A look at life in lame and small churches CANA% I 4 II ARMENTIST � February 1997 ESSENGER 1 -=ffroimumor oi or The New Messenger: Forum for Dialogue Who to call: Shelley Nolan (left), managing editor - contact for editorial issues and general inquiries - phone 905/433-0011 ext. 112 Joan Tanasiychuk (center), production assistant contact for all advertising - ext. 111 Nicole Jordan (right), circulation coordi- nator - contact for address changes and circulation inquiries - ext. 0. W elcome to the new edition of the Canadian Adventist Messenger. Over the past several months, we have been preparing for a transition in staffing and production. June Polishuk retired after many years of admirable editorial service, and I have joined the Messenger as managing editor. As well, the production process has been trans- ferred from the experienced hands of Allan Colleran and Robin Carby at Maracle Press; the design and layout will now be done in the Messenger office by myself and production assis- tant Joan Tanasiychuk. In the pages ahead, you will notice both design and con- tent changes. I would like to thank the mem- bers of the Messenger Operations Committee for their hard work and end- less flow of creative ideas in planning feature articles and new sections. The members of the committee are: Kay Bacchus, Farrell Hall, Howard Homenchuk, Clareleen Ivany, Joan Tanasiychuk, and Dirk Zinner. Let us know what you think about new sec- tions such as Feature of the Month, Youth Alive, New Member Profile, and The Messenger Asks. Our vision for the Messenger is to become an interactive publication, where we can serve as a forum for dia- logue between readers and the leaders of the SDA Church in Canada, as well as between readers across the country. We know how many active, talented, and inspiring Adventists exist across Canada, and we believe the Messenger is a place where those ideas and gifts can be shared across the miles. Let's pool our talents! We hope you will share our vision for the magazine: We intend that the Canadian Adventist Messenger will: 1. Inspire readers - By painting a vision of a vibrant, relevant church that invites commitment and involvement. 2. Educate readers - By stimulating thought, showing spiritual gifts and Christian skills in action, and expanding understanding of the Adventist church. 3. Encourage readers - By nurturing all segments of our church community, sharing spiritual insights and practical applications, and building a network of people and resources. How will we fulfill this vision? By: • focusing on Canadian members, issues, and achievements • presenting candid discussions and multiple viewpoints • describing what works, what doesn't, and why • emphasizing the human interest element in stories • using visual elements to spark curiosity and hold attention • creating interactive channels for reader involvement • providing contact information for follow-up by readers Throughout this issue, we describe our new features and how you can become involved. As well, if you have story ideas, please give me a call! I'm looking forward to beginning a dia- logue with our Messenger readers. Do drop us a line - our ears are open (and Compuserve never sleeps!). I by Shelley Nolan Managing Editor 2 � February 1997 Messenger HEART TO HEART Meaningful Worship Shortchanged? A quick glance at nature reveals a God who is the author of variety. He specializes in the creation of varied tastes, textures, sizes, shapes, and colours. His creativity is not limited to the natural world but is discernible also in the talents and spiri- tual gifts that He has given to us indi- vidually. How would it be if, in our church families, we were each enabled to discov- er our spiritual gifts and then use them to the benefit of the church? The use of individual spiritual gifts could be a pow- erful means of enhancing worship ser- vices, and at the same time provide each individual with the opportunity to be meaningfully involved in ministry. This may seem idealistic, yet, is it impossible? It's easy to throw up our hands and say this will never happen because no one will listen, no one wants to change. If this were the attitude of our gifted ancestors, where would electricity and telecommunication be today? Is the answer then to maintain the status quo and traditionalism at the expense of more meaningful worship? Worship that could more effectively meet the varied spiritual and emotional needs of our members? In Mark 7:8, Jesus registered his con- cern about traditionalism taking prece- dence over the real purpose of worship when He said, "You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." Too often we substitute tra- ditionalism for spirituality and Biblical authenticity. This robs us of creative, innovative, meaningful, fulfilling and interesting forms of worship. For example, have you ever observed the reaction of some to the idea of changing the order or time of the service on Sabbath morning? I have heard some amazing stories of members thinking the church had apostatized just because their com- fort level was disturbed by the introduc- tion of an innovative idea. I am in no way advocating for the introduction of anything sacreligious. Our services should always be worship- ful, spiritual, and uplifting. However, I am advocating freshness, relevancy, and creativity in the context of true Biblical worship. As we allow God to help us recog- nize the difference between traditional- ism and spirituality, may we resolve to make our times of worship meaningful, relevant, and inspiring. • Too often we substitute traditionalism for spirituality and Biblical authenticity. This robs us of creative, innovative, meaningful, fulfilling and interesting forms of worship. by Orville Parchment, President of the SDA Church in Canada Send Us Your Letters! Beginning with the April issue, the Messenger will publish letters to the editor. We welcome your reaction to any of the articles and topics in this issue. Please note these guidelines: • Refer to a specific article and issue date. � • Submit your letters by the deadlines published in the • Include your full name, address and � masthead (page 27) and address them to Letters to the Editor. home and daytime phone numbers. � • We reserve the right to edit for clarity and space. • Keep your comments to 150 words or less. I Fax: 905/433-0982 • Mail: Canadian Adventist Messenger 1148 King Street East Oshawa, ON L1H 1H8 • E-mail: 74617.3507@ compuserve.com February 1997 Messenger � 3 CHURCH LIFE FEATURE nuttea EVERY SATURDAY MORNING across Canada, thousands of Adventists arrive at church, ready to worship God and fellowship with other mem- bers. What do they find when they arrive? Some settle into the pews of rented buildings, while others inch their way through half-finished new lobbies. At some churches it takes only a minute to greet the handful of other people present; in other churches, hundreds of faces are famil- iar, but names are not known to everyone. Adventist churches in Canada come in all shapes and sizes. Our smallest church has 4 members and is located in Horsefly, British Columbia. The largest congregation is found in Willowdale, Ontario, where two ser- vices are held each Sabbath for the 1,221 members. This issue of the Messenger takes a look at life in churches of three very different sizes: small, medium, and large. We asked the churches to tell us about their community outreach activities, methods of member net- working and support, and more. Although the churches varied in the scope of their programs, we found a common thread of energy, commit- ment, involvement, and interaction. If you would like to tell us about your experiences related to church size, please see the guidelines on page three for sending letters to the editor. We'd love to hear from you! • Number of members per church 1 - 49 50-149 SO - 299 � 300 - 599 600+ Members in Canada: 45,403 # of Churches: 332 Average church size: 136 members # of Pastors: 237 5% 3% Percentage of churches in Canada 4 �February 1997 Messenger CHURCH LIFE FEATURE Glovertown SDA Church, Glovertown, Newfoundland The Big, Little Church by Dave Crook, President of the SDA Church in Newfoundland and Labrador Is BIGGER BETTER? How MANY members are needed to carry on church programs? The small congregation in Glovertown, Newfoundland, constantly demonstrates what a few members can do. Fewer than 10 members meet faith- fully every Sabbath. As you drive up to the church, you are impressed by a well- kept and functional building. Entering the church, you can be sure someone will be there to greet you. Once in the sanctuary, you feel a warmth radiating from the members. The Sabbath School superintendent takes her place, and a well-prepared program gets under way. The Sabbath School lesson study sees good participation. All of this time you have forgotten that you are meeting with such a small congregation. All of the activity gives evidence of being well planned and organized. Members Fill Leadership Roles in Absence of Pastor There was a time when the Glovertown membership was consider- ably larger. The deaths of elderly mem- bers and people moving away to seek employment have brought the member- ship to this number. For the last several years and part of the nearly 30-year history of the church, there has been no pastor. The flock has been led and shepherded by Wilfred Blackmore, who has shouldered the responsibility of this leadership role since he was baptized into church mem- bership. His wife, Jessie, a lifetime Adventist, has served as treasurer for most of this time as well as holding other offices and taking her turn as Sabbath School teacher. The Blackmores' dedication is evi- denced by the fact that they moved from Wilfred's birthplace to Glovertown in order to be close to the church and serve more effectively. Cluny Moyles was a construction contractor who one day received a (Left) Wilfred Blackmore preaching in the Glovertown church. (Right) Karen Pritchett, Sabbath School superintendent brochure inviting him and his wife, Helen, to a weekend of meetings at the Glovertown church. Knowing nothing about Adventists, they attended the meetings, began Bible studies with Pastor Em Brake, and were finally bap- tized. The matter of a small congrega- tion did not hinder them from embrac- ing the truth. Today they are playing a leading role in the church. They attended an Amazing Facts evangelism training semi- nar in Maryland and since then have held Revelations seminars at their home church as well as in other areas. In February, they, along with the other church members, will hold a video evan- gelistic series in a nearby town. Personal Witnessing Brings Church Growth As soon as the Moyles became Adventists, they began witnessing to their family. It wasn't long before their daughter, Karen, a beautician living sev- eral hundred kilometers away, was bap- tized. Since Karen has moved closer, she now serves as Sabbath School superin- tendent. Lucy Tuff, a charter member, has recently seen her husband join the church during a lay effort. Having been a businessman for several years, he knows most of the residents in the area. Gerald is faithful in working with every witnessing program the church has. Patience Oram, another charter member, has been very faithful in help- ing out in the church programs. Her daughter, Coralee, acted as church pianist until she moved recently. This little self-motivated group orga- nizes themselves for the annual ADRA appeal and last year collected $1,359 in the community. The members have car- ried out religious surveys, enrolled peo- ple in Bible studies, and distributed Christmas cheer baskets. There is no discouragement because of the church's small size; they just continue with their quality programs. When you visit Glovertown, you are impressed by the members' unity, posi- tive spirit, and mutual love and accep- tance. You won't go away hungry, spiri- tually or physically, because you will have felt the Lord's presence, and if there isn't a delicious potluck someone will invite you home for dinner. The question: "When have you felt more blessed?" The answer: "I don't know. All I can say is that it has been a bit of heaven this Sabbath." Fellow- shipping with this little congregation, one sees the power of the Holy Spirit at work. With the right attitude and God's spirit, it's marvellous what can be done. Pray for Glovertown, won't you? I If you would like more information about the Glovertown church and its programs, please contact: Wilfred Blackmore • 709/533-2159 Cluny Moyles • 709/533-6632 February 1997 Messenger � 5 CHURCH LIFE FEATURE Surrey SDA Church, Surrey, British Columbia Varied and Vibrant 5 ix years ago, the 117 members of the Surrey SDA Church dedicated their beautiful new church build- ing, after contributing 70,000 hours of volunteer labour. Today, the attendance has doubled to 230 members. What has enabled this healthy church to keep thriv- ing and growing so dramatically? "Reasons for such a happy, growing church include a strong emphasis on Christ our Righteousness," says Pastor Don Kack. "This theme has pervaded all Bible study and services by leadership and laity alike." Vigorous Evangelistic Activity Public evangelism has been enthusias- tically supported with finances, atten- dance, and staffing. The church has coordinated four public evangelistic series in the past two years, which have helped to attract more than 120 new members. These new members have added tremendously to the love, warmth, and excitement of reaching Surrey for Christ. Older members have appreciated see- ing new, capable members serve in roles ranging from elders to kitchen person- nel. There