4' � k THE ELEPHANT EXPRESS The hilltribe people of northern Thailand live quite far from the main- stream of civilization. Yet, events are taking place among them that are of vital interest and concern to many. We have written to many of you about some of these happenings. However; in order to inform you more efficiently and to give you a fuller picture of the workings of the Holy Spirit among the tribal people, we are going to try to send the Elephant Express newsletter to you each quarter. If you know someone who is interested in news about the tribal work in Thailand, please send us their name and address and we will add them to our mailing list. We hope that this will not be one- way communication, however. We would appreciate hearing from you and knowing your opinion about the things you read in this newsletter. The tribal work in northern Thailand is still quite young and we don't have all the answers to the problems that confront us. Comments and suggestions from your point of view are most welcome. But whether or not we hear from you directly we hope you will remember us in your communications to Heaven, for we believe that "tremendous power is made available through a good MONEY MAY "Money may buy the husk of many things, but not the kernel. It brings you food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health; acquaintances, but not friends; servants but not faith- fulness; days of joys, but not peace or happiness." — Henrik Ibsen man's earnest prayer". James 5:17 (Phillips) From Sow to Cow: Karens Make the Switch Karen tribal people in the mount- ains of northern Thailand who wish ,to enter the fellowship of the Se- venth-day Adventist Church usually have little trouble excluding swine flesh from their diet. But to actually stop raising pigs hasn't been as easy. The pastors working with their fellow tribespeople found it hard to convince them that it is hardly the Christian thing to do to raise pigs to sell to someone else to eat when they consider them harmful to eat. The pastors soon learned that from the viewpoint of most Karen, the economic reasons for raising pigs outweighed the negative fac- tors. For most Karen farmers, who grow their own rice, glean wild greens and vegetables from the jun- gle, and weave their own clothing, cash for purchasing salt, tools, and other necessities is a scarce item. Raising pigs for sale is one of the few methods available to the Karen farmer for earning money. It was obvious to the pastors, therefore, that the solution for getting the Karen S.D.A's to stop raising pigs must be an economic one. It was thought that the Karen farmers could raise something else in place of pigs. Goats, sheep and cows were all considered, but it was the opinion of the Karen farmers themselves that finally helped the pastors to decide on cows. Since very few of the farmers could even consider purchasing a cow on their THE MESSENGER Published bi-monthly as the official organ of the South- east Asia Union Mission of Seventh-day Adventists, 251 Upper Serangoon ROad, Singapore, 13. Yearly Subscription Price $2.50 (U.S.) Editor � R. E. Finney Correspondents: News Notes � Maggie Tan S. A. U. College . Maggie Tan Sabah Mission � C. S. Gaban Sarawak Mission � Sim Chor Kiat Thailand Mission � Abel Pangan W. Malaysia-Singapore � Jonathan Ng Circulation Manager � Hermani Ng M. C. (P) 616/76 SOUTHEAST ASIA UNION MISSION OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS DIRECTORY W. L. Wilcox � President Daniel Tan � Secretary R. C. Thompson � Treasurer H. H. Kong � Auditor W. Y. Chen � Assistant Treasurer R. L. Heisler � Lay Activities & S.S. R. M. Sellers � Publishing M. E. Thurman � Educational Roger Heald, M.D. � Health B. U. Donato � M.V. and P.R. SABAH MISSION Acting President � M. Gaban Secretary � C. S. Gaban Treasurer & Auditor � Peter Wong P. 0. Box 7, Tamparuli, Sabah, East Malaysia SARAWAK MISSION President � Bruce Johnston Sec-Treasurer & Auditor � Johnny Rueh P. 0. Box 41, Kuching, Sarawak, East Malaysia THAILAND MISSION (INCLUDING LAOS) President � Sunti Sorajjakool Secretary � Sunti Sorajjakool Treasurer & Auditor � H. I. Lukman P. 0. Box 11/234, Bangkok, Thailand WEST-MALAYSIA — SINGAPORE MISSION President � T. K. Chong Sec-Treasurer & Auditor � C. B. Lim 166-A Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur 06-26 Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia COVER PICTURE: Far Eastern Division Pagaent, Novem- ber 20, in the SAUC Auditorium. Printed by Southeast Asia Publishing House Karen young people admire the bull calf which was donated to the Karen farmers for enriching their cattle herds. November-December � THE � MESSENGER � 3 own, the pastors turned to wealthier Seventh-day Adventists who were interested in helping. Cows were purchased from donated funds and a self-help plan was worked out with the Karen farmers. The plan being followed works like this. When the farmer has got- ten rid of all his pigs, the church purchases three cows and loans them to the farmer to raise. The farmer raises them until each has a calf. When the cows