Vol. 4 Issue 4 WINTER 2017
WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE? 2 TIMOTHY 1:9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace.
The grace of Christ was a gift to us before we existed. His purpose is to save us if we heed His call. I wanted to illustrate that we are nothing without Him, that it might sometimes be difficult to climb our way to a holy life, but that with His grace we can be saved. My purpose is living a life that illustrates the grace of Christ. Vikki Ives
When I accept Christ’s gift of salvation, I invite Him into my life and His wants/goals/purpose become mine. He lives His will in me. I haven’t and literally cannot do anything to deserve this grace. How do I find purpose? I find it in God’s work. Jesus is in the business of loving others and emulating that makes me feel like I am contributing to the good in this world. I continue to find that where He wants me is where I will be most fulfilled. His purpose for my life is far better than what I can ever envision for myself. Annalyse Hasty
The text provides an answer that many search for but rarely come to understand: that the Lord has a direction and purpose for us all. It’s the same purpose. That may manifest itself in different ways, but we are all called to live holy lives - not in our own strength, but by relying on the limitless power of God. Andrew Clements
ARTIST: VIKKI IVES
CONTENT WINTER 2017
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Stewardship
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Discipleship
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This back-to-basics series on financial management finishes with budgeting - one of the best ways to make your money work for you.
God calls the willing, not the able. The best churches operate on the idea that God uses those who simply want to help where they can.
What helps your faith grow stronger? For Jason, looking to his mom during some of his injuryprone years helped when he was feeling weak.
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Kids
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Living Faith
Wellness
Calendar
Where do you fit into the bigger picture of God, Christianity, and even Seventh-day Adventism? Find out how to put it all together in Living Faith.
Wellness in our relationships is an often overlooked, but incredibly important aspect of our emotional well-being.
Save the date for these exciting events, training sessions, camporees, and much more.
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Education
Recipe
Advent Movement
Seventh-day Adventist schools foster physical, mental, and spiritual development, so what can we do to make sure they’re filled each year?
Embrace the holiday season with these plant-based apple pie sundaes and give your friends and family something to smile about.
Stay informed with the latest updates among Texas Conference staff and pastoral transitions.
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Feature
Insight
The Oaks Adventist Christian School in Houston experienced their second catastrophic flood in two years after Hurricane Harvey made landfall. The help that came afterward showed that all things can work together for good.
Infusing a 19th century, pioneer spirit into the challenges of a 21st century reality.
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Community
History
Read how people from Texas, and beyond, made a difference in the greater Houston area in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.
Many Adventists have answered the call to serve in our nation’s military. Read a few of the untold stories in the final part of this series.
EDITOR
Editor’s Note Even though I think Texas is a beautiful state, the time I recently spent in Switzerland showed me a glimpse of what Heaven must be like. Rolling hills and soaring mountains dotted the landscape in every area I visited. In fact, it was almost too nice because, even though the scenery was incredible, the Swiss natives had no interest in it whatsoever. Whereas I looked like the typical tourist taking pictures and videos on every train ride, everyone around me was so used to the views that it was as if they didn’t even see them. It was a strange realization that even some of the most picturesque natural landscape on earth could somehow become boring. It makes me wonder what Heaven really will be like when even a thousand years spent there won’t begin to scratch the surface of its beauty. Seeing mountains like the Matterhorn or those in the Bernese Oberland really changed my perspective on purpose. But our verse this issue, 2 Timothy 1:9, is clear about what our purpose is. It says, “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of
anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace.” Spending time in nature is great, volunteering is great, going to church is great; those are outward expressions of a Christian life. But our purpose is simply to be with God and let Him show us how to live a holy life. That’s it. And, if staying focused on Jesus is what leads to an eternity enjoying His company and the scenery He’s created there, then that’s exactly what I plan to do. What’s your purpose in all this? Spend time talking to Him and studying the Bible and you, too, will begin to uncover the good things God has planned for you.
Jason Busch | Editor
STEWARDSHIP
Make Your Money Work: Budgeting By Jason Busch | Communication Director Over the last couple issues, we’ve featured simple ways to start making your money work for you rather than against you. The first part showed the value of having an emergency savings of anywhere from $1,000 up to six months’ worth of expenses. Since studies reveal a growing number of Americans can’t cover an unforeseen $500 expense, the emergency fund is a great defense against the inevitable disaster. The second part focused on the benefits of the Roth IRA (individual retirement account) and how it can form a solid foundation for retirement. Money management can be discussed ad nauseam, but I’d like to wrap it up by talking about one of its most basic principles: budgeting. Digital Tools Everyone knows that Microsoft Excel works well for budgets. But for those unfamiliar with the program’s capabilities or who want a more turnkey solution, Excel may not be a great option. For people who want to track bank
account balances, investments, loans, and credit cards in real time, products like Mint and Personal Capital work well. Categories can be set to automatically sort spending, colorful charts show where your money is going, and graphs reveal your spending habits over time. While they give a good overview, apps like You Need a Budget (YNAB) allow you to input your own spending, making it more of a true budgeting tool. Think of it as a 21st century check register – one that gives greater control of where most of your money is actually being spent. The Envelope System In a world fueled by technological advances, it may seem backward to have a budget built around cash. For some, however, using cold, hard cash is the ideal way to budget. The idea is that each area of your budget is given a certain amount of cash allocation each pay period, making it the most you can spend while carrying over what wasn’t spent.
