After the Pandemic Can the Church Now Focus on the Future? - Adventist Review
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ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG
APRIL 2022: SALVATION CHECKLIST + WHAT WILL
THE CHURCH BE? + WE KNOW IN PART + THE
CHALLENGE OF POLITICS AND FAITH + ADVENTISM
AFTER AUSCHWITZ
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VOLUME 199
04/22 NUMBER 04
KANONSKY / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
FEATURES
AFTER THE PANDEMIC
36 DOWNSIZING
MELVYN W. WARFIELD II
What must we have, to have church?
40 WHAT WILL THE CHURCH BE?
CHRIS HOLLAND
The pandemic has changed everything. Church, too?
44 FINDING DISRUPTION, FINDING CHURCH
NOAH WASHINGTON
Going back to church may not actually be what we need.
COVER PHOTO BY KATHLEEN MADELINE/LIGHTSTOCK APRIL 2022 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 1
“Every time Jesus did His works of God in the synagogue,
people got upset: the fellowship, singing, Scripture reading,
and praying was fine—just no miracles, no healings,
no breakthroughs, no restoration, no deliverance,
no shift, no change, no release, no chains broken.”
45
ARTICLES
18 GUNS OR ROSES? 28 THE NEED OF EARNEST, 49 MILITARY GUARD
JOSEPH OLSTAD AND FRANK M. HASEL WHOLE-SOULED LABOR DAVID ROSS
One contentious topic; two ELLEN G. WHITE We saw. Did you? What did
diverse opinions Now is not the time to be you see?
running on empty.
24 SALVATION CHECKLIST 50 CELEBRATING EASTER
CHARLES MILLS 30 JUST AS I AM: Are we forgetting the season
God gave us a checklist, so A PROMISE OF GLORY and reason for praise?
what’s the problem? JENNIE MOWBRAY
52 SENSORY ASSAULT AND
Charlotte Elliott, faith,
SUPERIOR ATTRACTION
and me.
TY GIBSON
35 THE PLAN Now we’re all master sinners
SHERILYN JOHNSON wondering what to do.
The ultimate story; the
62 THE CHALLENGE OF
original plan.
POLITICS AND FAITH
BETTINA KRAUSE
Your tribe that gives you
identity may also give you
myopia.
24
EDITORIAL
NEWS|OPINION 5 BILL KNOTT
WARMED BY THE GOSPEL
» La Sierra University Launches D E PA R TM E N T S
Centennial Celebrations
6 LETTERS
» Russian-speaking Adventists 61 HOUSE CALL
in Germany Helping 69 CLOSER LOOK
Ukraine Refugees
70 VOICES
» Adventists in Jamaica
COLUMNS
Welcome Disability Act
23 CLIFF’S EDGE
» Medicine Graduates Acknowledged CLIFFORD GOLDSTEIN
for Outstanding Performance 33 REIMAGINING FAITH
SHAWN BRACE
» Local Church Becomes
a “Harbor of Hope” 59 WITNESSING FOR
INTROVERTS
» More Than 1,000 Lay Leaders LORI FUTCHER
Trained in South Colombia 67 THE FAITH-FULL LIFE
BECKY ST. CLAIR
» Brian Bull, Accomplished 72 IN OTHER WORDS
Hematologist and WILONA KARIMABADI
Inventor, Dies at 84
2 ADVENTIST REVIEW | APRIL 2022 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG
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2 Adventist Schools in Ukraine are Doubling
as Places of Refuge Amid Attacks
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APRIL 2022 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 3
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EDITORIAL
BILL KNOTT
No one—not pastors, greeters, even
longtime friends—is fully trusted yet.
Warmed by the Gospel
I
have watched them coming moments of great loss or trag- Their hearts are not the fonts of
back, filing from the parking edy. Where once a remnant peo- optimism we frequently imagine,
lot like refugees returning to a ple huddled close to find what for they have seen the losses of
long-abandoned home. They warmth and joy they could, we these years on larger and collec-
move through church foyers and now make do with showing up— tive scales. They’ve buried friends
hallways with furtiveness well- hoping in our heart of hearts and longtime leaders; wept with
learned from two years of hiding that some small piece of God’s desperate, grieving families; and
behind masks and social dis- good truth might light a fire or worried for their spouses and
tancing. No one—not pastors, warm a hymn. their children. They’ve asked
greeters, even longtime friends— Which makes this moment themselves a dozen times if they
is fully trusted yet, for this exactly the one in which the should do this painful work or
strange season has persuaded us gospel must be heard—the ever- seek the solace of some simpler
that other humans are the great- lasting good news that long pre- job. The gospel we expect them
est threat to our existence. dated this pandemic and will be to share from the pulpit is the
Where once we feared the told when all this pain is merci- same gospel we must share with
mushroom cloud, or galloping fully forgotten. Hearts grown them at the door—the Word of
inflation, or society’s long slide cold from fear and loss will only affirmation; the gratitude for car-
toward amorality and disinte- warm when we decide to tell ing; the stories of fears overcome;
gration, we’ve learned in 24 each other once again the well- of sins forgiven; and the enduring
short months to fear each worn stories of hope and love— power of hope.
other—even well-intentioned how Jesus came into this A new covenant awaits our
others. Who knows what darkened world with music in full endorsement—a deep call-
unmasked moments may yield? His heart and healing in His ing to companionship, to hold-
We sit in clusters that seem hands. This is the hour—for ing on, to staying with, to gently
safe, like sculptures carved to fit sometimes, that’s all the win- weaving once again the fabric
the pews. No hands across the dow we have—to trace His kind- of community so tattered by the
nearby pews; few hugs; no ness toward His enemies; His last two years. The post-pan-
unnecessary talk. We rise for deep compassion for those lost demic church of Jesus won’t rise
hymns and kneel for prayers without a shepherd; His unre- from the ashes like the mythical
with nothing like our former lenting interest in the ones He phoenix just because the worst
zeal. The music dies upon our termed “the least of these.” We of times may now be over. It will
lips, as if it is unseemly to be need to hear again that God’s require intentional re-tellings of
singing of a God of light and first attribute is love—that all the gospel; arms reaching out to
color after two long years of gray. our brokenness is met by grace re-embrace; a deep forgiveness
A weighted blanket rests on all, that does not alter when He born of grace for those who have
suppressing what we once alteration finds: “For God did not offended us through these con-
described as joyousness in send His Son into the world to tentious months.
