Issue: 1996 August

Food for Life – Will Power

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“The power of the will! The tempted one needs to understand the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man,—the power of decision, of choice. Everything depends upon the right action of the will. Desires for goodness and purity are right, so far as they go; but if we stop here, they avail nothing. Many will go down to ruin while hoping and desiring to overcome their evil propensities. They do not yield the will to God. They do not choose to serve Him.

“God has given us the power of choice; it is ours to exercise. We can not change our hearts, we can not control our thoughts, our impulses, our affections. We can not make ourselves pure, fit for God’s service. But we can choose to serve God, we can give Him our will; then He will work in us to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus our whole nature will be brought under the control of Christ.

“Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in the life. By yielding up the will to Christ we ally ourselves with divine power. We receive strength from above to hold us steadfast. A pure and noble life, a life of victory over appetite and lust, is possible to everyone who will unite his weak, wavering human will to the omnipotent, unwavering will of God.

“Those who are struggling against the power of appetite should be instructed in the principles of healthful living. They should be shown that violation of the laws of health, by creating diseased conditions and unnatural cravings, lays the foundation for the liquor habit. Only by living in obedience to the principles of health can they hope to be freed from the unnatural stimulants. While they depend upon divine strength to break the bonds of appetite, they are to co-operate with God by obedience to His laws, both moral and physical.” Ministry of Healing, 176, 177.

“The power of the will is not valued as it should be. Let the will be kept awake and rightly directed, and it will impart energy to the whole being, and will be a wonderful aid in the maintenance of health. It is a power also in dealing with disease. Exercised in the right direction, it would control the imagination, and be a potent means of resisting and overcoming disease of both mind and body. By the exercise of the will power in placing themselves in right relation to life, patients can do much to co-operate with the physician’s efforts for their recovery. There are thousands who can recover health if they will. The Lord does not want them to be sick. He desires them to be well and happy, and they should make up their minds to be well. Often invalids can resist disease simply by refusing to yield to ailments and settle down in a state of inactivity. Rising above their aches and pains, let them engage in useful employment suited to their strength. By such employment and the free use of air and sunlight, many an emaciated invalid might recover health and strength.” Counsels on Health, 94.

“If Christians will keep the body in subjection, and bring all their appetites and passions under the control of enlightened conscience, feeling it a duty that they owe to God and to their neighbors to obey the laws which govern health and life, they will have the blessing of physical and mental vigor. They will have moral power to engage in the warfare against Satan; and in the name of Him who conquered appetite in their behalf, they may be more than conquerors on their own account. This warfare is open to all who will engage in it.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 65.

“The will is the governing power in the nature of man, bringing all the other faculties under its sway. The will is not the taste or the inclination, but it is the deciding power, which works in the children of men unto obedience to God, or unto disobedience.” Child Guidance, 209.

August Recipe:

Blueberry Ice Cream

2 cups Water

1 cup Cashews

1 tsp. Vanilla

2 Bananas

1 cup Crust pineapple

1 cup Date pieces

1/2 tsp. Sea salt

Whiz until thoroughly blended, then add:

1 Box Frozen Blueberries.

Continue blending until smooth. Pour into ice cube trays and freeze. When ready to serve, place cubes in Champion Juicer with Solid plate in place. Enjoy delicious, smooth, and healthful ice cream!

Children’s Story – All Comes From Above

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In a humble cottage in France, a poor godly man was dying. Calling his only son to him, he said, “My dear little Pierre, you will soon be left alone, and many troubles will come to you in this world; but always remember that all comes from above; then you will find it easy to bear everything with patience.”

Shortly after this, the poor man died, and little Pierre found himself quite alone in the world. The only thing he could do for a living was to go out and beg. As he went from door to door in the villages, he would sing for the people receiving from them just enough to keep him alive. Every time anybody gave him some food or money, he would say, “It comes from above,” remembering his father’s last words. It became a habit with him to use these words whatever happened to him, and he found that they did indeed help him to bear everything with patience.

One day, as he was passing through a village, a sudden gust of wind blew a tile of the roof of a nearby house. It struck Pierre on the shoulder, knocking him to the ground.

“It comes from above,” were his first words as he got back on his feet. But, as you can image, the people standing around nearby, laughed heartily.

A minute later, however, another gust of wind tore off the entire roof of a cottage a little farther down the street. Had little Pierre gone on, he might have been killed by it. So he thought to himself that the tile that had struck and hurt him had indeed “come from above” in more senses than one.

On another occasion, little Pierre was employed by a wealthy gentleman to carry an important letter to a businessman in a neighboring town. As he was told to be quick, Pierre ran as fast as he could. Coming to a stream, he tried to jump over it, but, he fell in and was nearly drowned. When he finally climbed out onto the bank drenched and weary, he found that the precious letter had disappeared. He tried, but could not find it anywhere in the muddy water. “It comes from above,” he murmured to himself as he sadly made his way back to the rich gentleman’s house.

Naturally enough, the gentleman was very angry with him. In fact, he drove him out of his house. But all Pierre could say was, “It comes from above.”

