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stewardship.adventist.org
JANUARY - MARCH 2021 VOL. 24. NO. 1
I
CAN
SERVE
BECAUSE
YOU
GIVE
ADDITIONAL
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
ECD William Bagambe
ESD Oleg Kharlamov
EUD Ioan Câmpian Tatar
IAD Roberto Herrera
NAD Michael Harpe
NSD Kwon Johnghaeng
SAD Josanan Alves, Jr.
SID Mundia Liywalii
SPD Christina Hawkins
GREASED WHEELS AND A MISSION RIVER SUD Zohruaia Renthlei
TED Paul Lockham
06
P. 04
WAD Jallah S. Karbah, Sr.
GARY KRAUSE MENA Kheir Boutros
IF Julio Mendez
WHEN GOD IS IN IT CHUM Andy Chen
P. 0 6 Printed in the U.S.A. by Pacific Press,
P. O. Box 5353, Nampa, ID 83653-5353
RICK McEDWARD
Access the 2021 Tithe and Offerings
devotionals and videos here: https://
MODERN-DAY WALDENSIANS stewardship.adventist.org/2021-god-first
P. 0 8 PERMISSIONS
The Dynamic Steward grants permission for any article
(not a reprint) to be printed, for use in a local church
I CAN SERVE
12
setting such as a small group, Sabbath School, or
P. 1 0 classroom. The following credit must be given: Used by
permission of the Dynamic Steward. Copyright © 2021.
LUIZ CAMARGO Written permission must be obtained for any other use.
EDITOR'S NOTE
THE GIVING EQUATION The articles in this publication have been revised for the
P. 1 2 intended audience and nature of the Dynamic Steward.
Unless otherwise stated, the New International Version
KEN LONG of the Bible is used.
PLANNING FOR CRISES DISCLAIMER
The content or opinions expressed, implied, or included
P. 1 5 in or with any recommended resources are solely those
of the authors and not those of the publishers of the
15
DENNIS CARLSON
Dynamic Steward. The publishers do, however, advocate
these resources on the basis of their rich contributions
BIBLE STUDY to the area of stewardship ministry, and assume that
readers will apply their own critical evaluations as they
P. 1 6 make use of them.
MARCOS BOMFIM
The DYNAMIC STEWARD is published quarterly by the
Stewardship Ministries of the General Conference of
BUILDING CONFIDENCE Seventh-day Adventists®.
DIRECTOR: Marcos Bomfim
P. 1 8 ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR: Hiskia Missah
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20
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BIBLE CREDITS: Scripture marked NKJV is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scriptures quoted from the Holy Bible, New International Version.
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2 Januar y – March 2021 stewardship.adventist.org
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SUPPORT OTHERS IN BEING
A BLESSING!
T he association between giving and
mission is one that is embedded in
Scripture. The passage most com-
monly used to encourage giving clearly
says the reason is “that there may be
13:10, 11). He seriously rebuked the lead-
ers for this state of affairs and required
immediate corrective measures as part
of his final revival initiatives. As a result,
the people responded massively to Ne-
ing members about their responsibility
as stewards has eternal importance.
The article from Gary Krause, director
of Adventist Mission for the General
Conference, as well as inspiring tes-
food in my house” (Mal. 3:10).1 Giving at- hemiah’s appeal to support mission: “All timonies from missionaries, bring to
tends to a need. Is it the foremost rea- Judah brought the tithes of grain, new light what can happen when “there is
son? The answer is debatable and prob- wine and olive oil into the storerooms” food in His house.” We are also happy
ably not pertinent. But it is definitely one (Neh. 13:12). to share with you more articles from
among other reasons that have divine Is it time to downsize or dismiss our experts relating to various aspects
sanction. In addition, the effectiveness of church workers? I don’t think so! Many of the Stewardship Ministries strategic
the mission motive is one that is firmly more are needed on the frontline of mis- orientation.
grounded in research.2 As spiritual lead- sion. With this conviction, may these in-
ers and stewardship educators, we can spired words echo from our publications, Blessings and be a blessing in 2021.
boldly encourage regular and systematic media and social media outlets, and from ANIEL BARBE, EDITOR
giving to support those set apart to be a our pulpits: “To accomplish this work,
blessing to others. means is needed. I know that times are ¹ Bible texts are from the Holy Bible, New International
Nehemiah, the great builder, observed hard, money is not plenty; but the truth Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by
Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved
that during his absence from Jerusalem, must be spread, and money to spread it worldwide.
the Levites and musicians, through no must be placed in the treasury.”3 ² Smith, Emerson, & Snell, Passing the Plate (New
York: Oxford University Press, 2008).
fault of their own, left their spiritual as- “I can serve because you give,” the
³ E llen G. White, Counsels on Stewardship
signments and returned to their fields theme for this issue of Dynamic Stew- (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn.,
because of an absence of support (Neh. ard, leads us to appreciate that educat- 1940), p. 39.
d y n a m i c s t e wa r d January – March 2021 3
i serve because you give
GREASED WHEELS through the years.
AND A MISSION
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
RIVER
When I first flew to N’djamena, Chad’s
capital, more than 20 years ago, I didn’t
really know what to expect. Of course I
knew that Chad was, in a sense, one of
the world’s “forgotten” countries. The
B e c a u s e Yo u G ive only people who seemed interested in
the country were those exploiting its rich
oil reserves.
W
GARY KRAUSE Kind church leaders and members
welcomed me like a long-lost family
hen I met Nguerabaye, I was member. Leaders told me I was the first
struck by the ritual cuts person from the General Conference to
heavily scarred into his face, visit them. I don’t know if that was true,
a reminder of his heritage and former but it was easy to believe. In the middle
life. Beads of perspiration lubricated of Africa, Chad isn’t often a logical stop-
his skin, made leathery by the hot over destination; you have to make a de-
African sun. A Global Mission pioneer, liberate decision to go there. Everywhere
Nguerabaye was working in Moissala, I went, people expressed joy that their
Brazilian missionaries Delmar and Natieli Reis
a town in southern Chad. He was on (pictured with baby, Clara) are serving in Albania church hadn’t forgotten them.
a mission to share with the people of and running an urban center of influence because I quickly saw that although Chad may
this town the good news about a Man you give.
named Jesus who could bring them
peace, joy, and salvation. received his modest living stipend for
In tough, unwelcoming conditions, more than 12 months. I was shocked.