Jesus. Few babies cry: young condemn the world, but that the Nothing in the last 2,000
families are still missing from world through Him might be years has ever stopped the gos-
the gathering. saved” (John 3:17). pel. Nothing ever will.
In 60 years of watching fellow This isn’t a responsibility only
Adventists in church, I’ve never for the preachers, for they are
seen the like of it, even in our living this strange time as well.
APRIL 2022 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 5
INBOX
FAITH AND TRUST COMMENTS
ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG
FEBRUARY 2022: THIS IS OUR STORY + FOR MY
PEOPLE + THE END OF CONFUSION + CONFESSION
FROM FACEBOOK
Thank you, Olga Valdivia (“Angel
OF THE PRIVILEGED + DARE TO DREAM
Watch,” February) for opening a The articles referenced here can be
new vista on faith and trust. I
recognized faith and trust as
defensive strategies enabling
one to repel the attacks of
This
is our
found on our website: adventistreview.org
and on our Facebook page.
VOLUNTEERS AND ADVENTIST
Satan, but when you said, “My
best weapon was my faith and
the trust I was placing in the
care of my heavenly Father,”
that led to new and intriguing
story MEMBERS SHOW THAT GOD’S
LOVE IS STRONGER THAN WAR
Appreciating all of you. You are
representing the “Salvation Army,”
and your faith speaks. We pray for
thoughts: faith and trust as a you all.
weapon against cruelty, the Peter Savari
inhumanity of man to man, the
evil of this world. A shield and LOCAL CHURCH EXPLORES
a weapon all in one. A way to protect but also a way to take the CREATIVE APPROACH TO
battle to the enemy of my soul. TEMPERANCE IN THE U.S.
Bruce McClay, M.A., M.L.S. Here in Colorado the use of
Battle Ground, Washington marijuana has greatly increased
among school-aged people since it
was legalized for recreational use.
CHANGE THE HEART headquarters I met with It has cost our families, communi-
What an impressive issue of the wonderful leaders who were in ties, and health-care facilities so
February Adventist Review, their rightful position, side by very much. I feel grateful the
regarding the plight and side with workers from all over Vassar Church is responding. Good
suffering of African Americans. the world. Justice had been luck with this project.
Coming from Brazil in 1956 to made! Elder Cleveland was my Beverly Helm
further my education, my wife teacher at the old seminary in
and I rode by bus from Miami to Takoma Park, and later I had the ARE ADVENTIST ONE-ROOM
Los Angeles and could not opportunity to work side by side SCHOOLS RELICS OF THE PAST?
understand how Black people with other outstanding Black The main benefit of a one-room
were treated in the buses and leaders. Our message should be school (with multiple grades in
bathrooms. I admire the courage to change the heart and not the one room) is that students learn
of Rosa Parks being arrested on skin. self-reliance. They are also not
February 22, 1956, to stand for Leo Ranzolin, Sr. subjected to teachers who think
equality! During my school days Estero, Florida they must spend the full class-
and work at the Church’s world room day teaching from the front
6 ADVENTIST REVIEW | APRIL 2022 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORG
2022 GENERAL CONFERENCE SESSION
Official notice is hereby given that the postponed sixty-first session of
the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be held June
6-11, 2022, in the America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri, United States.
The first meeting will begin at 8:00 am, June 6, 2022. All duly accredited
delegates are urged to be present at that time. This Session will also
be accessible for delegates remotely by electronic means.
Ted N C Wilson, General Conference President
Erton C Köhler, General Conference Secretary
of the room. This gives the with warm handoffs when ADVENTIST SCHOOLS IN UKRAINE
students the time they need to patients are assessed as anxious, ARE DOUBLING AS PLACES OF
complete their schoolwork in the depressed, addicted, etc. They REFUGE AMID ATTACKS
classroom, where they can ask don’t follow through well when I’m proud of our brothers and
for individual assistance from sent out the door. Whole person sisters at those schools, for
the teacher or from higher-grade care should extend to mental living out their faith this way.
students as needed. health. No, it won’t make the Wanda Teed
Connie Dahlke clinic or hospital lots of money,
but it’s the moral and Christian “BIGGER THAN BASKETBALL”
ABUSIVE ADVENTISTS? service to offer. Sounds like Eric Lindell’s story in
Thirty years ago I stood in the Karen Spruill the famous “Chariots of Fire”
pulpit of Adventist churches movie and his refusal to run, as
speaking on the hidden addic- I really appreciate the compe- the favorite, at a 1924 Olympics
tions and various abuses going tent clinical perspective on this. Sunday (Sabbath for him) meet.
on within the church. The We have much work to do and in Must applaud those who stand
message was not well received. I my observation the conference up for their convictions.
have walked away from the level and many pastors are Ted Porter
Adventist church a few times, unwilling to explore ways to
disgusted by the level of denial manage this. “MISSION: INVENT”
and tired of the way I was treated. Elise Whogardens ENCOURAGES INNOVATION AND
I dropped my membership and ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN STUDENTS
walked with Him, seeking His UNPRECEDENTED FLOODS Bravo! This is hands-on learning.
face. He called me back four IMPACT ADVENTIST CHURCHES Now, take the next step and find
years ago to the Adventist AND SCHOOLS IN AUSTRALIA sponsors to give the seed money
Church—back to pulpits to speak We are living in the last days, needed to turn the best ideas
on the very same topics. He also when so many things are into services for the community
put me on the radio and directed happening. Jesus is soon to and business opportunities for
me to keep writing and seeking come. the students.
