Twenty New Members Join Clear Lake Church
04/22/2013
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Clear Lake Adventist church welcomed 20 new members at the end of their November 2012 evangelistic meetings. This is believed to be the largest group of people ever received into Clear Lake church membership at one time.
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Can traditional evangelism still be effective in our busy society? Twenty people were baptized in Clear Lake, Wisconsin, a town of 1,200 people, when the Clear Lake Adventist church held prophecy meetings with evangelist Steven DeLong October - November of 2012. Here are a few of the newly baptized member’s stories.
Jeff and Sheryle Colombo and their children regularly read the Bible and pray for God to guide their understanding. One day Sheryle discovered from her Bible that the seventh day, Saturday, was the Sabbath, not Sunday. She shared her discovery with Jeff. Both became convicted they should keep the Bible Sabbath, and shared their new belief with their Sunday pastor. The idea was not accepted by their pastor or fellow members. They began to keep Sabbath at home and had started listening to Doug Batchelor, a Sabbath-keeping pastor on TV, when the advertisement for Pastor Delong’s meetings arrived.
Linea Mortenson had not attended church for several years. “I felt my spiritual soul was beginning to dry up,” said Mortenson. “Yet when I received the advertisement for Pastor Delong’s meetings, I felt a need to get back with God.” When Mortenson realized the meetings were hosted by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, she suddenly remembered her mother telling her years earlier, “The Seventh-day Adventists are right.”
Marvin and Cheryl Blok loved the Lord, but had not been attending a church for some time. Cheryl began to pray, “Lord, if you want us back in church, please show me where to go.” The next day an advertisement for Pastor Delong’s meetings arrived in their mail. Marvin and Cheryl didn’t miss one meeting.
Mark and Linda Miller listened to religious services on TV rather than attending a church when they received an advertisement about Pastor Delong’s prophecy meetings. Linda was hospitalized at the time, but Mark decided to attend the meetings. Mark went to work, went to the hospital, and went to every meeting save one, driving 264 miles a day. Linda joined Mark after her hospital stay and they faithfully attended every night, sitting in the front row. Mark said, “We learned more in those 30 days than we have in our entire lives.”
Curtis Denney, Pastor
Clear Lake Adventist Church
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Sabbath School Bible Study Resources
01/12/2013
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The Seventh-day Adventist Church holds weekly Bible study groups, called Sabbath School classes, in churches every Saturday. These Bible classes exist to teach and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Study guides, called The Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guides (formerly called Sabbath School Lessons) are prepared by the church and available to all members and visitors alike. Below are several links to aid you in these weekly Bible studies.
To order print copies of the Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guides, please visit the Adventist Book Center.
GoBible.org Weekly teaching outlines posted by Bruce Cameron. (Also found at SabbathSchoolLessons.com
Sabbath School Teaching Outlines available from the General Conference Sabbath School Department. (Click on the correct year and lesson.)
Dr Ken Hart’s Sabbath School Class Often lively lesson discussion in a small group, composed of persons from various backgrounds, several weeks ahead of the time the lesson is scheduled to be studied in church. You may watch the class online, listen to it and download a PDF handout with a list of discussion questions. Podcast available.
Hope Sabbath School Interactive Study with Derek Morris is broadcast via Hope Satellite TV and available a week ahead of the date the lesson is scheduled for local churches. You download a weekly lesson outline with questions and a Scripture song or theme song, including sheet music, for each quarter. Pastor Morris also provides a weekly example of how to effectively teach a Sabbath School class in a Christ-centered way.
Doug Batchelor and the Sacramento Central Adventist Church discuss the current Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guides a week ahead of time. Online video and audio formats. Downloadable video available in WMV and MP4 formats. Audio available in WMA and MP3 formats.
Pine Knoll Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guides. Listen to a weekly audio commentary on the current Sabbath School Guide.
Sabbath School U Weekly program produced by the Sabbath School and Personal Ministries covering a quarterly topic or theme. It follows the studies found at www.cqiblestudy.org
Adventist Connect. Podcast reading of the printed Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guides. These are prepared by the Sabbath School Department, Christian Services for the Blind and Hearing Impaired, and the Adventist Media Network.
In Step With Jesus, a series of four Bible study guides in print format, contains a total of 52 lessons. It is a valuable new resource for assisting new members to connect with church members and with God. It will help them understand and follow God’s Word, will demonstrate how to minister to others, and will equip them for discipleship during that all important first year of church membership.
Sabbath School App in the iPhone and Android Apps Store includes the Teacher’s Edition. Download the app, click on the app, go to “More” (top right), go to Settings (bottom) and enable Teachers’ Content.
Weekly Teacher Helps via email are available three ways:
1 .Subscribe to our SSNET2 mailing list. On this list we distribute weekly helps from Michael Fracker and Joyce Griffith.
2. You can subscribe to the blog edition with images.
3. Contemporary Comments Weekly commentary, often tied to a current national or world event. These may be used as an introduction to the current week’s study.
Sabbath School Teacher Training Courses Online training for teachers of various age groups.
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Celebrating Christmas in Wisconsin
12/05/2012
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| "And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 |
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Many Wisconsin Adventist churches and schools are offering Christ-centered holiday events to help us keep focused on the reason we celebrate this time of year. Explore the following list of concerts, plays, worship services. You'll even find a live walk-through nativity pageant! Then, invite a friend to join you in worshiping our Savior this holiday season.
Columbus: Wisconsin Academy Christmas Concert; December 22, 4:00 pm in the Academy church. Address: N2355 Duborg Rd., Columbus, WI. Phone: 920-623-3300.
Columbus: Wisconsin Academy and church presents “Journey to Bethlehem," live walk-through Christmas pageant; December 13, 6:00-8:30 pm and December 14, 5:00-8:30 pm. Tours leave every ten minutes. Address: N2355 Duborg Rd. Columbus, WI. Phone: 920-623-3300.
Columbus: Petersen Adventist School presents “Christmas Around the World”; December 20; 7:00 pm. Address: W1004 Hall Rd., Columbus, WI. Phone: 920-623-4056.
Frederic: Frederick Adventist School presents the play, “The Two Sides of Christmas”, music and poetry; December 20, 7:00 pm. Address: 2955 140th Street, Frederic, WI. Phone: 715-327-4956.
Green Bay: Green Bay Adventist Junior Academy presents the play, “Casting Call”, music and skits followed by refreshments; December 18, 6:00 pm. Address: 1414 Shawano Ave, Green Bay, WI. Phone: 920-494-2741.
Green Bay: Green Bay Adventist Church presents “God Sent Forth His Son”; December 15, 11:00 am. Address: 1414 Shawano Ave, Green Bay, WI. Phone: 920-494-5245.
La Crosse: La Crosse Adventist Church Christmas cantata; December 15, 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. Address: 2117 La Crosse St., La Crosse, WI. Phone: 608-769-5861.
Madison: Three Angels Christian School presents "Christmas Comes to Lone Star Gulch"; December 20, 5:30 pm. Address: 900 Femrite Drive, Madison, WI. Phone: 608-222-5775.
Madison: Madison East Adventist Church is hosting "The Heralds of Hope", a Romanian international Christmas concert; December 23, 2:30 pm. Location: Wisconsin State Capitol rotunda, Madison, WI, first floor rotunda. Phone: 608-215-8055.
Madison: Madison Community Church Christmas program “Love’s Pure Light”, dinner following; December 15; 11:00 am. Address: 1926 Elka Lane, Madison, WI Phone: 608-249-2080.
Milwaukee: Southside Adventist Fellowship Christmas worship service; December 22; 11:00 am. Address: 5200 W. Looking Rd., Greendale, WI.
Milwaukee: Milwaukee Adventist School Christmas program; December 19, 7:00 pm, Address: 10900 W. Mill Rd., Milwaukee, WI. Phone: 414-353-3520.
Milwaukee: Milwaukee Central Adventist Church "Lessons and Carols", adapted; December 22; 11:00 am. Address: 2229 N. Terrace Ave, Milwaukee, WI. Phone: 414-273-7933.
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The Thirteen-Year-Old Evangelist
11/01/2012
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Tatiana seems like any other 13-year-old girl. She lives with her mom, dad, and little sister, Elizabeth, in a duplex in Milwaukee. She rides a yellow school bus to school, takes piano lessons, shares a room with her little sister, and likes to play volleyball and badminton.
Yet Tatiana is doing something most girls her age don’t do. She is studying the Bible with 6-12 neighborhood friends every Sunday and Monday evening at 6:00 pm. Tatiana, her mom, and little sister drive down to a neighborhood friend’s house in downtown Milwaukee. As Tatiana and Elizabeth go door-to-door inviting friends to come, her mom unloads a dozen folding chairs from her van and sets them up in her friend’s yard. Soon Tatiana and Elizabeth return with their group of Bible study interests.
“I’m very pleased that you could come tonight and learn about God,” begins Tatiana. “First of all, let’s pray.” After a song, Tatiana begins with a review. “What did we study yesterday?” No one says anything. “That’s OK,” says Tatiana, “That’s why we are here to study.” Tatiana opens her Bible, reviews things they can’t remember, then moves on to the evening’s lesson with patience and skill. No one but Tatiana has a Bible. They listen as each verse is read. Then each writes in their own notebook what the Bible has to say on the topic. “We really need Bibles and study lessons,” said Tatiana. “These kids don’t have Bibles.”
“They call me the little preacher,” laughs Tatiana. “We study the Bible, play Bible games, sing and pray. They didn’t know how to pray so I told them it was just like having a conversation with a friend, but you do it with your Heavenly Father, God. We all made a circle and each one prayed, asking God to forgive us for things we’ve done wrong. It was wonderful!”
Tatiana’s mom works as an in-home caregiver. One morning Christina, one of her patients daughter’s said, “I want to learn more about God.” That night Tatiana’s mom asked Tatiana if she would study the Bible with Christina. “I was excited to meet Christina,” said Tatiana. “We studied the Bible once, and the next week lots of kids came because Christina had invited all her neighborhood friends.”
Christina and friends have been studying with Tatiana for several months. “I’ve learned to pray,” says Christina. “I now know there is only one God, and that Jesus is about to come back to earth. Tatiana reads her Bible and we write the Bible answers in our notebooks.”
While teaching Christina and her friends, Tatiana is growing as well. “I’ve learned that doing God’s work is such a joy that you can’t explain it,” said Tatiana. “The kids ask questions about things we’ve already studied, and then I know that they were paying attention. They are putting in their hearts more thoughts about God. I know Jesus would be doing the same thing if He was here. My friend Christina asks questions after the study like, ‘Does God care when I get sick?’ It’s just exciting!”
“I like to talk to them about God. I want them to know that Jesus is coming, and I want to see them in heaven. I would also like to motivate the kids to share what they learn with others. I pray they will say, ‘If she can do it with the help of God, maybe I can too,’ Then they will start doing this work also.”
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Educator's Gift Blesses Green Bay Adventist School and Community
09/20/2012
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Realizing the dream of an unexpected donor, the Green Bay SDA Church and Adventist Junior Academy (AJA) hosted a teacher book sale, July 16–18. What started as a fundraiser became a life-changing outreach event that, through the Lord's leading, brought both community and church together in support of disadvantaged students.
Sheila Saunders, wife of a former Green Bay Church member, recently lost her three-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. An educator for almost 20 years, wherever she lived she opted to serve in the poorest of schools. Part of that mission included collecting sufficient books so that every child in her classroom would have a copy of each book used, and each library would have the resources her students needed. Sheila had amassed a tremendous collection of books, DVDs and other educational materials. It was her wish that these materials be put in the hands of people who would help students overcome their economic disadvantages and have a better life through education. So, upon her death, the resources were donated to AJA.
AJA administrators quickly realized that this collection was far more than could ever be used by the school. Susan Slikkers, a church member and the sale organizer, suggested the teacher book sale, open only to teachers, with items priced very inexpensively and the money raised to benefit the school's outreach projects. Initially a reluctant volunteer, Slikkers says she didn't feel prepared to devote the necessary time and energy to the sale, but "God decided something different."
The most daunting part of the project was the sheer scale of the collection — there were over 12,000 books (for comparison, a small bookstore might have an inventory of 3,000 books). The materials filled the entire school gymnasium. Had the books been set out on a single shelf, that shelf would have extended more than a half-mile.
With strong support by the local media* and a lot of legwork from Slikkers and other church members, traffic at the teacher book sale was strong and steady. However, mid-way into the second day, it was clear that, even with consistent sales, there was no way all the items would be sold by the end of the sale. When Slikkers worried that they would either have to open the sale to the public — not in line with Saunders' wishes — or explain a gymnasium half-filled with books to the pastor, she followed her father's advice. He said, "Just pray. Have a little prayer meeting. God knows what you need to do." Her volunteers busy, she had a prayer meeting of one.
