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October 14, 1999

World Edition

“They’re Circling for Me!”Using wings for the gospel in Papua New Guinea

Retired—And Ready to Serve

Thank God for a Nagging Wife

Rainbow Over HellThe June 10 issue was especially out-standing because of two articles.

“Rainbow Over Hell”is a remarkable con-version story. “Exiled”strengthens our faithbecause Sasha wasfaithful in Sabbathobservance in spite ofunreasonable Soviet

persecution. I hope to see more ofthese types of articles, which are worthfiling.

— D o r o t h y O s t e r

C O L F A X , C A L I F O R N I A

Finding Our Place in theKingdomAs an avid reader of the AdventistReview, I was very surprised by the July22 editorial by Ella Rydzewski,“Finding Our Place in the Kingdom.”Surprised that an article that presentssuch insightful conclusions on the cat-egories of church members who con-tribute to the life and growth of thechurch also includes such an insensi-tive side: “Too many singles fall intothis category.”

During the past four years asAdventist Singles Ministries coordina-tor in our conference, I too have expe-rienced the unwillingness of the singlemember to hold a church office or con-tribute to programs—even for singles.However, I have come to a far differentconclusion than that of Rydzewski. Ibelieve that the reason our singlemembers have not found their place inthe kingdom include: (1) Many single

church members, hurt and striving tosurvive in a difficult situation, havenot always experienced the warmthand acceptance of God’s love throughother church family members; and (2)many single members have experi-enced thoughtless, most times unin-tentional, comments and labeling suchas “Too many singles fall into this cate-gory.”

My question would be: Is it not bet-ter that any member, single or married,be in church warming the pew than tobe outside of the church in an uncar-ing world? Does someone hanging onto the church because they have beenraised in it not say something abouttheir longing to belong? After all, if Iwere in a warm caring environment inwhich I felt God’s love and accep-tance, I might even be encouraged todo my part in sharing His love with allI come in contact with. Perhaps Icould even find my place in the familyof God.

— D a r l e n e R e i m c h e

B R I T I S H C O L U M B I A , C A N A D A

I can relate to “Finding Our Place inthe Kingdom” in the July 22 Review(AnchorPoints Edition). My husband,Jim, has been head elder of our smallchurch for about 13 years. There areabout eight of us who come, or are ableto come, to church. We are a churchand we have a building to care for, aswell as elderly and ill church members.We get a pastor once a month. Theother three weeks the pastor is inanother church, which has 10 eldersand about 300 members.

Jim is wearing out. He’s tired. The

members in our church do not believein women elders, so he must carry theload. He’s at the breaking point bothphysically and spiritually. I help all Ican, but I’m getting tired too. It’s tothe point where I’ve lost my love forvisiting, evangelistic meetings,Ingathering, etc. It’s all I can do toteach Sabbath school and lead out. Ifeel tired and worn out—but alsoguilty and ashamed. What advice doyou have for us? Small churches needpastors more than once a month.Elders in larger churches need to takeon more responsibilities or help thesmaller churches out. We need help!

— N a m e W i t h h e l d

The Verdict Is GuiltyRoy Adams’ editorial “The Verdict IsGuilty” in the August 12 edition of the

Review started methinking. It seems thatin Florida the juryverdict in the litiga-tion against the to-bacco industry couldforce the company topay billions in dam-

ages. Adams remarks: “The resultingflood of litigation could well cripplethe deadly business. And that is whatwe want.”

Now, I am as much against smokingas anyone. But isn’t it about time wetook some of the blame ourselves?Aren’t we responsible for our ownactions? It’s so easy to say, “It’s not myfault; someone else is to blame, so Iwill sue him.” (Didn’t Adam and Evehave the same idea in the garden?)

LETTERS

2 (1450) A D V E N T I S T R E V I E W , O C T O B E R 1 4 , 1 9 9 9

No one forces us to smoke; it is ourown choice. Don’t you think weshould begin taking some responsibilityfor our own actions?

— F e r n e I . E l l i n g w o r t h

Y O U N T V I L L E , C A L I F O R N I A

In his editorial in the August 12 worldedition of the Review, Roy Adamsgives informative data on the evils ofthe tobacco industry.

However, in his closing paragraph,asking “Why am I writing all this inthe World Edition?” Adams seems tobe salving his conscience by joining inthe political dogfight in Washingtonwith overtones of his advocating oneof these groups over the other. I dare-say that the great majority ofAdventists worldwide are confirmednonsmokers. With the mass number ofAdventists having access to computertechnology such as the Internet, itdoesn’t take a rocket scientist to con-vey to us something we alreadyknow—the use of tobacco is harmfuland should be totally avoided.

After having said this—and theReview editorial staff still insists on get-ting involved in the politicalspectrum—let’s give equal time in con-demning the alcohol industry with thesame fervor and descriptions offered byAdams: “heartless industry”; “confidentcorporate fat cats”; “humongous stashof blood money”; “marketers of death.”Although very harmful to one’s health,tocacco rarely, if ever, contributes todeaths resulting from domestic vio-lence, as does alcohol.

Other suggested related editorialtopics for the Review are the number ofdeaths caused from abortions, unlawfulmisuse of guns and the lack of enforce-ment of existing laws, films with a vio-lent theme . . . or would any or all ofthese be politically incorrect?

— S t a n l e y R . J o n e s

K N O X V I L L E , T E N N E S S E E

Adapting to CultureBlessing always comes to me from

reading the Adventist Review. I write inresponse to the Faith Alive! columnfrom the August 12 issue. A preciousexample of giving commendation toothers is given in Luke 19, where Jesusis represented as saying “Well done”for faithful service. However, in viewof Jesus’ teaching about the prayers ofthe Pharisee and the publican in Luke18 and worship as a performance inMatthew 6:5, it would seem thatapplause to the worship of God andespecially to prayer, whether sung,played on an instrument, or spoken, isinappropriate.

Tactfully asking the audience, beforethe performance of sacred music, not toapplaud is one helpful way to maintainthe focus on worship rather than on the“performer.” Cultural adaptation isn’talways a virtue.

Thank you for letting the Reviewspeak to the issues. My prayers areuplifted daily for the encouragementand guidance of the Holy Spirit towriters and editors of Adventist peri-odicals. Praise to God for the powerfulanswers to these prayers.

— A r t h u r E . B l a k e

H O R AT I O , A R I Z O N A

I always read with interest Calvin Rock’scolumn, and I wish to comment on“Adapting to the Culture” (Aug. 12).

In searching for answers to controver-sial questions, I like to ask, “Is there anyword from the Lord?” (Jer. 37:17). Forexample, there are many texts in boththe Old and New Testaments that makeit quite clear that “Amen” is the pre-ferred response when worshiping God.

Sometimes we use culture as anexcuse for what we like to do. Surelywe don’t want it said of us: “Everyonedid what was right in his own eyes”(Judges 21:25, NKJV).

May I add that the chapter “Behaviorin the House of God,” from Testimoniesto the Church, volume 5, is very helpfulwhen looking for answers regarding wor-ship.

— V i v i a n K e m p e r

N A P A , C A L I F O R N I A

COVER STORY

8 “They’re Circling for Me!”The work never ends—at least that’sthe way it seems to a mission pilot.B Y L E S A N D E R S O N

ARTICLES

14 Everyone ThoughtShe’d Be ImmortalTwo years after Diana’s death,people are still asking, “What washer lasting influence?”B Y M A R I E A N D F R E D P E L S E R

22 Thank God for aNagging WifeShe knew what I needed before Idid.B Y K R I S A N A T S U P A N A R O J A S T O L D

T O A I L E E N L U D I N G T O N

26 Retired—And Ready to ServeInactivity held no appeal, so wedecided to follow the Lord’s path toadventure.B Y E L F R I E D E V O L K

DEPARTMENTS

2 Letters

7 Give & Take

12 Faith Alive!

13 Tuesday’s Child

18 World News & Perspectives

28 Bible Questions Answered

29 Adventist World Radio

EDITORIALS

5 In Praise of Simplicity

6 Recapture Your Dreams

NEXT WEEK

From Violence to PeacePhyllis Scott-Zimmerman knows what it’slike to be a victim. Now she teaches peo-ple how to avoid that fate.

A D V E N T I S T R E V I E W , O C T O B E R 1 4 , 1 9 9 9 (1451) 3

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“Behold, I come quickly . . .”

Our mission is to uplift Jesus Christ through stories of Hismatchless love, news of His present workings, help forknowing Him better, and hope in His soon return.

Publisher General Conference of Seventh-day AdventistsExecutive Publisher William G. JohnssonAssociate Publisher Charlotte McClure

Publishing Board: Jan Paulsen, chair; Phil Follett, vice-chair;Lowell Cooper; William G. Johnsson; Robert E. Lemon; A. C.McClure; Ardis D. Stenbakken, Donald R. Sahly; Ted N. C.Wilson; Robert Nixon, legal advisor

Editor William G. JohnssonAssociate Editors Roy Adams, Bill Knott Managing Editor Myrna TetzNews Editor Carlos Medley Assistant Editors Stephen Chavez, Kimberly Luste MaranEditorial Assistant Ella RydzewskiProject Coordinator Chitra Barnabas Administrative Secretary Ruth WrightEditorial Secretary Jean SequeiraArt Direction and Design Bill Tymeson, Bill KirsteinDesktop Technician Fred WuerstlinAd Sales Melyne Tooley, Genia BlumenbergSubscriber Services Steve Hanson

Consulting Editors: Jan Paulsen, Matthew Bediako, PhilFollett, Robert J. Kloosterhuis, A. C. McClure, LeoRanzolin, R. L. Rawson, Calvin B. Rock, G. RalphThompsonSpecial Contributors: P. D. Chun, L. T. Daniel, L. J.Evans, Ulrich Frikart, Lee Huff, Israel Leito, Ruy H.Nagel, L. D. Raelly, Ron Watts, Bertil Wiklander

To Writers: We welcome unsolicited manuscripts. (Pleasequery before submitting long articles.) Include address,telephone number, and Social Security number, whereavailable. Address all editorial correspondence to 12501Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600.Editorial office fax number: (301) 680-6638.

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Postmaster: Send address changes to Adventist Review, 55West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740.

Scriptures credited to ICB are quoted from theInternational Children’s Bible, New Century Version, copy-right © 1983, 1986, 1988 by Word Publishing, Dallas,Texas 75039. Used by permission. Texts credited to NIVare from the Holy Bible, New International Version.Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, International BibleSociety. Used by permission of Zondervan BiblePublishers. Bible texts credited to RSV are from theRevised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946,1952, 1971, by the Division of Christian Education of theNational Council of the Churches of Christ in theU.S.A. Used by permission.