For instance, if your grocery budget is $200 every two weeks, then you’d set aside that amount into your grocery envelope. If you only spend $180 that period, then $20 is carried over. If you spend all $200, then you better start looking for leftovers! Proponents argue this system establishes discipline, eliminates wasteful spending and overdraft fees, and makes budgeting tangible – helpful for people too accustomed to conveniently swiping a card. Although getting started can be confusing and credit card rewards are almost entirely excluded, using cash can do wonders for a family’s finances. Whatever works best for you, creating a budget can make all the difference when it comes to managing the financial resources God has given to us.
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LIVING FAITH
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER By Tom Grove | Executive Pastor at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church
Over the course of this year, we have looked at God as our Creator and Sustainer, at the why of Christianity and the why of Seventhday Adventism. Next I want to answer the questions, “What do I have to do with this and what difference does it make in my life?” It’s a valid thought, because being Seventh-day Adventist needs to be more than simply saying you believe in its core beliefs. But what does it mean? I’d suggest that the answer is found in a familiar passage at the end of the Beatitudes in Matthew, which describes what a member of the kingdom of God will be like. After that description, Jesus uses two metaphors to show believers where we fit in. The first one is the metaphor of salt. Matthew 5:13 says, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out
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and trampled underfoot.” In those days, salt was used to preserve food. In order to do that, however, the salt had to permeate the food. If that process wasn’t complete, it had a chance of spoiling. Jesus uses this metaphor to underscore that, as believers, our lives need to make a difference in the lives of those around us. Adventist beliefs are not just something we agree to before we get baptized, but rather, as they permeate our lives, we are called to positively impact the lives of others. Being a Seventh-day Adventist is not just a label I wear proudly; instead, it is a directive to be the salt of the earth. Jesus then goes on to use a second metaphor in Matthew 5:14-16 – light. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to
everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Just like the metaphor of salt, the metaphor of light would have been familiar to his listeners. Like salt, light permeates. As Seventh-day Adventists, we don’t give off our own light, but reflect the Light of the world. It is this Light that gives hope to the hopeless and rest for the weary. It doesn’t matter where you come from, what your experiences have been, or what your socio-economic standing is. You are called to be salt to the people around you. It doesn’t matter where in Texas you live, be it Arlington, Paris, Round Rock, Kerrville, or Eagle Pass, you are called to reflect the light of God.
A
simple
act of kindness
Some may consider it a simple act of kindness, but to a soldier being deployed or coming home, a heartfelt hug meant everything. Elizabeth Laird, known in Killeen as the “hug lady,” met soldiers at Fort Hood to acknowledge their service. It didn’t matter what hour, she was there. It’s estimated that she gave more than 500,000 hugs to Fort Hood soldiers. Even President George W. Bush sent her a letter of thanks for her simple acts of kindness. Elizabeth also battled metastatic breast cancer for over ten years. After her son created an online campaign to raise $10,000 to assist with medical expenses, the Killeen community responded by donating ten times that amount. When she died at the age of 83, she left a void not only for her family, but to the countless soldiers that would miss her hugs. “I wanted to do my part for my country,” Elizabeth shared in news reports before her passing. “My hugs tell soldiers that I appreciate what they’re doing for us.” Elizabeth’s legacy continues in the hearts of those touched by her generosity, including the church that she loved. And when her estate was distributed, she knew good things would happen with the money she left to the Texas Conference. As another year comes to a close, it’s a great time to consider what your own legacy of generosity will be. All donations made to the Texas Conference are tax deductible and provide a wonderful gift to children in our schools and members in our churches. Whether it’s $100 or $1 million, your gifts help spread the gospel to those who have not heard about the love of Jesus. You can also plan to add another piece to your legacy plan, by leaving a gift in your Will or Trust, or by creating a Charitable Gift Annuity. The Texas Conference Department of Planned Giving and Trust Services is here to assist you. Call (817) 790-2255 ext. 2105 to schedule an appointment with a member of our staff, who will help create a plan just for you.
Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists • Department of Trust Services P.O. Box 800 • Alvarado, TX 76009 • Phone: 817-790-2255 • Fax: 817-783-2698 Email: trust@txsda.org • www.TexasGiving.org
EDUCATION
LEADERS OF TOMORROW By Ismael A. Castillo | Hispanic Ministries Associate Director
On my commute to The Oaks Adventist Christian School in Houston, I used to pass by what was once an abandoned strip mall later turned into a charter school. Within two years, that property became equipped with a beautiful playground, indoor soccer field, and a gymnasium – and it bothers me intensely. As part of The Oaks’s school board for over eight years, I found out that many, if not all, Adventist schools barely get by every school year. I have driven through tons of back roads in Texas only to turn a corner and find a big, beautiful campus in the middle of nowhere funded by our taxes, while our schools have to become creative just to cover basic services needed for proper education. “Why is it that we struggle so much?” I’ve angrily questioned God on this subject, and, though we’ve shared and heard many theses amongst ourselves from how much we charge, the truth of the matter is that, despite numerous success stories, the present dynamics of our schools do not match our intentions. There is no doubt in my mind that our education philosophy is second-to-none. With our objectives to both redeem and to prepare kids for service through an integral approach in the harmonious development of physical, mental, and spiritual health, shouldn’t our schools be packed? Even the results are there! Several studies over the last 30 years have reinforced the spiritual and educational impact of Adventist schools and their importance for the sustainability and fulfillment of our mission. Some may ask, what about the academic level? Well, what about it? What is it we mean when we give this argument, especially when
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academic achievement in the United States lags more than 20 countries in academic achievement and those who lead the way overall have their students spend less time in school? What is it we want when studies have shown that, to perform well in life, the popular concept of strong academics does not necessarily play a primary role? Over 95 percent of our students go to college and graduate, compared to around 70 percent in the public system. At The Oaks, we often found that new students coming from nonAdventist schools would have lower ITBS scores and bring down the school’s average, even though those same students would score significantly higher the longer they stayed with us. Regardless of the perceived deficiencies and lack of resources, I would never encourage anyone to go to a nondenominational megachurch, for instance, even if they have seemingly better ministries, resources, support groups, infrastructure, music, buildings, programs, and in some cases, better sermons. I would never tell a visitor to check out the Baptist or Methodist church down the road because the Adventist church is going through some financial or leadership crisis. Why don’t we apply the same logic when it comes to our schools? As pastors, we count our baptisms every year because we can see the results of our investment right away, yet 40-50 percent of those who joined our faith in the last two decades have already left. Today, we pour over data regarding the alarming number of young people leaving Seventh-day Adventism behind. However, even though the results may be delayed, we can project to keep 75-90
percent of our youth in church if we begin to invest more in our schools. Through more time, more energy, and yes, more money, we can inspire our children to become the future leaders that God desires them to be. Adventist author Ellen White wrote that we shouldn’t underestimate the dynamics in the home, in the school, in the church, and their influence and impact in the life of a child. In her book, Education, she writes that the ultimate goal of Christian education and its impact on future leaders is to “restore in him [the child] the image of his Maker, to bring him back to the perfection in which he was created, to promote the development of body, mind, and soul, that the divine purpose in his creation might be realized—this was to be the work of redemption. This is the object of education, the great object of life.”
EDUCATION
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FEATURE
PEACE IN THE STORM By Tamara Michalenko Terry | Associate Communication Director
AARON THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY 10 FLAME
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Hurricane Harvey was reported to be the first category 4 hurricane to make landfall in the United States since Hurricane Charley struck Florida in 2004. Since many Texans are used to hurricanes, they thought would be prepared for this one. But, when more than 50 inches of rain pelted the area over a four-day period, no one was prepared for the country’s wettest tropical cyclone on record. “I was pretty nervous about the storm coming,” shared Lily Hernandez, The Oaks Adventist Christian School Treasurer. “We had just recovered from the Tax Day Flood that hit the school fewer than two years ago.” The Oaks is a daycare through 12th grade campus located in Cypress, Texas. The playground between the school and a backyard creek can get soaked from the rising water on a good day of rain, so the staff knew the school would have some flood damage. They were just not prepared for how much. With news of the hurricane’s arrival, students and staff moved items to the gymnasium since that had not flooded in previous storms. Then, they focused on boarding the windows, filling the edges with silicone, and adding expandable foam to the weeping holes of the brick trying to secure the building in case it flooded again. Unable to get to the school by car after the storm hit, Samuel Vega, Associate Pastor at the Spring Branch Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church, toured the campus by boat. Water was everywhere. It was several days before it receded enough for the staff to see inside. “It was surreal walking through the classrooms,” said James Friesen, The Oaks Principal, remembering the day as if it were yesterday. “Schoolbooks were swept off the shelves by flood water that reached more than six feet in some parts of the campus.”
“My classroom was hardest hit,” said Brenda Elms, The Oaks Elementary School Principal and Kindergarten Teacher. “It was the same with the Tax Day Flood. The water just seemed to swirl in the middle, taking everything with it.” Before the shock was even processed, people from all over the world were trying to contact the school to offer help. “We didn’t have phone service for quite a while, so most communication was happening through our Facebook page, emails, and texts,” said Friesen. “We so appreciate all our volunteers turning this trial into a blessing,” added Hernandez. The first organized work was held Sunday, September 3. Hoping for a dozen or so to come, almost 300 people showed up, including groups from Southwestern Adventist University, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. “God sent us an army of angels,” said Hernandez. “We accomplished more in one morning than we expected to accomplish in over a week.” Once the demolition was complete, the focus was on reconstruction to create makeshift classrooms so school could begin again. An inventory and donation list was created to match donors with a need. “In a crisis, it is wonderful to have an outpour of items, but it takes time to figure out what items would be most helpful,” said Elms. “We never would have been able to start school again without all the generous donors and volunteers.” Students were excited to be back at school after the three-week break. Completing school work at home with teachers emailing assignments was not as fun. “It is good to be back in school being surrounded by my friends and teachers,” said Faith, grade 10.
