“Telling the stories of what God is doing in the lives of His people” 20 Cover photo © iStockPhoto.com. Used by permission. All rights reserved. in this issue... in every issue... T o make a difference is an innate desire. It implies that we matter, that we 3 Editorial by Walter L. Wright, have purpose. This issue highlights, in news and features, some within the Lake Union president 4 New Members Get to know Lake Union who have not only dreamed of doing so, but have made some new members of the Lake Union family. that connection with God that has produced substance to 6 Youth in Action their dreams. 7 Beyond our Borders 8 Family Ties by Susan E. Murray We trust that their passion and vision will be a source of 9 Healthy Choices inspiration and encouragement as you partner with God to by Winston J.Craig 10 Extreme Grace by Dick Duerksen accomplish His difference-making purpose for your life. 11 Adventism 101 by Gary Burns 12 Sharing our Hope Gary Burns, Editor 13 ConeXiones en español por Carmelo Mercado features... 22 AMH News 23 Andrews University News 14 Bathroom Angel by Kara Kerbs 24 News 28 Mileposts 15 God’s Appointment for a Hug by Ramona Trubey 30 Classifieds 16 Healing Broken Hearts by Diane Thurber 40 Announcements 41 Partnership with God 20 SPLASH with God’s Blessing by Gary Burns by Gary Burns 42 One Voice The Lake Union Herald (ISSN 0194-908X) is published monthly by the Lake Union Conference, P.O. Box C, Berrien Springs, MI 49103. 43 Profiles of Youth Periodicals postage paid at Berrien Springs, MI, and additional mailing o≈ces. Yearly subscription price is $8.50. Vol. 99, No. 8. POSTMASTER: Send all address changes to: Lake Union Herald, P. O. Box C, Berrien Springs, MI 49103.  | August 2007 • Lake Union HeraLd The Lake Union Herald is available online. President’s Perspective by WaLter L. WrigHt, Lake Union conference president Partnering with Christ M y cousin is a shy little lady. She once lived in the Queens borough of New York City. She wanted to share her faith, but wondered how could she do it with such shyness. She prayed and was inspired with an idea. As she rode the subway trains around the city, she left a little religious pamphlet on the seat where she had been sitting. She did this for years until she moved back to Ohio. The teenage boy was a student in a public high school. He contemplated how he could represent Christ without being the brunt of jokes and tormented for his beliefs. He prayed much, and the Lord gave him many opportunities. He hit upon the idea to invite his classmates and a representative of each of the oth- er high school classes to enjoy a party at his house. It was an old-fashioned Adventist-style social gather- ing. He believed he could witness through the food served, the music played, and the activities planned (I held this party each year in my parents’ old farmhouse, and it became THE high school social function of the year). It never mattered that all the kids were Caucasian, and I was the only African-American. A colporteur (a religious book and Bible salesman) sold a book, authored by Uriah Smith, to a man. That man gave it to my parents. After studying the book and researching its contents, 16 of my ancestors (including my parents and grandparents) became baptized members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The man who originally purchased the book never joined the Adventist family. Another man was one of the major vice kings in a large mideastern city. An Adventist lady gave him Bible studies; he was baptized, married the lady, and began to witness to his former underworld comrades. He died looking for the soon return of Jesus. In one way or another, these individuals all partnered with Christ to be witnesses. In some cases, we know the outcome of their witness. In other cases, we must await the meeting on the Sea of Glass to count results. But in each case they were willing to be inspired by the Holy Spirit to be a partner to spread the Good News. Divine assistance is promised to such. “The humble worker who obediently responds to the call of God may be sure of receiving divine assis- tance. To accept so great and holy a responsibility is itself elevating to the character. It calls into action the highest mental and spiritual powers, and strengthens and purifies the mind and heart. Through faith in the power of God, it is wonderful how strong a weak man may become, how decided his efforts, how prolific of great results. He who begins with a little knowledge, in a humble way, and tells what he knows, while seeking diligently for further knowledge, will find the whole heavenly treasure awaiting his demand. The more he seeks to impart light, the more light he will receive. The more one tries to explain the word of God to others, with a love for souls, the plainer it becomes to himself. The more we use our