’s retreat with you.

6 Invite friends over and show the Jesus video.Copies and discussion questions are available

in English, Spanish, French, and other languages,at www.jesusfilmstore.com or (800) 432-1997.

7 Put a copy of the Don’t Be Afraid brochure on the bulletin board at work.

8 Find an acquaintance who is entirely uninterested in religion and really listen to what

he/she has to say. Decide how your spiritual

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B. The Center for Creative Ministry will provide awareness and support for FriendshipEvangelism through the new Friend 2 Friend curriculum. Trainers are available to conduct“train the trainer” events.

4. The Adventist Church’s overall 2004 goal is150,000 evangelism projects worldwide with 1,800in the Columbia Union’s eight-state region. Projectsinclude public seminars or meetings, small groups,and church planting missions.

A. Each conference and metro initiative committeewill develop plans. Columbia Union College’sReligion Department will assist with projects.

B. Churches and small groups can incorporate the NET 2004 live, satellite-linked evangelismcampaign during October 2-30. Uplinked fromMiracle Temple church in Baltimore, WalterPearson is the evangelist.

C. Cincinnati will hold an evangelism project inconjunction with ASI’s Convention August 4-7.

D. The Union’s Office of Information andResearch will collect plans, conduct a follow-upassessment, and issue a report on the invest-ment and impact.

UPCOMING RESOURCE EVENTS� Lay evangelism training in each conference � Friend 2 Friend seminar in local churches*� Metro ministries training events� Secular campus ministry event during Spring Break, 2004

� Re-connecting Ministries event in October at Kettering Church in Ohio.

� Pastors’ Leadership Development Convention, March 21-24, Gettysburg, Pa.

� Intro to Cell Church, January 9-11 and February 20-22

� Advanced Cell Church, April 2-4 and April 30-May 2*To obtain a copy of the video seminar or schedule a trainer for your church, call (800) 272-4664. For information on events, call (800) 438-9600.

resources might address these needs and pray for an opportunity to share.

9 Find a single mom or senior citizen andask your Sabbath School class to assist

once a quarter with home repairs, landscaping,buying a Christmas tree and gifts for the children, purchasing school clothes and supplies, offering to take the kids to VacationBible School, and/or inviting them to church on Mothers’ or Grandparents’ Day.

10See your pastor about 2004 evangelismevents and plan to invite others.

Remember, it’s not about you. It’s not aboutnumbers. It’s not about a General Conference,division or union promotion. It’s about those forwhom Christ gave His life so they might havelife everlasting. You have something they want,and Jesus is waiting for you to share.

—Monte Sahlin

5. Every church and entity should conduct trainingand preparation programs for lay members, youth,and employees.

A. The Columbia Union Conference began a LayMinister of Evangelism Training School in October2001. A total of 200 enrollees have attended classesfour times a year during weekend intensives at theUnion office. The North American DivisionEvangelism Institute at Andrews University suppliesthe faculty and curriculum. Three remaining classesin 2004 will complete the certification program.

B. Each of the eight conferences will have training events.

C. The Union’s Office of Creative Ministries willconsult with conference evangelism coordinatorsto identify and compile a listing of the best prac-tices in outreach, evangelism, and church growth.These practices will be published with case studiesof successful church implementations.

D. A pastors’ convention March 21-24 will focuson the best practices in outreach, evangelism,stewardship, and church growth.

6. In keeping with the Adventist Church’s Sow 1Billion campaign, of the 1 billion pieces of Bible invi-tations to be distributed worldwide, 2.8 million pieceswill be distributed throughout the Union. Privatedonors have covered the cost of direct mail ads.Churches can contact local conferences for supplies.

Monte Sahlin is vice president for creative ministries at the Columbia Union Conference.

ALLEGHENY EAST CONFERENCE“Since NET 2004 will originate from the

Allegheny East Conference, 100 percent of the evan-gelism budget will be focused on downlinking theseries,” says conference President Charles Cheatham.A subsequent goal is to equip all churches with satel-lite dishes. Additional efforts include bringing theBreath of Life telecast to cable networks in six metro-politan areas. There will be special appropriation tostrengthen certain churches with spring evangelismmeetings. Lastly, friendship and relationship evangel-ism will be an ongoing theme.

ALLEGHENY WEST CONFERENCEEach church board has accepted the challenge to

make evangelism a priority in church program-ming,” says James Lewis, conference president.“Based on this priority, they will develop strategiesfor implementation. Plans are underway to planttwo new churches (in Pittsburgh and Cleveland) atthe conclusion of evangelistic efforts. In prepara-tion for NET 2004, 25 to 30 churches will purchasesatellite dishes or upgrade current equipment.

CHESAPEAKE CONFERENCEEach church is encouraged to conduct at least one

reaping activity during 2004 and lay members will con-tinue training in DVD evangelism. Chesapeake will alsofacilitate the implementation of Sow 1 Billion and pro-vide training for the follow-up phase. This will includegiving Bible studies and establishing and operating alocal Bible school. “Evangelism will be modeled as aconference priority by the direct involvement of theadministrative and pastoral work force in public meet-ings,” reported Robert Vandeman, executive secretary.

MOUNTAIN VIEW CONFERENCEAt the June 2003 camp meeting, the Mountain

View Conference launched an evangelistic thrustcalled “Your World to Win.” This initiative, extend-ing from the last half of 2003 through 2004, is divid-ed into three phases: Sow 200,000—each memberwill distribute one brochure to at least one person perday until 200,000 pieces are disseminated; Send2,000—anticipating 2,000 Bible study requests fromthis literature, 2,000 members will pursue the inter-ests, and Save 200—with all 36 churches involved,the faith goal is to lead 200 souls to Christ.

Each church is planning an evangelistic series suchas a Daniel and Revelation seminar, satellite program,or a pastoral or lay-led event. The conference haspartnered with Amazing Facts evangelists to conductmeetings throughout the conference.

NEW JERSEY CONFERENCE“In keeping with the Adventist Church’s Sow 1

Billion campaign, the New Jersey Conference will dis-tribute 250,000 brochures to generate Bible studyinterests,” says LeRoy Finck, conference president.“These individuals will be funneled into small group,outreach ministries, New Beginnings meetings and,ultimately, local reaping crusades.”

Special training for lay members will facilitate theformation of small group ministries. A major goal is totrain 500 lay members to evangelize with NewBeginnings DVD lessons. There will also be a Hispanic-sowing Festival of the Laity in the spring, and a reap-ing festival in the fall. The English-speaking churcheswill a hold a major, area-wide evangelistic event inNewark. The Hispanic churches will conduct threemajor meetings in Jersey City, Bridgeton, and UnionCity/Hoboken during 2004. The overall plan is to haveevery church involved in outreach evangelism.

T he Seventh-day Adventist Church has themed 2004 the Year of World Evangelism. In keeping with this worldwide vision within our sister divisions and unions, the Columbia Union’s eight

conferences have formulated various goals and activities. Here’s a round up:

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JANUARY 2004 15

OHIO CONFERENCE“Rather than drive evangelistic activity and

events, our actions will be directed at infusing anew mission-driven ‘DNA’ into the local churches,”says conference President Raj Attiken. “This trans-forms the church from a ‘come and see’ institutionto a ‘go and do’ people,” and changes the cultureand environment. Creating a safe place for spiritualand missional entrepreneurs; developing andempowering leaders; identifying, linking, and allo-cating resources; and initiating new congregationsand ministries in metropolitan areas—aimed atemerging generations—are major thrusts.

Individual churches, which are the single-most criti-cal and effective element in evangelizing and disciplingpeople, will implement customized plans and strate-gies. The conference will partner with churches in sev-eral endeavors. An overall goal is to have 15 existingcongregations transition into “high impact mission out-posts,” and five similar, new congregations by 2006.

PENNSYLVANIA CONFERENCEThe Pennsylvania Conference is focusing on

major evangelism themes such as “developingfriendship evangelism and holistic evangelism,along with binding the wounds and felt-need seminars,” says Ray Hartwell, conference president.In addition, the contributions of four guest evan-gelists, 25 pastoral evangelistic efforts, nine lay-ledefforts, one women’s ministries event, nineHispanic efforts, and the inner city café ministrywill strengthen and reinforce the overall goal.

POTOMAC CONFERENCE According to Roger Weiss, vice president for

administration, “The Potomac Conference has madeevangelism a top priority for the last several years.”

The primary aim is to promote evangelism on the individual level within the English, Spanish,Portuguese, Mizo, Ghanaian, French, Korean, andChinese language groups that comprise 130 congre-gations. High on the list is the planting of 12 newcongregations, many springing from large and longestablished churches. Another goal is to introducechildren to Christ. Potomac will also participate inthe Sow 1 Billion project and distribute 6,000,000Bible study cards. President Dave Weigley, staff, andconference evangelists—Kim Kjaer, Ron Rogers, andJosé Esposito—will hold public meetings.

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TAMYRA HORST

Local churches from the Pennsylvania andMountain View conferences are piloting theprinciples of Natural Church Development(NCD). The process began last fall whenteams from 30 congregations met at Laurel

Lake Camp in Rossiter, Pa. This approach will soonbe introduced to other churches.

These principles are based on the realization thatimproving the quality of a congregation builds themembership. They are practical and Bible-based prin-ciples to grow healthy churches. Quality takes priorityover quantity in church growth, thereby making it along-term, strategic process.

Participants learned about the eight characteristicsof a healthy congregation: empowering leadership,

gift-oriented ministry, passionate spirituality, func-tional structures, inspiring worship, wholistic smallgroups, need-oriented evangelism, and loving rela-tionships. The key to understanding each of thesecharacteristics is the adjective. While every churchhas leadership, worship and structure, for example,not all emphasize the qualities described in the adjec-tives preceding these words above. NCD focuses onempowering leadership, passionate spirituality, andwholistic small groups, etc.

A Learning ProcessTo begin to implement the principles of NCD,

active members within the 30 pilot churches complet-ed a survey rating church’s characteristics. Then, lastfall, about 80 members of those churches attended aweekend retreat led by trainers from the NorthAmerican Division Evangelism Institute (NADEI).The trainers had assessed the surveys and identifiedthe lowest scoring characteristics in each church,called minimum factors.

Most participants were surprised at the results intheir local church. “I didn’t think it would be this,”said Tom Martin from York, Pa., about his church’s

P e n n s y l v a n i a a n d M o u n t a i n V i e wI n t r oduce Na t u ra l Chu rch Deve l opmen t

KINGDOMBuilding God’s

More than 80 people representing churches from MountainView and Pennsylvania conferences attended the NaturalChurch Development Implementation Weekend.

JANUARY 2004 17

lowest minimum factor. “I thought it would be anothercharacteristic. But as we’ve talked about it, I’ve real-ized this is an area where we need work.”

The minimum factors represent the major hinder-ing points to a church’s growth. To tackle problemareas, participants were grouped into implementationteams to begin working to improve their minimumfactors. Each team was assigned a coach from NADEIfor the next year. While reminded, over and overagain, that it’s not their job to fix it, the teams learnedhow to work with their congregations in determiningthe best solutions to improve minimum factors. Afterworking with the NADEI coaches for a year, thechurches will re-take the survey and begin workingon the next level of minimum factors.

Lyle Litzenberger, NADEI’s coordinator for NCDsince August 2001, reports that churches are enthusi-astic as they learn about these principles and take theinitial survey. Yet, many churches lose the momentumnecessary to work through the entire process of appli-cation of the principles. This is why coaches are criti-cal, he explains. They help to keep a church focusedand on track, providing accountability and direction.Coaches help church leaders accurately assess churchhealth; refine vision, goals and strategies; revisitessential values; focus resources appropriately; andproduce lasting health and growth.

This new approach is already proving to be effec-tive. Many participants found the process to be a tool

The Leechburg Seventh-day Adventist Church'sImplementation Team discuss their minimum factor.

Natural Church Development coach trainers and appren-tices pose for a group photo. They worked on strategies toimprove church growth and formed implementation teams.

for both church and personal spiritual growth. “NCDleads the participant into a renewed spiritual experi-ence and because it is bathed in prayer, the HolySpirit … energizes the process, making a big impacton the nurturing and outreach of the church family,”comments Larry Boggess, Mountain View Conferenceexecutive secretary and NCD coordinator.

“We commend Pennsylvania and Mountain Viewconferences for their leadership and vision in recogniz-ing the importance and value of bringing NCD traininginto their churches, giving the churches an effectivetool to increase their health and growth by followingthis God-centered process,” affirmed Litzenberger.

Training the TrainersBecause more and more churches want to use NCD

principles, the need for coaches has increased. To keepup with the demand, NADEI now trains conference-based “coach apprentices” who can guide localchurches through the process. Pennsylvania alreadyhas two coaches—Brad Cassell, pastor of a four-church mission district; and Bill Peterson, assistant tothe president and the conferences NCD coordinator.

“We believe that, in the next five to 10 years, as it isintentionally and consistently worked, NCD principleswill increase the health of our churches, and result inmore souls being won for Jesus in our Pennsylvaniamission field,” Peterson says. Litzenberger is also excit-ed. We praise God for a delivery system that bringsNCD training and assistance into the local conferences.

New identified coach apprentices will attend acoach’s training session in April and be assigned,with the help of a NADEI trainer, to work throughthe process in a different church in the future. Therewill be a second weekend retreat for the implementa-tion teams in August. For more information aboutNatural Church Development, call (269) 471-8303.

Tamyra Horst is communication director for thePennsylvania Conference.

18 VISITOR

An evangelism event targeted solely to chil-dren is still somewhat rare within churchesthese days. Giving young people the infor-mation and tools necessary to apply the loveof Jesus to their lives takes a lot of planning,

organization, and leadership. The Community PraiseCenter (CPC) Seventh-day Adventist Church inAlexandria, Va., is up for the challenge, decided it was necessary, and formed Curiosity Kids.

Captivated by stories, activities, and a knowledgeof God’s love, as many as 93 children enjoyed a 20-night evangelism event last fall. Geared to childrenages 7 through 12, sessions included song service

with animated leaders like CPC pastoral internJeremiah Green, crafts or a puppet show, demonstra-tions, prayer time, and a story-like sermon. Onememorable euphemism was an illustration by thestaff of Virginia’s Camp Blue Ridge about how a snakeshedding its skin is like a sinner being baptized.

The theme for Curiosity Kids mirrored thechurch’s adult effort, which was held simultaneouslyand outlined the 27 fundamental beliefs of theAdventist Church.

Learning, Growing, and WitnessingCPC member Amber Hollingsworth, age 10, said,

“Visitors learned how to be kind to one another andthat God is everything. You might not know it, butHe is.” She also discovered that, “Just because some-body else is doing it, and they call you a chicken,doesn’t mean you have to join in.”

Father and volunteer Ian Barrow, a youth coach forCPC, had his own favorite activity—the CuriosityShop. Through the shop, children earned points bybringing a guest, volunteering to help, answering ques-tions, etc. These points earned them Curiosity Dollars,which were used to purchase an item from the shop.“They really learned how to save their dollars untilthey had enough money to buy what they wanted. Theoverall program was very helpful in presenting adultthemes to children. Issues like death and ghosts werepresented in a way kids can understand,” Barrow said.

Victoria Harrison, full-time children’s pastor atCPC, created the series as a way to eventually

JesusCURIOUS ABOUT

Potomac Church SponsorsChildren’s Crusade

BETH MICHAELS

Youngsters expressed their creative sides through craftsduring the recent Curiosity Kids crusade at theCommunity Praise Center Church.

JANUARY 2004 19

launch a community branch Sabbath School program. The concept stemmed from the CPCCuriosity Kids Council, which facilitates allChildren’s Ministries. “We needed a model or pilotprogram before we went out,” explained PastorHarrison, who has been active in ministry for 17years. “Knowing that there would be communitychildren attending, we wanted to debut it in-house,work out the bugs, tweak it, and then make it acommunity-based event.” The program is scheduledto debut at the Alexandria Recreation Center thismonth and, according to Harrison, will be docu-mented to provide a template for other churches tocreate a bridge into their communities.

“I really believe children should be ministered toand that they can minister to others,” said Harrison.“They have a natural heart for God. They’re alwayson a quest, always trying to find where God fits intotheir lives and wondering how scripture relates totheir life experience.” Harrison guesstimated that 10percent of the children came from the community,including friends and relatives of those who attendCPC. She also predicted that at least three childrenwould be baptized—one from the community andtwo from the church.

Pastor Green became involved in the evangelismeffort through his membership in Living Lab—a newpartnership between the North American Division,Potomac Conference, and other entities—which isdesigned to funnel candidates into children’s pastoralministries. “I’m a testing pastor,” said Green, anAndrews University seminary graduate. “The maingoal is exposure to various areas of children’s min-istries, be it an overseas missionary trip, overseeingdifferent departments and seminars, or participatingin this evangelistic meeting.”