Nguerabaye—a married man with four Global Mission pioneers sacrifice
children—was planting a new group of enough without this type of neglect.
believers. He had already led nearly 50 But at no stage did he complain to me
people to baptism. Among those new about his situation.
believers, I met former prostitutes and Finally I asked him how he and his
alcoholics who had found new lives family were surviving, and he simply
through Jesus. said, “It is hard.”
American missionaries Olen and Danae Netteburg
Nguerabaye told me how he and his “Why have you kept working?” (pictured with their children Lyol, Zane, Addison, and
Global Mission partner had been treated “I want to free people from guilt Juniper) serve at Bere Adventist Hospital in Chad because
you give.
as if they were animals. Mistaken for an by telling them about the blood of
occult group, they weren’t even permit- Jesus.” have been rich in resources, the coun-
ted to buy produce at the market. But On Sabbath morning, hundreds of try’s people weren’t benefiting. It has one
they just kept praying. townspeople gathered to hear the gos- of the lowest per-capita incomes in the
A boy in town had severe mental health pel preached. Nguerabaye, leading from world, and the Adventist Church was op-
challenges and was tied down with chains. the front, was a proud parent looking out erating with meager resources. The Chad
The two pioneers came and prayed for at his new children in the faith. Mission had one old vehicle, and the sec-
him. After three days, he came to his senses It was inspiring for me to meet Nguer- retary-treasurer didn’t even own a bicycle,
and asked to be released. “I’m not sick, I’m abaye and several other pioneers work- yet the Seventh-day Adventist Church was
healed,” he said. After his full recovery, the ing on the frontlines of mission in Chad. alive and witnessing. They had programs
people of Moissala decided the pioneers But they weren’t there by accident. They and projects. They were reaching out to
were magicians. were serving because of the way you the community. People were finding hope
I then discovered that through some and millions of other church members in Jesus. There was a humble office for
glitch in the system, Nguerabaye had not around the world have sacrificially given the Chad Mission, and there were church-
4 January – March 2021 s t e wa r d s h i p. a d v e n t i s t. o r g
es, schools, and even a hospital. Through- probably never visit. We’re helping plant houses, media outreach, publishing,
out the country there were nearly 1,500 churches we may never worship in. We’re church planting, and so much more.
baptized Adventists, and a large team of bringing life to the church’s mission. We’re helping the church stay alive in
Global Mission pioneers were planting areas where many church members earn
new groups of believers. SQUEAKY WHEELS AND A MISSION less than a dollar a day. We’re making
How had that happened? I would RIVER sure that wheels that can’t squeak also
suggest that it was through the work of After that first visit, I began thinking get some grease.
the Holy Spirit and faithful church mem- about the old expression “the squeaky
bers around the world who had been wheel gets the grease.” Roughly translated A WORLDWIDE COMMITMENT
systematically giving their tithes and of- it means that whoever makes the most The Seventh-day Adventist Church
ferings through the years, not knowing noise gets the most funding. Today in finds its strength in mission. Through the
exactly where each dollar would end up. I the church some wheels squeak loudly years, Seventh-day Adventists have gen-
think it’s fair to say that Chad still doesn’t and with great skill. And often it’s the big- erously supported mission through their
loom large on the world church’s radar, wheel organizations that have the most tithes and mission offerings because
and the average Seventh-day Adventist interesting pictures, the most compelling they’ve believed the Gospel Commission.
probably doesn’t give much thought to They believe we’re called to help the less
Chad or the church there. Many would fortunate, the poor, the sick, and those
have trouble finding it on a world map. who don’t know about Jesus.
Through our giving, we’re
And yet, thanks to the Adventist Church’s For decades now Adventists have
system of tithes and offerings, mission helping the church grow not talked longingly of “finishing the work.”
in Chad was funded by faithful church But declining mission offerings prevent
members who know nothing about mis- only locally but also in areas the church from starting new work in
sion in Chad! new areas, reduce the number of mis-
Through our giving, we’re helping the we may not have heard of. sionaries, and restrict our mission.
church grow not only locally but also in In recent years, millions of people
areas we may not have heard of. We’re from challenging areas of the world have
helping missionaries we may never meet. videos, the most heart-touching stories found salvation in Jesus and have joined
We’re building schools and clinics we’ll that get the big donations—“the grease,” the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Thou-
so to speak. sands of new congregations have been
But what do we do about those parts established in new areas. How are these
of the world and those people groups new believers nurtured? How do they re-
that can’t or don’t “squeak”? Those that ceive resources, materials, and programs
have no way to share heart-gripping to strengthen their new faith? How do
pictures and stories with us? What do we they receive ongoing pastoral care?
do? Just ignore them? Life-giving mission offerings, given
One of the beauties of the Adventist regularly and systematically, help sustain
Church’s system of regular and systematic and grow new work around the world.
tithe and offerings, which Stewardship And that is what the church is for!
Ministries calls “Promise,” is that funds are
pooled together to make sure the church Gary Krause is an associate secretary
of the General Conference of
also cares for areas of the world, such as Seventh-day Adventists, Silver Spring,
Chad, that may not seem so “glamorous” Maryland. He serves as the director
of Adventist Mission, which oversees
or have the visibility of other areas. It’s like the Global Mission Study Centers, church planting,
we’re adding life-giving water to a mission and mission promotion.
river that flows through parched lands
around the world. We’re making sure that
Many Adventists generously give to specific mission
projects (such as Global Mission projects in Chad) wheels that can’t squeak get attention.
above their regular and systematic giving. But it’s Every time we return our tithes and
the regular and systematic giving that provides
the foundation and framework for these projects give mission offerings, we’re helping
to flourish. support schools, hospitals, publishing
d y n a m i c s t e wa r d January – March 2021 5
i serve because you give
LITTLE IS MUCH invited into cross-cultural service, God
GOD
confirmed, again and again, our call to
serve. Our first international service was
WHEN in Sri Lanka, where I was the coordina-
tor for Global Mission. During our time
there, God continued to affirm that His
IS IN IT work does not depend on human efforts.