knowledge and exercise our powers, the more knowledge and power we shall have” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 354, par. 1). Won’t you sign on today as a partner with Jesus Christ? He awaits your willingness. He will supply the inspiration. Visit www.LakeUnionHerald.org Lake Union HeraLd • August 2007 |  each night to search the scriptures, her heart was moved by the Holy Spirit to take her stand for Jesus. When a com- mitment call was given for those who desired to surrender their life to Jesus, Dagmar came forward. Dagmar was later baptized on June 11, 005, by Bruce Moore, Battle Creek Tabernacle senior pastor. Today, she praises God for His love and grace. Dagmar continues to grow into His likeness and leads others into eternal life. Michigan For the first ten years of her life, Dagmar White attended the Battle Creek Tabernacle and was a stu- Nancy Nelson, prophecy correspondent, as told to Bruce Babienco, Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent dent through the fifth grade at its elementary school. Then circumstances changed for her family, and an Adventist education was no longer a priority. Wisconsin Connie Beech had never heard of Seventh- As an adult, she began to re- day Adventists until she met Josh Dobson and his family. spond to the Holy Spirit’s influ- She felt it was fortunate to be introduced to Adventism by ence by searching for something such positive influences. Connie says, “I have always known more meaningful for her life. One the Dobsons to be friendly, caring, trustworthy, and patient positive influence was her sister, people.” Helena, who had been baptized at the Battle Creek Tabernacle about four years earlier. When the church scheduled a health semi- Dagmar White nar, Dagmar received an invita- tion to attend. She thought their Foods for Thought lectures were an enjoyable experience as she listened to the infor- mation provided by Esther La Tour. She continued to attend the Battle Creek Tabernacle af- ter the health seminar, and joined the Sabbath school class taught by Kay (Collins) Mayes, Bible worker. It was a spiri- tual blessing to her. Since Dagmar loved to read, Kay gave her the book, My Son, Dan, written about her late husband, evangelist Dan Collins. Dagmar also picked up the book, The Passion of Love, that explained salvation through Christ’s Connie Beech (left) and Dolores Huyvaert were baptized at the close of the death on the cross. In that book, she found a Bible study Raymond evangelistic meetings. enrollment card, which she filled out and mailed. When Kay visited Remnant Publications in Coldwater, The first time Connie attended a function at the Ray- Michigan, a representative told her they had received a re- mond Seventh-day Adventist Church was when Josh invit- quest for a Bible study course from Battle Creek. As soon as ed her to a weekend seminar presented by Walter Wright, Kay looked at the card, she recognized Dagmar’s name. At Lake Union Conference president and family ministries her first opportunity, Kay asked Dagmar if she would like to director. Her experiences visiting the church, then and receive personal Bible Studies. Dagmar’s excited response later, were positive. Connie remarked, “The one thing I was, “Would you do that?” have always noticed is how comfortable I felt whenever I After Dagmar received several Bible Studies in her attended a church function. The Raymond Seventh-day home, the Urbandale Church began a series of Bible proph- Adventist Church always made me and my family feel wel- ecy lectures with evangelist Terry Nelson. Kay suggested to come. Within a few minutes of meeting the members, I felt Dagmar that she would be blessed by attending. Since it like I had known them for years.” was close to where she lived, she decided to give it a try. When Emanuel Baek presented the Amazing Facts After a few nights, Dagmar was hooked! Bringing her Bible Prophecy Seminar, it had a profound affect on Connie. She  | August 2007 • Lake Union HeraLd The Lake Union Herald is available online. said, “Although I had already changed my lifestyle in many hip. He was admitted to the hospital. Lloyd Stone, his wife ways, the seminar gave me new insight and understanding Denise, and another couple, Mike and Kathy Reed, began of the Bible and the Church’s stance on other issues. I met to visit him in the hospital. They took some books, visited so many wonderful people because of the seminar, and my with Earl, and had prayer with him each time they came. relationships with fellow church members grew richer and When Earl was moved from the hospital to a rehabilita- stronger after spending many hours together.” tion facility, the two couples continued their regular visits. Connie remembers her baptism fondly. She recalls, In church one Sabbath, they asked members to send cards “Baptism was an amazing experience