{editor's note} ALTHOUGH I REALLY ENJOYED THE UNUSUALLY COOL WEATHER THIS SPRING, it appears the cold fronts in Texas are behind us now and it’s time to face the reality of living in Texas from May to August. But, before you call your friends together for some grilling magic in your backyard or head out to the beach, take a second to flip through the FLAME and check out the Shish Kabob recipe and helpful hints for living out your faith at your children’s sporting events. Don’t miss our partners’ section where you can learn about a new restaurant that is making an impact in Texas, and share the kidz korner story and activities with your little ones. Our feature is a story from our very own editor, Jason Busch. Follow along as he realizes, with a little help from a Waffle House waitress, that he is the key to deepening his relationship with Christ. The power of choice and action also resounds in our education section, where one coed shares about her high school and college careers. In the family matters section we ponder what it takes to deal with life’s changes. From cover to cover, we are sure you will unearth ideas and inspiration in the summer issue of the FLAME. Since our last issue, my family has faced loss on several fronts. My best friend lost her only grandfather, my sister-in-law lost her dear cousin, my husband also lost his grandfather, and we suffered the loss of my wonderful aunt, Mabel. There are few words that can bring comfort when a loved one is no longer with you, yet there is so much peace and hope in knowing that our Savior died so those individuals might live again. We are left with this hope, and the memories of our loved ones to pull us through. However, the season also brought an incredible joy as we welcomed my brother’s first child, Mikaela. She is my parents’ first grandchild and they couldn’t be more proud. Life occurs in cycles and what must transcend is faith in our Creator and His eternal plan for our lives. May the FLAME be a companion for you along that journey. Once again I offer many heartfelt thanks to the contributors, translators and designers that pour hours of work into the FLAME. Through them we are able to take thoughts and concepts and turn them into great reading. Share your story with us or tell us what you think of the magazine! We’d love to hear from you. On behalf of the FLAME staff and the Texas Conference Administration, thank you and happy reading!
Kristina Pascual Lockhart Managing Editor FLAME@txsda.org
{contributors}
LIZetH HeRnAnDeZ is the pastor for the Infinite Life Worship Center of Seventh-day Adventists. On page four she shares how her perspective on love changed from passive to active and how she learned that love does!
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JoAQUIM AZeVeDo works as an Assistant Professor of Religion at Southwestern Adventist University. In this issue, he breaks down how a meaningful prayer life and a relationship with God are closely intertwined on page 18.
BRenDA BARnett is a Certified Personal Trainer at Texas Health Huguley Fitness Center. Her article on page 10 shows how a proper strength-training program pushes your fitness to the next level.
MInneR LABRADoR, JR. is Vice President for Ministries, Men's Ministries, Sabbath School, and Stewardship Director for the Southwestern Union of Seventh-day Adventists. On page 17, he tells the fascinating story of William Colgate and his commitment to giving back.
MAKALA coLeMAn is a student at Southwestern Adventist University. On page eight, she reflects on the impact that a Seventh-day Adventist education has had in her life and how she wouldn’t want it any other way.
In Every Issue
{contents}
Summer 2014 page 5
2 From the Editor 4 Leadership Moment 4 Perspectives 9 Partners 17 On The Shelf 22 Calendar 23 Advent Movement
5 LIVING FAITH A few things to consider when cheering at your kids’ sporting events.
14 FAMILY MATTERS You can’t avoid change, but you can learn to navigate through it and still emerge sane.
7 MINISTRIES Family Ministries— what they’re doing to renew a changing institution.
15 BRIDGES MORE is coming to San Antonio.
8 EDUCATION An inspiring glimpse of one student’s journey through Adventist education.
15 16 RECIPE The perfect kabob for the summer grilling season.
10 FITNESS The key to putting your body in balance. 11 SPOTLIGHT Highlighting those who make the Texas Conference Headquarters tick. 12 FEATURE Apathy once got the best of Jason Busch, but through a little wisdom and a lot of food he found that redemption is always closest when you least expect it to be.
Feature Photography by Vismo Studios
page
17 STEWARDSHIP Blessings beyond your wildest dreams. 18 THEOLOGY Is your prayer life more of a monologue or a dialogue with God? page 12
19 KIDZ KORNER Stories, activity ideas, and fun facts to impress your friends! 20 HISTORY A reminder that God is always near and offers hope in the midst of tragedy.
FLAME | 3 Summer 2014
leadership moment
CARLOS CRAIG
GARY BRADY
as families enjoy their summer vacations, why should they consider enrolling their children in adventists school in the fall? There is a Bible verse found in Isaiah 26:20 that has intrigued me for some time now. It reads, “Come My people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself as it were, for a moment, until the indignation is past!” It’s clear from this that there would come a time so critical that the people of God would find themselves in need of enclosing themselves. It’s important to wrap ourselves tightly in our convictions. What better way to do the same for our kids than by placing them in the care of the Adventist educational system? This summer, we’d like to urge you to consider your local Adventist school and all the many benefits it will bring to your children and to your family.
How does the yearly Pastors & Teachers retreat benefit the texas conference employees and members? The Lord has blessed the Texas Conference with a location that accommodates both the teachers and the pastors for a summer retreat. The blessing of pulling away together for fellowship, worship, inspiration and learning is beneficial in strengthening the relationship between pastors and teachers, as well as churches and schools. These relationships are critical for partnering in the mission of our church and the future of our children as they learn both academically and spiritually. I liken these times together to a woodcutter chopping wood. If one doesn’t stop and sharpen the axe from time to time, the work becomes more difficult and less effective. We anticipate God’s blessing and sharpening this summer!
president
perspectives IT WAS A WEDNESDAY MORNING a few weeks ago and my mind had replayed every ingredient in the recipe—sautéed onions until translucent, add celery and carrots in medium heat, and then add 6 cups of vegetable broth. I knew exactly what I needed to make my luncheon with the hospitality committee at the iLife Worship Center a complete success, but I had a long to-do list. It was 8:55 when I got a text from our school chaplain’s wife. It read, “Good morning Pastor Liz, we found a man who needs help.” I made arrangements to go to the school and meet this man. While driving I tried to adjust my timeline and thought to myself, “as long as I’m back by noon I’ll have enough time to prepare lunch and get back on track with everything else on my list.” When I arrived at South Texas Christian Academy, I found our school chaplain, Anderson Ramos, talking to a young boy. To my surprise he wasn't a man at all; he was just a kid! His eyes were downcast and his tattered clothes and sun-kissed face told me his journey
4 | FLAME Summer 2014
secretary
EDWIN ROMERO treasurer
tell us about the plans for treasurer training this year and the move online. We realize that the time of our church leaders and treasurers is valuable and we are very thankful for their diligent service to their churches and to the Lord. This initiative seeks to make the seminars available for participants who need more flexibility to complete the training at their own pace. The Texas Conference strives to provide instruction for every church treasurer, equipping them to better serve their churches. In an effort to improve efficiency, training videos and quizzes will be posted online for a period of time. Participants will take online quizzes after each video, before moving on to the next section and the Auditing Department will be available to answer any questions. Once all the requirements have been met, participants will receive the Treasurer Certification from the Texas Conference.