The next day, however, the gentleman sent for him. “Your falling into that stream was a fortunate accident for me,” he said. “Circumstances have changed overnight. If that letter had been delivered, I should have been involved in serious loss. Please accept this little gift as a token of my gratitude.” And the gentleman put more money in little Pierre’s hand than he had seen in a long time.

“It comes from above,” he said, as he went down the steps smiling.

And so Pierre grew up always believing that the hand of God was ordering his life, confident that, as it says in Romans 8:28: “All things work together for good to them that love God.” One day he, too, became a successful businessman.

We too should have such a faith in our heavenly Father. It will save us much needless sorrow and discouragement, and will fill our hearts with a quiet peace and confidence to bear everything with patience, as we remember that, “all comes from above.” Try it for yourself and see how God can work in your life!

Renaissance Church

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Founded as a haven for true and faithful Seventh-day Adventist believers in need of a place to worship together untainted by false teachings and celebration services, Renaissance Church opened its doors for its first Sabbath service on July 4, 1992. Nestled in the foothills southwest of Denver in a quiet country setting near Sedalia, Colorado, the members of Renaissance Church take seriously Ellen White’s counsel that “as wickedness increases in the great cities, we shall have to work them from outpost centers.” Review and Herald, July 5, 1906. Renaissance Church serves as an outpost to the Denver metropolitan area but most specifically to the smaller “bedroom communities” of Sedalia, Castle Rock, and Louviers.

Pastor John Grosboll with Steps to Life broke the Bread of Life for the special communion service held that first Sabbath, serving almost 200 attendees. Believing the number in attendance that day was an indication of the hungering so many Seventh-day Adventist believers have to hear the Three Angels’ Messages taught from the pulpit, Renaissance Church sponsors a guest speaker each month who presents Historic Seventh-day Adventist teachings. Many of our fellow believers who may not otherwise have the opportunity to hear historic doctrine are being fed through these spiritually uplifting weekends.

In the book Education, 191, Mrs. White tells us that “when a real love for the Bible is awakened, and the student begins to realize how vast is the field and how precious its treasure, he will desire to seize upon every opportunity for acquainting himself with God’s word.” So it is for the individuals attending Renaissance Church. In addition to the mid-week prayer meetings, one Sabbath afternoon each month is devoted to Bible marking sessions and another to doctrinal studies. These activities provide a treasured time of fellowship, and also strengthen our faith, giving us a deep desire to share that faith, and encourages us to be bold in our outreach endeavors. As a result of our group studies, God has blessed with several baptisms. Others are currently studying in anticipation of being baptized at our summer convocation in August.

To “soften the community,” a twelve part doctrinal tract series has been distributed to 5,000 homes near our church. Each Christmas season, special gifts from the church are delivered to homes and businesses in Sedalia. The first year we provided a freshly baked loaf of bread to each home and business. The last two years we have given packages of trail mix. We also adopted a two-mile stretch of highway near Sedalia and volunteer time to keep the roadside clean of litter. A sign at both ends of the two miles acknowledges our group by name for the clean-up. One Seventh-day Adventist family who recently moved to the Denver area is worshipping with us because they saw the signs!

Through these humble beginnings we have learned indeed that “he who begins with a little knowledge, and tells what he knows, at the same time seeking for more knowledge, will become qualified to do a larger work. The more light he gathers to his own soul, the more of heavenly illumination will he be able to impart to others.” Gospel Workers, 98.

As we gained name recognition within the community, we decided in 1994 it was time to use the “entering wedge” and introduce healthful living alternatives through vegetarian cooking classes. Each series of four classes has had members of the community in attendance who are thrilled with the information being provided. We have been especially grateful to see several of the attendees join us for Sabbath services when Danny Vierra of Modern Manna Ministries was our guest speaker, addressing health issues.

Renaissance Church sponsored a booth at the Douglas County Fair in August, 1995. Our theme, “Vegetarian Advantage,” provided a positive view of eliminating meat from the diet and lowering cholesterol for general health improvement. Often lines of people were waiting for the free samples of bulgur burger taco filling (a hamburger substitute made from bulgur wheat) and the children especially enjoyed the healthy, sugarless cookies. Some visitors told us they were sent to our booth from the Colorado State University Extension Agent’s booth to learn more about wholesome vegetarian cooking. Free literature, books, and recipes were available, and we obtained many names of individuals interested in attending the vegetarian cooking classes we sponsor six times a year. Booth space is already reserved for the 1996 county fair when we will be giving away the book Steps to Christ as well as other truth-filled literature.

Another avenue of outreach to families in the community will be provided through a before and after school care program beginning this fall. The curriculum of activities will include morning worship with the children before they are taken to school. Renaissance Academy will open to the community this fall, offering full-time classes as well as subject specific classes for homeschooled students (one out of five families in the county homeschool). Principles of truth will be presented in the classroom, and it is our prayer that families will be reached through the children and the lessons they learn at school.