are newly-baptized members everywhere, and it is a joy to see their enthusiasm in being involved in min- istry. The church's motto has been Give Us Surrey for Christ or We Die. Home to Many Cultures Among its members, the Surrey church has representatives from 23 nationalities and languages. Three years ago the church opened its doors to a fledgling Yugoslavian group, two years ago to a Spanish-speaking group, and most recently a Portuguese/Brazilian group. These three Global Mission groups have had an additional 25 bap- tisms in 1996 alone. The church has been referred to as an international evangelistic centre. If you were to visit on Sabbath morning, you would first be seated in the sanctuary for songs of praise and a dynamic mission story. Following that program, you would find small group classes in every available space. The goal is to increase these small groups by five or more as the large pastor's class breaks up around May of this year. Kack says, "We earnestly pray and work to see Christ uplifted as Savior and Lord. This balance must be a part of every meeting. Lives finding a gospel that gives assurance of salvation and power to change are lives filled with joy and purpose." I by Don Kack, Pastor of the Surrey SDA Church If you would like more information about the Surrey church and its programs, please contact Pastor Don Kack at 604/591-2922. Every new member is encouraged to take part in active ministry. The Surrey church is currently involved in a Metro Vancouver evangelistic series with Leo Schreven. Sixteen of the church's newly-baptized mem- bers are a vital part of the staff each evening, along with several long- time members. Shawn Jeeves (left), who was baptized last year, and Laurier Chabot, who has not yet been baptized, collect tickets at the door nightly. Deanna Minnie (center), who was baptized in 1995, serves as the communication sec- retary and Discover Bible School coordina- tor. Margrit Johnson(right), baptized last year, works nightly at the Bible table with Deanna. Barry and Shirley Dzenick, baptized two years ago, are at the registration table each evening. Shirley is the head greeter at the Surrey church, while Barry is a Sabbath School teacher, assistant superintendent, assistant personal ministries leader. 6 � February 1997 Messenger CHURCH LIFE FEATURE Henderson Highway, Winnipeg, Manitoba Utilizing Resources, Preserving Intimacy n the past century, the Adventist movement in Manitoba has grown in both rural and urban regions to now represent approximately one per- cent of the population. As the largest church of 33 churches in the Manitoba/Saskatchewan Conference, the 423 members of Henderson Highway SDA Church (HHSDAC) enjoy the benefits of a large multicultur- al congregation, a range of population demographics, a generous financial base, an active talent pool, a modern worship facility, and a growing youth group, including a baby boom witnessed in the last three years. Achored in Christ, and led by Pastor Ron Sydenham and Youth Pastor Wesley Szamko, HHSDAC is one of eight facilities serving the needs of near- ly 600 Adventists in the greater Winnipeg area. Playing the Numbers While we acknowledge that congre- gation size cannot possibly serve as an accurate gauge to measure spiritual wealth, we do believe that spiritual growth on a personal level is ultimately enhanced by the spiritual development experienced on a corporate level. With 19 of the 33 Manitoba/Saskatchewan churches having 25 members or less, size is indeed a factor when discussing the activity of the Advent movement in our conference. Like many churches — and as most things in life — the 20/80 rule often applies in our church family's experi- ence. However, while only 20 percent of the membership may provide 80 percent of the financial resources and participa- tion in any church's activities, it is easy to see that 84 active members in a 423- constituent church can more readily complete a series of goals than five active parishioners in a 20-member church. But more importantly, a large church is able to bring so many more ideas to the table when there are large numbers of active participants. "I grew up in a small church in Ontario," said one current HHSDAC member, who chose to remain unnamed as her family still worships there, "and it was inevitable that you would have the same families sit in the same pews and fulfill the same church duties and follow the same traditions on a yearly basis." Evolution of Democracy In some cases, as reported by another HHSDAC member who was raised in British Columbia and Alberta, "a single family could become so dominant with- in the congregation that they would have the power to diminish enthusiasm by members who desired a new experience or even hinder the leadership of pastors who would attempt to bring changes." As a church congregation increases in size, there is a certain degree of democracy that naturally evolves as the impact of individual members diminishes and as there are more people who can participate in dis- cussions that determine benefits of new programming ideas. Specialized Programs and Generous Resources At HHSDAC, our programming plans go well beyond the weekly Sabbath services. Our congregation size ultimately means we have the resources (and the need) to carry out programs that occur almost daily. "I'm not convinced that I could receive the blessings of a weekly pre- dawn men's prayer breakfast if I attend- ed a small church," replied George Mainville when asked about his partici- pation in HHSDAC events. Sylvia Dawkins, an HHSDAC mem- ber for 23 of her 40 years as an Adventist, observes, "I'm glad that our large church has enough members who are serious enough about spiritual growth to make prayer meeting a weekly event in their lives." It would be hard to imagine the abil- ity of a church school, two nursing homes, and one seniors' apartment lodge to survive without the support of at least one large church in Winnipeg. In terms of support for annual events such as an evangelistic crusade or our upcoming prayer seminar weekend, it is often easier to obtain high-quality and popular speakers when you can guaran- tee large audiences and handle large pro- gram expenses. Parents Ministry But even for local and low-budget projects, interest levels for virtually any program are usually high because of the variety of needs that are met by the pro- grams offered. Our recent baby boom, complete with the classic paradigm shift witnessed by some mothers and fathers who have chosen to temporarily leave work to care for their children at home, created an obvious need for parents ministry. Initiated by Cindy Keenan, a former Adventist school teacher now raising three boys of her own, up to 20 parents and children meet at her home on a weekly basis to share ideas on parenting, home economics, discipline, health, and spiritual renewal. "Often we are so busy providing the programs for our children in Sabbath School that we don't have time for our own growth," Barb Hilderman says. Just think of the impact we could have if our corporate church body was recognized as the driving force behind civic-minded duties February 1997 Messenger �7 I think one of the real problems we see in large churches is a super- sense of sophistication "But our parents ministry allows us to spend up to four hours with other adults in a real learning environment and wonderful Christian fellowship with others who are meeting similar chal- lenges." Putting Technology to Work Technology seems to be more readily accessible and implemented more often when working with members of a large church. In addition to eagerly purchas- ing and installing satellite dish equip- ment for Net 95 and Net 96, we were also North America's first Adventist church to go on-line, as we felt it was important to create a cyberspace pres- ence as part of our outreach program. Andrew Park, a university student and active church volunteer, explains that the previous two years have seen our Web page basically serve as an archive of selected article reprints, a church e-mail directory, TV and radio listings for national Adventist program- ming, and outlines for future local events. "But now we'd like to take this to a higher level, much like we've seen in other Christian churches," say Harry and Stephanie Yamniuk, who helped initiate the project in late 1993. "We could show photos of our pastor and family, provide maps leading visitors to our church, conduct on-line Bible stud- ies, create a bulletin/message centre for current members, and offer Christ-cen- tred advice for members and non-mem- bers who are trying to meet the daily challenges of financial stress, marital dif- ficulties, employment concerns, and other real-life issues." As a large church, we are more easily able to make use of General Conference resource materials that are directed beyond our own Adventist audience. Lindsey Domaschuk, an active member of the young adult division, has long admired TV commer- cials professionally produced by other non-Adventist churches. As a long-dis- tance cycling enthusiast, he is eagerly looking forward to working with other HHSDAC members who have ordered a sample video kit featuring Adventist- produced commercials that highlight water skiers, rock climbers, mountain bikers, and snow boarders who also hap- pen to think it's important to fit God in their lives. "I'd like to explore the option of air- ing these commercials here in Winnipeg in an attempt to invite even more youth here at our own church," Domaschuk says. Participation in Community Issues So what do non-members see in our large church? How do they perceive the Advent movement and on what basis do they judge our church members as par- ticipants in the community at large? "Whether appealing to councilors at Winnipeg City Hall on Sunday shop- ping issues, imploring members of the Manitoba Legislature to ensure Adventists still have an active role to play in health, or addressing a Senate committee revising national legislation concerning tax implications of financial contributions to churches and charitable groups, I have always found that politi- cians and business leaders tend to better appreciate the message of a large con- stituency," says Bret Dobbin. Over the past two years, he has voluntarily repre- sented the Manitoba/Saskatchewan Conference in the face of health reform that threatens Adventist governance in their own facilities. On a larger scale, many members mentioned that they would like to see HHSDAC formally participate in a more "back-to-basics" community approach including Adventists joining members from other Christian churches in running soup kitchens, adopting Winnipeg-area portions of the Trans Canada highway to perform litter patrol, volunteering to tell stories at local libraries, or creating audio book tapes for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. "Individual Adventists are to be com- mended for already carrying out these civic-minded duties," reports Rob Ivany, "but just think of the impact we could have if our corporate church body was recognized as the driving force behind these actions." Ivany, a director of nursing at one of our two local Adventist personal care homes, has long been a member of the Rotary Club, but suggests that "our church could take this one step further and have our nominating committee assign this community duty as a church office, thereby ensuring that each of the local service/business/community clubs would see HHSDAC in a well-balanced sacred and secular light." Consolidation or Division? Lora-Lee Toop and Neva Pieper, active leaders in the Cradle Roll divi- sion, would like to see our large church take on an even larger persona. Proponents of a campus concept, they have suggested that "it would be ideal for all four Winnipeg churches to join congregations, pool resources, work with each other's pastors, and centralize our efforts in healthcare, education, and We were North America's first Adventist church to go on-line 8 �February 1997 Messenger worship in a large church newly built just outside city limits where land is inexpensive, taxes are low, zoning is flex- ible, commercial distractions are few, and our worship would be enhanced by a setting in nature." But other members would rather see several smaller churches than one large joint facility and worry about the poten- tial dangers inherent as congregations grow. There are concerns about creeping compromise that can occur as a church expands its base and includes members with a broad set of backgrounds. There is the threat of growing differences in socio-economic origins and a widening generation gap. "I think one of the real problems we see in large churches," says women's ministries leader Cheryl Best, "is a super-sense of sophistication that can occur to the point where we see only the most educated allowed to speak at the pulpit, only the most influential request- ed to hold high offices, and only the most talented chosen to provide special music." Cell Churches So just how does a large church fos- ter dynamic growth, protect itself from the dangers of elitism, ensure it doesn't become a haven for members who want to hide in the crowed, and avoid becom- ing cold to visitors and members alike? By acting like a tightly-knit group of several small churches, of course! Introduced by former Pastor Bob Hossack in early 1992, the ingenious sub-parish concept is still not fully implemented but has been well received by at least one lay leader. Acting head elder Rudy Jacob and his wife, Chris, consider it a privilege and a duty to accept the responsibility of hosting monthly luncheons in their home, writ- ing a newsletter