“Harvey took our classroom, but our teachers made them beautiful again,” added Chloe, grade 3. Carter, a 10th grader, was not as enthusiastic about the changes who said, “I miss how it used to be.” “We have a lot of improving to do, but our spirit remains unbroken,” stated Alex, grade 10. For Shannon, grade 6, she saw the “peace in the storm.” Because of this experience, she made a promise to herself that she would “help others who were less fortunate.” “The Oaks has been blessed by the hundreds of volunteers who have sent or brought donations of supplies, furniture and meals. There were so many who helped in the clean-up and restoration. It is my belief the Lord blesses those who help,” said Elms. “I pray these people know they have done the Lord’s work. Personally, I have been enriched to have been a part of this flood. How else would I have been allowed to see the true goodness of the Lord in others? I have seen the Lord’s hand at work and the results of His leading! I stand amazed at what can be done when people labor together.” At an emergency constituency meeting for The Oaks held after the storm, constituents voted to explore all options for getting back into normal classrooms. Only time will tell what that is for this school family, but they know the Lord will always be the ultimate peace in the storm. Find more Hurricane Harvey stories as well as an opportunity to donate to help in their relief efforts at texasadventist.org/hurricaneharvey.
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COMMUNITY
LITTLE YORK SUPPLIES HOPE By Tamara Michalenko Terry | Associate Communication Director Little York Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church members in the Houston area continue to serve the community as it has following Hurricane Harvey. Opening the church September 2, Sabbath School classrooms were converted to clothing stations for families to pick out much-needed items to wear. “Thankfully, Rio Grande Valley area church members arranged to deliver 42,000 pounds of clothing and other supplies for us to share when we first opened,” shared
MASTER GUIDES HELP REBUILD By Tamara Michalenko Terry | Associate Communication Director Master Guides are the highest leaders in the Seventh-day Adventist Church Pathfinder program – a program designed for Seventhday Adventist guys and girls to learn survival and leadership skills. Most importantly, they are focused on service. In the Texas Conference, many churches have Master
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Saul Flores, Little York church pastor. About a month after they opened their distribution center, the Red Cross started giving donations. “They were simply driving by one day when we were opening and asked if we could use the donations,” explained Teresa Flores, Saul’s wife and distribution center cocoordinator. “It was such a blessing as we had been serving 200-300 families each week at that time and were running low on supplies.” In addition to helping the community with food, clothing and necessities, church members committed to rebuilding five homes that were destroyed in the floods. “Our church’s youth went door-to-door to talk with neighbors, listen to their stories, and
Guide clubs and the Texas Conference Youth and Young Adult Ministries hosts a special weekend every year for Master Guides to gather together at Lake Whitney Ranch for training, worship, and fellowship. “They were scheduled to meet in October, but when Hurricane Harvey hit eastern Texas they wanted to go there to help instead,” said Paulo Tenorio, Texas Conference Youth Director. “Lily and Andrew Hernandez, from Cypress, are our Master Guide Coordinators. They spent countless hours finding places for the more than a thousand Master Guides who
assess the greatest needs,” said Saul Flores. “After that, we worked every weekend on the homes.” Regular church services were suspended for about a month as church members became the hands and feet of Jesus to help wherever needed as people worked to rebuild their lives. “Serving the community was something I learned as a young adult,” reflected Saul Flores. “Jesus says in Luke 3:11, ‘Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.’ That is something we take to heart, especially during times like these.”
wanted to go to Houston to help.” The Master Guides were in the Houston, Port Arthur, and Cypress areas September 22-24 and September 29-October 1. Many from out of town pitched their tents behind the Little York Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church. Throughout the two weekends, Master Guides were able to remove damaged walls and insulation from 20 homes, help rebuild five churches, put up drywall in 18 houses, give supplies and help to a nursing home, and pick up 80,000 pounds of trash. One group went to The Oaks Adventist Christian School in Cypress which was flooded for the second time in two years – the first by the infamous Tax Day Flood in April 2016. The Master Guides cleaned and disinfected the floors of the elementary school, often mopping the same area 10 times until the water was no longer dirty. They also restored their chapel stage and office areas. Honoring the theme, “Live to Serve,” the Master Guides worked to give residents hope as they strive to rebuild their lives.
COMMUNITY
STUDENTS REACH THEIR WORLD NEXT DOOR By Tamara Michalenko Terry | Associate Communication Director When ten students arrived at the beginning of September to attend the first cross-cultural mission training program in Houston known as Reach the World Next Door, they had no idea what a blessing they would be to residents so quickly. A mix of students including Burundi, Chin, Karen, Taiwanese, and American-born, they were scheduled to spend the next nine months sharing Jesus with the least-reached immigrants, refugees, and international students in the Houston area. “After Hurricane Harvey hit the area, we modified our plans and had the students out in the community helping where needed,” said Scott Griswold, Reach the World Next Door director. They focused on a Cambodian community organizing supplies to distribute to the residents, and also helped remove the flood-soaked items from their houses.
