GENERAL CHURCH PAPER OF THE SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST REFORM MOVEMENT Delegates of the 18th General Conference Session January–March 2000 Vol. XLI, No.1 God’s Peculiar Treasure — In This Issue His Church “Consider, my brethren and sisters, that the Lord has God’s Peculiar Treasure— His Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 a people, a chosen people, His church, to be His own, His Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 own fortress, which He holds in a sin-stricken, revolted Report of the 18th GC Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 world;and He intended that no authority should be known in it, no laws be acknowledged by it, but His own.”1 Pictorial News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 “The church is God’s peculiar treasure, precious in His Delegates From Regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 sight, and dear to His heart of infinite love.Christ gave the General Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 parable of the vineyard to set before His hearers the won- derful history of His church.The householder made every Newly Elected GC Officers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 provision that the vineyard should receive the best of Delegates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 attention.Nothing was left undone that could be done to Experiences in the Lord’s Vineyard — Angola . . . . . . . . 35 make the vineyard an honor to the one who owned it.”2 “Nothing in this world is so dear to God as His Experiences in the Lord’s Vineyard — Romania . . . . . . . 37 church. With jealous care He guards those who seek Experiences in the Lord’s Vineyard — Nepal . . . . . . . . . 38 Him.Nothing so offends God as for the servants of Satan to strive to rob His people of their rights.The Lord has not forsaken His people.”3 Reformation Herald “To God, the dearest object on earth is His church. The ‘The Lord’s portion is His people;Jacob is the lot of His inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness;He led him about, He instruct- “The age in which we live calls for reformatory action.” ed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye.’‘For thus saith the Lord of hosts: After the glory hath he sent me —Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 488. unto the nations which spoiled you;for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of His eye.’”4 OFFICIAL CHURCH PUBLICATION OF THE “The elect of God are dear to His heart. They are those whom He has called out of darkness into His mar- SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST REFORM MOVEMENT velous light, to show forth His praise, to shine as lights amid the darkness of the world.The unjust judge had no special interest in the widow who importuned him for Editor: A. C. Sas deliverance; yet in order to rid himself of her pitiful Assistant to the Editor: B. Monteiro appeals, he heard her plea, and delivered her from her Illustrations: PhotoDisc on p. 3 and back cover.; adversary.But God loves His children with infinite love.To Him the dearest object on earth is His church.”5 “At times, the Lord may seem to have forgotten the Annual subscription (in the U.S.A.) . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6.95 perils of His church, and the injury done to her by those To any other country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11.00 who follow principles which He can not indorse.But God To any other country by AIRMAIL . . . . . . . . . . . $15.00 has not forgotten.Nothing in this world is so dear to the Single issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3.50 heart of God as His church.He marks every action of the members.It is not His will that worldly policy shall corrupt her record as a representative of heaven. Nothing so Volume XLI Number 1 offends the heart of Christ as injury done those whom He died to save.His heart of love is grieved when the lame are turned out of the way by the crooked paths made by THE REFORMATION HERALD (ISSN 0482-0843) features articles on Bible doctrine that will enrich the spiritual life of those who seek to know others.God does not leave His people to be overcome by more about God. It is published quarterly by the Seventh Day Adventist Satan’s temptations.He will chastise those who misrep- Reform Movement General Conference, P. O. Box 7240, Roanoke, resent Him.But He will be gracious to all who sincerely Virginia, U.S.A. Internet http://www.sdarm.org • e-mail: sdarm@world- repent. Christ loves His church. He will give all needed net.att.net. It is printed and distributed by Reformation Herald Publishing help to those who call upon Him for strength for the Association. Manuscripts, inquiries, address changes, subscriptions, pay- development of Christlike character.”6 ❧ ments, and donations should be mailed to the address below. Periodical _______ postage paid at Roanoke, Virginia 24022. 1Testimonies to Ministers, p.16. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: 2The Review and Herald, July 10, 1900. 