The solution came when she called her husband, Mark Ringwelski: Along with the sale, offer the books for free to schools with the greatest need for them.
So Slikkers called schools in high-poverty areas individually, inviting them to come down after the sale hours and haul away whatever books their school could use. "They didn't believe I was serious, but I assured them that our Christianity doesn't go very deep if we can't share what we've been given."
By the end of the sale, all 12,000 books were gone. One teacher, from a school less than a block away from the church, carted away eight boxes and three grocery bags of books. Crying when she left, she said, "You have no idea how much you have changed our school and our community. This is an incredible gift; we will never be the same."
A superintendent, from a school in an area where the poverty rate is 53 percent, came at the end of one day and filled her pick-up truck to overflowing. When it was clear she was disappointed that she couldn't take more, Slikkers asked how much she would like to take. "I felt God's power as the answer to my prayers happened right in front of me," she says, "because the superintendent told me she would take them all if she could." With a borrowed truck and trailer, she did just that, and informed Slikkers that the donation would change the lives of thousands of people — children and adults.
In the end, more than 110 people volunteered for this project and just under $11,000 was raised for AJA, but there is no way to calculate the number of people impacted by Saunders' generosity and her love for the students she served. "God's plans are so much bigger and greater than ours," Slikkers shared. "We just have to be willing to follow His lead and try to keep up! It is thrilling to be willing and see Him work."
*Three out of four local television networks aired multiple news segements, one as the lead-in story a few days prior to the start of the sale; the local talk radio station aired interview clips at the top and bottom of every hour on Monday, the first day of sale; plus local newspaper coverage.
More information at: http://www.facebook.com/GreenBayAJATeacherSale.
Aileen Yingst, communications leader, Green Bay Adventist Church
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Wisconsin Academy Enrolls 129 Students
08/20/2012
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Greetings from Wisconsin Academy (WA). The 2012-2013 school year can be summed up in one word: Growth! The first evidence of growth is our current enrollment of 126 students, an answer to many prayers. In addition to the 126 campus students, three more students joined our WA Online distance learning program, and more students are scheduled to arrive soon.
Brandon Maciel, a freshman student, arrived today because yesterday at potluck the Racine Adventist church members raised $1,400 to pay his entrance fee. "I'm really happy to be here," said Brandon. "I'm very thankful for my Racine church family making this possible."
A new sophomore, Abigail Hill, recently learned about the Adventist message and was baptized this summer at camp meeting. Abigail said, "I decided to change schools because Wisconsin Academy is a better school. My public school has a lot of drugs, and the teachers don't have control of the classrooms. It's just better here."
Brian Derrik, a first year junior said, "I'm excited to be here and get to know the people. I want to absorb the atmosphere on campus and grow in my relationship with Christ."
A strong, Christian joy can be seen in the growing smiles of students and staff. The students and faculty have committed themselves to being one in the family of God and it is reflecting across the school from faces to programs. Our campus ministries department has been retooling, placing Christ at the center of all events. Student chaplains are being utilized along with dorm pastors and other student led enterprises. Please pray for our team.
There are also growing pains. The girls dorm has over 60 girls living in quarters designed to house only 46. Nearly 45 girls are living 3-to-a-dorm room. There is simply not enough space to house them and the overcrowding needs to be relieved soon to maximize the efforts of our program. Funding and volunteers are a priority as we strive to complete new dorm rooms in the girl’s dorm basement.
WA does not currently have adequate transportation for our students. We urgently need funding to add two more busses to our motor pool. Some much, needed campus improvements have been placed on hold just to meet these basic demands. But our God is the great Jehovah-jireh and will provide all of our needs in His time and through His means.
Praise God from where all blessings flow, His grace is sufficient and abundant. Thank you for your continued support.
Keith Nelson, Wisconsin Academy Principal
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Student Literature Evangelists Impacts Milwaukee
07/01/2012
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A student knocks on your door. "Hi! My name is -------. I'm working on a scholarship program. Instead of junk food, we're sharing something longer lasting. I'll let you take a look..." She shows you Steps to Christ, The Great Controversy, and several other books... "Which ones are you most interested in?"
Wisconsin Conference is sponsoring a magabook ministry program in Milwaukee this summer as a part of the Milwaukee Miracles outreach to the city. Fifteen committed Adventist young people, ages 16-23, are knocking on thousands of doors across the city distributing truth-filled literature while earning needed funds for their Christian education. For a donation, they are sharing Steps to Christ, The Desire of Ages, The Great Controversy, and many other books designed in a colorful magazine format.
"I believe these books are the strongest means we have for winning souls," said Matt Hasty, director of the Wisconsin Magabook Ministry. "We don't always see immediate results, but they will come. Ellen White said in the book Colporteur Ministry, page 151, 'More than one thousand will soon be converted in one day, most of whom will trace their first convictions to the reading of our publications.' We've shared $23,637 in literature during our first 84 hours of door-to-door ministry. Over 170 of those items wereThe Great Controversy. That book is out there working even as we speak."
Here are a few testimonies from some Milwaukee magabook students.
Kara - It was late. I hurried up the last driveway right as a van pulled up. Perfect timing, I thought! A lady and her daughter got out. The daughter went into the house, but mom listened as I began sharing about The Desire of Ages and other books I had. Before I got too far, she called her daughter to come back out. "My daughter is really involved with Christian ministries at Indiana State University," she said. "She needs to see these." The daughter shared with me how she was really on fire for the Bible and was leading some small group Bible studies at her university. I showed her several books, then she said, "What I'm really interested in is history." "Wow," I said. "I have just the book for you!" Pulling out The Great Controversy, I told her about how people years ago would hide the Bible in their clothes when it was illegal to own a Bible. "You've been such an encouragement to me," she said. "I don't meet many young people out and sharing their faith." She and her mom tookThe Great Controversy and The Desire of Ages. Thank you Lord for Your perfect timing!
Joel - At the first house a I met a lady who is a teacher. I showed her Steps to Christ and Christ's Object Lessons and told her about the books. She said, "Just yesterday my pastor told me to get a book about the parables of Christ. I don't think you're coming today is a coincidence." She took both books.
Jadis - As I walked toward the last house on my street, the garage door opened. A father and daughter were getting into the car. I started to tell them about my books, but the father said, "Don't bother us. We're already late for an appointment." I said OK and left. As I started to cross the 4-way street, the same car pulled up beside me. The girl got out and said "Hey, show me what books you have." I showed her Steps to Christ and Christ's Object Lessons. As she gave me some money she said, "Wow, these books can really help me. I've just recently overcome being a drug addict." Praise God!
Gina - It was the last visit of the morning. It was hot. I walked up to this warehouse and saw this tall, very serious looking older man. I was scared but introduced myself and started my canvas anyway. He didn't have any response. He didn't say anything. I just kept talking and showing him books in my bag. I was a little bit scared at the end to show him my last book, The Great Controversy, but thought, "I don't have anything to lose." When he tookThe Great Controversy, it opened to the timeline of Daniel 9. He smiled a little, closed the book, put it on top of all the other books and DVD's and said, "I want them all." I was shocked! Now he has in his house, Steps to Christ, Christ's Object Lessons, The Great Controversy, The Desire of the Ages, two vegan cookbooks, and a set of story books for children. A light from God is in that man's house.
Magabook students are paid 50% of their donations. If the student attends an Adventist school, they receive a matching scholarship of about 50%, depending on the school they attend. Milwaukee Magabook students are sleeping in classrooms at Milwaukee Adventist School. Five days a week, students begin their day with breakfast at 9:00 am, followed by worship and a megabook training session. From 1:00 - 9:00 pm they are out knocking on doors. "We need continual prayer, as this work is not easy," said Winnie Ndovie, a magabook student, "but God has immensely blessed and is doing a great work in Milwaukee."
"God wants to do Miracles in Milwaukee," said Matt. Please keep us in your prayers."
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Wisconsin Seventh-day Adventists "Live the Mission"
06/18/2012
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| Chief Wilkinson shakes hands with a young boy who donated to a community project. Wilkinson's story appeared in a recent issue of the Camp Lamp. |
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“The crazed man was breaking windows in his house, screaming at me and the rest of the SWAT team,” said Kevin Wilkinson, chief of police for the New London police department. “More disturbingly, he came out the back door with a shotgun in his hand. I was just a few yards away, sending up prayers for everyone’s safety.”
Kevin Wilkinson, along with nine other Seventh-day Adventists across Wisconsin recently shared stories of how they “live the mission” in the Camp Lamp, the daily paper issued during Camp Meeting (June 15-23).
“I’ve always felt I was called to this career,” says Wilkinson, “like God wanted me to be there for people in crisis. I’ve delivered my share of babies and death notifications. I’ve both succeeded and failed in my attempts to save lives. I can’t count the times I’ve had strong, confident officers in my office breaking down in tears. I am honored to know they trust me with their deepest concerns. Each day before work I pray for four things: wisdom to make good decisions, diligence to get much accomplished, compassion to care for the heart of each person, and humility to accept responsibility for my errors, yet giving credit to others for our successes.”
Pearo Ackles lives the mission while working at Walmart. He passes out books, magazines, and tracts. “Sometimes I give them directly as gifts, sometimes I just leave them at random for anyone, and sometimes I even open my mouth and share God’s truths verbally.” Ackles has finds encouragement in the book Acts of the Apostles, especially in the passages describing Paul’s time spend as a tent-maker: “Paul did not regard as lost the time thus spent … As he worked at his trade, the apostle had access to a class of people that he could not otherwise have reached” (AA 351). He recently invited one of his co-workers to attend a Revelation Seminar and continues to pray for opportunities to share Jesus in his work place.
Deidra Olson works in a hospice. “It can be hard helping those who are dying. Sometimes I think it’s hard because our minds can’t comprehend the concept of death. I’ve come to realize that each of us has a dying heart no matter what our age. So each morning, I beg the Lord to take my soiled and dying heart and do with it what He can to make a difference in the lives of others.”
How are you living the mission in your life? How does you relationship with Jesus impact those around you? To share your story, email the Communication department.
To read full issues of the Camp Lamp, visit the Camp Lamp 2012.
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Alumni Celebrate Adventist Education at Wisconsin Academy
05/24/2012
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Nearly 800 people attended the alumni weekend celebration at Wisconsin Academy on April 19-21, 2012. This year's event honored the classes of 1942, 1952, 1962, 1972, 1982, 1987, 1992 and 2002. The oldest alumnus in attendance graduated from Wisconsin Academy's precursor, Bethel Academy, in 1938.
Dr. Walter C. Thompson, class of 1952, was named Alumnus of the Year. "Coming to Wisconsin Academy was the beginning of God's miraculous leading in my life," said Thompson during the Sabbath School testimony time. "I didn't have many objectives in life, but after graduation the principal found me a job at Andrews University, so I went. While there, I decided to be a medical missionary doctor." Dr. Thomson has touched many lives through his medical skill in Guam, Cambodia, Poland, Africa, and the United States. He is an author, educator who has also worked many years with 3ABN and Your Story Hour. "I'll never forget the influence for good the teachers at Wisconsin Academy had on my life," said Thompson.
The campus was alive all weekend with the hum of students past and present sharing stories and catching up on life since they last met. Here are some of their memories:
Beverly Vieau Rhodes, '51 - "I had a ball here. I spent two years at Bethel and two years here at Wisconsin Academy, so I got the best of both worlds. When the school first opened we didn't have any running water, no electricity, and we got to spit out the windows when we brushed our teeth. Now they have these nice new dorms and indoor plumbing! But we had fun and I loved it. I sang in the choir and got to sing in a triple trio. The highlight of this reunion is getting together with all my dear friends."
Dorothy Duffie Cross '72 - "One of the things I learned here at Wisconsin Academy is to listen to God's voice. In whatever circumstance I find myself, if I listen past the noise of life I hear the message of hope and joy God has for me."
Greg Klemp Sr. '69 - "My pastor encouraged me to try the academy after my freshman year of high school and I really liked it. I wish I had buckled down and studied more while I was here, but I really had fun. My favorite memory was when the gym teacher caught my future wife and I holding hands! I have so many good memories of this place. My wife and I try to put as much money back into this place as possible.
Matthew Jacobson '02 - "Wisconsin Academy was the place I needed to be between the years 2000 and 2002. The three most pivotal decision of my life were made right here. First, I met my wife in the 7:00 am English class. Second, I decided to be a teacher while here, largely through the influence of a teacher telling me, 'You have a lot to offer and you need to offer that to other people.' And third, I met my Savior here. Now that I'm a teacher, I hope I can help my students in their walk with God."