Filling a VoidGreen believes that Curiosity Kids is filling a void

for the often-overlooked 7- through 12-year-old agegroup. “Sometimes the decisions children makebetween these ages affect the rest of their lives,” heexplains. Green made his first decision to followChrist at age 7 when he saw a drama presentation ofJesus being nailed to the cross.

It took six members and leaders at CPC (includingpastors Harrison and Green) to make the crusade areality. But it took 38 volunteers to make it a success.One such volunteer was Charmaine Johnson, whosetwo children, ages 6 and 12, enjoyed the experience.Johnson’s husband, Pastor Damein Johnson, ran theadult effort. “Children often sit with the adults anddon’t really understand the message, because it’s noton their level,” she said. “The more things we do forchildren, the more we can break down the word andmake it personable to them.”

There’s also a Web site, www.curiosity-kids.org, soyoung people can have a place of their own to con-nect. A copy of the curriculum outline, for interestedchurches, will soon be available at this site.

Whether a child or an adult, it’s healthy to main-tain that curiosity about Jesus and His love and willfor us. After all, it was He who said, “Unless webecome like little children, we will not inherit thekingdom of heaven.”

Beth Michaels is a mother and freelance writer living in the Washington, D.C., area.

Children at Community Praise Center's recent CuriosityKids crusade were mesmerized, and learned valuablelessons during the Muppet segments.

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20 VISITOR

EDWIN HUMPHREY, JR.

The serene quietness captures your attention asyou turn off Connecticut Avenue ontoChesapeake Street, N.W., in Washington, D.C.

Just two blocks away from the hustle and bustle is aquiet place. Looking up, above the trees, you see thetowering steeple beckoning those who are in need toGod’s memorial—the Capital Memorial Seventh-dayAdventist Church (CMC).

Ellen G. White made a March 12, 1891, diaryentry appealing for work in Washington, D.C.: “Icould see no better way of letting light shine forthfrom the very seat of government, the capital of thenation. It seems strange that some memorial of pres-ent truth has not been established here before. Iadvise that a meeting house be built.”

Capital Memorial opened its doors on February24, 1889, with 26 members, as the First Seventh-dayAdventist Church. In 1900 the membership splitleaving the First Church there at the Claybaugh Hallon 14th Street, N.W., while the newly named CapitalMemorial Seventh-day Adventist Church relocated tothe suburbs. Then, in 1992, the BrotherhoodSeventh-day Adventist Church merged with CMC.Ten years later, Capital Memorial commemorated amemorable milestone when it celebrated 100 years ofexistence and service in 2002.

Reaching vs. Winning the CommunityLocated in an affluent Jewish community, with a

large segment of young, wealthy Hindus and Muslims,and being in close proximity to Embassy Row, out-reach has definitely been a challenge. That aside,Senior Pastor Samuel Garbi and Associate Pastor LuisA. Badillo have a passion for God’s work. They are con-stantly in search of ways to release their most powerfulwitnessing tool—active CMC members—into the com-munity and have devised plans to reach the community,versus winning the community for Christ.

Among the original congregation is Virginia Harter(along with her husband Fred) who knows the insand outs of CMC’s history. While explaining thechurch’s activities you can hear the passion and lovein her voice. Ester Harter, also an original member,shares that burden for outreach ministries. Thenthere’s First Elder Lyndrey Niles who came to CMCthrough the merger with the Brotherhood church. Hiswisdom, candor, gentle spirit, and strength of pur-pose give credence to the church’s ministry.

One of the major difficulties in reaching local resi-dents is that most members live outside of the sur-rounding community. Also, area apartment buildingsare not open to visitation. With the use of purchasedzip code listings, special mailings have yielded somesuccess in reaching their neighbors.

Church Profile

CAPITAL MEMORIAL CHURCH

Coming Full

Senior Pastor Samuel Garbi (left) and AssociatePastor Luis A. Badillo pose with their wives, both ofwhom are named Connie.

Lyndrey Niles and Virginia Harter are long-time Capital Memorial members.

JANUARY 2004 21

Church Profile

Other activities include CMC’s participation,once a month, in the 4th Street Adventist Church’ssoup kitchen. Then there’s the annual communityHealth Fair, coordinated by Mel Carreno, that yieldsexcellent attendance, and the church’s VegetarianFood Fair, which attracts hundreds of visitors. Thenursing home ministry, leadership training weekendretreat, and women’s ministries activities all serve tobring the church to the community.

With 40 nationalities represented within CMC’smembership, and many members working for variousembassies, outreach tends to take on a global aspect.An added bonus is that residents often have a feelingof affinity when they meet and interact with mem-bers of the congregation.

“As a pastor, you must know the heartbeat of the people, know their country, find their itch, andsoothe it. You have to understand diversity and use it to the glory of God,” says Badillo. “Whenyou know God—everything falls into place,” addsPastor Garbi.

God’s DesignOne hundred years later, CMC has come full circle

and is following God’s design as it reflects the racialdiversity of our nation’s capital and the flavor ofinclusiveness. This multiculturalism facilitates toler-ance, an understanding of differences, and provides aglimpse of heaven.

Capital Memorial’s ongoing vision sums it upperfectly: We are a Seventh-day Adventist Christiancongregation that must be relevant to the mainstream,contemporary, 21st-century culture of GreaterWashington, D.C. We are here to live the Seventh-dayAdventist Christian message in our time, in such away that our lives, and the lives we touch, arechanged to the glory of God before Jesus’ return.

For more information on Capital MemorialChurch, located at 3150 Chesapeake, N.W.,Washington, D.C., and its members and services,please visit www.capitalmemorial.org or call (202) 362-3668.

Edwin Humphrey, Jr., writes from Fort Washington, Md.

Circle

� Founded in 1899, Capital Memorial was originally known as First Seventh-day Adventist Church.

� The name changed to Capital Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1900.

� Capital Memorial has 483 members representing 40 nationalities.

� YALL (Young Adults Loving the Lord) raised $20,000, went to Mexico and assisted in building a church. YALL is currently planning another mission trip. For more information, or to make a donation, call (202) 362-3668.

Capital Memorial’s diverse membership attends a fellowship luncheon.

“You must know the heartbeat of the people, findtheir itch, and soothe it.”

—Pastor Luis Badillo

22 VISITOR

Resource GuidePaul Richardson

Friend 2 Friend: Reaching the UnchurchedThrough Friendship EvangelismSource: Center for Creative Ministry at (800) 272-4664 or www.creativeministry.orgPrice: $99.00

Twelve people came to the NET ‘98 meetings atone of our Adventist churches. Six came in responseto the handbills. The other six were invited by achurch member who had befriended them long beforethe satellite meetings began. Guess who was stillattending the church six months later? It was thosewhose friends had invited them and were now men-toring them into church life.

Friend 2 Friend gives you the tools you need toeffectively reach others. In six short sessions, you’llbe able to effectively share friendship and faith withcolleagues, family members, neighbors, and friends.The package includes a leader’s guide, participant’sguide, four-minute video promo, six 20-minute video

teaching segments, colorful slidesto enhance the visual learningexperience, and four presentationsby Pastor Greg Schaller on friend-ship evangelism.

This method revolves aroundthe following Ellen White quote:“Christ’s method alone will givetrue success in reaching the peo-

ple. The Savior mingled with [humanity] as one whodesired their good. He showed His sympathy forthem, ministered to their needs, and won their confi-dence. Then He bade them, follow me.” (Ministry ofHealing, p. 143)

The 7 Habits of Highly Ineffective ChurchesAuthor: Ron Gladden Source: AdventSource at (800) 328-0525 or www.adventsource.orgPrice: $8.95

What causes churches to decline? It’s been proventhat when the stakes get too high, most churches stop

growing. Nine out of 10 Americanchurches have ceased to grow.Chances are yours is one of them.One way to avoid this is to evangelizethe community—which is covered inchapter four. Throughout the book,the author demystifies the reasonschurches stop growing and clarifieswhat needs to be done to prevent it from happening inyour church, whatever the cost. Is it worth it? Ofcourse! Just ask the One who paid the ultimate price.

Adventist Congregations TodaySource: Center for Creative Ministry at (800) 272-4664 or www.creativeministry.orgPrice: $9.99

According to recently conductedresearch, Adventists are invisible tothe vast majority of people living in

the United States and Canada. What our congrega-tions are doing about this significant problem is pro-filed in chapter two of this new book. Other chaptersinclude: “New Paradigms for Church Growth andHealth” and “Are Adventists Making a Difference intheir Communities?”

How to Set up anEvangelism/Discipleship Cycle in Your ChurchAuthor: James W. ZackrisonSource: AdventSource at (800) 328-0525or www.adventsource.orgPrice: $2.95

How do you motivate members tomake evangelistic meetings and new member incorpo-ration part of a continuous cycle in your church? Inthis 17-page booklet, you will learn to mobilizethrough small, mission-oriented groups. Also, find outhow to keep volunteers from burning out and newmembers from falling through the cracks.

Too often we attempt to attract people to Adventism by describing our beliefs first. If they’re stillinterested, we talk about our acceptable behaviors and, then, offer them membership into ourgroup. In today’s culture, that paradigm needs to shift 180 degrees. We need to offer the concept

of belonging first, and then allow behavior and belief conversations to follow. That is evangelism at itsbest. Here are some resources to help you implement this new pattern:

EvangelismRESOURCES FOR

JANUARY 2004 23

Andrea Leah Scott recently became the health ministries director for the Allegheny EastConference. A Washington, D.C., native, Scott sees her roles as educator, motivator, coordi-

nator and resources person. She began her pursuit for health and wellness 25 years ago whenshe began her exploration into the message and beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.This pursuit has spurned her quest to understand and fulfill Gods purpose for us—mind, bodyand soul. She has earned certifications and recognition as a health professional and lifestylecoach, served as coordinator of Allegheny East’s Fit 4 You Fitness Camp, and consulted for thecity of Philadelphia in making it one of the healthiest cities in the nation. Scott was also the con-ference’s Delaware Valley Network Leader for seven years. In addition, she has personally men-tored and worked with numerous individuals who, combined, have lost hundreds of pounds and reversed the debil-itating affects of hypertension and diabetes. In this new role she says, her plans include the development of a Trainthe Trainer procedures manual that will allow others to run and operate health programs to promote positivelifestyle changes, which will make man whole—mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. To make this a reality,Scott intends to consult with many health professionals and utilize information in our possession, as well as currentand prior research materials. My ultimate endeavor, she explains, is the formation of a vibrant network of trainedindividuals who implement initiatives that increase and build skills, while enhancing the lifestyle behaviors of ourconstituency and community. Together, we will continue to unfold God’s plan of optimum health for everyone.

—Laverne Henderson

Allegheny East Appoints Health Ministries Director

Student Provides Winning “Recipe” for Civilization

Darryl’s Recipe for Civilization

Ingredients:1 Cup of Human Beings2 Cups of Common Ideas About Government2 Cups of Religion1 Cup of Natural Resources1 Tablespoon of Trade1 Teaspoon of Language 2 Tablespoons of Technology

Cooking Instructions:Before starting, put the human beings together in acommon location. Add language until the people cancommunicate with one another thoroughly. Mix thehuman beings with religion until people are converted

and they share common attitudes about God, afterlife,and how to live. Add 1 cup of natural resources and 2tablespoons of technology, and mix well until goodsand services are produced. Introduce trade little by lit-tle and stir to generate movement between people sothat they begin to trade for the goods and services.Use 2 tablespoons of common ideas about govern-ment to help keep all of the ingredients together. Cookuntil the people, ideas, and goods are well done, form-ing a scrumptious civilization.

—From the World History Kitchen of Darryl Estes

January 2004

Allegheny East ConferencePO Box 266, Pine Forge, PA 19548Phone: (610) 326-4610www.MyAlleghenyEast.comPresident, Charles L. CheathamCommunication Director, Robert Booker

The following “recipe” was submitted to Helen Marshall, a teacher at the Dupont ParkSeventh-day Adventist School in Washington, D.C. The assignment was part of a les-son on the beginnings of civilization for Marshall’s social studies class. “The worldwould be a wonderful place if this recipe were followed,” Marshall says.

24 VISITOR

The Proof is in the Pudding

PFA Instrumentalists Converge Through String/Wind Ensembles

With gentle flicks of the bow and graceful fingermovements, Manoushka Germain artistically per-

forms a piece on her violin with a stance of one withexpertise. The group of retirement home residents forwhom she is playing as part of a school communityservice activity, responds with thankful applause. ThisPFA junior from Massachusetts, who has been perfect-ing her craft for six years, responds modestly, but gra-ciously, to the recognition.

A second year student at PFA, Germain has alreadybeen recognized by her fellow school family for herbeautiful solo renditions on her instrument. However,this year, she has been able to not only offer her musi-cal talents through solos, but also through participatingin the re-instituted PFA instrumental ensembles.

After a two-year “time-out,” the wind and instrumen-tal ensembles are back in action, due to the efforts ofmusic department chair Toni Caldwell-Hall and thedirection and assistance of music department instruc-tors Jason Max Ferdinand and Kerri Williams.

The re-introduction of these groups has served as awonderful opportunity for the instrumentalists amongthe students to gather with like “instrumental” minds.Returning students, like Micah Bratton and SheriaReeves, who started playing in the Pine Forge

Elementary String Ensemble years ago, and studentswho are new to academy this year, such as Eric Adamsand Rechelle Tull, have taken advantage. A studentfrom Southern California, Adams has been playing theflute for close to a decade. Tull, an accomplished musi-cian, as well, plays not just one—but three instruments:the piano, the organ, and the violin. The experience haseven broadened to include those in the community,such as Dr. Rothacker Smith, a retired PFA instructor,who plays cello for the string ensemble.

The groups also give the students musical exposurebeyond the solo realm. Germain attests that, thoughshe has had a little ensemble experience prior to PFA,being in the group certainly broadened her knowledgeof working with an ensemble, not to mention, exposedher to new music. It’s one experience to play a Mozartsolo instrumental piece, but it’s a completely differentone to play a movement of The Four Seasons with awhole ensemble.

Throughout the year, the programs have continuedto bud. During Fall Parents’ Weekend, the wind ensem-ble made their debut, and the string ensemble had theirfirst performance in December. Who knows? Perhapssometime in the future, you might find the PFA wind orstring ensemble performing at a church near you.

Pine Forge Academy · (800) 390-9529 · www.pineforgeacademy.org · e-mail: pfa@pineforgeacademy.orgPublic Relations Director, Tiffany S. Taylor

It was my privilege and joy to passionately share my love for Pine Forge Academy (PFA) atthe annual Pastoral/Evangelism Conference held at Oakwood College, championing our

value proposition—Why You Should Invest in Pine Forge Academy! Several forums provided me an opportunity to share the value a PFA education will pro-

vide, and we addressed the importance of their role and “buy-in” in embracing our valueproposition, which will provide a good return on the investment of our youth and our futurecitizens of this global community.

It was a great opportunity in championing our value proposition, which states:“PFA is where we educate the mind, body, and spirit through academics, athletics, and

adoration! We achieve this by embracing our immutable values, which are to—deliver aChristian education, build global leaders, provide a safe “hiding-place,” foster maturity, devel-op ethical pride through a diverse cultural environment, and build values-centered characterswho are prepared to be successful global leaders of the 21st century.”

Now you can understand why I am so passionate about PFA—“theproof is in the pudding.” Invest in Pine Forge Academy today!

George E. Thornton, Sr., D.Min. Principal

JANUARY 2004 25

Could you imagine a healthy church without the characteristic of passionate spirituality? Yet it has been a chal-lenge to the Christian Church since its inception. The Church of Ephesus (Rev. 2:4) was declared to have lost

its first love. And the Laodicean Church (Rev 3:14-22), which corresponds to the Church in the end time, wasindicted for its lukewarm condition. The Laodiceans had spirituality, but they lacked real passion for Christ. Peoplewith passionate spirituality have a remarkable love for Jesus. They exude that passion. They live it daily in everyfacet of their lives.

Jesus spoke often of the need for passionate spirituality. In His day it was the opposite of the cold formalism ofthe Pharisees. He called for a whole-hearted devotion to God—a relationship characterized by loving Him with allyour heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). He also taught that passionate love for God would result in afervent love of your fellow man.

Passionate spirituality has been a hallmark of the Adventist Church since its beginnings. For those whose hopewas grounded in the soon expected return of Christ, the issues of consecration and passion werecentral. To keep that hope central, Ellen White urged her fellow pioneers to reflect on these ques-tions: “Who has the heart? With whom are our thoughts? Of whom do we love to converse? Whohas our warmest affections and our best energies? If we are Christ’s, our thoughts are with Him... all we have and are is consecrated to Him (Steps to Christ, p. 58).

