The Cosmic Battle – How to Win

The Cosmic Battle – How to Win!

Sabbath School Bible Study

April 7, 2018

Larry R. Evans, SS Teacher

Introduction

You may have missed the news report, but we are in war. In fact, we have been in war for some time.  Regardless, of your political persuasion, neither Trump nor Obama started it!  In case you missed it, I found the transcript of the report:

“Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.

Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens,

“It has come at last—

salvation and power

and the Kingdom of our God,

and the authority of his Christ.

For the accuser of our brothers and sisters

has been thrown down to earth—

the one who accuses them

before our God day and night.

And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb

and by their testimony.

And they did not love their lives so much

that they were afraid to die.

Therefore, rejoice, O heavens!

And you who live in the heavens, rejoice!

But terror will come on the earth and the sea,

for the devil has come down to you in great anger,

knowing that he has little time.” (Rev. 12:7-12, NLT)

Let me assure you, the Dragon didn’t lose gracefully. He is the posterchild of a poor loser.  No doubt, on his way out of heaven he looked back and said something like, “You haven’t heard the last of me! I’ll take your children with me. You’ll be sorry.  Just wait!” And so, the war began long ago. Whether we like it or not, sides are being taken.  Despite the agonies of this war, and they will only increase, the outcome is certain.  This war and its outcome will be our study for the coming quarter. The good news is that there is a survival guide! Let’s get started.

How to Survive

According to the news report of Revelation 12:7-12, those who survive do so by having a unique protection and by adopting an unusual strategy.  I thought it would be good before we get into discussing the specifics of this war that we first learn how to survive. I say this because knowing the survival tactics helps identify the kind of war we are facing.  Note carefully the following:

“And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb

and by their testimony.

And they did not love their lives so much

that they were afraid to die.”  (Rev. 12:11)

The survival tactics reveal that this is no ordinary war. Those who survive aren’t in love with themselves. They are, in fact, willing to die. So, staying alive on this earth isn’t what defines a winner!  We defeat the enemy by the sacrifice made by Jesus, the Lamb AND by our testimony.  Testimony about what?  Our love and allegiance to the Lamb!! This is enough about survival for now. Clearly this is a different kind of war.

How the War Got Started

As we saw, the survivors are those who are not in love with themselves. This hints that love of self may have been a key point in the origin of this war.  In fact, it was a factor.  The Bible pulls back the curtain, so we can peer into history.

“How you have fallen from heaven,

morning star, son of the dawn!

You have been cast down to the earth,

you who once laid low the nations!

You said in your heart,

“I will ascend to the heavens;

I will raise my throne

above the stars of God;

I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly,

on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon.

I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;

I will make myself like the Most High.” (Isa. 14:12-14)

“The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, say to the ruler of Tyre, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:

“‘In the pride of your heart

you say, “I am a god;

I sit on the throne of a god

in the heart of the seas.”

But you are a mere mortal and not a god,

though you think you are as wise as a god.” (Ezek. 28:1,2, NIV)

It is strange indeed but is it really?  Don’t most arguments, fights and wars begin with thinking that someone wants more, deserves more and demands more?  Pride fuels aggression and prevents repentance.  So it happened in heaven. Why?  I don’t know but neither did the Apostle Paul who called it “the mystery of iniquity.” (2 Thess. 2:7).

A Conspiracy in the Land

My computer dictionary defines conspiracy as: “a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful.”  This is exactly how the Bible describes strategy of this cosmic war: 

“Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring —those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.” (Rev. 12:17, NIV)

Are you noticing how things are beginning to come together?  Those who survive do so by their allegiance to the Lamb even if it costs them their lives. And here we discover that the Dragon takes his anger our on those who hold fast to Jesus.  Their testimony is revealed, the Bible says, by keeping God’s commands or commandments as the KJV puts it.