Returning several times, they continued to survey the area for especially needy families, helping with demolition and construction when they could. Next, the group prepared a NEWSTART-style health program to help the many Cambodians who had said they were battling diabetes. “It is nice to be able to help the residents physically, mentally and spiritually,” said Griswold. “It is also good for the students to experience service in action.” Mary from Port Arthur was excited to see the students come to her home. Her daughterin-law, Robin, had posted on Facebook that the 84-year-old woman was having trouble finding someone to remove the damaged walls and insulation from her home. Two days later, the Reach the World Next Door students were there removing the damaged areas. “They are incredible students,” said Griswold. “Many have been refugees themselves and are here through scholarship
donations. It takes a lot of faith to give nine months of one’s life not knowing how the bills will be paid, but they see the need and trust that the Lord will provide.” Reach the World Next Door is an initiative sponsored in partnership with ASAP Ministries and the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists in connection with the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists to be “God’s hand and voice to refugees, immigrants, and international students right next door.” For more information, visit reachtheworldnextdoor.com.
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God’s seeds texas 2018 CHURCH PLANTING CONFERENCE | DALLAS, TX
JANUARY 19-20, 2018 Starts Friday at 6:49 p.m. • Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Canyon Creek Learning Center (NDAA Campus) 2800 Custer Pkwy., Richardson, TX 75080
Over 15 presentations and seminars on Basic and Advanced Church Planting and Church Growth.
CHURCH PLANTERS BOOTCAMP
Sunday, January 21 at 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
For more information and to RSVP go to: SEEDSTEXAS.ORG
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or contact the Texas Conference Church Planting Department. Call 817.790.2255 ext. 2123.AARON THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY Email: churchplanting@txsda.org to reserve your room or text: 214-709-3338 (start your text with the word “SEEDS”).
DISCIPLESHIP
THE COSMIC AND THE INTIMATE By Gabriel Perea | Teaching Pastor at Advent Project Church
Luke 1:28 says, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you.” Over the past few articles, we’ve journeyed together through scripture to discover key principles in biblical discipleship. We’ve talked about the approach that God takes with individuals and with the movement of the Seventh-day Adventist Church throughout history. We’ve seen how God turns work into a cause, and how He turns criticism into collaboration. In this article, we’re going to see another dimension of how we can apply biblical patterns of discipleship in today’s church. There is a question or concept that today’s church goer, young and old, new and seasoned, wrestles with (whether consciously or subconsciously), and that is: “I’m here, now what?” In almost every congregation across the world, people are looking for a place where they can fit into the grand picture of the Adventist message and in the cause of Christ. Many members are not trying to have a big role in their churches – they are satisfied with just knowing that they have a meaningful role to play, whatever that may be. The modus operandi of all great companies is headhunting. This model is normal to organizations on Wall Street, Silicon Valley, and across the world. What happens each day in these companies is the incessant search for
that one person who will make the difference in the company’s future. There is constant navigating through the halls of schools, institutions, and piles of résumés to find the “smartest person in the room.” This headhunting approach is, I believe, in an almost stark contrast with the modus operandi of God. As seen in this Gospel story, God often uses the seemingly poor, weak, and uneducated to lead His people and to spread His message. In Luke 1, we discover the manner by which God operates. In this story, God delivers a message to a young Jewish woman named Mary. Mary had no influence, position, or sway in society whatsoever. Yet, inasmuch as she was not a person of significance and perhaps may have just seen herself as not being important, God saw someone of note, someone who was “highly favored.” There is a key discipleship principle that can be learned and practiced from Mary’s story. Although Mary was an ordinary girl, she would play a vital role in the pages of this earth’s history and in the salvation of many. Others may not have qualified her as a headhunter’s dream, yet God saw that she was the right person for His plans. As Charles D. Drew writes in his book Body Broken, “In the Lord’s modus operandi, the cosmic and
the intimate, the big picture and the tiniest vignette of human experience, come together. People have always mattered and will always matter supremely to him, even as he works out His great purposes.” To conclude, many in our churches today may not see themselves as particularly important. But, fitting into the church and its mission has nothing to do with you or others’ ability to recognize what you have to bring to the table. Rather, it has to do with God. We often worry about where we fit in the world around us and in our churches. I suggest an alternate focus. Rest upon the knowledge that we have a God who cannot only use anyone, but also wants to use you in a special way just like He used Mary. Let us allow for the cosmically intimate God to utilize us where He wants. To the church and its leaders, we are in these positions not because there is a fraction of importance in us. Instead, God in His amazing favor has pulled out a chair and said, “I want to hear what you have to say.” Therefore, let’s be in the business of making bigger tables, and pulling out more chairs, and allow for the Holy Spirit to do the headhunting for us.