that includes everything from prayer requests to social notices, and reaching out to former members who still live in their geographic sub- parish region. "Of course I enjoy participating in outreach programs such as my music ministry and prison visitations," Jacob says, "but I see a real need for inreach — where we aim to keep our members enthusiastic even after they've joined the church." This concept, which is extremely popular in evan- gelical churches and is often referred to as cell churches, is biblically based and out- lined by Paul as he initiated churches nearly 2,000 years ago. As each cell of 8 to 10 members nurtures one another and cre- ates a family concept recognizing Christ as the leader, cells will grow into 16 to 20 members, at which time they break into two separate new cells. While our church has not yet fully adopted such a strategy — or even claim to fully grasp the concept — many HHSDAC members feel that it's the best way to feel the warmth of a small family-type congregation while simulta- neously reaping the benefits of a resource-rich church. I by Members of the HHSDAC Communication Department Would you like more information on how we minister to our com- munity? Would you like to share your stories of success or outline your specific ministry challenges to our team members? Learn about our church activities (including oth- ers not mentioned in this article) by contacting: Pastor Ron Sydenham - a pastor with 15 years of experience in small and large churches - 1314 Henderson Highway,Winnipeg, MB, R2G 1M4; phone 204/334-4782 Pastor Wesley Szamko - a congre- gation-sponsored pastor specializ- ing in youth ministry and music - same contact information as above Andrew Park - create a world wide web page for your church after finding us on the Net at our newest web address http://www.tagnet. org/wpgsda or send your e-mail comments to Andrew at apark@cc.umanitoba.ca Cindy Keenan - start a parents ministry in your church by phoning Cindy at home at 204/334-2335 to access the materials provided by the General Conference Rudy Jacob - make music a more meaningful part of your church ser- vices; ask about the power of prison outreach congregational inreach programs; and learn how to start marital management seminars in your church - phone 204/654- 1500 Cheryl Best - learn how to be a volunteer women's ministry action worker and organize female speak- ers for your women's retreats - phone 204/783-9199 Bret Dobbin - send your com- ments and questions concerning the church's role in local public relations, written communication and political lobbying - phone 204/955-2507, fax 204/772-9414, e-mail dpconsul@cycor.ca Ivy James - master the art of orga- nizing a vegetarian cooking school in your community by phoning our own registered dietician at 204/633-9390 February 1997 Messenge Politicians and business leaders tend to better appreciate the message of a large constituency NEW MEMBER PROFILE A Healthy Choice OVER THE YEARS, THE CORNWALL SDA Church (Ontario) has presented numer- ous community health programs, which have introduced many individuals in the Cornwall area to God's healing message and the Adventist Church. In the past five years, 1,500 people have attended these programs. The church's last large program, orga- nized by church members and com- munity volunteers, was the Coronary Health Improvement Project (CHIP), led by Dr. Hans Diehl. The program brought George van Beek in contact with the church. He became inter- ested in studying the Bible at a Revelation seminar held by Pastor Richard Parent and continued to study while attending the Net 95 Discoveries in Prophecy series. At that time until Net 96, he was a frequent attendee at Sabbath worship and the Wednesday night prayer meeting. It was Net 96 which helped George make a vital decision of which he rejoic- es today. Being an avid writer, he tells his story in the following poem. I All God's Commandments Obey On many a Sunday to church I went, Overall feeling relatively content; Then to CHIP I was exposed And doubts in my mind soon arose. When a Chipper I first became Then I heard the Advent name; Health and outreach they advocate And my spirit to God relate. Baptism on occasion was discussed And for me this became a must; I was baptized in infancy But it was not enough for me. For immersion into the font I went And came out feeling quite content; The step taken brought its reward As I felt closer to our Lord. Now on the Sabbath to church I go Following the command that you know; Trying all of God's laws to keep And for my sins His forgiveness seek. Thank you, Lord, I've found the way, Trying all your commands to obey; To follow the path that Jesus trod; It leads to Your house, 0 Father God. article by Robert Putt, Pastor of the Cornwall and Brockville SDA churches Pastor Robert Putt (left) and George van Beek New Member Profile The new member profile is intended to tell the in-depth story of one person's journey into the Adventist Church. The profile will show how conversion is a process, illustrate how church members are instrumental in that process, and share the perceptions of newcomers. By hear- ing from these new voices, we will all gain insight into what we are doing well and how we can improve. We will discover and learn how to create a positive presence in our circles of influence and how to be sensitive to the questions and feelings of visitors and new members. If you know of an inspiring story, please contact the Messenger editor for a copy of the writers' guidelines and the upcoming profile schedule. 10 � February 1997 Messenger Orville Parchment (second from left) and Jean Parchment (to the right of the well pump) visit an ADRA project in Juliaca, Peru.The well, sponsored by ADRA Canada, is the only source of water for greenhouses which are used to produce food for 500 people. ADRA Canada You Are In My Heart In October, 1996, Elder Orville Parchment attended the annual council for union presidents in Costa Rica. Following the council, ADRA Inter- national took the members on a tour of ADRA projects in Peru. Here is a brief look at one of the project sites he visited. 0 ur destination was Juliaca, Peru, a community situated approximately 12,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains. As we disembarked from the airplane, the sight of stately lamas quietly grazing by the side of the runway struck me. As we walked from the plane into the airport, we also developed a new understand- ing of the word altitude. We became lightheaded and nau- seated as our body systems struggled to adjust to the thin air. Endless Brown Landscape As we traveled through the rural areas of Juliaca, we marveled at how everything appeared to be the same colour as far as our eyes could see. The rolling hills, the dusty fields, the bumpy roads, everything was a gray- ish brown. The mud houses, built from sunbaked bricks and thatch, were identi- cal in color to the mud fences outlining the sparse and struggling farms we passed. Greenhouse Produce Feeds Hundreds It was the beginning of their sum- mer, yet it felt like a cool day in late fall. As the bus turned off the main road, Ralph Watts, ADRA project director for the General Conference, explained that we were approaching an ADRA proejct. In the midst of the barren windswept plateau stood monstrous plastic-clad greenhouses which proudly bore the name ADRA. ADRA International sponsored these greenhouses. Awaiting our arrival was a group of smiling, colorfully-dressed people. Several women wore bright skirts of a heavy woolen material; it was a cheery contrast to the brown color that domi- nated the landscape. Black boel hats completed the women's fashion look. These folk were very excited to see us. The greenhouses supply their only source of fresh vegetables and roots dur- ing the winter months. They had gath- ered to express their thanks personally. We stood awestruck as we saw the high quality of vegetables produced in these greenhouses. The produce from this project feeds approximately 500 individ- uals who live in the area. One Source of Water Our attention was next directed to a well with the inscription ADRA Canada Funded through ADRA Canada, it is the only source of water used to irrigate the vegetables in the greenhouses. With grateful hearts, the villagers urged us to pump the well and let the water run over our hands. The mayor of the village, also a member of the Adventist church, eager- ly gave a vote of thanks to ADRA for all that was done for the community. In the Lake Titicaca mission, of which Juliaca is a part, there are approximately 71,000 Adventist church members. The ratio works out to be one Adventist member for every 15 inhabitants. A water well and several greenhouses may not seem like very much to us here in Canada. Yet, when only arid, brown earth, and endless expanses of land dotted by a few trees and sparse shrubbery make up the terrain, a feeling of dismal hopelessness seems to descend. The picture of the well, the sole source of water, and the greenhouses, the only source of fresh vegetables, is truly a beautiful sight for the eyes to behold. "Making Life Worth Living" Expressing my feelings is difficult as we mingled with these beautiful people. It was an experience to hear them say, "Thank you, ADRA — if it were not for you, we would not enjoy the vegetables that we now have, or drink the pure water that the well now supplies. Thank you, ADRA — you have made my life worth living. Thank you, ADRA — you are in my heart." The experience gave us a new and deeper appreciation for the work of ADRA. It is an organization that gov- ernments highly respect all over the world. Consequently, ADRA has unique opportunities to share the good news of the gospel because of the credi- bility and trust that we have earned. Thank you for supporting ADRA. I hope you will keep ADRA in your heart. I February 1997 Messenger � 11 Dynamite Ministry Hits CUC T'N'T — the name for the Teachers 'N' Touch program — is a recently-formed ministry of the student services depart- ment at Canadian Union College. Faculty, staff, and board of trustees members have been challenged to a new prayer ministry on the campus. T'N'T is similar to the Moms in Touch program at Parkview Adventist Academy. Every student at CUC has a faculty, staff; or board member praying for them on a regular basis. Some of the students know who is praying for them, but faculty and staff may choose to remain anonymous. Although the program is similar to Mom in Touch, it differs in that the responsibility of the faculty, staff, or board member is simply to pray for the students. If they choose to do so, they may invite the students to their home for a Sabbath meal or may send them gifts. The student services department has taken responsibility for sending monthly "care packages" to every college student. To date, 88 percent of the fac- ulty are involved in this project. This speaks well for the interest that our fac- ulty have in the spiritual life of each stu- dent. How has the program affected stu- dents? Some of them have said, "It is incredible to think that one of my teach- ers would take the time to pray for me. That is the nicest gift I could ever receive!" "Who would want to pray for me?" "This is unbelievable. We should have students praying for each other and our teachers, too." "It's a really great program — it makes me feel important!" We are excited about this dynamite T'N'T program. It has resulted in a sense of expectation and caring. Please pray for the continued success of T'N'T on our campus. It is our desire that the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit may continue to lead and move in the lives of our faculty, staff, and students. • Soapbox Vespers "I'm proud to be an Adventist. I'm proud of my Adventist educa- tion. I was privileged to go to an Adventist academy for 12 years. Even though my teachers here have a lot to do, they have always. been there for me. Our faculty really cares. Teachers are very sup- portive. I came here from Weimar, so I wondered what it would be like. I am very thankful for the support of teachers and faculty. They are always willing to pray with me." "A couple of weeks ago, about ten of us went on a 'rake and run.' We would go up to some- one's front door in Lacombe and ask people if we could rake their lawn. They'd ask 'Why?' We'd answer, 'Well, we just wanted to do something nice for our neigh- bors and help make your day a little better.' We had a blast!" "I want to tell you about my experience. I attended another college in Alberta for a couple years. It was very rough for me. Then I went to a university in Alberta, and I hoped things would go better. It didn't happen. I went to classes, and there were 200 people in every class. I had a lot of questions and needed help. I became very discouraged. At this time I had been thinking about medicine, but grades were not hap- pening for me. I needed help. Teachers were too busy I said, `This isn't going to work.' I prayed a lot about it. I ended up coming here through some advice of a couple teachers on campus. Since I have been here the difference between the teachers there and how they interact with the students is amazing. The encouragement I get from here is phenomenal. It is tough during finals. Sometimes I wonder if it is worth it and then I get a piece of advice or some encouragement from a teacher of a couple teachers and that helps me. 