Mick Burrington '48 - "I went to Bethel and met my wife. The first day of school I saw this blond girl walking down the stairs and said, 'Guys, see that girl there, I'm going to marry her.' I was 17 years old. I dated other girls after that but never could get Charlotte out of my mind, and I finally married her. Now here we are at alumni 57 years later!"
Lance Misheleau '02 - "My favorite memory at Wisconsin Academy was the year we had an awesome spiritual revival. The guys in the dorm started a prayer group. I remember one night we started out planning to have a five minute prayer time and it turned into two hours. There were 15 or 20 of us and it was incredible! We sensed the Holy Spirit and it was a great experience. Our whole senior class was impacted."
Ginny Spangler Campbell '78 - "The highlight of my years here at Wisconsin Academy were the relationships I made. I have so many friends from here and they can never be replaced. No matter where I go, I meet people I know because I attended Wisconsin Academy. It really is wonderful."
Yahaira Betancourt '92 - "When I left my family in Costa Rica at age 15, my mother said, 'Wherever you go, look for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. You will be safe there.' I came to Wisconsin Academy and had no money, spoke no English, and had no worries. I was naive, yes, but I trusted God. In three weeks God helped me to speak English. Some kind anonymous people paid my school bill. When I needed personal things I would find money in my desk. To this day I do not know who they are, but I am so thankful. I am proof that the money you give to this school is not wasted. Matthew 25:35-40 says best what Wisconsin Academy means to me. 'When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat,...when I was a stranger you welcomed me, when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear...'"
Sandy Lanaville Miller '60 - "The things I learned here at Wisconsin Academy have really stuck with me. This academy is pretty important to me. I'm so glad to see the positive spiritual attitude on campus."
Pastor Lisa Habenicht Isensee, class of 1992, spoke Friday evening for vespers, Pastor Dean Waterman, class of 1987, spoke for church, and former teacher Carl Sigler ended the Sabbath hours with Hallowed Moments. Saturday evening the girls WA Knights basket ball team beat the girls alumni 25 to 18. After an amazing show by the gymnastics team, the guys WA Knights basket ball team beat the alumni guys 73 to 41.
Keep contact with Wisconsin Academy and the Alumni Association at www.wisacad.org.
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Local Elders Lead Evangelistic Meetings in Green Bay
04/08/2012
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| Local elders and pastors of the Green Bay SDA Church |
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"I've heard these topics presented many times, but this time I finally got it," said one woman who attended the elder-led evangelistic meetings held March 9-31, 2012, in the Green Bay SDA Church. This sentiment was echoed many times by visitors and church members alike.
Several months ago, the eight elders of Green Bay SDA Church decided to hold lay-led evangelistic meetings with the assistance of their two pastors. For the presentations, they used ShareHim materials, each choosing topics he felt a passion to present.
None of the elders had any official training in preaching. Doug FitzGerald is a dairy farmer. Brian Davis is a refrigeration contractor. Curt Eckstein works with graphic arts and design. David Stonebrook is retired from semi-trailer repairs. Richard Wilde has recently started his own medical/dental equipment business. Dan Guido is involved in environmental work for the state. Glenn FitzGerald is an elementary school teache. Keith Sopp works for the DMV as a motorcycle safety and training instructor. "Some of the elders will tell you they were not very comfortable with the idea of getting up front and speaking," says Dan Guido, "but, they didn't back down."
"The two topics I preached on were the Sabbath and the change of the Sabbath," continues Guido. "It was powerful for me to be the one to deliver these messages, as I grew up in a Catholic household. I was very honest in telling them where I came from. I told them what I had learned and that I felt it was important for them to know about these things, too."
Glenn FitzGerald, head elder of the Green Bay Church said, "I think this was a very logical thing to do economically and for local impact. Personally, public speaking is not my favorite thing to do, but it turned out wonderful. Each evening we prayed that we would not stand in the way of the message. We just wanted to be faithful servants."
"We were very different from each other," continued FitzGerald. "We each had our own speaking styles and personalities, and the people seemed to appreciate us for who we were and what we were sharing. We knew our only qualifications were that we knew the Lord and we knew our Bibles."
"We tried to keep the meetings brief, beginning at 7:00 pm and ending by 8:00 pm. Pastor Bill Ochs introduced each of us, we had prayer, special music, then each elder shared a bit of his own background and experience with the evenings topic as he began. It was just really good."
"Every one of these guys far exceeded my expectations," said Pastor Ochs. "They did an incredible job. I think I'm sold on the idea of our lay people holding outreach meetings. Each brings their family and friends. It really helps build a crowd."
Each of the six people who were baptized at the end of the meetings had previously established friendships with people in the church. One lady had her first contact with Seventh-day Adventists ten years ago. She and her husband hired contractors James Hopkins and John Pearlberg, members at Green Bay, to build their house. While building, James and John told her about 3ABN and invited her to church. After ten years of listening to 3ABN and visiting church sporadically, Chris Guido invited her to join the "women only" Sabbath school class. "Once she joined our class she started coming every week," said Chris. "The class seemed to give her strength and hope, and she started staying for church." She was baptized on March 31.
"On the last night, over 100 people came forward and committed themselves to having a deeper walk with Jesus," says Pastor Bill Ochs. "The Holy Spirit moved in a powerful way."
Listen to audio recordings of the presentations at www.greenbaysda.org.
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Reflecting on Wisconsin Academy's Nicaragua Mission Trip
03/24/2012
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Click on the images for an expanded slide show. See more pictures on the Wisconsin Academy website.
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On Thursday, March 23, forty-one Wisconsin Academy students and adults returned from a twelve-day mission trip to Chinandega, Nicaragua. While there, they constructed two Maranatha one-day churches, saw over 540 patients at free medical clinics in three communities, conducted six Vacation Bible School programs, and painted the existing Chinandega SDA Church.
A daily blog was posted during the trip at the new Wisconsin Academy website. The following participant quotes are excerpted from that blog:
Grace: We went to the suburbs of the area where we are building the one-day church. All the houses were made of tin and sheets of plastic. We met a lady who dug a 15-foot well by hand all on her own. It was amazing. She dug it all out and then lined the bottom with concrete bricks. At the top was a tractor tire. This was her water source, but the water was still really dirty and contaminated. Her house had sheets of plastic for walls. Better houses in the neighborhood had tin siding, but many just had mud with plastic.
Hannah F: The outhouse at the church we’re building was just a cement block over a hole. There were tin sheets around it but we tore it down today because we’re building them a new one.
Alec: Materials for the outhouse we’re building were delivered by horse and cart.
Andrea: There was an 87-year-old lady [at the clinic] today and everyone sensed her presence in the room. She was so lively and went around hugging and smiling at everybody and she looked so happy. She came because something painful was in her throat. Dr. Shaw examined her and said she has throat cancer. I felt bad. She stopped and grabbed my arm once and said, “We’re going to see each other in heaven, aren’t we!” I said, ‘Yeah, I guess.’ That just touched me so much I wanted to cry. I said, “God bless you,” and she said, “God bless you, too, for what you are doing. You guys are helping a lot of people.” She hugged me and then went on, but it just hurts to see someone so alive dying of cancer.
Noemi: Today was not as busy as yesterday, but I still enjoyed it. I loved watching the reaction of people when they received glasses. They felt so glad to be able to see again. The smile on each person’s face made my day. After an exhausting day, I thank God for everything He gives me!
Kimberly: Today was an awesome experience. This was our second day for medical clinic, and it was extremely hot. We prayed that this day would be helpful for the people that came and that we could learn from them. We are blessed in having Dr. Shaw with us. God is obviously giving him the knowledge he needs for every case. God is keeping us safe. The most important part about this trip is helping people in need.
Ken’yun: I went with the VBS group. I met this little guy named Alleito. He didn’t seem to care what language I spoke. With laughter, smiles, and soccer, we bonded. He was so awesome even though he looked like he was sick. He was so happy and filled with joy. Even though I was super hot and exhausted, he brought energy out of me I didn’t think I had. He touched me and helped me decide no matter what I’m doing, I’m doing it to the fullest of my ability to help others and to praise God.
Kelah: Today in the medical clinic, I was given thirty pairs of a combination of reading and sunglasses. So many of the people here need reading glasses, and they all need sunglasses. It is so hard when we run out. While talking to Rafael, a local translator, I found out that glasses cost from $100 – $200 a pair, which is a totally unrealistic amount for most Nicaraguans. It is hard to put ourselves in their shoes and feel how deep their need is, but their smiles and simple words of thanks go right to our hearts. It is hard to decide who is more blessed.
Laurina: We’ve all used the term “tongue-tied” when we can’t think of what to say. Today a five-year-old boy came in and his tongue was truly tied. The thin piece of skin under the tongue extended out to the end of his tongue so he couldn’t lift it. His dad, Pam, and I, held him while Andrea held the flashlight. Dr. Shaw snipped that skin and loosed his tongue. He’ll be fine now for the rest of his life.
Melissa: VBS today was AWESOME! We started with crafts and games because yesterday we told the Bible story before many people had come. There were over 100 kids there today, and everyone was able to do the craft, plan, and listen to the Bible story and skit.
Elizabeth: Working in VBS is such an amazing experience. It’s so neat to interact with the kids and communicate with them even if we don’t speak the same language.
Keturah: When digging the hole for the church outhouse, we were in the poorest neighborhood I have ever seen. The houses were made of basically sticks and plastic, yet the people were so thankful for what they had. Back in the states, we take everything for granted; like flushing toilets. Here the people are thankful if they just have a covering over a hole in the ground. Even though these people can’t afford even the most basic necessities, they are always smiling. It really makes me wonder: if we were in their shoes, would we be able to be as happy as they are?
Jonathan: Today just really opened my eyes to a lot of things. I don’t want to say I’ve never been appreciative, but now I realize I should be way more grateful for things that I have.
Melanie: Being here really makes me grateful for everything I have. Especially school. Today in the bus we saw a little boy taking care of the house and all, and many kids have to stop going to school before they get much of an education. It just makes me really grateful and it makes me want to strive more to do well in school. I want to go to college and become a doctor and someday be able to do mission work. I’ve always thought about going as a missionary, but now I’m really sure. Dr. Shaw has really inspired me. I just want to say thank you to him as well.
Hannah H: Today we started the prep work for the one-day church in Posoltega. We started late, and it took us a while to get what we needed to do done. They decided we could only get one of the two churches done. That was pretty disappointing. But we all worked late and even did the prep work for the second church. It’s cool because now we’re still able to build both churches. God made that happen.
Melanie: I work in the medical clinic, so my days here have been pretty interesting. Today was one of those days that felt long but awesome. It was awesome because we got one hundred and eight people through the clinic today! I was very happy because that is the most people we’ve treated in a day. I can’t wait to see what the next two clinic days will bring. I’m excited!
Shawna: Today was a lot of fun. We were busy all day with our construction crew. I’m very excited about getting these two churches built for these people to worship in. We are sunburned, but we accomplished a lot!
Pam: Today we had a true experience of how some medical people around here may get paid for their services. Paula got paid in mangos, coconut, and artwork.
Monte: A highlight of my day was riding to the worksite in the back of the pickup truck with “Jimmy John” [the new outhouse]. Later I got to pedal the little tricycle bike thing over to the clinic site to get more water for our construction crew. Then a lady gave me a wonderful, juicy mango. It was really good. We got all the church posts in concrete today.
Alexandra: I spent all day entertaining some kids. It was so refreshing to see their smiling faces and hear their bubbly laughter. Today I played soccer, red light/green light, basketball, and freeze tag, which I learned they call “frozen chicken” here in Nicaragua. I loved this entire day, from meeting new kids to reuniting with ones I’d seen from previous VBS programs.
Alan: We delivered 22 new chairs to the newly completed Posoltega church site today. These are chairs the group purchased out of our personal spending money.
Keturah: I have really enjoyed working with the kids and just trying to communicate with them. Even though we don’t speak the same language, they love it when we spend time playing with them. They always have plenty of smiles to share with us.
Melody: I really enjoyed painting the mural on the Chinandega church veranda today. It was nice to do something I’m good at and know other people can enjoy it. I got so much paint on my hands, at one point I looked like a smurf. But it was definitely worth it. I’m so glad we got the opportunity.
Jair: The highlight of my day was getting up early and getting ready to build a church in one day. One day! I got to be the translator for the project. It took us two hours to finish the first half of the roof, and only one hour to finish the second half. As we progressed with the project, we got better. I also read a Bible text at the church dedication today.