His lost sheep, those wounded Angella Samuels William Noel
lambs He loves so much. I am
gladdened to see these topics are
being discussed—finally. Thank
YOUR TURN
We welcome your letters, noting, as always, that inclusion of a letter in this
you for sharing. section does not imply that the ideas expressed are endorsed by either the
Laura Lee editors of the Adventist Review or the General Conference. Short, specific,
timely letters have the best chance at being published (please include your
complete address and phone number—even with e-mail messages). Letters
Well done. Our medical institu- will be edited for space and clarity only. Send correspondence to Letters
tions need to embed and to the Editor, Adventist Review, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD
20904-6600; Internet: letters@adventistreview.org.
integrate mental health services
APRIL 2022 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 7
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22-018.02 | © 2022 ADRANEWS
“As a church, we want to use our
means and facilities to assist
people suffering the escalation of
violence in Ukraine.”
—Johannes Naether, p. 11
La Sierra University’s four presidents since it became a university. Left to right: Friz Guy (1990-1993), Larry
Geraty (1993-2007), Randal Wisbey (2007-2019), and Joy Fehr (2019-present). PHOTO: NATAN VIGNA
“It’s fitting that we gather here
LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY among the carob trees on this oc-
casion. These trees, the pods of
LAUNCHES CENTENNIAL which are claimed by some biblical
CELEBRATIONS historians to have formed the diet
AT NEW SCULPTURE DEDICATION THE SCHOOL RECALLS of John the Baptist, the herald of
GOD’S GRACE. grace to come, Jesus Christ, who
then gave us the three stories in
BY DARLA MARTIN TUCKER, LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY
Luke 15 that reveal the glory of God’s
nder cool, cloudy skies that even- foot (three-meter)-tall bronze illus- undeserved favor and love,” La Si-
U tually gave way to the sun,
roughly 250 La Sierra University alumni,
tration of the biblical parable of the
lost sheep. The sculpture is the third
erra University president Joy Fehr
said in her address for the dedi-
current and former leaders, and cam- and final piece in a series titled Glory cation event. Fehr took up the pres-
pus and community members gath- of God’s Grace, which is based on idency in 2019 as the first female
ered February 15 to begin the com- three parables in Luke 15—the prod- president in the university’s history
memoration of a significant mile- igal or lost son, the lost coin, and and has led the institution during
stone—the school’s 100th anniversary. the lost sheep. A sculpture depict- the COVID-19 pandemic that swept
Serving as the first of three main ing the lost coin was unveiled on through the nation and region just
celebrations planned this year, the La Sierra’s campus in April 2017, while a few months after she took office,
inaugural event centered on the the anchoring work, an iconic sculp- requiring its immediate shift to
dedication of The Lost Sheep, a new tured tableau, was installed in 2002, months of online learning.
campus sculpture situated within surrounded by a reflecting pool and Currently La Sierra University’s
a grove of carob trees—a nearly 10- centering the university’s main plaza. faculty, the majority of whom hold
APRIL 2022 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 9NEWS
“They embody our university’s identity
as a place where grace is paramount,
where we have seen God’s blessing
and compassion repeatedly during
these 100 years.”
doctoral degrees, teach nearly 2,000 as a place where grace is para- the university’s commencement
students from around the United mount, where we have seen God’s of its centennial events.
States and more than 50 countries. blessing and compassion repeat- Eddie and Rosebud Ngo arrived
edly during these 100 years.” from Redlands, where Eddie is a
OF PARABLES AND PROGRESS certified financial planner. The cou-
“One of my concerns from the MOVED BY GRACE ple met in 1961 while Eddie was a
very beginning was that we be a For sculptor Victor Issa, who also business major before transferring
real university, a place where knowl- created the sculpture depicting to Pepperdine University. Rosebud
edge is expanded, where new ideas, the lost coin parable, meeting those studied as a prehealth major in
new understandings, are developed,” whose contributions support the health information systems before
Fritz Guy, La Sierra’s president from artworks is a poignant moment. transferring to Loma Linda Univer-
1990 to 1993, said during remarks “Having the opportunity to meet sity in 1962 and beginning a med-
offered by the four presidents who the donor families is always an ical records career.
have led the institution since 1990. honor and a joy. They do take a The couple recalled their days at
“As we celebrate La Sierra’s first 100 risk, and I take the commission very La Sierra, when Eddie worked sweep-
years, I look forward to the univer- seriously, and I do my best to meet ing the walkways outside of Hole
sity’s continuing contributions to and exceed their expectations,” he Memorial Auditorium and Rosebud
Seventh-day Adventist thinking and said. “May the sculpture touch many lived in Angwin Hall. “I’m a business
living and serving,” he said. lives as the viewers contemplate major, so I would like to see [the busi-
Educator and archaeologist Law- the knowledge that the Good Shep- ness school] push to continue on
rence Geraty served as La Sierra’s herd will seek every lost sheep.” and hopefully rank in the top 10 busi-
president from 1993 to 2007. Fol- The sculpture was created at 133 ness schools in the United States,”
lowing his retirement, he was rec- percent of life-size, Issa said. The Eddie said when asked about his
ognized with the title of president bronze monument was developed hopes for his alma mater’s future.
emeritus. “Today I’m thrilled that during a complex process that took “It was a lovely event with excel-
the dream is completed with The more than two years and began lent speakers and really makes you
Lost Sheep sculpture celebrating with a detailed maquette, or small see how the president has done a
100 years of God’s grace to La Si- concept version, for the client. The terrific job of presenting the whole
erra University,” Geraty said. following steps involved a live picture to everyone,” Marcia Gilman,
Randal Wisbey, La Sierra’s third model for the clay work, a rubber wife of university foundation board
president, served in the office for and plaster negative copy, and a member and Riverside attorney Dan
12 years before retiring in 2019. “La technical foundry process. Issa’s Hantman, said. The couple were
Sierra changed my life, and my fam- model for the sculpture was a young drawn to the university and involve-
ily’s lives . . . and I am honored to man “whose facial features per- ment in its board through their
participate in its centennial cele- fectly reflected what I was hoping friendship and support of Geraty
brations,” he said. to portray—compassion, kindness, during his presidency.