Can you imagine a church where the members are so in love with Christ that they can’t helpbut draw others to Him? Can you imagine that in your church? One of Chesapeake’s greatestchallenges is to rekindle our “first love” and whole-heartedly, passionately, enthusiastically,and joyfully work to see Christ’s kingdom come.

Passionate Spirituality

NEWS

Neville HarcombePresident

HVA Phon-a-thon Raises More Than Dollars“Hi, my name is Amber and I’m calling on behalf of

Highland View Academy (HVA).” And so another call ismade and another donation pledged to the annual fundat HVA. During the first week of November, hundreds ofsimilar calls were placed by students, faculty, staff,board members, and alumni. “People were so encour-aging and so positive,” reported Candy DeVore, direc-tor of marketing and organizer of the phon-a-thon. “Wewere overwhelmed by their support and goodwill.” Atthe end of the week, nearly $13,000 had been raised incash and pledges for the annual fund.

Chesapeake Loses Friend, Trusted AdvisorIn early November, Greg Stagliano, 52, of the West

Wilmington church, died of a heart attack while playingbasketball in the gymnasium of the church’s school.Stagliano organized the basketball league nearly 15years ago as a vehicle for friendship evangelism andfellowship. Greg served as head elder at WestWilmington for a number of years and held frequentRevelation seminars. His level of service expanded inthe mid-90s when he became a member of both theColumbia Union and Chesapeake ExecutiveCommittees. His quick smile, his burden for evangel-ism, and his wise counsel will be missed. He is sur-vived by his wife. Edith, and two sons.

Pathfinder Lock-In Attracts Nearly 250 Participants

Over 240 kids attended the annual Pathfinder “Lock-In” held November15-16 at MountSaint Mary’s Collegein Thurmont, Md.The Waldorf Club,with help from theirpastor, Keith Acker,started out the nighton a spiritual note.Then the pathfind-ers headed for the pool, the basketball, racket ball, ten-nis, and volleyball courts. A great time was had by all,and sleep by some!

Baltimore First Hosts Natural Health SeminarFor a number of years the Baltimore First church

has provided a ministry for the very health conscious intheir community. In early December, the latest seminarwas on the topic of “Perpetual Health: Rejuvenate YourLife With Nutrition” with presentations by authorsDouglas Graham and Professor Rozalind Gruben. Thechurch has become well known and appreciated inthe greater Baltimore area for its keen interest inhealthy living.

JANUARY 2004

26 VISITOR

is published in the Visitor each month by the Chesapeake Conference 6600 Martin Road Columbia, MD 21044 · (410) 995-1910 · Editor, Rob Vandeman · EditorialAssistant, Barbara-Lee Boyd · Layout, Diane Baier

The Challenge

The Atholton church voted inbusiness session on November

15 to move into the second phaseof their school expansion project.Having just completed Phase I

(four classrooms, several smallbreak-out rooms, and bathrooms),the church authorized the school toproceed with the shell of what willeventually be an additional threeclassrooms, a library/media cen-ter, a music/band room, andadministrative offices.The impetus for moving ahead

at this time was twofold. First, thedrawing, licenses, and permitswith Howard County were expir-ing. To delay building, then renewpermits and adjust to new countycodes, would have added severalhundred thousand dollars toPhase II. And secondly, theschool is bursting at the seams

even as Phase I is just being com-pleted. The enrollment has jumpedover the past three years from 94to 140.

The constituents voted to pro-ceed with the shell at an estimatedcost of $220,000 and hope to haveit finished by late spring. A yearlater they hope to have the projecttotally completed. Having borrowed$1 million for Phase I, the church iscommitted to doing Phase II with-out additional loans. With a smallarmy of dedicated stewards andvolunteer laborers, as well as theLord’s blessings, they can’t helpbut succeed.

Atholton School Expansion Moves into Phase II

African Tribal Leaders Call ForAdventist Presence

Tribal leaders in the villages of Mamitwa and Muhlaba Cross, whereChesapeake mission teams constructed churches, have asked for help

in meeting two of their greatest challenges: AIDS awareness/preventionand illiteracy. While on a short visit to see family, Neville Harcombe spentseveral days with Hope for Humanity Director Maitland DiPinto, and his project consultant, Gordon Bhueller, talking with village officials and lead-ers of the Trans-Orange Conference and South African Union about thosevery challenges.

Hope for Humanity (Ingathering) uses a portion of the funds generatedeach year to sponsor overseas projects. It is hoped that some of that fund-ing will be directed to help bolster the presence of the church in those vil-lages where the unemployment rateruns as high as 90 percent and nearlyevery family unit has been touched bythe AIDS epidemic.

Chesapeake saw the need to buildplaces of Sabbath worship for ourmembers in the Limpopo province.Now we hear their village leaders cry-ing for help: “Please use those beauti-ful buildings as ministry centers forour villages throughout the week.”Once again the call is renewed:“Come over to Mamitwa/Muhlaba(Macedonia) and help us!” What willbe our response?

SpencervilleChurch BuildsAddition

The earliteens and youth atSpencerville are anxiously await-

ing the completion of the additionto the educational wing of thechurch. For the first time since thechurch was constructed (1980)these divisions, which until nowhave shared “temporary” quarters inthe fellowship hall, will have a placeto call their own. Two adult classeswill fill the space soon to be vacat-ed by the young people. The projectalso provides desperately neededstorage space for the congregationof over 1,400 members.

Built at a cost of just under$400,000, and providing 2,900 sq.ft. of usable space, the addition isbut one project of the first phase ofthe church’s long-range vision.Phase I also included the purchaseof 30-plus acres of land for a newschool at a cost of $1.6 million. Thefinal project in Phase I, delayed nowuntil spring, is the expansion of theparking lot on the north side of thechurch to accommodate 108 morecars. The cost for all three projectsfor Phase I have already been paid.

The church leadership is nowsetting their sights on the fund rais-ing for Phase II—the building of anew school.

Top: Adventist and community leaders pose for a picture following discussionson AIDS and literacy programs. Above: The village chiefs of Mamitwa andMuhlaba Cross appealed for further help.

Every Sunday weather permitting, volun-teers come out to help with the building.

JANUARY 2004 27

CUC’s Accreditation Renewed

7600 Flower Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912 · (800) 835-4212 · www.cuc.edu · January 2004

The Accrediting Association ofSeventh-day Adventist Schools,

Colleges, and Universities (AAA)recently completed their assess-ment ofColumbia UnionCollege (CUC),giving it 10commendationsand granting itthe maximumterm of accredi-tation of fiveyears, with a recommendationof an additionalfour years, subject to the approvalof the General ConferenceDepartment of Education.

“Those of us who daily studyand work at Columbia UnionCollege know what a remarkableplace this is. We continue to believein the unique opportunity we havebeen given to provide outstandingAdventist education in our nation’scapital,” said Randal Wisbey, CUCpresident, regarding the AAA report.

The AAA provides a mechanism

for improving quality in Adventisteducational institutions to assurechurch organizations and theirmembers that Adventist collegesmeet established standards andcriteria. CUC accomplishes muchof that by maintaining accreditationthrough the Middle StatesAssociation Commission on HigherEducation. However, the AAA’sprocess also closely examines therole CUC plays in supporting themission of the church and itsquality of education within thecontext of the beliefs, mission,educational philosophy, and prac-tices of the church.

The report recognizes that CUCcontinues to provide an on-going,stimulating, learning, and faith-building environment. Parents,alumni, and students can continueto have confidence that CUC willremain committed to, and focusedon, providing the best education, inthe best environment, within thehighest standards of the church.

The faculty and staff remaincommitted to an ever-increasing

standard of excellence. The col-lege’s theme during its centennialcelebration is “Engage … Excel …Explore,” and this reaffirmation ofits status as a premier college with-in the church demonstrates thatthey are truly living up to the criteriafor which they stand.

“We are dedicated to theAdventist mission that has guidedthis college for the past 100years—a mission that will long out-last each of us. The administrationcontinues to address the way thatstudents, faculty, and staff can allbe engaged in this important con-versation, committing ourselves tospending time listening to eachother, praying together, and wor-shipping together, as we seek tofaithfully hear God’s voice to ourcampus,” said Wisbey.

CUC is also accredited by theMaryland Higher EducationCommission, as a degree-grantinginstitution, and by a variety of pro-fessional program accreditorsincluding nursing, education, andrespiratory care.

Centennial Snapshot—Women’s Residence Halls•1904—First ladies lived in the Carroll House with Ellen White, or theManor House with President Lawhead. Construction of the firstwomen's residence hall, South Hall, began in the summer of 1904.

•1924-25—An addition provided space for the Home EconomicsDepartment.

•1946-47—CUC receives a priority rating from the government formaterials needed for the construction of a new women’s dormitory.(Materials were in short supply after WWII.) Running water in eachroom and a modern call system were anticipated features. HalcyonHall was completed, becoming the largest building on campus.

•1963—Women’s dormitory enlarged, forming a courtyard by addingrooms (the first with air conditioning) and another dean's apartment.

•2003—Halcyon Hall, currently able to house 240, is renovated with new sinks, cupboards, paint, carpet, and furniture. Women once again take up temporary residence in President’s home during construction.

Randal Wisbey,CUC president

The women’s dormitory, Halcyon Hall, as it looks today.

28 VISITOR

lege of this caliber, and it’s my jobto find those people and tell themabout us. I want to promote thecollege, its faculty, its programs, itsalumni, campus events, and every-thing else that makes ColumbiaUnion College such a great place.”

Marie attended a Bible prophecyseminar in Eugene, Ore., that waspresented by Amazing Facts. Theywere baptized at the end of theseries, and have been enthusiastical-ly involved in the church ever since.

Steward brings to his new posi-tion vast experience in marketingand public relations, beginning witha degree in communication with anemphasis in advertising/public rela-tions from the University of Oregon.

His experience ranges from workin a radio station as an advertisingrepresentative and on-air announc-er, to marketing coordinator posi-tions at Oregon’s third largest creditunion and Amazing Facts. He haswon regional and national awardsfor his work in radio commercialsand credit union promotions.

Steward looks forward to havinga hand in publicizing all that thecollege has to offer.

He explains that “people benefitfrom being associated with a col-

Scott Steward Joins Public Relations Office

Columbia Union College ispleased to welcome Scott

Steward as the new assistant direc-tor of public relations. Stewardcomes to CUC from California,where he worked for five years asthe marketing coordinator atAmazing Facts ministries.

Though his most recent workexperience was at Amazing Facts,his contact with that ministry didnot begin with his employmentthere. In fact, it was instrumental inhis introduc-tion to theSeventh-dayAdventistchurch and thebeginning ofhis eventualroad to CUC.

A monthafter his wed-ding sevenyears ago, heand wife Ann-

January

2-11 Mission Trip to Belize

11 Christmas Break Ends

12 Registration for Spring Session

13 Spring Session Begins

14 Adult EducationProgram: Registration for Bachelor of Science/Organizational Management program.

19 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, Campus Closed

20-23 Missions’ Fair

21 Adult Education Program: Registration for Bachelor of Science/Health Care Program

26-30 Week In Spiritual Emphasis

February

4 Adult Education Program: Registration for Bachelor of Science/Business Administration Program

7 Black Student Union

Gospel Concert

11-14 Band Festival

8-14 Black History Week

Gatewayis published in the Visitor each month by the Columbia Union College President, Randal WisbeyPR Director, Angela AbrahamAssistant PR Director, Scott StewardCommunication Consultant, Wilona Karimabadi

CALENDAR

Former Pre-Dentistry StudentsExcel in Dental School

Columbia Union College ispleased to announce that all of

last year’s pre-dentistry programstudents have been accepted intodental school.

Elizabeth van den Hoven, amusic major, and biology majorTae-Hoon Park were accepted intoLoma Linda University School ofDentistry. Fellow biology majorAngelo M. Camerino was admittedinto the Howard University Schoolof Dentistry.

Robert A. Wasmer, professor ofbiology and the pre-dentistry advi-sor, is quite proud of the students’achievements and the pre-dentistryprogram’s success.

“It is noteworthy any time 100percent of a school's applicants foradmission to a professional schoolprogram, such as dentistry, areadmitted, and that all of our appli-cants last year were admitted to theschools of their choice, speaks well

to their preparation and competi-tiveness,” says Wasmer.

“Our small class sizes allow us toget to know the students, and bet-ter prepare them to attain their pro-fessional goals. Previous studentshave been admitted to several pres-tigious schools and one recently fin-ished at the top of her dental schoolclass” says Wasmer.

Another factor that contributes toCUC students’ success is the avail-ability of the Dental Institute at theNational Institutes of Health (NIH) inBethesda, Md. Several studentswork at the Dental Institutes whileenrolled at CUC and gain highlybeneficial experiences and con-tacts. The same applies for studentswanting to go into other medicalfields. The proximity of NIH to theCUC campus is one of CUC’sstrong points, and an advantageover many other schools.

Scott StewardAssistant Director for PR

JANUARY 2004 29

Dos Iglesias Misioneras en Ohio

Dos grupos hispanos en la Conferencia de Ohiofueron nombrados como “iglesias misioneras.” Al

darle este nombre a las iglesias, las coloca en una posición entre grupos y organización como iglesia formal. Durante esta etapa, los grupos son dados laoportunidad de elegir oficiales y llevar sus propias finanzas. Esta etapa de iglesia misionera es para tambiénprobar el aumento de feligreses y si pueden mantenersefirmes. Este período puede durar hasta cinco años.

El Pastor Samuel González, tomó a cargo el grupohispano de Kettering desde el verano del 2002.Comenzaron con solo 25 feligreses, reuniéndose enla iglesia americana de Kettering. Ahora el grupotiene más de 110 miembros. En agosto del 2003, losmiembros decidieron reunirse en otro local. Sereunen en la Iglesia Bautista de Linden, otra iglesiade habla inglés. La iglesia bautista considera algrupo adventista como un grupo evangelístico, enfavor de las personas hispanas de la comunidad de Linden. Estamos agradecidos por las ricas bendiciones que Dios ha derramado sobre los miembros de este grupo. El nombre official del grupoen Dayton es Iglesia Adventista Central de Dayton.

El grupo de hispanos de la Iglesia Cincinnati Village,es el segundo grupo hispano con el estatus de “iglesiamisionera.” Este grupo ha crecido desde su formaciónel verano pasado. Se comenzó con 30 miembros;ahora se reunen 75 cada semana. El Pastor Joel Riveraes el motivador de este grupo. El Pastor Juan Sortoempezó con el grupo durante el verano pasado hastaque el Pastor Rivera llego a pastorear en septiembre.Esta congregacion es la primera y única en la ciudadde Cincinnati. Dan Schramm, pastor de la Iglesia deCincinnati Village de habla inglesa, es bilingüe y tieneun amor especial para los hispanos de la comunidad.Se les agradece al Pastor Schramm y los miembros dela Iglesia de Cincinnati Village por su apoyo, amor ydedicación al grupo hispano. La nueva IglesiaMisionera Hispana de Cincinnati Village espera aumentar aun más el verano del 2004, con una cruzada evangélica de parte de ASI y los pastoresmisioneros que vendrán este verano.

Damos infinitas gracias a Dios por darnos la oportunidad de levantar dos iglesias misioneras para la honra y gloria de su nombre.

ENERO 2004TELESCOPIOOFRECE UNA PANORÁMICA DEL ACONTECER DEL PUEBLO HISPANO QUE VIVE EN EL TERRITORIO DE LA UNION DE COLUMBIA

EL

Evangelismo de Grupos PequenosLas iglesias hispanas de Ohio recibirán entrenamiento

para evangelismo de grupos pequeños. El PastorRubén Ramos, coordinador de la obra hispana de laConferencia de Potomac, conducirá la instrucción paralos líderes de las iglesias hispanas de Ohio. Las reuniones serán en Camp Mohaven durante el fin desemana del 13 al 15 de febrero, 2004. Dios ha usado elevangelismo de grupos pequeños en gran manera enla Conference de Potomac y las iglesias de Ohio también quieren ver las bendiciones de Dios mientrastrabajan para la salvación de almas. Los pastores de laconferencia recibirán entrenamiento preliminar delPastor Ramos en preparación para las reuniones enCamp Mohaven.

Se Planea Retiro de Damas Hispanas de OhioEl 14 de diciembre, 2003, Lucy Cisneros, directora

de ministerio de damas en la conferencia de Ohio yNora Ramos, directora de ministerio de damas de laconferencia de Potomac, se reunieron juntas con las

líderes del ministerio de damas hispanas de Ohio y lasesposas de los pastores hispanos. Hicieron planespara el primer retiro de damas hispanas en Ohio. Ellocal para el retiro será Camp Mohaven. Otros detallesserán anunciados mas adelante. Hay gran emoción yexpectativa de todas las damas en las iglesias hispanas. Este acontecimiento trae alimento espiritual,compañerismo y ánimo para todas quienes asisten.Planee ahora para ser parte de este primer eventoimportante para las damas de Ohio.