are pregnant again, the farmer returns the cows plus one calf to the church and keeps two calves for himself. The church then repeats the cycle with another farmer. Starting about two years ago with just two families, the project began in a small way. Since then, many more Karen farmers have become interested in participating. The church has more requests for cows than it can now fill from both S.D.A. and non-S.D.A. Karen. The pastors feel that a village without pigs is a goal to strive for, and if there are enough cows to go around for all Pastor Aw Gaw Paul vaccinates a Karen farm- er's cow. the S.D.A. members, then we want to help the non-S.D.A.'s, too, as long as they agree not to raise pigs again. When a wealthy Thai dairyman in Bangkok heard of the project, he decided to donate two bull calves from his herd, a mixture of Pakistani Sindi, Brown Swiss and two other European breeds. It was hoped that when crossed with local mountain stock that a better quality cow would result. Unfortunately, a gang of bandits intercepted the workers bringing the calves on the long trip north from Bangkok, stealing pickup truck, calves and everything. The workers were grateful to God to have come through the incident with just their own lives. Upon hearing of the incident, however, the dairyman offered to replace the stolen calves. and at present a young bull calf is being carefully raised until big enough to move up to his new home in the Karen mountains. "Every chain that spirits wear crumbles in the breath of prayer." — John Greenleaf Literacy Program Launched Among the Karen We were happy recently to wel- come Miss "Silver Sun" to our ranks to help in the fight to push back the pall of darkness among the Karen. Her efforts will be directed toward helping the Karen learn to read and write their own language. At this point we feel that a literacy program is one of the most important things that can be done to help develop a strong faith in God among the Karen, the majority of whom are illiterate in their own language, and so must depend on others to read them the Bible, teach them the words to a hymn, etc. "Silver Sun" will be itinerating among the several Karen villages where there are believers. She will remain in a village from two to three months. During that time she will teach Karen literacy classes at night to all who are interested. During the day she will conduct children's classes and will also hold a Vacation Bible School. In addition to this she will lead the daily worship services in the village. Part of the Temperance Rally in Haad Yai. Investiture Program At Haad Yai 4 � THE � MESSENGER She is just ending her stay in the first village, and with very good results. Not only has she given se- veral people a good start along the road to literacy, but during that time she prepared a family for baptism. Our members in the next village where she will be working are eager- ly awaiting her arrival. We wish we had ten "Silver Suns"! "Silver Sun", a young Karen from Burma, grew up in a Christian, though non-Adventist home. She suffered much harrassment from her family when she chose to become a Seventh-day Adventist, but we thank God for giving her strength to remain faithful to her convictions. She graduated from the Junior Seminary at ahn Daw, Burma. This is the school that was established by Eric B. Hare and other pioneers of the Karen work. We are sorry that this institution was nationalized by the Burma government not long ago, but we rejoice that it is still having an influence for Christ to many Karen who are still bound by the darkness of illiteracy, supersti- tion and spirit worship. Please re- member to pray for "Silver Sun" and the Karen literacy ministry, which we hope will greatly expand. "Our prayers are not to be a selfish asking, merely for our own benefit. We are to ask that we may give. The principle of Christ's life must be the principle of our lives. 'For their sakes,' He said, speaking of His disciples, 'I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sancti- fied.' John 17:19. The same devotion, the same self-sacri- fice, the same subjection to the claims of the Word of God, that were manifested in Christ, must be seen in His servants." — Christ's Object Lessons." page 142. The weekend of September 12 was an important one and the Haad Yai Pathfinders had been looking forward to it. Their investiture was a main part of the weekend activities, but more important to them was the fact that they were able to help with two large temperance rallies the following day. On Sunday evening, September 12, Pathfinders and other candidates, seventy in all, marched forward one by one in a beautiful candle-light ceremony symbolic of the pledges they had made to further God's work in Thailand. Ten of the candi- dates were Master Guides and in- cluded Pastor Songput, the newly appointed Youth Director of the Thailand Mission. Pastor M. E. Thorman, Education Director of the Southeast Asia Union, gave the address. Pastor Sopon translated. Elder B.U. Donato, Union Youth Director, conducted the Investiture. Mr. Art