THE FLAME PAGE TITLE
SUMMER 2019 VOL. 6 ISSUE 2 MICHELL MEDELLIN1
INSPIRE
JESUS ANSWERED, “I AM THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME.” JOHN 14:6
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INSPIRE
Artist: Alaina Peterson
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CONTENTS
EDITORIAL Managing Editor: Jason Busch Associate Editor: Tamara Michalenko Terry Printing and Mailing: Bo Gendke Assistant Spanish Editors: Ismael Castillo, Madelein Terreros, Sora Yañez Layout & Design: Zack Posthumus | zackpostdesign.com Feature images by Aaron Thomas Photography | aarontphoto.com
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INSIGHT
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EDUCATION
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FEATURE
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FAMILY
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KIDS
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DISCIPLESHIP
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WELLNESS
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RECIPE
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LEGACY
ADMINISTRATION President: Carlos J. Craig Secretary: David Montoya Treasurer: Randall B. Terry Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists PO Box 800, Alvarado, TX 76009 TexasAdventist.org
MAGAZINE The FLAME is a publication of the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and strives to ignite a passion for living and serving in Texas. If you have any questions or comments, email flame@txsda.org.
INSIGHT
A CERTAIN FUTURE BY TOM GROVE
You have to love Thomas’s honesty in John 20. When Jesus appeared before the disciples after His death, Thomas is the only one in the room who had the courage to verbalize the uncertainty all of them felt. So, he asked Jesus for something practical: “Jesus, you have turned our world upside down by saying you’re leaving. Could you give us some direction so that we can be certain of the future?” We live in an uncertain world. Just when we think that our marriage will last forever, we hear the words, “I want a divorce.” Or, when we think that we will be able to grow old and enjoy our time left here, the doctor tells us, “It’s terminal.” We live in such an uncertain world that we are told the only things certain in this life are death and taxes. But, Jesus has already given us all the certainty we need for this uncertain world. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” There is no checklist. There are no step-by-step directions. Instead, He points to Himself. The Way Many people want to know if they are on the right path to eternal salvation.
One person tells you that as long as you are a good person, then you are on the right path. Another says that as long as you do good things, then you are on the right path. Yet another tells you that God has predestined your future, so where you end up isn’t your decision. It’s no wonder, then, that there’s so much uncertainty out there. As the desire for direction ascends from the depths of our heart, we hear the words, “I am the Way. If you are uncertain about whether you are on the right path to heaven, don’t look to anyone else. Rather, look to Me. All you have to do is stay focused on Me and you can know beyond any doubt that you are going the right direction.” The Truth You may think that truth is something you can put on paper and memorize, then be certain you have it in your hands. But, truth isn’t something, it is Someone. The words echo through the ages, “I am the Truth.” If you want to know what truth is, look to Jesus. Everything that passes for truth in this world can be measured alongside Jesus, and whatever would pass for truth that does not equate with His life or His teaching is no truth at all.
The Life People try to find certainty in life by any means necessary. They try chasing promotions at work, they try making as much money as possible and forgoing the things that truly matter, they try through drugs, alcohol, or relationships. Some even try through religion and strive for perfection through their own actions. But, none of these things brings the certainty of a fulfilling life. That’s when Jesus’s words reach us, “I am the Life.” We live in an uncertain world. We stop and ask for directions that seem to get us anywhere but where we intend to be. But Jesus says, “Follow me. Without the way there is no going; without the truth there is no knowing; without the life there is no living. I am the way you must follow, the truth you must believe, and the life for which you must hope.” Jesus is our Way, our Truth, and our Life.