Campestre Hispano de OhioEl campestre de hispanos de Ohio está fijado para

el 19 de junio, 2004 en Mount Vernon. El orador invitado será el Pastor Frank González de La Voz de laEsperanza. Un concierto musical por los HeritageSingers Hispanos también está planeado y habrá programas para los niños durante la Escuela Sabática.Coloquen esta fecha en sus calendarios ahora paraasistir a este banquete espiritual.

NOTICIAS

30 VISITOR

semana nos acom-pañaronmás de 300personasno adven-tistas, delos cuales57 almastomaron sudecisión porCristo. Elapoyo que dieron los pastores y loslaicos tanto en asistir como en elcumplimiento de deberes específicosfue extraordinariamente responsabley asombroso. Experimentamos unsentimiento de unidad y cooperaciónincreible. Todavía tenemos querealizar una labor enorme para culti-var a los cientos de personas intere-sadas. Pedimos sus oraciones paraque, usados por el Espíritu Santo,podamos traer a estas almas a lospies de la cruz.

Mega-Philadelphia

Del 15-22 de noviembre se efec-tuó una campaña evangelística

en el auditorio de la Thomas AlvaEdison High School. El éxito quepor la gracia de Dios obtuvimos,exedió a las expectativas de lospastores y laicos hispanos dePhiladelphia. El Todopoderoso obróen cada detalle “mucho más abun-dantemente de lo que pedimos oentendemos.” El enemigo trató dehacer fracasar la campaña pues, el pastor que estaba programadopara predicar del 15-18 se enfermó

y a una semana de la fecha delevento, pudimosconseguir alpastor JoséRojas, quién

Alejandro Bullón

José Rojas

TELESCOPIOEL

recibe un promedio de treintainvitaciones diarias como predi-cador. Aceptó el desafío y con gransacrificio cumplió con sus deberesde oficina y con nosotros en formasatisfactoria y responsable. Lanoche del 18 de noviembre, al pastor Bullón le ocurrió un inci-dente desagradable en Sudaméricapor el cual su médico le prohibióviajar a Norteamérica; sin embargo,ignorando la orden del doctor, seatrevió a cumplir el compromiso yfue usado poderosamente porDios. Además, en una noche de lacampaña, el enemigo se propusoque ocurriera una tragedia sangri-enta, pero el Ángel de Jehováimpidió que esto ocurriera.

Dios proveyó también excelentescantantes como a José Ocampo,Eusebio Díaz, Yessenia Balio,Mebhys Arrebato y Jorge Soto. Elgrupo que dirigió los cantos congre-gacionales fue estupendo. Durante la

El Grupo Ebenzer deCleveland es FormadoComo Iglesia

El 2 de diciembre, 2003 el grupo de miembros deEbenezer fue dado el nombre de “iglesia,” formali-

zando todo en la próxima reunión constituyente deOhio. La iglesia Ebenezer está localizada en Cleveland,Ohio, y nació de la Primera Iglesia Hispana deCleveland. El Pastor Aurelio Huerta pastorea el distrito.El año pasado el grupo de miembros compraron unlocal en el 7322 Elton Avenue, Cleveland y ahora estánplaneando la organización oficial de la iglesia. Losmiembros trabajaron mucho para establecer esta igle-sia. En los primeros meses del año 2003, los dirigentesde la iglesia donde aquilaban les pidieron el local. Losmiembros de Ebenezer se reunían en dos casas cadasábado hasta que Dios proveyó un local permanente.Ahora tienen un templo bello para 150 personas y unsalón adyacente. Cada sábado se reunen de 80-100miembros en la nueva iglesia. Felicitaciones a nuestranueva iglesia formada en la Conferencia de Ohio!

El Telescopioes publicado por el Visitor cada mes por los coordinadores hispanos de las Asociaciones.Coordinador de Boletín, José H. Cortés (609) 392-7131 Asistente Editorial, Gloria Turcios Editor de Contenido, Arlene Bonilla · Diseño Gráfico, Kelly Coe

Meditaciones Matinales para adultos 2004Sobre tierra firme (On Solid Ground)por Mark Finley.0-8163-9398-2. Tapa dura.US$9.99, Can$15.99.

Meditaciones Matinales de mujeres para mujeres 2004A Solas con Dios (Alone With God)

Ardis Dick Stenbakken, editora.0-8163-9397-4. Tapa dura. US$9.99, Can$15.99.

Meditaciones Matinales para JóvenesUn nombre nuevo (A New Name)Por Miguel Ángel Núñez.

1-57554-342-7. Tapa dura.US$9.99, Can$15.99.

Pacific Press® Donde la Palabra es vida.

© 2003* Precios sujetos a cambio. 248/35591

Disponibles en su ABC localOrdene en línea a: www.AdventistBookCenter.com.

Comienza el Año Nuevo con Dios

JANUARY 2004 31

January is traditionally the time of year when we implement our new year’s resolutions. It’s an opportunity for usall to begin again with a clean record—work less, or work more, get out of debt, lose weight, write our friends,

remember birthdays—the list goes on and on and is different for each of us. In education, our new year beginswith a new semester and the students have the privilege of beginning again with their grades, their habits, andtheir attitudes. Their semester is a blank slate, waiting to show the marks of their efforts.

For Christians, every day can have new resolutions. Each day, before our feet hit the floor, wecan take a moment and express those resolutions to our best Friend—resolutions to meet ourappointments with Him, to work less for ourselves and more for others, to love using the patternof His love for us. Each day is like a student’s new semester—a blank slate waiting to show themarks; not of our efforts but His. Our Father, the creator of heaven and earth, is waiting to createus anew. Don’t spend your time worrying about new year’s resolutions.” Put your effortsinto His hands and resolve to let Him begin anew in you each day.

Resolutions Worth Keeping

NEWS

Candy DeVoreDirector of Marketing

Science Class Goes AfieldEnvironmental Science and Chemistry students at

HVA take time out of the classroom to experience the“great outdoors” on field trips with the Chesapeake BayFoundation. These hands-on and interactive field tripsare funded from grants by the Chesapeake Bay Trustand the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Besides canoeing on the Severn River and on PineyRun Park, and trips on the Chesapeake Bay in the sci-entific work boat The Marguerite, our students actuallydo hands-on experiments in the marsh lands of the

ChesapeakeBay Watershed.Observingwildlife, testingthe quality ofthe water, andseining andidentifying fishare activitiesthey enjoy, as

well as dredging for oysters to learn more about theirimportance to the Chesapeake Bay.

“These trips are valuable and fun learning experi-ences,” says Ophelia Barizo, science teacher. “Severalstudents have already asked when they could go onanother field trip. Trips like this have enriched the sci-ence curriculum at HVA. We are very thankful for theopportunities for outdoor education and environmentalstewardship, and we thank the granting organizationsfor these invaluable experiences.”—Ophelia Barizo

Hartel Hall Men Exhibit Christ’s HonorEach month our school program centers around a

specific trait of character that we wish to emphasizeto the students.The Novemberemphasis, asyou wouldexpect, wasthankfulness.December wascontentment,focusing onbeing contentwith everything.This month ouremphasis wason honor. Themotto for ourboys in the dorm is “Men of Honor” and the deanshave worked to encourage this trait in the boys whocome to our school. Dean DeVore says, “People thatdemonstrate respect because of who they are, notonly in response to how another person acts, arepeople of great honor. Integrity and honesty are cen-tral to demonstrating a Christian character of sub-stance in a world where image or appearance get thegreatest praise. So our prayer is that while the youngmen are with us they can come into a relationshipwith Christ, and their lives can exhibit the honorChrist showed His father and the consideration Heexhibited to all He met.”

JANUARY 2004

www. h i g h l a n d v i ew a c a d emy. c om

Left to Right: Jason Park, Dean DeVore,Sheldon Nyack, Dean McAlpine, andReggie Smith—a few of the HVA Men of Honor.

32 VISITOR

HVA Students Share in Operation Christmas Child

Community service and missions are some of themany opportunities that students at Highland View

Academy (HVA) can experience. In addition to our reg-ular activities, we took part in Operation ChristmasChild run by Samaritan’s Purse. Operation ChristmasChild is the largest organization of its kind. Created byFranklin Graham, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Billy Graham,the intent of this outreach is to take care of the basicneeds of children around the world.

“Operation Christmas Child is a very inexpensiveway to help our students look beyond themselvesand get connected with the concept of missions,”says Pastor Vladimir Corea. “Each student receives abrochure with instructions. Their job is to purchaseschool supplies and small gifts, and put them in ashoebox wrapped in Christmas paper. A $5 bill isincluded to cover the cost of shipping. The boxes arecollected at the Martinsburg church and then sent toa central warehouse in Charlotte, N.C., where theyare organized and then shipped to countries wherethere is a need.”

Stephen Herr, HVA Bible teacher and campus min-istries leader says, “I was very pleased with all the stu-dents who chose to participate this year. We did thislast year, and our numbers have increased—currentlyone third of our student body is involved. This says alot about our students. Not only did our students makethe boxes, but Mandy Corea, freshman, worked withthe eighth-graders from Mt. Aetna Elementary Schooland got them involved. Julie Hess, freshmen, donateda week of her Christmas vacation to work in NorthCarolina helping to organize and distribute the boxes.Sandra Kemboi, sophomore, and Megan Boggess,sophomore, helped to organize our efforts with theirchurch to make even more impact with this mission. Ican’t wait for Christmas to come around so we can dothis again. It truly is a blessing.”

Calendar

January 17 Covenant at Harrington church

January 24 Music at Pikesville church

January 25 Regular School Day

January 28- Home LeaveFebruary 2

February 7 Covenant at Westminster and Reisterstown

February 14 Student-led worship service at Middletown Valley church

February 21 Covenant at Park church

February 22 Art Appreciation Day

February 25- Home LeaveMarch 2

March 6 & 7 Senior Class Play

Highlanderis published in the Visitor each month by Highland View Academy 10100 Academy Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740 Phone: (301) 739-8480 · Fax: (301) 733-4770 Editor, Candy DeVore · Layout, Kelly Butler Coe

JANUARY 2004 33

Ready or not, here it is … a brand ‘spankin’ new year! Looking back, did you make any mistakes, say wrongthings, damage relationships, neglect needful Bible study, put off prayers, or drift away from your relationship

with the Lord? Well, forget it! It won’t do a bit of good dwelling on yesterday’s errors. We don’t need to waste amoment of this new year harboring guilt. Jesus tells us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive usour sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9). Then He promises to remember our sins nomore, so who are we to worry about past mistakes? No wonder Jesus says to us in Philippians 3:12,13, to “forgetthose things which are behind ...”

I’m convicted that 2004 is not just another year, but a staging time for our Lord’s return. So what actions should we take during this momentous time to “reach forth unto that which is before” and

“press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”? What changes are needful topress closer to the Lord just before His soon appearing? Here are some priorities I’m setting for myself this year:

1. Draw closer to God through the study of His Word and the Spirit of Prophecy.2. Spend meaningful time each day in earnest prayer.3. Seek the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in my life.4. Give out at least one piece of truth-filled literature each day.5. Encourage at least one person each day to love and serve the Lord.6. Ask the Lord to make my life a blessing to others.Let’s determine to make each moment count during the short time we have left before Jesus

returns. Let’s live each day realizing we are the “translation generation” called as His rem-nant people to uphold His commandments of love, having steadfast faith in Him!

The Translation Generation

Summersville Gets Help From Shenandoah Valley Academy

Kingsley WhitsettPresident

This fall, 39 volunteer students and adults fromShenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) in New Market,

Va., came to the Summersville Adventist Church in WestVirginia, to begin work on the construction of Phase II ofthe Community Health and Education Complex (CHEC).Under the direction of experienced contractors, electri-cians, and builders from the New Market area, the stu-dents installed electrical wiring and steel siding andvinyl soffits, dug drainage lines for the down spouts,and landscaped the grounds. Two weeks later, five ofthese adults returned to do further electrical work.

Maranatha Volunteers International and churchmembers were able to bring the construction project tonear completion. With the help of the academy stu-dents and adults, the CHEC is now being used by theCommunity Adult Education GED class, and the largemeeting room is functional for community meetings.Two after-school rooms will soon be available for com-munity students to use until their parents get off from

work. The CHEC also includes the Community Clinic ofNicholas County, which provides services for thosewho cannot afford medical exams or prescriptions. Anew gymnasium also forms part of this complex, whichis located next to the Summersville church, school, andFriends-R-Fun community childcare center. All togeth-er, these volunteer helpers donated well over $100,000worth of free labor.

—Yvonne Michael

1400 Liberty Street · Parkersburg, WV 26101 · (304) 422-4581

Mountain Viewpoint is published in the Visitorevery month by the Mountain View Conference.President, Kingsley WhitsettEditor, Brian JonesDesign, Tami Pohle

SVA students digchannels for

drainage lines.

34 VISITOR

Beckley Church Dedicates New Worship Center

Late in 2002, Beckley’s 10-yeardream reached a high point of

fulfillment with the dedication of itsnew sanctuary—on spaciouswoodlands that serve as an invit-ing refuge from the tempo ofurban life—throbbing just beyondits boundaries.

One year prior to this dedica-tion-Sabbath, Pastor SamuelSimuzoshya invited board membersto gather on the five-acre property,which was home to a much-talkedabout plan to build a new church.All that the pastor said beforehandwas, “Come this Sunday morning; Ihave a surprise for you.” At thattime, the land was covered withthorny underbrush, beneath animpassable tangle of trees. Boardmembers came at the appointedhour wondering what was afoot.There they saw their pastor in workclothes clearing the ground with ascythe. He said, “Good morning,everyone. This is the surprise. Weare going to get to work todayclearing this land for our newchurch building. If anyone cares tohelp, please go home and bringyour tools.” Soon everyonereturned equipped to assist.

From that time onward, mem-bers labored at all the tasks neces-sary to prepare the ground andconstruct the sturdy multipurposebuilding. It includes a sanctuary,Sabbath School rooms, kitchenette,and bathroom facilities. Built with aview to efficiency and aestheticappeal, the worship center isdesigned to provide seating for

January 11 Youth Council (Buckhannon)

January 12 Executive Committee

January 13 Ministers’ Meeting

January 15-18 Pathfinder Winter Camp

January 29-Feb 1 Youth/Young Adults’ Winter Festival

February 15-18 Teachers’ In-Service (Ohio)

Mountain ViewE V E N T S

The Batista brothers sing a scripturesong at Beckley dedication service.

Beckley Church recently dedicated a new worship center.

over 200 persons. Generousdonors, and the sacrifice and serv-ice of church members, have keptthis project free of all debt, exceptto serve God and the community,and that is precisely what BeckleyAdventists are doing.

Among the multiple ministriesthat Beckley church members con-duct are a health food store andlifestyle guidance center inFayetteville; a thrift store in Hinton;AIDS counseling and social servic-es for clients in Raleigh, Summers,and Mercer Counties; and intensiveBible study outreach to the com-munity. Adventists from both con-ferences represented in Beckley(Allegheny West and MountainView) have a long-standing bond ofunited fellowship and combinedefforts in ministry. This positivepartnership was evidenced by thejoining of the two congregations forthe dedication service for the newchurch on Dry Hill Road in Beckley.

Beckley ChurchCommunication Services

Pastor Samuel Simuzoshya addresses congregation and visitors.

JANUARY 2004 35

The year 2003 has slipped into history. It was an extraordinary year for our conference; five of our churcheswere dedicated having their buildings paid in full. The members all rejoiced as they recited their history and

reflected on the wonderful way God had blessed their desire to serve Him. Two other congregations paid for theirbuildings in full but it was not possible to schedule their dedication services during this year. They will have theirdedication services during the first quarter of 2004. Also, the increased enrollment at Garden State Academy wasa blessing in 2003.

This past year has marked the most significant lay member participation from the local churches we have seenin a long time. Over four hundred went through the training and purchased the materials and equipment to con-duct their own New Beginnings evangelistic series. We are praying that an even greater numberwill participate in 2004, the Year of World Evangelism.

The year will start off with a bang: 250,000 Sow 1 Billion brochures will be distributed to the pastors on January 5. These will be given to church members for distribution in theirneighborhoods.

We are praying, and invite you to join us in praying, for God to pour out His Spirit and enableus to reap those He has prepared to enter into His eternal kingdom. Just imagine what thetop conference news stories will be in 2004!

Top Conference News Stories for 2003

Celebration of the Harvest

LeRoy FinckPresident

During November, 11 Spanish congregations, withtheir pastors and conference leaders, came together

in Vineland to celebrate the harvest of souls. After along year of hard work in the fields, after sowing theseeds and patiently waiting for many to accept Jesus,the day of rejoicing arrived.