3Manuscrit Releases, vol.1, pp.155, 156. The Reformation Herald 4The Signs of the Times, July 13, 1904. P. O. Box 7240 5 Christ’s Object Lessons, pp.165, 166. ROANOKE, VA 24019 6The Review and Herald,January 9, 1908. EDITORIAL In a Little While O ne of the most impres- We too would fly away from all the while, and he that shall come will sive visions that the problems of this life, if we could.But come, and will not tarry.Now the servant of the Lord had we must be patient and wait for the just shall live by faith:but if any man of the earth made new fulfillment of God’s promises.It may draw back, my soul shall have no is described in the fol- take place in a little while, perhaps pleasure in him.But we are not of lowing words: sooner than we anticipate. them who draw back unto perdition; “The wonderful things I there When a farmer plants the seed but of them that believe to the sav- saw I cannot describe.Oh, that I in the field, he would be more than ing of the soul.”Hebrews 10:35–39. could talk in the language of pleased if he could harvest it the fol- Many years ago we were think- Canaan, then could I tell a little of lowing day.Still he waits patiently as ing and speaking of the year 2000 the glory of the better world.I saw he watches day after day the as something so remote that it there tables of stone in which the springing up of the seed, then its appeared to be an eternity away.But names of the 144,000 were growth, then the appearing of the now it is a reality.Although we have engraved in letters of gold.After we ear, and finally the ripening of the another year to toil before the begin- beheld the glory of the temple, we grain.During that waiting time he ning of the new century (the year went out, and Jesus left us and very often needs to root out the 2001), the new millennium is just went to the city.Soon we heard His weeds, sometimes adding some fer- around the corner.What will the lovely voice again, saying, ‘Come, tilizer to the soil, and even watering future hold? Just as the year 2000 My people, you have come out of the plants.But after a long, weari- which seemed to be so far away has great tribulation, and done My will; some, laborious, waiting time, he already come, the greatest event in suffered for Me;come in to supper, will enjoy the harvesting of the history will also come.In a short for I will gird Myself, and serve you.’ ripened fruit. time we will be in our eternal home, We shouted, ‘Alleluia! glory!’and So it is with the coming of the if we hold fast to the end.Let us entered into the city.And I saw a Lord.We are to wait patiently until have patience, courage, and hope. table of pure silver;it was many that day when the harvest will be “We are still amidst the shad- miles in length, yet our eyes could ripened and the harvesters will ows and turmoil of earthly activities. extend over it.I saw the fruit of the gather the grain into the heavenly Let us consider most earnestly the tree of life, the manna, almonds, garner.The apostle James under- blessed hereafter....Let us be figs, pomegranates, grapes, and stood this truth when he said: encouraged by the thought that the many other kinds of fruit.I asked “Be patient therefore, brethren, Lord is soon to come.Let this hope Jesus to let me eat of the fruit.He unto the coming of the Lord. gladden our hearts.... said, ‘Not now.Those who eat of the Behold, the husbandman waiteth for “We are homeward bound.He fruit of this land go back to earth no the precious fruit of the earth, and who loved us so much as to die for more.But in a little while, if faithful, hath long patience for it, until he us hath builded for us a city.... you shall both eat of the fruit of the receive the early and latter rain.Be Soon we shall witness the corona- tree of life and drink of the water of ye also patient;stablish your hearts: tion of our King.Those whose lives the fountain.’And He said, ‘You for the coming of the Lord draweth have been hidden with Christ, those must go back to the earth again and nigh.”James 5:7, 8. who on this earth have fought the relate to others what I have The apostle Paul also tells us good fight of faith, will shine forth revealed to you.’Then an angel bore that we should wait patiently for the with the Redeemer’s glory in the me gently down to this dark world. fulfillment of God’s promise, even if kingdom of God. Sometimes I think I can stay here its fulfillment seems to delay too “It will not be long till we shall no longer;all things of earth look so long.Nevertheless, He assures us see Him in whom our hopes of eter- dreary.I feel very lonely here, for I that it will be fulfilled: nal life are centered.And in His have seen a better land.Oh, that I “Cast not away therefore your presence, all the trials and sufferings had wings like a dove, then would I confidence, which hath great rec- of this life will be as nothingness.”2❧ fly away and be at rest!”1 ompence of reward.For ye have ________ Sometimes we also feel like the need of patience, that, after ye have Lord’s servant—lonely, sad, weary, done the will of God, ye might 1Early Writings,pp.19, 20. and ready to depart from this world. receive the promise.For yet a little 2Testimonies, vol.9, pp.286, 287. The Reformation Herald, January–March 2000 3 R 18 S EPORT OF THE TH ESSION OF THE Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement General Conference A Brief History own blood.Hundreds of our which Christ bestows His supreme brethren were taken to prison for regard.The world is a workshop in From the time the Seventh Day keeping God’s law, and many of which, through the cooperation of Adventist Reform Movement was them suffered martyrdom, but the human and divine agencies, Jesus first organized as a General enemies were not able to blot out is making experiments by His grace Conference in 1925, the church the church.Jesus has said that and divine mercy upon human has gone through crisis after crisis. “the gates of hell shall not prevail hearts.Angels are amazed as they She has experienced both external against it.”Matthew 16:18. behold the