“Telling the stories of what God is doing in the lives of his people” 26 Cover by Herald staff In every issue... In this issue... 3 President’s Perspective Some of my strongest memories are of camp meeting in the Primary division. We heard Del Delker sing “Do You Know, Oh Christian, You’re a Sermon in Shoes,” 4 From My Perspective and Eric B. Hare telling the stories like “The Big Yellow Truck” and 6 Family Focus “Pip Pip.” Those were the days that we sang choruses, like “Heav- 7 Alive & Well enly Sunshine,” and acted out as we sang “I’m in-right, out-right, 8 Lest We Forget up-right, down-right, happy all the time.” Nearly 60 years later, those people, stories, songs and messages are still with me. I think 9 Conversations with God it’s because something unusual and special happens to God’s peo- 10 Sharing our Hope ple at camp meeting. Make sure the children in your life get the 11 Conexiones opportunity to make eternal memories! 12 Telling God’s Stories Gary Burns, Editor 34 AHSNews Features... 35 Andrews University News 36 News CAMP MEETING PREVIEWS SUMMER CAMP PREVIEWS 40 Announcements 14 Illinois Conference 24 Camp Akita: Illinois 41 Mileposts 16 Indiana Conference 26 Timber Ridge Camp: Indiana Lake Region Conference Camp Wagner: Lake Region 42 Classifieds 18 28 Michigan Conference Camps Au Sable and Sagola: Michigan 20 30 45 Commission Culture Wisconsin Conference Camp Wakonda: Wisconsin 22 32 46 One Voice The Lake Union Herald (ISSN 0194-908X) is published monthly (except for June/July and November/December) by the Lake Union Conference, P.O. 47 On the Edge Box 287, Berrien Springs, MI 49103-0287. Periodicals postage paid at Berrien Springs, Mich., and additional mailing o≈ces. Yearly subscription price is $12.50. Vol. 109, No. 5. POSTMASTER: Send all address changes to: Lake Union Herald, P. O. Box 287, Berrien Springs, MI 49103-0287. 2 | May 2017 • LAKE UNION HERALD President’s Perspective BY DON LIVESAY, LAKE UNION PRESIDENT The Dangers of God’s Blessings W hen we teach stewardship, here’s a common text: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house (now the main focus!). Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it” (Malachi 3:10 NIV).  This is a beautiful passage! Barbara and I have experienced this promise in many ways, like the blessing of 45 years of marriage! God’s blessings are everywhere, at different levels, in different ways. It’s interesting that the promise is tied to faithfulness in returning the tithes into the storehouse, but it does not state that all the bless- ings will be monetary.   Just as Barbara never seems to stop thinking about blessing our grandchildren with gifts, God seems to con- stantly think of ways to bless us — especially when our commitment to him allows room in our hearts to receive his blessings.   But, can blessings bring potential danger? I recently heard Julian Archer speak on the dangers of blessings. As a very successful businessman, he writes in his book, Help, I’ve Been Blessed, of the sinister and secret struggle, an eternal life-and-death battle, to try and stop God’s blessings from becoming curses.   You may say, how can that be? Julian spoke of his successes in business endeavors, his active engagement in the church and a very strong generosity to God’s Cause. But with all that success and dedication, he came to the realization that he had allowed God’s blessings to turn his thoughts and attitudes toward self-reliance in his successes. That realization took him on a deep spiritual journey, brought him to his knees and closer to God. He realized he must die to self and recognized It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God (see Mark 10:25 NIV).  But the issue here extends beyond money. Blessings often include success at work, a great family, superb repu- tation, and on and on. As I monitor my own leadership journey and my association with other leaders, it is all too easy for us to allow the fanfare of office, the accoutrements of leadership, and the ability to influence to seduce us into focusing on self rather than fully and constantly submitting to God.   The seduction of success can be subtle or overt, visible or hidden. It can take the form of being addicted to accolades and/or being critical of others. Success is very different from the crisis that drives us to our knees, recognizing we don’t have the answers. Only God can solve the health, family, money or work problems that loom over us. It’s in those times we often find time and attitude to submit to God and stop relying on personal experi- ence and wisdom.   So, we must ask ourselves, “Have I allowed the wonderful blessings of God in any way to take my eyes off him?” It can happen quickly or slowly and in ways we don’t know until we find our straying hearts in a crisis and damaged. Let us not be like Israel of old, ever taking the blessings of God for granted. Let’s all resolve to always keep our eyes, our gratitude and our faith on Jesus who gives all good things.  