This cosmic war mentioned in Rev. 12:17 is spelled out in Revelation 13 and 14.  In both chapters a key element of contention is over the issue of worship!  This comes as no surprise because as we have seen in Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14, Satan’s desire is self-worship. Anything that gets in the way of this sparks an intense anger and even hatred. (Remember how this was played out with Cain and Able?).  The unmasking of the conspiracy is one of the key purposes of Bible prophecy.  Note the length the Dragon’s representative goes to quell a worship directed away from him.

“The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.”  Rev. 13:15-17

Indeed, a conspiracy!  The Dragon or Satan seeks to do harm to anyone or anything that reminds him of Jesus.  His own self-absorption fueled by selfish pride knows no limits of anger and destruction.  But the battle isn’t without a response!

The Lamb Speaks

My dictionary re conspiracy doesn’t stop there with overt actions of repression.  It also speaks of “a conspiracy of silence” which is defined as, “an agreement to say nothing about an issue that should be generally known.”  Indeed, silencing the “woman” (the Church) described in Rev. 12:17 is part of the strategy of conspiracy.  However, heaven is not silent, nor should we be!

Three angels or messengers from heaven are sent to all “who live on the earth” (14:6).  As you might have guessed, to counter the conspiracy the message that is announced focuses on worship. But worship of whom?  Note Revelation 14:7,

He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.” (NIV)

In doing so, the very heart of the 10 Commandments is raised to a unique prominence in the final days of this cosmic battle,

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” – Exodus 20:8-11

This battle is intense and lengthy. The third messenger from heaven shares an important bit of news that must not before gotten by those feeling the wrath of the Dragon:

“This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.”  Rev. 14:12.

The Lamb Rejoices and Brings Healing

The conspiracy’s deception has resulted not only in physical harm but spiritual harm as well.  Is it any wonder that those who have seen families and friends turn against them that a special healing is necessary!  The Lamb, whose blood was shared for His people, offers the very kind of healing needed,

He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.  Rev. 21:6,7.

The Conspiracy Ended

“The great controversy is ended.  Sin and sinners are no more.  The entire universe is clean.  One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation.  From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space.  From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love.” – The Great Controversy, p.678.

What a way to end the conspiracy!  What a revelation! What a declaration! What a truth needed today:  “God is love!”

TRAVEL REPORT: Dutch Caribbean Union (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacaos) March 2018

TRAVEL REPORT: Dutch Caribbean Union (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacaos)

March 2018

SLIDES/PICTURES:  https://cincopa.com/~AEEADOe1oIVe. [Be sure to click on the two small squares at the top right to get a full screen view of the pictures.]

At the invitation of the Dutch Caribbean Union Mission, I traveled to the three islands comprising the union: Curacao, Aruba and Bonaire.  We went to share with the leaders and members insights and strategies for implementing what we refer to as “Possibility Ministries”, also referred to as Special Needs Ministries. The response was very encouraging!   Fortunately, my wife, Carrie, was able to travel with me and that was indeed very special.  It was the first time either of had been to these islands. Each has its own unique characteristics although Aruba seems to attract more tourists. The timing was great.  We missed the bad storms that struck Maryland while we were gone. We exchanged the cold for tropical heat. Not a bad deal for us. Though the number of speaking appointments were many (about 12) we did have an hour to do some snorkel divining while in Bonaire. It was a fantastic experience!  We were given a superb tour of the islands by the Union Mission Secretary and Special Needs Ministries leader, Hans Ponte.

Curaçao | ˈk(y)o͝orəˌsou, ˈk(y)o͝orəˌsō | a self-governing territory of the Netherlands in the Caribbean Sea, 37 miles (60 km) north of the Venezuelan coast, formerly the largest island in the Netherlands Antilles; population 157,000 (estimated 2015); chief town, Willemstad. The union mission office is located on this island.

Aruba | əˈro͞obə | an island in the Caribbean Sea, close to the Venezuelan coast; population 104,000 (estimated 2015); capital, Oranjestad. Formerly part of the Netherlands Antilles, it separated in 1986 to become a self-governing territory of the Netherlands.

Bonaire | bəˈner | a self-governing territory of the Netherlands, formerly one of the two principal islands of the Netherlands Antilles (the other was Curaçao); chief town, Kralendijk; population 12,877 (2009).