On March 3, 1996, we prayerfully began featuring Steps to Life Sunday television programming on Channel 41, KRMT-TV in Denver. Considering the cost and competition for air time in the Denver market, this is quite an undertaking for a church our size. Such topics as “The Origin of the Bible,” “Attacks on the Bible,” “War in Heaven,” and “The Great Controversy” have begun what we pray will be a six-month to one-year airing of historic Seventh-day Adventist doctrines to the two million plus inhabitants of the Denver metroplex. One goal of our television outreach is to give everyone within the viewing area the opportunity to hear the Three Angels’ Messages. Several dozen requests for Bible lesson studies and free books have already been received. Another goal of our television outreach is to awaken the Laodicean Adventists in the Denver area to the nearness of Christ’s coming.

With God’s help we plan to follow up the television series with a Revelation Seminar. It is our constant prayer that God will continue to use the Renaissance Church as a light upon the hill.

The Bible Only

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Editors Note: This is a report from the Hungarian Adventist Community “The Bible Only”. The first section of this report is extracts from the official registration document of their organization, which was sent to us in this form. We have done no editing.

“We do not consider ourselves a separate church or movement. We regard ourselves merely as a fellowship of churches. As far as our religious beliefs are concerned, we are Seventh-day Adventists. We feel and profess ourselves to belong to the worldwide Adventist Community and wish to avoid even the appearance of being an alternative church or movement.

“There arose a discord between the policy and the leadership of the Hungarian SDA Church and a large protesting group of pastors and church members during the Communist era, since we adhered to the original beliefs and norms for which, the leaders of the Hungarian Church departed. They did not admit our protest but removed us from the church by illegal disciplinary action or by the pressure of conscience. Unfortunately the dispute could not be settled satisfactorily even after the years of encroachment by the State on church affairs had past, although we did make every effort to between 1975 and 1990.

“We cannot see any hope for the situation to change within a reasonable time. The maintenance of our churches thus being a necessity, in the interest of their development we ask for the registration of our group as a legal personality, i.e. the bearer of legal rights and duties to be recognized by the law.

“On formulating our constitution and asking for registration, we state the following:

“We consider all SDA churches in Hungary and abroad our fellow-churches as well as all SDA believers our brethren.

“We also maintain readiness to consider a merger at any later time when its conditions are fulfilled.”

 

Report of Churches

Membership: 1410
(Number of church members and visitors regularly attending our services: approximately 220.)

Number of pastors: 36

Number of further employees: 38

 

Institutions:

“Sola Scriptura” A Pastor’s Training and Theological College

Number of full-time students, Pastors Training School: 22

Number of correspondence students Bible Teacher’s School: 256

(Number of students, Extension School: 261)

“Fellowship of Bible Schools” Publishing House

Number of regular publications (journals, Sabbath School lessons for children and adults): 5

Number of books published since 1990:27

Old People’s Home, Lovasbereny

Number of residents: 16

Old People’s Home, Elek

Number of residents: 34

Youth Camp, Bozsva

Capacity: 300

Youth Camp, Torokkoppany

Capacity: 240

“Hope” Children’s Village, Nagoes

Number of adoptive families: 4

Number of adopted children: 19

 

PART TWO – Sola Scriptura (The Bible Only)

“Pastor’s Training and Theological College”

Our mission: The name of the college “Sola Scriptura” (the Bible only) refers to the vital principal of the XVIth century Reformation, namely the sole authority of the Scriptures. It signifies the trend of theology we follow and consider our commitment to represent in the world. We claim to be accurate and demanding in the study of the Bible consulting the related disciplines, such as linguistics, history, archeology, etc. But our main objective is to explore the very essence of the Bible, that is the divine thoughts of their own context or system. In summary, we want to promote the accomplishment of the Word-growing program, so that Acts 19:20 may come true again: “Mightily grew the Word of God and prevailed.” We strongly believe that, by doing so, we prepare the way for Christ’s glorious second coming, which is at hand. We want to prepare young men and women to be heralds of the authentic gospel, giving the knowledge of salvation (Luke 1:77) to the people of this world.

 

About the Schools

The Pastor’s Training School educates full time SDA students for qualified pastors, publishers, and Bible teachers. (Length of study: Four years. Graduates will be holders of a Pastor’s Diploma.)

The correspondence course Bible Teacher’s School provides academic study for those SDA and non SDA adults—regardless of their denomination—who want regular education in Biblical theology for college credit. (Length of study: Three years. Graduates will be holders of a Bible Teacher’s Diploma.) As the students of this school are of different denominations, the freedom of conscience is held in respect. The teaching being informative, the students are not called to account for their identification with the syllabus. Nevertheless, we believe and experience, too, that God’s Word shall not return void. Isaiah 55:11. The education given by this school sows the seeds of the Word in a wide territory, which will bear fruits in good time and at the right places.

The students of Extension School are given the opportunity to follow the correspondence course without sitting for exams and getting a credit.

By taking mainly full-time students from abroad, especially from the neighboring countries we wish to help God’s worldwide work.

 

The History of the College

It was established as early as 1975, but was forced underground until the election of the first democratic government after the collapse of Communism in 1990. Reorganized in 1992, it became recognized by the state. Full-time education was started in the same year.

Present date:

Number of teachers: 9

Number of full-time students, Pastor’s Training School: 22 (The students of this School are from Hungary, Ukraine, Yugoslavia, and Romania)

Number of correspondence students, Bible Teacher’s School: 376

Number of students Extension School: 243

It is registered as a legal personality and as an independent institution, forms part of the organization of the Christian Adventist Community regularly subsidized by the same. It does not take any financial support from the State.