L. Elumir, Administrator of the Haad Yai Mis- sion Hospital and Director of the November-December Pathfinder Club, introduced the can- didates. Other guests present were Pastor Sunti Sorajjakool, President of the Thailand Mission, and Mr. H. H. Kong, Auditor of the Southeast Asia Union. The church members had prepar- ed light refreshments which were served after the program. Soft drinks were furnished free by a branch of a world-wide beverage company. Two large temperance rallies, one in the morning and another in the evening, were scheduled for Mon- day, September 13. These were jointly sponsored by the Haad Yai Lions Clubs, the Provincial Police Department, and our SDA Mission Hospital. Mr. Elumir was the organi- zer and coordinator with assistance from the Pathfinders and the staff of the Haad Yai English Language School. Short temperance lectures were presented by Elder Thorman, Elder Donato and Pastor Sopon. These were interposed by temperance songs by the Pathfinders. November-December � THE � MESSENGER � 5 Six Youth Baptized at Mae Sariang Six young people, four girls and two boys, were baptized by Pastor Aw Gaw Paul on Sabbath, Septem- ber 25, at the Mae Sariang S.D.A. Church. This may perhaps be the largest baptism in the history of the S.D.A. work among the Karen tribal people in Thailand. Three of these young people are or have been students in our S.D.A. Karen Dormitory in Mae Sariang. They represent the first fruits of the students who gave their hearts to Jesus and were baptized while living in the dormitory. All of them came to the dormitory from animist back- grounds. The dormitory was built so that Karen young people from the mount- ains, where there are very few schools, could have a place to live while attending the public school in Mae Sariang. This seemed to be the best course to follow since it is nearly impossible to receive permis- sion to start a private, church- operated elementary school. The dormitory is managed by a "dorm mother" who conducts morning and evening worships, teaches a weekly Karen language class, directs the daily work program, tutors the students with their home- work, and buys food and plans the meals. Few of the students have money for dormitory fees, so in addition to their work program they must bring rice from home. "Before the dormitory was com- pleted in 1973, several students were already living in the home of Pastor and Mrs. Aw Gaw Paul. Miss Khuti (Cool Water) Paul, Aw Gaw's sister, became the "Dorm mother" after the students moved into the new dormitory. She was followed this year by Miss Gay who is "mother" to eight students. M. E. Thorman, Secretary, Department of Education, Southeast Asia Union Mission An Interview With the Educational Superintendent of the Southeast Asia Union Mission Pastor Thorman, when was the first church school established in the Southeast Asia Union Mission? It is not certain, but it may have been in 1907, in Singapore. How many educational institutions of all kinds are there in the Union? We have 21 elementary schools. We have 8 junior and senior aca- demies. We have one special tribal school in Thailand and we have one school of nursing at Bangkok, plus Southeast Asia Union College and Southeast Asia Seventh-day Ad- ventist Seminary. How many students are there in all these schools? In the elementary schools we have an enrollment of 2,115. In our se- condary schools we have an enroll- ment of 2,121. The tribal school has approximately 50 students, and the school of nursing approximately 90 students. Southeast Asia Union Col- lege and Southeast Asia Seventh- day Adventist Seminary have 159 students. I'd like to have a rundown of the schools in the different missions. Sabah, Sarawak, Singapore, Malay- sia, Thailand and Vietnam. In Sabah we have 11 elementary schools, with one junior academy and one senior academy. In Sarawak we have 4 elementary schools and 2 full senior academies, one boarding and one mission school. In Malaysia- Singapore we have 2 day acade- mies, one teaching in the Chinese stream and one teaching in the Eng- lish stream. Connected with the Seventh-day Adventist Academy is our church school for our Adventist people. Also in Singapore is located our college and our seminary. In Thailand we have 5 elementary schools, 3 junior academies. This includes our new boarding academy at Chiengmai. In Vietnam we used to have 16 schools with 62 teachers, 2,915 primary students and one secondary school with 475 students. Our total enrollment in schools throughout the Union would be something over 5,000, wouldn't it? Not quite 5,000, about 4,200 plus. Now to man these schools, how many teachers do we have? We have on the secondary level 100 full time teachers and 10 part time teachers. On the elementary level we have 63 elementary teachers and 21 junior academy teachers. These schools, of course, are for a dual purpose. One is to establish the young people in the church, and the other is an evangelistic tool and I wonder if you could give us some 6 � THE � M E S S E N G ER � November-December idea about how