'You're going to make it.'" Twice a year the students at Canadian Union College and Parkview Adventist Academy plan what they have called A Soapbox Vespers. They invite their peers to reserve time to express their views. At vespers, the students mount a box and expound; when they finish, other students may respond. This meeting has lasted for a couple of hours, and often those in charge must call for the meeting to end. Here are a few of the testimonies from students at the last Soapbox Vespers. iott c,atit Xeve oleeittvg,O.e tkits salists`l � 6,0 bec.2,0se .:41-tatey G°& ciks yzA to 6.0 Otte ho-v4 \ vs& vt Otskvt kke � 0.ve yotl tVe cottts.ge to 12 � February 1997 Messenger the Than "By the time June came I had made the decision to go to a school in Toronto. One day my parents asked, 'Why is it that you don't want to go to CUC?' 'I just don't want to go to CUC,' I answered. Then I said, 'OK, I'll go.' So, I'm here now and am so happy I made that decision. This has been a very positive experi- ence. I want to take this time to commend the faculty, staff, and deans. I have been really impressed. Even the students have taken the initiative to start some- thing — I have been quite impressed. I have definitely changed. For me I see God lead- ing in my life. It has a lot to do with the teachers and good friends and it has just been very positive." UPDATE Opportunities to Fund • Student financial assistance • Student employment scholarships (summer scholarships and work program in churches) • Computer technology (21st-century classroom, internet) • Academic capital equipment (autoclave, ultracentrifuge, microscopes) • Major campus renovation (administration building) • Library building fund Fundraising results as of December 31 • Cash and pledges • Number of donors (The goal is for 10,000 individuals to participate.) $100,000 $100,000 $400,000 $100,000 $150,000 $150,000 $107,519 285 Total: $1 million You are invited to become a faith supporter of Canadian Union College If a self-addressed envelope and pledge card are not available at your local church, use a tithe envelope and mark your gift The Plan for CUC. Call the toll-free number below to donate using your Visa or Master Card. CUC Alumnus Receives Dental Student Award Glen Fung, a senior school of dentistry student at Loma Linda University and an alumnus of CUC, was selected to recieve the Dental Student Scholarship Award from the Pierre Fauchard Academy. The $1,400 scholarship is des- ignated for a student who has "demon- strated the greatest potential of develop- ing into an outstanding leader in the dental profession," according to the guidelines for the award. This scholarship is made possible by the foundation of Pierre Fauchard Academy and was offered for the first time this year. The academy, an interna- tional honor dental organization, is offering this scholarship to each of the 54 schools of dentistry in the United States, and 28 schools outside the United States. I Appreciation and commendation go to those who have become the advance guard for this special investment opportunity in our young people. Our goal: $1 million dollars each year (This is a five-year fundraising campaign. Our fiscal year is from September 1 to August 31.) Canadian Union College 235 College Avenue, College Heights, Alberta T4L 2E5 1-800-661-8129 February 1997 Messenger � 13 YOUTH LIVE One Foot In, One Foot Out: How Strong Should Our Ties Be with the World? The Conservative View The Liberal View Ilk& III1‘. by Ruth Ramlalsingh, a senior at Crawford Adventist Academy in Toronto, Ontario We possess a natural tendency to categorize an Adventist as either good or bad. Well, have I got news for you! There is no such thing as a "bad Adventist" or a "good Adventist." One is either an Adventist or not. The whole concept of compromise should not even exist within the church. You can either have your foot in or you can have your foot out. Christian education should be made a part of every Adventist's life. One's focus should not solely be on education, but education should be incorporated with religion. Mark 8:36 says, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?" In a Christian environment, the prayers, devotions, weeks of prayer, and retreats are able to solidify one's relationship with God, which therefore prepares them for the Lord's second coming. It is important that one's "special" relationships involve peo- ple within the church. One often mirrors the actions of one's friends. Peer pressure is so prevalent during this day and age that one may be inveigled to indulge in the nefarious practices of friends. The mate one chooses should also be one who has a solid relationship with the Lord. Oftentimes it is difficult to convert a loved one. In fact, instead of helping the person, one is pulled down further. The Fashion and Entertainment Questions are n praise sh ber is that in which wil spent our time here on earth! • by Monique Lewis, a senior at Crawford Adventist Academy in Toronto, Ontario Why is it that whenever an individual has an opinion that is not in perfect accord with church members' regulations, Christians respond by saying, "Those are worldly thoughts."? Since we are Christians, there is obviously a standard that we should follow in order to reflect Christ in our lives. But there is nothing wrong with being liberal and open-minded when dealing with certain aspects of life. It is the principle behind the situation that should guide our conscience, not old- fashioned regulations that many modest Christians have appended to God's laws. Choosing Schools and Friends One of the most important decisions made is our form of education, because education is the key to a productive life. Many believe that Christian education is the only way; by doing so, they fail to realize that being in a public school sys- tem does not mean a person will be deprived of a Christian lifestyle. If a person was taught from childhood that their life should reflect God, going to either a Christian or non- Christian school should not hinder them. Another decision has to do with whom we choose to have relationships. Friends are important, whether they are Christian or even if they are not. Just as one might argue that non- Christians may have a negative influence, realize that as Christians, we have a positive one. Sharing the truth about God with people who already know about it is fatuous. We need to share with others and bring them doser to God. A third controversial issue is fashion. The arguments between "modest and extravagant" have reverberated through every congregation. As Christians we should dress modestly, but there is nothing wrong with keeping up with new trends. Being in style does not mean that you dress "worldly." As long as your style is tasteful, this topic need not be an issue. Finally, the most hackneyed issue: entertainment. Many people make the Christian lifestyle burdensome; it is as though Christians must only read their Bibles and pray, and everything else is worldly. Watching TV and listening to music with a hint of beat is not wrong. As long as we do not lose our focus as Christians, our entertainment should not lead us astray. There will always be discussions about what is right or wrong. However, we must decide if we can live with one foot in and one foot out. All our decisions have their results, so make choices that will reflect God in your life and will help keep both feet on higher ground. • We should not have to keep up with worldly fashion. In 1 Timothy 2:9 it says, "In like manner also, that the women I4g. adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and mod- eration, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly cloth- : 04%in " This text alone explains the way in which we must dress. The bottom line is that one can spend such enormous amounts of money to "keep with the flow" that fashion eventually becomes an idol. Instead of such unnecessary expenditures, the money could perhaps be used to benefit the less fortunate. Finally, the types of entertainment we involve ourselves in should be wholesome. Philippians 4:8 says that whatever things ust, pure, lovely, of good report, of virtue, and of e meditated on. The essential thing to remem- lite end, God will hold us responsible for the way 14 � February 1997 Messenger NEWS Youth Live Each month, teenage readers from a selected church school are invited to put together an article of their choice.The Messenger is interested in hearing the viewpoints and opinions of youth ....What have been your experiences in churches, schools, youth groups, and families? What are your opinions of church standards? What values are important to you? What do you appreciate about your local pastor and youth leaders? How can your churches offer a greater role for youth? If your class is interested in writing for the Messenger, please contact the editor for a copy of the writers' guidelines and upcoming schedule. If you aren't a church school student, don't worry! We'd love to hear from you and/or your local church youth group! I UPCOMING OFFERINGS Adventist World Radio Radio Irrigates Me with the "True Doctrine": The story of Qing Peng, a new believer in China I used to think that we lived a rich life. We filled our spare time with watching television, playing cards and MahjonK. At night we went to the dance hall or played karaoke singing the latest hit songs. I thought I was living a lush and "well-watered" life. My friends laughed and joked a lot. We seemed to be happy. But as time passed, the music seemed to leave me perplexed and hopeless. Pleasure no longer left me content. Something was wrong. I said to one of my friends, "I have to do something more with my life. This all seems like nonsense to me." He could only answer, "I like having a good time. I'm not going to change." But what could I do? I had trained as an appliance technician, so I began running a ser- vice shop for home appliances. I brushed up on my knowledge of electricity, and particularly radio. Many people have simple Chinese radios that they would like converted to accept short- wave from outside our country. In my idle moments I relaxed by playing cards. Soon I was part of a gambling ring. I caught gambling fever. I had no idea how it would take hold of my life. It completely upset my way of life. I didn't want to spend a cent on anything except gambling. I turned into a selfish, false, mean, and unfeeling wretch. My gambling brought trouble. The police raided the place where we met. I had to undergo a course of re-education and pay a police fine. I stopped gambling. A gang of gamblers taunted me, trying to lure me back to the gaming table. They were my for- mer friends. "Come Qing Peng," they mocked. "You are afraid of the police. Come and join us in a game. The police don't know where we are playing." "No! No!" I replied. "I want more from my life than watching cards turn over, counting the scores for Mahjongg!" So I began to cool down and think things through. What they were doing couldn't be the right thing. I had read somewhere that many Chinese are addictive gamblers. I didn't want to be one of them. Through gambling truth and honor were fading from sight. Grasping for easy money had been numbing my sense of right and wrong. "You are going to have to change," my con- science warned me. But how could I change? I kept to myself, afraid of the temptation of the forbidden fruit of gambling. I found myself isolated. Where had my many former friends gone? And did I want them back if it meant going back to that old life I had given up? I was lonely and had no direc- tion to my life. Then I remembered a radio program I had lis- tened to. People who brought me radios for repair had talked about international gospel broadcasts. I had found a program about Jesus Christ and had talked about how.the Holy Spirit could change lives. I didn't know what this meant, but I saw a ray of hope. I felt unusually excited that day as I tuned in the radio. Would I find that same broadcast? Then I heard it — the Voice of Hope from Adventist World radio on Guam — the very same broadcast! How happy I felt as I listened to the story of the Gospel again! The living water was flowing into my life. Now I am continually receiving the irrigation of true doctrine as I listen. My spiritual life has put down roots and is growing strong. I under- stand what a great blessing it is to believe in the February 1997 Messenger � 15 David Cserscics (left) and Bradley Erhardt (right) with the 18 volumes that make up a braille Bible, presented to them by CRS at Camp Chauwthen in Hope, BC. Erhardt became an Adventist last year after study- ing the Bible and listening to Revelation seminar audio tapes, also provided by CRS. He encouraged a friend to study with him, and the friend joined him in baptism. NEWS Lord and how the Holy Spirit can work in my life. Please pray for me. I want to trust in the power of God and the power of love to develop true manhood so that I can be of real benefit to the people around me. I by Walter Scragg, president of AWR from 1990 to 1995, and for- mer president of the Trans- European Division and the South Pacific Division. The story of Qing Peng can be repeated hundreds of times from the files of the East Asia Association in Hong Kong, where radio programs for China are produced. Adventist World Radio broadcasts about 150 hours a week to China. It continues to find thirsty hearts, to create new house churches and to nurture groups of believers. Gospel broadcasting holds out the greatest hope for growth of the message among the 1.1 billion people of China. Please give generously to the AWR annual offering on March 8. Help keep the gospel airing to China. the beliefs of the Adventist Church. This is a real mission field in our own backyard! On March 22, you will again have the oppor- tunity to make it possible to reach out and tell our blind, visually-impaired, deaf, hearing- impaired