The guest speaker was Harold Lee, Columbia UnionConference president, who delivered a powerful mes-sage on the need to sow regardless of the groundwhere the seeds fall, and for all to have the patience towork in the fields regardless of the weather and perilsthat come with the seasons. This is exactly what theLord wants us to do, he added, and then he gave us

the challenge to doublethe harvest for the nextyear. There were morethan 700 lay workers present at the worshipprogram. Conference leaders awarded eachchurch representative witha plaque, acknowledgingtheir hard work, and cele-brated with the championswho reached and surpassed their goals, such as theVineland and Bridgeton districts—reaching 102 souls.

After such an enriching spiritual experience, every-one was treated to a fabulous lunch. Then our con-ference leaders conducted training seminars for theleaders of each church. After the seminars, JoséCortés, conference executive secretary, delivered apowerful challenge to the laity.

—Samuel Cartagena

New Jersey Conference2160 Brunswick AvenueTrenton, NJ 08648Phone: (609) 392-7131

J A N U A R Y 2004

There was a full house for the South Lay Festival.

36 VISITOR

because, she said, “I’ve been look-ing for peace for a long time.”

A few days later an old womananswered the door. When she sawme, a strange look came over herface. She invited me in, gave me adrink, and said, “Young man, I’vebeen waiting for you. Over 20 yearsago I saw you—in a dream—knockon my door. There was an angelbehind you. The angel told me toask you for a purple book. It’sgoing to give me answers to themany confusing ideas about theBible.” In shock, I handed her thebook called God’s Answers to Your Questions.

I was afraid to knock on thedoor. The neighbors told me thatthere was a vicious dog in the yardthat had bitten a little girl. I prayedhard and ran to the door. The dogran after me and (whew!) started tolick me. The owner of the housecame out and invited me inside. Hewas amazed, because he said hisdog was so mean, he was gettingready to take it to the pound to be put to sleep. They were so impressed and quickly boughtsome of my books. I was speechlessand knew that, just as God had

shut the lions’ mouths so manyyears ago, He protected me when I tried to bring His message to oth-ers. Through all of this, I believeGod wanted to bring me closer toHim and to humble me. I thank Godthat no matter how discouraged Iam, He tells me to be faithful,because He will come through!

Simeon Good as told to Ruth MohrGarden State Academy

Literature Evangelism Student Gets “Cross Training”

New Pastor Joins New Jersey Conference

I was depressed, and didn’t wantto work that day. I was on my bedand felt impressed to read Ezekiel3:18, where God commands Hisprophet, Ezekiel, to warn the peo-ple of what is to come. Difficult as itwas, I knew God wanted me to goout and witness for Him.

That same morning, a woman inher mid-20s answered the door,and asked if I was an angel. Iassured her that I wasn’t, but shekept asking. Finally, she opened herhand to reveal a variety of pills, andsaid she had just been about tocommit suicide before I came toher door. She bought Peace Abovethe Storm, (Steps to Christ)

welcome Pastor Croussett and his family to our conference.Pastor Ramón Croussett and his

wife, Mercedes, came to theNew Jersey Conference from theTexas Conference. He will pastor theLaurel Springs and Vineland Spanishchurches. Pastor Croussett loves toteach seminars on family life andhold lay training seminars. He hasheld crusades in several countriesincluding Puerto Rico, Costa Rica,Guatemala, Dominican Republic,Mexico, Venezuela, and Ecuador.Mercedes and Ramón have threechildren—Yaritza, Ramón, andJonathan. We feel very blessed to

Simeon Good, GSA student, shares litera-ture in his neighborhood.

JANUARY

1 Holiday - New Year’s Day ABC and Office Closed

3 AY Coordinators’ Meeting-South4 ABC Open-9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.5 Pastors’ Meeting6 Pastors’ Meeting10 Adventurer Coordinators’

Meeting with AY Directors’-South/Center

11 ABC Open-9:30-1p.m.12 Ski Trip at Big Boulder16 P.U.S.H. Conference-North17 MasterGuide Training-South19 Holiday - Martin Luther King Jr.20 GSA Finance - G - 4 p.m.20 HSH Board - G - 12:30 p.m.21 GSA Board - G - 6 p.m. 24 Youth/Children Ministries

Coordinators’ Meeting at Lake Nelson

25 Leadership Emphasis Week27 New Teacher In-Service

Meeting-10 a.m.30 Atlantic Union Adventurer’s

Coordinators31 Day of Prayer31 P.U.S.H. Conference - North

New Jersey Newsis published in the Visitor each month by the New Jersey Conference President, LeRoy FinckEditorial Assistant, Aura GarciaDesign, Kelly Butler Coe

Pastor Ramón Croussett with his wife, Mercedes.

JANUARY 2004 37

What would a church look like in which most of thesermons are preached by teenagers, all church

officers and ministry leaders are teens, the churchboard is comprised primarily of teens, worship gather-ings are conducted by teens, and in which teens study,pray, envision and implement the plans that heavenunfolds to them?

Such a church exists in the Ohio Conference. Whenthe Mount Vernon City church had a pastoral vacancy,the members—at a church business meeting—voted toaccept the offer made by the chaplains at nearbyMount Vernon Academy (MVA) to have students pro-vide ministry leadership in the church. This historicvote meant that the over 20-year-old church would turnitself over to teens; that the church’s elected officerswould no longer function in their elected roles; andthat the adults in the church would primarily serve asmentors to the youth. In addition, a church boardcomprised primarily of students, a five-person Board ofTrustees made up of members, was established. Thisgroup will be responsible for managing the facilities,maintenance, finances, and so on.

MVA Chaplain Tim Soper, assisted by ChaplainBrooke Osborn, is providing overall coordination to

(continued on next page)

A New Kind of Church is Born

NEWS

Campus Ministry Program Thrives at Bowling Green

Under the leadership of Pastor Michael Belknap, acampus ministry was initiated on the campus ofBowling Green State University in 2001. The initialefforts were directed at identifying Adventist studentson campus and forming them into a community for dis-cipleship and witnessing. In time, an inner city chil-dren’s ministry was developed that has met weekly forover two years. Additionally, student leaders havereceived mentoring and discipleship training. InOctober, evangelistic meetings were held on campus,under the direction of the student leaders and pastor.The group is in the final stages of acquiring a radio sta-tion, which will be mostly student operated. With over80 colleges and universities in Ohio, significant oppor-tunities exist for campus ministries for, and through,Adventist students.

Zeggara Joins Ohio ConferenceRobert Zeggara and his wife, Heidi Sabnani, come to

us from the Kingsbury District in the New YorkConference. As a student at Andrews University, Robertdirected a FLAG Camp in Mislea, Romania, and FLAGCamp International in Berrien Springs, Mich. He partici-pated in Benton Harbor Street Ministries and assisted inthe youth departments at Pioneer Memorial church andthe Berrien Springs church. We welcome Robert andHeidi to the Ohio Conference where Robert will serve asassociate pastor for the Centerville Church.

New Members Added to Conference Executive Committee

Two membership vacancies on the ConferenceExecutive Committee were filled recently: LisaFalkenstein, from Walk of Faith Fellowship, represent-ing Northeast Ohio; and Cisa deOliveira, from theBucyrus church, representing Central Ohio.

Mission Ohiois published in the Visitorby the Ohio Conference P. O. Box 1230Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050www.ohioadventist.orgPresident, Raj AttikenEditorial, Bette Toscano

JANUARY 2004

Tina Rudy shared her experiences in faith in her sermon Sabbath morning.

38 VISITOR

these efforts. They are able to use the resources of pastors and OhioConference personnel to teach, coach, and help develop the youth in theirspecific ministry functions. When information on the City church opportu-nity was made known to the students at MVA, approximately 70 studentsvolunteered to be involved in various ministries. Besides planning andconducting the regular ministries of the church, one of the primary goals ofthe student leaders is to involve young people in mission, by implementingoutreach ministries in the city of Mount Vernon.

November 1 saw the Mount Vernon City church building packed tocapacity, as students and adults studied and worshiped together, in a worship gathering designed and led by students. “It’s been over 15 years

since I’ve seen CityChurch filled like this,”observed one long-time member. “Myheart is full of praiseto God for what I amseeing,” said another.

“I applaud the members of the City church for actingboldly and demonstrating confidence in the young people,”observed conference President, Raj Attiken. “One of thebiggest challenges that the Adventist Church in NorthAmerica faces is to know how to hand over the ownershipof the Church to emerging generations,” he claimed. “Ouryoung people have the commitment, vision, skills, and ener-gy to lead this church to new levels of faithfulness in mis-sion and ministry—if we would only trust them—and trustGod to guide the church through them.”

Kyle Kuehmichael led out in praise and prayer.

Sam Carney shared Bible promises on faith in his sermon Sabbath morning.

Praise Team (left to right): Karie McGill, Elizabath Shinn, Charissa Bale,and Tim Soper.

JANUARY 2004 39

We will treat Pennsylvania as a mission field.” That is the conviction God has poured into our hearts. Underthis, we are called upon to look at every activity, every ministry, every service done by

our church, and ask ourselves, “Is what we are doing sharing the joy of Christ’s soon returnwith the lost and the misguided?”

This is the Year of World Evangelism for the Adventist Church. In Pennsylvania, we havetremendous opportunities in a wide range of evangelism. Pastors, laypersons, and churchfamilies are conducting New Beginnings evangelistic meetings. Women’s Ministries are reach-ing out for the lost. We will have 250,000 Bible enrollment cards available—free to churches tooffer Bible lessons. Along with organized activities, the greatest potential is for each one of usto be intentional in making friends for God. We can pray that God will open up relationshipministry opportunities in our neighborhood, workplace, and families.

This year pray, that God will reach out through you!

Reaching out Through You

Ray HartwellPresident

While 2004 has been designated the year of evan-gelism, Pennsylvania has always maintained that

emphasis. This was evident as evangelistic series wereheld in many different locations across the keystonestate this fall.

One of those locations was Pennsylvania’s newestchurch, Lewisburg. Two of the nine church members,under the leadership of Head Elder Kerry Stahl present-ing the New Beginnings series, were young adults, AmySpencer and Christina Stahl. Neither young woman had

ever preached a sermon before. Having young adultpresenters attracted teenagers and young adults. Mostof the 10-15 guests that came every night, attended asa result of personal invitations as well as previous con-tact with the church.

Lay-led meetings were held in Gettysburg, withTyree Berlin, and in Lancaster, with Dan Musser andJim Hillman. Four people were baptized at Lancaster,including one father and his 12-year-old daughter.

There is no church in Elkland, Pa., but that didn’tstop this group of lay people from holding a NewBeginnings series. Two of the three women baptizedhad been attending a Bible study class led by MaryStone, a church member. Rosemary Phelps, one of thepresenters, states, “Sharing the gospel with others hasdeepened my own walk with God. I’m continuing bystudying the Bible with my two granddaughters and a friend.”

With about 30 people attending services eachSabbath, the New Castle church began their series with40 guests on opening night. Pastor Shawn Shives pre-sented the series with the help of Tom Morrow and AlRanalla. Nine people have been baptized, with fivemore preparing for baptism in the future.

While most of our series were led by lay people,Evangelist Hiram Rester spoke at the outreach inIndiana, where 19 people have been baptized so far.The Indiana church has grown from an average atten-dance of 30—three years ago—to 60-80 today, thanksin large part to the members’ willingness to reach outto their community and non-attending members.

JANUARY 2004

Lay People Lead Evangelism

Young adult Christina Stahl was one of nine lay people present-ing the New Beginnings evangelistic series in Lewisburg.

40 VISITOR

For 10 years, Jennifer JillSchwirzer cherished the dream

of doing an evangelistic series, andfinally the perfect opportunity arose.The Chestnut Hill Seventh-dayAdventist Church was willing tosupport Jennifer in giving a crusaderight in its own Expressly VegetarianCafé, located on the ground floor ofthe church. Jennifer and her hus-band, Michael, had been meetingthe public for almost two yearssince the café opened.

The elders of the church wantedto try a new approach to evangel-ism. They told Jennifer to, “Preachon things people know they need,like help with their marriages andkids, help overcoming addiction,and help managing stress.” Jennifertook to her computer and began towrite what would become “I Want ItAll,” a felt-needs evangelism serieswith such sermon titles as “Get Outof Your Own Way,” “Battle for theBrain,” and “Staying in Love.”

The series, held Friday, Saturday,and Sunday nights, attracted 80visitors and hasspawned yet anoth-er monthly forum atthe café, which willbe called “FirstWednesday @ theCafé.” This will be aprayer meeting-typeevent, which willopen with guitar-based music, shortpresentations fromthe Bible, prayer,and food and socialhour afterward.

Some patronswho did not attend the series haverequested private studies on thematerial covered. One young man,making a decision about a romanticrelationship, wanted to hear thepresentation on marriage, whichwas shared with him. He is interest-ed in other presentations as well.

One faithful attendee was fan ofthe film The Matrix, which sparked

her curiosity on the prophecies ofDaniel. She responded in the (veryenthusiastic) affirmative when askedif she would like to study theprophecies.

Café Feeds the Soul

January 3NAD Day of Prayer

January 23–25Pathfinder Winter RetreatLaurel Lake Camp

January 26–February 15Missions Abroad Trip to Nigeria

February 27–29Couples Retreat with Willie andElaine OliverParadise

March 12–13Spring into Mission with John KentLaurel Lake Camp

March 19–21Women’s Retreat with Cheri PetersGettysburg

April 16–17Spring into Mission with John KentBlue Mountain Academy

April 23–25Blue Mountain Academy AlumniWeekend

June 11–19Camp meeting

Pennsylvania Women’s Retreat Slated for March

Just give me Jesus!” Paul summed up this prayer on the heart of manywhen he wrote, “My determined purpose is that I may know Him—that I

may progressively become more deeply andintimately acquainted with Him, perceiving andrecognizing and understanding the wonders ofHis person more strongly and clearly” (Phil.3:10, AMP. Providing opportunities for women toknow Jesus intimately is the goal of the 2004Spring Women’s Retreat, as Cheri Peters—author, speaker, and founder of True StepMinistries—presents her story March 19-21,2004, at the Eisenhower Inn, Gettysburg. KimPeckham, the only male writer for Women ofSpirit magazine, will share his humorous look atlife during the vesper service. Eight seminars bylocal speakers and an anointing service onSabbath will complete this weekend. For moreinformation, contact Tami Horst at (717) 442-9685 or e-mail daughterinawe@yahoo.com.

Pennsylvania Penis published in the Visitor each month by the Pennsylvania Conference, 720 Museum RoadReading, Pennsylvania 19611 (610) 374-8331, ext. 210. President, Ray Hartwell; Editor,Tamyra Horst; Secretary, Daisy López.

Eighty people attended Jennifer Jill Schwirzer’s evangelism series.

Cheri Peters, author ofMiracle From the Streetsand God is Crazy AboutYou! will be the featuredspeaker for the 2004 Spring Women’s Retreat.

JANUARY 2004 41

No doubt you have heard of a book and even a seminar presented by a national workshop speaker that deals witharranging our daily lives according to our priorities. The question is asked, “If you were celebrating your 90th

birthday, who would you want at the party and what would you want them to say?” Answering that question wouldaffect how you lived every day—it would help an individual decide where to place the emphasis of his or her life.

We might ask that question with regard to our lives and Jesus. What words would you want Jesus to shareregarding the impact of your life here—how you responded to the gift of salvation and His unfailing grace.

I would like to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21), at that milestone in my life. To bring asmile to God’s face would be, in my mind, a special and important accomplishment—just toknow that I pleased my God.

In I John 2:6 we find the words of inspiration, “He that says he abides in him should himselfalso walk even as he walked.” Pretty simple isn’t it? Basically our priorities should look like His.His #1 priority was and is to save lost people—that’s you and I and those we come in contactwith every day.

In 2004, please join me in keeping “First Things First”—seeking to share the hope inJesus with lost people.

First Things First

Churches Conduct Outreach Efforts

September proved to be a very active month for theArlington and Fairfax Adventist churches. They

began with a week of prayer with guest speaker,Clarence Hodges, formerly vice president and religiousliberty director for the Adventist Church in NorthAmerica. Hodges shared a series entitled “Our God isan Awesome God.” This was a unique week of prayersince the meetings alternated between the two churches.

The following week both churches participated in aCommunity Pride Day held at the community center inArlington. They provided a health fair with“Celebrations” as the theme.DeWitt Williams, health direc-tor for the church in NorthAmerica, shared a 20-minutehealth talk. This motivated 82people to take advantage ofthe free screenings, and fol-low-ups are now underway.County officials haveresponded very positivelytoward the health fairs host-ed by the two churches. Theyhave been invited to con-tribute to the weekly exerciseprogram, at the local com-munity center, by sharingnutritional meal planning andvegetarian cooking classes.