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EDUCATION
EDUCATING FOR ETERNITY BY MAKALA JAMES and TAMARA MICHALENKO TERRY
After nearly half a century of work in Seventh-day Adventist education, John Hopps, Texas Conference Education Superintendent, officially retired in May 2019. John worked tirelessly to support teachers and to create the best educational opportunities for students. He treasures the genuine relationships he took care to nurture. John started his teaching career as a math and science teacher at San Antonio Junior Academy. Several of his students came from abusive homes while others lived in non-Christian homes. It became evident to John quickly that, in order to be effective in the classroom, he must build a caring relationship with his students and show them an example of what Christianity is meant to look like. “Even though they may reject the 6
church, if they have an adult who’s fair and exemplifies Christian behavior then it can make all the difference,” said John. After three years, John moved back to his hometown in Keene, Texas. There he worked as a teacher at Keene Adventist Elementary School for three years and at Chisholm Trail Academy for two years. John’s next adventure took him to Hood View Junior Academy in Oregon where he became the principal. This was completely new territory for the Texas-born teacher. At the very start of the school year, the chairman of the board hosted a corn roast for the entire school. When the students gathered to play hide-and-seek, John decided that he, too, should join in. “I ran off to hide in an old logging truck,” John said. “It was pitch black. I just sat there while all the kids went
out hiding.” Before long, two students climbed into the other side of the vehicle. In the dark, they couldn’t see John. They began to whisper, “What do you think about the new principal?” Just then, John spoke up in his best Texan accent, “How y’all doing?” It startled the students so much that they fell out of the cab and ran into the woods. “They were always a little leery about where I might show up after that,” laughed John. After six years in Oregon, John moved back to Texas to work at Killeen Adventist Junior Academy for several years. He later took a job at Burton Adventist Academy (BAA), first as a teacher and then as principal. John always remembered the importance of student connection from his time in San Antonio and worked hard to get to know the
EDUCATION students at each school where he worked. “Even though they may gripe at you, kids want to know that you have an interest in what is going on in their lives,” shared John. “They want to have a sense of equal treatment and fairness, and they want to have a mentor that they may not have at home.” Students often visited with John in his office just to talk. As principal, he always made a point to cover study hall, and often spent the entire period listening to students share stories. This philosophy also applied to John’s relationships with his teachers; he made it a priority to advocate for the teachers and to wholeheartedly support them. In 2003, John became an Associate Superintendent at the Texas Conference, before being promoted to Education Superintendent 11 years later. Although no longer in a classroom, he still made it a point to build supportive relationships with the schools, teachers, and even students, when possible. “No one in my career has had a greater positive influence on me than John,” said Tommy Simons, Chisholm Trail Academy Principal. “As my Principal for 15 years and Superintendent or Associate Superintendent for 16, John was the perfect mentor and boss. No one loves their students and teachers like John.” “I had the privilege of working with Mr. Hopps for more than a decade,” said Darlene White, current BAA Principal. “The level of confidence that he gave me with his support and advice is unmeasurable.” “John always exhibited a consistent passion for Adventist education and educators,” said Randy Gilliam, former BAA Elementary Principal with John as well as former Vice President for Education for the Southwestern Union Conference among other positions, said. “A crusader for students not found in the mainstream! Working together made us colleagues, but respect for each other made us friends.” Marvella Beyer, wife of now deceased Texas Conference Education
Superintendent Darrell Beyer, fondly remembers John’s “delightful sense of humor” as she drove her husband to his events. “He always had a story to tell no matter the occasion.” She appreciated how John “was always willing to carry his share of responsibility. He made sure at meetings and Outdoor School that the conference truck was loaded with all the supplies that were necessary.” She really treasured his dependability and perceptiveness for what needed to be done. “Dr. Beyer used to say that John could see through a problem almost before it arose!” “Hopps is a very easy and natural leader to follow,” said Travis Simpson, who has known John for 32 years as a student and afterward when Travis became a teacher. “Through it all, it was clear he cared for you on a personal level which made you want to do your best for him in return. He had a pragmatic way of cutting through the nonsense to the heart of the issue, while leaving your integrity intact. His comic relief helped bring sanity to us all throughout the years.” “John’s heart has always been with Adventist education,” shared Ellen Thomas, Texas Conference Associate Education Superintendent, who has worked with him for about 20 years. “He believes in it with every fiber of his being. He believes it is the truest form of evangelism. He preaches that to us all the time. During his time at BAA, he was adamant about finding money for any student wanting to be at the school.” “We talk a lot about evangelizing the world, and that’s important,” John concludes, “but if we don’t do it with our own kids then we’ve got a problem. That is the importance of Adventist education.” Danielle Bunkley, Texas Conference Education Administrative Assistant, has worked with John for 15 years both as a teacher and in the conference office. Almost 10 years ago, she started a tradition of writing poems to honor people. Here is the one she wrote about John: Strong Determined Standing for a cause
Gentle Humorous Storyteller for all Wise Knowing Family strong Adventist Educator Evangelism’s highest call Bible Philosopher Prayer warrior, too Retiring Superintendent Our prayers go with you In retirement, John looks forward to teaching and learning from his grandchildren. He will probably share a story or two interspersed with a humorous anecdote. While he will be missed from day-to-day work and board meetings, his legacy, and passion for Adventist education, will, no doubt, continue.