The Adventist Review (ISSN 0161-1119), published since1849, is the general paper of the Seventh-day AdventistChurch. It is published by the General Conference ofSeventh-day Adventists and is printed 40 times a year eachThursday except the first Thursday of each month by theReview and Herald® Publishing Association. Periodicalspostage paid at Hagerstown, MD 21740. Copyright © 1999,General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.Vol. 176, No. 41

WILLIAM G. JOHNSSON

“Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyeswide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If youlive squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar.If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you willhave!” (Matt. 6:22, 23, Message).

Jesus, who said these words, wasthe most complicated individualwho ever walked the planet. Webelieve He was the God-man, amysterious blending of deity and humanity that is unique in

human history. Yet this Man exhibiteda fundamental simplicity of life andwork that belied the complexity of His being.

His teachings conveyed eternaltruth, but they were accessible to thehumble and the unlearned.

His mind plumbed the depths of wisdom, but He spokethrough homespun stories and down-to-earth illustrations.

He lived a full life, with long days and nights packed inministering to people in need; but surrounded by crowds andpressed by the needy and by enemies, He sustained a deep,unruffled calm.

Jesus of Nazareth knew who He was and why He washere. With all the complexity of His being and the demandsof His mission He had taproots that fed His soul and keptHim upright.

We cannot do better than Jesus. With all the pressuresthat we feel as people of this age and as Christians, if we areto find peace of mind and spiritual well-being, we need abasic simplicity of life and purpose.

Without it, we will drown in the flood of informationspewed out by the Internet and the media. We will be everlearning but never able to attain a knowledge of truth, everstriving but never arriving.

Without it, we will zig and zag from one ephemeral expe-rience to the next. We will be wanderers in the vastexpanse of the universe, nomads whose only meaning comesfrom satisfying the demands of the flesh.

I believe that you can probe the life of any successful per-son, any leader, and very soon you come up with simplicity.The tree may be vast—the schedules hectic, the tasks multi-ple—but it is sustained and nurtured by a few taproots ofprinciple, priority, and value.

In the King James Version the words of Jesus paraphrasedabove read: “The light of the body is the eye: if thereforethine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light”(verse 22). The word translated “single” is the Greekhaplous, which means “single, simple, sincere,” hence “clear,

sound, healthy,” or even “generous.”*In context Jesus was speaking of thepull of society upon us to accumulatewealth and possessions; He calls Hisfollowers to a life of singleness or sim-plicity that can resist the currents ofprevailing greed.

How can we find this simplicitythat will ensure peace of mind andspiritual success?

For me, the answer is found at thestart of the day. A deluge of informa-tion comes to my desk—books, maga-zines, newsletters, government releas-

es, plus unsolicited videos and the beckoning world of theInternet. I cannot begin to handle all the material accessibleto me (I do read every letter and see that every manuscriptgets evaluated), but I start the day alone with the Bible.

I have a host of committees, appointments, and ego-stroking invitations that I might turn to, but the oneappointment I must not miss is when I meet my Lord quietlyat first light. That’s the only one that matters, because itorders all that follows during the day.

I earnestly desire that we Seventh-day AdventistChristians will remain a simple people. Not simple-minded,but simple in trust, in belief in God’s Word, in obedience, inlove, in joy, in hope, in dress, in lifestyle. That will bring usfulfillment in daily living and attract all around us.

In our preaching, let’s not try to make the gospel diffi-cult. In our teaching, let’s not try tosound profound and learned. In ourevangelism, let’s not hedge up the wayfor unbelievers. In our organization,let’s cut back on bureaucracy, travel,and conventions.

This message began in simplicity,and it will end in simplicity.

*W. F. Arndt and F. W. Gingrich,A Greek-English Lexicon of the NewTestament and Other Early ChristianLiterature.

In Praise of SimplicityE D I T O R I A L

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MYRNA TETZ

We’ve all experienced rejectionof some kind, and it’s not apretty feeling. In fact,depending on its severity, thegood feelings we’ve accumu-

lated about ourselves disappear like a hydrogenballoon unclasped from the hand of a child.

There are stages, of course. Sometimes webelieve we can cope and become an even betterperson. Other times we’re devastated. Rejectionby a spouse, a child by a parent, by a lover, by agood friend—these leave imprints that sometimes last a life-time.

TV star Dylan McDermott’s parents separated before hewas 2, and when he was 5 years of age his 20-year-old mother was killed in anaccident. Brought up by a grandmother, Dylan saw his fatheronly occasionally during his early years. “Whenever you lose aparent,” he says, “there’s an insecurity that’s bred everywhere.”He believes the world is so fragmented because “so many peo-ple leave” and “that’s why there’s so much addiction in theworld.” He was “a lonely latchkey kid . . .” Rejected and . . . adelinquent. 1

Although other rejections may not be as traumatic as theDylan account, rejection of any proportion cannot easily bedismissed. If our ideas are turned down by our colleagues, wedo not succeed in our athletic dreams, or the products weattempt to sell do not have the customer appeal we had envi-sioned, the memories can go deep like an inhaled poison.

I encountered rejection in 1989. William G. Johnsson,editor of the Adventist Review, wrote, “Thank you for sub-mitting the enclosed manuscript written for our considera-tion. . . . Unfortunately, the manuscript does not quite meetthe needs of the Adventist Review at this time. Your writingshows considerable ability, and I hope you will not bediscouraged . . .”

Somehow, I recovered. However, if the rejection hadbeen of a more serious consequence (if I had been attempt-ing to make a living by writing), I would have needed toreevaluate my goals and explore other options.

“Use rejection as a launching pad to shake yourself up.Recapture your dreams,” wrote Gregg Taylor, who was man-ager of a business firm in a Vancouver, British Columbia,office. He claims that “it’s important to go through thegrieving process. But keep your eyes open; network like crazy

and use your imagination.”When their application for admission to an

educational institution is turned down, stu-dents experience rejection. Kaplan Collegeadvised such students to “archive the letters ina safety deposit box—when you donate abuilding to your alma mater in 2030, mail therejection letters, along with a press clipppingto the schools. In red pen, write ‘nyah, nyah,nyah, nyah, nyah, nyah.”

When rejection surfaces, it’s helpful toreread biblical accounts of leaders who faced this unsavoryexperience, and you will receive encouragement. TakeSamuel, for instance. Samuel’s sons proved unworthy ofthe office given them by their father and, in essence,rejected him.

The elders now became dissatisfied and said to Samuel,“You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; nowappoint a king to lead us” (1 Sam. 8:5, NIV). Reminding the elderly of their age andthat their advice is not needed is probably one of the mostdiscouraging messages they can ever hear. Add to that thesuggestion that their offspring are rebellious, and you havepersons who experience rejection at a time in their lives whenthey might, instead, relish memories of accomplishment.

“The aged prophet looked upon the request as a censureupon himself.” 2 And so Samuel turned to the Lord andreceived this message: “Listen to all that the people are say-ing to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they haverejected me as their king” (verse 7).

Christ knew rejection beginning with Lucifer’s rebellionin heaven, the Eden experience, the Calvary sacrifice, andthrough the years as so many of His children turn Him away.But “Did God reject his people?” Paul asks.Then he answers his own question. “Byno means!” (Rom. 11:1, NIV). That’sthe most encouraging message we’ll everhear and, if internalized, it could trans-form our rejection experiences into areevaluation of our God-givenpotential.

1Parade, Aug. 15, 1999, pp. 4, 5.2Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and

Prophets, pp. 604, 605.

Recapture Your DreamsE D I T O R I A L

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DREAM CENTER

In this feature Adventists sharechurch-related dreams.

A few months ago I wrote in aboutmy dream of having a clearinghousefor Adventist travelers. It would matchoverseas workers who needed itemswith Adventist travelers who had extrabaggage allowance. Thanks to yourpublication, Bryan Gray has startedthis clearinghouse.

You can access the Traveler’sClearinghouse at http://www.advent-mall.com or http://genesis-online.com/adventmall/pages/travel-ers.html. Now that it has started, weare asking your help in publicizing andimproving it. Thank you for your helpin getting it started and in letting peo-ple know.—Earl Furman, Ridgecrest, California

INTENTIONAL?

This was noted on the front coverof the July 31, 1999, Record (SouthPacific Division church paper):

“In this issue:“SAH (Sydney Adventist Hospital)

awarded quality accreditation“Who needs God?”We hope that the juxtaposition was

not intentional!—Colin and Merian Richardson, Lae, MorobeProvidence 411, Papua New Guinea

JOTS & TITTLES

While visiting a church recently Iwas impressed with their bulletin cap-tion—“COME AS YOU ARE. GODWILL HAVE YOU NO OTHER WAY.”—Esther Oldham, Montrose, Colorado


WE NEED YOU

Send Give & Take submissions to . . .

Give & Take, Adventist Review, 12501 Old

Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904;

Fax: 301-680-6638; E-mail:

[email protected]. Please

include phone number. Submissions will not

be returned.

ADVENTIST LIFE

My daughter Laura was lookingat her Little Friend and opened itup to her lesson for the next week.It showed pictures of Aaron burn-ing incense on the altar ofincense. She asked me, “Is he pop-ping popcorn, Mommy?”—Kelly Plank, Lees Summit, Missouri

Recently I was helping out inour church’s kindergarten Sabbathschool class. The leader asked thechildren, “When is God notwatching over you?” She was hoping to get the answer “Never,” but instead gotfrom 5-year-old Rikki, “God doesn’t watch over us at church, because He is rest-ing on that day.”—Greta Bullock, Mount Shasta, California

QUOTES

“Satan is a germ with a bad idea.”—Gabrielle Cook, age 5, Middletown, Pennsylvania

“Truth becomes too strong unless softened by love, and love becomes weakunless strengthened by truth.”—Pastor Loren Seibold, Worthington SDA Church, Columbus, Ohio

LET’S PRAYHave a prayer need? Have

a few free minutes? EachWednesday morning at 8:00the Adventist Review staffmeets to pray for people—children, parents, friends,coworkers. Send your prayerrequests and, if possible, praywith us on Wednesday morn-ings. Let’s share in eachother’s lives.

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C O V E R S T O R Y

BY LES ANDERSON

LAST SEPTEMBER WHILE FLYING ALONGthe rugged, beautiful coast of Papua New Guinea,

just before the point where we would turn northand head out over open water to the TrobriandIslands, one of the pastors on board pointed and

said, “See that tin roof down there on the beach? That is ourSeventh-day Adventist church at the village of Berubona.”