From Persecutor to Persecuted, Part II

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The story up to this point:

Growing up in a large, traditional Hindu family in South India, Philip was like millions of other young boys until he joined the radical political organization called the RSS in his teens. This faction was dedicated to eradicating all western influences, including Christianity, from India. He took delight in harassing the local Christian community until one day he fell ill to a polio-like disease which left him crippled in all four limbs. Leaving no stone unturned his family searched all over for a cure, but in vain. He was devastated and even contemplated suicide. Then six years later he relented and decided to give the Christians one last try before ending it all. So one Sunday he hobbled over to the same Pentecostal church he had damaged before. The congregation prayed for him. However, nothing happened until three months later when, as he was praying in great agony of spirit, an audible voice instructed him to let his hands down. He was terror-stricken, but obeyed and was instantly cured! Getting on a bicycle he jubilantly pedaled to his father’s house, then on to 25 surrounding villages proclaiming that Jesus was the true God. The impact of his testimony was electric, and many rank Hindus acknowledged Jesus. But the ire of the devil was roused. He began mustering his diabolical forces.

The news of Philip ’s cure spread like fire through a parched prairie. Everywhere he went there was sure to be a crowd of curious villagers to whom he could witness, and he lost no time in declaring that Christianity was the true religion. For a time no one dared oppose him whom the gods appeared to have favored so highly. But the novelty of his cure dissipated soon enough from the hearts of the RSS leadership, his erstwhile comrades-in-arms. The significance of a former cripple going about winning converts to the hated western religion was not lost on them. Their movement was taking a beating in the public mind. The situation was becoming intolerable. The rage within their breasts reflected on their countenances as dark, ominous scowls. An emergency council was convened with one item dominating the agenda: How to stop the renegade. The decision that ensued was unanimous: An ultimatum would be delivered. If Philip did not immediately stop preaching Christianity, he would be eliminated. The last of the last iota of sympathy for him had evaporated. His life could now be counted in days, if not hours.

“You traitor,” the ruffians thundered one day, cornering him in the street, “How dare you’ve joined with the Christians? You must be getting money from the States. Hinduism is the most glorious of religions. We have all we can desire in our religion. If you don’t stop spreading this foreign religion we will kill you.”

Philip’s response was a dignified, eloquent silence. If he was afraid, he did not show it. But the real proof of his courage came with the passing days as he boldly continued preaching to the villagers. He had tasted the ambrosia of the gospel, and nothing—not even dire threats against his life—would be allowed to keep him from sharing the Jesus he had come to love. How could he deny the One who had mercy enough to cure him of his terrible malady? From the depths of hopeless despair he had been lifted to the heights of joy and hope. Far rather would he risk losing his life than chance making his Savior sad by bowing to the edicts of men. And, besides, had he not pledged, in the days of his affliction, to spread the name of the god who could heal him? No, he could never let intimidation cow him.

Rising up early he would take off for the villages around. As might be expected of a newborn Christian, his knowledge of the Scriptures was very limited. He could not give a Bible study on the 2,300 days yet, but he had a testimony which was as powerful as it was simple. Soon he would have an eager crowd of villagers milling around. To them he would relate the story of his incredible healing, and taking out his Bible would begin reading aloud from the gospels. Then, raising the pitch of his voice he would plead earnestly, “Jesus is the true God. He is superior to all our Hindu gods. If you want joy and peace and power in your lives, I invite you to come and bow before him.” The effect frequently would be dramatic. Many would come forward and acknowledge this great God who had cured him.

It quickly became apparent that Philip was not going to be brow beaten into submission by the RSS. He realized he was signing his own death warrant by flouting their wishes, but he could not bring himself to stop. While his obvious fearlessness further irked his enemies to new heights of hatred. Seething with uncontrollable fury they posted his name on the blackboard of the RSS offices and swore to kill him on a certain date. Philip, however, was not informed of this last decision. Nobody leaked the news to him. Thus, unknown to him, his last day on earth came hurrying on apace, while the hands of the clock ticked steadily toward the decisive hour. The fateful countdown had begun.

The day set for Philip’s execution dawned bright and cheerful, no different from countless others before. As always, he had breakfast, then set out boldly, yet unassumingly, on his mission for the kingdom of heaven. He was blissfully unaware that even at that moment grim hands were sharpening knives to plunge into his chest that night. Nor was he aware of the deadly serious, supernatural struggle being waged over him. The mighty angels of heaven had been commissioned to protect this saint of the Most High, while the demonic forces of hell vainly tried to obstruct access to him. A cosmic showdown, worthy of the nail-biting attention of the universe, was in the offing, and he didn’t even know he was on center stage in the spotlight.