In fact, our efforts were small and weak,
but we look back and are reminded of
many miracles and moments where we
S
RICK McEDWARD could not deny that “little is much, when
God is in it.”
ome of our ear- With limitations on every hand, God
liest experiences MENA UNION continually used little to provide much
are etched in our mem- for His work. We frequently experienced
ories as if they had occurred yesterday. a need for more qualified people to help
Following seminary, I was assigned a open up new work. Financial resources
successful church plant that needed to were tight as well, but God always pro-
purchase property to build. At that time vided what was needed. During our time
we owned some worn-out furniture, a in Sri Lanka, several new congregations
well-used car, and little else. As we fund- Is in It.” were formed. New workers appeared,
raised for a church property, we experi- Somehow God multiplied committed to the task of sharing the
enced what it meant to seek God’s guid- the little we had, and added so many gospel in spite of invariably challenging
ance as we worked to fulfill His mission blessings on top of it. It became enough circumstances.
in our new community. When the church to share and to advance God’s kingdom I can remember one young man
members were asked to give, my family in the local community. We had no idea who was not hired the first year he in-
and I made a commitment that was born at that time that the lessons we learned terviewed, since he had just been bap-
out of faith and prayer. Our pledge was would one day be valuable to us today tized. He returned the next year and was
far less than other families were giving, as cross-cultural missionaries for the hired as a Global Mission pioneer. He was
but it was also much more than we could church. a humble young man, growing up and
afford to give. It was an act of faith. Most of our missionary lives have working on the plantations. In his first
During the next several months, we been spent in the 10/40 Window, where week, he built a small place of prayer that
experienced so many miracles of God’s we see the reality of the “little is much” consisted of four posts and some palm
providence. Sometimes an elderly man principle. branches in the middle of a tea planta-
would give us fresh greens from his In 2000 we felt a strong pull on our tion. He started a prayer meeting, and
garden. Other times we found bags of hearts to the mission field. The doors did that prayer meeting grew and became
groceries by our door, and often a birth- not open immediately, but when we were four new worship groups. He did what he
day or Christmas gift of cash met our knew, and God blessed him.
obligations exactly. When the campaign Another man took up work
was over, we found that we had received in a nearby district and walked
back what we had committed. Hearing to area villages. Sometimes ti-
our story, one church member said, “You gers stalked him as he covered
did not have enough faith; if you would the miles between villages late
have pledged more, God would have met at night on foot. The groups he
that too!” formed and nurtured were always
The church purchased a property full of joyful people who knew
that it occupies to this day. We learned that Jesus had set them free from
lessons of trust in God day by day, ex- fear. His long walks wore holes re-
pressed beautifully in the words of an old peatedly through his shoes until
gospel song: “Little Is Much When God they could be repaired no longer.
6 January – March 2021 s t e wa r d s h i p. a d v e n t i s t. o r g
God took the hours and miles offered thing special in this large city!
by this humble servant and made some- In the harvest field now ripened We see stories like this in most MENA
thing beautiful out of them. There’s a work for all to do. countries, stories that cannot be told be-
Since 2016 we have been serving in Hark! the Master’s voice is calling cause of the security risk to individuals
the Middle East and North Africa Union To the harvest calling you. who are faithfully sharing the message
(MENA). To say that the task here is im- with others. Each story in the Middle East
mense is an understatement. MENA Does the place you’re called to and North Africa represents the work of
comprises 20 nations, none of which are labor the Holy Spirit, a work that defies national
Christian. In only seven of these is the Seem so small and little known? boundaries and communication barriers.
church legal. All others are nations where It is great if God is in it Every day we see the fruit of God’s love
Christian mission is not legal, and in many, For He’ll not forsake His own. being demonstrated by church members
being a Christian can bring persecution. and workers spread throughout this im-
With a population of more than 558 mil- Little is much when God is in it! mense territory.
lion people, where most do not know the Labor not for wealth or fame. Some people doubt the effective-
basics of God’s plan of salvation, MENA is There’s a crown, and you can win it ness of their mission offerings. “I can’t
considered one of the most challenging If you go in Jesus’ name. give much, so I wonder if it makes a dif-
mission tasks remaining. ference?” Every time I hear these doubts
Currently, MENA has 5,200 church And when the conflict has ended I think of stories such as those of David
members spread among these 20 nations, And our race on earth is run and Goliath, Jehosephat, and the wid-
meaning there is one Seventh-day Adven- He will say, if you’ve been faithful ow’s mite. So many stories in the Bible
tist for every 107,000 people. Our small “Welcome home, My child—well speak of God taking our small offerings
band of workers seems insignificant when done!” and making them powerfully effective to
compared to the populations all around share His love in this world.
us. Even our faithful workers often feel Little is much when God is in it! Here in the 10/40 Window, we can
unequipped for the daily and constant Labor not for wealth or fame. see personally and dramatically how
challenges they face. We can easily ask the There’s a crown, and you can win it God uses the smallest of offerings to
question, “Who is qualified for this task?” If you go . . . change the lives of those who seek
Then we remember the promises of God, If you go . . . Him. Every day we pray for God to pour
whose “strength is made perfect in our If you go in Jesus’ name. out visions and dreams on the people
weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). of this territory, dreams leading people
Whenever we see a challenge so kittie louise jennet suffield (1924) to ask a Seventh-day Adventist about
daunting that we feel we cannot face it, Jesus and His soon return. My prayer
God gives us reassurance through His is being answered. It is the stories of
Word. He always fulfills His promises. Every One day he was walking along a busy changed lives that tell how much my
week I hear the stories of God’s miraculous street on his way to the university. He little offering still matters.