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FEATURE
NOT MY WILL BY TAMARA MICHALENKO TERRY
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FEATURE
When Jesus prayed to His Father, “not My will, but Yours, be done,” in Luke 22:42, He conveyed the anguish of the situation. Spiritual journeys in both biblical times and today are not without challenges. Michell Medellin, a Richardson Seventh-day Adventist Church member in Dallas, knows that all too well. Before she was even born, her parents became acquainted with Lillian Gonzalez in Brownsville, Texas. Gonzalez, a Seventh-day Adventist Bible worker, assisted the BIESDA Language Program for people to learn English. Hearing about a Hispanic evangelistic series at the time, Michell’s parents attended and started studying the Bible with Lillian. After believing what Lillian shared, they visited the Brownsville Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church. Brownsville church members welcomed the family with open arms and offered support as Michell’s mom became pregnant with her. Eventually, Michell’s parents, five siblings, and Michell were baptized. It wasn’t until high school, though, that school events challenged her Sabbath observance, seen by Seventhday Adventists as Friday night to Saturday night. “This was a source of contention for my mom and I,” said Michell. “I did not really understand the importance of Sabbath. Since I attended the local public school, there were many activities and sporting events held during Sabbath hours. Stubbornly wanting to attend them, I was relentless about attending them until my mother stopped bugging me. Then, Saturday became just another day for me.”
Following her high school graduation, she decided to follow a friend to Dallas to pursue a few job opportunities. Being an adventurous spirit, she was excited about trying something new. “From 2003 to 2005, I was working and living life for myself with no direction or purpose,” said Michell. “I was surviving, but not living. I attended a Methodist church on occasion with a friend, but something seemed like it was missing.” Life changed when Michell started attending college in January 2005. God miraculously positioned her to work for a Jewish property manager who wanted to see her succeed and helped pay her tuition. They connected when she had shared with him that she grew up observing the Sabbath as a Seventh-day Adventist. “Knowing what a dark place I was in prior to this, it was incredible to see God leading all along,” said Michell. God continued to lead her life when, two years later, she had to change jobs. Thankfully, she found another organization that offered tuition reimbursement. It was around this time that Michell started searching for a church to attend regularly. “I found myself needing God and wanting to go back to my faith,” said Michell. “I missed being a part of a church and having a relationship with God. The nearby North Dallas Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church in Carrollton embraced her. Rededicating her life to Christ, she was baptized about a year later. A mere two years later, however, Michell found herself in another valley of her spiritual journey. What should have been a wonderful time as she neared her college graduation turned 9
FEATURE
out to be a challenge for her both personally and spiritually. Focused on work, Michell was driven to be the top salesperson at her organization. Within 13 months of employment, she surpassed many experienced sales/admissions representatives to be number one out of 45. That eventually required her to work an occasional Saturday. In 2012, she started attending the Richardson Seventh-day Adventist Church with friends when she was not working. It was during that time that Richardson was focused on getting everyone involved in at least one group with three leaders (upreach, inreach, outreach) and one church board mentor. Michell enjoyed the 10
small groups and started to feel convicted that she should reserve her Sabbaths for worship. Being the top salesperson in the company, she thought it would be no problem getting Saturdays off. She was wrong. Her friend suggested she talk to the Richardson pastor, Dan Serns, about a letter of accommodation requesting the day off. “Michell was obviously upset about the situation when she phoned me,” said Dan. “Wanting to calm her, I asked about her family and upbringing.” She proceeded to tell him about her Brownsville experience. Not able to see his smile, Dan said, “My wife and I prayed for you before you were even born.” Confused, Dan
proceeded to tell her how he started the BEISDA Language Program in Brownsville and worked with Lillian since he was the Brownsville Seventhday Adventist Church pastor at the time. “Isn’t it amazing how the Lord orchestrated all of this, so that we could have this conversation today?” he told her. Dan connected her with the Texas Conference Religious Liberty and Public Affairs Director at the time. “I am forever thankful to him for his help,” said Michell. As it is for each one of us, Michell’s spiritual journey isn’t over. The words she shared following her religious liberty experience are a good daily reminder: “Not once had God forsaken me, even at my worst when I had been
FEATURE away from church - so why would He now?” He wouldn’t. God’s waiting to walk with you on your own journey if you’ll let Him. Invite Him into your heart today and watch Him take you places you’ve never dreamt of before.