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WELLNESS
L O V E M AT T E R S By Ruber and Ketty Leal | Texas Conference Family Ministries Directors Are you looking for love? Although singleness is an important time in life and should never be viewed negatively in comparison, we were created to love and to be loved. When that basic need is not fulfilled, however, it can lead to loneliness and isolation. In fact, relational wellness is an important part of our spiritual, emotional, and even physical well-being. The good news is that just a few simple principles can lay the foundation for lifelong love. Love Jesus: 1 John 4:19 says that we are to love God because He first loved us. Before going out and looking for the right match, ask yourself if you are fully in love with Jesus. If so, then you’re ready for step two! Love Yourself: We’re called to love others as we love ourselves. In other words, if you have low self-worth or don’t like what you see when you look in the mirror, chances are high that your capacity to relate with other people in a healthy way will be jeopardized. Someone searching for love must learn to appreciate
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who they are in God’s eyes, and He loves you just the way you are. Be Patient: An easy mistake that some people in this phase can make is to show others how needy they may be before a foundation of trust is established. This sends a message of insecurity and weakness to potential lovers. 2 Timothy assures us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of self-control. Don’t be desperate, be fearless! Love Others: There is no more powerful attraction than friendship, and true love often develops most naturally when people care for each other long enough in that context. It isn’t that friends will always fall in love, but that familiarity and trust has already formed. Take time to foster your friendships without expecting anything in return. Don’t Worry: If the search is taking longer than you imagined, remember: Jesus loves you with an everlasting love, and He is all
anyone truly needs. 1 Corinthians shows us that the apostle Paul, a single man, found that his innermost needs were met because he was “determined not to know anything except Jesus Christ.” Whatever phase of life you’re in, know that you’re there for a reason. It may not seem like it now, but God desires total wellness for every area of your life and has plans to give you a love-filled future.
RECIPE
APPLE PIE SUNDAES
INGREDIENTS PECANS 1 cup raw pecans 1 Tbsp coconut oil 2 Tbsp coconut sugar 2 tsp maple syrup 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon Pinch sea salt APPLES 4 medium-sized ripe green or red apples 1 Tbsp coconut oil (or vegan butter) 3 Tbsp sugar, plus more for topping 1 tsp ground cinnamon, plus more for topping 1/2 tsp fresh ginger 1 lemon, juiced optional: 2 tsp or cornstarch for thickening TOPPINGS 6-8 scoops Vanilla Bean Coconut Ice Cream (or preferred ice cream) For this recipe and more, visit minimalistbaker.com
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INSIGHT
THE ADVENTIST LIFE By Samson Sembeba
Living in the 21st century and being an Adventist often proves difficult. With the world changing so quickly right before our eyes, how does one keep pace? How do we integrate the spiritual treasures of the past with today’s reality? I have discovered that Seventh-day Adventism offers several anchor points as we navigate through life’s troubled waters. The depth of Bible study in Adventist church culture fosters the growth of deep spiritual roots. Over the course of our history, God has revealed some true biblical gems to this movement. We must not let go of this heritage, but rather grow with it. Even worse, we can lose sight of Christ in the pursuit of truth. Here is the ultimate paradox: we can fall in love with truth without falling in love with Christ. But realistically, we can’t fall in love with Christ and not fall in love with truth – the two are inseparably linked. Christ is the great connector of all truth and reality. The compelling inspiration of early Adventist author and pioneer Ellen White forms another anchor of faith – right along
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with messages on healthy living, the heavenly sanctuary, and the cosmic great controversy theme. It is absolutely vital to remember that our beliefs are not a random list of doctrines. All of our beliefs find their center in Christ. Adventism offers an outlook and perspective that integrates eternal dimensions with earthly elements. And then there is Sabbath. I remember getting ready for Sabbath on Friday night as a child. But Sabbath preparation should not simply culminate in taco salads and afterchurch naps. Being a Seventh-day Adventist is about spreading the entire message of Scripture across the world. We have something to say to the world because God has something to say in the Bible. We have something to offer to the world because God offered all in His Son. We must not allow Seventh-day Adventism to be reduced to a list of do’s and don’ts. And we cannot permit our passion to be paralyzed by a church life that is limited to the pew. What made the Adventist church so effective in the past was its incessant drive to change
the world. Message means meaning. And meaning fuels the mission. Early Adventists were the meaning-makers of the world. It is time to recover this mandate. The pioneers moved in faith and God answered with miracles. One glance at our unique past tells us that we cannot just hit the copy button from other churches. A unique message calls for a unique method, and a defining signature comes from a distinct fingerprint. I love being an Adventist; I wouldn’t trade it for anything else! Let’s infuse a 19th century, pioneer spirit into the challenges of a 21st century reality. Are you ready? Contributions from Ingo Sorke, Ph.D., Religion Professor at Southwestern Adventist University
HISTORY
Texas Adventists in Wartime | Part 2 A Story of Faith and Success in North Texas By Alfredo Vergel
The experience of Adventists during the American Civil War notwithstanding, the first draft Texas Adventists actually had to face was the one implemented by the Selective Service Act of 1917. By that time the church in the state had grown considerably and counted many young men subject to enlistment among its ranks. Supporting them before and during enlistment would require a line of ministry theretofore undeveloped. World War I brought a greater wartime test to church members as the Selective Service Act of 1917 implemented a more universal and less easily avoidable compulsory enlistment. Helping soon-to-be or already drafted young men gradually developed into a distinct ministry. In Texas, the denomination kept in touch with enlisted members through the mail, providing reading material, and church leaders occasionally visited “our boys.” Out of a concern to secure noncombatant status for its members, freedom to observe the Sabbath, and a healthful environment, the church endeavored to prepare, counsel, advocate for, and ease the way of both those waiting for enlistment and those already drafted. The denomination then established a War Service Commission, later renamed the National Service Organization, headed by church administrator Charles Haynes.