many baptisms there are from these schools in a year. Our baptisms on the elementary school level in which of course stu- dents are still quite young, are run- ning approximately 50-60 baptisms per year. The secondary schools had 43. Maybe you could comment just a little bit about the different types of buildings that we use all way from the most primitive to the better ones. Our elementary schools in the jun- gle are much the style of the other buildings around them. However, each one is substantial in that it has a cement floor and wooden sides with a metal roof. Our city schools are well built. I think our school in Haad Yai is as nice a school as you would find in most areas throughout the Far Eastern Division, including government schools. I would say for the most part that all of our schools are quite representative of the area in which they're located and in no way should we be the least bit ashamed. We have several new buildings that have been completed this year, in- cluding an auditorium for our se- condary school in Sabah. In the last two years we have completed an administration building and audito- rium which makes our school a fine example of what Christian education ought to be. Our academy in Chieng- mai has been growing very rapidly. Here again, our buildings are very adequate, including running water and electricity within the dormitory. I would say for the most part this Union has very representative class- rooms, beginning with primary through the college level. What about the future of these young people when they get through school? Do they keep up with the students that come from government schools in their respective countries where they are located? I would say yes to this, as the schools that are in the British system will take the final examinations the same as the government schools do and our schools have a good record of passes. In fact, I don't know one of our schools where our average is below the regular government aver- age. In most cases it's significantly higher. In Thailand our students, unfortunately, do not have an M.S. 4 and 5 to attend, which are the ele- venth and twelvth years, so they have to go to the government senior academy. As far as I know, they have no trouble getting into these schools if openings are available. So I would say our students certainly do rate well and our level of teaching is as high, if not higher than other schools. In fact, San Yu High School in Singapore turns down a great num- ber of applicants in their screening process, as it has a very good record and is well known for this fact. Just briefly, what do you see as a need for the future and development of our educational system here in Southeast Asia. I think the greatest need right now is the development of the extension campus program, in which our young people who are finishing in our se- condary schools may have an oppor- tunity to continue on with a Christian education within the country where they live. This will not mean that we will be able to offer all courses, but we do hope to be able to at least develop a strong ministerial training program and possibly a teacher train- ing program through these extension campuses. We also plan to develop more adult education to help our lay people know and understand better the gospel commission to tell of Jesus' love to their neighbors. I think this is primary and most important in our educational system in Southeast Asia. Secondly, I feel that that our schools can continue to grow. We are not able to open any more schools because government regula- tions make it impossible. However, we are planning to strengthen our academies, adding more in the area of technical training such as typing classes and other useful things that will help the young people graduating on the secondary level to find em- ployment. Kuala Lumpur English Church Baptism Two laymen of the Kuala Lumpur English Church, Aven Yong and Tang Siak Kee, are always on the lookout for candidates to witness to since their baptism on February 21, 1976. Siak Kee found a most interested candidate in a friend whom he had known for a long time. Mun Wah was eager to find out the truth and after a series of studies with Siak Kee, and then, with the pastor, she made her decision. Aven who is an officer of the St. John's Ambulance Brigade, once at- tended a party without prior know- ledge that it was a dancing party. But, strangely enough, it was at this party that he saw an opportunity to witness. Lai Keng was sitting aside since she also did not know how to dance. So, Aven struck up a conver- sation with her and these two young people found something in common —the love and peace that can be ex- perienced only in Christ. After this, Lai Keng accepted Aven's invitation to attend church and, she continued to come regularly inspite of parental objection. Finally, on August 28, 1976, these two ladies, Soo Mun Wah and Chooi Lai Keng, determined by the grace of God to bury their "old selves" in the watery grave. Dr. Smith shows a cancerous lung. November-December � THE � MESSENGER � 7 