“As doctors Guy, Wisbey, and Ger- assurance, and deep love,” he said. “I had occasion to be out in this
aty have already expressed, there area before it is what it is now,” Gil-
is much meaning behind the three CHANGES FOR THE BETTER man noted. “It’s amazing. You look
sculptures that now stand on our The February 15 audience in- at the Riverwalk and how that’s
campus,” Fehr said in concluding cluded alumni and community changed. This area used to be farm-
the presidential remarks. “They members who attended to view land. It’s just amazing . . . how much
embody our university’s identity the new sculpture and celebrate influence this university has had.”
10 ADVENTIST REVIEW | APRIL 2022 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORGADRA worldwide network, which includes
ADRA Germany, has partnered to support
refugees from Ukraine. PHOTO: ADRA GERMANY
and, together with a number of
social institutions and various sub-
RUSSIAN-SPEAKING ADVENTISTS IN sidiary societies, is part of the so-
GERMANY HELPING UKRAINE REFUGEES cial work of the Adventist Church.
ADRA PARTNERS WITH SEVERAL ORGANIZATIONS The organization manages day-care
TO DELIVER ASSISTANCE. centers, retirement homes, addic-
BY ADVENTISTISCHER PRESSEDIENST AND MARCOS PASEGGI, ADVENTIST REVIEW tion counseling centers, hospices,
and other social institutions, as
he Seventh-day Adventist Church, ADRA, AWW, and Friedensau well as local helper groups.
T Church in Germany met with
other organizations February 28 to
discussed and shared information
on what concrete steps the alliance
In 2015 ADRA and AWW, together
with other actors within the Adven-
discuss concrete steps to help ref- was planning, where volunteers and tist Church, launched the Together
ugees affected by the war in Ukraine. those seeking help could find infor- for Refugees alliance, which has been
The Adventist Development and mation, and where and how to do- taking care of refugees as they search
Relief Agency (ADRA) in Germany, nate to the cause. Russian-speaking for a dignified, self-determined life.
the Advent Welfare Office (AWW), Adventists in Germany rallied to sup-
and Friedensau Adventist Univer- port the initiative, leaders said. THE ROLE OF ADRA
sity are among the organizations COUNTRY OFFICES
involved. A working group known MOVING TO HELP Other ADRA country offices also
as Russian-speaking Adventists in ADRA Germany moved fast to ac- stepped to the plate as soon as the
Germany is also involved, leaders tively serve both in Ukraine and on war started. In Romania the ADRA
reported. the Polish-Ukrainian border. ADRA team moved fast in late February to
The Adventist Church and the leaders stated in a press release that one of the crossings into Ukraine,
other organizations came together they were “working with reliable part- where they met with the ADRA Ukraine
to reactivate the Together for Ref- ners and Adventist communities on teams. They managed to drive ADRA
ugees steering group, which, under the ground to ensure that our hu- vans across the border with assis-
ADRA leadership, is set to assist manitarian aid can quickly reach tance for internally displaced per-
refugees from Ukraine as they seek those who need it.” ADRA said the sons (IDPs). At the same time, both
protection in Germany. It is a part- agency has provided welcome packs teams coordinated support to wel-
nership that collaborated success- of clothing, food, and cash vouchers. come centers on the Romanian side
fully during the refugee crisis in In addition, leaders established plans of the border and prepared accom-
2015 and now seeks to build on the to provide long-term psychological modations for those arriving.
experience acquired at that time. counseling so refugees can process In Slovakia an ADRA team wel-
“In the past few days we have re- the traumatizing experience. comed refugees at the border with
ceived numerous reports and calls The agency is part of a worldwide Ukraine in Vyšné, where the agency
for help, which has made us very con- network with more than 118 inde- set up its main humanitarian tent.
cerned,” Johannes Naether, president pendent country offices and about The ADRA Poland team was also
of the North German Conference, said 7,500 full-time employees. ADRA at the border with Ukraine provid-
in late February. “As a church, we want Germany was founded in 1987 by the ing support to those fleeing the
to use our means and facilities to Seventh-day Adventist Church and conflict. Along with welcome pack-
assist people suffering the escala- carries out projects in development ages, the team provided psycho-
tion of violence in Ukraine.” cooperation and humanitarian aid. social support and legal assistance,
In early March the Adventist AWW is a nonprofit association leaders reported.
APRIL 2022 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 11NEWS
UPDATE ABOUT
THE GC SESSION
he Seventh-day Adventist Church
T is pleased to announce the Gen-
eral Conference (GC) Session will
be opening its doors to the public. Members of the disability community participate in a Possibilities
All are welcome to attend the busi- Ministries convention at the Portmore Seventh-day Adventist Church
ness session and evening programs. in 2020. PHOTO: CENTRAL JAMAICA CONFERENCE
The GC Session is the quinquennial
meeting of the Adventist Church’s
ADVENTISTS IN JAMAICA
Executive Committee, its largest gov-
WELCOME DISABILITY ACT
erning body, and will be held in St.
LEADERS BELIEVE IT IS AN IMPORTANT STEP TO HIGHLIGHT POTENTIAL.
Louis, Missouri, June 6-11, 2022.
The health and safety of all BY NIGEL COKE AND INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION NEWS
attendees is our top priority. There-
he Seventh-day Adventist annually to celebrate those who
fore, we will have enhanced sanita-
tion, ample space to accommodate
T Church in Jamaica is celebrat-
ing with those who are disabled, as
are disabled.