Love does! had started in another country. I instantly felt compassion for him and understood the call for help. I sat there listening, riveted by his story and holding back the tears as he spoke. As he talked, my mind began to think of solutions. Where could I take him? I remembered a shelter where our church had volunteered a while back and decided to take him there. On our way, we stopped to buy shoes and wound up leaving the store with an entire wardrobe. God spoke to my heart and a deep conviction began to set in. Love does! Our small group had been reading Bob Goff’s book Love Does, about love not stopping at thoughts and feelings, but love taking action. I was so caught up in my to-do list that I almost missed the opportunity God was giving me to demonstrate love. This is what ministry should be—to look after the downtrodden, feed them, clothe
By Lizeth Hernandez
them, show them love and show them Christ. A warm bath, a place to sleep and words of hope turned his frown upside down. We made contact with some of his relatives and a family friend made arrangements for him to meet up with them. Love doesn’t sit and wait for others—Love does! Lizeth Hernandez is the pastor of the Infinite Life Worship Center of Seventh-day Adventists in Edinburg, TX.
living faith
Being A Christian
On and Off the Field By Dr. Tom Grove
I am a huge sports fan. While I enjoy watching and playing most sports, my greatest joy comes from cheering on teams from Pittsburgh. Whether it’s the six-time Super Bowl champion Steelers, the multiple Stanley Cup champion Penguins or the recently reinvigorated Pirates, I love supporting the ‘Black & Gold’. A more recent reason for the hobby is that my 9-year-old son Mark has inherited my love of all things sports related. One of the things we’re looking forward to this summer is getting Mark signed up to play organized baseball. He was able to play when we lived in Pennsylvania, but only recently found a local league whose schedule worked with ours. We are excited to have Mark back on the sandlot playing America’s pastime. My wife and I enjoy watching Mark play, and attending the games also gives us an opportunity to get to know some of the other players’ parents. Your family might also be participating in summer activities like baseball, soccer, swimming or gymnastics this year. So whether your cheer squad is by the pool or on the sidelines, remember you’ve got a great opportunity to have a positive influence. How, you may ask? Here are three suggestions that allow you to show your principles to others, while setting an example for your kids. 1. Don't be overzealous. When we first met some of the other parents on the team, we didn't stick out our hand and say, "Hi, we’re the Groves. We are Seventh-day Adventist, so our son won't be playing on Saturday because it’s the Sabbath and just so you know he doesn't eat pork either." Instead, we simply introduce ourselves as Tom and Deborah. Soon enough they discover that we are Seventh-day Adventists and that I’m a pastor. We let folks get to know us first and that information comes out naturally. I like to follow the principle, “Live your faith, then speak your faith.” People are much more receptive when you build friendships first rather than try to force the issue of belief. The famous quote by St. Francis of Assasi is especially poignant: "Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words." 2. Remember whom you represent. I have often heard coaches point out that the problem with youth sports today has nothing to do with the kids, but with the parents. The news regularly reports incidents where two parents get into a fight, or a parent assaults a referee or a coach. I have been in situations where children have better sportsmanship than their parents. Now, I realize we like for our children to succeed, but remember whom you represent. You not only represent your family, but also Jesus Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:20,
Paul writes, "We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors.” So while you may not agree with the umpire or referee's perspective on a certain play, or how obnoxiously another parent is acting, remember whom you represent. 3. Look for chances to build friendships. After the season wraps up, you probably won't see most of the other parents or kids unless they go to your kids’ school or live in your neighborhood. Look for opportunities to continue a friendship with some of the other families throughout the rest of the year. It might be as simple as inviting the family over for a meal or going to a sporting event together. What you do or where you go isn't as important as spending time to foster the friendship. I am convinced that people are brought into our lives for a reason, so concentrate on one or two families from your kids’ sports team and develop that relationship beyond the summer. Who knows what wonderful memories may lie ahead. Dr. Tom Grove holds a Doctorate of Ministry with an emphasis in leadership and is the Executive Pastor of the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church.
FLAME | 5 Summer 2014
Discover Planned Giving Planned giving is a way to integrate your financial planning goals. The right planned gift may provide you with tax and income benefits while helping the ministries within the Texas Conference. Here are some of the most common planned gifts you can make:
and leave a nice gift to the church. If you own appreciated assets such as stock or real estate, we can help you sell those assets tax free.
Bequest Your Will may include a gift of a specific asset, a dollar amount or a percentage of your estate to the church.
life estate You can make a tax deductible gift of your home and remain living in it for your lifetime. There are additional real estate sale strategies that can provide you with cash, a charitable deduction and even income.
CharitaBle Gift annuities and CharitaBle remainder trusts These plans can provide you with lifetime income, a charitable income tax deduction
There are many ways you may benefit from planned giving. Contact us or visit our website today so we may assist you in discovering the right plan for you.
Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Department of Trust Services P.O. Box 800 • Alvarado, TX 76009 Phone: 817-790-2255 • Toll Free: 800-847-2792 • Fax: 817-783-2698 Email:trust@txsda.org • www.TexasConferenceLegacy.org
Moving? » ContaCt Conta US!
Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
817-790-2255 Ext.2210 www.TexasAdventist.org | move@txsda.org
Join a team of family life specialists as they make this event an unforgettable experience for you and your spouse
Take Charge of Your Health Fall English Women’s Ministries Retreat
Saturday night
couple’s date night & dinner will be on your own!
August 22�24, 2014 La Torretta Resort & Spa | Montgomery, TX Speaker: Carla Gober
Teen Program
Ages 13-19 (Ages 13-16 must be accompanied by a registered adult)
Online Registration:
www.TexasAdventist.org/reg or contact Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Women’s Ministries 817-790-2255 ext. 2210
199 Early Bird
$
+ Lodging
(per couple) (3 meals per person, materials & special gift) ($109 per night + tax)
Deadline July 15 extednded to September 15
Visit our website for weekend details and registration!
www.BeForeverOne.org
For questions call (817) 790-2255 EXT. 2108
ministries Ruber and Ketty Leal have been involved with Family Ministries for some time and earlier this year they were named Family Ministries Coordinators for the Texas Conference. They will celebrate 20 years of marriage next summer and are the proud parents of 16-year-old Yarianni, and 11-year-old Jeriel. Ruber and Ketty are our contributing editors for each Family Matters section of the magazine. You can see their work on page 14. FLAME magazine caught up with the happy couple between their pastoral duties and marriage seminars, and found out more about them and what motivates their ministry.
Family
Texas Conference FLAME: How did you first become involved with Family Ministries? RUBER & KETTY: We were first exposed in the 1990s while we worked for Family Life International at Andrews University. When we starting helping with their international conferences, attended by hundreds, we began to understand the value of training people to lead effective Family Ministries in local churches. However, it was not until 2008 that our involvement in Family Ministries became more intentional across the Texas Conference. That spring we were asked to organize the first Marriage Retreat. Since then, God has given us the opportunity to minister to over 700 couples across Texas and the United States. FLAME: Why is this an important ministry today? RUBER & KETTY: When we take a serious look at the landscape of our families in America, it is hard to argue with the reality that the family is the most threatened institution in our world today. Almost everyone has been affected by the stressors of dysfunctional families. Family Ministries has the sacred mission to provide families with the tools to help them restore a healthy image of God through healthy family relationships. Family Ministries exists to create opportunities where people can embrace this idea that, in spite of the challenges they face today, a person can be equipped to do his or her
part in providing an atmosphere where family members feel loved, safe and accepted.