Intrigued by the lovely remote setting on a sandy beach, Ireplied, “Wow, it’s beautiful! Let’s go visit it sometime. Howdo we get there?”

“The only way to get to Berubona is either by dugoutcanoe or by dinghy [a 19-foot fiberglass work boat], and themission’s dinghy is broken.”

“What’s wrong with it?”“It has a hole in the bottom.”“How long has it been like that?”“About two years. We have tried to repair it, but we

can’t get the materials, and besides, no one knows how.Without the dinghy, the only way for the pastor of the Tufidistrict to visit his many churches—separated by deep fjordsand long stretches of open water—is to paddle a dugoutcanoe.”

A few minutes later we turned and headed north out overthe emerald and indigo Coral Sea toward our picture-perfectSouth Sea island destination, the Trobriands.

The next few days defy description. How do you put intowords the experience of hearts being united in love, of wor-shiping, singing, and praying with gentle, fun-lovingislanders who have seen few, if any, Americans of like faith?How do you describe celebrating a baptism with the

turquoise water lapping on a white sandy beach fringed withcoconut palms and circled by singing locals throwing flowerson the newly baptized? How do you capture the bright-eyedeager children gathered in a circle around a fire on thebeach singing in three-part harmony, or fill the void of theempty pastor’s house and the empty schoolroom (because nopastor or teacher can be found)?

Maybe I couldn’t find a pastor and teacher for theTrobriand Islands, but perhaps I could do something to helpthe pastor of the Tufi district get to his many churches. Idetermined to at least have a look at the mission dinghy tosee if it was fixable. So when we got back to Popondetta, Iasked the mission president to drive me out where the boatlay like a beached whale.

They were right about the hole! The entire bottom wasworn off from the countless landings on sandy beaches. Afew hundred dollars’ worth of fiberglass (made possible bygenerous friends back in my home base) and about four daysof hot, itchy work had the craft looking as good as new.

Last February my wife, Mary Lane, and I flew the pastorsof the North East Papua Mission to Tufi and joined them forthe two-hour ride in the now-functioning mission dinghyout to Berubona for a pastors’ retreat. The story that un-folded during the next five days really began a long time ago.

Sick of HeathenismShortly after the turn of the century the chief of the

village decided there had to be a better way of life. Sick ofheathenism and of living in constant fear of the spirits, andtired of the killing and fighting that continually tore

Maybe planes can preach after all.


through his village, he invited theAnglican missionaries, recently arrivedin the area, to come to his village. Soit was that Berubona became anAnglican village, with significantimprovement in the quality of life.

Years went by. The chief was vigi-lant in the defense of his territory,determined that nothing wouldchange. One day about 40 years agowhen a group of Seventh-dayAdventists landed on his beach, hedrove them off with a loaded shotgun.Nothing was going to threaten thechurch he had brought to his village.

More years went by until one daysix years ago the chief’s son, a youngman by the name of Harold, attendedan evangelistic meeting in the city ofLae. There he found that while theAnglican Church had indeed broughtmuch good to the village, it hadstopped short of teaching the fulltruth. He thrilled to the message ofChrist’s soon return, and determinedto take the Seventh-day Adventistmessage back to his village.

There, however, his enthusiasm wasmet with unveiled hostility.

Eventually he found two other

young men who also saw the beauty ofthe gospel and joined him in worshipon Sabbaths. Slowly the little groupgrew, first meeting under Harold’shouse and then, in spite of opposition,building a little church right on thebeach. For four years they faced unre-lenting persecution, even to the shed-ding of blood. In spite of threats andabuse, however, the little group con-tinued to worship, until one week agroup of angry villagers rushed into thechurch service with clubs and spears.Dragging the worshipers out onto thesand, they gave them a savage beating.

But Harold would neither leave norquit. He just kept on loving the peopleand sharing his faith. Impressed withHarold’s determination and his refusalto fight back, the persecutors finallygave up. For two years now this grouphas been meeting in peace and hasgrown.

When we waded ashore, there were20 to 30 believers to welcome us withopen arms and hearts. To have aWhite meri (woman) who would pad-dle a canoe up the river and help themwork their gardens melted their heartsand formed a bond of sweet fellowship.

In fact, we learned a little later thatwhen the women heard the pilot wasbringing his wife, they were frightened,wondering how they were going tomanage to take care of a White meriwith nothing but kuna (native mate-rial) houses and no facilities of anykind. It eased their fears a little whenPastor Kepsie, the mission secretary,assured them we were openheartedpeople and told them not to worry. ButI think it wasn’t until they saw MaryLane willing to be one with them thatthey genuinely opened their hearts.

The Rest of the StoryBefore we left we decided to cross

the river and walk through theAnglican village. Berubona is reallytwo villages, one being right down onthe beach and mostly Adventist, andthe other across the river, largelyAnglican. We stopped to speak withthe leader of the Anglicans and tookpictures of various family groups(which they love). One of the menasked, “When you leave, will you cir-cle our village twice?”

“OK, just for you, I will circle twotimes.”

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Backtracking through the village towhere the canoe was docked, we werewaylaid by a woman rushing to give usa gift of tapa cloth (native cloth madeof bark). We graciously thanked herand went on our way. Then anothercame with her gift.

The next day, loaded down with giftafter gift of clay pots and other items,we rode the mission dinghy back toTufi. As we flew the first load back toPopondetta, I made two circles and alow pass over Berubona. People werejumping so high and waving so hard I

thought they might jump right intothe plane. It was with a deep sense ofnostalgia that I rocked my wings in agoodbye salute and climbed up toclear the ridge ahead.

Sometime later, while again on aflying assignment in the North East

FOOT SOLDIERS: A great deal of the workin Papua New Guinea is done by lay leaderssuch as Harrold and Daisy Momosina andtheir family.

LITTLE CHILDREN, LITTLE CHILDREN: The future of the work in Papua New Guinea will reston the shoulders of these bright-eyed members of the next generation.

What We Do and How We Do ItBY LES ANDERSON

The Papua New Guinea Union Missionowns and operates three Cessna 206s, andour purpose is to provide transportation forthe church mission program into the remoteand isolated villages. Because this country isso extremely rugged, there are virtually noroads. Airplanes are often the only way ofgetting around and have played a very signifi-cant role in taking the message to this coun-try. We are supposed to have four pilots, butright now there are only two of us.

Approximately half of our flying is whatwe call mission flying—that is, taking pas-tors, doctors, teachers, and departmentalleaders and others where they need to go.Often we bring members into camp meetings, congresses, or workers’ meetings of various kinds. We also carry supplies,equipment, and evangelistic and medical teams. At times we serve as the moving van for church workers, moving familiesinto new villages or to new assignments. We do a lot of medical evacuations and sometimes carry dead bodies back to thevillages for burial in their home area—something that’s very important to the local people.

The other half of our flying is what we call commercial flying, and in a sense you could say this part is basically a charterservice. We use the profits from the commercial flying to subsidize the mission flying. The only limit is what we are able tohandle. There is always a waiting list of people wanting to go somewhere or cargo to be moved. We carry the produce fromthe farmers in the villages into town where it can be sold, and we carry food supplies and other goods back to the villages.Everything from roofing iron to chickens. Even the commercial flying has a direct impact on the church because if the mem-bers can’t get their crops to market they have no money for tithes and offerings, and nothing for food, medical, or educa-tional needs. We of course don’t limit the commercial flying to Adventists, and so we are able to be of service and a witnessto many others, and to open the way into many unentered areas by flying in to offer them a service.


Papua Mission, I heard the rest of thestory. Well, at least the rest as far as itgoes right now.

It turned out that the man whoasked me to circle twice nearly got ina fight with the woman who gave us

One week a group of angry villagers rushed into the church service with clubs and spears.

Dragging the worshipers out ontothe sand, they gave them

a savage beating.

LIFELINE: The waterways are the highwayin many parts of Papua New Guinea, andrepair work, such as that carried on here byAnderson and a helper, is crucial for thework of some local pastors.

ON THE GROUND FLOOR: These believers,part of the first members of the Berubonachurch, rejoice in having a church home(the structure behind them), however sim-ple. From this humble place the light willspread throughout the surrounding area.

the tapa cloth.“They are circling for me!” he

insisted.“No, they are circling for me. I gave

them the tapa cloth!”“No, they are circling for me. I

asked them to circle twice.”“Well, I think maybe I had better

go join the Adventists. They have amission plane, and they are organizedand care about their members.”

I haven’t heard an exact number,but from what the Tufi district pastortold me, the people are swarming tothe Adventist church. They feel thatvery soon the whole village may beAdventist.

I remember when we dedicated theplane in Ethiopia, Della Hansen, forwhom it was named, said the missionplane couldn’t preach or love people.Only people could do that. But itseems that in this case maybe theplane is doing some preaching. Ofcourse, only God can bring the results,but it’s fun to be a part of it.

Les Anderson is the directorof Adventist AviationServices for the Papua NewGuinea Union Missionbased at Goroka, in the central highlands of Papua New Guinea.



CALVIN ROCK

Afew years ago when a local elder declaredbankruptcy I questioned his moral obliga-tion to repay the debt. Our conference stew-ardship secretary directed me to Counsels onStewardship, page 257, and Patriarchs and

Prophets, pages 308, 309 where,referring to the eighth command-ment, we are counseled not tooverreach in trade and to pay alldebts. I would like to place thismatter on our church’s businessmeeting agenda. My motion wouldbe: “That the pastor contact anychurch member who declaresbankruptcy to discover if it is hisor her intention to repay the debtover time, to keep the churchharmless before the Lord.” A negative response wouldresult in discipline of some sort, i.e. loss of office and/ormembership. Would this be a good idea?

I do not think so, for a number of reasons. 1. Bankruptcies,where permitted, are legitimate legal instruments of com-merce. 2. The local congregation is not tasked, nor should itbe, to monitor its members’ personal finances. 3. While indi-viduals who utilize bankruptcy provisions to avert rightfuldebts or to advantage themselves over others are in error,judgment in this matter is for the civil courts, not the ecclesi-astical body. 4. Deciding upon the legal and moral merits ofbankruptcy cases would no doubt accrue to the church con-siderable expense, attention, and blame without the promiseor power of final disposition.

If, however, the courts convict a member for fraudulentactivity in this or any other business enterprise, or if a memberseeks redress within the church for damages incurred in trans-actions with another member, it is the duty of the church, inthe spirit of Matthew 18:15-20, to address the issue.