for me. Everything and letters, and to pray for Earl. about it—from the difference I felt before and after bap- It has been a year now since Earl gave his heart to the tism to the outpouring of love and support I felt from the Lord and was baptized. Four individuals, doing simple church body.” things to help their brother, brought this man to the foot of Connie is thankful for her new church family. She said, the cross. In loving him, they touched Earl for Jesus. “I can honestly say I see the world through different eyes Rachel Terwillegar, assistant to the president for communication, Illinois now. I know that being a Seventh-day Adventist is right for Conference of Seventh-day Adventists me, and I cannot thank God enough for the many wonder- ful and loving people surrounding me who helped me find the truth.” Diane Thurber, Lake Union Herald managing editor, as shared by Connie Beech, Raymond Seventh-day Adventist Church member Illinois Earl Traylor, a long-term employee of the LaClede Steel Company, attended the Alton Seventh-day Adventist Church every weekend he wasn’t scheduled to work—for more than 0 years. He tried to get Sabbaths off so he could come to church. He was close to joining the church many years ago, but had some difficulties such as his work schedule. His wife Jackie was a member, and she did not give up on him. Retired from the steel company, Earl began to attend Tracy Beckford completed two sets of Bible studies and then decided to give her heart to Jesus. From left: Jeff Bishop, Bobbi Bishop, Tracy Beckford, and church regularly. He was diagnosed with some extreme Justin Childers, Cedar Ridge Church pastor health conditions, and a year ago Earl fell and broke his Indiana Tracy Beckford left her home in Jamaica in 00 and came to the United States to live with her fa- ther and step-mother, Peter and Pansy Beckford, who are both members of the Cedar Ridge Seventh-day Adventist Church in Paoli, Indiana. Desiring to learn more about the Bible, Tracy began to study two years later with Jus- tin Childers, Cedar Ridge Church pastor. After complet- ing one set of studies, Tracy’s desire to learn resulted in her completing another set of Bible lessons with head elder Jeff Bishop and his wife Bobbi. Tracy believed what she learned as she studied with her Michael Reed nwneeawys wb fariitpehtni Jzdeessd,u aosn nadt O sthhceeto Cdbeeesdri ra1erd ,R tio0d 0ggei6v ,Ce a hhnuedrr c chohen.atritn utoe sJ ehseurs j.o Suhre- Lloyd Stone (right), Alton Seventh-day Adventist Church communication leader, studied with Earl Traylor (left) who attended the church for more than Justin Childers, Cedar Ridge Church pastor 20 years before he was baptized. Visit www.LakeUnionHerald.org Lake Union HeraLd • August 2007 | 5 Y Action OUTH in An Oasis in Chicagoland by eLisa broWn A dictionary definition for an oasis is “a refuge, relief, or pleasant change from what is usual.” And for more than 100 young adults who packed to capacity the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage, the Il- linois Conference Camp Meeting offered an oasis for young adult worship in May. Supported by the confer- “I am still a visitor to this ence’s youth and young adult church,” continued Debi, leadership, a group of passion- “but I can see that OASIS ate, Chicagoland young adults will definitely reach oth- organized this first-ever camp ers, specifically young adults, meeting event fashioned for and show them that being a their peers. Especially tailored Christian does not mean you for 18–5 year olds, the Sab- have to be stuffy.” bath gathering featured wor- “The fact that OASIS is ship band, Oikos Principle 2.0, and a group of [young adults] is A. Allan Martin, co-founder great,” endorsed Christina of www.GODencounters.org. Mathai, a young adult from “During the sermon, I the Northbrook Church. learned a lot. I felt as though “Through different programs A new ministry for Chicagoland young adults was formed following the the speaker was speaking di- and things with local church- Illinois Conference Camp Meeting. The OASIS ministry volunteer team rectly to me. Just the jump- was established to create community and a way for young adults to grow es, many people can get to spiritually and become involved in service. start I need,” noted Debi know about OASIS and Kotz, a stay-at-home mom. “Besides being with a group hopefully get closer to God. [OASIS] will really encour- of friends I had met previously, age all young people.” I also met a whole new group of Currently, OASIS is meeting monthly to develop op- people [who] were so extremely portunities for young adult ministry and fellowship. In ad- friendly—people I would very dition to local activities, young adults are invited to join much like to get to know.” OASIS on Cruise With a Mission (www.cruisewithamission. Sensing the need to create