Notes regarding some of the slides:

·      The pastel colors of the buildings was unique – beautiful!

·      Curacao Jewish Synagogue:  This synagogue has been in continuous use since 1732. However, it was established in 1651. The oldest active Jewish congregation in the Western Hemisphere.

·      Note the Jewish Synagogue’s sand floor.  Why a sand floor: (1) Modeled after the encampment in the Sinai during the 40 years of wandering on the way to the Promised Land. (2) A reminder of how forefathers put sand on floor of secret rooms to muffle sounds of services during the Inquisition. (3) To symbolize that God promised Abraham to multiply his seed as the sands of the seashore and the stars in the heavens! - Gen. 13:16)

·      Slave Rebellion:  A slave revolt took place in the Dutch colony of Curaçao in 1795, led by Tula, a local slave, and resulted in a month-long conflict on the island between escapees and the colonial government. The Dutch abolished slavery in 1863. Being a "brother" is different from being his "keeper." Reach Gen. 4:9 again . . . slowly. Read the preceding verses.  Are we being called to be a brother or a keeper?  What was Cain? What were the slaveholders? How do we relate to others?

As often is the case, I’m invited as a teacher but spend the majority of the time as a learner, a student at the feet of those who called me to teach.

Dutch Caribbean Union Mission--Statistics

·      2 Missions: Aruba, Bonaire

·      1 Conference: Curacao

Languages (Churches for each of following language groups):

·      Papiamento

·      Dutch

·      Spanish

·      English

·      French/Creole (Hatian)

Membership

·      Union – 9k

o   Curacao 7,700. (34 CHS 2 Groups)

o   Bonaire 300. (3 churches, 1 group)

o   Aruba 1,000 (8 churches 3 groups)

President-Union: Shurman Kook

Secretary: Hans Ponte

Treasurer: Daniel  Zuniga

Pres of Curacao: Shelwin Willems

Sec of Curacao:  Charlton Bruno

Treas: Claire Isidora

SNM Dir – Ramires Janzen

Pres of Bonaire: Surrandy Selassa

Sec of Bonaire:  Hans Ponte

Pres of Aruba: Martin Forbes

Sec/Treas: Mirugia Leocadia

SNM Dir:  Jerome Bevins

About 500 baptisms in union in 2017

Historic Special Needs Ministries Advisory for the Southern Asia Pacific Division

Dear Friends,

Here is yet another travel report--the last international trip for the year.  It has been a busy year. I believe we've traveled to 16 countries.  Some trips were for various leadership meetings but most were for Special Needs Ministries -- making way for inclusion of those who are too easily marginalized.  It seems our steps are small in comparison to the needs.  At the same time, it is amazing to see how the Lord is blessing -- far beyond what any human can take credit for.  Please pray for the efforts that the 13 world divisions are making.  It is a new day of awareness. We must not slacken our efforts.

Thank you,

Larry R Evans, DMin

Assistant to the President for Special Needs Ministries

General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Pictures/slides of the personnel can be seen at:  

https://cincopa.com/~AkPANE-q9_Sb

THE FIRST ADVISORY FOR SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRIES IN THE SOUTHERN ASIA PACIFIC DIVISION. Accompanying me on this historic trip was Elder Jeff Jordan, a pastor who is deaf serving in the GA-Cumberland Conference and serving as the  (Honorary) General Conference Associate Director for Adventist Deaf Ministries International. , His interpreter, Elder Thompson Kay, a professor at South Community College in Lincoln, Nebraska, author and . 

We are indeed grateful for the support of the division President, Elder Samuel Saw, who attended most of the advisory.  We so appreciated the work of Vice President for Special Needs Ministries, Elder Johnny Lubis.  It would be a terrible oversight if we did not mention the superb organizational work of Virgie Baloyo, the administrative assistant! 

Attending the training advisory were representatives of 7 unions (including 2 union presidents) and 2 attached missions. In total, 10 countries were represented. Also pictured is one of the two Sabbath services conducted in the Pasay church -- approximately 1000 attended. Special Needs Ministries conventions will follow next year in the Philippines and in Indonesia. Once again we were reminded of how important it is for division and union leadership to lend their support to this ministry. We could not ask for more support than what the division leadership in this division showed. The global "movement" continues!!