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FAMILY
LIVE WITH RESILIENCE BY RUBER AND KETTY LEAL
Magda Herzberger, a 93-year-old survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp, told a group of students at Grand Canyon University that, “it’s possible to survive unbelievable tragedies in the face of dire circumstances.” What makes it possible for some people to come out triumphantly through life’s most difficult challenges? A study by the University of Chicago reported that Americans’ personal misery has increased substantially since the early 1990s. They discovered that 92 percent of Americans report suffering at least one significant negative life event in their lifetime. These negative life events could be anything from job loss to divorce or losing a loved one, even ending up in the hospital from injury or illness. If the findings of this study are correct, it’s likely we’ve all experienced at least one major negative life event. How did you survive? Have you fully recovered? Perhaps you’re currently going through this kind of ordeal and don’t know what to do or where to begin. Maybe the following will help. According to a research done by the National Institutes of Nursing Research, it was discovered that people who recover most quickly and with less trauma demonstrated two important factors
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associated with resilience in the face of adversity: mastery and social support. Mastery Most people feel paralyzed during a traumatic experience. However, when mastery is exercised, you allow yourself to enter into your personal control room to help you exert influence over life’s circumstances. In other words, instead of allowing circumstances to trap you, tell your circumstances who is in control. The Bible is filled with examples of mastery. When Jesus was agonizing in Gethsemane He exercised mastery by saying “Father, not My will, but Yours be done,” in Luke 22:42. Jesus knew His Father’s will was going to prevail over what He was experiencing in that moment. When we know the Heavenly Father, we know that He is in control of every life affair and that His love for us is greater than any negative event in our lives. Dr. Denise Cummins, a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science, suggests that mastery is reinforced by simply spending time on something that you do well. Simple examples are gardening, playing a musical instrument, or even spending a little time playing
games that allow the user to advance through levels of expertise—anything that makes you come away with the feeling of “I can do this” teaches your mind and body what it feels like to succeed. Social Support This is the network of family and friends that you turn to in times of need. Whether you are facing a personal crisis and need immediate assistance or just want to spend time with people who care about you, these relationships play a critical role in both the recovery from negative life events and having your day-to-day life function well. At the peak of Jesus’s suffering before death, He relied on His social support. He asked His disciples to stay with Him while His soul was overwhelmed with sorrow. We know that His social support was less than perfect, but knowing they were there still made a difference. The point is that we must make the effort to seek relationships with people, communities, counselors, or support groups to help us navigate through difficult times. Hope will never disappoint us when we have accepted God’s infinite love and ultimate support.
FRIENDS FOREVER BY JASON BUSCH
KIDS It was a day like any other that summer. I woke up early to hang out with my friend, JJ, for a bit since his mom had to work early, then headed off to the summer day camp we went to each year. Once there, we’d do the things we always did - have worship, play dodgeball, swim, watch a movie, play more dodgeball, swim again, then hang out at his house once his mom picked us up. The only difference between this day and any other that summer was that it was the last day of camp, and being 13-years-old meant I was too old to come back the next year. This was the day we had to say our goodbyes and promise that we’d hang out during the school year. But, my friends and I were sure that we’d stay friends forever and that high school wouldn’t change us. The thought of regularly seeing the friends who I’d gone to summer camp with since I was in Kindergarten soon faded. JJ’s family moved to another area so he could attend a different public high school while I went to the Seventh-day Adventist school down the road. Another friend, Sean, and I were close in middle school and attended the same high school, but soon started spending time with other people and slowly drifted apart. That friend group who I’d grown so close to simply became a good memory. Some of you may remember similar experiences, or perhaps are going through something like this right now. If so, know that the end of one thing is often the beginning of another. When I got to high school, my interests and hobbies began to change. While it was sad to leave friends behind, the new ones I made helped create some of my best memories - even if it was just eating at Taco Bell during our lunch break or deciding whose house to be at on the weekends. And I’m still friends with a couple of them to this day. The great part for us is that, while making friends can sometimes be hard, God knows exactly what we need and when we need it. Friends are great, and I try to cherish the time we spend together; but, when you make Jesus your best friend, then you will truly have a forever friend. Because while I’m lucky to have a few amazing friends, even they can let us down sometimes. Jesus, however, is a friend who promises to never let us down. Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us that, “The Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” That’s the kind of friend we should all strive to be, and the kind that Jesus already is for us. So today, take a moment to thank your friends for being in your life, and thank Jesus for calling us His friends forever.