Arriving at the fist village, Philip made contact with his interests as usual. Nothing seemed amiss as he prayed and studied with them. Then bidding them farewell, and promising to see them again soon, he continued on to the next village where the same scenario was repeated. Thus he made the rounds of the villages before setting a homeward course late in the day. The sun was westering low by the time he started back. It would be quite dark before he reached home, but he thought nothing of it. He had been over the same dirt road since childhood and knew every dip and curve like the back of his hands. However, there was just one thought which caused him a little apprehension: The road home led past the RSS offices which were somewhat isolated. There were not many houses in the area. With the threats emanating thence it was not the most congenial place in the world to be near at night. But stifling his uneasiness, and sending up a prayer, he reminded himself that he had been that way after dark before. Today would likely be another routine, uneventful passage. How greatly mistaken he was!

It was around nine o’clock when Philip finally came around the bend and saw the dim kerosene lights of his village in the distance. He felt relieved to be so close to home. The RSS offices in the foreground appeared deserted. No lights shone through the cracks in the wooden windows and doors. Everything was quiet except for the chirping of a few crickets in the grass. The huge tamarind trees lining the road were as silent sentinels keeping watch over weary travelers. Silhouetted against the starry heavens they were comforting in their massive permanence, but the shades of night assumed a somewhat eerier blackness beneath their large overhanging branches. A gentle breeze blew through their leaves and rustled in the bushes beside the path. It was a picture of peace. Even the mangy dogs, lying on the cowdung-paved yards of the mud houses, barely twitched their noses as his familiar footsteps approached. After all, the village was getting ready to bed down for the night. Nothing seemed to suggest that danger lurked in the shadows, as Philip unconsciously picked up his pace to go past the dreaded offices of his enemies.

Suddenly, like a thunderclap, the peace was shattered. “Stop!” a gruff voice boomed. Philip froze in his tracks, heart pounding madly in his chest. As if out of nowhere, more than a hundred dark forms quickly materialized from the shadows, completely surrounding him. Escape was impossible. Breaking into a cold sweat, Philip realized his utter predicament. He had walked into an ambush. The time had come for him to bear his last testimony, and seal it with his blood. Breathing a desperate prayer he watched as the figures drew closer, making the circle tighter about him. And now in the dim light of the stars he recognized his former friends. Something glinted in the hands of several—daggers! Others had stout sticks and stones. The leader stepped forward, “You have disobeyed our orders to stop preaching Christianity,” he yelled.” “For this you must die!”

If ever he needed presence of mind, Philip needed it now. He could see no ray of hope, but a strange calmness took possession of him. Heaven seemed near. Turning to the leader he replied, “You wish to kill me. That’s fine. But before you do, please allow me five minutes to say something. At the end of five minutes you can go ahead and kill me, I won’t mind.”

“All right, all right,” retorted the leader impatiently, “Go ahead and say what your problem is. Hurry up!”

This is all the break Philip needed. Seizing the opportunity he looked about earnestly at them and began: “For many years we were friends together in the RSS as we harassed the Christians and destroyed their churches. Then I fell sick and became a cripple. For six years I was among you, a destitute, but not one of you even came near to help me. You did not speak one word of encouragement when I was at the point of despair. Now Jesus has shown mercy and healed me, and you wish to kill me for preaching His name.” Then waxing bolder and more eloquent as the Holy Spirit took control, he continued, “Christianity is not merely a religion, it is the way of truth. Jesus is not only for the Christians, but for all of us too. . .”

For a few minutes there was pin drop silence as Philip’s words burned their way into the hardened hearts of his detractors. But soon, catching himself, the leader realized what was going on—he was the audience at a powerful evangelistic sermon! “That’s enough,” he cried, “Something strange is happening to our hearts as you’re speaking.” He drew imaginary circles over the left side of his chest. “If you keep this up you’ll convince all of us to become Christians too!” Then casting his weapon aside he turned and strode away.

A murmur rippled over the mob. It didn’t sound threatening. Now soft thuds could be heard as those carrying rocks dropped them harmlessly to the ground. The murmur grew fainter. More people were leaving the malicious ranks, their thirst for blood completely gone. A few more moments, and all was still again. Philip was left standing alone under the stars, punctuating the happy silence under his breath with praises to the God of heaven.

It would be wonderful if it could be reported that Philip was never persecuted for his faith again. But unfortunately, this was not the case. Just as the devil left Jesus alone “for a season” following his defeat at the hands of our Lord in the wilderness, so he left Philip for awhile while he licked his wounds and regrouped his forces. He was not about to give up without a fierce struggle. His next strategy was to employ his (Philip’s) parents against him, and the cosmic contest entered a new, more perplexing phase. The plan was to capitalize on an old, proven tactic—fear and human pride. But the God of heaven had His counterplans carefully laid too. The enemy of souls was about to suffer another crushing blow. However, the story must wait until we can meet you again in these pages.

God bless.

The End

Reporting from Zambia, Central Africa – In God’s Vineyard

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“Because they are not connected with some directly religious work, many feel that their lives are useless; that they are doing nothing for the advancement of God’s kingdom. If they could do some great thing how gladly they would undertake it! But because they can serve only in little things, they think themselves justified in doing nothing. In this they err. A man may be in the active service of God while engaged in ordinary, everyday duties—while felling trees, clearing the ground, or following the plow. The mother who trains her children for Christ is as truly working for God as is the minister in the pulpit.” Prophets and Kings, 219.