deliverance for young men and women stopped at a rack of books along the God’s mustard-seed conspiracy is
who have found joy and hope in Jesus! sidewalk. His eyes were drawn to one still moving forward through you! I want
Even with few frontline workers available in book. Once it was in his hands, he could to thank the members of the church
needy areas throughout MENA, we see, day not put it down. That book dramatically around the world! Through your contri-
by day, how God is using the little we have changed his trajectory, leading him to butions to the mission offerings, God is
to provide for His work. give his life to the Lord as a Global Mis- working miracles. It is worth repeating—
One young man living in London had sion pioneer. He would tell stories about little is much when God is in it.
a strong impression that he should re- Jesus to inquirers at that very same side-
turn to his home country in the Middle walk bookstand. His life with God has Rick McEdward ser ves as the
president of the Middle East and
East. He could not understand why this since taken him to other places. But at North Africa Union, a territory
was being asked of him, but he knew for that bookstand, he invited many people attached to the General Conference
of Seventh-day Adventists.
sure that it was a call from God. In the to join in a small group. Today, thanks to
middle of winter, when it was cold and his service for God, there is a congrega-
rainy, he returned to his home city, one tion made up of local people worship-
of the largest in the world. ping each Sabbath. God is doing some-
d y n a m i c s t e wa r d January – March 2021 7
i serve because you give
MODERN-DAY
WALDENSIANS concerning classes and exams
on Sabbath, but I no longer see
them as challenges but rather as
opportunities God is granting me
M
to share my faith. Several times
I’ve been asked why I don’t attend
y story begins in 2016 during my classes on Sabbath, and it always
last year at university. Some of ends up with me sharing about
you might know from anecdote God, His creation, and the Bible.
or personal experience how diffi- For a whole year, I didn’t go
cult it can be to be a Seventh-day Adven- to classes on Sabbath, but still I
tist student at a university where they do was able to get good grades. My
not know about the Sabbath. Well, be- classmates were quite surprised.
lieve it or not, this challenge brought me When scheduling the yearly ex-
to where I am today: a missionary serving ams, the university administration
in the 10/40 Window. decided to put two important
My final exam was scheduled to be exams on Sabbath. The only way
held on a Sabbath. I did everything I could ty where I am enrolled, in the tradition of I had to move them was for all my class-
to have it changed: wrote letters, met with the Waldensians in the Middle Ages who mates to agree to move them to other
coordinators, went from office to office. pursued secular activities as a vehicle for dates. All of them agreed to the sched-
They all refused my request, saying that the preaching of the gospel. ule change just for me! Even the admin-
for this one time I should be flexible in my Being in a foreign land is challenging. istrators were surprised that the other
beliefs and that God would understand. I You miss your family, your home country, students agreed to the change. They all
knew that this was not just the ultimate and your friends. You also have to adapt understood how important it is for me
exam for my graduation, but also a critical to a new culture, the people, the climate, to keep the Sabbath, and I know that God
test of my faith. On that Sabbath morn- and so forth. The only thing that you is planting some seeds here and there. I
ing while at church, I pleaded with God for can count on is the unchangeable, am so grateful to God for His ways of
answers, but answers did not come just unwavering love of God, and the promise working.
then. I made a promise in faith, however, He made to be with you always. With this
that I would be a missionary wherever He perspective in mind, things go smoothly. FATIMA
wanted me to go if He would allow me to Universities are amazing mission My friend Fatima (not her real name)
graduate this same year. fields. You meet people your own age, and I met in December at a Christmas
Well, He answered that prayer. He you easily make friends, and you have party, and we became good friends be-
always answers prayers in one way or many opportunities to share about God cause we both like to cook (and also to
another. He answered my prayers in His with open-minded, inquisitive people. I eat)! We began sharing cooking tips and
time! Now here I am, fulfilling my promise have been serving God here for a year, recipes until one day she invited me for
to Him. and I can see His hand working in my life lunch at her house. We had a conversa-
and the lives of my friends. tion about our beliefs and values, many
SERVING AS A MISSIONARY When I look back and think of all the of which we had in common.
I served for two years as a mission- Sabbath challenges I had at the university We soon started seeing each other
ary teacher in Central America. Now I three years ago, I understand why God socially and spent all summer together.
am serving in the Middle East and North allowed me to go through that. He was Today I am almost part of her family. They
Africa Union (MENA) as a missionary simply preparing me for what I am going invite me every week to spend time with
preaching to the students at the universi- through now. Again I have “problems” them, to go to the beach with them, or to
8 January – March 2021 s t e wa r d s h i p. a d v e n t i s t. o r g
attend social events. Her parents met mine, and now our families TESTIMONY FROM A PAIR OF
know and trust each other. But the amazing part is how God is WALDENSIANS WORKING IN MENA
working in her heart.
The first time I went to Fatima’s house for lunch we started
talking about God, and especially about Sabbath. She was sur- For times of crisis, we need extreme solu-
prised to hear about my beliefs and how a “Christian” can have so tions. And that’s why at the beginning of the
many common values with Muslims. lockdown because of COVID-19, we weren’t
As we continued talking, she decided that she would join quite sure what to do. Our dream of having a
our small group for vespers on a Friday, mostly out of curi- small Bible study group had vanished with the
osity. She loved it! We gave her an Arabic Bible and a Sab- isolation measures, and our friends weren’t
bath School quarterly so she could follow our study and even ready to continue with only spiritual-conversa-
share her thoughts about it. It’s amazing how she switched tions groups. But then we saw an opportunity
from seeing the Bible as something corrupted by human to share the health message. Our local friends
hands to an amazing book that she wants to read every day. It were bored at home with plenty of time on their
went so quickly from spiritual conversations to Bible studies hands, and a friend suggested we try the CRE-
that I myself was surprised and not ready for it. God’s timing ATION Life* program. So we decided to give it a
is never ours! Now Fatima often comes for Sabbath vespers try and to have meetings twice a week via Zoom,
or Sabbath morning service. and cover one topic per week.
These experiences are just a few of the many where I have At the beginning attendance was low, but
seen God working through me as an instrument. we now have an average of three to six girls
coming to every meeting! We’ve been able to
have spiritual discussions with some of them,
and we are giving Bible studies to one girl. We
gave a copy of Ellen White’s book The Great
Controversy to another girl. And we have been
praying with all of them.