Vanessa: I really felt like I did something important today. I was part of a team that put up a church!
Read the entire story on the Wisconsin Academy blog.
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Wisconsin Academy Mission Team Arrives in Nicaragua
04/24/2012
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| Click on the images for an expanded slide show. See more pictures on the Wisconsin Academy website. |
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Twenty-five Wisconsin Academy (W.A.) students and seventeen adults arrived in humid 90-degree Nicaragua at 7:13 pm Sunday evening, March 11, 2012. During their 12 days in Nicaragua, the group will construct two Maranatha one-day churches, repair and paint the existing Chinandega Seventh-day Adventist Church, operate free daily open-air medical clinics in three communities, and conduct six Vacation Bible School programs.
“This is a great opportunity for the students,” said Jimmy Carter, Wisconsin Academy chaplain and organizer of the mission trip. “Helping students discover the beauty of serving others is a high priority at Wisconsin Academy.”
The trip began at 5:00 am Sunday morning, as participants loaded into a bus at Wisconsin Academy. Excited but sleepy students and adults adjusted piles of luggage and compared their lack of sleeping hours. Wisconsin Academy principal Keith Nelson and Wisconsin Conference president Mike Edge saw the group off with prayer and well wishes. The flight out of O’Hare Airport was delayed making it impossible to make connections in Miami. Praise the Lord the group was large enough that the plane waited the exra hour and a half! Going through customs was a miracle in many ways, as was finding two lost passports. Everyone was ready to eat, shower and sleep when they finally unloaded the bus at the “Companeros en Christo” motel in Managua.
“Going on a mission trip is something I’ve always wanted to do,” said Andrea Fernandez, a Junior at Wisconsin Academy and a member of the Maranatha Spanish SDA Church. “I figured I better go on this trip while I had the chance. I’m really excited.” Hannah Fitzgerald added, “I want to thank the people who sponsored me to come on this mission trip. I’m looking forward to helping people and growing myself.”
Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America with a population of approximately 6 million. Prior to the Nicaraguan Revolution of the 1960’s and 1970’s, Nicaragua was one of Central America’s wealthiest and most developed countries. The revolutionary conflict, paired with a 1972 earthquake, reversed the country’s prior economic standing. They are now one of the poorest in Central America. The biological diversity, warm tropical climate, and active volcanoes, make Nicaragua a beautiful and interesting place to visit.
Nicaragua Mission is part of the Central-American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and has one vocational school in the capital city of Managua. During 2010, the church membership in Nicaragua grew 5.65%.
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Wisconsin Sends Three Pathfinder Clubs to Union Level Bible Achievement
03/07/2012
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Question 1: According to the SDA Bible Commentary, when did Sargon II die?
Question 1: According to Isaiah 7:1, name the two kings, and their kingdoms, that went up against Jerusalem. Be Specific.
On March 3, 2012, qualifying Pathfinder youth from across Wisconsin met at Wisconsin Academy for the conference level Bible Achievement. After spending months studying the book of Isaiah, Pathfinder youth answered 90 timed questions about the book of Isaiah from memory. Three Pathfinder clubs won first place, and will be competing next on March 31, 2012, at the Union Level Bible Achievement at Andrews University. The first-place clubs are the Lena Wildcats, Madison Mustangs and Sheboygan Shepherds.
“My favorite part of being in the Bible Achievement is getting to travel to Andrews University for the competition,” said Jennifer Wheeler, fourth time competitor for the Sheboygan Shepherds club. “It’s fun. I also really like the idea of having to study the Bible for the competition. I don’t think many of us busy teenagers would take this much time studying the Bible without the incentive. I’m really sad that this is my last year to be in the competition.”
Pathfinder Bible Achievement, begun in 1987, is a yearly worldwide competition for Pathfinder youth grades 5 through 10. Groups of six or seven Pathfinders in local church clubs work together as a team preparing to answer questions from a designated book or portions of the Bible. Area clubs come together and compete in several qualifying events. Those earning first place then move on to next qualifying event. It is a fun way for youth to study the Bible, challenge their memory, and work together as a team.
“The kids did extremely well,” said Greg Taylor, Pathfinder coordinator for the Wisconsin Conference. “This is a very challenging event.”
Learn more about Pathfinder Clubs and Bible Achievement.
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General Conference to Launch "Revived By His Word" Bible Reading Initiative
03/02/2012
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Seventh-day Adventist church members worldwide are being encouraged to read, or listen to, one chapter of the Bible a day beginning April 17, 2012. This initiative, titled “Revived by His Word,” and coordinated by the General Conference, is aimed at strengthening the spiritual experience of each church member.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has founded its existence in the Bible. Adventists are a Bible-based, Bible believing, Bible-reading people. “Nothing can possible replace listening to God speak to us through His Word,” says Armando Miranda, vice president for the world church. Prayerfully meditating on scripture is a primary source of spiritual strength.
During the 1,171 days from Spring Meeting, April 17, 2012 through the beginning of the General Conference Session on July 2, 2015, participants will cover the 1,189 chapters in the Bible. By reading one chapter each day and two chapters during the General Conference Session, millions of participating members will complete their journey through the Bible.
The goal of “Revived by His Word” is to encourage every church member to allow the Holy Spirit to transform their lives as they meditate and pray over one chapter of the Bible a day. It will direct the attention of the entire world church to the importance of knowing Jesus through His Word and encourage families to read the Bible together. It is simple, practical and affordable.
“I would like to invite every church member to join the worldwide family of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in reading one chapter of the Bible a day, beginning April 17, 2012, and concluding during the General Conference Session in the summer of 2015,” says Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist world church. “I am confident that this journey through the Bible together will draw us all closer to Jesus. As we prayerfully read and meditate upon God’s Word, we each will be led to a renewed experience with the Savior as we look forward to His soon second coming.”
Learn more about “Revived by His Word” at www.revivalandreformation.org.
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Jeff Metherell New Trust, Stewardship and Religious Liberty Director
02/17/2012
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| Jeff Metherell will join Wisconsin Conference team in mid-April. |
On Thursday, February 16, the Wisconsin Conference Executive Committee voted to call Jeff Metherell to be the new Planned Giving, Stewardship Ministries, and Religious Liberty director for the Wisconsin Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Metherell comes from Boise, Idaho with a rich background in law, finance, and management. Jeff attend Pacific Union College, spent a year in Colognes, France, before earning a B.A. in French from Walla Walla University. He spent nearly 19 years in Colorado, where he earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Denver. While in Denver, Jeff worked several years at Porter Memorial Hospital as Director of Medical Staff Relations. Jeff also spent several years working in the mortgage industry.
Metherell has a passion for music and writing, including poetry and drama. He also loves the outdoors and enjoys hiking, skiing, and playing tennis. He has two grown sons.
Metherell has a passion for promoting the beliefs and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He will be joining us in Wisconsin mid-April of 2012.
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Wisconsin Members Walk Around the World
02/09/2012
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Keith Hatcher, principal of Three Angels Adventist Elementary School, turned in over 1,000 miles to Walk for Life last year.
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“I needed to lose some weight,” said Roger Morton, member of the Baraboo church. “So I started walking in the comfort of my home. I have a multi-level home, so walk three laps on each level three times a day. It comes out to about 20 minutes each time, or an hour a day. It really is a good workout.”
“When I turned in my 59 miles to Walk for Life for January I was amazed! I didn’t realize till I added it up how much I was walking. It’s like walking to Madison from my place. I couldn’t believe it.”
Walk for Life is a fun 6-month program to walk around the world as a church family. The goal is to join everyone’s miles together and walk the 24,901.4 miles around the world between January 1 and June 22. Walk for Life is designed to help people start a regular exercise program through walking. It also accommodates those who are already active, and includes a large variety of physical activities including biking, swimming, jogging, gardening, and active sports.
It’s not too late to join. Here’s what is happening in a few places to date.
- The Wisconsin Academy church developed a health team to organize this year’s health events. In the church foyer, worshipers are greeted with a large goal marker poster about Walk for Life. “We just got started last week,” said Amar Miller, a local health team member. “I’m anxious to see how many people sign up.” There are already over 15 names on the sign-up sheet.
- While the web site states Oxford church has walked 37 miles so far, Wendell Springer says he and his wife alone have walked 80 miles in January. “We haven’t turned in our miles yet, but we will,” says Springer, member of the Oxford church. “My wife and I walk down our road a mile and then back every day. We meet quite a few neighbors when we’re out. Some say, ‘You guys really keep in shape! You’re looking good.’ We really look forward to our walks.”
- Roberta Pratt, member of the Rice Lake church walks 30-35 miles each week. “When I found out I was a diabetic, I knew I needed to change my diet and walk more,” said Pratt. “But I only exercised occasionally. Joining Walk for Life in 2011gave me the motivation I needed to walk regularly. Now my blood sugars are within normal range without having to take shots.” Roberta and her husband Wyatt walk to the Library and back, or, in bad weather they walk around in their house or in a nearby mall. “We feel so much better when we walk, said Pratt. “It’s a regular part of our lives now.”
- Keith Hatcher, principal of Three Angels Adventist Elementary School in Madison completed the Ironman triathlon in Madison, Wisconsin, on September 11, 2011. This race demands a continuous 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, and 26.2-mile run be completed in under 17 hours. Keith finished in 12 hours and 12 minutes. While Keith’s training program was far more demanding than a two-mile walk each day, he turned in over 1,000 miles for last years Walk for Life event. “I try to show my students that a healthy lifestyle can be fun,” said Hatcher, “although not everyone may think a 140 mile race is fun. Those three sports are my favorites.” Read more about Keith’s Ironman.
Research clearly shows exercising helps you sleep better, age more slowly, think clearer and improve your social relationships. So start walking. Track your miles. Then, submit your miles through your local church Walk for Life coordinator, or directly online.
To learn more, or submit miles, visit the Walk for Life page. Enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle!
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Wisconsin Academy Trains Students for Service
02/06/2012
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| W.A. sophomores Arianna King and Denel Strangstalien assist at Kindred Kids, a non-profit lending library for children. |
“I never thought I’d be doing this,” says Miguel Gomez, a Wisconsin Academy sophomore as he disinfects a plastic toy bus and places it in a bag of cleaned toys. “It’s alright though. It’s for the kids.” He’s seated in the doorway of a cleaning closet at Kindred Kids, a non-profit lending library for children with differing abilities in Columbus, WI. Not far from Miguel and his bag of freshly-scrubbed toys, Denel Strangstalien and Arianna King are folding baby clothes. Two aisles over, another group of sophomores are alphabetizing children’s videos. Others are sweeping a storage room and talking with Wendy Simyab, the founder of Kindred Kids, about her work and how it benefits the community.
“We are thrilled to have the students from Wisconsin Academy help out,” says Wendy. “As an organization that relies on volunteers and donations, we’re happy whenever people are willing to give of their time, but I especially appreciate the students from Wisconsin Academy. They’re self-motivated. I really appreciate their moral character. It was evident in the way they worked. I’d be happy to have them volunteer again.”
This afternoon is only one among dozens of intentional service opportunities built into the Wisconsin Academy experience. So far this year, students have scrubbed and painted over 28 fire hydrants in the village of Fall River, participated in a 30-hour famine to raise money for hungry children in Haiti, raked leaves in residential neighborhoods, preached and given testimonies at churches across Wisconsin, and put on a live nativity pageant at the academy attended by over 750 people from the area. The list goes on.
“God calls us not to be hidden Christians” says junior Naomi Ferrel. “When we get out in the community, people find out that not all teens are bad. It’s about gaining trust and not being afraid.”
First-year junior Andrea Fernandez agrees. “Serving others changes us too. It helps us open up our hearts more to people. Being at the academy really takes you away from everything you know - out of your comfort zone. At home, to be honest, I pretty much just sit in the pews. But here there’s a whole different atmosphere. They want me to get involved and are very supportive. It’s really helped me grow in faith and opened my mind up to God’s power. It’s like riding a bike with training wheels. You have a chance to practice and try things out.”
Both in the classroom and out, Wisconsin Academy is committed to establishing faith, building commitment, and training for service.
“Only by practicing actual acts of service can a young person understand what it means to serve or be served,” says Keith Nelson, Wisconsin Academy principal. “A theoretical class on such a subject will only carry the student so far. Opportunities to serve come packed with their own built in rewards. This creates an ongoing desire to serve again.”