transformation of charac- and internal problems.Neverthe- The church is the only object of ter brought about in those who yield less, during the seventy-four years God on earth which is supremely themselves to God, and they since the organization of our dear to Him.The Spirit of Prophecy express their joy in songs of raptur- church, we have witnessed the affirms: ous praise to God and to the Lamb. powerful hand of God leading His “Although there are evils existing They see those who are by nature people in this Reform Movement.In in the church, and will be until the the children of wrath, converted and the time of persecution and dis- end of the world, the church in these becoming laborers together with tress during World Wars I and II, last days is to be the light of the Christ in drawing souls to God.They and afterwards when atheism was world that is polluted and demoral- see those who were in darkness ruling in the eastern part of ized by sin.The church, enfeebled becoming lights to shine amid the Europe, the church faced terrible and defective, needing to be moral night of this wicked and per- oppression.Many faithful souls reproved, warned, and counseled, is verse generation.They see them sealed their destinies with their the only object upon earth upon becoming prepared by a Christlike GC delegates of SDA Reformers, first session, Gotha, Germany, 1925. Front row, left to right: Constantin Ursan, Wilhelm Richter, Dumitru Nicolici, Wilhelm Korpmann, Johann G. Hanselmann, Otto Welp, P. Rasmussen, Wilhelm Mass, Joseph Adamczak, Albert Krahe. Back row, left to right: Mihai Streza, Karl Kozel, Heinrich Spanknoebel, Sister A. Ottender, A. Jurgens, K. A. Ekeroth, Sister Ekeroth (not a delegate), Max Koehler, C. Adams. 4 The Reformation Herald, January–March 2000 experience to suffer with their Lord, lished in most parts and afterward to be partakers with of the world.Today Him in His glory in heaven above.”— it has already Testimonies to Ministers,pp.49, 50. reached ninety Alas, some who once were countries, territories earnest advocates of the present and islands. truth have given up their faith and In the early have become enemies of God, His days of the Reform truth, and His people.In some Movement, delega- places they have betrayed their for- tion sessions were mer brethren, reporting them to the held every three authorities for their adherence to years, but after the GC Council and Doctrinal Council Meeting at work. God’s Ten Commandments.A few 1940s it was who had only material interest in resolved to have of land, many fruit trees, and a few view, and who had been unfaithful them quadrennially.In the first ses- buildings.The brethren there had stewards in the church, resorted to sion (1925) there were present 18 made plans to provide accommoda- forbidden means.They sought out delegates, representing about tions for the members of the two the aid of the ungodly against the 4,000 members, but in 1999 there General Conference Councils. church by taking the cause of God were 158 delegates elected, repre- The meetings commenced on to worldly tribunals.The merciful senting a worldwide membership of September 28 and ended October Lord looked graciously upon His 27,840.The very small beginning of 14, 1999.Important doctrinal issues people, and great victories were the Reform Movement took place in were examined.Most of the time obtained for His honor and glory. 16 countries in Europe, but it has was taken to consider the manu- The Seventh Day Adventist grown like the mustard seed of the script prepared by the Standing Reform Movement began small, in parable. Doctrinal Committee under the title: Europe, during World War I, with “Fundamental Beliefs of the SDA about 4,000 people who were disfel- General Conference Council Reform Movement.”After examina- lowshiped from the Seventh-day tion, correction, addition of state- and Doctrinal Council Adventist Church because of their ments, the two Councils resolved to firm stand against participation in submit the document to the 18th war.From that humble beginning the Prior to the 18th Delegation Delegation Session, where it was work has extended to many parts of Session of the General Conference, decided that a copy should be sent the world.Because of the strong per- the Council held its meetings, com- to every Union, Field and Mission secution which was inflicted against bined with the Doctrinal Council, at for evaluation and suggestions. the church, many brethren had to the headquarters of the South As the time was approaching to seek refuge in foreign countries, Brazilian Union, near Itú, São Paulo commence the delegation session, where they planted the seed of pres- state, Brazil.The offices of the the GC Council met to examine and ent truth.It sprang up, and the Union are located on a beautiful finalize the program and the agenda Reform Movement is now estab- country property, with twelve acres for the session. The GC Doctrinal Council and the GC Council during their combined meetings from September 28 to October 14, 1999: Front row, left to right: Brn. Alfons Balbach, João Moreno, Rudolf Ludwig, D. Sureshkumar, Alfredo C. Sas, Ari Gonçalves da Silva, Daniel Dumitru, Gerson Barros. Back row, left to right: Brn. Branislav Jaksic, John Garbi, Mario Alvarado, Ion Tomoiaga, Wilhelm Volpp, D. Samy Doss, Benjamin Burec, Peter D. Lausevic, Ruffo Lopez, Simeon Karvatskii, Davi P. Silva, José Romero, Doru Laza. The Reformation Herald, January–March 2000 5 Delegates to the largest session, 151 in total. the delegates assembled to hold the Fields, and Missions was