As a missionary in a foreign land what is the work the Lord has given me to do? The ignorance and gross darkness in the world, and even among the professed people of God calls for perseverance in educating. I do this through teaching from my home, in public halls, in home studies, outdoors, and occasionally in churches. What is the main emphasis in the teaching? 1) Bible prophecy and current events, 2) The everlasting gospel and the Christian experience, 3) Showing my people their sins, and pointing people to the Word of God as the basis of faith and practice instead of the traditions of the church or the culture.

To further the work of education God has given me a video and audio tape ministry where I loan tapes and provide tapes for sale at cost. Everything from creation to current events, from prophecy to child training, from the practical gospel to Daniel and Revelation, Bible doctrines and health and temperance are all taught through this means. This has challenged people to walk in the law of the Lord. It has caused some to reconsider how they are raising their children. It has awakened some as if from a dream to the realities of the duties and privileges of the remnant people of God.

As funds allow me to do so, I print and purchase books to make available at or near cost, or on occasion when books are donated, then they are sold at a subsidized rate. I find selling books at an affordable rate is better than just giving them away indiscriminately. For when people have to buy a book they are more serious. A consignment of historical SDA magazines which are received monthly are distributed to numerous groups of laymen and have opened the eyes of many, and helped establish the sincere upon Biblical Adventism.

My work is not glamorous or popular but it is unquestionably the work God has given me to do. God also has a work for you to do. For as truly as Christ has gone to prepare the mansions for the saved, just as truly there is a place prepared for you to work in His vineyard. May each one of us be faithful to our calling and to our work, and not bury our talents, thinking the Lord has no need of them. God’s army requires all to be found faithful. Will that include you?

Reporting from Montana, USA – We Can Go Forward

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Montana Missions with Bob Vun Kannon is actively engaged in spreading the messages of the three angels into Satan’s strongholds of darkness. The meeting room in the public library of Kalispell, Montana is being used to give these messages in the form of Bible studies and Bible seminars. At our first series of Bible studies 100 percent of the non-Adventists who attended accepted the seventh-day Sabbath. When we Adventists go to work God can and does bless our feeble efforts.

Five-day stop smoking programs are being held up and down the Flathead Lake from Kalispell to Polson. The five-day plan ends with a vegetarian banquet and an information card giving the people the opportunity to indicate an interest in vegetarian cooking classes, Bible studies, or Bible seminars. People are also being drawn to these seminars by organized distribution of the Silent Messenger flyers and by newspaper advertisements. The Silent Messenger is a series of five flyers which end in an invitation to a Bible seminar (or other activity). Passing out these flyers is a non-confrontational way of leading non-Adventists into the Three Angels’ Messages. The flyers contain basic, Christian messages from the first four chapters of Steps to Christ. What makes the program work is the follow-up activity, such as Daniel or Revelation seminars or Bible studies. Masters for printing of the Silent Messenger flyers, customized with your own address or logo, are available from Montana Missions.

Montana Missions is also actively engaged in helping to spread the message in the former Soviet Union. Bob has been very active in helping to promote the translation of the Spirit of Prophecy into Russian (about 40 volumes translated to date by brethren in the former U.S.S.R.) and to establishing an underground press there, which is expected to be operational late this summer. Steps to Life and Bob worked together to distribute 6000 volumes of Sister White’s books to Adventist leaders in the Ukraine.

Bob also helps historic Adventists of the English language persuasion by producing and selling Whitespeed, the fastest and most comprehensive computer concordance to the Spirit of Prophecy available. Montana Missions publishes the Montana Missions Report, a monthly newsletter designed to feed, encourage, and stimulate historic Adventists. Montana Missions also holds monthly meetings in the Kalispell-Proctor area, with interesting guest speakers for historic Seventh-day Adventists.

When we go to work God can and will bless our efforts.

Reporting from New Zealand – The Work in the South Pacific

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To the south in the vast rolling Pacific Ocean, there is a work that has blossomed and grown over the last ten years in the spreading of God’s Word in the South Pacific region.
Based in New Zealand, the ministry of Hope International New Zealand is producing material for the souls in our home country, as well as in Australia, the Pacific Islands, and Indonesia and Malaysia, where our work is just beginning.

New Zealand lies to the South East of Australia approximately 3500 km (2300 miles), and is made up of two main islands, North and South island. Each island is about 1600 km (1000 miles) long. The rest of the country consists of a quantity of small islands. New Zealand has a population of 3.4 million.

Our ministry has been functioning for 10 years, having its roots in our home here in Rangiora, South Island. We started when a couple leaving for Australia, gave us about six cartons of books, two cartons contained inexpensive Great Controversy books. Having no idea what to do with them at this stage, we left them in a closet under the stairs. About a year later, Elder Ron Spear came through New Zealand on one of his first preaching tours and stirred us into action, recommending that we get more of these inexpensive books from Vance Ferrel and make them available to our people here in our country. We duly pulled our two cartons out from under the stairs, plus shipped in more sets from overseas and typed out a one page newsletter to let people know that we had these books available. This letter was sent to 47 people that we were sending the Anchor magazine to at that time. From here, the ministry started to grow, now 650 people receive the newsletter in New Zealand and that number swells to 1000 when we send it overseas.