Find out more at www.wisacad.org
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Jay Lo Steps Into the Light
12/20/2011
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| Jay Lo learned about the Seventh-day Adventist Church through Pastor Ko Saelee, pastor for the Hmong people in Wisconsin. |
"We must leave the village tonight and head for the border, or it will be too late!" whispered 14-year-old Jay Lo to his friends. War had ravaged Laos, Jay's homeland. Jay's father had been killed, and the communists had taken over the country. Jay knew that he'd have to leave Laos if he wanted to live. "Others want to come with us," Jay's friends said. "We can't leave them behind!" Under the cover of darkness 265 people began the 17-day journey to Thailand; only 96 made it.
Life in a refugee camp was difficult at best. Then Jay learned that his uncle lived in another section of the camp. His uncle welcomed Jay as his son. For the first time Jay was exposed to Christians. He realized that Christians were different from most people he knew. In time Jay and his uncle's family were able to relocate in the United States. Jay was eager to continue his education. In time he gave his life to God.
Jay studied in a Christian college, where he met Paniya, a young Hmong woman who also was studying there. They both wanted to take Christ to their own people. They felt God leading them into a lifelong relationship, and the couple was married. They were among the first of their ethnic group, [huh-MAWNG] the Hmong to receive college degrees.
Family members who remained in Thailand had become Christians, and they asked Jay to send someone to teach them the Bible. Jay couldn't go, but he sent his cousin, who was studying at a Protestant seminary. The young man led 50 people to Christ before he was poisoned by someone who resented his efforts to bring Christ to the Hmong. "We are sad that your cousin has died," a friend told Jay. "You should prepare to take his place and minister to the Hmong."
How can I say no? Jay wondered. He recalled his desire to be a missionary to his own people. Jay entered the seminary and earned a degree in religion. A Protestant church hired the couple to train lay Bible workers in the United States and Asia. Jay was frustrated by the poor translation of the Hmong Bible. My people need a better translation of God's word so they can learn who God really is, he thought.
His in-depth Bible study raised more questions, including questions about the Sabbath. He went to a church official for answers, but was greeted with a challenge: "Are you questioning the church's teachings?"
"No," Jay replied. "But the Bible says that if we break one commandment, we break them all. I need to understand where the truth lies."
Soon after that Jay received a letter from his church's headquarters notifying him that he was no longer needed as a teacher and pastor. Suddenly Jay had no job. For months he searched for work. The family lost their home and most of their possessions. "Why doesn't God answer our prayers!" Jay asked his wife.
Then Jay's cousin introduced him to a Hmong pastor named Ko. Jay learned that Pastor Ko is a Seventh-day Adventist who worked in a nearby metropolitan area. Jay told Pastor Ko about his Bible study that led to losing his job.
"You are right," Pastor Ko said. "The Bible says we are to keep the Sabbath, so Seventh-day Adventists do." Jay was excited to learn that there was a church that kept all of the Ten Commandments. Jay and Paniya studied with Pastor Ko Saelee and discovered that their questions had answers. Soon they asked to become Seventh-day Adventists.
The Adventist Church sponsored Jay to study at Andrews University Theological Seminary for a year to prepare for a new ministry. He is translating the Bible into Hmong and has completed several books. "God has blessed me so much through His Word. I want other Hmong to be able to read the good news in their own language so they can make their choice to follow Him." This quarter part of our Thirteenth Sabbath Offering will help expand the church's work among dozens of refugee groups throughout North America. Thank you for your sacrificial gift to help reach these people for Christ.
Reprint of Sabbath School mission story for October 1, 2011
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Changing Her World
11/09/2011
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| Amy Hahn with some of her kids from Benton Harbor, Michigan. |
Amy Hahn, of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, is a senior theology major at Andrews University. This year she received the “Heart and Soul” award for her commitment and service to the people of the Benton Harbor community.
“Amy is a leader of leaders because of her deep passion for Christ,” said Ron Whitehead, Assistant to the President for Spiritual Life for the Center for Youth Evangelism at Andrews University. “She can’t help herself. She’s not waiting to change the world after she graduates, she is doing it now.”
Every Sabbath after a busy week of classes, Amy heads to the town of Benton Harbor to help run an outreach program for children. “The community is quite run down and has lots of violence,” said Amy. “Kids are growing up without knowing Jesus, and I see this as a great opportunity to help change that.”
Amy organizes the five-bus runs to pick up kids for church and afternoon programs each Sabbath. Once, while riding the bus on Sabbath, Amy shared the story of David and Goliath with one of the boys. “Did that really happen”, he asked? “Can you tell me another story?” Amy then told him about Jonah, Noah, and others. “He had never heard any of these stories before,” said Amy. “That right there confirmed why I do what I do.”
Amy also organizes a group of students from Andrews to visit people living in a retirement home on weekends. “We visit, put on programs, make cookies with them and sometimes have a camp fire,” said Amy. “Their families do not visit often, but those people have become family to me in every sense of the word.”
After her sophomore year, Amy took a year off from school to serve as a student missionary in Cambodia. “What a blessing,” said Amy. “That year gave me direction. It was there that I realized the importance of listening to God. I decided I no longer wanted to make God come up with plan B for my life. I wanted plan A.”
“I’m so thankful for all the ministry opportunities Andrews has provided,” said Amy. “Not all schools encourage you to take a year off to be a student missionary, or study abroad, or become involved in outreach projects. These experiences have greatly impacted my life.”
Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan serves students from across Lake Union, North America and abroad. Learn more about Andrews University at www.andrews.edu.
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Coronary Health Improvement Project Makes News in Wausau
09/29/2011
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Joy Sajdak of Knowlton began a local Coronary Health Improvement Project after learning of the program while visiting her son in Indianapolis. At the heart of the program are healthy eating and exercise. Here, she prepares a meal with fresh cucumbers.
(Xai Kha/Wausau Daily Herald) |
Joy Sajdak, member of The Shepherd’s House Seventh-day Adventist church, is currently holding a 6-week Coronary Health Improvement Project (CHIP) for the community of Wausau. The following article appeared in the Wausau Daily Herald on Monday, September 26, 2011.
A new program that promises to help people slim down, lower their blood pressure and improve their overall health has begun in the Wausau area.
Seventeen people are participating in the Coronary Health Improvement Project, a six-week program that focuses on encouraging people to eat more vegetables, fruits, grains and other high-fiber foods and limit their intake of fats, oils and sugars. It also steers participants toward regular exercise and making other decisions toward a healthy lifestyle.
CHIP began Sept. 19, and the participants will meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings through Oct. 27 at Shepherd's House, a church in Rib Mountain. The program has been offered in various locations across the country since it was founded in late 1988. The local program was started by a 63-year-old retired medical technologist who talks about CHIP with the zeal of an evangelist.
"This is my retirement project," said Joy Sajdak of Knowlton. "This is an effort of love. ... I'm trying to help people turn their lives around, to actually save lives."
Sajdak first found out about CHIP at a program she attended in Indianapolis while visiting her son there. She heard the testimony of a former diabetic who basically was "getting ready to die," Sajdak said. He started exercising and eating a healthy diet, and turned his life around.
"Now he bikes 20 miles a day and goes around Indiana telling his story," Sajdak said. "I thought, 'Wow, this is some kind of program.'"
Sajdak went to another CHIP meeting in Hinckley, Minn., with her sister, and she was sold on its merits. She decided she would bring the program to Wausau and now volunteers her time as a local CHIP director.
Pam Krueger, 53, of Weston, a hospital supervisor at Aspirus Wausau Hospital is both participating in and volunteering with the local program. Krueger is involved, she said, because "I totally believe in the program.
"The nice thing about the program is that it helps people learn how to cook and eat in a way that tastes good, looks good and is good for you. It's very sound. There's no gimmicks, no hoaxes."
For Krueger, the dietary and lifestyle changes had an effect not only on her health, but on the way she felt.
"I think one of the big changes is that you start to feel better. You can't really put your finger on it. You don't feel so sluggish, and you just feel you have more energy," she said.
The Wausau program costs $200 to join. Meetings include watching informational DVDs, sharing program recipes and sampling food. Participants also get blood checks done before and after the program to track changes in cholesterol levels and other indicators.
But the program also helps build a support network, Sajdak said.
"This is a lifestyle thing," Sajdak said. "It is common sense, but people really don't know how to get started."
It's too late to join this group, but Sajdak expects to make the program an annual offering. Find out more about CHIP at www.chiphealth.com.
By Keith Uhlig, Wausau Daily Herald
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The World On My Doorstep
09/06/2011
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| Terri Saelee lives in Wisconsin and serves as coordinator for Adventist Refugee and Immigrant Ministries for the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. |
When I was little, I never dreamed I'd be doing anything like being the coordinator for Adventist Refugee and Immigrant Ministries (ARIM) across the North American Division.
I grew up on a farm in Nebraska, and I can remember at age five wondering where life would take me. I happened to be living at the house my mother was born in, my grandfather was born in, and my great-grandfather built with lumber from Illinois. I thought, I'll probably never leave the state of Nebraska. Little did I know God would take me halfway around the world into war-torn areas to work with refugees.
Some people say that God veils the future because we can't bear all the pain we're going to have in our lives. I think His real reason is similar to the reasons parents wrap presents for their children at Christmas. He has so many neat surprises, He doesn't want to spoil all the fun all at once, so He opens it up little by little.
It all started when I saw a note on the bulletin board at Union College asking if anyone with a car would be willing to pick up refugees to take them to a church service in their language. That was my first experience.
I then went to Asia as a student missionary and worked in refugee camps. I remember asking my English class to tell me what they had been through. When I asked, there was an uncomfortable silence followed by nervous laughter. I knew they had been through horrendous things, and so I couldn't quite understand their reaction until one of my students, who was a spokesperson for the group, said, "We're laughing so we don't cry."
I remember one young man, about 17, who shared his story with me. He came from a well-to-do family in the capitol city of Laos. When he was age 10 and his sister was seven, there was some turmoil in the government. He explained that his parents had been captured, and he was suddenly the man of the house with the responsibility of caring for his sister. He decided to raise fish in the bathtub, but it wasn't enough. He ended up fleeing to a refugee camp in Thailand.
As he told me his story, he revealed that he had never seen or heard from his parents. He didn't know if they were dead or alive. Then he surprised me by saying, "I'm so glad that Communism came into my country." My mouth must have dropped open. I couldn't imagine why. He went on to say, "If it hadn't, then I would never have learned about God."
I thought back to someone I had talked to in the States before I left who said, "You know, those people have their own culture; they have their own religion. Why do you have to go mess them up?" This young man's testimony was the answer to that question. I think we who have grown up knowing God have not an inkling of what a bright world we live in and how very blessed we are to be in a country where there are so many people who believe in God, and where there is prayer. I believe there's a lot of protection that we enjoy as a result.
From what I've observed, there are people who witness the devil's power on a regular basis. I stayed in the home of a pastor and his family who was working with refugees. His father had been a spirit doctor and was grooming his oldest brother to be the next spirit doctor in the village. But the oldest brother was mysteriously killed. During the funeral ceremony, the person conducting the ceremony kept accidentally saying the name of the next oldest son. The people in the village believe that when that happens it means that he is going to be the next victim in short order. And sure enough, he was next and right on down the line.
Finally, the mother decided "I only have one boy left. This is it. I'm going to become a Christian." And she did. Her youngest son lived to become a pastor. As a result of his work, there are literally thousands of people in the refugee camps from several language groups who have been baptized in the camp.
But my heart goes out to these new-Adventist refugees when they are relocated to America. Due to our lack of understanding of the culture, of their needs, we have unintentionally alienated thousands of these precious people.
They arrive with a number of challenges, with language being a primary one. They typically have no transportation and don't know how to find a church, or how to ask. If they do find a church, they don't know what to expect or how to act. They most likely have never been to a church.
In many cultures, there is an underlying fear of imposing on others. They are often very warm in their hospitality. If you were to go to their homes, they would immediately bring you water or something else to drink. They may also provide a snack or an entire meal.
I remember, when I was in Asia, some of my English Language students invited me to their home. We were sitting and chatting around a little table outside and talking about different fruits because they were interested in learning their English names. When they asked me if I liked mangoes, I said, "Oh, I love mangoes." Soon, some mangoes appeared on the table and I thought, Oh, wow! This is wonderful! So I ate the mangoes.
Later, they asked, "Do you like rambutans?"
I said, "I love rambutans!" Pretty soon some rambutans appeared. I soon began to realize that what I happened to say I liked, they provided by sending someone to the market right then and there to get it. When I finally realized what was happening I thought, Oh my! They are so eager to please.
When they come to America, our style of welcoming them is not what they have grown up with. It is very different from what they would pour on us if given the opportunity. When they come to our churches and we only say, "Oh, hi. How are you today?" and continue on, they may conclude that we're not happy for them to join us for church.