A HERITAGE TOUR OF HOPE

(The link to a pictorial gallery of this trip is at end.)

THROUGH THE WINDOWS OF HOPE--anticipating the Second Coming. I recently had the privilege of taking the Heritage New York & New England  Tour which was a reminder of the faith experience of our early pioneers. Seventh-day Adventists have long given emphasis to the Second Coming of Christ. We see ourselves as a movement of prophecy connected to the events described in Daniel 2 and 7-9 and Revelation 12-14.  Adventists represent a people who love Jesus and look for His soon return in the clouds. It is true that we cherish the Sabbath because it memorializes God's six-day creation of the world, Jesus' finished work on the cross, and righteousness by faith. The Sabbath is relevant in these days because it not only calls us back to worship the Creator and Redeemer but it is also a weekly reminder that God has a purpose for each person and that purpose begins to be fulfilled with a personal relationship with Him. That hope permeates our lives with a sense of certainty despite the uncertainty that threatens our world today.

One of the tour guides on this inspirational trip was Merlin Burt of Andrews University. In his book, entitled Adventist Pioneer Places: New York and New England, he wrote:

"First Samuel 4-7 tells the story of how God delivered Israel when they were spiritually backslidden from Him and were challenged by a most dangerous enemy. It begins with a terrible defeat when the ark of the covenant was captured by the Philistines and concludes with the establishment of a memorial stone named Ebenezer after their deliverance by a mighty act of God (1 Samuel 7:12). The word Ebenezer means 'stone of help.' This monumental stone reminded the children of Israel how God had delivered them from their enemies.  In many ways the historical sites and stories of God's leading described in this book are Ebenezers for those who are the spiritual descendants of the early Advent movement. They point to the mighty acts of God in the lives of people who, through weak and fallible, were used by God in remarkable ways to establish the Seventh-day Adventist Church that today circles the globe and includes many millions of people." (p. viii)

Today it is our desire, our mission, to share a hope that is greater than any disappointment, despair, or doomsday threat.  It was the Apostle Paul, who faced his times of distress and still wrote: "And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." (Romans 5:5, NLT) 

A PICTORIAL GALLERY OF THIS HERITAGE TRIP CAN BE VIEWED BY CLICKING ON THE FOLLOWING LINK: 

https://cincopa.com/~AYNARGu2Dyy5

Travel Report: 2017 Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal

August-September 2017

 

As a follow-up to our last travel report regarding Zimbabwe, you may find the article written by Andrew McChesney of Adventist Mission of special interest.  The article also includes a related report in Burundi, Africa.  Indeed, there is something taking place that is beyond human accomplishments. (Matt. 24:14) https://adventistmission.org/scores-of-disabled-people-accept-jesus-across-africa

Here are a few pictures of Lisbon, Portugal from our recent visit. Lisbon is the home of the devastating

 earthquake in 1755. I’ve include a few historic statements regarding Lisbon and the earthquake below.  The pictures from our visit can be seen by clicking on the following link

https://cincopa.com/~AQAAzHOzb8Uc

Lisbon & the 1755 the “Great Lisbon Earthquake”

(Wikipedia)

"Lisbon  is the capital and the largest city of Portugal.  It is the only Portuguese city besides Porto to be recognised as a global city. It is one of the major economic centres on the continent, with a growing financial sector and one of the largest container ports on Europe's Atlantic coast.  The city is the 7th-most-visited city in Southern Europe, after Rome, Barcelona, Madrid, Athens and Milan, with 1,740,000 tourists in 2009.