Authority to act in such an eventuality is already pro-vided in the Church Manual (see item 5, “Fraud or WillfulMisrepresentation in Business” in the list of the 11 reasonsfor church discipline, p. 169, 1995 ed.).

No new policies are needed.

Philip preached Jesus to the Ethiopian eunuch, andupon accepting the gospel the eunuch was baptizedwithout first studying the 27 Fundamentals (Acts

8:26-40). Why cannot we do the same: that is, baptize thepeople into the church and teach them the distinctives

later? Of course, they could not hold office or be declaredmembers in good standing until the distinctives were clearlyunderstood, but at least we could get them into the church.

Preaching Christ and Him crucified before introducing thedistinctive truths of Adventism is a very effective method of

evangelism. Only when individualshave firmly dedicated their lives toChrist are they truly willing to obeyHis commandments.

But should we baptize personsbefore teaching the distinctives? No.To baptize one as a member of thechurch before presenting the fullmessage is not honest. One shouldknow and accept the beliefs and rulesof the organization they are joining.

On the other hand, Seventh-dayAdventists hold that all the distinctives (what we sometimescall “testing truths”), i.e., the Sabbath, tithing, dress reform,etc., must be illumined by the cross and that Jesus’ com-mand, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John14:15), forever settles the possibility of separating His sacri-fice and our obedience.

As for the Ethiopian, his background and response suggestthat he was already a keeper of some of the TenCommandments. Notice: he allowed no other gods to comebefore Jehovah (one); his acceptance of the crucified Christindicates freedom from idol worship (two); he was, sinceSunday worship had not begun in the Christian world, in allprobability, a Sabbathkeeper (four); he was, as a eunuch, dedi-cated to chastity (seven); and he was absolutely truthful withregard to both his lack of understanding and his desire for bap-tism (nine).

If available to the Holy Spirit, we too will be used tointerpret truth to earnest inquirers. That is an excitingprospect for, as our prophet reminds us, “Notwithstandingthe spiritual darkness and alienation from God that exist inthe churches which constitute Babylon, the great body ofChrist’s true followers are still to be found in their commu-nion” (The Great Controversy, p. 390).

Calvin B. Rock is a general vice president of theGeneral Conference. He holds doctoral degrees inministry and Christian ethics.

Questions of EmphasisF A I T H A L I V E !

There is no truththat cannot beillumined by

the cross.

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman thatneedeth not to be ashamed, nightly dividing the worda tooth.”

Tyler was singing as he painted on his model plane. Mr. Cooper had just taught the children that song inSabbath school.

Auntie Jennifer was staying with Tyler while Mom andDad had to be gone a few days. Now she was quietly readingin Dad’s favorite chair while he worked on his model plane.

Again Tyler sang, “Study to show thyself approved untoGod, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, nightly divid-ing the worda tooth.”

Suddenly Auntie Jennifer made a choking sound. “Auntie,what’s the matter?” Tyler asked. “Are you OK? Oh, you’relaughing. What’s so funny?”

“Come here, Tyler,” Auntie Jennifer giggled. “ I am laugh-ing. I was trying not to, though.But the words sounded so funny.Do you know what you weresinging?” Auntie gave him a bighug. “Sing it again for me.”

Tyler sang the song again.“What does it mean?” askedAuntie.

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “I think there is a verse some-

thing like it in the Bible. Let’s gosee if we can find it,” suggestedAuntie Jennifer. She went to thelibrary and pulled out a Bible andanother book she called a concor-dance that she said would helpthem find the verse in the Bible.

Auntie and Tyler sat at thetable. “First of all,” she said, “wemust ask the Holy Spirit to helpus understand whenever we readthe Bible.” After she prayed, theydecided that the key word theywould look at in the concordancewas “study.”

There were two verses in theBible that had the word “study” inthem. They chose 2 Timothy 2:15.

Auntie showed Tyler the page in the front of the Bible thatnamed the different books in the Bible. Soon they found 2Timothy 2 and then verse 15: “Study to shew thyselfapproved unto God, a workman that needeth not to beashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Tyler was sort of disappointed. He liked that part aboutdividing the worda tooth at night. He had figured that the“worda tooth” was some giant animal’s tooth. When he toldAuntie, they both laughed. At least now the song made sense.Auntie said that they were the workmen studying the Bible.

Auntie Jennifer told Tyler that when she was little, she usedto pray like this each night: “Now I lay me down to sleep, I prayThee, Lord, my shoulder keep” (instead of “my soul to keep”).She said that lots of people learn the wrong words when they’relittle, but that part of growing up is learning to get it right.

BONNIE WALKER

What’s a Worda Tooth?

Family TimeOn Tuesday (or whatever day you like), invite your family to

worship God with you.☛ Ask your family if anyone has ever memorized a poem, a

song, or a Bible verse, and then found out they had learned thewrong words. How did they feel when they finally figured outwhat the words were supposed to be?

☛ Get a Bible and a concordance. Make sure the concordanceis for the same version of the Bible that you are using. SomeBibles have a concordance in the back. Ask someone to pray forthose at your worship as you study the Bible together. Ask forthe Holy Spirit to help you understand the Bible when you read it.

☛ Decide on a favorite verse to look up in the concordance.It could be “You will seek me and you will find me when you seekme with all your heart.” Now decide on a key word you will lookfor in the concordance. You might choose the word “seek.” Afteryou have found “seek” in the concordance, look down the list foryour verse. When you find the Bible text listed, open the Bibleto that verse and read the verse and the one that follows it.

✃


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Everyone Thought She’d Be Immortal

While much of her charisma continues, will the memory of Princess Dianaever rival that of a humble woman who died 2,000 years ago?

D E V O T I O N A L

BY MARIE AND FRED PELSER

DO YOU REMEMBER DIANA SPENCER?Like a “once-upon-a-time” fairy tale, she leftschoolgirl dreams for the royal palace. And theworld fell in love with Princess Diana.

That same world was stunned when she diedin Paris on August 31, 1997.

The next day Lady Susan Hussey, a veteran lady-in-wait-ing for Queen Elizabeth, tried to get into BuckinghamPalace. There were more than 250,000 people at the gates.They had built a hill of flowers, about a half million bou-quets, at the palace gates to honor Diana. Susan Husseytried to fight her way in, but had to give up.

Afterward at Balmoral she told the royal household, “Youknow, I couldn’t actually get into Buckingham Palace.”

Prince Andrew snorted, “What on earth do you mean,you couldn’t get into the palace?” Lady Susan retorted indig-nantly, “I mean, I couldn’t get in through the front gates!”

Only then did it begin to dawn on the royal family thatEngland had been turned frenetically upside down by thedeath of Diana.

People stood in lines for as long as 12 hours, to sign oneof 43 books of condolence. Each day checks poured intoKensington Palace by the hundreds, the beginnings of amemorial fund.

Millions of letters and cards were received, with extrava-gant tributes and bouquets. “To Diana, Queen of Heaven,”one read. “Dodi and Diana, Together in Heaven,” readanother. She was an icon to millions, almost a goddess. Theofficials serving royalty were alarmed. It all seemed to heralda Diana cult that could dog Prince Charles for the rest of hisdays. He would be seen as the villain who had broken up hismarriage; she, the heroine and saint.

True believers in Diana were everywhere, ready to lam-bast anyone who dared to question her perfection. Thosewho remained dry-eyed, who muttered to themselves thatthe tragedy need never have occurred had she stayed athome with her children, did not dare to open their mouths.An icon had passed away, and her spirit ruled the earth.

A Princess Diana Memorial Fund was started and wassoon approaching the £70 million mark. They put her nameon a children’s hospital in Birmingham. They talked of a 2.7-acre, £10 million flower garden in Kensington Gardens, witha 300-foot statue of Diana in the middle of it. Diana was, justafter her death, the most famous woman in the world.

It Did Not LastJust a year later, in August 1998, a memorial walk was

organized in London, following the route of her funeralcortege. The walk was going to be a great occasion of senti-ment and grief and of remembering the fairy goddess.Senior courtiers at both Buckingham Palace and St. James’swere terrified that the occasion would provoke a recrudes-cence of Dianamania. At tense meetings beforehand theytried to identify possible “flashpoints.” “We were very ner-vous,” admitted one. “It was a very tense week for us.” Theorganizers were hoping for between 15,000 and 500,000people, with the rest of England sitting glued to their tele-visions and weeping, in spirit joining the walk.

As it turned out, just 300 came, out of a population of 60million. 1

What had happened? We don’t have all the answers.Unquestionably, affection for the princess still runs high inthe U.K. But at the very least the poor turnout probablyforeshadows a waning of popularity, a return to normal. The


world cannot give us immortality. Norcan it confer upon us either sainthoodor divinity.

Another Time, Another WomanLet’s shift our gaze to another

woman, Mary Magdalene of the NewTestament.

Mary Magdalene didnot live in a palace. Noteven in a big city. Shelived in Bethany, a vil-lage, and in a lowly littlehouse. She was seducedinto sin by a rich, promi-nent man named Simon.When he discarded herlike a rag, she lost allself-respect, drifted tothe village of Magdalanext to the lake ofGalilee, and lived adreary life of sin.

Then she met Jesus.He cast out the devilthat had taken controlof her, and then, whenshe weakened, did itagain and again—seventimes. It was only afterthe seventh time thatshe held steady.

She never had aneasy life—probablyalways had to scrimp andsave. She never was asaint or a goddess in theeyes of the masses. Yetthere was somethingremarkable about Mary.

One day a wealthyman invited Jesus tohave dinner with him. Learning aboutit, Mary used all the money she had tobuy an expensive alabaster jar of per-fume, and sneaked up to the placewhere Jesus was reclining at the din-ner. Here her feelings overwhelmedher. The Bible says that “as she stoodbehind him at his feet weeping, shebegan to wet his feet with her tears.Then she wiped them with her hair,kissed them and poured perfume onthem” (Luke 7:38).*

Why did she do it? Jesus, who readher heart, tells us why: she loved much.

“I tell you, her many sins have beenforgiven—for she loved much” (verse47). Her heart was bursting with lovefor Jesus because He had saved hersoul. Her most ardent desire was toworship her Redeemer and Saviour.She loved Jesus more than any other,

more than herself—“with all yourheart and with all your soul and withall your mind” (see Matt. 22:34-37).