and physically-challenged friends about Jesus. Please prayerfully consider a generous gift to further His work I by Pat Page, Executive Director of Christian Record Services For more information on services available, please contact your local Christian Record Services representative or the national office: Christian Record Services Inc. 1300 King Street East, Suite 199 Oshawa, ON Ll H 8N9 phone 905/436-6938 fax 905/436-7102 Christian Record Services Thank you for making wonderful things happen in 1996. With your generous sup- port, more than 5,000 blind individuals received materials which told them about Jesus Christ being their personal friend and Savior! After the 1996 summer camping sea- son, we were thrilled to realize that out of 180 campers, 85 accepted Jesus as their friend; 64 enrolled in our Bible corre- spondence school. Christian Record dis- trict representatives are studying with dozens more, as well as introducing them to Adventist friends and pastors. On November 23, one of our campers who has attended National Camps for the Blind in Alberta for the past few years was baptized into the Moose Jaw church. District representatives gave approxi- mately 35,000 new services to our blind friends — more than 14,000 of them being Bible services. One in every five blind clients visited requested and received prayer. The requests we are now receiving are for Bibles, Bible lessons, and Spirit of Prophecy books — all from non-Adventist clients. However, the newest and most urgent requests are for a simple book on I WORLD NOTES Missions ARE Worth It Africa. What images come to your mind? I see a land of much promise. Having returned from a trip to five countries — Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Kenya, Zambia, and Zaire — I was once again reminded of the disparity between Africa and Canada. My travels there took me to a number of pro- jects funded by ADRA Canada. The work in Africa is benefiting many who are in need. I visit- ed several well-drilling sites in Ghana. By provid- ing clean water we are helping to reduce disease and suffering in that country. In Zaire we visited several schools, a water project, flour-milling operation, and an orphan- age that was funded in part by ADRA Canada and CIDA. These are benefiting a great number of individuals. I was in a second-grade classroom which had 108 students and one teacher. The students were sitting three to one desk. Here we would be appalled with these conditions; howev- er, these students were very happy to be getting some formal education. My greatest heartache was to listen to the sto- ries of the Rwanda refugees. What could I say to a lady whose father, a retired pastor, died in the camps and that she did not know where her mother and the rest of her family were. As I 16 �February 1997 Messenger Glenn Aufderhar, new general manager of the Canadian Adventist Media Centre NEWS watched the news on TV and saw the hundreds of refugees walking back to Rwanda, I could only feel sadness knowing that for every 14 people, one is a member of the Adventist church. The needs are great. The mission has no funds to buy bicycles (which cost about CDN $150 each) for their pastors, nor do pastors, who earn salaries of $50 per month. On my return home, I have committed to fund the cost of one bicycle for them. If you wish to know more about this project, please contact me at the Alberta Conference. For those who wonder if missions pay, I can assure that they do. There are many in our world who need our help. God has blessed us with many things. We too will receive a blessing as we share with others. I by Keith Heinrich,Treasurer of the Alberta Conference Kitenge, Zaire - Young residents splash in the current water source for the village, a spring down by the river. ADRA is installing a pump, reservoir, and gravi- ty-flow tank to enable pure water to be pumped up the hill and distributed in the village. I UNION NEWS Canadian Adventist Media Centre Welcomes New Leadership The skeletal crew at the Canadian Adventist Media Centre (AMC) for the past year have worked overtime to cope with increased func- tions and reduced staff to help build modest operating reserves and avoid a financial crisis. That objective has been met. The workload is heavier November through March than the rest of the year. Now additional help is coming in the person of Glenn Aufderhar as the new general manager on a part-time basis. "We are delighted to have his experience and expertise," says Henry Feyerabend, speaker for the Canadian It Is Written telecast. Feyerabend has been acting manager during the period of reduced staffing and was influential in attracting Aufderhar for Canada. "We worked together in Michigan when Elder Aufderhar was president of that conference and developed a mutual respect and apprecia- tion," Feyerabend says. "He was instrumental in bringing the Destiny telecast and It Is Written Canada together when he was president of the Adventist Media Center in California. That has been a great blessing by reducing expenses and increasing coverage and viewership," continued Feyerabend. The federal government, through the Canadian Radio Television Commission, man- dates a list of requirements for a progfam to qualify for a rating called Canadian content. Stations must air a certain percentage of pro- grams that carry that label. Most commercial sta- tions usually use their non-Canadian program- ming time for the popular secular shows from the United States and England. They insist on religious programs that qualify for the Canadian content requirement. In the long run this may prove to be a great blessing because the AMC can address national cultural issues to share insights into the gospel in a unique national appeal. "It seems to be working well," Aufderhar comments, "for the market penetration in Canada is twice that of other areas in the divi- sion. That presents a wonderful mission opportu- nity since one in every three Canadians are favor- ably influenced by the telecast." Aufderhar has served the church as pastor, evangelist, departmental director, president of a February 1997 Messenger � 17 NEWS chain of healthcare institutions, president of two conferences and the Adventist Media Center in California. He was the initiator of the concept for Net 95 and 96. He will coordinate Net 98 for the North American Divison in addition to serv- ing the Canadian Adventist Media Centre. As a special assistant to the president of the North American Division, he was helpful in bringing many of the 43 countries overseas into the Net 96 experience. "Net 98 and the work of media in Canada can be a great mutual benefit to each other in the outreach of the Adventist message," Aufderhar says. In the next few weeks Feyerabend and Aufderhar will visit local conferences to exchange ideas on ways the power of the public media can be of even greater assistance in the work of the local congregation. "I believe the two most powerful forces for the advancement of God's work are, one, the power of the personal witness, and two, the power of the public media," Aufderhar says. "Up until now we haven't put those two great forces in the same harness to pull the mission of the church forward with greater speed and joy. My prayer is that our time here in Canada will help accomplish that objective. "I believe Canada offers a beautiful place to develop a model that works here and may ulti- mately help the Lord recapture some of the developed countries of the world where Christianity is on the decline." I • ALBERTA Teachers Work Together at Mamawi Atosketan Native School Five teachers and a support staff of three strive daily for excellence in Christian education for the 100 students of Mamawi Atosketan Native School (MANS), located nothwest of Ponoka, Alberta. Their mission is "to provide quality edu- cation to Native students while also bringing them to an understanding of Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Friend." Principal Juanita Neal teaches language arts and music. Neal has a firm belief in the academic potential of every child. "A common quote we hear from students is 'we do real work here,'" Neal says. Many parents choose to send their children to MANS because of the school's requirement of regular attendance and attention to the child's individual study needs. "When a student comes to our school, typi- cally they may have been out of school for a whole year; they may have moved several times during the year, and many times they are below their age group in their grade level. So, for instance, in the elementary reading program we have coordinated reading scheduling so that the students can go with what reading level they need. We try to meet the academic needs of each child," Neal says. Children are also taught Cree language and culture at MANS by their teachers and Cree lan- guage expert Linda Saddleback, who meets with students three times per week. Grade five and six teacher Bob Spratt has taught in the Native community both in Canada and the United States. "This is a mission out- reach school," Spratt says. "None come from Adventist families. We're here to try to touch their lives. We try to make a difference in their lives by showing them a better way." Part of MANS' commitment to lifestyle teaching is manifested in frequent wholesome recreation such as skiing and swimming as well as its hot lunch policy. Every child may receive a nutritious lunch through the school's soup pro- gram, made possible by the donations of Wolf Lake SDA Church in Wolcotrville, Indiana. Sharon Crux, grade 7 teacher, and Yvonne Heinrich, who teaches grades 8 and 9, work together at the junior high level not only in acad- emic endeavor for the students but in practical training such as sewing and nutrition. Environmental consciousness is also taught, and students of all grades are often rewarded with popsicles for cleaning up the school grounds. Outward manifestations of the teachers' com- mitment to Christian education, sensitivity to nature and Native culture, and genuine affection Grade 1 and 2 teacher Michelle Northam with Mamawi student Krissy Samson 18 � February 1997 Messenger Pastor Sereivud and Vandy Ly Fred Sanjenko NEWS for the children are seen in classrooms. Carol von Gunten, grade 3 and 4 teacher, has a picture of Jesus above the doorway in her class. Michelle Northam, CUC graduate, and aide Bettyanne Tompkins gather grade 1 and 2 students around them to read Bible stories and have the children's bat and bear creations hanging from the ceiling and walls. The grade 5 and 6 classroom displays numer- ous articles of Native artwork, and almost every classroom has lists of Cree words on bulletin boards. When asked what she would like to express about MANS, Michelle Northam replied, "Just the tremendous need." MANS needs the support of many to contin- ue the dream of Adventist education in Canada's Native community. It is a school making a difference. I by Heather Reid, a fourth-year English major at Canadian Union College Edmonton Youth Practice Christmas Charity In celebration of Christmas, the youth class of Edmonton Central SDA Church set up a Christmas tree in their meeting room and decorated it with toques, mitts, and scarves. These items were donated to a youth shelter in Edmonton. (Left to right) Jeff Letkeman; Anita McKean, leader; and Geoffery Aalders. A Long Journey to Edmonton Central Pastor Ly was born in Cambodia. His parents, two brothers, and two sisters were killed by rebels in 1978. Ly and two sisters survived the attack, but were then forced by the Communists to do hard labor in the rural areas. There was very little food. From 1979 to 1983 Ly served in the army and the police force. He decided to escape and walked through mine fields littered with many dead to Thailand, but Thailand would not accept them until the United Nations intervened. They were then placed in a refugee camp. While in the camp, Ly began a serious study of the Bible; after much prayer and soul-search- ing, he was baptized into the Adventist church. He became a leader in the camp church. In 1988 he was sponsored to St. Thomas, Ontario, by the Christian Reform Church. Their plans were to make him a church worker. He complied by doing interpretation and translation. In 1992 he enrolled at Canadian Union College, studied theology, and graduated in April, 1996. Vandy came to Canada in 1991 with her sis- ter. Her sister introduced her to Ly, and they were married in Red Deer in September, 1996. Their duties in Edmonton began in October, 1996, and will include a special emphasis on Cambodian work in the city. The church family welcomed them with a wedding shower and wish them God's richest blessings as they take up their new duties. I Vegreville Shows Appreciation to Long-time Investment Leader Fred Sanjenko has been an enthusiastic Investment program leader at the Vegreville SDA Church for 14 years. His latest project was loonie bird banks, which he constructed and distributed to members. Each bank held loonie coins and other money contributed to the Investment fund, which amounted to $1,387 in 1996. The Vegreville church thanked Fred for his dedication to the Invesment project by present- ing him with a boutonniere and a certificate of appreciation. Sabbath School superintendent Anne Samograd made the presentation during Sabbath School on December 21. A fellowship dinner followed in Sanjenko's honor. I by Anne Samograd February 1997 Messenger � 19 Eleanor Wyness (left), of Chiliwack, BC, receives a Woman of the Year award from Christian author Dorothy Eaton Watts for unstinting service to the poor and suffering of the world. With the help of numerous behind-the-scenes