FLAME: How can churches make an impact in their communities through Family Ministries? RUBER & KETTY: An ideal ministry that serves families in the community should include premarital guidance, marriage strengthening opportunities, parenting education and support, as well as providing resources for families with special needs. Family Ministries leaders should also consider establishing a family council. Some of the primary duties of this council include assisting church leadership in compiling family demographics for the surrounding community, assessing the needs of church members and developing a plan to meet those needs, and fostering a climate of warmth and acceptance. Advanced training in this area equips and empowers Family Life Coordinators to institute a more effective ministry in their church. This training is offered at least once a year and allows Family Life Coordinators to complete and receive the North America Division Family Ministries Certification. The next certification training will be held August 28-31, 2014, visit EquippedForMinistries.com to register. FLAME: Tell us about this year’s Texas Conference Marriage Retreat. RUBER & KETTY: We believe in equipping families by offering workshops and retreats in different locations throughout the Texas
Ministries
Conference. On November 7-9, we will have the 2nd annual ForeverONE Marriage Conference at La Torretta Lake Resort. Last year, 115 couples participated and this year we are estimating that over 300 couples will join us. Whether you are experiencing a thriving marriage or need some fine-tuning in your relationship, we strongly urge you to consider sharing in this unique event. To register and to read more about the conference, visit BeForeverOne.org and follow us at Facebook.com/ForeverOne. Early bird registration fee is $199 per couple (plus lodging) and ends July 15th! FLAME: Why are you both so passionate about this ministry? RUBER & KETTY: We were both raised in pastoral families, yet when we married nearly 20 years ago, we had the false idea that we were immune to disaster because of our upbringing. Halfway through our marriage we were overcome by our own brokenness, and our once healthy relationship became toxic. By God’s grace and with the help of professional intervention our marriage and our family were restored. Today, we value family education like never before and our mission is to provide others with the same hope and encouragement we received. Our prayer is that each family becomes the best representation of God’s character in their neighborhood or community and that their testimony will inspire other families to live God-centered, joyful lives.
FLAME | 7 Summer 2014
education
Oh, The Places
You'll Go! By Makala Coleman
There are two types of “busy” in the world. The first is when you have a lot of work to do, and not much free time to relax. The second is when there’s so much work to do that relaxation consists of doing slightly less difficult work. For me, life seems to take place in the second category. I know it’s not healthy to overwhelm my schedule, but it still seems to happen, and it’s not always a bad thing. In high school at Chisholm Trail Academy, I especially loved to keep busy. I filled up my time with things I enjoyed, and even though it was hectic, in hindsight I wouldn’t change a thing. I was captain of the gymnastics team, student association president, a member of the touring choir, attended advanced placement and honors classes, held a small job, played violin in orchestra, and portrayed a major character in the annual drama production. I have no idea how I survived, but here I am. Some of my favorite experiences took place in the choir. Each year, we traveled to chorale camp. It was a weekend to learn choreography and practice singing for the spring program. Acting out the Laverne and Shirley theme song with my friend Franki was an unforgettably fun experience. While there, we also got to know God and ourselves better. One of the Saturday activities was to sit around on beanbag chairs answering a mix of silly and serious questions. We talked about everything from our favorite food to hidden fears. Afterward, we prayed for each other. As I finished my junior year in college, I began to learn to take it easy. There’s more to life than non-stop action. But, being involved in high school prepared me for college. Time spent learning to handle a busy schedule of things I love helped me make a transition to the college workload. But I have never once felt like I was in over my head. The work may not always be as enjoyable as it was in high school, but I know how to handle it. I don’t think I would have ever been as involved as I am if I had not attended a Seventh-day Adventist academy. For one, there was no conflict of interest with Sabbath—the school shuts down, the textbooks close and I’m able to recharge for the coming week. Secondly, my classmates and I share similar lifestyles. Of course, there are always good and bad influences no matter what school you attend. But for me, Seventh-day Adventist education made all the difference. I’m naturally shy, but at school I was taught to be comfortable with myself and put myself out there. I was encouraged to grow in Christ, and to live to the fullest of my potential.
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Makala Coleman is a Chisholm Trail Academy alumna and is currently in her senior year at Southwestern Adventist University. She is a communication major with an emphasis in journalism and a minor in music.
partners
By Jason Busch, Foodie & FLAME Editor
THERE I WAS AGAIN, IN AN UNFAMILIAR CITY looking for a familiar restaurant. It had become a habit whenever my travels took me to San Antonio to eat at Green Vegetarian Cuisine. Something about the food and the inviting atmosphere just kept drawing me back; but it wasn’t until I brought a friend that I figured out it was actually Seventh-day Adventist owned and operated. Since that day (and several more visits), I’ve learned more about Green’s history and mission to help lead Texas into a healthier future. For years, Mike Behrend and his mom, Luann, operated Lulu’s Bakery and Café—popular in its own right thanks to Travel Channel’s Man vs. Food. In the summer of 2005, Mike decided to become vegetarian marking the turning point in his life and career as a chef. At the beginning of 2006, Mike and Luann sold Lulu’s in order to open San Antonio’s first vegetarian restaurant. “My family opened Lulu's in 2001 as a 24-hour diner specializing in chicken fried steaks, hamburgers and huge cinnamon rolls. I became a vegetarian four years later for ethical, environmental, health and stewardship reasons. Because of this, I felt I could no longer operate a business whose practices were so different than my own. We sold Lulu’s in 2006, but the restaurant business was
all I knew. The next year however, my close friend Paul, my family and I opened Green Vegetarian Cuisine. The community embraced us and God has continued to bless us tremendously,” said Mike. While they’ve moved on from their original location to a more bustling area in downtown San Antonio, they haven’t budged from their commitment to healthy food and green living. Green has a commitment to use locally sourced products, free trade organic coffee, biodegradable packaging, energy efficient appliances and much more. “We feel that the benefits of a plant-based diet is pertinent in this day and age,” said Mike. “On the whole, Americans aren’t being good stewards of all that we’ve been given. But we have big plans for Green and its subsidiaries, and our goal is to spread throughout Texas and beyond in the coming years—to be a blessing in every community in which we’re a part.” Green has already started the expansion process opening up shop in northwest San Antonio and their newest location in Houston, which opened in January. With their ever-increasing popularity and vision for the future, there’s little doubt that Green will continue to thrive. Check out the ad below to visit one of the Green locations and be a part of a special Lake Whitney Ranch fundraiser!
fitness
A stRonG Foundation
1 ARMS have the ability to carry, hold, throw, push, pull or lift. Yet, the inability to control what is being held will increase when there is weakness in the arms and shoulders. An elderly person, who may have muscles that have become weaker over the years, may have trouble holding a glass or pouring a cup of coffee. This illustrates the importance of strength training for all ages.
By Brenda Barnett
ONE OF THE FOUNDATIONS to any robust exercise routine is strength training. Aside from the first few weeks after the New Year, summer is the busiest time in most gyms. This summer, take time to evaluate your training program by educating yourself about the function, strengthening and recovery of the muscular system. To improve strength and balance, all the muscles in the body should be equally strong in accordance to their function. For instance, the gluteal muscles will be stronger than the biceps, simply because they are larger. But, each muscle group should be at their optimum strength depending on the job they perform. Every muscle has an opposing muscle that should be in balance with the other. In the arm, for example, the bicep should be equally as strong as the opposing triceps.
1
2
3
3 THE LEGS are a large muscle group that must be strong to ensure proper movement and balance. All too often a person realizes their lack of strength when they do something out of the ordinary, like going for a long walk, climbing a ladder or lifting something heavy. The hamstrings are the opposing muscles of the quadriceps. The hamstrings will often be weaker, which puts too much stress on the hips and back. It’s important that the hamstrings are strong and flexible. To accomplish this, specific hamstring exercises should be done in addition to stretching. The gluteus maximus plays its biggest role during walking up an inclined plane, stair climbing and jumping. You may experience back pain caused by weak or tight glut muscles.