“We do this to highlight the min-
social distancing, as well as other
it lauds the passing of the Disabil- istry and call attention to the need
safety measures and guidelines
ities Act. The new law, which was for total inclusion, total participa-
recommended by the Centers for
passed in Parliament in October tion, total education, and total
Disease Control and Prevention
2014 and reaffirmed by both houses accessibility, and [to] promote equal
(CDC). We will continue monitoring
of Parliament in October 2021, came opportunities for all persons with
the ongoing coronavirus develop-
into effect February 14. disabilities,” Everett Brown, presi-
ments and will assess and adapt as
“This is one of the ministries that dent of the Adventist Church in
necessary to keep everyone safe.
our church places special emphasis Jamaica, said. “As a church we will
The GC Session will be held at the
on because we need to be all-inclu- continue to do everything to ensure
America’s Center Complex in St. Louis.
sive,” Adrian Cotterell, coordinator that the objectives of the Disabilities
You can access the most current up-
of the Possibility Ministries for the Act will be realized in our nation,
dates and information on our web-
Adventist Church in Jamaica, said. particularly through our church.”
site www.gcsession.org.
“We should never make the mistake Cotterell agreed. “We use this
When planning your stay, visit this
of underestimating the abilities of opportunity to call upon every cit-
website bit.ly/3IX82nv to locate a hotel
persons with disabilities, and must izen of this country to respect the
within walking distance from the
refrain from thinking or treating oth- rights of persons with disabilities
America’s Center Complex. Meal tickets
ers who may look different as in- and be reminded that all of us are
are also available for purchase. Go to
competent or inferior.” broken and need healing. When we
bit.ly/3sUFgOX for more information.
While many refer to this min- focus on possibilities, we look be-
We look forward to seeing you in
istry as “Disability Ministries,” the yond the disability and see abilities,
St. Louis!
Adventist Church has decided on beauty, the lovely, and the wonder-
the nomenclature Possibility Min- ful attributes to affirm, the attrac-
istries. “We believe [in] the poten- tiveness to admire, and the person
tials, promises, possibilities, to adore,” he said.
life-changing and transformational In October 2016 the Adventist
outcomes that can take place when Church launched the Portmore Ad-
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
bit.ly/3IX82nv we think and emphasize possibil- ventist Deaf church in St. Cather-
ities. We acknowledge that each ine. Since then the congregation
person was created in the image continues to grow, increasing from
of God and all are gifted, needed, eight members to an average of
and treasured in our church,” 40 worshipping each Sabbath, with
Cotterell explained. capacity for 75 members. Currently
MEAL TICKETS The Adventist Church in Jamaica there are plans to set up another
bit.ly/3sUFgOX is one of many in the Adventist congregation in western Jamaica
world church that devotes one week before the end of 2023.
12 ADVENTIST REVIEW | APRIL 2022 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORGGraduates of the medicine program at
Peruvian Adventist University were recently
highlighted on national television for
their performance at the licensing exam.
PHOTO: PERUVIAN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY
MEDICINE GRADUATES ACKNOWLEDGED the healing ministry of Christ.”
FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE Peter Landless, health minis-
IN PERU, PHYSICIANS TRAINED AT ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY tries director of the Adventist
ACE LICENSING EXAM. Church, echoed Beardsley-Hardy’s
sentiments. He also congratulated
BY MARCOS PASEGGI, ADVENTIST REVIEW
all those involved in the education
raduates of the medical pro- guidance,” Segura said. “We are a of students at UPeU. “Heartiest
G gram at the Seventh-day Ad-
ventist university in Peru were re-
school taking its first steps, but we
hope to continue improving, to do
felicitations and congratulations
to all involved—parents, students,
cently acknowledged on national things in the best way, hand in hand faculty, and, most important, grat-
TV after a high percentage of appli- with God. Our goal is to train com- itude to God,” Landless said. “We
cants passed the National Medical petent medical professionals with rejoice with you!”
Exam (ENAM). A February 21 national integrity, committed to research
news bulletin highlighted medical and the mission of the church.” INTENTIONAL FOCUS
students who graduated from Pe- UPeU School of Health Sciences
ruvian Adventist University (UPeU) HEARTIEST dean Roger Albornoz shared that
because 96.3 percent of them passed CONGRATULATIONS the medical program has now
the licensing exam on their first try. Adventist Church secretary Er- started the process of applying for
That percentage is higher than ev- ton Köhler, who until recently was national accreditation. It is the nat-
ery other public medical school in president of the South American ural next step for a program that,
the country and every other private Division, said that UPeU and its from day one, has strived to leave
university except for one, a recent leaders deserve such results. “They a quality mark on their students,
national study reported. have worked hard to balance a high he said. “The School of Medicine
Leaders said it is no small feat, level of academic instruction with has pioneered in implementing a
as the Adventist school launched a strong commitment to the Ad- competency-based education
its medical program only in 2012 ventist philosophy of education,” model and the objective and struc-
and held its first medical school he said. tured clinical examination,” Albor-
graduation in January 2019. Accord- Lisa Beardsley-Hardy, education noz explained. “It was one of the
ing to national education officers, director of the Adventist Church, first schools to apply it to its stu-
ENAM is a comprehensive exam- concurred with Köhler, noting that dents since opening the program
ination that includes testing stu- UPeU faculty and students have in 2012.” Both models focused on
dents’ basic science, clinical sci- not only worked hard on their ac- the development of practical skills.
ence, and public health knowledge. ademic training but have also been Albornoz said that educational
The UPeU score, based on 2019 data, active in outreach. “God has blessed quality is guaranteed through on-
marks the first time the UPeU med- them, but they have also enjoyed going assessment and feedback.
ical graduates sat the national li- the strong support of the school And all of that is complemented
censing exam. and the South American Division by an educational philosophy that
UPeU medicine program director [SAD] administration and its de- seeks to restore human beings to
Felipe Segura said that the outcome partments of education and health God’s image, he emphasized. Thus,
reflects the importance of human ministries,” she said. “We could not Albornoz said, “UPeu is training
effort added to God’s blessings. “It be more pleased with this achieve- physicians who can improve peo-
is the result of the faculty and stu- ment, and wish these physicians ple’s health and relieve pain in an
dents’ efforts, but above all, of God’s God’s blessings as they carry out attitude of respect and service.”