Successful Five-day Plan in Penang Sim Chor Kiat, Speaker for the Week of Spiritual Emphasis in the SDA Secondary School. Week of Spiritual Emphasis In SDA School The Seventh-day Adventist School in Singapore conducted a Week of Spiritual Emphasis from August 13 to 21, enabling non-Christian stu- dents to know more about Christ. Speaker for the week was Sim Chor Kiat, who now serves in the South- east Asia Union College Church after his return from Kuching where he served as pastor. The last day of the week was designated as Visitors' Day when Pastor S. F. Chu was invited to speak at the Divine Ser- vice. About thirty visitors from the school visited the church. Many of the students are studying the Bible to know more about the Seventh-day Adventist church, and some have indicated their desire to join the church. Twenty-six students made deci- sions for Christ as a result of this Week of Spiritual Emphasis. BE FAIR WITH GOD AND HE WILL REWARD YOU Twenty-six happy people turned their backs on tobacco and decided to live healthy lives in a mid-October program carried on at the Penang Adventist Hospital. In Penang on a three-month relief assignment, Dr. Eden W. Smith pre- sented the medical side of the pic- ture. His lectures were illustrated with colored slides of cancerous tis- sues and with black light subject headings. Assisting Dr. Smith were E. J. Heisler, manager of the hospital, and Pastor John Lai, coordinator of Health Education. A moving picture was shown each night. A total of fifty eight attended at least once and of those who continued to attend, twenty-six gave up the habit. One young man who earns just over $100 monthly had been spending over $30 a month on tobacco. Another man confessed that he had no faith in the program as he had tried other methods and could not stop. He promised to do- nate the amount of savings if he could get the victory. On the last night he presented a check of $12.50 to the hospital, representing his saving for five days and promised to give again by the year end. Among others were a school teacher and his wife, a real estate agent, and a Catholic priest. Ten days after the program, a social gathering was planned. Slides were shown and light refreshments of sesame crackers, roasted nuts and fresh fruit juice were served. One man said he had applied the same rules to other areas, such as "I Choose Not To Become Angry", etc. All were invited to attend the nu- trition class to begin in a few weeks and all were invited to enroll in the new Health course. E.J. Heisler, Manager Penang Adventist Hospital Baptismal group from the Penang Crusade. Penang Crusade Baptism at Morib River, October 16, 1976. 8 � THE � M E S S E N G ER � November-December An evangelistic crusade featuring Cline B. Johnson, director of the Voice of Prophecy and Ministerial Secretary of the Southeast Asia Union Mission of Seventh-day Ad- ventists, was conducted September 11, to October 9 in the Long Say Auditorium in Penang. At the con- clusion of the crusade twenty eight were baptized. Others are continuing to study. Associated with Pastor Johnson were Penang Adventist Hospital chaplains John Lai and James Wah, and Samuel Money, Pastor of the Penang English Seventh-day Ad- ventist church. Dr. Sinaga directed the church choir and arranged for other musical features. The devil noticed the people of Penang coming to the meetings and he decided to stop them by bringing the rainy season early. For days the rain fell in torrents and the streets became flooded but still the people came in search of the water of life. Young people, business men, doc- tors, lawyers, teachers and profes- Banting Crusade Results in Sixteen Baptized At Morib River Last June, Pastors T. K. Chong and V. N. Joseph together conduct- ed an effort in the town of Banting, which is forty miles from Kuala Lum- pur. Since then Pastor V. N. Joseph has baptized sixteen persons, four- teen from the interested group and two from Kiang. In the group who were baptized were Barnabas and Jabanianan former strong and active laymen of another denomination. They joined God's remnant church when they discovered the Sabbath truth, as well as the state of the dead and the correct mode of baptism by immersion. Learning these doc- trines together with other doc- trines of the Seventh-day Adventist church they began preaching to the members of their former church regarding their new found faith. The fourteen who make up the Banting group have plans that before long a church will be erected in the town of Banting. Let's join them in praying and working toward that end. sors from the university came night by night searching for wisdom from God. "My word shall not return unto me void," says the Lord and His blessings were poured out to unite with the efforts of the faithful of Penang. Surely the Lord is good. West Malaysia-Singapore Mission Trophy-winning Colporteurs. November-December � THE � MESSENGER � 9 Singapore-West Malaysia Colporteurs Meet On the evening of September 14, 1976, the 45 delegates from West Malaysia-Singapore Mission attend- ed a four day