The ministry still functions from our home as a home-base. We now have seven staff working here full-time:

Peter Hitchens and Damon Hurley work on the computers preparing material for printing.

Keith Stirling operates our printing press and other equipment.

Jason Cooper manages the stocking of shelves, and the receiving of stock from overseas. He also prepares catalogues, and manages the production of material from the computers/press.

Madelene Hurley is our receptionist/secretary, her job includes processing incoming and outgoing mail, copying video and audio tapes, taking incoming phone calls, and keeping the accounts current

Peter Henham is out on the doors and on the streets doing medical missionary literature work and open air street preaching. He also gives Bible studies in the evenings and where he can during the day.

My duties involve planning for camp-meetings and outreach meetings, plus the general running of home-base. I also travel throughout New Zealand, visiting homechurch groups, taking a few meetings, arranging speakers for homechurch group meetings, and generally encouraging our brothers and sisters in the faith.

Evan Sadler is part of the team here too, not so much in the physical working aspect here at home-base, but more in the evangelistic side, traveling abroad and throughout our own country.

The main thrust of our ministry is to supply literature both for Seventh-day Adventists and the general public. As well as Bibles, we have literature on many different topics including: health, homeschooling, video and audio tapes, and books by SDA authors.

We also prepare and print tracts and booklets for outreach in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands. Currently we are producing one sheet tri-fold tracts on many subjects including: health, prophecy, conversion, and Protestant history. We are also printing booklets on various topics. These booklets and tracts are prepared in English and several Pacific Island languages, so that we can reach into the village areas as well as main cities.

The ministry continues to grow. It is hard to keep up with the demand for materials, but the work is rewarding and encouraging as we see souls touched, both inside and outside the church, as a result of our efforts. God has richly blessed the small work here in this country and our prayer is that souls will be saved for His wonderful Kingdom, soon to become a reality.

We encourage all to keep the vision of a finished work. “Be ye also patient, stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:8.

Reporting from Ghana, West Africa – Why Don’t You Study for Yourself?

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Since the inception of Steps to Life, on February 18, 1996 in Ghana, it has been a witness of the outpouring of God’s blessing on a continent of those hungering and thirsting for spiritual food. The office has not only been a place where God’s work is sent to unknown students , but prayers are offered to God on behalf of the students , people are counseled and outreach programs are planned.

Prior to the commencement of the Steps to Life Bible Correspondence School, national newspapers carried advertisements about the school, explaining what the school is about and reinforcement to encourage faithful returns of lessons. People enrolled in mass, and some even enrolled their friends and relatives. Others wrote specifically for prayers to overcome spiritual problems.

The Crew

We have a seven man team who work conscientiously together to ensure that souls are saved. The Director, Joseph Class-Peters, oversees the day to day running of the school. He makes sure nothing impedes or derails the mailing of letters, and he also plans the outreach program.

Gabriel Brew is an astute accountant. He denied worldly gains in order to serve God. He is the financial operator, and works on the word processor. He is assisted by Agnes Class-Peters, a constant voluntary worker at the office.

Pastor Nolly Okoroji is in charge of mailing, registering and filing the students records for easy access from the vault. He is assisted by James Andoh, who does the mailings on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Ben Asherow also works in the mail room to ease the burden of work.

Pastor Chunks Iheme assists the Director in the marking and evaluation of the returned lessons. They answer questions and record prayer requests as well as grading the lessons.

Team Work

When the letters are received, they are sent to the mailing room, where they are sorted, registered and grouped into regions. The registered names and addresses are passed to the machine room where they are typed and sent back to the mailing room for lessons to be organized and dispatched.

The second stage involves the returned lessons. Files are opened for returned lessons one and two. Next the lessons are graded, and questions answered. An average of 150–200 lessons are marked per week. The graded lessons are sent back to the machine room for the next lessons to be assembled and mailed.

Records Broken

It is incredible to note that within four months of existence, we have had a tremendous response. We have received more than 5,000 letters. Over 4,015 lessons have been sent out. Many of our students have answered lessons 14 and 15, which discuss the Sabbath, and have decided for the truth. We shall commence visiting our students to register their response and encourage them.

Africa is on fire for the Lord! Help us praise the Lord. This week we shall run our second advertisement, for the next quarter. We are expecting a gigantic response from the populace.

Aiding the Historic SDA Church in Ghana

Steps to Life in Africa is working with Historic SDA Churches here. We are unrelenting in our efforts and undaunted by circumstances to ensure that the Three Angels’ Messages are proclaimed. We support and compliment the roles of these churches in fulfilling our dream.

Brethren, we need your prayers and support.