Visit www.herald.lakeunion.org LAKE UNION HERALD • May 2017 | 3 FROM MY PERSPECTIVE Simple Encouragement BY MAURICE VALENTINE M any years ago, while still a student at Andrews Theological Seminary, I remember being asked to preach at a small congregation in Iowa. I departed before sunrise early Sabbath morning and when I arrived in Iowa, as I was trying to find the church, I turned down a street and saw two ladies dressed in white clothing getting out of their car and summarily retrieving items from their trunk. I parked just behind them and although the building didn’t have signage I could see or even appear to be a church, I was confident that this was the Adventist church where I was asked to serve. Before the ladies could leave their car, I quickly greeted them stating, “I know this must be the Adventist Church because of the way you ladies are dressed this beautiful Sabbath morning.” I’ll never forget how one of the ladies responded. She said, “Yes, this is the Adventist Church, and we’ve been passing out tracts for the last 10 years in this neighborhood, but no one has come to our church as a result of our efforts.” Without thinking to say good morning, was each night to look out at such a diverse or, welcome, to a stranger she seemed to audience! ooze defeat. Naturally, I was concerned. But Naturally, I was curious as to why the of greater concern to me was that in spite of people were coming from all over the globe. the fact that as a young person who grew up I was told it was my accent. However, as I in the church, had passed out many tracts, preached the precious prophecies from night served in virtually every department of the to night and visited the guests by day, I asked church, worked as a literature evangelist on them, “What brought you to the meetings?” the streets of New York City, had an under- The people responded over and over again, gasr aad puaastteo dr,e wgraese fi inni sthhienogl ougpy a, stewrove-dye fiarv ed eygeraeres Gary Burns““Ian w Aendtv etnot iasnt hAodsvpeitnatli sitn sscohmooe lc iinty Ainfr Eicuar,”o poer Maurice Valentine at the Seminary, even with all the experience that I can no longer recall.” Although not all, and education I had to that time, I really didn’t have an over and over again, I found many had been exposed to the answer for her dismay. people and institutions of our faith at some point in their It was after that experience, when I was invited to con- past. It was then that it clicked. Our efforts are not in vain. duct an evangelistic effort in England, that God enlarged Through our tracts, Bible studies, educational institutions, my understanding. The meeting I was privileged to con- community service, health, radio and television ministries, duct had guests coming from all parts of Europe and Af- God had prepared these individuals to come to an Adven- rica, Scandinavia, Germany, Russia, nuns from India, and tist meeting in an Adventist church because their previous young adults from various parts of Africa. How exciting it exposure, of whatever sort it was, helped them to feel com- 4 | May 2017 • LAKE UNION HERALD The Lake Union Herald is available online. Lake Union 2016 1,740 baptisms 330 professions of faith growth of 18.66 percent over last year pletely comfortable with us and completely confident in the witnesses, just like you. Comparing Lake Union’s 2015– Seventh-day Adventist message! 2016 new member annual percent growth rate, the number I was later assigned at the church to which I had sev- of newly-discipled adherents to our faith increased by 18.66 eral months before pulled up as a seminarian. While run- percent. To God be the glory for your faithfulness in serving ning my first meeting there, I asked an individual, “What in whatever capacity he has called you to serve! Even if you brought you to the meeting?” I remember her response: are just passing out GLOW tracts, know you are making a “I was brought to this same church 20 years ago to attend difference! With this in mind, let us continue to keep Jesus Pathfinders by my neighbors.” uppermost in our hearts and minds as we press forward in our collective journey of commission culture. While not everyone has had exposure to the Advent message, do be faithful, knowing God is fulfilling his prom- Maurice Valentine is the executive secretary of the Lake Union Conference. ise that when his Word goes out, through whatever means at our disposal, it will not return void. Put simply, when we lift up the wonderful Savior, men will be drawn to Him. Last year was a banner year for growth in Lake Union Conference. With 1,740 baptisms and 330 professions of faith, together there were 2,070 new joyful faces who are now heavenbound. This collective effort of all five confer- ences in the Lake Union came from a laser-like focus on church growth that caused our union to experience a 1.05 percent net growth. Most efforts were focused on reaping activities, such as the 331 Unlock Revelation events and church planting events that dotted the land. planBtuetd, , btehfaonrke tGhoe de vfaonr gtehleis tm eavneyr sspaionktes owrh toh eso cfhteunrcehd wthaes Andy Im fallow ground of many hearts by sharing their faith through GLOW tract ministry, literature evangelism, health institu- tions and ministries alike, benevolent ministries such as the Adventist Community Heath Initiative, out-of-the-box sharing events conducted by our young adults, small group ministries, new ventures in campus and refugee ministries, and, possibly most important of all, just being available to the Lord to share our faith under the prompting and guid- ance of the Holy Spirit when he prompted us to do so. You may feel like you are not making much of a dif- fbeirneendc, eG wodh eisr eg ryoowui nagr eh. isB kuitn gtodgoemth rearp, iadllly