Literature Evangelist Institute at The Twin Island Motel, Kuantan. Those in attendance were the Union and Mission Presidents, the Mission Treasurer, the Mission Publishing Director, Pastor A. N. Santiago from the Far Eastern Divi- sion, our new Union Publishing Director, Pastor R. M. Sellers, Mr. Lim San Hoe and Pastor Liklikwatil from the Southeast Asia Publishing House. Pastor Wilcox gave the opening address. The two chief speakers for the gathering were Pastor Santiago and Pastor Seller. Other highlights were the trophy hour and the setting of new goals. Madam Chiau Fong Ying and Mr. Kan Pak Yip received trophies for top sales while Mr. Sim Tian Sang re- ceived the trophy in Soul Winning Activities. A special present was also given to Madam Kwok Hui Choo for her years of service in colporteuring. The overall goal for the year of 1977 was set at $600,000. We not only wish to achieve our goals, to win more souls and plant more seed in the field, but we also want to see Jesus come in our time. We pledge that with God's help we will have an overflow in 1977. Death Of A Former Southeast Asia WorWer Verlyn D. Bond, who, with his family lived in Singapore, and worked in the Southeast Asia Union Mission for five and one half years, died in August of this year. He was the administrator of the Parkveiw Me- morial Hospital in Brunswick Maine, at the time of his death. Pastor Bond was called to the Malaysia Signs Publishing House, as it was then known, in 1948. He is survived by his wife, a daughter and son-in-law, and three grandchildren. Doctors Sam and Effie Ketting On Furlough Drs. Sam and Effie Jean Ketting with their son, Case, left on furlough September 15. They flew to Holland first and then on to Washington, D.C. Due to the heavy pressure of work, their health had suffered but the rest has done wonders for them. During their absence, relief was provided by three doctors from the United States of America. Dr. Eden Smith came from Ban- ning, California for three months. He is a general practitioner and the brother of our Division Medical Se- cretary, Dunbar Smith, M.D. Dr. A. Paul Funk came from Dow- ney, California. He is an internist. He could stay only one month. Dr. S. J. Karmy is a surgeon who had been in practice in Chehalis, Washington. Dr. Karmy stayed for three months. The service of these men was very much appreciated. "As the dew and the still showers fall upon the withering plants, so let words fall gently when seeking to win men from error. God's plan is first to reach the heart. We are to speak the truth in love, trusting in Him to give it power for the reforming of the life. The Holy Spirit will apply to the soul the word that is spoken in love. "Naturally we are self-centred and opinionated. But when we learn the les- sons that Christ desires to teach us, we become partakers of His nature; hence- forth we live His life. The wonderful example of Christ, the matchless tender- ness with which He entered into the feelings of others, weeping with those who wept, rejoicing with those who rejoiced, must have a deep influence upon the character of all who follow Him in sincerity. By kindly words and acts they will try to make the path easy for weary feet." — "The Ministry of Healing," pages 157, 158. MV Department up in the air/ G. Ray James, Youth Secretary of the Far Eastern Division being given a ride in a sedan chair made in a Lashing Contest at MV Investiture Ceremonies at the Ba/estier road Church, Singapore. At the Investiture there were fifteen Master Guides invested. Thirteen Pathfinders received Silver Awards and one received a Gold Award. 10 � THE � MESSENGER � November-December Southeast Asia Union College Commencement Weekend Thirty-eight seniors graduated at the 26th Commencement Exercise of Southeast Asia Union College on November 13, 1976. This is the largest graduating class in the history of the college. Distinguished speakers for the occasion included Dr. Walton J. Brown, Director of Education of the General Conference, who presented the Commencement Address; Elder Willis J. Hackett, General Vice-Presi- dent of the General Conference, who gave the Baccalaureate Address urg- ing the class to be "Committed to His Cause" as stated in their motto; and Dr. Ottis C. Edwards, Director of Education of the Far Eastern Division, who challenged the graduating class at the Consecration Service to keep their aim, "Love in Our Hearts," uppermost in their daily living. Of the 14 who received 2-year diplomas, one completed the require- ments for the course in Liberal Arts, two in Science and Mathematics, five in Business, and six in Secretarial Science. Seven seniors received the Bache- lor of Theology degree and eighteen received the Bachelor of Science degree, six in Business, three in Secretarial Science, three in Consu- mer Science, 'and six in Education. Of the 25 four-year graduates, 18 have been placed in denominational work; the rest have further study plans. The class presented a large Seiko electric wall clock to the college for use in the auditorium. Singapore Hosts Annual Council