True ImmortalityHow did Mary come to acquire this

consuming love for her Saviour? Luke tells us: “As Jesus and his dis-

ciples were on their way, he came to avillage where a woman named Marthaopened her home to him. She had asister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’sfeet listening to what he said. ButMartha was distracted by all the prepa-

rations that had to be made. She cameto him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you carethat my sister has left me to do thework by myself? Tell her to help me!’‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered,‘you are worried and upset about manythings, but only one thing is needed.

Mary has chosen whatis better, and it will notbe taken away fromher’ ” (Luke 10:38-42).

“Martha served at the table, but Mary wasearnestly listening toevery word from the lipsof Jesus.” 2 What Marthawas doing needed to bedone; but it should havetaken second place, notfirst. Jesus was utteringwords of divine wisdom,and Martha should havemade time to hear them.

“As Christ gave Hiswonderful lessons, Marysat at His feet, a reverentand devoted listener.” 3

Hers was a prayerful atti-tude. She was in tunewith God, receptive tothe voice of the HolySpirit. “Mary was storingher mind with the pre-cious words falling fromthe Saviour’s lips, wordsthat were more preciousto her than earth’s mostcostly jewels.” 4

Sitting at Jesus’ feet,Mary found her heartoverflowing with lovefor her Saviour. And it

was this, against the background ofwhat He had done for her, that led herto perform that immortal act of grati-tude. “Wherever this gospel ispreached throughout the world,” Jesussaid, “what she has done will also betold, in memory of her” (Matt. 26:13).She would never be forgotten as longas time will last. She would be famousamong Christians, not as a goddess,but as a true child of God, saved byHis grace. And she’d become immor-talized in Christian memory as anexample of true love for the Master. IL

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And we get a sense of her devotionfrom her role in the closing events ofJesus’ life on earth. We know thatwhile many of His male disciples ranaway, she stayed with Jesus rightthrough His crucifixion and burial.“Mary stood beside the cross, and fol-lowed Him to the sepulcher.” 5 “MaryMagdalene and Mary the mother ofJoses saw where he was laid” (Mark15:47). She also kept vigil at His tombwith the same woman: “MaryMagdalene and the other Mary weresitting there opposite the tomb” (Matt.27:61). She was one of the first at thetomb at about sunrise on the morningof the Resurrection (Matt. 28:1). Shewas one of the first to inform the apos-tles of the Resurrection (verses 7, 8).And she was the first—or at least oneof the first—to whom Jesus appearedafter His Resurrection (Matt. 28:9, 10;Mark 16:9; John 20:1, 11-17).

Nor need we be uncertain about hereternal future. Paul spoke about someother women “whose names are in thebook of life” (Phil. 4:3). Mary’s nameis surely also there. Like Paul, shecould undoubtedly look back and say,“I have kept the faith. Now there is instore for me the crown of righteous-ness, which the Lord, the righteousJudge, will award to me on that day” (2 Tim. 4:7, 8).

In that day Mary, who loved Jesuswith such consuming devotion, willlook up to see her Saviour in glory onthe clouds of heaven. “This is myGod,” she will exclaim. “I trusted inhim, and he saved me!” (see Isa. 25:9).

Jesus promised Mary and all otherswho are obsessed with love for God:“In my Father’s house are many rooms.. . . I am going there to prepare a placefor you. And if I go and prepare a placefor you, I will come back and take youto be with me that you also may bewhere I am” (John 14:2, 3).

The tears that Mary shed in thislife, He will wipe away. She will eat ofthe tree of life; physical immortalitywill then be hers. And she will foreverbe a saint and princess, a royal child ofthe heavenly King.

*Bible texts in this article are from the New

International Version.

1We note, however, that other reports suggestthat “thousands” participated in the 1998 march.See, for example Washington Post, Sept. 1, 1999,p. A16. Editors.

2The Desire of Ages, pp. 558, 559.3Ibid., p. 525.4Ibid.5Ibid., p. 568.

Marie and FredPelser live in CapeTown, SouthAfrica. Fred is aretired union evan-gelist and author of14 books, the most recent, Prayer MadePractical (Stanborough Press [England], distributed in the U.S. by Review andHerald Publishing Association).


One of the byproducts ofevangelism is the amaz-ing stories that come tolight as people are intro-duced to the Adventist

message.Last spring the Texico Conference

assisted the Eastern SiberiaConference with an evangelisticseries in the city of Kansk. Theseries ended with 130 baptisms.Among the new believers wasAnna Kovelenko, an 83-year-oldwoman whom I met at the meet-ings.

Amazing StoryAnna was born on April 19,

1916, to parents Ivan and Agarya.She was baptized into theSeventh-day Adventist Churchby Pastor G. A. Raus in 1931, atthe age of 15. She later married,and in 1936 her father passedaway. That same year Adventistpastors and members of thechurch in Russia began to bearrested. Pastor Raus, who hadbaptized Anna, was arrested andeventually shot.

On June 27, 1936, policesearched the home where Annaand her husband lived. They tookall the Christian literature. TheGreat Controversy, Steps to Christ,and many other treasured books wereconfiscated. After the search, policearrested Anna’s husband. Just 20 yearsold and pregnant, Anna was now allalone.

On August 14, 1936, Anna gavebirth to a baby girl, Nadya. Severalweeks later the police came to arresther. When they saw that she had just

given birth to a child, they decided towait for a while longer. On October 27,1936, Anna was arrested with Nadya,and they were both thrown into jail.The jail cell was very cold. There wasno water, and there was a typhus epi-demic. Nadya could not bear the

extreme conditions, and she died whenshe was only 3 months old.

On February 14, 1937, Anna wassent to a prison camp in Siberia for 10years without parole. The place whereshe stayed was not adapted for wintertemperatures. The winters were veryharsh and cold. Sometimes the tem-perature dropped to –60˚ F. During all

this time Anna received no informa-tion about her husband.

Prison LifeLife at the prison camp was hard.

Anna worked from dusk until dawn.She met a few other Adventist women

who shared her beliefs, and theywere allowed to rest on Sabbath.For 10 years she and her friendsmet in the corner of a housewhere they sang, prayed, andpreached to each other.

In 1946 Anna was freed fromthe prison camp, but she couldnot go back home. She stayed inSiberia in the city of Kansk. In1970 Anna received documentsthat pardoned her and her hus-band. The same document statedthat her husband was shot in1937. After 34 years of waiting,she finally knew about the tragicend to his life.

During her time imprisonedin the work camp, Anna hadfaithfully collected her tithe.When she was freed, Anna triedto find other Adventists in thecommunity of Kansk. When shefound none, she finally gave hertithe to the poor. For 53 yearsshe continued searching for fel-low believers.

Lonely SabbathsAnna spent many lonely Sabbaths

with just her and the Lord. Peoplefrom other denominations tried to gether to go to their churches, but Annawas faithful to the beliefs that hadcomforted her over the years. She alsokept alive the hope of finding fellowAdventists. For 53 years she prayed,

W O R L D N E W S & P E R S P E C T I V E S

A Miracle in SiberiaAfter decades of searching, a Siberian believer finds her church.


B Y I VA N T O M A I LY, P R E S I D E N T O F T H E E A S T E R N S I B E R I A C O N F E R E N C E I N R U S S I A

THE LIGHT AT THE END OF A 53-YEAR TUNNEL: Whoeverwould have thought that a common billboard would be thekey to a 53-year search for truth? Ivan Tomaily, president ofthe Eastern Siberia Conference, shows the advertising bill-board that attracted Anna Kovelenko to his evangelisticseries in Kansk.

“My God, areYou really goingto let me diewithout meetingotherAdventists?”

God heardAnna’s prayer.This past win-ter Anna saw abillboard that

advertised an evangelistic crusade thatI was conducting in the city of Kansk.At the beginning of the meetings shecame to me and asked if this churchbelieved in the Sabbath and other bib-lical truths. When I assured her that wedid keep the Sabbath and we wereSeventh-day Adventists, she thankedGod with much rejoicing and tears,“After 53 years He has allowed me tomeet my brothers and sisters in Christ!”

After the first meeting, Anna came

after 53 years, You have let me partici-pate in a Communion service onceagain.” This was truly a very touchingevent for the entire church family.

Anna is an elderly woman who isstill full of energy, strength, and enthu-siasm as she tells what she wentthrough during those years of search-ing. I praise the Lord for the wonderful

experience of thisbrave woman who,even under themost adverse con-ditions, never losther faith and trust-ed God to wait forHis promises to befulfilled. I amthankful for theinspiration that Ihave received fromthe faith of AnnaKovelenko.


Adventists Aid EarthquakeSurvivors

Survivors of the massive 7.6-magnitude earthquake inTaiwan September 20 received immediate aid from

the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Taiwan AdventistHospital in Taipei began treating casualties immediatelyafter the quake hit just before 2:00 a.m., reports JamesWu, spokesperson for the church in Taiwan.

“The hospital is located in a residential area of Taipei,and a 12-story apartment block nearby collapsed,” saidWu. “Tragically, the first eight stories totally collapsed,and we were treating people from the ninth floor. Thephone system and the power were both out, and we wereoperating on emergency power. There was extensivedamage all around; however, the hospital suffered onlyminor cracks and remained fully functional. Patients werearriving continually, and we did our best to provide med-ical treatment and any other help.”

Early reports indicated that at least 2,000 persons losttheir lives in this the worst earthquake to hit Taiwan inthe past 50 years. At presstime no Adventists were knownto be among those missing or injured. The Adventist col-lege and high school located near the epicenter have been

reported safe, and there were no casualties. At presstime the Adventist Development and Relief

Agency (ADRA) was making initial assessments for pro-viding aid. And personnel from ADRA/China andADRA/Asia were ready to respond with assistance,according to ADRA representatives in the area.

“We are immensely saddened at the news of this tragicdisaster,” says P. D. Chun, president of the NorthernAsia-Pacific Division. “We are in contact with localAdventist leaders in Taiwan and have asked them to con-vey our great concern to those affected by this tragedyand to assure them of our prayers and practical support.”

Polish Parliament Votes to Ban TobaccoAdvertising

The Polish Parliament returned from their summer recessto discuss the smoking habits of Poles, and on September10 the lawmakers voted to ban all tobacco advertising andsponsorship by the end of 2001. Though the law has yetto be approved by the parliament’s upper house, it is a realstep forward to achieving the goal of a Polish society freeof heavy smokers.

Undoubtedly, the vote was the result of the very active

N E W S B R E A K


up and gave me a stack of money andsaid, “Here is my tithe that I havebeen saving for years. I am so glad tofinally be able to give it back to God.”