All work without relaxation, however, is counterproductive to your training. One way to maximize your results is through massage, which is effective in regulating hormones, increasing blood flow, lowering blood pressure and improving circulation. Massage also helps prevent soreness post-exercise and aids in muscle recovery. Whether your goal is to have that toned beach body or just an
10 | FLAME Summer 2014
2 THE LATISSIMUS DORSI extends and rotates the torso at the shoulder, as well as propels the torso forward. Strong lats, along with the other muscles in the back, help support the body and enable correct posture. The lower back, gluts and opposing abdominal muscles make up the core, which is necessary for good balance. Stretching makes the muscle more flexible, decreasing the risk for joint and muscle injury. The body must be able to move through specific motions in order to be efficient, and flexibility is the key factor.
overall sense of well-being, strength training should be at the forefront of your exercise regimen. Only in perfect harmony will your body’s sum equal more than its parts. Brenda Barnett is a Certified Personal Trainer at Texas Health Huguley Hospital in Fort Worth, TX.
spotlight
Iris Escobar
Ed Stacey
Cheryl has worked at the Texas Conference for 27 years, making her one of the longest tenured employees in the office. Her service mentality has ensured her longevity and she continually reminds church members, teachers, pastors and schools that the Texas Conference exists solely to help others. She works with a variety of ministries including Sabbath School and Women’s Ministry, but spends the bulk of her time as the administrative assistant for the Transportation Department. Cheryl remembers growing up in states throughout the Gulf region while her dad worked as a literature evangelist, kindling her passion for travel. Because of her upbringing, she believes in a robust education system grounded in the Seventh-day Adventist faith. Cheryl and her husband Dean have two kids and one granddog. Cheryl knows that, while there are many challenges in today’s world, unity with God and with each other is essential to advancing Christ’s message of hope and love beyond our borders.
Ed works part-time as a field representative for the Trust Services Department. Although born in the United States, most of his childhood was spent in Bolivia and Peru while his parents were missionaries—a profession he always aspired to, as well. Ed has been married to Lorle Stacey for 58 years, with whom he raised two sons. He feels planned giving is vital to a successful future for individuals and their families, but often sees people disregard their end-of-life plans until it may be too late. Nevertheless, his work in estate planning and his faith give him the opportunity to model Christ’s life to others. Ed understands that despite where you draw a paycheck, we all work for the same goal of creating an environment conducive to sharing the gospel’s significance with those around us.
Iris stays busy by working as one of the administrative assistants in the Youth and Young Adults Department and is involved with all Club Ministries activities. As large as her ‘work family’ may seem, her biological family consists of five other siblings, close to 20 aunts and uncles, and she recalls about 100 people coming to family reunions. It’s appropriate, then, that she counts her mom as one of her greatest heroes for setting a standard of honesty and forgiveness while Iris was growing up. She enjoys doing anything outdoors, but especially gardening as long as she doesn’t lose the one thing she can’t live without— her iPhone. Iris and her husband, Mario, have a cheerful 3-year-old named Jonathan. Iris considers it a joy to be part of such an active church and believes that by encouraging unity, Texas Conference employees and pastors can work more effectively to spread optimism and increase faith.
of Seventh-day Adventists. Our Texas Family Spotlight this issue features individuals who work at the Texas Conference Office, the headquarters for the Seventhday Adventist Church in Texas. By Jason Busch, FLAME Editor and Texas Conference Assistant Communication Director
Randy works in the Treasury Department as the Associate Treasurer and Auditing Director and enjoys being able to assist local church treasurers by teaching them how to be more effective in areas like computing and accounting. As a native Puerto Rican, Randy developed a love for scuba diving throughout the Caribbean and returns as often as he can with his wife, Patricia, and their two daughters. Realigning yourself in nature, he says, is vital in order to experience God’s marvelous creation. Because of this, Randy can often be found camping, canoeing, or backpacking. He believes strongly in training young people to be successful witnesses of the Gospel and volunteers his time to youth programs in his local church. Randy knows that, as humans, we typically desire control, but by trusting God with everything we’re able to live happier and healthier lives.
Randy Anglada
Cheryl Allgood
SPOTLIGHT
and leaders across the territory of the Texas Conference
Madelein is the Senior Graphic Designer in the Texas Conference Print Shop—a career she’s been interested in since childhood. Although she was born in Colombia and grew up in Michigan, she jokes that she and her two siblings got to Texas as fast as they could. To this day, some of her favorite memories are of summers spent traveling across the United States and Canada with her family. Because her parents overcame adversity in their youth to become respected ministers, she considers them her greatest heroes. What Madelein enjoys most about her position at the Conference office is that it gives her the chance to promote a message that makes a difference in the lives of others. To be able to work in a field she loves and make a positive impact in the world, she says, is a blessing she never could have imagined.
Madelein Terreros
Texas Family
This section highlights a few of our church members
FLAME | 11 Summer 2014
The Slow Fade Putting Breakfast Before the Bible By Jason Busch
feature “Good mornin’ darlin’!” I heard Katie say over the heads of the other regulars. The smell of coffee and waffles always permeated the air in here, well, really in all of them. But this one was different. This was the diner that treated me like family—like I belonged. This was the place that had become more of a church to me than any other I had been to during my college years. And there I was again. Another Saturday morning spent at what I dubbed the Waffle House Church. Cynicism Creeps In It hadn’t always been this way, of course. I grew up in one of the largest Seventh-day Adventist cities in the country; it was a veritable mecca! In fact, there was never a time that I wasn’t considered part of the denomination. The only time I’ve ever even attended a school that wasn’t Adventist was a summer I spent at a public university taking a couple of Spanish classes. The fact is I was a product of the system. I went to the schools, I was involved in youth programs, I went to Bible studies and organized church events. I did it all—everything that was expected of me. The turning point came when the college I attended imposed its mandatory worships on the student body. “Can a spiritual life be forced?” I remember a friend asking as we shuffled in line to have our names checked off on the worship attendance list. If not, then they’re certainly trying. Visiting area churches only compounded the problem. Every church I sampled had the same issue— once I got passed the greeter, I was invisible and ignored. That’s how the Waffle House started appealing to me. The people there were so welcoming, so inviting, and so friendly. I couldn’t walk by half a dozen people without them asking how I was or how school was going. So what began as a harmless one-Saturday-a-month breakfast quickly progressed to faithful attendance. Before I could even park the car and walk inside, ‘the usual’ was already on the grill waiting for me. Hope Springs Eternal It was during these culinary excursions that my spiritual life began to reform. I suppose you could say it had been there all
along, lying dormant and waiting for the opportunity to resurface. One of the waitresses, Katie, knew my story, knew how I felt, and also knew she wanted something better for me. One morning, God used Katie to awaken my faith. “You’re wrong, ya know,” I recall her saying so assuredly. “Sure, churches may not be perfect but they’re still where you belong. Not a one of them will ever be exactly what you might be looking for, which is why you have to be the change you want to see.” She’s right, I thought. How had I missed it all this time? I had been so busy complaining that the idea became buried underneath a pile of negativity. Be the change I want to see. It was simple, yet profound. I thanked her for the inspiration and texted a friend to see if there were any upcoming church events I could go to. “Funny you should ask,” he said. “They’re having a Superbowl party tomorrow night.” It may not be every church’s dream to broadcast the Superbowl onto a gigantic screen in the sanctuary. In fact, I can imagine more than a few would fume at the sheer thought. But it was precisely what I needed at the time and opened the door to a rejuvenated relationship with God. After that, Saturday morning breakfasts started to fade into the background and I was back in church on the reg. I even came to the point where I began to invite others, and the friendships forged there have remained a valuable part of my life.
“Every church I sampled had the same issue— once I got passed the greeter, I was invisible and ignored.”