The last event of the month was a prayer breakfast,hosted by the women’s ministries department. Thespeaker for the day was Gail Benn, women’s ministriesleader at the Arlington church.

Please continue to pray for the Arlington and Fairfaxchurches, as we reach out to our local communities,and share the important health message of our church.

Pastor Brian RhoadesARLINGTON/FAIRFAX CHURCHES

Potomac Peopleis published in the Visitor

each month by the Potomac Conference

606 Greenville AvenueStaunton, Virginia 24401Phone: (540) 886-0771

www.pcsda.orgPresident, Dave Weigley

Editor, Janet Olsyne

JANUARY 2004

Dave WeigleyPresident

Arlington/Fairfax health fair participants line up for a free massage.

42 VISITOR

We had Scripture in the shapeof the cross. The cross beam wasJohn 3:16,17. The body of thecross was made up of Romans5:8-11 and II Corinthians 5:18,19.We want people to know thatJesus is already their Savior. Hehas already paid the price and for-given them for every sin they haveever committed or ever will com-mit. He has recon-ciled the entireworld to Himself,not counting theirsins against themand has given to usthe “ministry of rec-onciliation”because by Jesus,we have receivedatonement.

We are a verysmall congregation,but we are excited

Stuart Church Introduces People to Jesus at County Fair

Mission Trip Brings Three Sisters Together Again

The Stuart Seventh-day AdventistChurch shares Jesus every year.

Our theme last year was “SinnersAnonymous.” The idea from an arti-cle in Adventist Review. “Come onecome all, come just as you are,”was our invitation. We made severalcontacts, distributed over 300pieces of literature, gave awayBibles and many signed up forDiscover Bible lessons. A wonderfulthing that came out of our fair boothlast year—some denominationalbarriers were broken down in thecommunity.

This year our theme was the“Ministry of Reconciliation.” Wepurchased Walk Through the Bibleby H.M.S. Richards to give away ina drawing. Again this year, we dis-tributed over 300 pieces of litera-ture, signed up 14 visitors for Biblelessons, and have plans to sign upapproximately 30 more.

Ofelia Pangan, from Hawaii,Esperanza Mopera, from Virginia;and Mary Aquino from Maryland,decided they would venture out ona new concept of mission work.

They were joined by Byron

The global evangelism project,headed by Robert Folkenberg,

brought three sisters together toNueva Ecija, Philippines, after morethan 20 years. Instead of a tradi-tional vacation, the three sisters:

A mission trip brings three sisters together. Front row, (left to right): Ofelia Pangan,Esperanza Mopera, and Mary Aguino. Back row, (left to right): Robert and Anita Folkenberg.

Stuart Church sponsored an exhibit at the fair.

Comp from North Carolina, a firsttime speaker for the global evan-gelism series; Rose Marie Fereirafrom South Africa, currently atAndrews University; and Don Dildy,a trained Bible worker, from Tulara,Calif. Pastor Pangan from Hawaiiand Pastor Zabat, from theCabanatuan District, served as ourmentors. During the mission, manyyouth and adults accepted Christ.

The volunteer missionaries whoworked many hours, under severeand trying conditions, stayed withus through thick and thin. They pre-pared the ground work of the cru-sade and they will continue to nur-ture the babies in faith.

In that region of Nueva Ecija,185 were baptized. We give honorand glory to Jesus and praise Himfor this providential work.

Esperanza MoperaTIDEWATER ADVENTIST CHURCH

to see what God has planned forus. We do not know what the futureholds but we know Who holds thefuture. Pray for us that we willremain surrendered, committed,rooted, and grounded in His love.

Larry LawsonLay Pastor

STUART SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

JANUARY 2004 43

Arecent sunburst painted an aurora borealis on the Virginia skies in a way few of us had seen before. For me,this ignited memories of amazing northern light shows my wife and I witnessed while attending college in

Canada. These panoramic manifestations were more brilliant than anything DisneyTMcould ever muster.

Memories stay with us. Faces, scents, recipes, and the embrace of an old friend, all trigger past joys. The holi-days are especially good at sparking recollections. Families commonly travel great distances just toconnect with love ones. Each new moment is added to our growing bank of cherished memories.

As a worshiping Christian community, what prompts our memories of God? Perhaps a verse,or story brings us to Him. Surely there are certain songs that express the very message of oursoul. Many have found quiet moments in nature to be the most real connections with God everexperienced. The important point is that we actually have positive memories. These memoriesbegin with a moment, and I pray our students will have such a moment on whatever campus theymay be on today.

Sparkling Recollections

Zirkle Award Presented to Welding Instructor

The Rainmaker Award ofExcellence is presented

to a Shenandoah ValleyAcademy (SVA) employeenominated by their col-

leagues for extraordinary customer service. BillOsborne, a member of SVA’s plant services depart-ment, has been recognized for his consistently highlevel of customer service to students and faculty.

Osborne has been a team member since 1989. Heconsistently works at various maintenance projectsfrom 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. During work hours, Osbornewalks fast and works diligently, but will take time forthe varying needs of people. Because Osborne knowsthat working at SVA “is like doing mission work 24/7”and it’s extraordinarily important, he commented, “It’s awork that I find satisfaction in.”

When asked about his first reaction to receiving theaward, Osborne replied, “Are you sure you’re choosingthe right person?”

Because of Bill Osborne’s humble spirit-of-serviceand consistent efforts, he more than deserves thisaward of excellence.

Brian BeckerEnrollment Management

The Zirkle Award of Excellence is presented to SVAemployees nominated by their colleagues for aptitude

in creatively expanding the academic program in bold andinnovative ways. Randy Poehler, SVA’s welding teacher,has been given the Zirkle Award for his vision and com-mitment to teaching practical skills in the trade of welding.

In 1997, Poehler’s daughter Jessie, told her familythat she wished to attend SVA. Even though Poehlerhad been teaching welding in the Maryland publicschool system for 15 years, after thinking about whatwas most important to his family, the Poehler’s decidedin faith to move to the Shenandoah area. In order toinstruct welding classes, Poehler decided to invest hisown money in welding equipment. Within less than ayear after his arrival, Poehler was established teachingbeginning welding up through various certification lev-els. Now after five years, Poehler’s sacrifice hasallowed SVA to build up the industrial technology pro-gram. Poehler has been a Shenandoah teachinginstructor since 1998, when he took a leap of faith toestablish a unique, industrial arts program.

Randy Poehler has been awarded for his investmentin creating an industrial welding program, expanding theschool’s diverse instructional options, and has taughtmany individuals to be skilled in a practical trade, able toearn good wages. Around campus, Poehler can be foundtalking and building friendships with students.

Brian BeckerEnrollment Management

Shenandoah Valley Academy234 West Lee HighwayNew Market, VA 22844Phone: (540) 740-3161Principal: Mark Wilewilem@sva-va.org

Mark A. WilePrincipal

January 2004

Bill Osborne

RainmakerAward Given to Member of Plant Services

44 VISITOR

Cathlin was pleased that “theathletic programs were strong, andyet there was no problems withgames scheduled or played onSabbath.” All four of Cathlin’s stu-dents have played basketball forthe SVA Stars. Cheryl Cathlin, a2001 SVA graduate, now plays bas-ketball for Columbia Union College.Chris Cathlin, a 2002 SVA graduate,now plays basketball—with noSabbath conflict by specialarrangement—on full scholarship atJames Madison University. Andrew,as well as his younger brotherMatthew, currently play varsity bas-ketball for the Stars.

Andrew enrolled at age 13 as afreshman at SVA, and has grownduring his four years as a student,becoming a well-grounded andwell-rounded individual. His spiritu-al growth has been evident to hismom when Andrew called her aftera week of prayer with a reneweddesire to serve the Lord, and in

Third Cathlin Sibling In Three Years To Graduate

Zena Cathlin chose to enrollAndrew as a student at SVA

because it was financially possibleto send all her four children toChristian education. As a singlemother on one salary, she saw theLord open many doors throughencouraging finance officers, con-necting her with resources in schol-arships, financial aid, and studentwork opportunities. The combina-tion of these resources has made itpossible for Cathlin to afford theschool bills. In addition, her stu-dents have attended SVA simulta-neously; so have received the multi-ple-student discount.

The Christian environmentmade Cathlin feel very comfort-able on campus, as all of the staffshe interacted with from PrincipalWile to athletics instructor, J.J.Henline, went out of their way tomake her students feel comfort-able. She felt like her kids wereimportant to the academy.

calendar eventsof

January 4Winter Break Ends at 6 p.m.

January 5Second Semester Begins

January 11Snowshoe Ski Trip

January 14-17Student Week of Prayer

January 18SVA Recycling Work Day

January 31Student Association Talent Show

For seven years,Derek Hunt

watched his fourolder brothersbecome SVA four-year seniors,while his father,Dean Hunt, wasthe principal ofthe school from

1989-1996. A move from Virginia toCalifornia changed where Derekwould enroll for academy; in 2000,however, Hunt asked his parents ifhe could apply as a freshman atSVA. But his parents were not readyfor him, at the age of 13, to movealone to Virginia. Before his sopho-more year, Hunt again asked toattend SVA, and his parents recon-sidered. They trusted the faculty atSVA like family. In fact, it was duringPrincipal Hunt’s administration thathe had hired the head dean of Price

Hall, Gene Sigler, who would nowbe Derek’s dean. Because“Shenandoah Valley Academy is asolid school where faculty are likefamily,” Hunt’s parents allowed himto travel across the United Statesfor academy.

Hunt has been very happy in histhree years attending SVA, wherehe so badly wanted to be a stu-dent. He has a take-charge person-ality, and SVA has given him hischance to shine in leadership as the2004 senior class president. Hunthas earned his reputation ofresponsibility on his own: notreturning to the Shenandoah Valleyas a little brother of four previousHunt siblings, or a son of the princi-pal, but as Derek Hunt the individ-ual. Hunt is a recognized leaderamong his peers, as class presi-dent, and for his achievement ofhigh grades. He plans to return to

response, destroyed all of his secu-lar CD’s. When Andrew has hadstruggles, prayers on his behalf bystaff and students who surroundhim, helped to get him back ontrack. As a senior at the age of 16,Andrew is a resident assistant in theboy’s dorm, Price Hall. He maintainshigh grades, and is consideringOakwood College and a degree incriminal justice.

Andrew Cathlin

Former Principal’s Son To GraduateCalifornia and attend Pacific UnionCollege for a degree in political sci-ence, as preparation for law schoolto become either a defense attor-ney, or corporate lawyer.

Joi BeckerEnrollment Management

Derek Hunt

JANUARY 2004 45

HEALING MINISTRYI S A N E W S L E T T E R A B O U T A D V E N T I S T H E A L T H C A R E I N T H E C O L U M B I A U N I O N

KEVIN LAVOIE

Time flies when you’re busy. That is why it’salmost hard for Brenda Farley, RN, BSN, tobelieve that the Charles H. Huber Health

Center has been in operation for 20 years.“It’s been growing so much; it has been hard to

keep up,” said Farley, the clinical nurse manager whohas been at Huber Health since the beginning. “Westarted out seeing two to three patients a shift withGrandview, Good Samaritan, and Miami Valley hospi-tals providing shift coverage. The first time we eversaw eight patients in a shift I said, ‘We’re going tohave to get more help.’ Now we see 50 patients in ashift and, if we have less than 25, we’re bored.”

The facility, located in Huber Heights, had only sixemployees in 1983. An urgent care laboratory, X-ray,and registration were its only departments. TodayHuber Health employs 44 people and offers MRI, CTscanning, mammography, pharmacy, physical therapy,pulmonary medicine, OB/GYN time-share suites, anda pair of full-time internal medicine physicians—Richard Winger, D.O., and Timothy Grigsby, M.D.

“I think it’s an integral part of the community,” saidDr. Winger, who has served as medical director sincecoming to the center 10 years ago. “Patients come inall the time saying they don’t know what they would

do without us. Our aspirations are that it will grow tooffer a lot more services for the community.”

Offering Kettering Medical Center Network’s onlyurgent care, Huber Health Center is ready for justabout anything. “We transfer 15-20 patients a month,and we can handle pediatric or adult codes,” Farleysaid. “We can defibrillate and run the whole code ifwe have to, something we’ve done five or six times.”

Farley adds that things are much better at HuberHealth since Grandview Medical Center took soleownership in 1996. The staff now has Grandviewbenefits and support, along with the opportunity toearn continuing education units at Grandview. Infact, Huber Health has become a chief referral sourcefor Grandview Hospital and one of the most sought-after workplaces for area nurses.

“It’s the cat’s meow for a nursing job,” Farley said.“We only lose employees when they move to anotherstate. We truly have a little family.”

Kevin Lavoie is media relations specialist for Kettering Adventist HealthCare.

Huber Health Center Turns 20

www. ad v e n t i s t h e a l t h c a r e . c om � www. kmcne two r k . o r g

Employees at the Charles H. Huber Health Center, a part of the Kettering Adventist HealthCare network,celebrate 20 years of service to Dayton’s HuberHeights community.

46 VISITOR

PAM MCGINNIS AND CELESTE RYAN

Late last fall, Kettering Adventist HealthCare’s(KAH) Governance and Mission Conferencetremendously enlightened, entertained, and

inspired more than 100 of the organization’s lead-ers. The three-day event opened on a Thursdayevening with a focus on governance where TroyTyner, D.O., medical director for GrandviewMedical Center, and Greg Wise, M.D., vice presi-dent of medical affairs at Kettering Medical Center,gave a rousing presentation on how qualityimprovement efforts have paid off in many ways atKAH facilities. They highlighted the many successesof the organization and showed how each positivestep has created further growth and enhanced theability of KAH to better serve its community.

After that strong opening, former KetteringCollege President Peter Bath’s words were particularlyinspirational as he repeatedly reminded the audienceof KAH’s mission. Near the end of his presentation,the pastor and certified leadership trainer asked theaudience to close their eyes and point in the directionthey thought was north. Hands were aimed in everydirection, until Bath, compass in hand, revealed thecorrect direction and his point that KAH shouldnever lose its sense of direction and purpose.

Fulfilling the MissionOn Friday morning, attendees got a glimpse of the

new, 100-foot, hot air balloon (pictured) featuring the“K for Life” motto of Grandview Medical Center andKettering Medical Center. Next, Lawton Burns from the

Wharton School ofBusiness presented hisfindings on TheHealthcare Value Chain.

Friday evening fea-tured a dinner for boardmembers and seniorleadership at theKettering Seventh-dayAdventist Church.Afterwards, manyemployees joined boardmembers in the sanctu-ary for the MissionConference portion of the weekend. Through videoclips, the program highlighted how KAH has fulfilledits mission, locally and nationally, within the manycommunities it serves. Attendees enjoyed being able tohear about current medical efforts, especially whenMario Ceballos, director of spiritual care, placed aninternational telephone call to staff doctors on locationin Guatemala. He also presented five recipients withthe organization’s Living Water Award that honors peo-ple who have gone beyond the call of duty to serveothers. The 2003 recipients were Marian and Dr.Benjamin Schuster, for their work in China; Oakwood,Ohio, Mayor Judy Cook for her contributions to theannual Walk for Women’s Wellness; Anne Cassano,wife of the late Victor J. Cassano, Sr., for her support ofthe Victor J. Cassano, Sr., Community Health Center;and Connie J. McCarroll, D.O., and Alison A. Clarey,D.O., for their service efforts in LaLabor, Guatemala.

The conference ended with a special SabbathSchool featuring patient caregivers who help fulfillthe KAH mission that included a paraphrased readingof 1 Corinthians 13 especially written for healthcareworkers (see sidebar at right), and a stirring worshipmessage by Pastor Bath who highlighted the roleAdventist healthcare plays in bringing hope to communities around the world.

Conference Points Leaders in

HEALING MINISTRY

Kettering Adventist HealthCare administrators posewith the 2003 honorees of the Living Water Award. Leftto right: Fred Manchur, president of Kettering MedicalCenter; award recipients, Benjamin and MarianSchuster, Ann Cassano, and Judy Cook; KAH presidentand CEO Frank Perez; and Roy Chew, president ofGrandview and Southview hospitals.

Peter Bath, keynote speaker.

JANUARY 2004 47

The Greatest is LoveA Paraphrase of I Corinthians 13 for Healthcare Staff

I may be an efficient nurse or doctor, but if I donot have the love of Christ motivating me, my workwill lack the heartthrob of the Great Physician.

And though I am able to teach others all I havelearned, and understand thoroughly the principles ofhealing; and though I have faith that my care plan iscorrect, but have no love, my knowledge is only partial.

And though I leave my own concerns behind anddo not spare myself in caring for my patients, if thelove of Christ does not constrain me, my sacrificesare worthless.