One of their common greetings is, "Where are you going?" We might think, Why are they asking me that? It's none of their business. But their question comes from a sincere desire to meet any need that we might have. Their way of making us feel welcome is by finding a way to help us.
They wonder how to interpret our brief "Hi" and "Bye" at church. If the situation were reversed, they would invite us to join them for dinner. Even if they had nothing but rice and water, they would invite us to join them. When we don't invite them to our homes, they assume they must not be doing something right. They would rather disappear from the scene than to be a burden or imposition to anyone.
When I was in Thailand, I had the privilege of meeting Chris Ishi. He was the pastor of the Fresno Asian Church and started reaching out to Hmong refugees in their community. He then organized a group of Japanese and American young people to go build a church in northern Thailand for the Hmong people there. He said to the Hmong refugees in Fresno, "I know that you probably still have relatives in the refugee camps. If you have a little letter or little package you'd like me to take, I'll be happy to take it to your relatives when I go."
Well, Chris ended up with three suitcases full of more than 200 letters and packages. When he arrived at the camp, Chris was not able to go in. He did not realize that he needed permission from the Ministry of the Interior from the capitol city, so I had the privilege of distributing the letters and packages for him.
He gave me a camera to take with me. There were tears in the refugees' eyes when they saw a package or letter from their relatives in the States. They would ask, "Do you know my family?"
And I replied, "No, not yet, but I'm going there soon." As I planned to return to Thailand, I had the privilege of taking pictures of their relatives here in the States as well. Through Chris and other people who were involved in refugee ministry here, the Lord mentored me little by little.
When I was a student at Weimar College, I had an assignment to give an informative speech in class. I thought, What do I know a little about that I can learn more about and share? I had heard there were some refugees in Sacramento, about an hour away, so I did a little research and found out there were about 5,000 Hmong refugees there at the time.
The week following my speech was Week of Prayer, and the focus was on the Holy Spirit. The speaker touched briefly on the fact that within the space of two years everyone in Asia had heard the gospel through the ministry of Paul (see Acts 19:10). That fact was just riveted in my heart. It's as though God was saying, "Terri, there's a little Asia right down the hill from you—just an hour away in Sacramento. And look around you. Here is a whole school full of people who are eagerly preparing to share the gospel. What a perfect fit."
The next assignment in speech class was a persuasive speech. My topic was "Weimar College Should Have an Outreach to the Southeast Asians in Sacramento." A missionary who had just returned took me under his wing and mentored me. Our outreach team worked with the Japanese Church of Sacramento, and the result was two church plants—one among the Lao refugees and one among the Hmong. Both groups are still there, worshiping and growing.
I had the privilege of sponsoring three families. I regret that as a student I was scared to take on the first one. When the family came, they were so sweet. I vowed I'd never pass up that opportunity again; and eventually, sponsored two more refugee families. The first family is the core family of believers in the Sacramento Lao church plant, and the other family moved to Michigan to find work. They have planted a Lao group of believers in Holland, Michigan. The Holland Church has just welcomed them with open arms.
It's beautiful to visit and see the loving atmosphere that there is between the members of the mother church and the Lao church plant. I just praise the Lord for how the members there have welcomed them. I wasn't there to introduce them, but love translates into all languages.
I never realized that I would be in the Lake Union myself. My husband and I were called in 2005 to come and reach out to the refugees for the Hmong people in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Now we're working primarily in Wisconsin, and God is opening doors.
While we were in Minnesota, the Lord miraculously put us in touch with a pastor who does translation work. He eventually asked his church leaders why they were keeping Sunday when the Bible says to remember the Sabbath day. Well, they quickly decided to shift their focus from Hmong ministry to another ethnic group, and they dropped him like a hot potato. They terminated him just after he had built a new home with ministry in mind. It was built as a split level so they could have church in the lower level. His wife was just about to deliver their third child and his benefits were cut—everything was cut.
But you know, God brought them through that. They basically lost everything except their faith in God, and that kept shining through. Thanks to the vision of the North American Division, he has now completed his Masters in Divinity at Andrews University and is continuing his translation work of the Hmong Bible. He had recruited about 22 students to the Seminary he previously attended, and they still regard him as their beloved professor. A few months ago, the first of them was baptized in the Green Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church along with a Lao pastor friend of his who is bringing his members into the new truth he has found. It is so exciting to see what God is doing among the people on our very doorsteps.
I worked with refugees for years before I realized that God gave Ellen White some very specific counsel. Tucked away in the book, Evangelism, under the title, "Working for Special Classes," under the section, "The Stranger in Our Midst," I stumbled upon these words and they began to germinate in my heart:
"God would be pleased to see far more accomplished by His people in the presentation of the truth for this time to the foreigners in America than has been done in the past. ... As I have testified for years, if we were quick in discerning the opening providences of God, we should be able to see in the multiplying opportunities to reach many foreigners in America a divinely appointed means of rapidly extending the third angel's message into all the nations of earth. God in His providence has brought men to our very doors and thrust them, as it were, into our arms, that they might learn the truth, and be qualified to do a work we could not do in getting the light before men of other tongues. There is a great work before us" (Evangelism, p. 570). Read more of Ellen White's comments.
I didn't see the whole picture at first, and then about three years ago I began waking up in the wee hours of the morning, thinking, If I know about these few language groups that few of our members seem to know about, how many other language groups are among us? How many are eager to know God, to learn the truth about Him, and would be willing to commit their lives to Him that we don't even know about? The thought just began to weigh on my heart.
I am discovering some incredible parallels between countries that we are unable to reach or that are extremely difficult to reach with missionaries, and countries from which we have the most refugees, asylees, other immigrants and non-immigrant visitors. I believe that if we were more awake to the Divine appointments that God is setting up for us, we might discover them in the grocery line, at the gas station or even at our doorstep.
(Adapted from September, 2011, LUH)
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Oakland SDA Church, First Foreign-Speaking Church in the World
08/20/2011
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| A gathering of church members at Oakland SDA Church sometime in the early 1950s. |
”If you want to follow the Bible literally, you ought to keep Saturday instead of Sunday,” said the Lutheran minister to a small group of people meeting in Ole Sern’s home in Norway. Little did that Lutheran minister realize that years later his words would result in raising up the first foreign-language Seventh-day Adventist church in the world, and that many influential ministers, missionaries and leaders would come from that church.
Weary of the formality of their Lutheran church, and looking for improved economic conditions, Ole Serns and several other Norwegian families migrated to the United States, eventually settling in the township of Oakland, Wisconsin. The idea that Saturday was the true Bible Sabbath, suggested by that Lutheran minister back in Norway was not forgotten. In the fall of 1854, Ole and his friends decided to study the subject deeper.
By the spring of 1855, four families in Oakland were keeping the seventh day Sabbath with Ole. Within two years, the number had doubled. For all they knew, they were the only Sabbath-keepers in the world. Later they learned that there was a group of Adventists in a nearby settlement. In April of 1858, an Adventist pastor named Phelps visited the Oakland group and shared the three angels’ messages with them. One month later, the first baptism was held.
The Oakland SDA Church was organized in December of 1861, the first Norwegian-American Adventist church in the world. Three years later the members erected a church building, a portion of which is still in use today. It has undergone alterations and additions, and now houses an English-speaking congregation.
Over the past 150 years, many church leaders received early training at the Oakland SDA Church. One of these, O.A. Olsen, became president of the Wisconsin Conference and later president of the General Conference in 1888. O. A. Johnson became president of the Dakota Conference, and four years later president of the Wisconsin Conference. John Mattson, also from Oakland, conducted the first Scandinavian mission school in America, traveled throughout the Midwestern states establishing Scandinavian churches, and labored many years in Denmark. Before returning to the United States Mattson helped convert over 700 Scandinavian Adventists in Denmark, and organized the first conference organization outside the United States. He was known to many "the Adventist apostle to the Scandinavians." These are only a few of the numerous ministers, teachers, and missionaries Oakland SDA Church has sent to share God’s truth to the world.
On September 2 and 3, 2011, Oakland SDA Church will be hosting their 150th anniversary celebration. Dr. Bjorgvin Snorrason, a native Norwegian a graduate of Andrews University will be the guest speaker for the weekend. He completed his doctoral dissertation on the history of the Norwegian Seventh-day Adventist church from the 1840s to 1887. Currently he serves as Sabbath school and Personal Ministries director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Iceland. The weekend will begin with a vespers Friday evening at 7:00 p.m., and conclude with an evening of music Saturday evening at 7:00 p.m.
More than 150 people attend the 150th anniversary event at Oakland SDA Church. Read Dr. Snorrason's dissertation on the origin, growth and history of the Norwegian Seventh-day Adventist Church.
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Fox Valley Adventist Surgeon Gives Medical Care in Haiti
07/29/2011
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| Dr. Terry Dietrich performs surgery on a patient in Haiti. |
Dr. Terry Dietrich and his wife Jeannie, of the Fox Valley SDA Church, are spending a year as medical missionaries at Haiti Adventist Hospital.
After the January 12, 2010 earthquake that devastated the island if Haiti, Dietrich, an orthopedic surgeon in Appleton, WI, was invited by his friend and colleague, Dr. Scott Nelson, to come help care for earthquake victims at Haiti Adventist Hospital. The Dietrich’s decided to go for two weeks. While there, Dr. Nelson asked Dietrich to stay on staff as director of surgical services.
“My wife and I looked at the situation and decided to adjust our obligations and stay in Haiti for a period of a year,” says Dietrich, who has spent almost 40 years contributing time to other medical missions in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Romania, El Salvador, and several African nations. “I had to return and give my employer a 6-month notice, then we went down in November [2010] to spend a year volunteering at Haiti Adventist Hospital.
“What really drew my wife and I to do this project was that this was something really worth putting a year of our lives into. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. The earthquake that hit Port-au-Prince was the fourth most deadly earthquake in the world. Haiti was on it’s knees, if not on it’s back before the earthquake struck. The needs are incredible.”
As money, equipment and volunteers poured into Haiti after the earthquake, Haiti Adventist Hospital was able to provide care to earthquake victims, and also hundreds of people with deformities caused by birth defects, developmental conditions and infections that had been present for many years. These people had never received care because they were too poor to pay for it.
Here is a excerpt from Dietrich’s blog entry dated May 13, 2011. “Today I did the clinic by myself… Saw a 6 year old with bilateral Tibial Hemimelia (the shinbone, or tibia, doesn’t form properly). She scoots around in the sitting position. I offered her surgery to allow her to stand and walk and be as tall as her friends and she is eager… A five year old with untreated clubfoot also came in. A displaced femoral neck fracture, nasty diabetic foot, and a 3-day-old unstable pelvic fracture all came in within two hours yesterday. The coming week with no one to help me and only spotty local anesthesia help will present some challenges.”
“My desire and my goal are to establish a program that will make it possible for every patient, regardless of their financial situation, to come and receive care at Haiti Adventist Hospital,” said Dietrich. “No patient should ever be turned away from the door. Yet, providing care for those who cannot pay presents a challenge. It can only happen if there is an outside source for addressing the financial burden.”
Dietrich has now developed the Haiti Indigent Patient Fund to help address this challenge, and is also working to involve visiting volunteer surgeons and anesthesia providers. He has also produced a book about Haiti and the great needs there. He hopes it will raise awareness and financial support.
“There are so many areas that, if properly funded, could help insure the ongoing capability to provide high quality orthopedic care to the indigents in this country,” said Dietrich, listing such needs as a blood bank, orthopedic formulary, housing for patients and volunteers, a cannulated screw set, and more. “The list goes on and to some might even seem endless,” he says, but remains confident. “This is God’s work and I have a strong belief that it will work out in His time frame.”
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Camp Wakonda's Staff at Work
06/23/2011
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| Camp Wakonda staff member Kali Jardine has fun with the kids at camp meeting. |
It’s 8:30 a.m. on a camp meeting morning. In Red Pine Lodge, thirty-seven young adults have gathered, like they do every day, for prayer. They pray for safety, wisdom, enthusiasm, and the power of the Holy Spirit. They’re the Camp Wakonda summer camp staff. While a majority of their summer is spent running the summer youth camps, they also help out at camp meeting in a number of departments.