org), December 16–. This is a “vacation with a purpose” community in the Chicagoland specifically for young adults ages 18–5, where there will be area where young adults can be in- service and mission opportunities at each of the Caribbean volved in service and grow spiritu- ports of call. ally, the young adult camp meeting When asked what the highlight was for her, Debi shared, OASIS Hospitality Team leaders Cristina organizers created a ministry. The “I just liked seeing young adults who actually love God and Ruiz and Chad Fabruada organized the food ministry is OASIS (www.myspace. want to do something about it.” for brunch and snacks in the afternoon with the help of a small team of volunteers. com/oasiss07). Their goal is for For more information or to become involved and sup- OASIS to be a refuge—a pleasant change from the frantic port this emerging ministry please contact oasiss07@gmail. pace of life—as well as a place where young adults can grow com or www.myspace.com/oasiss07. in their relationship with God and with each other. Elisa Brown is an OASIS ministry leader. 6 | August 2007 • Lake Union HeraLd The Lake Union Herald is available online. BE|OND our BORDERS Re-Directed Mission Plans by Jessica stotz W ith 77 days remaining until graduation, the Wisconsin Academy senior class of 007 loaded the bus early on Sunday morning, March 11. The 6 students and seven faculty and sponsors were bound for Port Arthur, Texas, to aid in relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina’s less-publicized counterpart, Hurricane Rita. After spending four years holding fund-raisers, hosting dinner theaters, and cleaning stadiums, it was finally the seniors’ turn to use their class funds for a mission trip. Though the seniors first The best view of the impact planned to rebuild a school the seniors were making came in the Fiji islands, a political on Friday, March 16. At high coup there early in the school noon, a “last-nail” ceremony full year left the class searching of hymns and psalms re-dedicat- for another option. Door af- ed a small home in Port Arthur. ter door closed until finally It was announced that the time the students were informed had come for the homeowner they would have to take a trip to move back home for the first within the United States. The time since the storm. The pro- The Wisconsin Academy class of 2007 helped paint a house in Texas seniors were surprised and during their class trip. This was just one way they helped hurricane gram was led by members of the didn’t know where God was victims they encountered. Southeast Texas Interfaith Or- leading, but kept moving forward. Through contacts with ganization (SETIO), and it offered the class another amaz- the Wisconsin Conference Adventist Community Ser- ing opportunity to share by presenting a check to SETIO in vices director, Floyd Brock, Lutheran Disaster Response excess of $0,000 from the Wisconsin Conference. expressed a need for roofing repairs and drywalling assis- The class’s transportation to Texas was not simply an- tance in southeastern Texas. Plans fell into place, and the other coach bus; it was the class gift, purchased on eBay and Wisconsin Conference offered to cover some expenses repaired using class funds. In addition to their mission trip, using funds collected following the Katrina and Rita hur- using the money earned from their fund-rais- ricane disasters. ers, friends and family, and the donations of Arriving in Port Arthur after two long days of driving, constituents throughout the conference, the the seniors unloaded their things and prepared for the com- seniors were also able to contact former princi- ing day. The next morning they waited for job assignments, pal John Thomas in Africa. They learned of the but were dismayed to hear that due to federal grants roof- need of an orphanage to house children of AIDS-stricken ing was quite inexpensive for needy residents, and roofing families, so they sent a check for $15,000 to cover all ex- jobs (approximately half of the work assigned to the group) penses of the orphanage. were no longer needed. This left students moving from job Despite the seniors’ initial disappointment, God blessed to job daily—painting, doing yard clean-up, or installing the money earned through their work so they could funnel drywall. They were able to impact dozens of families in just it to numerous locations and needs. a matter of six work days. Jessica Stotz is a 2007 graduate of Wisconsin Academy. Visit www.LakeUnionHerald.org Lake Union HeraLd • August 2007 | 7 FAMIL| TIES Thinking About Thinking [part 2] by sUsan e. MUrray W hy would anyone choose to be a negative thinker? Especially when you consider the alternative—being a positive thinker! For many, being a negative thinker comes out of childhood experiences. We got into this habit of thinking something wouldn’t