read and The Session session. it revealed that 158 delegates On October 20, 1999, the 18th should be present, representing Session of the General Conference ninety countries.The delegates sub- The General Conference Council was officially opened.After an mitted their credentials as emis- in 1997 made a decision to hold the address presented by Brother A.C. saries of the Reform Movement in 18th General Conference Session in Sas about the importance of prepar- the whole world.A few delegates one of the following countries:1) ing ourselves for the latter rain, were not yet present at the begin- Hungary;2) Germany;3) U.S.A.;4) opportunity was given for a season ning, but we had 128 seated, which Brazil.The Executive Committee of prayers in different languages: made the session legal.Some of made thorough investigation about Hindi, Portuguese, Spanish, the missing delegates arrived later, the most suitable country in which to German, Ukrainian, French, and the total number at the Session hold the session.Their concern was Hungarian, Romanian, Tagalog, reached 151.Only seven delegates to consider the travel costs, accom- Yugoslavian, Indonesian, Bulgarian, were not able to come at all.This modations and food, and the avail- and English. delegation was larger than any of ability of personnel to organize every- The list of the different Unions, the previous sessions. thing connected with the session. After weighing the possibilities and conveniences, it was decided to hold the session in Brazil. The two Brazilian Unions joined their efforts in the project and elected thirty three teams to organize the various needs of the session. A nondenominational Christian campground, called “Cesareia de Felipe,”was rented.The location was beautiful, amidst the moun- tains, in the municipality of Itú, São Paulo state, not far from the head- quarters of the South Brazilian Union.The site has a magnificent view of the surrounding area.There Building where the session was held. 6 The Reformation Herald, January–March 2000 Worldwide membership: 27,840 (as of December 31, 1998) During the quadrennium there was a worldwide net increase of 4,282 members. European Region (7,974 members) North American Region (725 members) Asian Region (2,301 members) African Region Pacific Region Central American (2,029 members) (2,137 members) Region (1,771 members) South American Region (10,903 members) American Samoa Croatia Guyana Nepal Slovenia Angola Curaçao Haiti New Caledonia South Africa Argentina Czech Republic Honduras New Zealand South Korea Australia Denmark Hungary Nicaragua Spain Austria Democratic Rep. India Nigeria Sri Lanka Belgium of the Congo Indonesia Norway Sweden Belize Dominican- Italy Panama Switzerland Belorussia Republic Japan Papua New- The Netherlands Bolivia Ecuador Kazakhstan Guinea Ukraine Bosnia- El Salvador Kenya Paraguay United Kingdom Herzegovina Estonia Latvia Peru United States Botswana Fiji Lithuania Philippines Uruguay Brazil Finland Macedonia Poland Uzbekistan Bulgaria France Martinique Portugal Venezuela Canada French Polynesia Mexico Puerto Rico Western Samoa Chile Germany Moldova Romania Yugoslav- China Ghana Mozambique Russia Federation Colombia Guadeloupe Myanmar Seychelles Zambia Costa Rica Guatemala Namibia Slovakia Zimbabwe The Reformation Herald, January–March 2000 7 N Reports Elders 81 After the presentation of the O Bible workers (full-time) 334 reports, a temporary chairman and SI The reports of all GC officers Bible workers (part-time) 70 a temporary secretary for the ses- S were presented which showed the Voluntary Bible workers 644 sion were elected from the delega- E following: Office workers 108 tion.The outgoing president invited S Institutional workers 40 all officers of the General Confer- H Statistical Report ence to come forward and lay down T Literature Ministry their responsibilities in the hands of 8 Number of Unions 14 1 the chairman and secretary of the E Fields attached to GC 24 Colporteurs 1,351 session, and in the hands of the H Missions attached to GC 20 Colporteur leaders 18 delegation. T Churches 569 Converts through colporteur After a season of thanksgiving F Groups 643 work 111 to God for His guidance during the O Chapels 592 quadrennium, various committees T Buildings Distribution of literature were elected, namely:Nominating O (used as chapels) 165 R Rented places 121 Hardcover books sold 588,557 Committee, Finance Committee, P Paperback books 2,454,353 Bylaws Committee, Doctrinal Private homes used as E Booklets 215,835 Committee, and Plans Committee. R meeting places 348 Pamphlets/tracts 7,063,988 The session then proceeded with its Magazines 289,427 work. Employees Total value in US dollars Ministers 174 $ 10,708,210.00 Delegates socializing during the interval. View of the surrounding area from the session hall. 8 The Reformation Herald, January–March 2000 Pictorial News of the Delegation Session Bro. D. P. Silva presenting the secretarial report. Committees being chosen by the delegates. Partial view of the delegates during morning worship. One of the dormitory buildings where the delegates stayed. Brn. D. Sureshkumar (right) and J. Garbi (left), served as Delegates coming down for lunch, 169 steps for daily exer- Temporary Chairman and Temporary Secretary during the cise. Going up was the problem! Session. The Reformation Herald, January–March 2000 9 Delegates From Regions GC representatives and delegates from the North American Region. Delegates from the African Region. Delegates from the Central American Region. 10 The Reformation Herald, January–March 2000