The 1755 Lisbon earthquake, also known as the Great Lisbon earthquake, occurred in the Kingdom of Portugal on Saturday, 1 November, the holy day of All Saints' Day, at around 09:40 local time.^[2] In combination with subsequent fires and a tsunami, the earthquake almost totally destroyed Lisbon and adjoining areas. Seismologists today estimate the Lisbon earthquake had a magnitude in the range 8.5–9.0.  Contemporary reports state that the earthquake lasted between three and a half and six minutes, causing fissures 5 metres (16 feet) wide to open in the city centre.  Survivors rushed to the open space of the docks for safety and watched as the water receded, revealing a sea floor littered with lost cargo and shipwrecks. Approximately 40 minutes after the earthquake, a tsunami engulfed the harbour and downtown area.  Estimates place the death toll in Lisbon alone between 10,000 and 100,000 people,^[5] making it one of the deadliest earthquakes in history.

This following statement from the book, The Great Controversy,p.305, by Ellen White,  comes after quoting Luke 21:25, Mark 13:24-26, Revelation 6:12.

“The shock” of the earthquake “was instantly followed by the fall of every church and convent, almost all the large public buildings, and more than one fourth of the houses. In about two hours after the shock, fires broke out in different quarters, and raged with such violence for the space of nearly three days, that the city was completely desolated. The earthquake happened on a holyday, when the churches and convents were full of people, very few of whom escaped.”—Encyclopedia Americana, art. “Lisbon,” note (ed. 1831). “The terror of the people was beyond description. Nobody wept; it was beyond tears. They ran hither and thither, delirious with horror and astonishment, beating their faces and breasts, crying, ‘Misericordia! the world’s at an end!,’” 

Then on page 309 are these words:  “But as the spirit of humility and devotion in the church had given place to pride and formalism, love for Christ and faith in His coming had grown cold. Absorbed in worldliness and pleasure seeking, the professed people of God were blinded to the Saviour’s instructions concerning the signs of His appearing. The doctrine of the second advent had been neglected; the scriptures relating to it were obscured by misinterpretation, until it was, to a great extent, ignored and forgotten.”

Such thoughts raced through my mind as we walked the old streets of Lisbon. Sobering reflections as we saw the remnants of the earthquake and a reminder of lessons to be remembered as we face so many natural disasters today.  A reminder of the soon coming of Jesus.

The Travel Report

I write from Lisbon, Portugal where I first attended a meeting for interpreters for the Deaf which was then  followed by an advisory meeting. An advisory is an orientation meeting for leaders of Deaf and Special Needs Ministries. The commitment and enthusiasm of the Inter-European Division Special Needs Director, Coraddo Cozzi, is making a difference in this part of the world. Teaming up with him were his able assistant, Taida Rivero and the coordinator in Portugal, Claudia Dias. Seven of the 10 unions were represented.   This is a major endorsement from this division when this many unions participate. I have yet to see Special Needs Ministries expand rapidly without the endorsement and support from both the unions and the division.  While we speak of a "grassroots movement", it takes the whole church for a movement to gain momentum.  There are signs a global movement is forming. Such meetings are needed.  There is such a   short supply of interpreters for the Deaf. In many places this need is beginning to be filled.

One highlight of our meetings in Portugal was a discussion regarding the unfortunate plight of thousands of orphans and vulnerable children.  Alarming are the reports of hundreds of children who suddenly disappear.  It is felt they have fallen to human trafficking (prostitution, etc) and the harvesting of human organs.  That reality is weighing heavily on me and others.  We cannot sit and not do more than we are.  What can we do?   We already have some excellent organizations working for orphans. We need to support them but we must also find ways of significantly expanding this ministry to halt the disappearance of other children.  Stay tuned.  This ministry must be more about possibility than disability. With God's help and yours it will be!

Travel Report: Brazil & Zimbabwe

August 2017

PICTURES Novo Tempo Media Center near Sao Paulo, Brazil https://cincopa.com/~AwFA-HeEFQuM

PICTURES of TRIP TO ZIMBABWE: https://cincopa.com/~AEIARBuu2Dsk

Brazil

The meeting near Sao Paulo, Brazil was the venue for this year’s Hope Channel’s Leadership/Managers’ Meeting.  I was included in the invitation because I am considered the manager for Hope Channel – Deaf which is one of the 46 different channels of Hope Channel.  Hope Channel – Deaf is an Internet channel (www.hopechanneldeaf.org), as opposed to a broadcast channel.  By being an internet channel makes it available anywhere in the world where there is Internet reception regardless of satellite reception.  Zimbabwe, for example is not able to receive the satellite coverage for Hope Channel but it can receive ours. We use what is called VOD or Video On Demand which means programs are not aired according to a schedule but according to the viewers wish or demand. You don’t have to be deaf to enjoy the channel. Try out the section on nature!