It is wonderful to see the ways God is lead-
ing us to witness for Him in difficult times, and
He has shown us once again that nothing is im-
possible for Him. He uses even a time of crisis
as an opportunity to show His glory.
When we finished the CREATION Life
program, we met with the girls during Rama-
dan, the fasting period in the Muslim faith.
Later, we held a second and a third series of
the CREATION Life program, which focused
PRAISING GOD! on emotional, personal, and relationship top-
I want to praise the Lord for the church members who faith- ics. We have been able to tell parables, as
fully contribute financially to the mission in MENA. We thank well as stories of Jesus, the prophets, and
you for giving generously to support modern-day Waldensians Creation.
who preach and live the gospel in difficult and challenging en- We know that God is working through
vironments. It is through your financial help that we are able to these meetings, and each topic awakens a
work every day here in the mission field. Please remember that need in the girls’ hearts that only the Holy
every time you give, it may mean a free Bible offered, a heart Spirit can fill. We praise the Lord because He
touched by the Word of God, or a new person giving his or her is the Lord of the harvest, and His ways are
life to the Lord. Your monetary contributions are life-saving and incredible!
of eternal significance.
Keep us in your prayers. * https://www.adventhealth.com/creation-life
the Waldensians
d y n a m i c s t e wa r d January – March 2021 9
i serve because you give
I CAN VID-19, which worsened the situation of
SERVE
those already in great need.
DS: What can you say about the work
of ADRA?
LC: Bringing relief to communities in
distress is not always a simple or easy
mission, but with God’s protection
and wisdom ADRA has been success-
ful in its attempts to bring humani-
tarian relief to those communities
in need. It’s a mission that involves
knowing the cultural and political
environment of the country, which
has been quite fragile for a long time.
This requires humanitarian workers
D
LUIZ CAMARGO to harmonize the efforts between
communities and government in
ynamic Steward: How did God need wherever God sends me. order for ADRA to bring much-needed
get your attention for mission? DS: What are the characteristics of support to disadvantaged communities.
Luiz Camargo: My call to mis- your mission territory? The different regions in which ADRA
sion and purpose in life came as an un- LC: As country director of ADRA operates are fairly complex and highly in-
expected one, even though I have always Somalia, one of the most challenged secure due to several factors, one being
asked God to use me as His instrument countries in the world, it is important the terrorism that has been present in
to bring relief to those who are suffering to know how to navigate in order to the country for many years. ADRA does
and in need. I wanted to follow the very reach the communities in need. I have not take its work and accomplishments
example of Jesus Christ, who showed in- been able to witness the support and through the years for granted. Every single
credible care for the humanitarian needs the opportunities ADRA has provided to step in implementing a project has to be
of the people surrounding Him. It all well thought out to avoid any unintended
started when I went to visit my sister outcome that could jeopardize the whole
and brother-in-law, who were already organization. We believe that God has been
serving as missionaries in one of the our protection and support throughout
African countries. Once there, many the years as we continue bringing relief to
things caught my attention: the culture, the communities we have been called to
the people, and the environment. I was serve.
shocked by the level of poverty and DS: How has your organization rep-
the serious needs of a great part of the resented God to people who may not
population living outside the capital. know Him in the same way we do as
Through the local churches and our Ad- Adventist Christians?
ventist university in that country, some LC: As a Christian faith-based organiza-
small relief projects implemented by lay communities need through its different tion within a non-Christian country, we can
people were taking place. Then upon the sector projects such as education, water attest that the mission is not something
request of my sister and brother-in-law, and sanitation, livelihood, and emergency that can be accomplished only through our
I decided to stay in that country. Later I response. The country is under tremen- own efforts. We attribute the overcoming
had an opportunity to start an internship dous stress due to its violence and po- of the many challenges within the country
with ADRA [Adventist Development and litical instability, making it very insecure to the powerful hand of God, even though
Relief Agency], which resulted in a posi- apart from recurring natural disasters some of the circumstances in which we
tion within the organization. From there such as drought and annual floods. The find ourselves seem to be insurmountable
the humanitarian work took on a life of year 2020 has been harsher than usual in human eyes. We always pray to God for
its own. I have since dedicated my life to because of locust swarms around East wisdom as to how to conduct ourselves in
this mission of bringing relief to those in African countries and the arrival of CO- this environment, and He has been work-
10 January – March 2021 s t e wa r d s h i p. a d v e n t i s t. o r ging on our behalf through all of ADRA’s em- others through the work we have been as God blesses our efforts in alleviating
ployees, even though the majority of them called to do. This call is clearly from our the suffering of the needy around us. We
are not Christians. Lord Jesus, and it is He who goes ahead also recognize the power of our church
Throughout my years of work within of us opening the way. It is so satisfying members’ prayers, which sustain us while
this country I have seen the hands of to see children having the opportunity accomplishing what we are called to do
God doing many wonderful things to to go to school and have adequate food, according to the Bible in Matthew 25:35.
alleviate the suffering of those in need things that many of us take for granted. In a way, we are the extension of the arms
around the country. One example of the The opportunity to learn about other and legs of those who support us from
success of the work that has been done cultures and to live in them together with afar. Please keep exercising your faith in
in the past is the construction of bore- my wife and kids is so fulfilling, because it God’s mission for the world, and you will
holes and elevated water tanks in some is not only me who is learning, my chil- reap what He has in store for all of us. We
very dry areas where people were thirsty dren as well are absorbing it and seeing cannot thank you enough for the great
and developing diseases due to the lack God’s provision when the days are not support for the mission field. We know
of clean water. After drilling a borehole in so good. Throughout the years we have that God has been touching the hearts of
one of the areas, people felt so grateful experienced many challenges, and God’s church members to help enable mission-
to ADRA that they started naming their
children “ADRA,” showing how much
they appreciated what ADRA had done
for them. Another example is that ev-
ery time the people would go to fetch
water from the water point, they would
say “I’m going to fetch ADRA” instead
of “I’m going to fetch water.” These are
things that show how God responds to
the prayers of people, independently of
their background or religion. ADRA has
been following the example of Jesus as
He healed those who were sick and dy-
ing, fed people when they were hungry,
and stood up for those unjustly accused
or judged. In our case, as a Christian faith- hand has been so present that we can- aries around the world to accomplish the
based organization, we believe that Jesus not refute the fact of His presence when Great Commission given by Jesus Christ.