I still love a hot blueberry waffle or tossing back a scattered and smothered double hash brown. But I’m cognizant of the fact that my spiritual life is all on me. No amount of prayer from parents, family, friends, or coworkers can strengthen or weaken your individual connection with God. The choice is yours, and yours alone. I know I’m still a work in progress and that’s okay! It doesn’t matter if it’s your church, your pastor, or your babysitter— we’re all works in progress. But if churches only accepted perfection, then they’d be empty. Don’t use the excuse that it isn’t right for you if you haven’t tried to find a way to make it right. Everyone has a story to tell, an experience to share, or a lesson to teach. There’s someone out there who needs to hear exactly what you have to say. I can’t attribute my 180-degree turn on anything or anyone other than God and His influence. As I reflect on where I’ve been and where He’s brought me, I’ve realized how far I’ve come. Today, I’m an employee of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Texas and enjoy being involved in my church media team. I recognize that your past doesn’t define your future. My fall was gradual, like more of a slow fade. Nothing drastic caused me to walk away. Merely skipping church on Saturday might seem more benign than joining a gang or the Church of Satan, but the devil doesn’t always have to work in the dramatic. Getting passed the politics or the unfriendliness of some churches won’t always be easy. Sometimes, it may feel close to impossible. But God never promised easy. He never promised an end to the cynicism or burnout you might encounter in others. What He did promise was peace that surpasses understanding and unquenchable fervor to pursue you no matter how far you feel you’ve fallen, be it the ends of the earth or the end of a table for one at the local Waffle House.
Still Under Construction I was back in church, re-energized and invigorated to serve— to be the change. And I haven’t looked back. Don’t get me wrong,
Jason Busch is an editor for the FLAME as well as the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Associate Communication Director. He is a part of the media team at the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church and occasional guest speaker at Texas Conference churches.
FLAME | 13 Summer 2014
family matters
Staying Sane: Through Life’s Inevitable Changes By Ruber and Ketty Leal
power
rethink
values
ange
decision change
life action
profound
mind problem
reconsider
may
skills
viewpoint
rethinking
deadlines
change
tactic values mind
think
From the moment we are conceived, things are constantly changing. We start out as a microscopic cell, which, in just four weeks changes into a tiny embryo. Then in nine weeks it changes into a fetus that, after birth, spends the rest of its life constantly changing. It has been said that, “If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living.” In other words, change is part of life and living is not only a constant physiological change, but one that involves many other aspects of our lives. Our bodies seem to do a good job handling all the changes that come with living, however the wave of emotions that are raised by any kind of change can be challenging and frightening at times. Just like your biceps change physiologically throughout the years to be able to handle heavier weight, our “change muscle” must be trained and developed in order to handle the continuous, unavoidable and perhaps heavier changes that we will face in the future. When we don’t have the skills to face change in a healthy way, it can easily disrupt our lives and our families. Five simple principles have been identified that can help us navigate through change and make the best of it. In her book, Resilience: The Art and Science of Bouncing Back, author Fran Bozarth goes into great depth addressing these five simple tips that can help us to handle change positively: 1. Remember that change is a natural part of our existence. It
happens whether you accept it or not. This is not something you have control over, so let it go. Put your energy into being resilient and coming through the change creatively.
14 | FLAME Summer 2014
2. See this as an opportunity.
Think about it, change may be uncomfortable, but on the other hand it also changes the parameters in which we operate. You have been given an opportunity for growth! 3. Know that it's entirely normal to resist change. The stages of grief are also important emotional stages when facing any kind of change. (Denial, Resistance, Exploration, Acceptance/Commitment) 4. Pay attention to your attitude. Fighting some changes is like beating your head against a brick wall. Don't waste your energy on it! Find ways to channel your energy in a positive direction. This will increase your sense of empowerment, and help you feel more resilient in the face of such change. 5. Form a support network. This might be people who are also undergoing the same kind of change, or people who have already experienced these changes and are now enjoying the fruits of handling change in a positive way. The greatest news in a changing world is that we have a solid foundation in God who is the same yesterday, today and forever. Holding the hand of an unchanging God will give us the power and the resiliency to emerge victoriously regardless of how challenging and difficult the change we experience may be. Ruber and Ketty Leal are the Texas Conference Family Ministries Coordinators. Ruber also pastors the Garland Faith Community Church, while Ketty is a supervisor in the Microbiology Lab at Methodist Richardson Medical Center. Find them on Facebook and online at BeForeverOne.org.
bridges
i want
more
By now many in Texas know that San Antonio will host the 2015 General Conference Session. Over 70,000 Seventh-day Adventists worldwide gather for the business meeting held every five years. Texas had had a desire to increase the Adventist presence in San Antonio for some time and GC Session would inadvertently bring additional attention to Adventism through the meetings. Motivated by these realities, the Texas Conference moved to have an evangelistic impact in San Antonio, partnering with the Southwestern Union, North American Division and General Conference to significantly invest resources to reach the city for Christ. The evangelistic efforts began in 2013 and are gearing up this summer. Bible Workers have been assigned to the city and a slew of events will continue to take place, including youth rallies, a major mission trip and evangelistic meetings with Mark Finley, Carlton Byrd, Jose Rojas and Alejandro Bullon. In an unprecedented move, the Texas Conference is coordinating an intentional branding campaign across San Antonio to create positive public awareness of Adventists, while reaching the public for Christ. The Conference wanted a simple sleek and recognizable concept that was capable of sharing the gospel, and appealing to both the public as well as church members. skaMEDIA Productions was contracted to design the concept and they blew us away with, “MORE.” MORE is flexible and powerful in both Spanish and English. MORE works because when you ask anyone, “Do you want more?” The answer is usually, “Yes!” Everyone wants MORE. We want more money, more health, more life, more love, and more peace. Who doesn’t
By Kristina P. Lockhart
want more meaning, more purpose, more hope, more joy, more time, more energy or more rest? On the surface, it appeals to natural human selfishness. But, the idea is to help people identify that deep down, they only want MORE of what is good. Ultimately, they want MORE of JESUS. The philosophy behind the campaign is rooted in how Christ shared and the principles of personal testimony that Adventist pioneer and founder, Ellen G. White emphasized. The MORE campaign reveals that everyone has a story. MORE is scheduled to launch August 2014. Posters and billboards that peak the interest of the public will direct people to a website that will contain study resources, video testimonies, church profiles and events. But in order to make this happen, we need your help. We are looking for stories of individuals who wanted more, and have found it or are finding it in Jesus. However, we must be very specific in our criteria for these stories. The point of these testimonies should not be, I became an Adventist, but rather that becoming an Adventist and finding Jesus in Adventism gave me more of what I was seeking. These stories may be recent or from years ago. We want you to share how your life was before, what happened that introduced you to Jesus and Adventism and finally, how things are better now. If you or someone you know have a testimony that you would like us to consider, please email us with a brief, 200-word summary and contact information to communication@txsda.org by August 31, 2014. Participants must be willing to travel to the Dallas-Fort Worth area for filming. Scan the QR code to see a 30 second teaser of the MORE campaign!
Roll out new ideas for ministry MINISTRIES CONVENTION, AUG. 28-31, 2014
Ministries training provided by the Southwestern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Shish Kabobs are a staple of the summer grilling season and this vegan variant is sure to add a flavorful touch to your summer barbeque. Feel free to use your favorite barbeque sauce or whip up the zesty version below. Whatever you decide, these kabobs are bound to satisfy! Recipe inspired and adapted from JazzyVegetarian.com.