This particular branch of church ministry reached maturity during World War II. Providentially, several training programs began to take place prior to the war to prepare men of enlistment age for potential medical military service. When the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 was enacted, the church organized a unified Medical Cadet Corps. Although the church consistently counseled members to wait for the draft as the only sure way to obtain noncombatant status, many Adventist young men, such as well-known United States Army Corporal Desmond Doss, enlisted voluntarily leading to unnecessary hardships. Similarly to Harlon Block, one of the soldiers in the iconic Iwo Jima flag-raising photograph, others adopted the combatant status. Enlisted men within the Southwestern Union were deployed far and wide during World War II while mail helped them stay connected to their families, churches, and schools. “The army is no place for Seventhday Adventist boys. Get into one of our schools and stay there until you are called to the army,” wrote Joe Espinosa. Assigned to labs, dental clinics, and medic duty, noncombatant Adventists often picked up useful skills during service.
In Texas, the Medical Cadet Corps peaked after the war under the leadership of Southwestern Junior College professor Clyde. C. Blackburn, who had served in North Africa and Italy during the war. Also after the war, many Adventist conscientious objectors trained at the Medical Field Service School established in the Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, boosting the Adventist population of San Antonio. In 1954, the church set up one of its largest Servicemen’s Center there to provide Sabbath accommodations away from the base. With waning support for the draft and the creation of an all-volunteer armed forces in the United States, denominational programs to address the needs of significant numbers of members drafted for military service ceased in the 1970s. However, the church continues to support both its members and the general population in the armed forces through Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries in Texas and elsewhere throughout the nation. Alfredo Vergel is the Public Services and Electronic Resources Librarian, as well as Ellen White Research Center Director for Southwestern Adventist University in Keene.
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YOUTH
Upcoming Youth Events Glad Reaper Youth Evangelism Training Fort Worth First Seventh-day Adventist Church January 12-13 Pathfinder Camporee | Lake Whitney Ranch March 28-April 1 Register today at YoungTexasAdventist.org
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KIDS
EVERYDAY FAITH Our parents are usually the first people from whom we ever learn about faith. Through church and family worship, we discover Bible stories like David and Goliath, Daniel and the Lion’s Den, and many more. Reading stories like that is an important part of our own faith. But there are so many things in our lives that can also help our faith – you just need to know how to look for them. Like any average young boy, I got hurt quite a bit. From little things like scrapes and bruises to broken arms and falling bowling balls, I think I singlehandedly kept Band-Aids in business! I even had to have minor surgery once to remove a big splinter in my foot. But the worst injury I ever had was a broken leg that sent me to the hospital for five whole days while doctors put me on medicine to help fight an infection near the bone. They even told me that there was a chance I could lose my foot. The infection eventually went away, but the broken leg still needed to be in a cast for about six months. Needless to say, I got pretty good at using crutches. When you’re growing up, you may sometimes feel like your faith could be a lot stronger. I was scared during my hospital stay because I didn’t know what was going to happen to me. But, my mom’s faith that I’d get better was so strong that it helped make me strong, too. Being in the hospital still wasn’t any fun, and the food they served didn’t taste very good. I knew, though, that the faith my mom showed
By Jason Busch
helped me get through it. And even to this day, I look to her whenever my own faith feels weak. In one of the Bible’s most famous stories, three guys were about to be thrown into a burning furnace by the king of that land. You see, the king wanted these guys to bow down to a big, golden idol made to look just like him. Well, it must have been pretty scary to feel the heat from that furnace as they looked into it. Despite knowing what was about to happen to them, they remembered the faith that their parents had and trusted that same God. And you know what? He saved them! There are a lot of stories in your own life that show how big, how powerful, and how caring our God can be. When you start looking at the things that happen every day, it’s easy to see how God shows up in our lives. But always remember that your parents are here to show you what faith is like in practice. Whenever you’re scared or worried, look to them and remember that, just as you trust them, they trust in God – and they’re trying to show you how to do the same.
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EVENTS
8-9 | Leadership Convocation at Tyler Seventh-day Adventist Church.
3 | East Texas Area Evangelism Training at Tyler Seventh-day Adventist Church.