stood up for the outcasts as well, as is going through those hard times. God al- We appreciate all those who are educat-
shown in the Bible (John 4:5-42). ways comes through for us. In the end, ing our members about the importance
As Christians, we do not discriminate the opportunity to serve is not only ben- of supporting God’s mission.
as to who should and should not receive efiting the poor communities we serve, it To our church membership around
help and support from our organization. is also a privilege for us who serve. Serv- the world, I say, “Thank you so much for
We believe that Jesus is sending us ing is such a great opportunity, because your support.” My family and I are grate-
to wherever the needs are, and our it gets you to focus on others instead of ful for the opportunity to serve. “I can
simple presence in those non-Christian yourself (Phil. 2:4). serve because you give.”
countries should show how much we DS: As you enjoy the privilege of serv-
value human lives and souls. ing outside your home country, would Luiz Camargo has worked in the relief
and development field for 15 years,
DS: How has your life been enriched you like to say something to our church seven of which have been with ADRA
by the experience of serving as a mis- members and stewardship educators Somalia as the country director. He
has also been the chairman of the
sionary in an unfamiliar setting? worldwide? Somalia NGO Consortium, a platform that represents
LC: It has been a great privilege to LC: We are very thankful for our all NGOs working in Somalia.
serve as a missionary in Africa for many Adventist Church members who have
years, and it is such a humbling experi- been supporting the world mission for
ence for which I am always grateful. There so long. This support, through tithes and
is joy in knowing that we are serving offerings, is felt in our day-to-day work
d y n a m i c s t e wa r d January – March 2021 11s t e wa r d s h i p e d u c at i o n f o r a l l
THE
to a frog. These examples demonstrate
the extent to which our minds need to
GIVING
be transformed. It’s a radical change in
EQUATION
thinking, in which we discard our default
consumeristic mindset and replace it with
God’s way of thinking. It means abandon-
ing our materialistic values and replacing
them with God-inspired values of benevo-
lence, abundance, and generosity.
Li f e - C h a n g i n g S te w a rds hip Note two things about the way Paul
said, “Be transformed.” First, he used
the passive voice. Let yourself be trans-
formed. It’s hard to realize, and even
wants us to give for our benefit. It’s not, harder for us to accept, that transforma-
“What’s in it for God?” It’s not, “What’s in tion is something that God does for us.
KEN LONG it for my church?” It’s “What’s in it for me?” It is not something we can do ourselves,
Giving was designed by God to help us as we have to “let God re-mould [our]
F
LET’S GET THE EQUATION RIGHT build a benevolent and generous character, minds from within” (Rom. 12:2, Phillips).
a character just like God’s. Second, Paul used the imperative voice.
or many, the word stewardship trig- For those instinctively feeling scared He didn’t say, “Consider being transformed.”
gers an immediate defensive reac- or defensive about stewardship, the Transformation is not an option, but a com-
tion and a closed mind. Giving to Giving Equation presents a simple mand. He was emphatic, concise, and to the
God is a threat to our independence and mathematical formula to answer the point. You must be transformed. If you want
our standard of living. It reduces our life question, “If I give my hard-earned to be a disciple of God, then transformation
options. The more we give, the less we income, what benefit do I get?” This is compulsory. Let God do the transforming.
have to live on—to make our mortgage formula provides understanding about So very, very simple, but in our do-it-yourself
repayments; to educate our children; why people are reluctant to give, and world, so very, very difficult.
to purchase our groceries, clothes, and insights into the true meaning of
electronic gadgets; to travel; and to en- stewardship; information that can change THE BASIC EQUATION
tertain ourselves. the giver’s life and giving behaviors. Everyone is born with two things—a
Our consumeristic mindset is rein- measure of time and a measure of talent.
forced by the messages we receive in the BE TRANSFORMED! These two elements of life are insepa-
media. Our society equates personal happi- When Paul warned Christians not to rable. There’s no value in having time but
ness with the purchase of material posses- conform to the consumeristic “pattern no talent, or having immense talent but
sions. We have a “work–spend–work-some- of this world,” he provided an answer to no time to capitalize on it. As Mel Rees
more” lifestyle fueled by the desire to the mindset problem. “Be transformed,” said, “With time and talent every activ-
obtain things that we currently don’t have, he said, “by the renewing of your mind” ity of life is possible. In fact, they are es-
thus (we are told), achieving enhanced ful- (Rom. 12:2, NIV). According to Paul, the sential to life, for life is time and talent.”³
fillment, satisfaction, and significance in our only way we can counteract our con- Our life is the result of how we combine
own eyes and those of others. When our sumeristic mindset is to get new minds, our time and talents. The money we earn
consumeristic mindset becomes the lens to learn a new way of thinking. is also the result of how we apply our time
through which we view the world, it pro- The extent of the change required is and talents. When we reduce these two
vides the framework of values we use for encapsulated in the word transformed, simple concepts to an equation we get:
decision-making and problem-solving. derived from the ancient Greek word
Yet, a true understanding of metamorphoo. It is defined as “a change Time + Talents = Life
stewardship is essential for us to grow as in form, appearance, nature, or charac- Time + Talents = Money
Christians. It’s a fundamental, indispensable ter”¹ or “a marked change, as in appear-
principle of Christian living. It’s about ance or character.”² The word is used to So, from a mathematical perspective,
building Christian character, and building describe the dramatic changes in form if life comprises time and talents, and
our faith and dependence on God. He of a caterpillar to a butterfly, or a tadpole money does as well, then money = life.