APRIL 2022 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 13NEWS
Volunteers distribute drink-
ing water at Harbor of Hope
Seventh-day Adventist Church
in Benton Harbor, Michigan,
United States. PHOTO: RAYNO VICTOR
the local high school—where all
LOCAL CHURCH BECOMES supplies are distributed. Now all
residents go to the high school to
A “HARBOR OF HOPE” get what they need on specified
HOW ONE U.S. CONGREGATION IS LIVING UP TO ITS NAME.
days, and local charities (including
BY JULY KLEIN, FOR LAKE UNION HERALD
Harbor of Hope), assist them.
hen the Benton Harbor com- listed volunteers, partnering with Harbor of Hope has established
W munity in Michigan, United
States, was affected by a tainted
United Way so that anyone, even
if they weren’t part of the church,
itself in the community as an im-
portant and trusted Adventist pres-
water system, Harbor of Hope Sev- could volunteer. Additionally, the ence. And as ACS director Chelli
enth-day Adventist Church stepped state delivered water bottles, and Ringstaff also noted, one connec-
up to support them. they arranged for any leftovers to tion leads to another. What began
In 2018 health officials in Ben- be picked up. with just water filters distributed
ton Harbor began noticing an On October 30, 2021, in just one at the ACS has grown to 1,500 cases
alarming rise in lead poisoning day, the church and its volunteers of water delivered in just one day.
cases. After performing multiple handed out 1,500 cases of water. The city has come to trust Harbor
tests, the city discovered that the Terri Trecartin, ACS director, re- of Hope because they have proved
water system was tainted because members how thankful people themselves.
of corrosion in the original lead were. Some told him they were on But it’s not just the city officials
water pipes. their last case of water and had who can depend on the Adventist
The city immediately reached been wondering what to do when Church. During the summer of
out to partner with local agen- it ran out. 2021, student literature evange-
cies—one of which was the Ad- Harbor of Hope went above and lists worked in the Benton Harbor
ventist Community Services Center beyond their required duties, en- area. Trecartin noted that every
(ACS): Harbor of Hope. Once a suring that everyone who needed time the colporteurs identified
month in Benton Harbor residents water received it, even if they were themselves as Adventists, people
came to designated places, such homebound. “If people couldn’t lit up with recognition, “because
as the health department, the li- get out and get the water, we . . . they knew where the church
brary, and the Harbor of Hope, to took it to them,” Trecartin said. was,” Trecartin said. The church
receive water filters and informa- During the past three years the and its organizations have been
tion on how to use them. When city has realized how challenging so influential in the community
the filters turned yellow, a replace- it is for residents to figure out which that Adventist isn’t just a name—
ment was available. location stocks which supplies, so it’s associated with a positive
Harbor of Hope immediately en- the city picked a central location— experience.
14 ADVENTIST REVIEW | APRIL 2022 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORGMore than 1,000 laypersons gathered during
the Ultimate Hope lay congress in Villavicencio,
Colombia, in early February 2022. PHOTO: MELCHOR FERREYRA
Leaders provided 1,100 Mission-
MORE THAN 1,000 LAY ary Work kits for church leaders,
pastors, and ministers, as well as
LEADERS TRAINED IN New Believer kits that contain a
SOUTH COLOMBIA Bible, Bible study course, Sabbath
CHURCH IS HELPING THEM TO School quarterly, and more.
BECOME ACTIVE MISSIONARIES. “Laypeople in East Los Llanos
are being trained to cater to four
BY LAURA ACOSTA AND INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION, AND ADVENTIST REVIEW
basic needs, namely, 1) retaining
ore than 1,000 laypersons and praying and studying the Scrip- new members after baptism; 2) dis-
M in South Colombia were re-
cently trained during a special
tures together,” he said.
Melchor Ferreyra, personal min-
cipleship and winning others for
Christ; 3) creating missionary cou-
congress to strengthen small- istries director of the Inter-Amer- ples and small groups; [and] 4) par-
group ministry in Villavicencio, ican Division (IAD), motivated the ticipating in the Sabbath School
not far from Bogotá, Colombia. hundreds of laypersons to continue class,” Daruwin González, personal
The lay congress, held in early laboring with all their might in ministries director of the East Los
February, drew regional and local growing the church. Llanos Conference, said.
leaders from the East Los Llanos “We have more than 2,000 years Leaders said the goal is to mo-
Conference to better equip small of accumulated experience in lay- bilize the membership to expand
group leaders and active mem- persons, which means that the to 350 additional small groups, 700
bers in spreading the gospel where early church grew on the founda- missionary couples, 1,288 Bible in-
they live. tion of laypersons, church mem- structors, and 1,000 baptisms in
Themed “Esperanza Defini- bers,” Ferreyra said. “Very few were 2021, Joel Hernández, president of
tiva,” or Ultimate Hope, the con- evangelists, but churches multi- the church in East Los Llanos Con-
gress also sought to “bolster the plied, and new churches were ference, reported.
lay forces developing the disci- planted on the work of so many Regional leaders plan to hold
pleship, retention, new believers, anonymous laypeople who work another congress to gather more
and the missionary couples min- with tenacity and tireless ef- laypersons and equip them for
istries set out in each congrega- forts.” So the same is repeated coordinated evangelism efforts
tion with the purpose to preach throughout history and in the this year.
the gospel everywhere in the re- twenty-first century, he said. The other eight regional confer-
gion,” Moisés Prieto, personal min- It’s very clear, Ferreyra explained, ences and missions in South Co-
istries director for the church in that laypeople are not called to a lombia have also begun holding
South Colombian Union Confer- spectator role but instead should lay congresses this month as part
ence, said. be protagonists. “Laypeople are of the evangelism strategy this year
Missionary couples ministry is not clapping from their pews,” he and in celebration of IAD’s centen-
one of several important minis- said. “They are immersed in nial in 2022, church leaders said.
tries, Prieto said. “It is definitely a all of the activities of the church, “The challenge that our lay breth-
biblical principle to evangelize, following the Total Member Involve- ren have in the union territory is
and it is the plan of God for the ment church initiative. They are to be messengers of hope every-
church in the current times. It is committed to participating in evan- where,” Prieto said. “The world is
important that two persons work gelism in [their] local church or sick, and we must share that mes-
together, one encouraging the other local field,” he added. sage [of hope].”