—Ingredients— (Serves 6)
bbQ suace • 1 cup organic ketchup • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar • 1 teaspoon tamari • 1/3 cup molasses • 2 teaspoons brown sugar • 1 teaspoon chili powder • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne Kabobs • 12 metal or bamboo skewers • 1 ½ blocks firm or extra firm tofu, pressed and drained • 3 sweet peppers, seeded and cut in 1 ½ inch pieces • 2 medium sweet onions, cut into chunks • 2 medium zucchini, cut into ½ inch thick slices • 16 ounces baby bella mushrooms, cleaned and stems removed • 10 cherry tomatoes
—Instructions—
1. Place the barbecue sauce ingredients into a medium bowl and whisk until the sauce is smooth. 2. Place the drained tofu onto a cutting board and carefully slice it into 36 uniform size cubes. Spoon the tofu into a large bowl and top it with ¼ cup of the barbecue sauce. Carefully toss the tofu to coat each cube with some of the sauce. Toss carefully, as to not break the tofu cubes. Cover and chill at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, to marry the flavors. 3. Place the peppers, sweet onions, zucchini, mushrooms and tomatoes into a large bowl. Top with ¾ cup of the sauce (leaving about ½ cup in reserve) and toss to coat each veggie piece with the sauce. Cover and chill at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, to blend the flavors. 4. Prepare two metal or bamboo skewers for
each person. If you are using bamboo skewers, place them in a pan and cover them with filtered or spring water. Let the skewers soak in the water for at least 30 minutes prior to assembling the kabobs, in order to prevent them from burning. 5. Before cooking the shish kabobs, take the ingredients out of the refrigerator and carefully thread the veggies and tofu onto your skewers. 6. If grilling: place the kabobs on the grill. Grill the kabobs over medium heat for about 20 minutes, or until the veggies are crisp-tender and the tofu is slightly crisp and golden in color. 7. If using an oven: preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Leave the kabobs on the baking sheets and place into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the veggies are crisp-tender and the tofu is slightly crisp and golden in color. 8. Brush kabobs with remaining sauce and serve immediately over quinoa or brown rice.
on the shelf
A
Tenth of Toothpaste
PERHAPS YOU USED A COLGATE product this morning. William Colgate left home when he was sixteen years of age. Like other young men of the time, William went out to seek his fortune and make a name for himself. He carried a small bag over his shoulder that consisted of all of his earthly possessions. As he traveled towards New York, he met an older man that was the captain of a small boat. The older man had a strong Christian faith. The older man asked him what he planned to do to survive and meet his
By Minner Labrador
own needs. William quickly responded while acknowledging that he had no skills, except two—he knew how to make soap and candles. After some time in dialogue with William, the old man felt compassion for him and offered to pray for him. Immediately after the prayer the old man looked at William and said, “Someone will soon be the leading soap maker in New York, why not you?” He continued, “Here’s some advice for you, young man, give your heart to Christ; give to the Lord all that belongs to Him of every dollar you earn; make an honest soap; give a full pound; and I am certain that you will be a prosperous and rich man.” William heard those words, accepted Christ and promised to be faithful and honest. After arriving in New York, William had trouble finding work. Remembering the words of the old man that had prayed for him, William began to make soap and candles. When he made his first dollar, he faithfully returned ten cents to the Lord. From that point on William faithfully returned a tithe on every dollar that he earned. But then, something very special happened; William
stewardship began to supernaturally prosper. Soon he was returning twenty percent of his income to the Lord, then he raised it to thirty, then forty, then fifty and eventually William was returning 100% of his yearly income to the Lord’s work. In Malachi 3, the prophet declares that God will pour out such great blessings upon His faithful stewards that we run the risk of not being able to contain the abundance. God invites us to try Him, test this principle of sowing and reaping both temporal and eternal reward. God prospered William Colgate far beyond his own lifetime. Next time you brush your teeth, remember that William Colgate was able to return millions to God, because he first returned the pennies. In Luke 16:10 Jesus said it this way, “He who is faithful in what is least, is faithful also in much…” Try Him! Those of us that have tested this principle have never been disappointed and I’m sure you won’t be either. Minner Labrador is Vice President for Ministries, Men’s Ministries, Sabbath School and Stewardship Director for the Southwestern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The above story is adapted from Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations and Quotes by Robert J. Morgan.
FLAME | 17 Summer 2014
theology
Prayer:
A Walk With
God
By Dr. Joaquim Azevedo
IN OUR WESTERN FRAME OF MIND, we truly believe that prayer is an act of telling God about something. It is an unconscious monologue, which can often become a boring act. Frequently, it does not go beyond a psychological exercise where God is a distant being that cannot talk and has a delayed reaction. It is like trying to change the mind of God, convincing Him that my case is worthy of His attention. Thanks to the French Enlightenment and our western medieval heritage, Deism made its way into Christianity, thus influencing our way of thinking— and praying. We live in a society where every minute demands precise calculation and where time is carefully controlled by a schedule, calendar and appointments. And so we are prone to set aside a few minutes every day to pray. But after those minutes are over we continue to live however we want, expecting God to do His magic tricks and answer what we have asked. This is precisely where we miss the point. Prayer goes beyond a mere moment of silent talk with God. It is part of a relationship. In fact, the Bible gives us examples of how to establish an ongoing relationship with God. In Genesis 17:1, the Bible says that Abraham walked before God. So if the act of prayer is a dialogue with God, then we cannot separate it from a life in the presence of God. In the Hebrew language ‘to walk with God’ comes with a verbal form that implies an action of walking twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week and 365 days per year. It is a continuous action. This indicates that life should be a living prayer— a continuous connection with heaven’s source of strength and wisdom for the daily challenges we face. Elijah often said, “before whom [the Lord] I stand,” (1Kings 18:15), implying that he was constantly in the presence of God. There was not a moment that he was away from God, and when he tried to be alone and run from Him, he fell into a such a desperate condition that God had to act immediately to bring him back into his former relationship. Elijah’s reconciliation with God on Mount Horeb restored his walk with the Lord, until he was taken alive to heaven, where his life of prayer will continue for eternity as he walks with God. In Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings, by Seventh-day Adventist pioneer, Ellen White, she describes a simple approach to time of prayer: “In the name of Jesus we may come into God’s presence with the confidence of a child. No man is needed to act as a mediator. Through Jesus we may open our hearts to God as to one who knows
18 | FLAME Summer 2014
and loves us. In the secret place of prayer, where no eye but God’s can see, no ear but His can hear, we may pour out our most hidden desires and longings to the Father of infinite pity, and in the hush and silence of the soul that voice which never fails to answer the cry of human need will speak to our hearts.” However, we need to keep in mind that prayer is not a monologue. Prayer is a moment that God talks to me through His Word, the Bible, a moment that I talk to him verbally, a moment that I walk with him throughout the day, a moment that I stand in His presence, a moment that I rest in His arms. It is a complete surrender and peace. A prayer life guides my days, my decisions, and how I react to everything in life. It permeates my Christian walk with God. I should continuously be at His presence. The moment I stop walking before God, prayer becomes just a self-religious exercise with no real impact on my daily life. Separation from God brings self-destruction. Therefore, ‘walking before God’ as Abraham and ‘standing in his presence’ as Elijah is the truest meaning of prayer to which we can all aspire. Dr. Joaquim Azevedo holds a doctorate degree in Old Testament studies and is an assistant professor in the Religion Department of Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, TX.
kidz korner
My Best Friends For¾ve‡ By Vikki ives, Fun Mom and Storyteller
Here is some stuff to do when you get bored. Some you can do on your own, but you need permission and help from an adult for others.