12 January – March 2021 s t e wa r d s h i p. a d v e n t i s t. o r g6:38, “Give away your life”
(The Message) because
that’s how most people
feel when they give. The
rich farmer Jesus spoke
about in Luke 12:13–21
Getty Images
could well have been the
champion of the Me-
economy as he was stor-
ing up treasure on earth
TWO ECONOMIES credit cards or home loans. The reality is and was not “rich toward God” (Luke
In Matthew 6:19–21, Jesus identified that your income, which is the function 12:21, NIV).
two ways of thinking—two perspectives of your time and talent, provides the
on treasure management—on money money to fund your life and your life- DEPENDENCE VERSUS
and giving. What Jesus was saying was style. Very little could take place in your INDEPENDENCE
that where you invest your money, where life without the money provided by your Most of us spend our working week
you place your treasure, is a strong indi- income. That’s why in the giving equation utilizing our time and talents to accu-
cator of where your priorities lie, what money = life. It also follows that more mulate money to live on. We’re striv-
you value in life, and how much you trust money = more life, and less money = less ing for independence, to be free from
God for your future. life. the control and influence of others. We
In the Giving Equation, I’ve called the Let’s assume that you are a Me- want to control our own destiny. We
“treasure on earth” way of thinking the economy Christian who feels obliged to believe that ultimate freedom comes
“Me-economy,” because of its primary return a tithe or give an offering to God. from our independence. The indepen-
focus on satisfying my needs. The al- Let’s characterize your giving as $G. The dence message is one that we receive
ternative way of thinking, looking at life giving equation looks like this: money – all through our lives.
from God’s perspective, is called the “G- $G. When you give money to God, you By contrast, God offers the freedom
economy.” The challenge is that we can’t are, in reality, offering a portion of your of dependence as an alternative to the
live in two economies. The principles of life—both a portion of the life you ex- freedom of independence that the Me-
the Me-economy and the G-economy pended in producing the money and also economy says we need. The Bible tells us
are opposed to each other. Following the life you could have spent the money that if we put God and His kingdom first
one set of principles automatically ex- on. So the Giving Equation in the Me- in our lives, all the necessities of life—
cludes following the other. If you live in economy looks like this: food, shelter, and clothing—will be pro-
the Me-economy, you’ll hate the G-econ- vided (see Matt. 6:33). So giving is an act
omy (Matt. 6:24–26). So we have to make of trust. It doesn’t take much faith to give
Money – $G = Life – $G
an intentional choice to live in the G- God whatever money is left after we’ve
economy, as “treasures on earth” is our paid for everything else, but it does take
default setting (“Don’t keep hoarding for Imagine you have $5,000 in the bank faith to give money off the top.
yourselves earthly treasure” [Matt. 6:19, and you’re returning a tithe of $400 and The freedom of dependence is God’s
first part, The Passion Translation]). an offering of $100. In Me-economy plan. When we recognize God as the own-
thinking, giving the $500 means that er of everything, and our role as a manager,
GIVING IN THE ME-ECONOMY you not only have $500 less money, but we are free to depend on Him; He has
So, let’s explore how giving looks in you also have $500 less life. One of the promised to supply all our needs (see Phil.
the Me-economy. Most people get paid reasons we’re reluctant to give to God is 4:19). If God is our partner, at all times and
every two weeks or monthly, or they re- that giving seems to be making a deduc- under all circumstances, we’ll be free from
ceive a passive income such as interest tion from my future life. If I give, I’m going worrying over the uncertainties of life.
or dividends. At the end of each pay pe- to have to give something up—maybe a “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about
riod, income gets divided. Your income is holiday or a new dress or the latest iPad. your life, what you will eat or drink, or about
figuratively set aside in parcels of money The more money I give, the less life I’ll your body, what you will wear. . . . Can any of
for future expenses such as rent or food, have. That’s the essence of Me-economy you by worrying add a single hour to your
or for expenses already incurred, such as thinking. That’s why Jesus said in Luke life?” (Matt. 6:25, 27, NIV).
d y n a m i c s t e wa r d January – March 2021 13GIVING IN THE G-ECONOMY is denoted as $G+. So, this is how the God will guide us in how to allocate our
In Me-economy thinking, it’s impor- giving equation looks in the G-economy: finances, including spending now and
tant that you get more value, utility, or saving for the future.
satisfaction than the cost of the pur-
Money – $G+ = Life Abundant
chase. Giving is a poor transaction in THE GIVING EQUATION
Me-economy terms: the more you give, APPLICATION
the less money you have to support your You give from your God-given re- The Bible is filled with stories about
lifestyle. The strategy in Me-economy sources, but God gives from His unlim- giving. Each of the biblical case stud-
thinking is to minimize your giving and ited resources (see Phil. 4:19). The New ies analyzed in Chapter 6 support the
keep as much of your money as you International Version puts it this way, Giving Equation. They demonstrate
can—after all, you can’t afford to give “Give, and it will be given to you. A good unequivocally the difference between
away your life. You can’t afford to lose measure, pressed down, shaken together giving in the Me-economy and giving
your independence. and running over, will be poured into in the G-economy. Me-economy giv-
The G-economy mindset is the com- your lap. For with the measure you use, ers—the rich young ruler and Zacchae-
plete opposite. First, the motivation is it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38). us before his conversion—showed a
different. Contrary to the get-and-keep compulsive desire to accumulate more
philosophy of the Me-economy, the WHAT’S THE PURPOSE OF GOD’S and more material possessions in their
motto of the G-economy is give. “Give ABUNDANCE? quest for independence. On the oth-
away your life;” Jesus directed in Luke In order to comprehend what an er hand, the G-economy givers—the
6:38 (The Message), “you’ll find life given abundant life might look like, it’s necessary widow, Zacchaeus after his conversion,
back, but not merely given back—given to understand our abundant God and the Macedonians, and Mary—all gave
back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not why He wants to pour blessings into generously, reflecting the character
getting, is the way. Generosity begets our lives. The word “abundance” comes of God. They recognized that giving
generosity.” The underlying philosophy from the Latin word abundare, meaning to God should be the highest priority,
of G-economy is giving—generous, unre- to overflow.⁴ John says, “From God’s a priority motivated by the grace that
strained, abundant giving. abundance we have all received one God gives so freely. In saving them, God
Jesus’ words indicate a paradox of the gracious blessing after another” (John had already opened the floodgates of
G-economy. In the Me-economy, you give 1:16, NLT). Everything He is, everything He heaven. He was a God they could wor-
but you lose. You’re left with less money does, everything He gives is influenced ship and a God they could trust and
(money – $G). If I give 10 percent of my by His generous heart—a heart that depend on. So they gave out of the
income to God as tithe, logically I have overflows with love. abundance of their hearts.