volunteers, this quiet lady dynamically organized one million pounds of cloth- ing, food, medicine, and household sup- plies to be shipped to many countries over the last decade. N E 'A/ S I BRITISH COLUMBIA ADRA - Angel of Mercy to Millions Since 1986, when Eleanor Wyness and her team of loyal ADRA supporters started packing con- tainers of clothing, food, medicine, and house- hold goods to ship overseas, more than 42 ship- ments have left the warehouse. How coincidental that these containers leave from a depot at Hope, B.C., for these ADRA shipments do spell hope and help to tens of thousands of people every year. They form part of a larger ADRA International picture that relieves the suf- fering of millions. By the end of 1996, ADRA BC exceeded the million-pound mark, with 14 life-giving shipments having gone out in the past year alone to countries such as Ukraine, Uganda, Romania, Niger, Zimbabwe, Fiji, Monrovia, Yugoslavia, Ghana, and others. As well, 3,000 pounds of personal care items went to assist the victims of the spring 1996 Princeton, B.C., flood. The annual ADRA effort involves many caring people from numerous communities, different faiths and organi- zations. They give unselfishly of their time and effort to stitch and sew quilts and garments, amass clothing and other items from many personal and corporate sources, and get them off to the Hope collection center. But the lion's share of the recognition must go to Eleanor and John Wyness, Supportive husband John Wyness has lifted many bails out of this bailer to be loaded into 20- or 40- foot steel containers that are transported by ship to ports around the globe. He just might admit that the bails - at 125 pounds each - are not getting any lighter as the years go by. who work tirelessly to keep the machinery mov- ing at the warehouse. "What a joy it is to see every 20,000-pound container go down the road to the dock," Eleanor says. "But the real payoff comes when you see videos of people receiving the goods at distant ports and places. That's the biggest joy of all!" In the fall of 1996, ADRA BC joined a coop- erative venture with other voluntary agencies such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Mennonite Disaster Service to form a body to coordinate disaster response in British Columbia. Each agency brings a particular emphasis that complements the whole. The cooperative group may soon come to be known as OVER BC (Organizations Volunteering for Emergency Recovery in British Columbia). I by Frank McMiller, Director of ADRA/ Community Services, British Columbia Conference A 1996 Thank You from ADRA Canada The frosty air whips through the snow. January has become a frigid reality. Most of us pause at this time of year to reflect and reminisce on the year just gone by. We look at what we have accomplished and where we need to go toward new goals for 1997. ADRA Canada has enjoyed a successful program, and we want to express our sincere appreciation to everyone who participated in the 1996 ADRA Appeal. As the figures come in from across Canada, we see the generous spirit of our church family once again.Your support is what drives this program. Thanks to you, ADRA has been able to send food to refugees, orphans, the destitute; send emer- gency relief and supplies to flood, hurricane, and earthquake victims; send a group of Canadian youth to Nepal to work on a development project; and fund water, health, and agricultural programs. Thank you for your participation, time, and support. Only with your help is ADRA able to help oth- ers in need. Together, we are making a difference ... one life at a time. 20 � February 1997 Messenger NEWS Camp Hope Lodge - Look What the Wind Blew In! During the severe winter storm that swept over the lower mainland area of British Columbia's west coast late last December, a total of 180 stranded people were sent to Camp Hope by the RCMP, nearby motels, and Hope Community Services (provincial emergency program). The lodge at Camp Hope was hosting 46 church members from Burnaby, who were sched- uled to leave on Sunday at noon. When they couldn't leave, they were added to the stranded guests. Many of the people felt they would be stranded for just one night, but they adjusted well when they realized they couldn't leave until at least Monday. The gymnasium was opened so guests could play volleyball, basketball, and ping pong. Table games were also brought in. A video, TV, and mini sacred concert provided entertainment. Accommodation was provided free of charge; the camp will be reimbursed by the government emergency program. Food and items needed by the guests were brought in by search and rescue teams. When Highway 7 was declared open Monday evening, approximately two thirds of the storm people left. The church group and other guests decided to stay over; by noon on Tuesday all of the guests had departed. Except for the inconvenience of heaps of snow everywhere, the camp survived the storm well and there was no damage to the camp's buildings. Snow sliding off the roof made such a loud noise that sleep had been impossible. The superinten- dent's kitchen window was almost totally obscured by the mound of snow that had thun- dered off of the roof. People were appreciative of the camp's hospi- tality and donated funds to the camp. Some wrote to the local paper, The Hope Standard, to let the public know how well they had been treated. Much goodwill was established in the community and with the stranded travellers. It was a great experience . . . but we're glad it's over! I by Daniel Murphy, Camp Superintendent I MANITOBA / SASK ATCHEWAN Tasty Fundraiser in Saskatoon The Saskatoon home and school program is off to another good start in 1997 under the leader- ship of Janet Marcoux. The pie-making fundrais- er is always popular. Groups of up to 15 partici- pate each day, both male and female, ranging in age from 30s to 90. The joviality may at times disrupt the classes in the next room, but the teachers can't complain or they won't get a piece of pie! (Left to right) Tillie Krivoshein, Melody Wood, Helen Koleada, Janet Marcoux, Nick Koleada, Rosalie Eskelson, George Tkachuk, Olive Tkachuk, Cynthia Zirkwitz, Ruby Sparks, Louise Gorbenko, Nina Burima (and one man hiding!). Orders of 10, 50, and even 75 pies come in from farming areas where wives are busy during seeding and harvest, from staff members in city offices, and from individuals who would rather buy than bake. Farmers who have gristing rights at the mill often donate flour, and apples are pur- chased at a good price. Up to 800 unbaked, frozen pies are sold each year. I by Christine Brucks Saskatoon Central Members Take to the Mall for ADRA Appeal The Saskatoon Central SDA Church tried a new venture in soliciting funds for ADRA this year: the mall approach. Personal ministries leader Bruce Germsheid felt that this would be an opportunity for seniors to participate, with no risk of injuries which might be sustained on the streets, and for others who felt more comfortable in a mall. February 1997 Messenger � 21 Christine Brucks (left) and Rosalie Eskelson Richard Collins (left) and Michael Malcolm Graham NEWS Pastor Brian Hawes set up the dis- play and was present at the beginning of each shift to instruct participants and answer questions. One lady who was approached kept up a running complaint about nothing being done by the government for seniors, while searching in her purse for what the solicitor thought would be a loonie or at best a toonie. She then pulled out a $20 bill and smilingly said, "But I don't mind giving this to you!" A man who was really interested in the work of ADRA gave a $50 donation. Other donations of $10, $5, loonies, and toonies made the venture very really worthwhile. I by Christine Brucks I NEWFOUNDLAND/ LABRADOR Student Receives Achievement Award The Randell W Collins Brake Exemplary Meritorious Achievement Award is given annually to a grade 12 graduate. The award presentation was made by Randell Collins' son, Richard Collins, LLB, and included a cheque for $500. Michael is one of three Adventists in the school of 960 students. I I KINGSWAY COLLEGE Michael Brake, son of Pastor Em and June Brake, received one of the most prestigious awards given by Ascension Collegiate, Bay Roberts, one of Newfoundland's largest high schools. (Left to right) Pastor Dave Crook; Roger Fitzgerald, MHA, Bonavista South; Marg Fitzgerald; Rose Quinton, Dorcas assistant; Barb Wiseman, Dorcas assistant; Pearl Ellis, Dorcas leader Lethbridge Opens New Community Services Centre September 29 was an exciting day for members of the Lethbridge SDA Church when the official opening of their new community centre took place. Special guests were Roger Fitzgerald, member of the Newfoundland House of Assembly for the district of Bonavista South; Dave Crook, presi- dent of the SDA Church in Newfoundland and Labrador; and Kirk DeBoer, secretary/treasurer. This facility provides a lovely clothing depot on the first floor and a hall with a kitchen on the second floor, where seminars, socials, Pathfinder meetings, and other activities are held. There are currently 31 Pathfinders meeting in the centre. The building is the original section of the for- mer church school and has been completely ren- ovated. I Interim Principal Pitches In Malcolm Graham has agreed to serve as interim principal of Kingsway until June, 1997. Graham has a wealth of education experi- ence in Canada, having served as the president of Canadian Union College and as education director for the SDA Church in Canada. A search committee has been established to choose a new principal for Kingsway for the 1997/98 school year. I Lishman Visits Kingsway for Screening of Fly Away Home Bill Lishman recently visited with Kingsway students and community guests during a video showing of the Columbia Pictures' film Fly Away Home. After the two-hour presentation, which was attended by 250 people, Lishman answered questions about the film, his book, and his experiences with the Canada geese experiment. Lishman detailed some of the differences between the film and his real-life experience: his refrigerator is similar to the one in the movie, his daughter is the same age as the character in the movie but did not fly the plane, he is married, and his wife is alive and well. As well, his farm- 22 �February 1997 Messenger NEWS house is underground, but the producers didn't think that anyone would believe that, so they rented a farmhouse and fixed it up. Lishman's answers to audience questions about the movie's accuracy and his unique lifestyle made the film and his book come to life. I 94th Kingsway Homecoming Weekend - May 2 to 4,1997 All alumni are invited to attend the 94th home- coming weekend of Kingsway College, Oshawa Missionary College, Fastern Canadian Missionary Seminary, Buena Vista Academy, and Lornedale Academy. Special recognition will be given to the follow- ing honored classes: 1947, 1957, 1967, 1972, 1977, and 1987. For information and assistance as you make your plans, please call or write: Kingsway Alumni Office 1200 Leland Rd. Oshawa, ON L1K 2H4 phone 905/433-1144 ext. 273 fax 905/433-1156 U Kingsway College Seeks New Principal Kingsway College, a boarding academy situated in Oshawa, Ontario, just 45 minutes from Toronto, invites nomina- tions and applications for the position of principal for 1997/98 school year. Candidates must have a background in education, keen business management abilities, and outstanding interpersonal skills. Applications and nominations should be submitted to Orville Parchment by March 7, 1997, at 1148 King Street East, Oshawa, Ontario, L1H 1H8. Phone 905/433-0011; fax 905/433-0982. • How to Make Submissions o the. Messen • er The focus of articles in the Messenger is on news of Canadian members and churches. Poetry will be included very rarely (this issue was an exception!). Highest priority will be given to stories reporting unique activities of national interest. Baptismal activities, which routinely occur in every church, will not be included in the news section unless there is an unusual story to tell. Instead, inspiring baptism experiences will be featured in the New Member Profile section. All unsolicited articles, personal notices, and advertising must be submitted through your local conference. You must include payment with your ads. Ensure that your photos are of the highest possible quality. Fuzzy photos cannot be fixed and will not be used. If you wish to have photos and other materials returned, you must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with correct postage. When sending us your address changes, be sure to include a mailing label. On your address change form, please print very clearly and fill in the code number from the mailing label. Note the new format for free personal notices such as birthdays and weddings. • We will continue to include these notices in the Messenger (not all union magazines do), but by standardizing we will conserve space and treat all individuals equally. Photos will no longer be included. We realize that obituaries are sensitive for family members, but we are unable to include lengthy life histories. Please send us only the essential information as shown in this issue. Obituaries for denominational workers may include a brief sentence about the person's service. Be sure to double check the information you send us, especially names and dates. Personal notices are generally published as soon as they are received; occasionally they may be carried over to the next issue due to space restrictions. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the Messenger as promptly as possible. Here's why the magazine arrives in your mail part way through the month of publication: • The Adventist Review currently pays the costs of insertion and mailing.The Review is usually shipped to us during the first week of the month. After insertion into the Messenger, the magazines are sent to a mailing company, which attaches address labels, sorts the the magazines into bundles, and delivers them to the postal depot. The Messenger is mailed via second-class mail, which means that they will arrive in Halifax or Vancouver a minimum of 10 to 14 days after they are mailed. Deadlines are important! The deadlines for submitting materials to the Messenger will be published in every issue. Please send materials to your conference office well in advance of these dates. February 1997 Messenger � 23 NOTICES MAnnouncements You are invited to Pacific Union College's Alumni Weekend, which will be held from April 17 to 20, 1997. This year's honoured classes are '37, '47, '57, '67, '72, '77, and `87. The featured speaker is General Conference president Robert Folkenberg. For more information, contact Kellie Lind at 707/965- 6309. Crawford Adventist Academy needs you. Crawford Adventist Academy, formerly Toronto Junior Academy, is a thriving educational institution fully committed to developing the minds and spiritual future of young people. In September 1996, approximate- ly 495 students walked through the doors knowing that they would be encouraged and challenged to reach their full potential in their spiritual life as well as in their academic life. Crawford's motto, Commitment to Excellence, focuses on the whole person. To maintain this high level of commitment we need alumni/ friends of Crawford Adventist Academy or Toronto Junior Academy to become a part of our academy. Join the mentorship pro- gram, volunteer to be on the Alumni Committee or participate in the alumni weekend. If you are an alumni/friend of Crawford Adventist Academy or Toronto Junior Academy, we want to hear from you. Please phone, fax, or write and let us know where you are and what you are doing. Elaine Bernard, Development Director, Alumni/Friend Relations, Crawford Adventist Academy, 531 Finch Avenue West, Willowdale, Ont. M2R 3X2. Phone: 416/633-7678 or 416/633-0090. Fax: 416/633- 0467 or 416/633-7678 (call first). •Legal Notices Legal Notice of the 29th Regular Session (9th Triennial) Notice is hereby given that the Twenty-ninth Regular Session (9th Triennial) of the Manitoba- Saskatchewan Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church will be held at the Hill Avenue Seventh- day Adventist Church, 3720 Hill Avenue, Regina, Saskatchewan, on April 13, 1997. The meeting will convene at 10:00 a.m. This session is called for the pur- pose of receiving reports for the past three years, the election of offi- cers and departmental directors, consideration of proposed changes to the Constitution and Bylaws, and the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the session at that time. As provided in the present Bylaws, delegates to the session are chosen as follows: one delegate for the organization, and one addition- al delegate for each twenty (20) members or major fraction thereof. Daniel R. Jackson, President Harry B. Sackett, Secretary Legal Notice, Ontario Conference Notice: Notice is hereby given that the 29th Triennial Session of the Ontario Conference of the Seventh- day Adventist Church will convene at the College Park Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1164 King Street East, Oshawa, Ontario, at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 6, 1997. Purpose: This Session is called for the purpose of receiving reports for the past three years and to elect officers and directors of depart- ments, to consider proposed changes in the bylaws that may be recommended and the transaction of such other business as may prop- erly come before the Session at that time. Delegates: Delegates to the Session, as provided by the bylaws, are cho- sen as follows: one delegate per church without regard to size of membership and one additional delegate for every 50 members or major fraction thereof with a mini- mum of three delegates per church. Organizing Committee: Notice is hereby given that the Organizing Committee will convene at the College Park Church at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, 1997. The Organizing Committee shall nomi- nate: (1) A Nominating Committee; (2) A standing Constitution and Bylaws Committee. Representation to the Organizing Committee is: one individual from among the membership of each church of less than 300 members, two individuals from churches with 300-800, and three from churches with over 800 members. Nominating Committee: Notice is hereby given that the Nominating Committee will convene at the College Park Church at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 4, 1997. The duties of the Nominating Committee shall be to nominate: (I) Officers of the Conference; (2) Directors of Departments and Services; (3) Members of the Board of Directors. E. Rick Bacchus, President John Bullock, Secretary Legal Notice, The Quebec Conference Triennial Session Notice is hereby given that the third General Meeting of the Quebec Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be held at the Westmount Seventh-day Adventist Church, Montreal, Quebec, from Saturday, March 22, 1997, to Sunday, March 23, 1997. The first meeting will convene at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 22, 1997. The Meeting is called for the pur- pose of receiving reports for the past three years, the election of offi- cers and directors of departments, the election of the Board of Directors, consideration of pro- posed changes in the Bylaws that may be recommended, and the transaction of such other business as may come before the Meeting at that time. Each local church shall be enti- tled to one (1) delegate for the organized church and one (1) addi- tional delegate for each fifty (50) members or major fraction thereof and who hold membership in the local church which accredited them. Georges L. Hermans, President Yves E. Colas, Secretary •Births Megan Stephanie Wall was born Dec. 14, 1996, to Darcy and Jennifer Wall of Prince George, B.C. •Weddings Beverly Crombie and Stefan BrOggemann were married Oct. 13, 1996, in Salmon Arm, B.C., and are making their home in Toronto, Ont. Beverly is the daugh- ter of Mary and Dorothy Crombie, and Stefan is the son of Wilfred and Erika Bruggemann. Danita Joulie and Erling- Harvey Grovet were married Oct. 13, 1996, in Medicine Hat, Sask., and are making their home in Red Deer, Alta. Jackie Crombie and Al Stonas were married Aug. 10, 1996, in Armstrong, B.C., and are making their home in Everett, Wash. Jackie is the daughter of Mary and Dorothy Crombie, and Al is the son of Bill and Dora Stonas. •Anniversaries Pauline and Myles Bell, of Creston, B.C., celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 10, 1996. The Bells have 3 children: Chuck and Terry Bell of Salt Spring Island, B.C.; and Judy Kiselczuk of Creston, B.C. Eleanor and Walter Bergey cele- brated their 50th wedding anniver- sary on Oct. 27, 1996. Walter served as the publishing director of three conferences and pastored sev- eral B.C. congregations. Eleanor taught church school in Edmonton, at Highland Park Academy in Calgary, Alta., and at Mission and Deer Lake schools in B.C. The Bergeys have 3 daughters: Karen (Ken) MacDonald, Lois (Stan) Rogers, and Leanne (Marlin) Topham. They have 7 grandchildren. Florence and Ivan Foulston, of Tugaske, Sask., celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 22, 1996. The Foulstons have 7 children: Louise Hockley, Sandra Upton, Delbert, Dalyce McMullen, Janice, Kevan, and Brian. Nellie and Metro Todosichuk, of Hudson Bay, Sask., celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary during the summer of 1996. •Birthdays Elsa Florentine Pelto celebrated her 95th birthday on Nov. 7, 1996, in Murillo, Ont. Rose Nawalkowski celebrated her 90th birthday on Dec. 19, 1996, in Creston, B.C. •Obituaries Nels Albin Anderson was born Dec. 25, 1912, in Iddesleigh, Alta., and died Dec. 28, 1996, in Lacombe, Alta. Surviving: wife Pat; son Raymond (Debie) of Sedgewick, Alta.; daughters Carrol (Murvin) Nicks of Lacombe, Alta., Shirley (Allan) Freed of Berrien Springs, Mich., Nellie (John) Radomsky of Red Deer, Alta., and Ingrid (Benny) Ostrem of Red Deer; brothers John of Sylvan Lake, Alta., and Harry of Sedgewick; sis- ter Myrtle Ball of Sedgewick; and 14 grandchildren. Annie Barranoik was born Oct. 28, 1907, in the Ukraine, and died Nov. 21, 1996. She was married to Constantine Barranoik. Surviving: sons William (Jennie) of Boyle, and John (Dianne) of Edmonton; daughters Janet (Dave) of Lexing- ton, Ky., and Olive (Paul) of Seattle, Wash.; sister Katherine of the Ukraine; and 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Lydia Belke was born Nov. 18, 1905, in Koredch, Poland, and died Oct. 25, 1996, in Kelowna, B.C. She was married to Edward Belke. Surviving: sons Eric (Dorothy) of Kelowna, B.C., George (Lillian) of Rich Valley, Alta., and William (Gully) of Edmonton, Alta.; 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grand- children. Mamie (Matson) Kennedy died Dec. 11, 1996, at the age of sixty- eight. Surviving: husband Gordon; daughter Dawn (Bob) Clark; sister Helen Kivinen; and two grandsons. Grace Best (Cooper) Klatt was born Nov. 18, 1896, in Central City, Nebr., and died Dec. 2, 1996, in Abbotsford, B.C. She was mar- ried to James Best. Surviving: sons Bill (Berniece) of Abbotsford, and Donald of Langley. B.C.; and daughters Grace Agnes Bolton of Chilliwack, B.C., and Betty Best of Langley. Johanna Berglild (Ferder) Koziol was born Sept. 11, 1904, in Eina, Norway, and died Dec. 9, 1996, in Swan River, Man. Surviv- ing: daughters Martha and Phyllis; sons Bernard and Peter; stepchil- dren John, Mary, Carol and Lydia; 16 grandchildren; 5 step-grandchil- dren; 40 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Viola Anna Carolina Lindgren was born July 27, 1909, in 24 � February 1997 Messenger Our beautiful, world-class facility on 1,700 acres is the � Our 19 and 10-day residential programs for Type I and Type II diabetics are perfect environment for you to focus on your health. � physician supervised. 3-day diabetes education seminars also available. Brenda Hargrave, RN Lafayette, LA "I was doing everything I thought was right, but my diabetes had me totally exhausted. My sugar was spiking to 500 even on 150 units of insulin a day. The Lifestyle Center of America showed me a new way to live and gave me back my life. Now I'm totally off my insulin and only take four small tablets daily. I feel better than I have in years!" "'Lifestyle Center of America.. A Preventive Care Provider Operated by Seventh-day Adventist Christians 44. Lifestyle Center of America provides life changing, programs for: Heart Disease • Diabetes • Hypertension • Overweight • Stress Related Illnesses • Smoking Cessation Call today for free information and to discuss how we can help you too. (405) 993-2327 2 hours north of Dallas/Fort Worth in Southern Oklahoma. www.lifestylecenter.com ADVERTISEMENTS Stockholm, Sask., and died Oct. 1, 1996, in Kelowna, B.C. Surviving: brother Clarence of Oregon. Grace May Martin was born in July, 1906, in Minitones, Man., and died Oct. 22, 1996. Surviving: daughters Lorraine Martin, Shirley Wilmot, and Marilyn Brewster; sis- ter Mildred Smith; brother George; 14 grandchildren, and 9 great- grandchildren. Lloyd Melvin Martin died Nov. 12, 1996, in Swan River, Man. Surviving: wife Leah; son Bob; daughter Sharron; two sisters; a bror; and 4 grandchildren. Lela Mary Tall Martinson was born May 7, 1919, near Swan River, Man., and died in Nov. 1996. She was married to Christian Martinson. Surviving: sons Clifford, Ralph, Donald and Frederick; daughters Margret and Lola; a brother; 4 sisters; 19 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren. Gardner Munroe McElroy was born May 14, 1894, in West Bolton, Que., and died Nov. 2, 1996. Surviving: wife Eliza; daugh- ter Ina; and son Milton. Alfred James Aaron Rogers was born June 12, 1903, in Kalispell, Mont., and died Oct. 1, 1996, in Abbotsford, B.C. Surviving: wife Pauline; sons David (Peggy) and Stan (Lois); daughter Carol (Herb) Domke; and 7 grandchildren. • Advertising Policies PROCESS: • All advertising must be sub- mitted with local confer- ence approval. • Payment must accompany your ad, or it will not be published. • The Messenger accepts no responsibility for typo- graphical errors, nor liability for the advertisements. RATES: Classified advertising - $16.50 for 50 words or less; 30 cents for each additional word. Display advertising (camera ready) - $16.50 per column inch. For larger dis- play ads, please contact the Messenger for a rate sheet. Discounts - 10 percent dis- count for three or more con- secutive insertions without copy changes. March issue: � February 1 April issue: � March 1 May issue: � April 1 •Advertisements Wanted: A couple to house sit from June 1 to September 30. House is fifteen-minute walk to town, five minutes by car. About seven-minute drive to sandy beach, excellent swimming, parks by the lake.T. (2 w797)-five minute drive to Penticton church. Call 604/494- 5n5 Southern Adventist University School of Nursing seeks to fill three positions. B.S. program coor- dinator and instructors in pediatrics and med/surg. Master's in nursing required. Responsibilities for pedi- atric instructor include arranging and supervising pediatric clinical experiences and coordinating pedi- atric didactic content throughout the curriculum within the med/surg