1. MAKE PLAY DOUGH For super soft play dough, mix ½ cup of hair conditioner with 1 cup of corn starch. Mix together slowly and add food coloring to different batches if you would like. Enjoy this smooth play dough for hours! Put away in zipper sandwich bags or plastic food container to avoid drying out. 2. WATER BALLOON TARGET PRACTICE Fill a bucket full of water balloons and grab some friends. With sidewalk chalk, draw three circles, one inside the other. Make the outside ring worth 10 points, the middle ring worth 15 points and the inside ring worth 25 points. Let each player toss four water balloons and add up the points according to where they land. Most points wins, and then start the game again! 3. CREATE A MEMORY JAR FOR FATHER’S DAY Find an empty jar at home with a lid. Make a list of 10-15 memories each kid had with their dad. Print out the memories on different colored paper and fill the jar. Decorate the outside of the jar in a special way for Dad. Great gift idea for birthdays, Grandparent’s day, Christmas and Mother’s Day! 4. MAKE PEANUT BUTTER AND HONEY “SUSHI” Take a slice of bread and roll it out with a rolling pin. Once the bread is flat, smear on some peanut butter, add some honey on top and smear again to make it even. Slowly roll the bread from bottom to top with the sticky stuff on the inside. Next, carefully cut the roll into slices and place on a plate. Enjoy your “sushi” and if you are feeling adventurous, feel free to add mushed bananas or strawberries!
The loaded moving van pulled away from the curb as it began the 1200 mile journey to our new
home. From my window seat in the back of the family car I watched the small group of neighbors who had gathered for our big send-off. Dad backed out of our driveway for the last time. Over the noisy goodbyes Holly and I promised we’d write. It was really happening. I was leaving my best friend behind. Don’t cry, I kept telling myself, even though I felt like bawling. This was the worst summer of my life. By summer’s end we were settled in our new house and I had a new friend. Tammy lived down the street. We met soon after I moved in and quickly became good friends. Fall came. Day after day we rode the bus to and from school together. Through the following months we filled the afternoons with games, exploring nearby woods, watching TV, doing homework, and sharing secrets. When the next summer arrived and Tammy’s dog had puppies I got the pick of the litter. Tammy was the best friend I ever had. That summer brought a new family to the neighborhood. Jill had three older brothers and was a bit spoiled. She was younger than Tammy and me but was soon hanging out with us. At first things were great. We included her in everything and formed our own exclusive club. But as I got to know Jill better I discovered she was sneaky and would often lie. After awhile I knew she was jealous of the friendship Tammy and I shared. She wanted Tammy to be her best friend. I don’t remember exactly what happened. I just know that somehow Jill caused a gigantic battle among the three of us. It was a war I wouldn’t win. Another summer ended, another best friend lost. My heart was broken. For months my bedtime prayers ended the same – Dear God, please let Tammy and me be friends again. God didn’t answer that prayer. What He did do was better than I could have imagined. I had met Sydney before my friendship with Tammy ended. She and I hit it off right away. We’ve been through high school, college, and life together. Today we live in different cities but are still as close as we were as teenagers. God didn’t stop there. The same year I met Sydney, I met Barbara. We both played flute in the band and spent countless hours laughing and having fun. We live several states apart but keep in touch. Tammy, after we parted ways, got involved in some bad things. I eventually realized God had protected me by not answering that bedtime prayer. Zechariah 9:12 says, “Even today I declare that I will restore double to you.” I lost one friend but gained two! In life, many people cross our paths. Some may become friends. What I’ve learned is, no matter what, God will always be my best friend, forever.
Do you have a story? Share it with us! Send us your story and we may use it in the “kidz korner” of the next FLAME issue! Email stories, 400 words or less, to FLAME@txsda.org
Tips on staying safe at the
beach.
Swimming in a pool is much different than swimming in the ocean, so be sure to always stay in view of the lifeguard! Don’t swim alone and stay away from rocks, piers or other structures since currents often form around them. If you’re stuck in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until free and then swim back to shore. Ask your parents to bring life jackets in The is stroncase you aren’t a strong swimmer or start to get worn out! gest in the afternoon and you can still get sunburned even if it’s cloudy. Wear a waterproof sunscreen and reapply every Drink plenty of water even if you don’t feel couple hours. thirsty, pack fresh healthy snacks and avoid bringing food that can spoil easily.
sun
Y O STA AYS T AVE A W D H FIN AND SAFE
great time !
history
windswept: The untold history of the
1900 Galveston
Hurricane
By Alfredo Vergel
It must have been a pleasant frIDay evenIng. Warm, late summer breezes gently brought in the Sabbath to the small band of Adventists in Galveston. Since the church did not yet have its own building in town, the group of about 25 members, as well as their children and friends, probably gathered in several homes to worship together. No one had a clue the seaside community would soon be underwater. Eleven years prior, retired Danish evangelist John G. Matteson had made Galveston his home along with recent Norwegian converts Captain Christopher Castberg and his wife. The trademark of his ministry was evangelism among Scandinavians and Matteson reported to church friends: “Several hundred Scandinavians live in this place, but they are mixed with other nations, and speak mostly English.� Whether in in English, Danish, Norwegian or Swedish, the seed of the Adventist message was planted. The first recorded resident to become a Seventh-day Adventist Christian was William Lawson, a schooner captain who in 1891 had attended seemingly unsuccessful evangelistic meetings in Corpus Christi. At that time, Galveston was a playground of the rich and famous who found a winter retreat on the sandy strip facing the Gulf of Mexico. The most populated and cosmopolitan city in Texas, it rivaled both Newport, Rhode Island in affluence and New York City in trade. Like New York City, Galveston also confined a large proportion of its population to stifling tenement houses, schoolrooms and workshops. Nevertheless, it was often recalled as an idyllic tropical resort where lush vegetation provided comforting shade, pleasant aromas, and year-round produce. It is no wonder that, under the leadership of notable health reformer John H. Kellogg, an outpost of the burgeoning Adventist health care system was established in town near the end of the 19th century. Young medical student Herman C. Menkel led the work of the sanitarium treatment rooms alongside fellow Kellogg envoys, including May Peterson whom he married later. Their work, coupled with that of literature evangelists and other missionaries, made further inroads for the Adventist message. By the end of the century, Chester C. McReynolds, the soon-to-be first president of the Southwestern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, reported an array of missionary initiatives taking place on the island. At dawn on Saturday, September 8, 1900, Galveston looked uncharacteristically ominous. The usual blue sky was overcast, and the pleasant breeze had turned into a gale. Most residents were unfazed, however. They had seen storms come and go, never causing more trouble than flash floods, which in turn were hardly ever more than knee deep. Warnings from Cuban weather forecasters about a massive hurricane headed toward Texas never reached town. A woman who was interested in the Adventist message had invited former island missionary, Georgia Whitcomb back to Galveston for a
20 | FLAME Summer 2014
visit. Georgia, whose husband owned a store in Webster on the mainland, was in town with baby in tow that Sabbath morning. We can only assume they gathered with other believers as they usually did. By the early afternoon, all roadways out of Galveston had been cut off. Soon, waters from the Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico met over the island. When winds shifted from the north to the southeast, utter pandemonium broke out. The tide surged unabated past the evening. Fed and aided by ever increasing wind speeds, it overturned train cars, mangled railways, knocked down trees, walls and ceilings, and lifted houses off their foundations. Both wind and tide drove rubble against surviving people and structures. On Sunday morning, most of Galveston laid in ruins. The hurricane took the greatest life toll ever of any tragedy in American history. Among the dead were five Adventist women and four children with them, Georgia Whitcomb and her baby included. The fledgling church was crushed. It would take decades to organize another one in Galveston. Today, there are four Seventh-day Adventist churches within 30 miles of Galveston, with one on the island. An exhibit at the Texas Seaport Museum in Galveston displays photographs and details of that fateful day in 1900. In remembering those early pioneers and missionaries, we cling to the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 and hope for the day when we shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Alfredo Vergel is the Public Services and Special Collections Librarian, as well as Ellen White Research Center Director for Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, TX.