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DISCIPLESHIP
THE SNOWBIRD PHENOMENON BY A. ALLAN MARTIN
Most of my childhood was spent in Florida, affectionately known as the Sunshine State. As a kid, I was always amazed at our clothing during winter. We locals would don layers upon layers while visitors would be in shorts and flip flops; some would even be up for enjoying the beach or swimming in a pool, in January! Fifty-degrees is cold for a Floridian! I came to understand that these folks often came from up north where it was bitterly cold, and many had come south to escape the frigid temperatures and harsh conditions. I later learned they’d be called snowbirds because of how they migrate to places of warmth and sunshine. Leave the cold and go where it’s warm. Smart move, snowbirds. Escaping the cold brought to mind life today in the church, and how our faith communities can sometimes be exceedingly chilly. Recently, I posted a comment on social media which got a lot of people talking. It read, “‘What I love about that church is that it’s so cold and condescending,’ said no one ever.” The departure of both our young people and people of all ages from relationally cold churches has been welldocumented in research. It seems like common sense for warm-blooded humans. “I don’t like the cold, so I’ll go where it’s warm.” Could a change of interpersonal temperature be a key to not only keeping, but attracting young people into local church life? Authors Kara Powell, Brad Griffin, and Jake Mulder in 14
their book Growing Young, researched more than 250 congregations who were drawing young people into church. In speaking to more than 1,300 young churchgoers, ages 15 to 29, the authors discovered that next generations longed for authenticity and connection. In a word, warmth. The Growing Young authors analyzed the terms that young adults used to describe the churches or faith communities that they chose, and noticed repeated words like welcoming, accepting, belonging, authentic, hospitable and caring. The authors began to call this finding the “warmth cluster.” My friend and mentor, Dr. Roger Dudley, once said, “I concluded that while there are many factors in retention, I really think that the congregational climate is perhaps the most important thing of all. Young people, when they think about Seventh-day Adventists, don’t think about the denomination as a whole. To them, it’s that congregation. If that congregation is a warm, accepting place, then Seventhday Adventism must be a good thing. If that congregation is a place that is struggling, then they wonder, ‘What’s the matter with Adventists?’ Adults do that too, but young people do it particularly.” When I think back to the reasons I have remained in love with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, my first impulse has rarely been to point to a belief, doctrine, policy, or cultural practice. It is just as rare I will point to a building, location, or region. Rather, when I identify what has adhered me to the faith, it is almost always a fond
DISCIPLESHIP memory of a person who embodied the “warmth cluster,” someone who exemplified Jesus to me. Especially from my teen years through young adulthood, I can point to people who showed belief in me, interest, and warmth. I can name wonderful Christ-followers who made it hard for me to imagine being anywhere other than the Seventh-day Adventist Church. As an adult, and having lived at times where winters can be brutal, I identify with the snowbirds who are drawn to where the sun shines brightest and the climate is warm. Like young people, I tend to migrate to spiritual spaces where people are kind and the relationship temperature is inviting. So, the next time a snowbird flutters over to your faith community, what will the temperature be? My prayer is that they will see in you a person who is welcoming, accepting, authentic, hospitable, caring, and warm. For ideas about fueling warm relationships, go to GrowingYoungAdventists.com.
Here are some simple suggestions to fuel warm community in your local church. Greeting: Introduce yourself to individuals you are not familiar with. Having some intentionality to your approach is important so that you don’t awkwardly stumble in your attempt, like saying “Hi, you’re new here,” only to find out they have been attending for some time. Using a phrase like, “Hi, you’re new to me, my name is _______” allows you to meet new faces at church, work, or school. Food: It used to be customary to invite new people over for lunch after church, but this practice has faded over time. However, meals are typically a great way to get to know people and, for young people, food is always attractive. Consider reviving this lost art. Service: Community service gives all generations the opportunity to work alongside each other to help those in need. It also serves as a great time to forge friendships and meet people with whom you might not otherwise interact. Be intentional to serve regularly and look to build relationships with those around you.