After the meetings were completed,a brand-new church group began meet-ing in Kansk. The first Communionservice was a very touching scene asAnna said, “Thank You, God, that

THE NEW HARVEST: The newly established Seventh-day Adventistchurch group from Kansk, Siberia.

Anna Kovelenko


work of Professor Witold Zatonski, a strong antismokingadvocate who has worked closely with the Seventh-dayAdventist Church in Poland. The church’s stop-smokingplan is well known throughout Poland and has alreadyhelped thousands of people quit the deadly habit.

“Professor Zatonski has always supported theAdventist Church in its activity in this area,” reportsRoman Chalupka, communication director for the PolishUnion. “He has also personally written many articles onthe subject that have been published by our church paperand books.”

International tobacco companies from abroad haveinvaded Poland in recent years, and though all advertise-ments on television are strongly prohibited, the compa-nies have practically covered the whole country with hugebillboard advertising, increasing the number of smokers—especially among young people. It is well known that 25percent of Poland’s 39 million population smoke heavily.

“Poland has a very high death rate from smoking-relateddiseases,” says Chalupka. “We believe this step taken by ourparliament will help create a better future for the Polishpeople and give more opportunities for the AdventistChurch to assist many in helping them to stop smoking.”

Church Membership in the Middle East UnionReaches the 10,000 Mark

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Middle EastUnion (MEU) has passed the 10,000 mark in member-ship for the first time. According to statistical reports forthe second quarter of 1999, the membership as of June30, 1999, stands at 10,048.

“We thank the Lord for the many precious souls thathave been baptized and added to the church during thefirst six months of 1999,” reports Sven H. Jensen, presi-dent of the MEU. “Our goal per year for this quinquen-nium is 800, and so far this year 762 people have joinedthe churches in the Middle East Union. Evangelism is apriority in our union in this last year of the century.”

According to a report received from Pastor NathanaBathuel regarding their evangelistic efforts in southSudan, 64 souls have been baptized with more preparingfor the next baptism.

“It should be added that this report was not includedin the total of the second quarter’s report from the SouthSudan Field,” says Jensen. “We are encouraged by the zealand perseverance in evangelism of our brothers and sis-ters in a very insecure part of our territory.”

Countries in Middle East Union include Bahrain,Cyprus, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman,Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, the United ArabEmirates, and Yemen.

N E W S B R E A K


Arecent encounter with the media in Papua New Guinea(PNG) pleasantly surprised me. In the Post-Courier daily, the familiar became quite obvious.

John Pundari, 34, is a deputy prime minister and a Seventh-dayAdventist. On Sabbath you will find him in his local congregationin Port Moresby. During the week, he is a politician.

The paper reported Pundari’s reaction to comments that inthe government’s division of labor, besideshis primary position he accepted a portfolioof a “junior ministry.” Some wanted him toget a better deal out of his support for thecurrent coalition government. Now Pundari oversees theMinistry of Home Affairs, Women, Youth, and Churches.

Pundari went for what he considers a “make or break” ofPapua New Guinea. In his words: “When I was given the min-istry, people strongly objected. But I was quietly pleased becausefor the first time we have a prime minister who recognizes theimportance of youth, women, and churches in this country.”

The editorial comment that day was also about Pundari. Theheadline: “Pundari Right on Ministry.” What I read made meproud of his decision. “John Pundari should be congratulatedfor the attention he is giving to his new ministry. . . . In thepast this ministry was regarded as a junior portfolio with bitsand pieces put together to justify giving a ministry to a disgrun-tled MP. Not so this time. . . . Mr. Pundari is certainly taking it

[the job] on seriously.”“It’s the family units, the youths, women,

and the churches who are the future ofPNG,” John Pundari says. As I reflect on

both the choice Pundari made and the challenge he is facing, it’sobvious where he sees his priorities as a politician.

The young, women, and churches. Sounds a bit like my ownlist of priorities. Will Pundari make a difference? I’d like tobelieve so. In his community he is known for the values of thechurch he belongs to. He is a practicing Seventh-day Adventist.And for him beliefs, declarations, and deeds go together.

NEWS COMMENTARY

Making a DifferenceB Y R AY D A B R O W S K I , D I R E C T O R O F C O M M U N I C AT I O N , G E N E R A L C O N F E R E N C E O F S E V E N T H - D AY A D V E N T I S T S

Budiman has been working inBengkayang, an unentered areaof Kalimantan, for two years.

Kalimantan is onthe Indonesianside of the islandof Borneo. Hehas established anew group ofbelievers in thistown, as well as

two nearby areas—Tigndesa and LaraGunung. In this area of Kalimantanthere has been fierce tribal warfare—complete with beheadings and canni-balism. Budiman recalls seeing peoplewalking around with their enemies’heads dangling from their hands.

When he first arrived inBengkayang, Budiman wasn’t married,and he worked alone. His first task, hesays, was to study the situation—theplace and the people. Next he startedto make friends with other Christians,Animists, Muslims, and ChineseBuddhists. “I played football with thepeople, went jogging in the mornings,and worked with them in the ricefields,” he says. “At midnight I prayed,


Global Mission Prayer Ministry

Crime and Violence in Jamaica Addressed by“Reclaiming Our Families 2000” Event

The Central Jamaica Conference of Seventh-dayAdventists, in response to growing concerns over crimerates and violent incidents in that country, organized“Reclaiming Our Families 2000.” The event broughttogether representatives from many sectors of Jamaicansociety and stressed the importance of prayer as a healingfactor.

“The mix of political and civic representativesemphasizes our collective need for prayer and sends apositive message to Jamaica,” said Leon Wellington,president of the West Indies Union of Seventh-dayAdventists. “It also assures people that God is still incontrol.”

Attendees from the academic community, the musicindustry, politics, and other cultural segments gatheredat Le Meridien Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on September 2for the meeting. The prayer breakfast included songs,prayers, and speeches that urged Jamaicans to return tothe values of religion, family, and personal and socialresponsibility.

Speakers included Arnold Bertram, local governmentminister; Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Jamaica Labor PartyMP; and Herbert Thompson, president of NorthernCaribbean University.—Adventist News Network.

News Notes

✔ Arson is suspected in a fire that gutted the TorontoSeventh-day Adventist Church near Newcastle, NewSouth Wales, Australia, on August 14. According topress reports, officers found signs of forced entry at thescene.

✔ Thomas L. Werner, president ofFlorida Hospital in Orlando, was recentlyappointed president/CEO of the AdventistHealth System, effective January 1, 2000.

Werner has served as hospital presidentand executive vice president of AdventistHealth System since 1984. He replaces

Mardian Blair, who is retiring after 40 years of servicewith the Adventist Health System and 16 years as president/CEO.

What’s Upcoming

Oct. 16 Spirit of ProphecyOct. 30 Children’s SabbathNov. 6 Week of Prayer beginsNov. 20 Ingathering begins

N E W S B R E A K


‘Lord, first work in my heart. Then I can work with the people. Let mesay what Jesus would say.’ ” Budimansoon began visiting in homes andsharing from the Bible.

The first key for successful out-reach, says Budiman, is to be humble.

“We have an expression here—‘wetread the ground.’ That means ‘wecome here, we are like the peoplehere.’ ”

Further HelpFor further information on joining

the Global Mission prayer ministry,please call 1-800-648-5824 and leaveyour name and address or phone num-ber, or e-mail [email protected].

Please pray for: Global Mission pioneer Budiman Soreng, his wife, Asnamul, and their baby boy.

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Thomas Werner

L I F E S T Y L E

BY KRISANAT SUPANAROJ as told to AILEEN LUDINGTON

IT WAS EMBARRASSING. I COULDN’T BELIEVEwhat was happening. My 60-year-old friend was stridingeasily up the incline toward the Tibetan palace, while I,a much younger man, struggled to breathe. A few moresteps, and chest pain forced me to stop.

As a professor in a prestigious Thai university, I hadmany friends. This particular friend, an army general, in-vited me to accompany him on a trip to Tibet. The highaltitude of this country caused me to feel some shortness ofbreath just walking around, but it was the short hike up tothe palace that finally did me in.

The general put a sympathetic hand on my shoulder andeased me back down to the tour bus. I tried to apologize—toexplain—but he shook his head. “Kris,” he said, “I know aplace that can help you.”

The general began telling me about a unique health cen-ter in Thailand. One of his friends had gone there with simi-lar problems and returned home much improved. When Igot home I told my wife about the experience. My symptomssubsided, however, and I felt so much better. I returned towork and tried to put the episode out of my mind.

But my wife wouldn’t let me forget about it. Even thoughI tried to act as though it was nothing, that I didn’t care, sheworried about me. She called the Bangkok Adventist

Hospital and made arrangements for me to spend two weeksat their Mission Health Promotion Center, about 90 milesnortheast of Bangkok.

At first I was angry and balked at going. I had too manybad memories of a previous experience when I had joined ahealth club hoping to lose weight. Their regimen didn’tinclude exercise, only diet. I was given powdered food tomix up and drink. I stuck with the program for two weeksand lost about eight pounds, but that was all I could stand. Iwas starving and felt miserable the whole time. Never again,I vowed.

Despite my seeming nonchalance, I really was concernedabout my health. At 48 I felt like an old man. My hair wasturning white, and I felt tired all the time. I’d gained somuch weight I couldn’t find pants that fit. My back hurtmost of the time, and even mild exertion caused shortness ofbreath. My feet hurt at night, and my wife complained aboutmy snoring.

But my wife went on and on about going to the healthcenter. She wouldn’t quit. Finally, I agreed to have the pre-liminary health checkup they required.

During my tests, I met such friendly, kind people that myhostility began to melt. Arrangements were made to take meto the health center that very afternoon. I finally gave in,

Thank

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Deep down I realized I hadn’tmuch to lose. And maybe a life to gain.

God for a

Nagging

Wifefeeling I had no choice. Deep down,however, I realized I didn’t have muchto lose.

The Mission Health PromotionCenter is located in a resort area ofThailand. Several smiling young peo-ple welcomed us and carried our bagsto a luxurious room. My first act was toopen the small refrigerator, looking fora snack. It was empty, except for a fewbottles of water. At supper thatevening I took extra food so I wouldhave enough for my usual bedtimesnack.

The next day I ate a lot of food andcarried more to my room to put in therefrigerator. I felt sure I would soon bestarving on this vegetarian food. Athome I ate a lot of meat, but very few

vegetables. I was also used to a lot ofcoffee—around six cups a day with agood dose of sugar.