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calendar
Events JUnE
28 || Dallas-fort worth
6-7 ||
stewardship and estate planning seminars at the Joshua Seventh-day Adventist Church.
6-7 || hispanic women’s
ministry certification training at the Texas Conference Office.
7 || central texas area elder’s gathering, clerk training and communication Director’s workshop at the San Marcos Seventh-day Adventist Church.
8 ||
lake whitney ranch super sprint triathlon. Open to all participants 14 years old and up. Proceeds benefit Lake Whitney Ranch Swimming Pool Complex.
14 || stewardship and estate planning seminars at the San Antonio Immanuel Seventh-day Adventist Church.
15-22 || cub camp sum-
mer camp week for ages 7-9 at Lake Whitney Ranch.
21 || houston area elder’s
gathering, clerk training and communication Director’s workshop at the Houston West Seventh-day Adventist Church.
elder’s gathering, clerk training and communication Director’s workshop at the Dallas First Church of Seventhday Adventists.
29 || east texas area elder’s gathering, clerk training and communication Director’s workshop at the Tyler Seventhday Adventist Church.
29-Jul 6 ||
tween camp summer camp week for ages 12-14 at Lake Whitney Ranch.
22 | FLAME Summer 2014
6 ||
asI International convention at the DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, MI.
9 || missional compass local
church ministry leadership training in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
9 ||
stewardship and estate planning seminars at the Mission Spanish North Seventh-day Adventist Church.
12 ||
JULy
forever faithful International pathfinder camporee in Oshkosh, WI.
1 || treasury training online
certification opens for church and school treasurers. Available through August 31,2014.
28 || southwestern
union conference ministries convention at the Embassy Suites in Frisco, TX.
SEPtEMBER 5 ||
valley area camp meeting at the McAllen Convention Center.
6 ||
missional compass local church ministry leadership training at the San Antonio Scenic Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church.
P rincesa 12 || de Jehová Retiro Hispano de Damas
12-14 de Septiembre, 2014 La Torreta Resort and Spa | Montgomery, TX
6-13 || teen camp summer
camp week for ages 14-17 at Lake Whitney Ranch.
16 || missional compass
local church ministry leadership training in the Valley area.
12 ||
stewardship and estate planning seminars at the Fort Worth First Seventh-day Adventist Church.
22 || Take Charge of Your Health
12 || stewardship and estate
planning seminars at the Houston Central Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Fall English Women’s Ministries Retreat
August 22�24, 2014 La Torretta Resort & Spa | Montgomery, TX Speaker: Carla Gober
english women’s Retreat at La Torretta Lake Resort and Spa in Conroe, TX.
Teen Program
Ages 13-19
(Ages 13-16 must be accompanied by a registered adult)
Online Registration:
Oradora: Annie Perez Cantante Invitada: Ysis España
hispanic women’s Retreat at La Torretta Lake Resort and Spa in Conroe, TX.
Para más información contacte a la directora de Ministerio de la Mujer de su iglesia ó a Sandy Reyes al (956) 408-8583
20 || Sabbath School
workshop at Jefferson Academy Seventh-day Adventist Church.
20 || missional compass local church ministry leadership training in the Austin area.
27 ||
Sabbath School workshop at Garland Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church.
23 ||
www.TexasAdventist.org/reg
17-20 || young adult
Retreat for ages 18-35 at Lake Whitney Ranch.
22-29 || Junior camp sum- 25 || sent: school of mer camp week for ages 10-12 at Lake Whitney Ranch.
AUgUSt
evangelism in north texas at the Texas Conference office.
area camp meeting for Arkansas, Oklahoma, and East Texas at Jefferson Academy.
or contact Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Women’s Ministries 817-790-2255 ext. 2210
23 ||
missional compass local church ministry leadership training in the Houston area.
Want more info? Registration, information and more events on the Texas Conference website at TexasAdventist.org.
advent movement
FLAME A publication of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Texas. Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists P.O. Box 800 Alvarado, TX 76009 Phone: (817) 790-2255 www.TexasAdventist.org
Editorial
ADVENT Employees of the Adventist Church often change leadership positions and areas of responsibility. This section is to help you keep up with who’s where in Texas.
movement
Eric Louw: Associate Pastor Richardson Church
Marlon Seifert: Pastor San Benito and Brownsville Churches Barbara Craft: Payroll Director, Senior Accountant, Assistant Treasurer and Children’s Ministry Coordinator Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Kristina Pascual Lockhart: Assistant to the President for Communication Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Publisher..............................................Carlos Craig Managing Editor.......................Kristina P. Lockhart Editor................................................... Jason Busch Assistant Spanish Editor.................Osvaldo Rigacci Layout Design...............................Tammy G. Prieto Texas Conference Designer..........Madelein Terreros Texas Conference Designer.....................Sora Yañez Translation Coordination.........Kristina P. Lockhart Translators......... Mariangela Busby, Jorge Ordoñez, Silverman Terreros, Alfredo Vergel
contributing Editors Southwestern Adventist University Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church Southwestern Union Conference Ruber and Ketty Leal Jason Busch images by Vismo Studios
Administration President...............................................Carlos Craig Secretary................................................ Gary Brady Treasurer......................................Edwin G. Romero
Jason Busch: Associate Communication Director Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
PRINTING & MAILING Director...........................................Mario Ledezma Pressman .......................................... Miguel Gomez Designer...................................... Madelein Terreros Print Shop Assistant............................Doug Denny Administrative Assistant...................Erica Manzano
The FLAME is a publication of inspiration and education of the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. It is sent free of charge to all members of the Texas Conference on a quarterly basis. All others may request an annual subscription for a fee of $10.00. It is our prayer that you will find the stories in these pages inspiring and empowering so that together we can share the flame of Christ's love with those around us, both in Texas and beyond. If you have questions or comments, please email: flame@txsda.org
FLAME | 23 Summer 2014
TXCSDA TXCSDA FLAME FLAME P.O. Box 800 P.O. Box 800 Alvarado, TX 76009 Alvarado, TX 76009
NON-PROFIT ORG. NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE U.S. PAID POSTAGE PAID CBSI CBSI
JUNE 8-JULY 20 JUNE 8-JULY 20 Staff in Training Camp • June 8-15 Staff in Training Camp • June 8-15 Cub Camp • June 15-22 (ages 7-9) Cub Camp • June 15-22 (ages 7-9) Junior Camp • June 22-29 (ages 10-12) Junior Camp • June 22-29 (ages 10-12)
This year This miss year don’t don’t miss the final the final chapter of The chapter of The Journey! Journey!
Tween Camp • June 29-July 6 (ages 12-14) Tween Camp • June 29-July 6 (ages 12-14) Teen Camp • July 6-13 (ages 14-17) Teen Camp • July 6-13 (ages 14-17) Young Adult Retreat • July 17-20 (ages 18+) Young Adult Retreat • July 17-20 (ages 18+)
For more information: www.YoungTexasAdventist.org For more information: www.YoungTexasAdventist.org Call (817) 790-2255 ext. 2201, 2212 • Fax (866) 242-2349 Call (817) 790-2255 ext. 2201, 2212 • Fax (866) 242-2349
& Young Adults making ministers the master &for Young Adults making ministers for the master