Many camp meeting afternoons, you’ll find Wisconsin native Jessica Buchholz standing attentively on the waterfront dock, red rescue tube under her arm, and whistle within reach. She completed training as a lifeguard in January, but her preparations for camp began long before that. “It’s been my dream to work at Camp Wakonda since I was ten,” she explains, keeping a careful eye on the splashing children in the water. “When I was a camper, being a staff looked like fun. They were all so close. Now I’m a staff and it is fun. It’s very busy. Before camp meeting, we put the docks in the lake. It was muddy. We also set up tents, and that took a lot of work.” During summer camp, Jessica will lifeguard and work in the kitchen. Right now, Jessica is one of six trained lifeguards working at the waterfront during camp meeting. “We keep kids safe in the lake and make sure they have fun,” she says. When asked if all the waiting to work here was worth it, she’s sure to smile and say, “Yes. Camp is my favorite place in the whole world.”
Most evenings Kali Jardine is in the Junior tent, holding a microphone and leading a hundred Juniors in a lively song service. Kali is Bio/Pre-Med major from Berrien Springs, MI. This fall she heads to Denmark as a student missionary. In a few weeks she’ll be the girls director at summer camp. But right now she is teaching 10-12 year olds the motions to a new song. “I really like kids,” says Kali. “Kids who come to camp have a good opportunity to make God their best friend. We try to get them really excited about God. Camp is a great place to learn. I came to camp to learn to rely on God, not myself. I can tell He is really working here.”
Adele Marsh, another Wisconsin native, bags a stuffed animal for a customer at the camp store. She keeps an eye on the little boy by the window playing with a bouncy ball and answers a questions for a mother wanting a sweatshirt for her son. “I like working the cash register at the store,” Adele says, “and I love working with kids. Working at camp is really good for your spiritual life. You’re always spending time with other camp staff who are spiritual and teaching kids about God.” During camp meeting, Adele works at the camp store, the summer camp office, and the Junior tent where she plays guitar, helps with puppet shows, and keeps score for the Zonk game. “I’ve been coming to camp meeting since I was a baby,” says Adele. “It’s awesome.”
Much of the day, David Ward works at the youth tent. “I’ve been helping lead out with praise time, announcements, and encouraging the kids share their testimonies every night,” David says. “Some do.” David comes from Indiana, “and a lot of other places,” he adds. He plans to spend his life in overseas mission service. “Service to others helps you to experience God’s power in a new way, and changes you,” says David, “I made God a promise that if He gives me any opportunity I’ll take it. My life is in His hands. I love kids, I love God, and want to maintain relationships that will be valuable to Him.” David plans to do mission work in Africa and Japan in the next few years, establishing his own mission organization to take advantage of opening opportunities. This summer though, David’s plans are here at camp. “I’m going to be a counselor and help on the climbing wall. I think there’s nothing better that I could do to prepare me and keep me in shape spiritually for ministry. There’s really not a better summer I could have.”
Jessica, Kali, Adele, and David are only a few of the 37 camp staff helping in a variety of departments on the grounds. They set up tents, clean the dining room, staff the divisions, drive the ski boat, run the camp store, lead games, lifeguard, and do countless other tasks to help camp meeting run smoothly. “The staff have a work ethic that is awesome,” says Greg Taylor, camp director. “I’m having a hard time getting them to take a break.”
As camp meeting draws to a close, the camp staff will begin preparations for summer camp. They’ve got a blob to set up at the waterfront, evening programs to practice, cabins to prepare for campers, and horses to ride. But the most important preparations are the ones they’re making every morning. “The campers this summer will see Jesus through our camp staff,” says Greg Taylor. When they do, it's because of what happens at the beginning of the day, at 8:30 a.m. in Red Pine Lodge.
Find out more at the Camp Wakonda Website.
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An Interview with Ron Clouzet
06/19/2011
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Director of the North American Division Evangelism Institute Ron Clouzet is the featured speaker Monday through Thursday evenings at Wisconsin camp meeting 2011. The following interview was published in the Camp Lamp on Monday, June 20.
CAMP LAMP: Tell us about your background.
CLOUZET: I am a fourth generation Adventist, born and raised in Argentina. My parents worked for the church publishing house in Buenos Aires. I emigrated to the United States in 1975 after I’d graduated from academy. I did not know a word of English.
CAMP LAMP: Tell me about when you first found Jesus as your personal Savior.
CLOUZET: After praying with friends during a week of prayer my senior year of academy, I gave my life to Jesus in His service. It was the clearest decision of my early years. I didn’t know how, but all I wanted to do was serve Him.
CAMP LAMP: Tell us about your family.
CLOUZET: Lisa and I met at La Sierra University, her freshmen and my senior year. I was a student worker, helping teach Spanish and French. She was in one of my classes, and I noticed her. So, I can say I married my student! We have three young adult children: Christoffer, Alexander, and Stefani.
CAMP LAMP: What led you to the subject of the Holy Spirit for your doctoral study?
CLOUZET: I developed an interest in the Holy Spirit over 20 years ago while pastoring. My book, Adventism’s Greatest Need: The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit, tells more about it. I began to study it on my own later, during a sabbatical year in South America, I decided to pursue a formal degree on the subject. The dissertation is called, The Baptism of the Holy Spirit in the Writings and Experience of Ellen G. White and Implications for Adventist Theology.
CAMP LAMP: Has that study changed your thinking?
CLOUZET: Yes, in a number of ways. I have a much more Biblical understanding of the nature and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It’s also given me an immense respect for the work of Ellen White. It is unequivocally clear to me that only God could lead a woman like that to such clarity of thought in theological thinking, avoiding all the mistakes of giant minds that preceded her.
CAMP LAMP: As director of NAD evangelism, what is your vision for the church in North America?
CLOUZET: Revival and reformation among the churches. I believe a critical mass of people is needed to be totally committed to Jesus before God can work freely and powerfully in our midst. That number need not be great. God can do much with relatively few. The challenge is most of us are good people distracted by the cares of the world. Few know a deep love of God and fewer still know how to live by faith in His promises. When this changes, the work in North America will be done very quickly, and the world will follow.
CAMP LAMP: We have many churches in Wisconsin with less than 100 members. What advice would you give a small church wanting to make a difference in the community?
CLOUZET: First, refuse to be discouraged or give in to statements like, “We can’t grow here”, We don’t have enough young people”, or “People are not interested in our message”. Second, really learn how to pray—together. Third, take considerable time with Jesus each MORNING, and do not compromise that time. Last, pledge as individuals and a church to do any and everything the Lord Jesus makes clear to you. Things are bound to radically change.
CAMP LAMP: How do you see revival and reformation playing out on the local church level? Individual level?
CLOUZET: Personal revival is fundamental to corporate revival but it is not likely to be sustainable at a personal level only. We need each other to be revived. Coming together to plead before the Lord is critical to all this. That’s what the disciples had to do in Acts 1. There will never be an Acts 2 before there is an Acts 1.
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Meet Don Schneider
06/18/2011
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Don Schneider was the featured speaker on Sabbath and Sunday at Wisconsin camp meeting 2011. The following interview was published in the Camp Lamp on Sabbath, June 18.
Our first weekend speaker for camp meeting 2011 is Elder Don Schneider, former president of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. Don is passionate about sharing what it means to know Jesus, share Jesus, and live for Jesus.
Born in Merrill, Wisconsin, Don’s parents took Bible studies from the head elder of the local Seventh-day Adventist Church. After going through all 28 lessons, mom and dad Schneider were not ready to commit.
Yet, that faithful Adventist head elder just wouldn’t give up on the family. He kept coming back, even though it looked as if it might do no good at all. For a second time he started right at the beginning and studied all 28 Bible lessons with them. That is when they started going to church. “I’m glad that he kept coming to see us,” says Don in his book, One Heart Rejoicing. “We may have looked worthless to some people, but not to that elder, and not to Jesus, either.”
Within a few months of joining the Adventist church, Don’s parents enrolled him in the local church school. “My teacher helped me to grow in Jesus,” remembers Don. “My senior year at Wisconsin Academy is when I made my personal decision. I remember kneeling beside my bed in room 139 of the old boy’s dorm and it was there that I gave my life to Jesus.”
Don has served the Lord as a pastor, youth director, conference president, union president and recently retired after serving 10 years as president of the North American Division. He is currently interim pastor of the Denver South SDA Church in Colorado. He also continues to host a 60-minute weekly show, Really Living, on Hope TV. “It’s all ministry,” says Don. “You do different things and deal with different topics, but the thrust is still the same, telling people about Jesus.”
Don wants to be an encourager who affirms the importance of those who feel worthless. He wants to love wandering sheep back into the fold. “Stop griping about the defects in Christ’s bride, the church, and start working to increase the groom’s market share over the devil,” says Don. “Become a member of the Aaron and Hur club, and hold up the hands of the leaders. Dispense the medicine of prayer and the balm of caring, and watch people get happy that you are alive."
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I Am a Missionary
06/09/2011
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I was seven.
It was first grade, and I was given the very important assignment of illustrating my future career. There was no hesitation; I wanted to be a missionary. I grasped a chubby pencil in my left hand and scrawled a handful of large-eared stick figures in a land far, far away. Gratefully (they had thin, squiggly smiles) they accepted the carefully sketched, cross-embellished square Bible from my stick hand.
I was nineteen.
It was sophomore year at Andrews University, and I’d signed up for the Passport to Missions class on a whim. I was squirming in my desk chair in room S340, feeling flushed and anxious. I’d recently decided to postpone my student missionary plans to the year after next, and Someone wasn’t satisfied. I was pushed and prodded, poked and pressed. As soon as the Campus Ministries office opened, I was there. “I want to look at calls for this year,” I blurted.
I was twenty.
It was junior year at Andrews University, and I was disappointed. I hadn’t planned to be in Berrien Springs this year. I’d applied to work in an orphanage in Tanzania, as a science teacher in Egypt, as an elementary teacher in the Marshall Islands, and as a teacher in Micronesia. Though some positions were more promising than others, each fell through in succession, the final call failing less than three weeks before the first day of classes at Andrews. I was frustrated and a little bit angry. I am a willing volunteer! Why is it so hard to get to “far, far away”?
I was twenty-one.
It was March, and I had been accepted to be a high school dean in Norway. During the processing phase, however, the call was removed. No-way Norway. Ta-ta Tanzania. Maybe not, Micronesia. Many would consider this 18-month session of repeated failures a sign to pursue a different direction, but I’m stubborn. Frustrated, I looked through the Adventist Volunteer Services mission calls one last time.
I am twenty-two.
April is winding down, and I am sitting in the library at Maxwell Adventist Academy in Nairobi, Kenya, where I am volunteering. Rather than studying, however, I’m planning physics and chemistry labs. I’m reviewing concepts of Algebra 2 so that I can tutor students in the dorm later tonight. I’m musing about what exercises I’ll give in Physical Education. This is life in “far, far away”. I’m not a stick figure, and I’m not handing out Bibles, but I am a missionary.
After searching at length for “far, far away,” I’ve learned that it isn’t really a place; it’s an attitude. There’s no invisible barrier rising from the Atlantic that magically transforms one into a missionary when it is crossed. The responsibilities I have in Kenya are nearly identical to those I held stateside. Leaving home didn’t make me a missionary; God did.
Far, far away: inaccessible by car, boat, or plane. I’ll meet you there.
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Hallelujah Hustle - Building Community & Encouraging Wellness
05/30/2011
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Lace up your shoes and get ready to go! Spring is right around the corner. That means camp meeting will be here before we know it. And with camp meeting comes the Hallelujah Hustle 5k run/walk. Last year, 253 participants ran or walked the five kilometer (about three miles) course through Camp Wakonda. On Sunday, June 19, runners and walkers will again line up for the fifth-annual Hallelujah Hustle.
Each year, proceeds from the Hallelujah Hustle are used for wellness-related donations to the community of Westfield. On February 8, members of the Hallelujah Hustle planning committee presented Wii Fit exercise equipment along with money for the senior meals program to the new Senior/Community Center. The county of Marquette, in which Westfield is located, has five senior centers who all share a Wii Fit. It was often weeks before the group in Westfield had their turn with the equipment. Now, they can exercise and play games whenever they want, encouraging exercise and building friendships. Megan Hockerman, deputy clerk and treasurer for the village, said, “The seniors are so excited. Right now, we are in the process of putting a bowling tournament together. We so appreciate everything your group has done for our village.”
While most camp meeting attendees do not know anyone in Westfield, the community knows us. The thousands of visitors during camp meeting week do not go unnoticed. Dean Alexander, village board chair, said how grateful the community is to have the extra business from visitors during the summer. And, something as simple as grocery shopping habits makes an impression. “I used to own the grocery store, years ago,” he said. “When your church started coming here, we had to change our model at the store and order more fruits and vegetables.” A woman named Karen said she’s noticed how well the camp is taken care of since being purchased by the Adventist church.