mthirnoiustgrhie fsa ictohmfu-l Felecia Datus Visit www.herald.lakeunion.org LAKE UNION HERALD • May 2017 | 5 FAMIL| FOCUS Travel as Family Therapy BY ALINA BALTAZAR T hink back to some of your favorite childhood memories. Chances are, some of those will include family vaca- tions. You probably realize now that it wasn’t the lavishness of the vacation you remember, but the activities and positive bonds with your family. I was blessed to have parents who valued family vacations to promote child learning, family togetherness and bonding. My parents set money aside to make sure we had a summer vacation every year. That made me realize how important our family was to them. Because of the example my parents set, my husband and I make family vacations a priority, too. With adults having to away from life’s stressors also work longer hours and tak- can renew your soul. Jesus en- ing fewer vacation days, it couraged his disciples, to Come can be difficult to manage with me by yourselves to a quiet place everybody’s responsibilities, and get some rest (Mark 6:31). family life as well as taking Family camp isn’t for ev- care of oneself. Researchers eryone, or maybe you just have found that family va- want to do something differ- cations contribute to family ent. Ideally you will arrange cohesion, strengthened re- for a trip that interests all the lationships, enhanced family iStock family members to some de- functioning, increased family gree. You don’t have to make communication and improved emotional health. Unfortu- everybody happy every day and be together the whole time. nately, because we are so busy, it is hard to make time to go It is important to take into consideration the ages and lim- on these trips. Finances also can be an issue. In the book itations of everyone in the family, which will influence their The Adventist Home, author Ellen White encourages families interest areas. Ask your family what they would want to do to find time for spiritual and physical refreshment that will and see if there is a way to compromise and live within your bring a family closer to God and one another. time constraints and budget. It is important for family va- Family camp may be the ideal answer. Typically, family cations to be enjoyable so that there can be good memories, camp is cost effective, all-inclusive and has activities for all however, vacation horror stories can be fun to talk about, to enjoy. According to a recent research study, families re- too. The energy and money put into family vacations are ported the benefits they experienced were positive interac- worth it because those memories are priceless. tions with the camp staff, reinforcement of their parenting, Alina Baltazar, Ph.D., MSW, CFLE, associate professor of Social Work at and enhanced family relationships.1 A majority of research Andrews University and a Certified Family Life Educator participants (60 percent) reported the family camp expe- 1 Garst, B.A., Baughman, S., Franz, N.K., & Seidel, R.W. (2013). “Strengthening rience reinforced good parenting, and a vast majority (86 families: Exploring the impacts of family camp experiences on family percent) said it benefited their family relationships. Time functioning and parenting.” Journal of Experiential Education, 36(1), 65–77. 6 | May 2017 • LAKE UNION HERALD The Lake Union Herald is available online. ALIVE & WELL Soayre a ofnoudur nfcodoo radnl lsp turhoprdpouluycgths A New Face in the Marketplace BY WINSTON J. CRAIG T he Non-GMO label has started appearing on some food packages. What does it mean? GMO stands for ge- netically-modified organism and refers to a food that contains ingredients that have been genetically altered. Desirable genes from one species are injected into another species to generate designer crops. Corn, soy and canola are the three most phytonutrients (isoflavones) and may have common GM food crops. Over 90 per- higher allergen levels. Long-term human cent of the corn and soybean crops grown studies are warranted to determine the in the U.S. are genetically modified. This is long-term safety of GM foods. relevant since corn and soy are found in so Surveys show that 90 percent of many of our processed foods. These ingredi- Americans support mandatory labeling ents include cornstarch, corn syrup, dextrose, of GM foods. Some companies have re- soy oil, soy flour, soy protein and soy lecithin. sponded to pressure from the public by In theory, genetic engineering is undertak- voluntarily labeling the food products that don’t con- en to produce crops with greater yields and insect-resistant tain GM ingredients. In addition, the Non-GMO Project properties, crops that have greater nutritional value, foods Verified seal is used when a company has complied with a that stay ripe longer, and food like apples that won’t brown certification program that authorizes them to use this label so quickly when they are bruised. In essence, scientists want on their food products. to help farmers increase food production and produce bet- Another way to obtain food free of GM ingredients ter quality food. is to purchase organic foods. An organic label ensures the A 400-page report in 2016, outlining the work of 20 food is not only free of GM ingredients but also guarantees scientists who reviewed 900 research papers, conclud- the food wasn’t treated with radiation or synthetic sprays. ed that