I ate so much the first day I gainedtwo pounds. This brought me to mysenses and made me more willing togive the program a try. Besides, I hadmet 28-year-old Wanee, who had beenat the health center for three months.“When I came here,” she told me, “Iweighed 236 pounds, could barely walka mile or swim the length of the pool.Now I’m walking eight-10 miles a dayand swim steadily for an hour at atime. I’ve lost 46 pounds so far and feelhealthy, happy, and full of energy.

Encouraged, I thought, If she can, I

can, and put my heart into the pro-gram. I ate the vegetarian food,stopped my “snacks,” exercised to mylimit, and enjoyed the hydrotherapy(water) treatments. At first I missedeggs, because they did not use any ani-mal products; but the food tasted verygood, and I even started liking brownrice. I especially enjoyed the home-made whole-wheat bread.

Although I am a Buddhist, I feltcomfortable with the Christian envi-ronment. There was such an atmos-phere of friendliness and warmth


about the place that I began to relax.By the third day my fears and hostili-ties were gone.

At the end of 14 days I’d lost 10pounds and complained to my wifethat I should have lost more. Shebrought me a 10-pound bag of rice toshow me how much fat was gone, andI felt better. I realized I had not feltstarved at all; I was full of energy andfelt good. I decided to stay anothertwo weeks. This time I sent for mybeloved bicycle and rode to town andback each day, about 12 miles. I con-tinued to swim and jog, and I lost sixmore pounds.

I have a slender wife, who even atage 45 is youthful, healthy, andabsolutely gorgeous. She was so happywith my improved health that she will-ingly cooked the kind of food I neededand encouraged me in every way. Shehad feared I would have a heart attackand leave her a widow. I began to real-ize how much she cared.

At home I arranged my life so Icould continue the healthy lifestyleI’d learned. I have a fair-sized trackaround my home, so I could walk,run, or ride my bicycle whenever Iwanted to. Twenty-five laps equaledone mile. I also worked out withweights every day.

During the following year I exer-cised one hour on arising, and onehour after getting home from work. Ivaried my exercise to keep it interest-ing, using a punching bag, playingping-pong, things like that.

Fourteen months later my wife andI returned to the health center, but noone recognized me. I had lost a total of63 pounds, my hair had darkened, andI could wear good-looking sportsclothes again. My angina, shortness ofbreath, elevated blood pressure, andborderline diabetes were long gone.My resting pulse is 55, and my lungcapacity nearly reaches Olympic rank.My wife says I am a better lover, andtruly, our marriage is stronger and hap-pier than it’s ever been.

Now that I’ve reached my weightgoal, I plan to reduce my exercise regi-men to one hour daily. I confess that Ieat a little meat at one meal each

weekend—a piece of beef or chicken,or a fish ball helps me from feelingdeprived.

When I think back, I realize what adangerous condition I was in, and Iknow my life has been spared. I nowfeel that God cares about me, andhelped me find this health center. Ibelieve that I have found God. I’m sohappy and thankful, I want to telleveryone about my experience. I also

thank God for a wife who caredenough to literally “nag” me back tohealth.

When this article was writ-ten Drs. Aileen and CliffordLudington were serving amission term at theAdventist Health Center inThailand.


We’re not ready

to join the rocking-chair generation.

S T O R Y

BY ELFRIEDE VOLK

WHEN THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT INBritish Columbia decided to downsize its work-force, my husband, Heinz, a social worker for 23years, was offered an early retirement. It was tempt-ing, especially since his doctor had told him that

the stress of his job was causing Heinz’s high blood pressure.But at age 57 Heinz felt that he wasn’t yet ready to join

the rocking-chair generation. “We could go somewhere asvolunteer missionaries,” I suggested.

“It’s an idea,” Heinz agreed. “We can speak English andGerman, and you know Dutch and a little French. Whydon’t you phone the General Conference and find out ifthey can use us?”

“And what are your qualifications?” asked one of the sec-retaries I spoke to. I told her that I had majored in journal-ism and minored in English and history.

“We could really use you in Russia,” she said. “We desper-ately need people to teach English there.”

Her words caught me off guard. Russia was the last placeI would have considered. Born during World War II, I’dhad experiences with Russians that still gave me night-mares. I remembered the fear and hunger in the campwhere my family was detained, some of our neighbors whowere killed . . .

“We could really use you in Russia,” she repeated.“I thought they wanted only native English speakers,” I

hedged.“Well, yes, but the need is desperate.”

I sighed. “We’re willing to go wherever God needs us.”

Just a Little DetourSeven weeks after Heinz’s retirement took effect, as he

was sitting in the living room reading a book, he complainedof tightness in his chest and difficulty moving his arms. Idrove him to our local hospital, where he was immediatelyadmitted into the intensive-care unit. According to the spe-cialist, he had had “a major cardiac event.” To check out theheart more thoroughly, the specialist sent him for anangiogram.

“I’ll let your own doctor explain the results,” the cardiol-ogist said when the test was over. The nurse hugged mewordlessly, then left.

I sat in the waiting room while the nurses worked to sta-bilize Heinz.

Dr. Offer came right to the point. “I have good news andbad news,” he said. “The bad news is that you have anextremely aggressive form of heart disease. The good news isthat we can do something about it.” With the help of arough diagram, the doctor showed that Heinz had 90 per-cent blockages in three major cardiac arteries, with otherblockages of 80 and 60 percent. “We’re looking at a mini-mum of three or four bypasses, maybe more,” he said.

Though there was a waiting list of more than a year forcardiac surgery, Dr. Offer told Heinz that he had moved tothe head of the line. “We’ll keep you in intensive care untilthey can operate,” he said.


The surgery was scheduled for 8:00a.m. Our children and grandchildrenhad only a moment to see Heinz beforehe was wheeled down to surgery. Inpreop he told me that he loved me,that the future was in God’s hands,and that he felt comfortable with that.

Heinz’s surgery involved six by-passes. The damage, the doctor said,was what one would expect to find insomeone more than 20 years his senior.Despite this, Heinz was able to walkout of the hospital six days later.

“What now?” I asked him.“I still want to go to Russia,” he

said. “God must have had a purpose insparing my life. I want to spend therest of it serving Him.”

“But what if . . . ?”“You mean, what if I have another

heart attack? God can take care of mein Russia as well as here in Canada.And if not, well, so be it. Time isshort; I want to spend it serving Him.”

That summer we attended campmeeting at Camp Hope, BritishColumbia, where Hans Diehl was oneof the featured speakers. We wereimpressed again with how God hadprovided just what we needed to hear.Attending all of Diehl’s lectures abouthealth, we made a final change in ourlifestyle, eliminating all visible fats andanimal products from our diet.

We were ready to travel to Russia.Although the mission committee in

Moscow felt that, because of ourEuropean accent, we would not besuitable for the larger language centers,they urged us to contact Pastor Hongon the island of Sakhalin.

Situated just north of Japan,Sakhalin’s island was used as a penalcolony by both Russia and Japan, andthere are 118 people groups repre-sented in the capital city of YuzhnoSakhalinsk, where the language schoolis located. This diversity presents aunique opportunity for evangelism.

The language school is part of theRussian Sahmyook University, whichoffers degrees in linguistics (Russian,Korean, Japanese, and English), com-puters, theology, and music. Begun bythe Korean Union, Sahmyook is theonly Adventist school in the East

Russian Union Mission, which coversmore than half of Russia.

“How long could you stay?” PastorHong, the director of the languageschool, asked when we contacted him.

“As long as God gives us thestrength and ability,” we replied.

Life in RussiaWe arrived on Sakhalin on

November 2 and began teaching aweek later.

On a typical day classes begin at8:30 in the morning and continueuntil 8:30 in the evening. Besidesteaching, Heinz has been given theresponsibility of pastoring the Englishchurch; and after Pastor Hong’s returnto Korea, Heinz became the director ofthe language institute. A year later hewas made vice president of SahmyookUniversity.

God has been good. In the past twoyears we haven’t missed any classesbecause of illness. Walking every day,Heinz gets water from a hillside springabove the town, carrying it home in apacksack that weighs 60 pounds.Drinking water from the tap is not rec-ommended; besides, it’s not alwaysavailable.

Neither is electricity. Electricity iscoal-generated, and in the winter sup-plies cannot keep up with demand.Many classes have to be taught by can-dlelight. Students wear heavy bootsand fur coats to keep warm. They justshrug their shoulders and say, “That’sRussia.”

Shopping takes longer than inNorth America, because most of it isdone in outdoor markets. Most thingsare available; it just takes time to findthem. For one Communion service wehunted all over town for red grapejuice. We finally found one bottle 15minutes before sundown.

At times our faith is tried, but Godsomehow always provides what weneed, when we need it, and in a waythat strengthens our faith.

In an attempt to reclaim absenteechurch members, we advertised aHomecoming Sabbath with a specialspeaker one Sabbath. But the speakerhad to return to Korea unexpectedly,

and Heinz was told that he’d have totake the service himself.

God, however, provided not onebut four special speakers: the presidentof the Euro-Asia Division and threeindividuals from the GeneralConference. Two young women whoattended that day had not been tochurch for more than two years.Despite family opposition, they haveagain become regular, active members.

God also had a hand in a legal dis-pute with the city about ownership ofthe school property. Although it hasnot been completely resolved, opposi-tion has weakened, and the mayor’sdaughter, one of our students, has beenbaptized and has changed her major totheology.

One young man from Sahmyookvisits hospital patients on Sabbathafternoons. On one of these visits, hemet a woman who had been a high-ranking member of the country’s intel-ligence service. He talked to her aboutGod and offered to pray for her. On hisnext visit he left her some books toread, including one about the Sabbath.When she returned to her own city thewoman shared what she had learned,and has 17 people meeting in herhome every Sabbath.

The popularity of our languageschool is growing, so that it is largerthan the one in Moscow. But we badlyneed teachers—teachers who are will-ing to give up the comforts of homeand spend a year or two in service forothers.

For us, the greatest benefit of beinghere is an enriched spiritual experienceand a closer relationship with God. Itis, however, a work that not everyonecan do.

But we have heard God’s call inIsaiah 6:8, and we have answered,“Here am I; send me.”

Elfriede Volk writes fromYuzhno Sakhalinsk, Russia.



ANGEL MANUEL RODRÍGUEZ

What, exactly, is the “firmament” men-tioned in Genesis 1?