teams. Med/surg instructor will supervise dinical experiences and teach med-surg content. B.S. coor- dinator will be responsible for coor- dination of functions of the B.S. program. Preference given to candi- dates with teaching experience, practitioner certification, and doc- toral preparation. Positions available 7/97. Send vitae to MaryAnn Roberts, Southern Adventist University, PO Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315. E-mail: mroberts@southern.edu or call 423/238-2940. (2/97) Farm labourer wanted: For grain and cattle operation in southern Alberta. Must have experience oper- ating large farm equipment and knowledge of working with cattle. Wage includes two bedroom, newly renovated home. Phone: 403/867- 2379 or send resume to fax: 403/867-2391. (3/97) Wanted: Families with children for our school, which has recently been reopened and is in operation in Medicine Hat, Alta. We have a beautiful school facility in the country, near the city; a warm church family; the best weather in Alberta; a small, friendly city; and much more. We offer Grade 1-9, with a possibility of boarding homes available. Contact Pastor Norm Manweiler, 403/528-3895. (4/97) Please help. I have 50,000 booklets tided "What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life?" (a Bible study). Will you help distribute them? Let's together direct others to God and heaven. No cost to you. For sample copy write Otis Rupright, PO Box 2872, West Lafayette, IN 47906. (3/97) Computer Bible commentary. Hebrews for the Everyday Man, with fresh insights by Thomas A. Davis, retired Canadian author/editor. "A very good and useful book"— Dr. Wm. Shea, GC Biblical Research Institute. IBM compatible floppies. Yours for $7.00 donation. Postage included. Phone/fax 250/546-8918, or write, RR4, C29 Highland Park, Armstrong, B.C. VOE 1BO. (2/97) Southern Adventist University seeks teacher for long-term care program within School of Business to teach courses, arrange and super- vise student interns, and interact with healthcare administrators. Prefer doctorate with experience in health care. Master's degree with experience considered (desire to complete doctorate required). Contact George Babcock, Academic VP, Southern Adventist University, PO Box 370, Collegedale, TN We're Helping Diabetics Change Their Lives! Our lifestyle changing programs through diet, exercise, stress management, health lectures, group discussions and cooking classes are having a dramatic impact on diabetics. February 1997 Messenger � 25 ADVERTISEMENTS 37315. Phone: 423/238-2804. E- mail: gbabcock@southern.edu. (2/97) Juice extractor. This improved extractor produces litres of rich grape, apple, peach, etc., juices for a fraction of the retail cost. A bushel of grapes produces 24 litres of grape juice. This amazing multiple pur- pose extractor is a must for every healthy kitchen. Price $195.00. Phone: 416/674-2644, visit www.globalserve.ned-thoylend or thoylene@globalserve.net (5/97) Home schoolers, parents, church school/Sabbath school teachers: Catalogue of books and educational supplies: send $3.00 (refundable with first order) to: Nechako Learning Ladder, 1879 Croft Rd., Prince George, B.C. V2K 3C8. Christian art, Bible, Canadian history/geography, lan- guage arts, penmanship, PC games, videos, etc.! (2/97) Kingsway constituents: We need you to serve on the new Kingsway Board of Trustees. On Friday, February 28, 1997, the Kingsway Corporation will convene to elect its new board. If you are: interested in the future of Kingsway, commit- ted to spending time on our cam- pus, willing to donate expertise and/or skill, knowledgeable in spe- cific areas that may be an asset to our school, please submit your resume to: Principal's Office, Kingsway College, 1200 Leland Road, Oshawa, ON L1K 2H4. Phone 905/433-1144 or fax 905/433-1156. (2/97) Juicers for sale. Champion, Omega and Greenpower juicers at good prices and no GST. Bulk charcoal $6 per pound. Free pam- phlet on EGW uses of charcoal with order. Manual and electric grain mills, sprouters, and other health products and supplements. For information and complete list, phone Ray or Judy at 250/445- 6352. (3/97) Travel opportunities for friends of Andrews University: "Visions of the Holy Land" cruise with Dr. Niels-Erik and Demetra Andreasen October 19-31, 1997, aboard the five-star Vistafiord, part of the Cunard line. Learn about and enjoy historic cities in Greece, Egypt, Israel and Turkey. Join Dr. Merlene Ogden for two or four weeks in Ireland and/or Scotland. Tour the "Beauty Spots of Ireland," July 7-23, 1997, then add "The Highlands and Western Isles of Scotland," July 23-August 7, 1997. For complete itineraries and financial details, contact the Alumni Office, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI 49104. 616/471-3591; e-mail, alumni@andrews.edu. (3/97) The St. Albert Church is looking for names of any former Adventist members or non-attending mem- bers in the greater Edmonton area. 26 � February 1997 Messenger We make a commitment to contact them to invite them back to church. Send us the names, addresses and phone numbers, if available. If only names are available, we follow them up through the phone book. Write: Pastor Bartsch, St. Albert Seventh-day Adventist Church, 15 Corriveau Ave., St. Albert, AB, T8N 5A3, or call 403/458-4644 (church) or 403/460-8454 (res.) (6/97) House for sale or rent in a quiet, country location in Ontario. Four bedrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen, two baths (one with Jacuzzi), and a double garage. Also for rent, one two-bedroom apart- ment, same location. Phone: 519/356-2665. (3/97) We love our home, but keeping it up is tying us down . . . Florida Living Retirement Community has just what you need. A total inde- pendent lifestyle for those who want to enjoy their retirement. Only minutes from Orlando, SDA church on grounds with 13 dose by. Owned and operated by the Florida Conference. For informa- tion, call Sharon Craig at 1/800/729-8017. (2/97) I have found a wonderful way to supplement our family income and I would love to share it with you. No experience necessary, how- ever, an interest in health and/or business is beneficial. Call 1/800/ 677-1207 PIN#1367 & 2008 then send a SASE to Cottage Treasures, Box 84, Mayfair, SK SOM 150. (2/97) Attn: Healthcare professionals, interested in learning about a "revo- lutionary breakthrough" in alterna- tive medicine? Scientifically researched and proven by Christian medical pharmacologists and pathologists to have a profound healing effect on the body. Call 1/800/677-1207 PIN#1501, then send SASE to Vivian Saccucci N.D. (B27971)00, Mayfair, SK SOM ISO. Vacation sunny Baja California: luxury 2-bedroom condo (sleeps 6+) on surfing/fishing beach, in quiet San Jose del Cabo, near Cabo San Lucas. Three warm pools, jacuzzis, tennis, gym, TVNCR, near golf/snorkelling. $225/day, 10% off-season discount June- October. Proceeds support mission project. 423/339-0131. (2/97) Central Florida's best buy in quality homes—Orangewood Acres in Avon Park. 2 bdrm, 2 bath, 2 car garage, 1800 sq. feet under roof. Final phase, only limited number lots remaining. 1995 price $65,900 including lot, still available until 6/1/97. Call Royal Oaks Realty 1/800/338-0070 for free informa- tion kit. (3/97) Lifestyle Center of America is a new world-class preventive care provider operated by Seventh-day Adventists. Our physician-super- vised residential lifestyle programs use proven methods that can help prevent or reverse heart disease, dia- betes, hypertension, obesity and smoking. Call 405/993-2327 for a free brochure and get on the road to better health. (12/97) Ellen White CD-ROM version 4.1 with 287 titles. Over 250 images from the Bible and sacred history on CD-ROM with graphics and presentation software. The Bible Notebook—the Bible on CD with Daniel and Revelation commentary and over 125 studies. Contact MLI Software 1/800/382-9622 or www.chosenworks.com on the internet. (2/97) Missionaries needed in Korea: SDA native English-speaking vol- unteers; singles or couples (without children) who are college graduates with bachelor's degrees or higher to teach conversational English and Bible for one year or more at the SDA Language Institutes of Korea (teaching experience not necessary, we train you). Volunteer missionar- ies are approved by the General Conference. Benefits include: round-trip ticket, housing, utilities, insurance and stipend. For more information contact Ray James, 40 Pleasant, Sutter Creek, CA 95685. E-mail: jamegr@cdepotnet or phone 209/267-0416 or fax 209/267-0342. (12/97) College residence hall dean: Canadian Union College invites applications for the position of col- lege dean to begin employment August I, 1997. The successful applicant will be evaluated as to demonstrated positive interpersonal skills, demonstrated organizational ability, previous dormitory dean experience, youth leadership experi- ence, and the ability to provide counselling within the context of a Seventh-day Adventist institution. Employment preference will be given to Canadian residents or citi- zens. Please submit resume to the Vice President for Student Services, Canadian Union College, 235 College Avenue, College Heights, AB T4L 2E5 or fax to 403/782- 3170. (2/97) Are you motivated, have good mechanical ability, and desire good wages for long hours on large grain farm? This could be the position for you. Good housing available. Preference given to non-smoker/ non-drinker/family-oriented indi- vidual. References required. Apply to Caddoo Farms, Box 2-11, Lakeland, MB ROH OMO. 204/445-2069. (2/97) 442) Successful computer dating exclusively for SDAs since 1974 ADVENTIST CONTACT P.O. Box 519 Takoma Park, MD 20913-0419 301/589-0440 CANADIAN ADVENTIST MESSENGER February 1997 Vol. 66 No.2 Managing Editor - Shelley Nolan Production Assistant - Joan Tanasiychuk Circulation Coordinator - Nicole Jordan 1148 King Street East Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1H8 phone 905/433-0011 fax 905/433-0982 e-mail 74617.3507@compuserve.com The Canadian Adventist Messenger - the official magazine of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada - is published 12 times per year. Free to SDACC members. Annual foreign subscription price: US$10.00. Printed by Maracle Press Limited. Second class mail registration number 0912. ISSN 0702-5084. Indexed in the Seventh-day Adventist Periodical Index. Member of the Associated Church Press. Notice to contribu- tors: All unsolicited material for publication must be submitted through your local con- ference. SDA CHURCH IN CANADA 1148 King Street East Oshawa, ON L1H 1H8 phone 905/433-0022 fax 905/433-0982 President - Orville Parchment 74532.356@compuserve.com Secretary - Claude Sabot 74617.3275@compuserve.com Treasurer - Don Upson 74617.3303@compuserve.com Under Treasurer - Brian Christenson 74617.3300@compuserve.com Associate Treasurer - Clareleen Ivany 74532.2135@compuserve.com Communication/ASI - Ralph Janes ARJAY2@compuserve.com Coordinated Ministries - John Howard 74617.3456@compuserve.com Education - Mike Lekic 102555.2540@compuserve.com Legal and Public Affairs/Trusts - Kam ik Doukmetzian 74617.2627@compuserve.com CONFERENCES Alberta: Dale Kongorski, president; Bill Spangler, Messenger correspondent; Box 5007, Red Deer, AB T4N 6A1, phone 403/342- 5044 British Columbia: Reo Ganson, president; Ken Wiebe, Messenger correspondent; Box 1000, Abbotsford, BC V2S 4P5, phone 604/853-5451 Manitoba/Saskatchewan: Dan Jackson; president and Messenger correspondent; 1004 Victoria Avenue, Saskatoon, SK S7N phone 306/244-9700 Maritime: Robert Lehmann, president and Messenger correspondent; 121 Salisbury Road, Moncton, NB El E 1A6, phone 506/857/8722 Newfoundland: Dave Crook, president and Messenger correspondent Box 2520 Mount Pearl, NF Al N 4M7, phone 709/745-4051 Ontario: Rick Bacchus, president; Dirk Zinner, Messenger correspondent; 1110 King Street East, Oshawa, ON Ll H 7M1, phone 904/571- 1022 Quebec Georges Hermans, president and Messenger correspondent 940 Ch. Chambly, Longueuil,QC14H 3M3, phone 514/651-5222 March issue: February 1 April issue: � March 1 May issue: � April 1 lo k• 0 • • l • • oo • • • • • The Messenger Asks Each month on the back page,the Messenger will pose a specific question to readers, inquiring about your experiences and viewpoints.This page will be an opportu- nity for you to reflect on your spiritual journey, exchange opinions on issues, recognize individuals who have influ- enced you in various ways, and more. Here's what the Messenger is asking in upcoming issues: April issue (deadline - March 1) What was the most memorable church program you ever attended? May issue (deadline - April 1) Tell us about a positive experience you have had with someone from another culture. June issue (deadline - May 1) What do you appreciate most about your local pastor? Please note these guidelines: • State which question you are addressing. • Keep your comments to 150 words or less. • Include your full name, address, and home and day- time phone numbers. • Address your letter to The Messenger Asks (so you won't end up in the letters to the editor section!). • We reserve the right to edit for clarity and space. • Mailing information can be found on the masthead on page 27. We look forward to hearing your stories! February 1997 Messenger � 27 [(When you have smiles this BIG, why write a headline?(( 111111 � III � [i � ii � 1 � 1 Canadian (-Union College If a Quality Christian Education is what you're nterested in, give us a call. Let's talk about how Canadian Union College's degree programs can really give you something to smile about. oo.661.Z31 http://www.cauc.ab.ca