to be worse off, don’t I? While Jesus said Paul illustrated the superabundance In conclusion, Paul summed up G-
that when you give you are actually giving of God when he said, “And God is able economy thinking in this way: “Observe
away your life, the paradox is that there’s a to bless you abundantly, so that in all how Christ loved us. His love was not cau-
much greater return on your gift than you things at all times, having all that you tious but extravagant. He didn’t love in or-
could imagine. When you give in the Me- need, you will abound in every good der to get something from us but to give
economy, you lose part of your life. When work” (2 Cor. 9:8, NIV; emphasis added). everything of himself to us. Love [and give]
you give in the G-economy, you don’t lose “All,” “all,” “all,” “every.” People who are like that” (Eph. 5:1, The Message, adapted).
because you get life back. And it’s given “rich toward God” are generous to those
back with “bonus and blessing.” So when in need (Luke 12:21; Matt. 25:34–36), and Ken Long, PhD, is a business
consultant living in Sydney, Australia.
you give in the G-economy, you lose some intentionally stockpile treasure in heaven. He authored the book The Giving
of your life but get back an abundant life Storing up treasure in heaven means Equation, June 2020.
in return (see John 10:10). seeking the kingdom of God above all ¹ “Transformation,” Dictionary.com, .
² “Transformation,” The Free Dictionary, .
purely transactional—the simple transfer everything we need (see Matt. 6:33). It 3
M. Rees (1974), I Work for God, Litho, United States.
of money—whereas in the G-economy means seeking God’s guidance through
4
“Abundance,” Online Etymology Dictionary, .
giving is clothed in willingness, prayer in how we live and give; to align
cheerfulness, and generosity. That’s why our priorities with God’s priorities. If
giving in the G-economy giving equation God is the Lord of our finances, then
14 January – March 2021 s t e wa r d s h i p. a d v e n t i s t. o r gPLANNING us learn how to maximize our health.
CRISES
One of the best books to guide your
thinking concerning the broad principles
FOR
of health is The Ministry of Healing by
Ellen G. White. “ ‘A merry [rejoicing]
heart doeth good like a medicine.’
T h e T h re e E s s en tia ls Proverbs 17:22. Gratitude, rejoicing,
benevolence, trust in God’s love and
care—these are health’s greatest
safeguard. To the Israelites they were
to be the very keynote of life.”³
G
DENNIS CARLSON
FINANCIAL
o to the ant, you sluggard! Con “For wisdom is a defense as mon-
Getty Images
sider her ways and be wise, which, ey is a defense, but the excellence of
having no captain, overseer or ruler, knowledge is that wisdom gives life to
provides her supplies in the summer, and those who have it” (Eccl. 7:12). The fi-
gathers her food in the harvest” (Prov. nancial resources, if still available to you
6:6-8).¹ Him; and so long as you do this, He will during hard times, will help to cushion the
Trusting God first and always is the work in you to will and to do according impact and allow for time to seek the best
only way to survive serious future crises. to His good pleasure.”² way to resolve challenging issues. If your
“And there shall be a time of trouble, The spiritual preparation for future financial emergency fund is not available,
such as never was since there was a na- emergencies is the most important that then the spiritual resources and the in-
tion” (Dan. 12:1). There are three resourc- anyone can make. This daily preparation vestment you’ve made in your health will
es that you can improve now to plan and by prayer, studying the Scriptures, and give you the courage to trust in God to
prepare for future emergencies: sharing your faith with friends will pre- provide for all your needs. “Blessed is he
Spiritual: Seek a close, trusting, daily pare the Christian for anything that might who considers the poor; the Lord will de-
relationship with God. come in the future. A strong spiritual ex- liver him in time of trouble” (Ps. 41:1).
Health: Maximize your health. perience with God will be very hard to Having a spending plan (budget)
Financial: Set aside emergency re take from you during a crisis. The Holy will also help to prepare for future
sources. Spirit is the Teacher that will guide you in emergencies. A spending plan allows you
The coming crisis will test every fol- this relationship with God. to control your money rather than your
lower of Jesus Christ. Yet these three es- money (or lack thereof) controlling you.
sential elements (spiritual, physical, and HEALTH With a spending plan, you understand
financial resources) are crucial factors for Our physical health may vary by what at the beginning of the month what is
survival. The first two are portable and dif- our heredity and historical habits have needed, and you have decided where the
ficult to take away from you. These first left to us. At any point in time we can money will go. After gaining experience
two essentials will prepare you for what- choose to improve our health by seeking in planning your personal spending, you
ever your circumstances might be during to understand the teachings on health will find that you have funds to pay your
the next emergency. that God has shared with the Seventh- bills when they are due, and you may find
day Adventist Church: drinking pure wa- that you have money still available at the
SPIRITUAL ter, eating a plant-based diet, and (with end of the month.
Our spiritual relationship with God is guidance from your physician) imple- In the recent COVID-19 pandemic many
the most important element of planning menting an exercise program. Our health people had no spending plan and no re-
for and surviving an emergency. Jesus may be compromised by poor habits serve resources to assist them in making it
understood this important survival factor. and practices in the past, but there is no through the time of mass unemployment.
“Christ changes the heart. He abides better time than now to improve your A spending plan will help you to set aside
in your heart by faith. You are to maintain health. With God’s mercy and blessing, resources for emergencies, as the ant does
this connection with Christ by faith and the body may restore itself. in our opening Bible text (Prov. 6:6-8).
the continual surrender of your will to Many resources are available to help An important part of this spending
d y n a m i c s t e wa r d January – March 2021 15You can also read