The love of God enables me to understand themost difficult patient. He gives me the grace to bekind; His love does not permit me to be jealous of mycolleagues who do better than I do, nor am I proud ofmy own accomplishments. God’s love does not allowme to be rude, nor selfish in my daily conduct, nordo I become irritated with those who do not graspquickly what I am trying to teach them. He does notpermit me to think evil of others, but to rejoice in thetruth that He is able to set men free. His love empow-ers me to bear my responsibilities for the saving oflife ... to hope when there is little hope left, and toendure as a dependable link in the healthcare team.

This love of God in Christ will never fail. Newtechniques may prove disappointing; present-daytreatments will be superseded, and health programswill one day cease. ...

When I was learning, I reasoned as a student andthe value of my work had not fully dawned upon me;but after working awhile I began to comprehend itsvital importance. I still do not understand everythingfully now, but one thing I know: That when medica-tion has run its full course, and surgery has been per-fected, when life is prolonged for yet a few years …the message of Eternal Life, which I have brought tomy patients, will endure forever.

Now abides faith, hope, and love in this ministryof healing ... but the greatest of all is love … God’slove in me.

Paraphrase from To Light Your Path by Grace Scheresky, RN,

Beulah Fern Stevens, RN, and Dena Guthrie, RN, 1985.

the Right Direction

HEALING MINISTRY

K for Life: A new, 100-foot, hot-air balloon markets the motto of Grandview Medical Center and Kettering Medical Center.

48 VISITOR

HEALING MINISTRY—NEWS

Kettering EntersCooperative AgreementWith Polish Medical Center

Eastern European citizens need-ing specialized medical procedureswill soon be coming to Dayton,Ohio, thanks to a cooperativeagreement Kettering MedicalCenter Network (KMCN) recentlysigned with a company that creat-ed Poland’s first private hospital

and western-style medicalcenter. CalledSwissmedMedical Center(SMC), the 55-bed hospital inGdansk,

Poland, opens this month. Whileit will offer services and technolo-gies unique to the region, SMCwill refer patients to KMCN forPET scans and other medicalimaging, neurosurgery, GammaKnife procedures, and catheteriza-tions and implantations to treathealth problems like Parkinson’sdisease and irregular heartbeat.

“Ten to 12 percent of Polish citizens go outside the country forspecialized care,” said GaryLustgarten, director of specialprojects for KMCN. “We hope tobecome the provider of choice for these people.”

Swissmed receive the benefit ofmedical, administrative, and oper-ational expertise available fromKMCN physicians and officials.“Our physicians will be able to betrained in the best hospitals over-seas,” said Roman Walasinski,president of the new hospital.

“We are very excited about thiscooperative agreement,” saidFrank Perez, president and CEOof Kettering Adventist HealthCare.“We’re the first American hospitalnetwork to really have this type of agreement with an easternEuropean hospital. We hope to beable to help many Polish citizenswho would not have otherwisehad access to state-of-the-art,western medicine. With our baseof high technology, medicalexpertise, and experience in the

efficient delivery of quality health-care, we have a lot to offer.”

Kettering Memorial OpensBariatric Surgery Unit

Obesity is one of our country’smost pressing health concerns, andnow Kettering Memorial Hospital(KMH) has the Dayton area’s firstfacility designed specifically toaddress that problem.

This month, the new, 21-bed,bariatric surgery unit and recoverycenter, that cost $1.8 million andfirst opened last August, will getfinal touches. Equipped with oversized chairs, doorways, andshowers, the unit caters to the spe-cial needs of obese patients as theyrecover from surgery.

KMH surgeons perform twotypes of bariatric surgeries thatessentially alter the digestive systems of patients to limit theamount of food they can ingest. Itis an option limited to the morbid-ly obese, or those 100 pounds ormore overweight.

A patient educator will let peopleknow what to expect as they recov-er from their surgeries and aid theirtransition to a new, healthierlifestyle. In addition, patients willhave a staff of 28 nurses speciallytrained to care for them. “Hopefully,the warmth experienced by thepatient will generate the hope of anew beginning,” says CamilleWilson, RN, BSN, clinical nursemanager for the unit.

Beacon Of Hope Shines At Grandview

For years it has been a beacon of hope shining above the city ofDayton, Ohio. When Franciscan

Medical Centerclosed its doorsin 1999, thelighted cross ontheir roof topwent dark.Recently, RoyChew, president

of Grandview Medical Centerinquired about acquiring the crossfor Grandview Hospital. “BecauseGrandview took responsibility for

some of the significant programsthat used to be provided atFranciscan and because so manyformer Franciscan employees havejoined us, we felt it only appropriatethat we should get the permissionof the current owners to move thecross to Grandview and light it onceagain for the holidays,” he said.

The Sister of the Poor HealthSystems told Chew he could havethe Cross but was responsible formoving it. As a result, the engi-neering team at Grandviewremoved the cross from theFranciscan building and worked inrain and snow to get it in place forthe holiday season.

John Murphy, vice-president of development for theGrandview Foundation, was par-ticularly moved by the cross’spresence: “As a former employeeof Franciscan as well as a com-munity member who has appreci-ated the cross every year, it isgratifying to see it appropriatelylit over our facility,” he said.

Chew hopes the new adorn-ment at Grandview will continueto be a beacon for the city ofDayton. “When you see the cross,be reminded of our desire to bringa message of hope to the Daytoncommunity, the true meaning ofChristmas, and the extent towhich our employees will go toimprove the lives of the people inthe communities we serve.”

—Kevin Lavoie

For a complete listing of Adventist HealthCare and Kettering Adventist

HealthCare locations, visitwww.columbiaunion.net/

healingministries.

Childhood illnesses. Failing grades. First dates. Even with theLord’s help, sometimes Christian parenting can seem over-

whelming. And if you can’t be there, who willguide your children toward an Adventist lifestyle?

Trust Services understands that families need toplan for the unexpected, so we show you how legaldocuments can express your wishes. With a Trust

Services relationship, we’ll be there whenever we’re needed, usually at no cost to you or your estate. To find out more, callTrust Services today.

Children bring real blessingsinto the home. Psalm 127:3

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C o l u m b i a U n i o n C o n f e r e n c e Tr u s t Se r v i c e s

52 VISITOR52 VISITOR

BULLETIN BOARD

EMPLOYMENT

LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITYSEEKS CHAIR OF ARCHIVES/SPECIAL COLLECTIONS ANDDIRECTOR FOR WHITE ESTATEBRANCH OFFICE. Administersprograms, collections, and servic-es. Required: Master's degree (prefer religion or history); must be Adventist; have leadership abilities/ team-building skills;knowledge of Adventist history/beliefs, including Ellen White and her writings; good written and oral communication skills inEnglish; computer literate.Desirable: public speaking ability;knowledge of latest archivaltrends; and promotion of scholarlyinterchange. Call (909) 558-4581, or e-mail webblibrary@dwebb.llu.edu for information.

COLUMBIA UNION COLLEGESEEKS A FULL-TIME ACCESSSERVICE LIBRARIAN. Master'sdegree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or its foreignequivalent. Submit CV and letter to Human Resources, ColumbiaUnion College, 7600 FlowerAvenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912. E-mail hr@cuc.edu; fax:(301) 891-4020.

URGENTLY NEEDED. TaiwanUnion Mission urgently needsteachers with the following qualifi-cations: (1) minimum bachelor'sdegree for English Bible School, (2)minimum bachelor's degree for ele-mentary school, and (3) minimumsecondary certification for college-prep school. Stipend, transporta-tion, accommodations, opportunityto travel, experience new culturesand be a very real part of finishingGod's work. Please contact BobEvans at 18717-233 Mill Villa Rd.,Jamestown, CA 95327. Phone:(209) 588-9344 or e-mail:aspac2003@yahoo.com.

SOUTHERN ADVENTISTUNIVERSITY SEEKS ANADVENTIST BIOLOGIST- EDUCATOR committed to involve-ment in undergraduate studentlearning and research for fall 2004.Ph.D. preferred. Send CV, state-ment of teaching philosophy,research interests, and names ofthree references to: Dr. StephenNyirady, Chair, Biology SearchCommittee, Southern AdventistUniversity, Collegedale, TN 37315.Fax: (423) 238-2197; e-mail: nyirady@southern.edu. Minoritiesespecially encouraged to apply.

SOUTHERN ADVENTISTUNIVERSITY SEEKS A FULL-TIME COMMUNICATION PROFESSOR to teach speechand other communication classes.Position opens summer 2004.Doctorate in communication fieldstrongly preferred, ABD and MAwith significant relevant experienceconsidered. Please send CV/resume to Volker Henning, Dean, School of Journalism and Communication, SouthernAdventist University, Collegedale,TN 37315. Fax: (423) 238-3159,or e-mail materials tohenning@southern.edu. For moreinformation, call (423) 238-2733.

WALLA WALLA COLLEGESCHOOL OF BUSINESS SEEKSAPPLICANTS for a tenure-trackteaching position in either statis-tics, quantitative methods, andcomputer-related courses, OR inmanagement and marketing,beginning as early as January2004. See details atwww.wwc.educ/services.Interested Adventists contactClarence Anderson, School ofBusiness, Walla Walla College,204 S. College Avenue, CollegePlace, WA 99324.Andecl@wwc.edu.

UNION COLLEGE SEEKS TOFILL TENURE TRACK POSITIONWITH QUALIFIED ADVENTISTNURSING INSTRUCTOR—beginning summer 2004.Experience in management andleadership and nursing researchpreferred. Doctorate with teachingexperience preferred, MSN withteaching and/or professional expe-rience required. Submit resume toJeff Joiner, Nursing ProgramDirector, Union College, 3800 S.48th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506 ore-mail jejoiner@ucollege.edu.

HUNTINGDON VALLEYCHRISTIAN ACADEMY IS SEEKING A K-10 PRINCIPALfor the 2004-2005 school year. Amaster’s degree and experiencerequired. Team building, curricu-lum planning, supervision of staff,and strategic planning skills aredesired. Contact Wayne Wentland,Vice-President for Education, 720Museum Rd., Reading, PA 19611;e-mail waynewayne@nni.com;(610) 374-8331, ext. 213.

SOUTHERN ADVENTISTUNIVERSITY SCHOOL OFEDUCATION ANDPSYCHOLOGY SEEKSPSYCHOLOGY PROFESSOR.Clinical/counseling psychologyand/or other counselingdegree/experience preferred, doc-toral degree in any area of psychol-ogy will be considered. Dutiesinclude teaching undergraduateand graduate level courses alongwith additional faculty responsibili-ties. Candidates should submittranscripts (undergraduate andgraduate) and curriculum vitae tothe SEP Dean, P. O. Box 370,Collegedale, TN 37315 or ados-sant@southern.edu.

LASIERRA UNIVERSITY SEEKSAPPLICANTS for the followingpositions—STAFF: cataloginglibrarian; director of the library.FACULTY: biology assistant/ associate professor; chemistry/biochemistry assistant/associateprofessor; physics/biophysicsassociate professor; School ofBusiness Management marketingtrack tenure position; School ofEducation—curriculum and instruction associate professor; associate professor—special edu-cation; social work program assis-tant/associate professor; Englishand communication assistant professor. For more information,contact (909) 785-2088; fax: (909) 785-2087; e-mailsedwards@lasierra.edu.

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

NEEDED

Shawnee Mission MedicalCenter (SMMC), a Seventh-day Adventist community

service, has a variety of open-ings for healthcare profession-als. SMMC is a 383-bed,

acute care facility located inJohnson County, Kansas. Thisfamily-friendly communityoffers a safe and relaxedatmosphere, high-quality

schools, and easy access tomuseums, cultural arts, andprofessional sports teams.

Please contact the job line:(800) 845-6212

or click on Employment:www.shawneemission.org

for a listing of open positions.

Contact: Brad Hoffman,

Administrative Directorof Human Resources,

(913) 676-2020for more information.

Resumes may be faxed to(913) 676-2019.

Visitor Advertising and Subscription InformationThe Columbia Union Visitor accepts display and classified advertisingas a service to its members. Announcements such as baptisms,events, legal notices, obituaries, and retirement of church workers willbe printed without charge on a space-available basis. The Visitorreserves the right to refuse any advertisement or announcement anddoes not guarantee the integrity of any product or service advertised.First-time advertisers who are members of the Seventh-dayAdventist Church must submit a letter of recommendation from theirpastor. Contact information must also be submitted (name, address,phone number and/or e-mail address). First-time advertisers who arenot members of the Adventist church must submit letter(s) of recom-mendation from business members of their community or creditbureaus, as well as their contact information.Payment must accompany all advertisement(s). We do not billfor classified or display advertising. Tear sheets are not providedunless requested. Checks and money orders are accepted. Makechecks payable to Columbia Union Visitor and mail together with youradvertisement(s) and recommendations (if applicable) to: SandraJones, Columbia Union Visitor, 5427 Twin Knolls Rd., Columbia, MD21045. For display advertising, send your payment to WilonaKarimabadi at the same address.Rates for classified advertising are calculated on a per insertionbasis in our 12 issues. Minimum charge is $38 for 50 words or lessfor ads originating within the Columbia Union Conference, and $48 forall others. Additional words: 60 cents each—inside the Union—and75 cents each—outside the Union. A 20 percent discount is given for12 consecutive insertions. Column ads are also available (classified adin a box), with a maximum word count of 75. The rate is $100 perinsertion inside the Union and $125 outside the Union. Ads must beplaced a minimum of four weeks before the issue date.Word count is based upon the spaces between words in normalusage.Display Advertising: For rates and information, go to www.columbiaunion.org/visitor/advertising/advertising.html/ or call(888) 4-VISITOR and ask for Wilona Karimabadi at ext. 282.Subscription Information: If you’d like to be added to our mailinglist, or are on the list but have an address change, please e-mailvisitorlist@columbiaunion.net; call toll-free (888) 4-VISITOR; or mail tothe address above (under the Payment section). Please include thename of the conference where your membership is held and yourtelephone number. If an address change, please send your previousaddress as listed on the magazine label and your new address. If youlive outside the Columbia Union Conference territory, a year’s sub-scription (12 issues) is $15. Please make your check payable to:Columbia Union Visitor.

JANUARY 2004 53

BULLETIN BOARD

55 OR OVER? Be part of ourFlorida Living RetirementCommunity. $859 per month forGarden Court rental room, nearOrlando. Includes three vegetarianmeals daily, utilities, cable, 3ABN,and activities. Heated pool, churchon grounds. Close to camp meet-ing and shopping. Conferenceowned and operated. Call Sharon:(800) 729-8017 or e-mailSMcKeeverFLRC@aol.com.

DON'T THROW OUT THOSEBOOKS! We buy and sellAdventist books written by, pub-lished by, or about Adventists.Missing a volume? Looking for anold favorite? Call (800) 732-2664for information sheet or visit ourWeb site: www.lnfbooks.com.

2004 SUMMER OPPORTUNITY.Cool summers at almost 3,000feet—Looking for energetic retiredor not retired couple to managequiet campground in the Laurelhighlands of western Pa., nearFrostburg, Md., May throughOctober. Lodging provided. Call(301) 689-2769 or (301) 689-8555.RV experience a plus.

REAL ESTATE

PHYLLIS NEWMAN SELLSMARYLAND REAL ESTATE ... forboth buyers and sellers. Call (800)586-4669 Re/Max Realty Center,Inc. See our Web site at:www.homesdatabase.com/realestate. This site gives you MLSaccess by state, county, zip code,price range, bedrooms/bathrooms,etc. Call me or e-mail phyllisnewman@realtor.com.

SCENIC VIEWS AND QUALITYHOME FOR SALE. Built in 1997 on22.17 acres of land near Asheville,N.C. Five bedrooms; 4.5 baths;two-car garage. Hardwood floors,marble, whirlpool, Anderson win-dows, fireplace, creek. $349,000.Call Charles Griffin, ChesapeakeConference Association,(410) 995-1910.

SHENANDOAH VALLEYRELOCATION SERVICES! Are you thinking about buying orselling a home? Relocating to theNew Market area in Virginia? Kidscoming to SVA? If so, let me helpyou with your real estate needs.Call Florin at (800) 701-3176 or (540) 335-8330. Visit www.yourvirginiahome.com formore information.

FARM FOR SALE—83 acres located two miles from two-teacher Adventist school andchurch in Yale, Va., Sussex county.Growing timber. Good pond site.20 acres—open land. $140,000. Call (434) 246-5004.

SELLING OR BUYING ... Clydeand Phyllis Kinder are on your side!We know Adventists; we knowMaryland; we know real estate.(301) 776-3380.

HOUSE FOR SALE IN N.E.WASHINGTON, D.C., MichiganPark area, 2 bedrooms, familyroom, 1.5 baths, 2 kitchens, hard-wood floors, one-car garage.$200,000 Call (301) 855-9556.