The meeting was held at the South American Division Hope Channel site which is called Novo Tempo.  It is by far the largest facility of the 46 channels.  The General Conference, the mother station, employs 26 individuals with just a few sets for television production, Novo Tempo employs 496 and soon to be over 500. There are 26 different sets from which programs are broadcast.  Novo Tempo is a multi-ministry facility which includes not only television and radio productions but also a large Bible school program. It is state-of-the-art facility and has a tremendous recognition and ministry throughout South America.  The networking with various personnel that I was able to do there clearly made the trip worthwhile.  Our own Hope Channel – Deaf will certainly benefit!!

Zimbabwe

I cut my time in Brazil a little to attend the Special Needs Camp Meeting in Zimbabwe. What a life-changing experience for me in so many ways. Just two years ago there was very little organized in the way of Special Needs Ministries.  With an emphasis coming from the General Conference, things began to change rapidly.  Division, union and local conference leadership accepted the challenge. When I arrived, and spoke that Thursday evening, the meeting hall was packed with 350-400 individuals—deaf, blind and many in wheelchairs.  What a beautiful sight!  We introduced the new recommended theme song, “Not Alone”, and what an experience to hear these Africans sing that song—a song that originated in Uganda and recorded by the Watato Children’s Choir (made up of all orphans). The division leader, Passmore Mulambo, union leader, Logan Masaiti , and the conference president, Godfrey Musara showed incredible leadership for this ministry.  The conference president, for example, has a conference membership of 190,000 yet he makes it his practice to worship with a special needs group somewhere in his conference once a month. His conference has 17 different camp meetings this year. I can’t say enough about the enthusiasm of all the leaders, including lay leaders. An interpreter for the deaf from Pretoria, South Africa, Zee Purdy Lee, attended and added much to the meetings.

The camp meeting was held on the school grounds of a government facility designed for special needs individuals.   On opening night the Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare for the country of Zimbabwe was present and gave some opening remarks. His remarks regarding the work of the Seventh-day Adventist Church were encouraging and inspiring.  My brief meeting with him was very positive and we spoke of working together in the future.  On Sabbath we had to move out of the hall that had been provided for us and into a tent that had been pitched on the school grounds.  The attendance on Sabbath was around 500!  I spoke about six times during the camp meeting.  I was asked to make an appeal for baptism after my Sabbath sermon. Forty had completed the Voice of Prophecy Bible Study Lessons. I made the call and 34 came forward for baptism!  I was overwhelmed with the response.  I had never experienced so many in “wheelchairs” come forward to an altar call. That afternoon 15 deaf, 10 in wheelchairs and 9 “able-bodied” were baptized,  Some of those in wheelchairs had no control of their legs or arms.  I was so moved by their experience.  Afterwards with beaming smiles, some shouted, “I’m baptized, I’m baptized, thank you Jesus.”  The impossible happened and they were visibly rejoicing.  In the midst of all the excitement, I paused.  Silently I prayed and thought, of all the uncertainties that I’ve faced over the last several years and now those uncertainties had a reason. I just couldn’t see why at the time. 