APRIL 2022 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 15NEWS
As medical school dean, a post he
held from 1994 to 2003, he used data
to discover ways to empower students
and increase graduation rates.
BRIAN BULL, ACCOMPLISHED
HEMATOLOGIST AND
INVENTOR, DIES AT 84
HE WAS LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY DEAN EMERITUS Brian Bull passed to his rest on
OF THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE. February 22, 2022. He was 84.
PHOTO: LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY HEALTH
BY ANSEL OLIVER, LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY NEWS
rian Bull, a Seventh-day Ad- the 1970s, an equation for blood He was known to offer tutoring to
B ventist inventor and one of the
world’s leading experts on hema-
lab technicians to quickly deter-
mine if equipment is working
any medical student, even meeting
with students at 5:00 a.m. if needed.
tology, who served as dean of Loma correctly; the algorithm is still Richard Hart, president of Loma
Linda University School of Medicine widely used in most lab equip- Linda University Health, said that
for a decade, starting in the 1990s, ment today. “Brian Bull was the classic senior
died February 22. He was 84 and Bull is also credited for increased statesman on campus, and the sta-
had been diagnosed with cancer. monitoring of how cardiopulmo- bility he brought to the faculty
Highly analytical and experimen- nary bypass patients metabolize medical groups and particularly
tal, Bull was a prolific inventor, cre- heparin to reduce postoperative the Department of Pathology in
ating numerous methods and in- bleeding, enabling the medical both his teachings and clinical
struments to better understand community to significantly reduce function was immense.”
blood platelets and their function, mortalities in the early days of Brian Stanley Bull was born in
including clotting. Graduating in 1961 open-heart surgery. Watford, a suburb of London, En-
at the top of his class from Loma As medical school dean, a post gland, September 14, 1937. He at-
Linda University School of Medicine he held from 1994 to 2003, he used tended high school in Jamaica, where
helped him land residencies at Yale data to discover ways to empower his father served as a school ad-
University and the National Insti- students and increase graduation ministrator. He attended Pacific
tutes of Health (NIH), where he col- rates. Bull chaired the Department Union College in northern Califor-
laborated on numerous ground- of Pathology and Human Anatomy nia and later transferred to what is
breaking research projects. He re- for more than 40 years, starting in now Walla Walla University in Wash-
turned to Loma Linda University as 1973. He also served for 10 years ington State, earning a bachelor’s
a professor in 1968, where he re- as editor of the international he- degree in 1957. He had to wait a year
mained the rest of his career. matology journal Blood Cells. to attend what is now Loma Linda
Colleagues estimate he was Bull was known for being incred- University School of Medicine to
granted 17 patents and authored ibly knowledgeable about nearly meet the age requirement.
230 papers. At the NIH he helped any subject. He was widely read, Bull remained active in his work
invent the Coulter counter analysis extremely curious, and enjoyed sur- through December 2021, including
—essentially an electrochemical rounding himself with other experts a series of journal articles high-
cell with a small hole in it to count from whom he could learn, said lighting new research on the pa-
blood platelets as they pass, sim- Paul Herrmann, current chair of thology of COVID-19 infection.
ilar to what had already been the Department of Pathology and He is survived by his wife, Mau-
invented for blood cells. He also Human Anatomy. Bull was thought- reen, and daughters Beverly and
created “Bull’s algorithm” in ful and cared about helping others. Beryl.
16 ADVENTIST REVIEW | APRIL 2022 ADVENTISTREVIEW.ORGNEWSBRIEFS
ADVENTIST YOUTH MOVEMENTS CELEBRATE FIRST ANNIVERSARY IN
THAILAND. The SADFREE Movement—which stands for Smoking, Alcohol, and Drugs
Free Movement—and Asia-Pacific International University’s Youth Alive chapter
celebrated their first anniversary in February. The hybrid event, which was themed
“Stay Driven, Always Living,” took place during the university’s student assembly on
the school campus, located in Muak Lek, Saraburi, Thailand. This movement seeks to
save young people from the harmful effects of smoking, drinking alcohol, and using
drugs, leaders said.
NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION EHUDDLE DISCUSSES TIPS TO REACH,
RECLAIM, AND RETAIN. The seventh annual North American Division eHuddle
took place online in February. The event is an opportunity for pastors, laypastors,
and elders to gather and rethink what evangelism means to the church in the current
environment. Each segment of the conference featured several presenters from
various parts of the division, all sharing observations, tips, and convictions on the
topic of disciple-making.
SOUTHERN ASIA-PACIFIC YOUTH MINISTRIES FOCUS ON EVANGELISM
AND NURTURING. The success of Voice of Youth (VOY) Ignite 2021, led the
Southern Asia-Pacific Division to launch the VOY EXPAND, which aims to nurture and
disciple new members following the Christian life cycle: bring them to Christ, build
them up in Him through spiritual disciplines, train them to minister using their
spiritual gifts, and send them out to witness.
LOCAL CHURCHES AND ADRA RESPOND TO FLOODS IN AUSTRALIA.