there were no apparent health risks to using GM Some consumers want non-GMO labels so they can decide crops. The committee did not observe any increase in the what to buy after reflecting upon the health and environ- incidence of cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, food allergies mental issues involved. and celiac disease in North America where GM foods have We have seen that tobacco, DDT, asbestos, trans fat and been used for 20 years compared to Western Europe which leaded gasoline were all considered safe initially and widely restricts the use of GM foods. used for many years. However, later we learned about the While some praise the achievements of genetic en- dangers and harm from using each of these products. In gineering, others express concern regarding its safety. In summary, while GM crops do not appear to be the pana- the latest edition of the book GMO Myths and Truths [which cea that some claim, they are not the Frankenstein monster contains 700 scientific references], the authors document that others have claimed. Perhaps caution and further re- many animal experiments in which organ lesions, hormonal search is appropriate. disturbances, impaired immunity, stunted growth and in- Winston J. Craig, Ph.D., RD, is a professor emeritus of Nutrition with Andrews creased mortality rates were observed in those animals fed University. GM foods. Genetically-modified soy does contain fewer Visit www.herald.lakeunion.org LAKE UNION HERALD • May 2017 | 7 LEST WE FORGET Following the Lamb wherever He goes Doing Theology: The Authority of the Bible BY GEORGE R. KNIGHT All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right (2 Timothy 3:16 NLT). W aggoner, Jones and the Whites stood in harmony with each other on the proper way to resolve theologi- cal issues. All held that the Bible is the only determiner of Christian belief. As a result, they were united against the attempts of the traditionalists to utilize any other form of authority to settle biblical issues. Ellen White was particularly insistent on the need for Ellen White also drummed home that message during Bible study in dealing with theological disputes. In April her last presentation at Minneapolis: “The Scriptures must 1887, for example, she wrote to Butler and Smith that “we be your study, then you will know that you have the truth. . . . want Bible evidence for every point we advance. We do not You should not believe any doctrine simply because another want to tide over points as Elder Canright has done with says it is the truth. You should not believe it because Elder assertions” (Lt 13, 1887). In July 1888, she set forth her po- Smith, or Elder Kilgore, or Elder Van Horn, or Elder Has- sition with the greatest clarity when she published in the kell says it is truth, but because God’s voice has declared it Review that “the Bible is the only rule of faith and doctrine” (RH, July in His living oracles” (MS 15, 1888). She could have as easily 17, 1888; italics supplied). added her own name to that list, given the position that she And on August 5, 1888, she told her readers to “search had taken during the meetings. the Scriptures carefully to see what is truth,” adding that Thank you, Lord, for Your Word in the Bible. Today we want to re- “the truth can lose nothing by close investigation. Let the commit our lives to the daily study of it with more persistence and energy. Word of God speak for itself, let it be its own interpret- er.” “The Word of God is the great detector of error; to it George R. Knight is a retired professor of Church History at the Adventist we believe everything must be brought. The Bible must be our Theological Seminary at Andrews University. This article is from his book, Lest We Forget, a daily devotional, published by the Review and Herald Publishing standard for every doctrine and practice. . . . We are to receive no one’s Association, page 260, printed by permission. opinion without comparing it with the Scriptures. Here is divine author- ity which is supreme in matters of faith. It is the word of the living God that is to decide all controversies” (Lt 20, 1888; italics supplied). 8 | May 2017 • LAKE UNION HERALD The Lake Union Herald is available online. Conversations GOD with Same Direction, Different Path BY GARY BURNS I trust you have been blessed by Alvin VanderGriend’s contributions to the “Conversations with God” col- umn in these last 69 issues of the Lake Union Herald. I met Alvin at my first attendance of the Denominational Prayer Leaders Network, which he and Henry Blackaby had formed quite serendipitously. It just so happens that God had given each of them the same idea at the same time before they had even met. That was a life-changing experience for me to hear prayer leaders from about a dozen denominations across America, pray for each other that God would move in a mighty way in their denominations through prayer. I was amazed to hear how these Alvin’s biblical teachings regarding prayer leaders pray for each other and prayer have been such a blessing to me even confess to each other the incon- as I hope they have been to you. So, it is sistencies, prejudices and pride that with mixed emotion that we announce have been a source of competition, a transition at this time. contention and arrogance in how we staff Next month, we will begin intro- think and relate to one another, while