In past years, Hallelujah Hustle proceeds have provided Westfield with two AEDs and equipment for the village playground. Some participants may ask why the proceeds for the Hallelujah Hustle aren’t used to benefit Adventists. The answer is, 1. They are! and 2. It’s not about us. The Hallelujah Hustle encourages camp meeting attendees to include exercise in their lives. It benefits participants by giving them something to aim for as they include a “training” routine in the months leading up to the race (and hopefully, throughout the year), which is one of the main goals of the run/walk. The second part of the Hallelujah Hustle’s mission is to reach outside the Adventist circle to establish relationships in the community. The health and wellness equipment donated to the community speaks volumes about us and our church.
Proceeds from this year’s race will be used in two ways: first, permanent course markers will be set up at Camp Wakonda. This will allow attendees at camp meeting to use the course throughout the week and will ensure that the course length is consistent from year to year. Second, the Hallelujah Hustle planning committee will work with the village of Westfield to determine a wellness-related project for which funds can be contributed.
We encourage you to participate in this year’s run/walk. Register before May 14 and you’ll be guaranteed a limited-edition race t-shirt, as well as saving on your race fee ($12 before May 14, $15 thereafter). This year’s race will feature separate men’s and women’s divisions. For a race application, visit hallelujahhustle.com or call (608) 882-5432. For updates and to join the community of race participants, search for Hallelujah Hustle on Facebook.
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Brian Stephan New Executive Secretary/Treasurer for Wisconsin Conference
03/27/2011
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On March 26, 2011, Brian Stephan accepted the call to serve as executive secretary/treasurer for the Wisconsin Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He currently serves as undertreasurer and association treasurer in the Michigan Conference.
“It is a real privilege to be able to serve in Wisconsin, and very humbling,” says Brian. “We look forward to serving and will do everything we can to be what the Lord wants us to be. We’re excited about this opportunity.”
Brian was born in Eau Claire, WI. His father pastored in Eau Claire, and later Green Bay. “My father took me into a department store in Madison,” recalls Brian. “Bart Starr was there signing his black and white pictures. I stood in line to get one, and have been hooked on the Packers ever since.” Brian’s father became principal of Wisconsin Academy in the 1960's, while Brian attended Peterson Elementary.
Brian graduated from Andrews University with a BA in Business Administration in 1978 and a MBA with an accounting emphasis in 1980. He was hired as a business intern by the Michigan Conference in 1980, and has continued to serve in various treasury positions there for the past 31 years.
Brian and his wife Cindy were married in November of 2003. Cindy has worked in various secretarial roles for the Michigan conference for the past 8 years. She enjoys cooking, camping, and being with her family.
Brian has a daughter, Jessica, who lives in Denver, Colorado, and a son, Craig, who will graduate from Southern Adventist University this spring with a degree in nursing. Cindy has one son, Dalton, who will be a sophomore in academy this fall.
Brian’s number one hobby is bird watching. He also enjoys running, watching sports, and spending time with family.
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Keith Nelson New Principal for Wisconsin Academy
03/17/2011
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On March 18, 2011, Keith Nelson accepted the call to serve as principal at Wisconsin Academy. Keith comes to us from Greeneville Adventist Academy in Tennessee, where he has been principal for the past ten years.
“The Lord has great things in store for the future of Wisconsin Academy,” says Keith. “I believe Adventist education is not a luxury, but a responsibility and an obligation we have to the youth of our church. It will be my privilege to work hand in hand with Wisconsin churches and schools to market and maintain quality Adventist education for all of God’s children.”
Keith and his wife, Andrea, have two children. Their son, Ryan, will be a sophomore at Wisconsin Academy this fall. Their daughter, Kari, will be a freshman.
Keith was born in São Paulo, Brazil, and grew up in a medical missionary home. “Father was an outdoor enthusiast,” recalls Keith. “He instilled a desire and sparked my love for nature. Two of our pets were a boa constrictor and a scarlet macaw.”
After his family returned to the United States, Keith graduated from Forest Lake Academy and attended Southern Adventist University, earning a B.A. in biology with secondary teaching endorsements in religion and the sciences. He also worked as nature director and later, as camp director at Camp Kulaqua.
“I met Andrea, my wife, in biology class,” says Keith. “We were both biology majors. Later, she applied to work at Camp Kulaqua and I hired her as a girls’ counselor. One Friday night in June of 1990, I packed a picnic lunch, canoed her out to ‘Tree House Island’ and proposed to her.”
After they married, Keith and Andrea moved to Bismarck, ND, where Keith taught science and later served as vice principal from 1993-2001. Andrea, realizing she and Keith would always be competing for the same jobs, returned to school and became certified to teach elementary, kindergarten and pre-kindergarten. In 2001 Keith accepted a call to be principal of Greeneville Adventist Academy, a PreK-12 school in Greeneville, TN, where he has served for the past ten years. In 2007 Keith earned a M.S. Ed. in Administration and Supervision.
“I love anything to do with aquatics and sports,” says Keith. “I love canoeing, and have always dreamed of canoeing the boundary waters. Now I’ll be close enough to do it.” He also likes mountain biking, soccer, floor hockey, and disc golf.
Keith enjoys public speaking and looks forward to preaching in area churches. “My relationships with Christ and with people are what’s important to me.”
The Nelsons plan to move to Wisconsin this summer in preparation for the 2011-2012 school year.
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The "Opening Providences of God"
03/01/2011
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| Elder Mike Edge baptizes Phoumma Chindaphone at the Green Bay SDA Church |
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On Sabbath, January 29, 2011, the Green Bay Seventh-day Adventist church joyfully welcomed Choua Pao Lee and Phoumma Chindaphone into their church fellowship through baptism.
Though Choua Lee had visited the church on several occasions, the news of their desire to join the church came as quite a surprise when Choua Pao Lee called Pastor Jennifer Ogden one day in late December to tell her that he (a Hmong pastor of another denomination) and Phoumma (a Lao pastor of another denomination) would like to become members. Pastor Ogden immediately called Pastor Ko Saelee, coordinator for the Hmong work in Wisconsin. Pastor Saelee called Choua Pao Lee and found that the interest was genuine. Choua and Phoumma not only wanted to become Seventh-day Adventists themselves, but that they both wanted to bring their members into the Seventh-day Adventist Church as well. This led to a series of meetings with Pastor Ko Saelee, who speaks both Hmong and Lao, the Green Bay Church elders, and the Conference administrators, Elder Mike Edge, president, and Elder James Fox, Ministerial Secretary.
While Choua Pao Lee and Phoumma had done their homework and were quite well-informed about our church, they were happy to participate in Bible studies to prepare for baptism. They requested that instead of studying merely once a week, they would like to take several full days of intensive Bible studies. So Pastor Ko Saelee came from his home near Madison, and spent several days of intensive Bible study with the two pastors at the Green Bay Church. They even slept at the church and ate their meals together at the church. Pastor Saeng (Sean) Saengthip, one of only two Lao Adventist pastors in the world with a Master of Divinity in Theology, drove from Holland, Michigan to join Pastor Ko in sharing God’s word in the Lao language.
Choua Pao Lee and Phoumma had visited various denominations in Green Bay and as far away as Milwaukee, but decided that they liked the Green Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church best for a number of reasons. The international flavor and warmth in the Green Bay Adventist Church made them feel welcome. They liked the reverent worship style. Most of all, however, they liked the fact that, in this church, the Bible was not merely referred to, but actually opened and read together. During the intensive Bible studies with Pastor Saelee and Pastor Saengthip, while there were a few things that were new to them, they had no objection to any of the doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, because they were already committed to doing whatever the Bible says.
Miracles in the Background
Miraculous are the providences that led these two men to the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
In 2004 recognizing the large Hmong population in every major city in the Conference, the Wisconsin Conference Constituency voted to launch a ministry to the Hmong. Through much prayer and a series of providences, the Conference leadership found a Hmong pastor in California who was planting a Hmong church in Sacramento. Together with the Minnesota Conference, which has the largest urban population of Hmong people in the United States, the two conferences, (both in separate unions), jointly called Pastor Ko Saelee, in 2005, to reach out to the Hmong in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
About two years after he arrived, and had planted new Hmong congregations in Madison, Wisconsin and St. Paul, Minnesota, Pastor Ko heard that a relative from Thailand was in the States for a visit, and was staying with someone in St. Paul area. This particular relative, though he had grown up as an orphan, had become chief of his village, then mayor of the district, and soon was recognized for his just and effective leadership. In fact, the prime minister calls him “uncle” and even the king knows him by name. Recognizing a golden opportunity to share Christ with this relative, Pastor Ko invited this relative, and some other Hmong people from Thailand, to his home for a visit. This prominent relative’s ride to that meal was with the man in whose home he was staying, who “happened” to be a pastor and seminary professor of a well-known Christian denomination, an unusually high accomplishment for someone from a refugee ethnic group that arrives in the States with an average of 0-4 years education. Yet Pastor Jay Lo listened attentively, without interrupting or interjecting his own wisdom, while Pastor Ko Saelee shared with his relative (a traditional Hmong animist from Thailand) why he should believe in God and become a Christian. Pastor Saelee and his wife were very impressed with the humility of this highly educated first-generation Hmong seminary professor, and decided to find an opportunity to get better acquainted with him and his family.
The next Sabbath evening, Pastor Saelee felt impressed to visit Pastor Jay Lo. He learned that Pastor Jay Lo had already discovered the Sabbath truth in his own personal study, and had asked his church leadership why they were going to church on Sunday when the Bible teaches us to keep the seventh day holy. Pastor Jay Lo had just been notified that his full-time salary, his substantial housing allowance, a subsidy to help his congregation rent a place to worship, and the health benefits for his family would cease at the end of that month—just before his wife, currently on bed rest due to complications, was to give birth to their third child.
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Pastor Ko Saelee translates for Phoumma Chindaphone and Choua Pao Lee before their baptism at Green Bay SDA Church |
So it was that God brought Pastor Saelee in touch with Pastor Jay Lo who, with his lovely family, after careful study, became a Seventh-day Adventist Christian. Pastor Jay Lo has now finished the Seminary at Andrews University (in August of 2010) and is working on a more accurate translation of the Hmong Bible.
But that is only part of the story. As a seminary professor in his former denomination, he had recruited 22 students to the Theology program. Choua Pao Lee in Green Bay, Wisconsin, was one of those 22 students. He still respects Pastor Jay Lo as his beloved seminary professor. So it was through his professor, Pastor Jay Lo, that he learned of the Adventist Church and began attending the Green Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church.
“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of [them] whose heart [is] perfect toward him.” II Chronicles 16:9. “God, who reads the hearts of all men, has many sheep that are not of this fold.” John 10:16
Potential Implications
Not only do these two pastors have several families in the Green Bay area that trust their leadership, Phoumma also has 120 families in another country who he has led out of their traditional religion into a saving faith in Jesus as Creator and Redeemer. Now that he is a Seventh-day Adventist, he is eager to connect his churchless congregation abroad with the Adventist Church in that country.
Ninety-six years ago Ellen White penned these words:
God would be pleased to see far more accomplished by His people in the presentation of the truth for this time to the foreigners in America than has been done in the past. . . . As I have testified for years, if we were quick in discerning the opening providences of God, we should be able to see in the multiplying opportunities to reach many foreigners in America a divinely appointed means of rapidly extending the third angel's message into all the nations of earth. God in His providence has brought men to our very doors and thrust them, as it were, into our arms, that they might learn the truth, and be qualified to do a work we could not do in getting the light before men of other tongues.
There is a great work before us. The world is to be warned. The truth is to be translated into many languages, that all nations may enjoy its pure, life-giving influence. This work calls for the exercise of all the talents that God has entrusted to our keeping--the pen, the press, the voice, the purse, and the sanctified affections of the soul. Christ has made us ambassadors to make known His salvation to the children of men; and if we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ and are filled with the joy of His indwelling Spirit, we shall not be able to hold our peace.--Review and Herald, Oct. 29, 1914. (Emphasis supplied.)
The Green Bay Church members, seeing God’s providential leading, have already donated enough to pay Phoumma’s plane ticket to visit his 120-family congregation abroad. However, he would like to give the message wings, by purchasing Bibles and two or three small scooters for his local leaders in that congregation who are now without transportation. With scooters, they would be able to visit and nurture the members and speedily spread the message of Jesus’ soon coming to others who would eagerly believe and prepare if they only knew of Jesus and His love.
Please remember to pray for both Choua Pauo Lee and Phoumma, who no longer have jobs and are struggling financially, as they share their newfound understanding of Bible truth.
For more, contact Pastor Ko Saelee at (608) 443-6575 or Email Ko Saelee.
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