February
March
January
8 | Southwestern Adventist University Music Fest in Keene, TX.
3 | Valley Area Evangelism Training at McAllen Spanish Valley Central Seventh-day Adventist Church.
December
12-13 | Glad Reaper Youth Evangelism Training at Fort Worth First Seventh-day Adventist Church. 13 | Fort Worth Area Evangelism Training at Fort Worth First Seventh-day Adventist Church. 19-20 | SEEDS Church Planting Rally at North Dallas Adventist Academy. 19-21 | Women’s Ministries Retreat at Hyatt Regency Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX. 20 | Houston Area Evangelism Training at Houston Spanish Spring Branch Seventhday Adventist Church. 27 | Keene Area Evangelism Training at Keene Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church.
10 | San Antonio Area Evangelism Training at San Antonio Scenic Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church. 17 | Central Texas Area Evangelism Training at Pflugerville Spanish Seventhday Adventist Church. 24 | Dallas Area Evangelism Training at North Dallas Adventist Academy.
1-3 | 7th and 8th Grade Music Festival at North Dallas Adventist Academy.
28-April 1 | Pathfinder Camporee at Lake Whitney Ranch.
April
12-15 | Southwestern Adventist University Alumni Weekend in Keene. 22-26 | Outdoor School at Camp Hoblitzelle in Midlothian, TX. 28 | Soul Winning Festival at Arborlawn United Methodist Church in Fort Worth, TX.
ADVENT MOVEMENT Employees of the Seventh-day Adventist Church often change leadership positions and areas of responsibility. This section is to help you keep up with who's where in Texas. Irene Lazarus
Volunteer Services Coordinator Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Marshall and Julie Gonzales
Adventist Community Services Directors Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Elmer Alférez
Senior Pastor Houston Spanish Spring Branch Seventh-day Adventist Church
Luis Rojas
Pastor Houston Spanish Alief and Houston Spanish Love Seventh-day Adventist Churches
Miguel Ramos
Senior Pastor Houston Spanish West Seventh-day Adventist Church
Claudio Vilela
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Pastor Tyler Spanish, Marshall Spanish, and Mount Pleasant Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Churches
Javier Bonilla
Associate Pastor Austin Spanish First and Pflugerville Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Churches
Edwin Ledezma
Pastor Montalba Spanish, Palestine Spanish, and Jacksonville Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Churches
Pablo Carrizo
Víctor Aispuro
Khaaleb Ramírez
José Rojas
José Luis Cabrera
Pastor Baytown and Baytown Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Churches
Rigoberto Núñez
Senior Pastor Garland Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church
Allan Hernández
Associate Pastor Garland Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church
EDITORIAL
Pastor Duncanville Spanish and Lewisville Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Churches
Juan Arrebato
Pastor Gainesville Spanish, Sherman Spanish, and Bonham Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Churches
Senior Pastor Houston Spanish Heights and Houston Spanish Southwest Seventh-day Adventist Churches
A publication of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Texas. Publisher: Carlos Craig Editor: Jason Busch Managing Editor: Tamara Terry Spanish Editor: Ismael Castillo Layout & Design: Zack Posthumus | zackpostdesign.com
Pastor Houston Spanish Northwest and Huntsville Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Churches
Gustavo Squarzon
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Pastor Dallas Spanish El Paraiso and Grand Prairie Spanish South Seventh-day Adventist Churches Pastor Mission Spanish North, Rio Grande City Spanish, Sullivan City Spanish, and Zapata Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Churches
Ciro Maldonado
Pastor Arlington Spanish South and Joshua Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Churches
Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church Advent Project Church Southwestern Adventist University Feature and Profile images by Aaron Thomas Photography | aarontphoto.com Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists PO Box 800, Alvarado, TX 76009 Contact us at 817.790.2255 or visit TexasAdventist.org
ADMINISTRATION
President: Carlos Craig Executive Secretary: Elton DeMoraes Treasurer: Randall B. Terry
PRINTING AND MAILING
Director: Mario Ledezma Pressman: Miguel Gomez Designers: Madelein Terreros, Sora E. Yañez Print Shop Assistant: Doug Denny Administrative Assistant: Jannet Diaz
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. If you have any questions or comments, please email flame@txsda.org.
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APRIL 27-29, 2018 ~ SAVE THE DATE ~
TEXAS CONFERENCE & SOUTHWESTERN UNION ︱ OMNI CORPUS CHRISTI HOTEL
MARRIAGE RETREAT www.BeForeverONE.org
INFORMATION & REGISTRATION
(817) 790-2255 Ext. 2108 | Ext. 2106 for Spanish | SAVE $50 when registered by February 28th SPEAKERS: BUFORD & CARMEN GRIFFITH English Sessions
EARLY BIRD RATE $199 by Feb. 28th
JORGE & NIBIA MAYER Spanish Sessions
LODGING PER NIGHT $142+TAX
REGULAR PRICE IS $249 PER COUPLE Includes: Welcome bag, Sabbath lunch, beach photo shoot and more.
Includes buffet breakfast.