Gary and Maryann with Alvin and Carolyn ducing our conference prayer coor- VanderGriend at the interdenominational at the same time affirming the reason dinators and tell a bit of their prayer Light of the World Prayer Center in for their existence, stating their resolve Bellingham, Washington. journeys with you. Following that, to never compromise their theology or principles for the each will be a regular contributor to our “Conversa- sake of ecumenism — something that I could affirm. tions with God” column as we put more focus and As you can imagine, Alvin and I have become dear attention on the practical aspects of prayer and our friends, have often prayed for one another, challenged prayer needs here in the Lake Union. I’ll conclude this each other and rejoiced together as we have seen God report by sharing a little bit of my own prayer journey. working in our lives and in our churches. I was born into a family that is held together by the Last summer, Maryann and I had the privilege of vis- glue of prayer. Grandad and Grandma Budd began the iting Alvin and his wife, Carolyn, in their home in Lyn- process when they attended a tent meeting out on the den, Washington, where they have retired. We also had prairie of North Dakota in 1916, and embraced with the privilege of meeting the team of dedicated people great joy the encouraging message of the three angels at the Light of the World Prayer Center in Bellingham, of Revelation 14. They were soon married and started Washington, who gather daily to pray for their city. They sharing the good news with others by doing literature have been praying for real needs in their community and evangelism in Bismarck. Ten children later, they settled tracking the impact that prayer has been making in the in the Walla Walla Valley in Northwest Washington. reduction of crime, just to name one. They were committed to praying for their children and What a privilege it was to be surrounded by these grandchildren, and their prayers are still being answered. servants of God as they joined so many of you who I am proof! have prayed for our ministry in the Lake Union and for Gary Burns is Communication director and Prayer coordinator of the Lake Maryann’s health and healing. It has been a joy to report Union Conference. Maryann’s progress and relatively good health. Visit www.herald.lakeunion.org LAKE UNION HERALD • May 2017 | 9 SHARING our HOPE The Gift of Life BY ORIEL PAULINO I t was another Wednesday prayer meeting at Maranatha Hispanic Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, when Al- tagracia Cruz approached Otoniel Cabrera with a different type of message. “I will give you one of my kidneys,” Altagracia said with her charismatic, broad smile, as she gave him a card with her blood type information. She must not be serious. This When they moved there in sounds crazy, Otoniel thought. 2015, they also found an extend- There were many reasons for ed family in Christ that prayed his unbelief. We don’t even come for each other and tended to from the same country. There is no fam- the physical and spiritual needs ily connection. We are newcomers to of all, without asking where you the area. Who would be that generous? came from. Otoniel reasoned with his wife, For four months after the as they struggled to understand prayer meeting encounter, the and accept this priceless and un- Cabreras kept praying. Mean- efoxrpeeI tct thweidsa spm roeonepltyoin ssagil x.t hmato nOthtos nbieel-, Venecia Castillo wpblahosiosleedd,, pA2h0ylts aigcdarialf,cf eidari eents,t u ecttccee.s st“ssTf uhl—liys Altagracia Cruz and Otoniel Cabrera recovering after their kidney transplant. 79, was living in Puerto Rico. is from God. There is nothing He had served for 32 years as history professor and vice presi- to fear. We will accomplish this,” were the weekly words from dent of Academic Affairs at the Antillean Adventist University Altagracia, 49, to Otoniel. where he followed his vision of “preparing young people.” Be- Last August, the double surgery was performed; it was over yond that, he was active in the student life and spiritual compo- in less than three hours. The doctors rejoiced with the perfect nents of Adventist education. functioning of the donated organ, and the sole kidney in Alta- In the latter years of his career, the renal deficiency was pro- gracia’s body functioned well enough to keep her blood clean. gressing faster, manifesting itself in high levels of toxins in the Altagracia’s answer to everyone who wonders why she do- blood, which brought on bouts of headaches and high blood nated an organ is that, “When the Holy Spirit tells you to do pressure. One morning during a staff meeting, he received an something, do it. You will not regret it. Now my life is full of joy urgent call. It was his doctor asking him to report to the hospi- and happiness.” tal immediately. “I never wanted to accept sickness, but I was Oriel Paulino is a member of the Battle Creek Tabernacle Church and serves forced to accept the unacceptable,” he told me, referring to dial- as a volunteer at the Historic Adventist Village in Battle Creek, Michigan. ysis. Eventually, his kidneys stopped working. For retirement, he and his wife chose Grand Rapids because they wanted to be close to their daughter and granddaughters. 10 | May 2017 • LAKE UNION HERALD The Lake Union Herald is available online.