Reporting from Montana, USA – In Everything Give Thanks

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When I worked for a large corporation in Anchorage, Alaska, the job required frequent travel. I usually flew on Alaska Airlines. When Alaska Airlines serves their meals to their customers, they always place a little card on each tray with the following Bible verse: “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O most High: to shew forth Thy lovingkindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night.” Psalms 92:1, 2. That thought has never left me. It is good for us and we are even required to give thanks unto the Lord, for we read in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Most of the time we forget to thank the Lord. We dwell on the dark side of life, and on the failings of others, because of this we become discouraged and unhappy. I am glad that the owners of that airline had the idea and the courage to place these verses on my tray. I am only one life they touched with these messages from God’s Word. This is what I would like to do with my life—to touch the lives of other people so they have a desire to follow Jesus more closely, not to follow a man or a system, but the Lord of the Church. The 144,000 are doing that according to Revelation 14:4 — “they follow the Lamb.” Even if we can touch only one individual in our life and that one person is saved, it was all well worth it. It would be better to help one soul to be truly converted and saved, than to baptize fifty people that are not converted and will be lost anyway.

I read a statement in Testimonies, vol. 2, 246: “One soul saved, to live throughout the ages of eternity, to praise God and the Lamb, is of more value than millions in money.”

My being here on earth is no accident. God is in control. He always has been and always will be and that’s good news.

Just looking back in my own life, I remember when God saved me from drowning as a little child; when He led us out of Berlin four weeks before a bomb destroyed the apartment complex my parents lived in; when He helped us to escape from the Russian army in East Germany while they were only one mile away from the place we stayed; when He brought us safely to a little village in Bavaria (West Germany), hundreds of miles southwest; when He protected us from various severe bombing attacks in Bavaria; when He brought my father safely home from a three and a half year prison term in Siberia, and when we learned the beautiful Three Angels’ Messages through the Seventh-day Adventist movement. I can only marvel and be grateful for His leading.

As a young man I immigrated to the United States, and served for two years in the U.S.A. Army. During my overseas stay, I met my first wife with whom I was privileged to spend twenty-eight blessed years raising three nice children. During my first years in the U.S.A. I became acquainted with several sincere, upright, honest, and spiritual Seventh-day Adventist Christians. Today I would consider them Historic Seventh-day Adventists. God used them to impress upon my mind and heart the importance of the messages given by Him to Ellen White, in the Spirit of Prophecy—one of the main signs of the true Church. In Testimonies, vol. 4, 148, I read this statement: “In ancient times God spoke to men by the mouth of prophets and apostles. In these days He speaks to them by the testimonies of His Spirit. There was never a time when God instructed His people more earnestly than He instructs them now concerning His will and the course that He would have them pursue.” But will they profit by His teachings? Will they receive His reproofs and heed His warnings?”

There is a very important statement found in Selected Messages, vol. 1, 48, which says: “The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none effect the testimony of the Spirit of God . . . There will be a hatred kindled against the testimonies which is satanic . . . Satan cannot have so clear a track to bring in his deceptions and bind up souls in his delusions if the warnings and reproofs and counsels of the Spirit of God are heeded.” When I read this I was convicted and determined to remain true and faithful to God by heeding His counsels and encourage others to do so.

When false teachers, theories, and the modern theology crept into the church, when finally celebration and NLP and the tearing down of standards came into the church, I already had a good foundation by being grounded in the Spirit of Prophecy. We read in Selected Messages, vol. 3, 84: “All who believe that the Lord has spoken through Sister White, and has given her a message, will be safe from the many delusions that will come in these last days.”

It was several months after my wife died of cancer in 1993 that I was invited by the Printed Page to go to Romania, Poland, Czech Republic, and Germany to speak to various independent groups and conference churches encouraging them to stay faithful to the historic message given to this movement over a hundred years ago, and not to follow any man or system or to believe any new teachings without testing them by the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. The early believers checked out Paul’s teachings as we read in Acts 17:11: “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the work with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” If they had to check out Paul by the written Word, then we surely must check out every one that comes along today, and if he preaches the truth, he has nothing to worry about because the truth will stand.

During one of my speaking appointments in Germany I met a lovely Christian woman, who I married this month. We plan to use our time and talents to glorify Jesus and to be an encouragement to others.

For the past three years I have been priviliged to speak as a layworker to various groups and churches in Europe and the States, for various independent ministries, and in some conference churches. I am not interested in erecting walls of separation but in encouraging people to follow Jesus alone and the truth He has given to this movement. My main goal is to encourage each one, myself included, to become like Jesus in character. “It is character that decides destiny.” Christ Object Lessons, 74. “It is. . . the possession of a Christlike character that will open to us the gates of Paradise.” Christian Service, 247.

It is my goal and desire to continue to be a blessing and a support to my local church and wherever the Lord wants me to share that information in order to prepare a people for the coming of the Lord.

We are told in the book Desire of Ages, 253, that “Jesus had nothing to do with subjects of dissension among the Jews. It was His work to present the truth.” “He denied the right of the priests and rabbis to question Him or to interfere with His work.” Desire of Ages, 211. “Jesus taught the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority.” Ibid., 253. “As the Son of man, Christ would stand loyal to God.” Ibid., 114.

Jesus is my example, He is my leader, and I want to follow Him in my personal life and in the presentation of my messages as we find in Testimonies, vol. 5, 147: “Choose poverty, reproach, separation from friends, or any suffering rather than to defile the soul with sin. Death before dishonor or the transgression of God’s law should be the motto of every Christian.” May the Lord help us in this endeavor.