I must tell you about a special service –the last service of the camp meeting.  What an impression it made on all of us.. Three cakes were placed before three individuals: a blind person, a deaf person and a physically handicapped person. Each was asked to cut out a piece of the cake in front of them. A sighted person helped the blind, an interpreter explained to the deaf what to do, and the physically handicapped person (no use of either arms or legs) used the best resource he has--his mouth in which an able-bodied person assisted by placing the knife in his mouth. In each case a piece of the cake was cut. BUT IT DIDN'T STOP THERE! The sighted person fed the blind person the cake, the blind person fed the deaf person and the deaf and the physically handicapped person fed each other. No one was better than the other and each needed the other. The message was clear: we need each and each has been called to serve all. Surely, a powerful message for a world that disparages those often whom they call "disabled." The German philosopher Johann Gottfried Herder observed in the 18th century that we cannot know ourselves without a reference point outside of ourselves. Perhaps, just maybe that reference, in part, are those with special needs who illustrate so powerfully that they serve as mirrors of our own brokeness. I attended as a student and was reminded that I must remain a student and while there they were my teachers. (By clicking on each picture you can see more.)

A little expression that I’ve coined for myself and applied to many situations—both mine and others—was once again confirmed:  “Don’t try to conclude the writing of the book when God is still adding chapters!”  Heavy on my heart now is, “What about others!  What about those who are being marginalized all around the world because of their “disability.”  As we now say about this ministry, “Our mission is not about disability. It is about possibilities.”  Each one of these individuals with special needs has possibilities that the world often overlooks or ignores.  We are out to change that!!

Travel Report: The Alps of Italy, France and Switzerland

Family and Friends

[The link to the pictures is at the end.  I’ve placed the "nature" pictures up front and the “people” pictures at the end.  No doubt many of you will be most interested in the nature pictures.]

I am way behind with my travel reports – 15 countries so far this year and more to come.  While that is not a complaint, it is hard to keep up with the recording of all that has happened.  One point clearly stands out:  We have a wonderful God of creation – of the natural world but also in the world of people.  The pictures that I am sharing will have to tell most of the story.  The “2017 Field Conference on Faith and Science” was designed especially for General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist church administrators.  There were 48 of us which included some division presidents, secretaries, treasurers and some from the home headquarters of the General Conference (presidential and secretariat).  Some were able to bring their wives.  Carrie, my wife is caring for her sister who has a serious form of Leukemia and, at this point has been gone for 6 weeks with many more to come.  I am so thankful to have a wife who cares that deeply and is willing to help others.  In the meantime, I’m learning an awful lot about what make domestic life possible.  ☺

We were led in this exploration of the Alps of Italy, Switzerland and France by six scientists of the Geoscience Research Institute.  This was the second such field trip for me but the first outside the United States.  The beauty was just amazing.  The insights into the cataclysmic activity of long ago was humbling.  The power to move continents, mountains, glaciers, etc. is beyond comprehension.  The pictures only tell part of the story.  I for one, believe the Bible’s depiction yet each time I read the creation and flood account I learn new things and often I find myself challenging some things I thought I knew.  I have concluded that it is not wise to try to put God into a box or to hold him to the way we perceive things happening now. (Read carefully 2 Peter 3).

The field trip was educational to say the least!  Trying to absorb new terms, new concepts while still finding questions yearning for answers was exhausting but also exhilarating at times.  The comradery that developed among us leaders from around the world was so encouraging.  We each left with a strong belief in our Creator God who has never and will never abandon us. Spiritually I can resonate with a comment Jim Cymballa wrote in Fresh Faith, 

“Let us face the fact that God will never let us remain the way we are today.  That is the reason for this refining process in our lives.  We are all ‘under construction.’ . . . We only move ahead by losing some things.  God still adds by subtraction.  Communion with him is our greatest need—but there are a lot of hindrances to that, aren’t there?” (p.187)

My prayer for myself and for you is that whatever hindrance we face will be measured with the size of mountains and power that are represented in the Alps that I visited.  Surely, there is no obstacle that you and I face that is any bigger or more difficult to change than the mountains that were raised, moved and removed in that mountain range.  I keep thinking about what Cymbala said, “God still adds by subtraction” and that “we are all under construction.”  In the hands of the Creator we are safe.

You may view many (but not all) of the pictures I took while on this trip.  Be sure to click on the two little squares at the top to get the full screen effect.  You may advance at your own speed by hovering your mouse over the sides of the picture and clicking on the arrow.

https://cincopa.com/~AIAAQDOiG6Pi