work out for us, that we weren’t good enough, or that if we tried we’d fail. It doesn’t take too many times of raising your hand with an answer, getting it wrong, and hearing the kids laugh at you before you interpret the world from a more negative slant. This misinterpretation of the world around us as being scary, hard, and awful leads us to negative thinking patterns. By the time a child is 11 years old, most have stopped wrote, “The mind is a trust from God. The powers of the making attempts at artistic creativity, usually because ear- mind are to be cultivated. They are to be so wisely used that ly attempts were ridiculed or didn’t measure up. I believe they will increase in strength. Each one is to use his en- there’s a correlation here to our creative thinking in gener- trusted talents in a way that the greatest good will be done” al. The negative thinking habits we pick up as we are grow- (Mind, Character, and Personality, Vol. , p. 665). ing up are usually the ones we keep using as adults. They Ellen also encourages us with a promise, “The positive- protected us as children, and we continue to turn to them ness and energy, the solidity and strength of character man- as a coping mechanism. ifested in Christ are to be developed in us through Unfortunately, negative thinking colors our the same discipline that He endured. And the world. Every day we can dwell on thoughts like: How grace that He received is for us” (The Desire could another person do this to me? This person is hurting me. of Ages, p. 7). This person is talking about me. Now, more people know To become a creative, positive and won’t like me, love me, accept me. ... I need to be sure thinker again means taking a step to this doesn’t happen to me again (and be ready to be be vulnerable and open. You can find angry if it does happen again). Or... that, with just baby-steps toward We can commit to change our nega- more positive thinking, it is an exhila- tive thinking patterns and use our God- rating feeling to find, or be back in touch with, given gift of creative thinking. We can this positive part of yourself! decide to focus our thinking on the I invite you to accept God’s desires for your positive rather than wasting our energies heart and mind. “Let the soul be drawn out and on negative thinking. When we find our- upward that God may grant us a breath of the selves caught in a negative thinking rut, we heavenly atmosphere. We may keep so near to can challenge ourselves to open our minds and God that in every unexpected trial our thoughts expand our vision of things to think about. will turn to Him as naturally as the flower turns Actually, we are called to use our God-given to the sun” (Steps to Christ, pp. 99, 100). power of thinking. Ellen White was a thinker. Susan Murray is an associate professor of family studies She had much to say about the powers, won- who teaches behavioral science and social work at Andrews University. She is a certified family life educator and a ders, and responsibilities of positive thinking. She licensed marriage and family therapist. 8 | August 2007 • Lake Union HeraLd The Lake Union Herald is available online. HEALTH| CHOICES a d Gd ofiotnoug r y gtoorue rfe ilnvi e f ce ya! en a r s The Adventist bAy Wdinvstaonn Jt. acrgaieg sPllaasnh5t -0cb aapnseceredcr e dnriate.ttess c bayn F rom Norway to the Netherlands, California to Copenhagen, and Poland to Japan, the storyline reads the same: Adventists enjoy better health, have a lower risk of many chronic diseases, and consequently live longer. But how much longer? Depending upon the geographical region, the increased gumes decreased their risk almost 50 percent. Adventists life expectancy of an Adventist is about four years for women, who regularly ate meat, eggs, or cheese had higher rates of and seven years for men. This differential between Adven- breast and prostate cancer, while eating tomatoes, legumes, tists and their neighbors arises from the fact that death rates soy products, and dried fruit decreased the risk of prostate from cardiovascular disease and cancer, the major killers in cancer by 0 to 50 percent. Western society, occur at a rate among Adventists that is 0 Furthermore, men who drank two or more cups of cof- to 50 percent lower than their non-Adventist neighbors. fee a day had a significantly higher risk of fatal bladder and So what makes the difference? Adventists have been colon cancer, and daily consumption of meat doubled the the subject of scientific investigations for four decades. To risk of developing both diabetes and dementia. In Afri- date, more than 00 publications in scientific journals have can-Americans, the frequent consumption of green salads, reported on Adventists and their health. Researchers note fruits, and nuts was associated with a 0 percent lower risk that many Adventists avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other of mortality. harmful drugs. Regular exercise, a good quality of life, and Not carrying excess weight can add about three to four the faith factor have also been suggested to explain the low- years to one’s life, while engaging in moderate er mortality rates in Adventists. Furthermore, a significant exercise may confer an additional two to number of Adventists emphasize a diet in which plant three years of life. In addition, eating foods play a significant role. a vegetarian diet may add as much In the Adventist Health Study, scientists observed as five years to a man’s life and four that Adventist men in their 0s who ate meat at least years to a woman’s life. Hence, if one four times a week experienced four times the risk of a has all three of these lifestyle factors fatal heart attack compared to vegetarian men. On the one could enjoy an additional decade other hand, consumption of whole-wheat bread instead of of life. white bread was associated with a 0 percent de- Making healthy choices enables us creased risk of heart disease. to not only live longer but also Consumption of red meat among to enjoy a better quality Adventists increased of life. their risk of colon Winston Craig, Ph.D., R.D., cancer by two- to is a professor of nutrition at Andrews University. three-fold, while le- Visit www.LakeUnionHerald.org Lake Union HeraLd • August 2007 | 9 EXTREMEGRACE To Walk with Jesus by dick dUerksen “Marta, when you come through the gates of Heaven, what do you want to do up there?” Marta had obviously thought that What Marta found was a group of question through many times before I searchers studying Scripture, praying asked it beside her cooking fire in Mu- to Jesus the Savior, worshiping on Sat- capane, Mozambique. She immediate- urday, and planning for Heaven. ly leaned forward and began to speak She listened, studied Scripture with intensely in her language, Shangana. her new friends, and fell in love with Many years ago Marta, the village Jesus. curandera (spirit healer), had fallen in Till the dream returned. love with Jesus and become the village This time the gate was open, but a eovnaen geolifs tam. aInt ya ldl rbeeagmans Mwiatrht aa edxrpeearmi-, pcroowsseerdfu al rmgisa,n atn dw ait hb ad“h furgoew ns”h obuloldckeersd, Duerksen enced as she worked with the spirits the entrance. He told her she had to Dick to find the right potions and cures leave the old life, get rid of all her curan- for her neighbors. They paid her well, because her cures dera tools, and teach her neighbors about Jesus and His city. worked. The spirits guided her and gave her a good life, so So, Marta took all her “stuff” into the street and started good that she had even started saving money to purchase a a fire. She even burned the money she had saved for a truck. truck. A truck would make her the most important person “It was bad money, and I didn’t need a truck to get to Heav- in the village, and everyone would look up to her! en anyway.” Then she had the dream. She was in her truck, driving Everyone came to the fire, and that morning Marta start- up, up through the clouds, on through the stars, right to the ed a Jesus congregation in Mucapane. They met beneath a ca- terrible walls of a giant heavenly city. She drove to the gate, shew tree, studied pieces of a Bible, and planned for Heaven. but it was closed. She got out and pounded for entry, but “Marta, when you come through the gates of Heaven, all was silent. She screamed loud enough for everyone in- what do you want to do up there?” side to hear, but the gate stayed closed to the curandera from “I want to see Jesus,” the bright-eyed church planter Mucapane. She tried to jump over the wall, and that’s when said. “I want to walk with Jesus. I want to touch Him, to she woke up. hold His hand, to listen to Him, to talk to Him. I want to When Marta awoke, she knew she had to learn how take a long walk in Heaven with Jesus!” to get into the heavenly city. She asked around, talking to Dick Duerksen is the official “storyteller” for Maranatha Volunteers people who should have known, but discovered they were International. Readers may contact Dick at [email protected]. all confused and no help at all. Then someone told her of Marta’s church in Mucapane will be the third of the 1,001 churches a farmer in Machumbutana who knew the truth about the Maranatha Volunteers International is building for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mozambique. The new brick building will serve as church, school, city. So, the village curandera walked miles down the dirt path and health education center. Mostly, it will be a place where people fall in to the huts of Machumbutana, hoping to find the city’s key. love with Jesus. 10 | August 2007 • Lake Union HeraLd The Lake Union Herald is available online.