SERVICES

MARYLAND ADVENTIST DENTIST: David Lee, D.D.S., PA,has a comprehensive dental officein Silver Spring and in Ellicott City,Maryland. He is excellent with chil-dren and adults, and is highlytrained in Cosmetic Dentistry andImplants. For appointments call:Silver Spring (301) 649-5001;Ellicott City (410) 461-6655.Mention this ad and receive 10%discount on all services (excludesthird party payors). Our office is aparticipating provider withAdventist Risk Management.

WWW.PHONECARDUNLIMITED.COM—connecting you to theworld at unbelievably low rates.Say goodbye to phone bills. Athome or away, remember ...www.PhoneCardUnlimited.comwhenever you want to reach aloved one ... go towww.PhoneCardUlimited.com.They will answer.

CHRISTIANSINGLESDATING.COM, FREE 14-day Trial! Jointhousands and thousands ofAdventist Singles online. FREEChat, Search, Detailed Profiles,Match Notifications! Date Chat, 2-way compatibility match, 10photos in your album, voice pro-files, confidential online mail. Love, penpals, marriage, dating, articles,surveys, resources, weblinks.Matching Adventists since 1993!Adventist owned and operated.

MOVING? Special Adventist rates and guarantees! Air VannorthAmerican is a nationwidemover. Whether you're moving a few items or a truckload, don'tmove before calling Air Van. It will insure peace of mind and acost-effective move. Please call(800) 525-1177 to speak with arepresentative.

ELTERNHAUS, INC. AdventistCare for Adventist Seniors. We arethankful for the past, living in thepresent, preparing for the future.Come join us in the journey. Weare an assisted living, Adventistfamily with a medical component,believing in lifelong care. For infor-mation, call Diane Crane: (410)707-7071 or (443) 535-8881.

ANGELS-AT-HOME CARE is anonmedical, private-pay registry inthe Washington, D.C. metro areafor the home care needs of the elderly, shut-in members, and post-hospitalized of our Adventistcommunity. We are a committed,Christian-care provider agency.Please call (301) 933-1534 or visitwww.tagnet.org/angelsathomecare.

MARYLAND ADVENTIST PODIATRIST: Dr. Scott Nutter,highly trained, experienced, andboard certified, is available in sever-al locations to help your foot/ankleproblems, including arthritis, heelpain, spurs, diabetes, callouses,ingrown nails, sprains, fractures,warts, bunions, etc. Surgery, if it is needed, at Adventist hospitals.Laurel, Md.—(301) 317-6800;Greenbelt, Md.—(301) 345-5200;or Columbia, Md.—(410) 531-6350.

ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN WHO’SBEING PRICED OUT OF HEALTHINSURANCE? Cut your health-care expenses in half. Join over50,000 Christians who share oneanother’s medical bills. Choose any doctor, any hospital, anywherein the world. Check out nonprofit,Christian Care Medi-Share. For afree guidelines booklet, call toll-free (888) 346-7895.

SINGLES SERVICE: IntroducingAdventists discreetly and confi-dentially since 1987. We have a magazine format with personalads, plus enlightening and uplift-ing articles. If you desire informa-tion on obtaining friendship, fel-lowship, or companionship, mail along, self-addressed, stampedenvelope to: DISCOVER, 15550Burnt Store Road, #153, PuntaGorda, FL 33955.

PREMIER PODIATRY SERVICES,LLC, is eager to help you get "backon your feet." Dr. Rhonda Nelson,an Adventist podiatrist and gradu-ate of Oakwood College, seeks toprovide you and your family withthe finest podiatric care, whilerelieving your foot and ankle dis-comfort. Office location: Largo, Md. (301) 773-1199.

ARE YOU MOVING SOON?Before you rent a U-Haul and do ityourself, check our price and saveyourself the hassle. Plan aheadnow and reserve a time slot. Fast,direct, and economical. ContactGary Erhard, Erhard Furniture,6681 U.S. 31, Berrien Springs, MI;phone (269) 471-7366 eveningsfrom 8-11 p.m., E.T.

FREE COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS.300,000 plus private sector schol-arships available for undergraduateand graduate students at accredit-ed colleges in the United Statesregardless of GPA, finances, age, orcitizenship. No repayment. Send a$5 money order for applicationpayable to: Scholarship Service,29435 Dorsey Street, Sun City, CA92586. E-mail: willett@mchsi.com;www.sdamall.com/fundcollege.

SOUTHERN ADVENTISTUNIVERSITY SEEKS PROFESSORFOR SOCIAL WORK ANDFAMILY STUDIES PROGRAM.Master's degree in social work froma program accredited by theCouncil on Social Work Educationrequired. Doctorate preferred.Candidate must demonstrate successful undergraduate teachingexperience. Persons of color areespecially encouraged to apply.Candidates should submit tran-scripts and curriculum vitae to Dr.Rene` Drumm, Dean, P. O. Box370, Collegedale, TN 37315 orrdrumm@southern.edu.

MISCELLANEOUS

BARLEYGREEN/BARLEYLIFE TMThe greatest source of nutrition onthe earth today! Doctor-recommended for its preventivevalue. Give your cells the foodneeded for a healthier you. Askabout HERBAL FIBERBLENDColon Cleanse and our wholesale,money-back guarantee. Improvethe quality of your life: (301) 292-3397 or (800) 325-6452.

CONSIDERING HOME-SCHOOLING? Home StudyInternational is the only Christian,accredited, course provider forpreschool through college. Allcourses can be taken individuallyor as a total curriculum. Earn ahigh school diploma or finish a college degree. Home StudyInternational, 12501 Old ColumbiaPike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600; (800) 782-4769;www.hsi.edu.

THEFUTUREEVENT.COM—a newChristian Web site on key last dayevents and very important artifactsconcerning Christ's second com-ing. Please check it out! Thenshare with friends and relatives,www.TheFutureEvent.com. Thankyou and God bless!

FOR SALE: Two adjoining burialsites, located in Richmond, Va., at the Riverview Cemetery. Worth $2,500, asking $1,700. Call Knick at (301) 498-6396 or (301) 526-7167.

PUBLISH YOUR BOOK! Authorscall for our publishing and market-ing information. We publish anddistribute to Adventist BookCenters, health food stores, andChristian booksellers worldwide.Call (800) 367-1844 or visit ourWeb site: www.tsibooks.com.

HEALTH EVANGELISM MADEEASY: PROJECT: Steps to Christintroduces PROJECT: Steps toHealth, four easy steps to reachingyour community with the Adventisthealth message. Program includeshealth evangelism booklet mailing,Web site: www.projectsth.org andfree health video/DVD. Call (800) 728-6872 to learn how youcan sponsor a mailing in yourarea.

Successful Computer DatingExclusively for Adventists Since 1974

ADVENTIST CONTACT

P.O. Box 5419Takoma Park, MD 20913

(301) 589-4440

54 VISITOR54 VISITOR

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TRAVEL/VACATION

RV'S!! Adventist owned andoperated RV dealership has beenhelping Adventists for over 30years. Huge inventory. Courtesyairport pickup and on-sitehookups. Satisfied Adventist cus-tomer list available. Call toll-free(888) 933-9300. Lee's RV City,Oklahoma City. Visit our Web sitewww.leesrv.com or e-mailLeesRVs@aol.com.

10-DAY SCANDINAVIA/RUSSIA CRUISE for health pro-fessionals, families/friends—July12-22, 2004. Includes Denmark,Estonia, Russia, Finland, Sweden,and Germany. Earn 10 hourscontinuing education credit fromLLU Schools of Medicine/Dentistry. Daily devotions with Dr. Randy Roberts. CME credit: (909) 558-4968; CDE credit: (909) 558-4685; cruise only, callUniversity Travel: (800) 362-3389or utravel@carlsontravel.com.

VACATIONERS—Motel room at Florida Living RetirementCommunity near Orlando. Twinbeds, refrigerator, microwave, TV, heated pool, (no phone).Vegetarian meals available.Church on grounds. Shoppingand camp meeting within walk-ing distance. Occupants must be35 or older. No pets. Owned byFlorida Conference. Call Sharonfor reservation: (800) 729-8017 ore-mail SMcKeeveFLRC@aol.com.

2004 GREAT CONTROVERSYTOUR, June 10-24, with Dr.Gerard Damsteegt of AndrewsUniversity. See prophecies ofDaniel and Revelation come alive.Visit Rome and the Reformationsites in the Waldensian Valleys,Switzerland, Germany, andFrance. A most exciting experi-ence. Call or fax (269) 471-5172.damsteeg@andrews.edu.

2004 OGDEN ADVENTISTGROUP TOURS: Russian RiverCruise, July 5-18 with optionalpre-cruise to Helsinki, July 1-6and post-cruise to the Baltics,July 18-25. SOUTH PACIFICTOUR, September 26-October21, including Australia, NewZealand, with Fiji option. SOUTHAFRICA TOUR, Nov. 1-18, withwildlife Safari. Each tour includesvisit to Adventist churches andschools. Contact Dr. MerleneOgden, at (269) 471-3781/ogden@andrews.edu or JudyZimmerman: (269) 471-7004/zim41634@aol.com.

LEGAL NOTICES

New Jersey Conference ofSeventh-day AdventistsSpecial Constituency Meeting

Notice is hereby given of a spe-cial constituency session of theNew Jersey Conference ofSeventh-day Adventists. It will

convene at 10 a.m. on Sunday,March 14, 2004, at the MeadowView Seventh-day Adventist School,241 Bordentown-Chesterfield Rd.,Rt. 528 (Chesterfield Township),Trenton, N.J.

The purpose of this meeting is totake action on the recommenda-tion of the constituency to studythe issue of secondary education inthe New Jersey Conference, asvoted in the 37th RegularConstituency Meeting on March23, 2003, and transact such othereducational-related business thatmay properly come before the con-stituency at this time.

Each church is entitled to onedelegate for its organization andone additional delegate for each 50members or major fraction thereof.The delegates-at-large shall becomposed of the conference exec-utive committee members, the cre-dentialed and licensed employeesof the conference, and members ofthe executive committees of theColumbia Union Conference andthe General Conference who maybe present.

LEROY FINCK, PresidentJOSÉ H. CORTÉS, Secretary

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BLUE MOUNTAINELEMENTARY SCHOOL inHamburg, Pa., will celebrate its50th anniversary on April 25, 2004,with an open house, program, andreception. Former students andstaff please contact the school atbluemtelementary@hotmail.com ortelephone Mrs. Edith Galambos at(610) 562-7363.

“BUILDING A STRONGMARRIAGE”—Discover whatkeeps couples together. A marriage enrichment seminar formarried and engaged couples. Itall starts with supper at 5:30 p.m.,Friday, Feb.13. Contact the FamilyLife Ministry Department at theMountain View Conference formore information and registration:(304) 422-4581. Early bird registra-tion deadline: Feb. 2.

HOFFMANN, Lorraine P., bornAugust 21, 1927, in Guttenberg,N.J.; died November 17, 2003, inNarrowsburg, N.Y. She was amember of the Honesdale church.She is survived by her sons,Herbert, Craig and Dean; brotherFrank Klein; and granddaughters,Lorraine and Rachel.

KERR, Robert H., born April 16,1919, in Pittsfield, Mass.; diedDecember 2, 2003, at his homein Miamisburg, Ohio. Kerr servedas a pastor in the church for 59years, 44 years as a full-time pastor, and 15 years as an inter-im pastor during his retirement.He served the Columbia Union inthe Chesapeake and theMountain View conferences.Kerr’s ministry carried him to 14of the eastern states, and he wasinstrumental in organizing sevennew churches. Kerr was preced-ed in death by his sister, AliceMiriam Kerr. He is survived by hiswife of 58 years, Juanita MoffittKerr; his son, Elton Kerr ofDayton, Ohio; his daughterSharon Kerr Jenks of Orlando,Fla.; his brother, James Kerr ofColumbia, S.C.; and five grand-children. A Celebration of LIfeService was held December 7 atthe Miamisburg (Ohio) church.Memorial contributions may bemade to the children’s ministryprogram at the Kettering, Ohio,church or to 3ABN.

PERCY, Kay, born January 3,1914, in Pittsubrgh, Pa.; diedSeptember 9, 2003, in Dayton,Ohio. She was a faithful member ofthe Centerville (Ohio) church. She issurvived by her daughter, SueQuackenbush of Dayton, Ohio; herson, David Percy of Reynoldsburg,Ohio; three grandchildren; and fivegreat-grandchildren.

SUNSET CALENDAR

NAD Youth Ministries’Leadership Convention

February 19-22, 2004

Adams Mark Hotel &Convention CenterDenver, Colorado

Join 4,000 pastors, youth,Pathfinder, Adventurer, MasterGuide, young adult, campus, andcamp ministries leaders for all levels of leadership training.

Theme: “Stand Still...See God’s Salvation.”

For more information, visit

www.adventistyouthministries.org

Jan. 2 Jan. 9 Jan. 16 Jan. 23 Jan. 30

Baltimore 4:54 5:01 5:08 5:16 5:24

Cincinnati 5:27 5:33 5:40 5:48 5:56

Cleveland 5:08 5:15 5:22 5:31 5:39

Columbus 5:18 5:24 5:32 5:40 5:48

Jersey City 4:40 4:47 4:54 5:02 5:11

Norfolk 5:00 5:06 5:13 5:20 5:28

Parkersburg 5:14 5:21 5:28 5:36 5:44

Philadelphia 4:47 4:53 5:00 5:08 5:17

Pittsburgh 5:04 5:11 5:18 5:27 5:35

Reading 4:49 4:55 5:03 5:11 5:19

Richmond 5:03 5:09 5:16 5:23 5:31

Roanoke 5:14 5:20 5:27 5:34 5:42

Toledo 5:15 5:22 5:29 5:38 5:47

Trenton 4:44 4:51 4:58 5:06 5:15

Wash., D.C. 4:57 5:04 5:11 5:19 5:27

EIGHT WEEKS TO WELLNESS,A LIFESTYLE EMPOWERMENTSEMINAR, will be conducted by Dr. Jim Sharps of the Atholtonchurch in Columbia, Md., beginningJanuary 29 and continuing weeklyon Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m., atthe Hawthorne Village Center in theHickory Ridge Village. To register orfor further information, please call(410) 884-9319.

OBITUARIES

FLEAZACK, Kathryn, bornFebruary 22, 1905; died June 27,2003. She was a member of theRobbinsville (N.J.) church. She issurvived by her daughter, EstherFleazack.

HIRSCH, Arthur Julius, born July 5, 1919, in Jersey City, N.J.;died September 14, 2003, inAnnapolis, Md. He graduatedfrom the Washington MissionaryCollege (now Columbia UnionCollege), in Takoma Park, Md.While in college he met and mar-ried Glenna LaVerne Sandridgeand they had two children: GlennaLaVerne and Arthur Jay. He servedthe denomination as a church pas-tor, evangelist, and educator.Chesapeake and Potomac confer-ences were two of the many areaswhere he pastored. He also taughtsociology as a college professor atColumbia Union College. Besideshis immediate family, he is survivedby one grandson, Raymond EarlKingsfield of Basye, Va.; onegranddaughter, Pamela RenneVallandingham of Deale, Md.; fourgreat-grandchildren; his brother,Otto Hirsch of Nashville, Tenn.; hisbrother, Rudolph Hirsch ofArlington, N.J.; and his sister, RuthKovalski of Metuchen, N.J.

QUACKENBUSH, DorothyBramble, born December 26,1908, in Rock Hall, Md.; diedSeptember 22, 2003, in NewMarket, Va. She was a member ofthe New Market church. Her hus-band, Curtis, served as pastor in theChesapeake and Potomac confer-ences. She is survived by daughterJean Strickland, two grandchildren:David Strickland and Jan Osborne;and a great-granddaughter,Rebecca Wilson.

REDMAN, Ruth A., long-time resi-dent of Takoma Park, Md., and amember of the Takoma Park churchfor 67 years, died Friday, November28, 2003. Born and raised inBucyrus, Ohio, Mrs. Redman gradu-ated from Mount Vermon Academy.She came to Takoma Park to attendWashington Missionary College (nowColumbia Union College), where shegraduated in 1935. She worked as asecretary at the Review and HeraldPublishing Association, where shemet her husband, Leon Redman.After retiring from the Review andHerald, Mrs. Redman worked part-time for several years at the GeneralConference of Seventh-dayAdventists. She is survived by her sister, Mary Stockard of Silver Spring,Md.; her sister-in-law, EvelynHermann of Ft. Myers, Fla.; and fivenieces and nephews.

WRIGHT, Silva A., bornNovember 13, 1914, in SciotoCounty, Ohio; died October 26,2003, in Logan, W.Va. She was a member of the Logan church.Mrs. Wright was preceded indeath by her husband of 60years, Ronald Edward (Eddie)Wright. She is survived by adaughter, Brenda Wright; a son,Elbert Wright; grandchildren:Melissa Kidd, Michael Wright, and Robert Kinser; four great-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren.

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