Heavy rainfall caused unprecedented flooding in New South Wales (NSW) and
Queensland in Australia, with an estimated damage of $AU2 billion (about US$1.46
billion). As soon as flood waters began receding March 3, Adventist Development and
Relief Agency (ADRA) volunteers and local Seventh-day Adventist church members
joined efforts to meet the urgent needs of the flood-ravaged communities. In the
Lockyer Valley, in Queensland, Gatton Adventist church ran an evacuation center to
serve the worst affected areas. Volunteers have also provided meals, clothing, and
bedding items to the community.
IN PANDEMIC YEAR, SCHOOL IN AUSTRALIA REJOICES OVER MULTIPLE
BAPTISMS. Brisbane Adventist College (BAC) in Queensland, Australia, finished 2021
on a high note, with 12 students baptized in a single event, for a total of 21 baptisms
throughout the year. Before performing the baptisms, BAC chaplains Annalise Cherry
and Jean-Pierre Martinez invited the candidates to share their testimony, publicly
affirming their decision and encouraging others to give their hearts to Jesus.
STUDENTS STEP ON ADVENTIST CAMPUS IN MEXICO AFTER NEARLY TWO
YEARS. Nearly two years after Montemorelos University—a Seventh-day Adventist
institution located in northern Mexico—was forced to close its campus at the start of
the pandemic, students and faculty gathered to officially open its spring semester.
More than 1,800 students joined administrators, faculty, and support staff to reflect
on God’s goodness and pray together in front of the campus library in late January.
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APRIL 2022 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 17GUNS OR ROSES?
Civil conversation about uncivil options
The issue of Christians owning and using guns, especially against other humans, has
been debated almost since firearms and gunpowder appeared in Europe in the
thirteenth century. In today’s fragmented religious environment many opinions are
advanced in churches, in the public square, and on media. Seventh-day Adventist
Christians, often influenced by polarizing political, social, or cultural viewpoints, debate
this issue both publicly and privately. We asked two authors with contrasting opinions
to engage in an imagined conversation with a respected Adventist friend who holds a
different opinion about this divisive topic, each explaining their viewpoint from a
Christian and Adventist biblical worldview.—Editors.TURNING GUNS DOES LOVE AND COMPASSION
INTO SHIELDS COME FROM THE BARREL OF A GUN?
2
Should Christians use guns? YES Should Christians use guns? NO
JOSEPH OLSTAD FRANK M. HASEL
S G
cripture assumes a theology of protection, a uns are weapons deliberately designed to
presumption that the moral obligation of res- damage an object, inflict wounds, or kill
cue from an attacker will be carried out (e.g., another living being. Whoever intentionally
Deut. 22:23-27). Sometimes there’s no need for carries a deadly weapon must be prepared to use
command. The Lord simply expects others to it and must be ready to potentially kill. Carrying
rescue as He rescues when hearing their cries: a deadly weapon thus inevitably alters the way
“You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him we see and interact with people. We view those
. . . . You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless around us through a lethal lens. This contradicts
child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out three paramount biblical principles: love your
to me, I will surely hear their cry, and my wrath neighbor; love your enemy; and trust God fully.
will burn, and I will kill you with the sword” (Ex. This brings us to the heart of the problem: being
22:21-24, ESV).1 ready to kill someone is at odds with loving them.
The words for “oppress” and “mistreat” can also Moreover, relying on a weapon to keep me safe
be translated “afflict, crush, treat violently,” or even raises a spiritual question: am I placing my faith
“destroy.” No wonder God invokes lethal force, i.e., in guns or God? Whom do I trust will save and
the sword, to defend these groups. He is saving protect me? My gun, or God?
their lives.
So what does this have to do with carrying guns? WHAT MAKES A CHRISTIAN?
At the core, a gun is an extension of a theology of Love and compassion are high on the list of
protection when used appropriately. The practical characteristics of those who would be recognized
question is: What provides the best chances of as Christians. Bearing arms, inflicting violence,
defending innocent lives against lethal threat? killing other human beings, and causing others
Depending on the situation, a firearm, in well- to suffer from gunshot wounds do not reflect the
trained hands, can be a shield of protection. loving and compassionate character of Jesus
Many Christians, however, are convinced that Christ, who is the Prince of Peace.
carrying guns is out of harmony with Christ’s It always puzzles me how some Christians are
teachings and therefore not an option. Let’s con- strangely forgetful of the clear teachings of Jesus
sider these concerns. that have guided and motivated Christians through-
out the centuries: “Love your enemies, bless those
VIOLENCE AND REDUCING THE TRAGEDY who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and
Violence—intentional, casual, celebrated, or pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute
regretted—is the spirit of the age. No wonder that you” (Matt. 5:44). Using a gun does not emulate the
well-meaning intellectuals and activists, seeking virtues of love and compassion. We know that “those
to root out violence, have focused on guns. For who say they live in God should live their lives as
many, guns are synonymous with violence, and if Jesus did” (1 John 2:6, NLT).3 Believers should never
any group should be avoiding violence in all forms, “repay anyone evil for evil” (Rom. 12:17, NIV), but
it should be Christians. rather “overcome evil with good” (verse 21). Love is
LIGHTFIELDSTUDIOS / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
If an attacker is shot by a Christian in self- the quintessential virtue of Jesus’ followers and the
defense, is that violence? If the standard definition identifying mark by which the world recognizes us
of violence is used as intentional use of force with as His disciples (John 13:35).
a likely result of injury or death, then yes, the Chris-
tian gun owner is committing an act of violence. EMBODYING FAITH AND IMITATING CHRIST
(Note: if that definition is used, then any fighting, God does not want people to be victims of vio-
with or without a weapon, is violence.) But there’s lence, and certainly not at the hands of those
a problem. Using violence as the only contextual claiming to be followers of Jesus. Christians cannot
APRIL 2022 | ADVENTIST REVIEW 19You can also read