Your question is not as simple as itseems, because some interpreters haveread into the word

“firmament” primitive ideas that reflectthe mythologies of other ancient cul-tures. Yet Genesis 1 uses simple andmajestic language to depict the birth ofa planet as it comes into existence fromthe hands of the Creator. Althoughtold in a way that any human canunderstand, Genesis 1 allows for furthercomprehension through scientificinvestigation without being irrelevantor primitive.

With respect to your specific ques-tion, “firmament” (raqîac) has beentaken by some to refer to the primitiveancient Near Eastern concept of a gigantic, metallic, heav-enly dome placed by God or the gods over the earth. If thisunderstanding is correct, then Genesis 1 is culturally condi-tioned and becomes useless in understanding how Godbrought the world into existence. Let’s take a quick look atGenesis 1, paying particular attention to your question.

1. Genesis 1 Is Unique: When compared to ancient NearEastern Creation accounts, the biblical narrative is certainlyunique. The absence of polytheism and of any reference toGod’s struggle with the forces of chaos set the Genesis cre-ation account totally apart from its contemporary and com-peting Creation stories. There is absolutely nothing in theancient Near Eastern narratives about a six-day creation fol-lowed by a seventh day of rest. Yes, there are some similari-ties, but when they are placed within the totality of theirrespective stories they are not significant.

In fact, the similarities may well be, at least in somecases, remnants of truth preserved in the pagan narratives.The biblical story is unparalleled and seems to be a polemicagainst other Creation ideas prevalent in the ancient world.

2. Use of the Word “Firmament”: As far as I know, theHebrew term raqîac (firmament) is not found in any otherancient language, and its Hebrew meaning is not completelyclear. The verbal form means “stamp down, spread out, ham-mer out,” suggesting that the noun “firmament” designatesthe vault of heaven as a solid dome. But the noun does not

necessarily designate the concrete result of the hammeringout. The basic idea of the verb is of extending something,and the noun could then express the idea of expansion or,here in Genesis 1, the “expanse.” Since Genesis 1 does not

describe the nature of the “firmament”created during the second day, scholarstend to explain it in terms common toancient ideas of a solid vault.

Genesis 1 says several importantthings about the “firmament.” First, itsfunction was to separate the watersbelow from those above. The fact thatit separates the waters could suggestthat there is an element of concrete-ness to it, but nothing is said specifi-cally. This silence makes it possible forus to use the modern word “atmos-phere” to designate it.

Second, the suggestion that the ref-erence is to the atmosphere is reinforced by the fact that the“firmament” is the space where birds fly: “Let birds fly abovethe earth across the expanse of the sky” (verse 20, NIV).Third, the “firmament,” or expanse, is specifically called“heavens,” or more precisely, “sky” (NIV), in verse 8. Theemphasis is not on concreteness but rather on the space sep-arating the waters, making room for birds to fly.

Finally the text says that the sun and the moon were in thefirmament/expanse of the heavens to function as lights. Theword “firmament” does not distinguish between the sky andthe stellar heavens, but neither does it deny that distinction.The description in the text is from the perspective of a personwho looks up and sees the moon and the sun in the sky.

The mystery of Creation by a loving God will never becompletely understood by His creatures. Still, Genesis pro-vides the only trustworthy account of that glorious event;and even there we find only a brief but reliable summary ofHis creative action. Modern science cannot prove or dis-prove what Genesis says, but it can expand our understand-ing of our God’s power.

Angel Manuel Rodríguez is an associate director ofthe Biblical Research Institute of the GeneralConference.

What’s Up There?B I B L E Q U E S T I O N S A N S W E R E D

The mystery of Creation will never be completely understood.


ANDREA STEELE

The Silk Road—in the Western mind, images ofthis ancient thoroughfare are likely shrouded inmyth and obscurity, but it did exist. From thesecond to the fifth centuries, traders and cara-vans traveled this 4,000-mile route stretching

from Xian in China to Damascus and Antioch in theMiddle East. Crossing mountains and plains, they carriedsilk from China to the West and wool, gold, and silver fromthe Roman Empire to the East.

But travelers transported cargo other than silk and gold—Hellenism, Buddhism, and Islam were likewise spread by sol-

diers and pilgrims.Today salvation

travels over theroute of the SilkRoad—“gold triedin the fire,” andthe silken gar-ments of Christ’srighteousness—carried via radio bybroadcasts onAdventist WorldRadio.

Since 1987AWR has broadcast in five Chinese languages into China,reaching that most populous country on earth with phenom-enal results: thousands of baptisms and hundreds of newcongregations. The gospel “treasure” is now heard by othernations along the Silk Road—nations formerly part of theU.S.S.R. and bearing the exotic names of Kazakhstan,Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

AWR is sponsoring a series of programs on Kyrgyz radioin the Kyrgyz and Russian languages, and a program inUzbek on a station in southern Kyrgyzstan that reaches intoUzbekistan. Victor Rabinovich, director of the Almaty,Kazakhstan, Adventist Media Center, is working withchurch leaders to begin programs in Tajik and Turkmen.

Bert Smit, AWR’s Europe region director, recently metwith Emilbek Kaptagev, chair of the state commission onreligious affairs in the Kyrgyz Republic. Kaptagev underlinedthe importance of maintaining a “balanced spiritual view-point” in Kyrgyzstan, which is 80 percent Islamic with ahigh level of religious freedom for other faiths.

Smit alsomet withBayma J.Sutenova, vicepresident ofKyrgyzstan TVand RadioCorporation.She said shelistens daily tothe Voice ofHope because“it bringsexactly whatour peopleneed—inner healing. It is the best program we have on ourradio station.” Sutenova is also professor of broadcast com-munication at Bishkek University and told Smit she usestape recordings of the Kyrgyz Voice of Hope program “toillustrate effective radio production.” She said that this pro-

gram is “the stan-dard by whichother programsshould be judged.”

The Silk Roaditself faded intomemory when theRoman Empire dis-integrated, but the“radio road” carry-ing the gospelthrough theselands goes fromstrength tostrength. Sutenova

gave the telling testimony: “Without this important programon our station, there would definitely be less hope to offer tothe people of Kyrgyzstan.”

Remember the peoples of these ancient nations along theSilk Road in your prayers—ask God to bless them as theyfind spiritual renewal and hope in Jesus.

Andrea Steele is director of public relations and listener servicesfor Adventist World Radio.

Salvation on the Silk Road

A D V E N T I S T W O R L D R A D I O

MAKING CONTACT: Bert Smit, AWR Europeregion director, left, meets with Kyrgyz radiovice president Bayma Sutenova, center, todiscuss the Voice of Hope radio program.

POINT OF ORIGIN: Igor Shishow is a technicianin the Almaty, Kazakhstan, studio, where radioprograms in Kyrgyz and Kazak are produced.

GOING PUBLIC: The Voice of Hope radio pro-gram schedule is included in radio programlistings in the local newspaper in Almaty,Kazakhstan.


SARI FORDHAM

The hills are alive with the sound of music,’ ” Iwarbled. “ ‘La la la la la.’ ”

“You are so om chee [tone-deaf],” Sandymoaned jokingly.

“You’re just jealous’cause I sing so well,” I laughed.

“I’m jealous of your energy,” Sandyresponded. “I must rest!”

I was climbing Jiri Mountain (thesecond-highest mountain in SouthKorea) with three Koreans who went bythe nicknames Sandy, Alice, and Mike.And though not exactly the Everest dis-aster, the trip wasn’t going as planned.

Since arriving as a student missionaryin South Korea, I had learned to lovemountain climbing, and I had con-vinced Mike (one of my sister’s mountain-climbing buddies),Sandy, and Alice that climbing Jiri Mountain would be fun.

Big mistake! Mike was mountain master. He normally ranup mountains. Sandy and Alice had never climbed even oneof the smaller mountains—let alone Jiri Mountain. My skilllay somewhere in the middle. It wasn’t long before Mike wascarrying Sandy’s and Alice’s backpacks, as well as his own.And let me tell you, he looked pretty funny.

“Can we stop?” Alice would ask every 10 minutes.“Just a little bit farther; you can do it,” Mike encouraged.Although we were breaking a record pace for slowness,

Mike didn’t complain. I kept looking for signs of irritation,but he stayed cheerful.

We were halfway up when Mike moaned, “Oh no! Weforgot something!”

“What?” I asked in dismay. My mind ran through the listof what I considered to be essential.

“Beer,” Mike told me.“Beer?” I asked. “You weren’t planning on hauling beer up

this mountain, were you?”“Mountain climbing isn’t mountain climbing without

beer,” Mike stated.“You can survive one night without beer,” I said unsym-

pathetically. Mike was a good friend. In fact, he was one ofthe nicest guys I knew. But his drinking really bothered me.

As we continued up the mountain, we actually passedsomeone. The man had stopped to rest, and so did we. He

had been climbing around Jiri Mountain for a month. Hewas carrying his own tent, stove, food, gear, and clothes. Hewasn’t carrying a backpack—he was carrying a house.

“I am so thirsty. Do you have theoranges?” Sandy stopped the conversa-tion to ask me.

“Yeah,” I said, and I started passingthe oranges around. With the man sit-ting so close it felt strange not to givehim one. Yet I didn’t want to.

It wasn’t that I was opposed to shar-ing oranges. I had carried these orangesa long way. I had sweated for theseoranges. And I wanted us to eat them.

As I selfishly clung to my oranges, Iwatched Mike walk over and share his.I felt like dirt. I was the Christian. I

was the one who was supposed to be an example.About 8:00 p.m. we reached the top of the mountain—

finally! Mike had cheerfully endured our slow pace and endlessteasing. Sandy had to ask, “Does anything make you mad?”

“Yeah,” Mike responded. “Selfishness.”That night Mike went out, made some friends, and got

roaringly drunk. Actually, I’m just guessing this, based on hishangover the next morning. At first I was bitter: Couldn’t hehave gone one night without drinking? But then I began towonder, Who was worse—Mike or I?

I still think that drinking is wrong. By taking a firm standagainst alcohol the Seventh-day Adventist Church has savedits members from a lot of pain. But I don’t feel so smug any-more about being a nondrinker. It’s not enough. Christianityhas got to be about more than what you don’t do.

So where does that leave me? It leaves me sitting at acomputer wondering why things like oranges seemed soimportant. It leaves me wondering why non-Christians oftenhave such a good grasp on how Christ wanted us to act. Itleaves me determined that next time I won’t get so hung upon oranges.

Sari Fordham is a student at Iowa State University,where she is pursuing a master’s degree in English.

I Was the Christian?R E F L E C T I O N S

Christianitymust be morethan what you

don’t do.

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