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WELLNESS
REST FOR THE WEARY BY MELISSA RURANGIRWA
In a world increasingly dependent on digital connectivity and busyness, it can seem like you never get a chance to just sit and relax. But, in a hectic lifestyle with constant demands on your time, rest is even more important. Most people recognize the value of a good night’s sleep, but learning to relax in between has more benefits than you may realize. Physical Sleep is something we do without thinking much about it, but there are intentional steps we can take to improve the quality of our sleep. Before we even get into bed, we can wind down from our day by keeping work and electronics out of the bedroom at least one hour before sleeping. To make falling asleep easier, we can make sure the room is dark and the temperature is comfortable. When it comes to time, apart from getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night, it is important to note that sleep before midnight is shown to be especially beneficial for our bodies. Southwestern Adventist University Professor, Embedzayi Tsanzi, explained that deep sleep is more dominant in the hours
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before midnight, and this type of sleep is the most restorative to the body. We also produce more melatonin, a hormone considered to be the precursor to good sleep before midnight. According to sleep expert Dr. Timothy Monk, trying to shift our bodies’ circadian rhythm is “like having a symphony with two conductors. [Our] delicate internal rhythms go haywire,” not giving our bodies the best chance to work at full capacity the next day. Mental Even if work is enjoyable, sometimes we need a break. However, mental breaks don’t necessarily mean sleep. They can also be hobbies and projects that we engage in to give us something constructive to do in our down time. Along with these activities, we should evaluate what is important to us. We can ask ourselves, “What is adding value to our lives?” or “What is becoming a source of unnecessary stress?” When we think about these things, we can realize what we need to add more of and what we need to remove. By doing this, we give our brain the rest that it needs to function properly.
Spiritual Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” God gave us a day of rest every week to relax with Him and forget the stress that week may have brought. Whether we are physically or mentally tired, spiritual rest is available to us and has the power to heal. Learning how to relax is a valuable life skill. The human body is capable of some incredible things, but getting enough rest is crucial to it functioning well. To live your best life, start by getting the rest your body needs and you’ll begin to enjoy a happier, healthier life. Learn more at creationhealth.com.
RECIPE
SOUTHWEST SPRING ROLLS Ingredients: 1 small head of romaine, sliced in half lengthwise 2 ears sweet corn, shucked 6 scallions, ends trimmed and cut into matchsticks 2 jarred roasted red peppers, drained and thinly sliced 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into matchsticks 1 firm-ripe avocado, pitted, peeled, and thinly sliced (optional) 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed 1/2 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves 20 round spring roll wrappers (“skins�) Smoky Chipotle Dipping Sauce: 1/2 cup raw cashews 1/2 cup filtered water 1/4 cup fire-roasted crushed tomatoes 1 tablespoon finely diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce 1 clove garlic, smashed and peeled 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 3/4 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
See the full recipe at blissfulbasil.com/ southwest-vegan-spring-rolls-with-smokychipotle-sauce and find more healthy creations at blissfulbasil.com.
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LEGACY
A LEGACY OF SERVICE BY LYNETTE ECORD
For Ed and Lorle Stacey, there’s never been a question—life has always been about service. “From the very beginning of our marriage, we agreed that we wanted to follow God’s will,” said Ed. Growing up, they had both watched their parents dedicate their lives to service. Ed’s parents served as missionaries in South America and Lorle’s father was a theology professor. Following their marriage, Ed and Lorle agreed to serve in mission, first in Brazil and later in Chile. This was like going home for Ed, but for Lorle it was a new experience—one that required her to learn both Portuguese and Spanish. After spending eighteen years in service in South America, they returned to the United States where they continued to serve at local Seventh-day Adventist state headquarters across North America, including in Texas. Why did the Staceys choose to live a life of service? Of course, the example of their parents made an impression on them, but the real reason is because of their own personal relationships with God. They’ve made staying close to Him a priority in their lives. Lorle shared, “I
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think to be close to Jesus Christ, we have to make a special effort. It takes a lot of study, prayer, and worship. The more you pray, the more you worship, either alone, with your spouse, your family, or others, the closer you end up to Him.” “There’s a peace of mind that comes from living this way,” said Ed. “We care for what God places in our hands, be it funds, time, or anything in life that the Lord gives us. We’ve always believed we should be good stewards of that because, after all, every breath we take is a gift from God. We were intentional about setting aside funds for the benefit of the work and the care and education of our children. One of the things that we did was to set up a Christian estate plan. This gave us peace in knowing that our family and God’s work would continue to be cared for after we’re gone. Our purpose in life is to be faithful to the Lord, to share His message, and whatever He places in our hands to help others know of God’s incredible love. We try our best to carry out all our future plans in this way. When we grow older, we can look back on our lives and we can say ‘Yes, Lord, I have done your will
and I live in peace knowing that what is yours I have cared for adequately and tried to use wisely. I have returned to you what was always yours.’ We’ve been faithful stewards, and this brings peace and happiness because we’re prepared to meet our end, be it today or down the road.” If you would like information on how to create or continue your own family’s legacy through estate planning, get in touch with a Texas Conference Planned Giving consultant today at 817.790.2255 or by visiting texasgiving.org.
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