Delegates from every area of the Far Eastern Division of Seventh-day Adventists met in Singapore for the Division's Annual Council, Novem- ber 12-23. Attending the meeting from the world headquarters of the church, in Washington, D. C. were, W. J. Hackett, General Vice Presi- dent, Dr. Walton Brown, Director of the General Conference Department of Education, H. D. Johnson, Assis- tant Treasurer of the General Con- ference, and Miss Carol Hetzel, head of the Department of Com- munication. A report of the work of the divi- sion was given by B. E. Jacobs, Secretary of the Far Eastern Divi- Far Eastern Division sion. It included the following items: Number of unions � 9 Number of missions �44 Attached mission � 1 Adventist Book Centers � 45 Full time literature evangelists � 3,525 Hospitals � 21 Clinics and dispensaries � 29 Schools of nursing � 8 Colleges � 9 Academies � 85 VOP studios and schools � 17 Churches � 2,742 Membership � 319,406 Baptisms in 1976 (to Sept. 301 �22,273 imismrsgrrioN "Those who are true to God need not fear the power of men nor the emnity of Satan. In Christ their eternal life is secure. Their only fear should be lest they surrender the truth, and thus betray the trust with which God has honored them." Desire of Ages, 356 Typical scene of old style longhouse in Sarawak. ImlI 1u1111 !p.m 1111111 � t � fir ' . 1111 11 • , � itinsp• sr5:*i7404•-- A "Modern Village" in Sarawak. November-December � THE � MESSENGER � 11 Sarawak Baptizes 392 During Third Quarter The pastors in the Sarawak Mis- sion set a goal of 400 baptisms for the third quarter of the year. To accomplish this would mean baptiz- ing more in three months than had been baptized the first six months of the year. The goal seemed almost impossible. "We urged our men to forget about number goals and to set a goal of holding at least a two day re- vival meeting in every church and company within their district," says Pastor Paull Dixon, Acting Pre- sident of the mission. With self-deny- ing efforts the pastors moved out in their search for souls. Many two week efforts were conducted in addition to the two day revival meet- ings. At a candlelight communion service the reports were taken — 392 baptisms! One pastor reported 30 more souls ready for baptism, but because his district does not have a radio he was unable to request an ordained minister to baptize his candidates. Student Literature Evangelist Institute At a recent Student Literature Evangelist Institute at the Ayer Manis School, 22 students were organized as charter members of the Colporteur Club. These students had a lovely meal in connection with their first Colporteur Club meeting the follow- ing Sunday. They are now out in the field working as student literature evangelists during their vacation period. Pastor Liberty Pandjaitan reports that their courage is very good and he is looking forward to them all getting scholarships. Pastors Promote Modern Village Sarawak pastors recently pledged themselves to transform fifty villages into "Modern Villages" during 1977. Armed with attractive brochures in cartoon style, they have returned to their areas to talk with village chiefs and leaders about the benefits of a healthful environment. The ten points of the "Modern Village" program are: 11) � Pen the pigs (21 � Clean up all the debris (31 � Build water seal toilets (4) Plant vegetable gardens (5) Plant flower gardens 16) � Have proper drainage (7) Provide a recreational area (8) Provide piped water 191 � A trash can for every house (10) Fly the Sarawak state flag Any village that qualifies by meet- ing these ten points is awarded a beautiful "Modern Village" sign. November-December THE � MESSENGER BUT WHERE CAN I FIND INTERESTED STUDENTS FOR THE VOP LESSONS? IN SHORT — ANYONE WITH WHOM YOU CAN COMMUNICATE EACH WEEK IS A PROSPECT FOR VOP LESSONS 0 Daftarkanlah saya dalam kursus Suara Nubuatan. 36o-r Lugs � Llir (y) 6d) POD � 67- &Fri (g,i ,591 gp:a � e66ir. • SEND TO: — VOICE OF PROPHECY BOX 1200 SINGAPORE 13 ENROLL SOMEONE IN Please enroll me in the Voice —itte I 0 ENROLL MORE 1 of Prophecy Course. Name � Address 12 Pastors and teachers of the Sabah Mission at a retreat in Kinabalu National Park. Sabah Mission Retreat The Lord has given this counsel to His weary workers, "Come ye apart and rest." The pastors and teachers of Sabah left their various posts of duty and made their way to Kinabalu National Park on November 7, for four days of rest and communion with God. The clear mountain air resounding with the songs of the birds, the cool mornings, the warm evening camp fires and the com- panionship of fellow workers gave the perfect setting for the devotionals given by Pastor W. L. Wilcox, Presi- dent of the Southeast Asia Union Mission. A short period each after- noon was allotted for special in- struction by Pastors M. E. Thorman, Ralph Sellers, R. L. Heisler, W. L. Wilcox and Cline Johnson. Mrs. Cline Johnson conducted the course, "For Ladies Only", each afternoon for the wives of the work- ers. Many questions on how to have a happy Christian Home were an- swered here.