IDEA EXCHANGE
Huffing and Puffing About . . .
I am writing regarding by Drs. Allan R. Handysides’ and Peter N. Landless’ article “Huffing and Puffing About Tobacco” (May 2012): Please think through what reaction we would expect if the Adventists en masse attacked the tobacco industry, and while we are at it, liquor industries, the pornography industry, and maybe, for good measure, politicians and the weather forecasters. Ellen G. White warns us that we are to be careful with our public words, lest they come back to bite us . . . when it is regulating worship and we are the receivers of “regulation.”
Julie Thomsen
United States
Following the Way of the Word
Ted N. C. Wilson’s article “Following the Way of the Word” (March 2012) was very timely. It emphasizes that we need not use the expedients of the emerging-church movement to keep the young in the faith—to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3), as in the survey conducted during 2010 by the General Conference’s Office of Assessment and Program Effectiveness. We have a sound theology, which is consistent and, most important, biblical. If young people use it, along with the methods of Christ, we will be ready for the mission, we will be ready for revival and reformation!
Kevin William Kossar
Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
Praise the Lord for “Following the Way of the Word.” This is truly a great obligation. Multiple thoughts come to mind that solicit my comments from the article, but I will refrain. One thing that is upon my heart is if Wilson can do this—namely, call for a meeting/communiqué with all the conference youth directors. This can take place once a year for him to encourage, give global perspective, offer mentorship, field questions, set forth the vision, etc. The article is wonderful, but how many movers and shakers will read this?
Vince Onkoba
Africa
Network of Nurture
I treasure Adventist World, and often go back and read previous issues. The article by Ted N. C. Wilson entitled “Network of Nurture” (December 2011) makes me want to comment on what he suggests: “Pay attention to younger people. Smile at them and say their name.”
Just yesterday my husband was recalling an experience he had with Neal Wilson when he was the president of the Egypt field and visiting Middle East College (university now) after the church service in which my husband, Minas, praised the Lord in a special song. He met Wilson at the cafeteria, and Wilson greeted him, saying, “How are you, Minas?” That meant a lot to Minas at that time and still does to this very day (my husband is in his 80s now). Minas appreciates Wilson taking special interest in him to know and to call him by name.
Our young people need a lot of such attention now. With all the attractions of the world, we have to show them such a way of caring and make our churches more attracting than the attractions of the world.
Kamly M.
Beirut, Lebanon
A Favorite
Adventist World is one of my favorite magazines. Our Makadara Seventh-day Adventist Church has been distributing copies to non-Adventists, and some of these people tell us that they are really blessed by it. It would be great to get the latest Adventist World magazines in good time. God bless.
Edwin Okiya
Makadara, Kenya
Adventist World arrives late in some parts of the world. It is shipped via ocean freight to keep overall costs low so that as many of our members as possible receive it monthly. We adjust our production schedule in order to accommodate the long shipping timelines. We are glad you receive and enjoy Adventist World, albeit a little late.
—Editors
Letters Policy: Please send to: letters@adventistworld.org. Letters must be clearly written, 100-word maximum. Include the name of the article and the date of publication with your letter. Also include your name, the town/city, state, and country from which you are writing. Letters will be edited for space and clarity. Not all letters submitted will be published.
Where in the World Is This?
Scroll to the bottom of this page for the answer!
"The church is to transform culture, not be guided by it."
—Pastor Kris Oberg, during a presentation at the 2010 General Conference session in Atlanta, Georgia, United States
top 3
The three risk factors most likely to lead to cancer:
1. inactivity
2. obesity
3. tobacco
Source: American Cancer Society/Vibrant Life
131 Years Ago
James S. White, husband of Ellen G. White and one of the cofounders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, died in Battle Creek, Michigan, on August 6, 1881.White reportedly was descended from those who sailed from England to America on the Mayflower, arriving in 1620. He was the fifth of nine children, and poor health prevented him from attending school until he was 19 years old. Altogether he received 29 weeks of formal education.
He published the first edition of Present Truth (the forerunner of Adventist Review and Adventist World) in 1849, and was the first editor of Signs of the Times (1874). He also served a total of 10 years as president of the General Conference.
Think About It!
When I was a pastor in South Dakota, United States, I had an interesting experience:
After church service one Sabbath, two visitors asked to talk to me privately. The first one said that this service was the most meaningful and enjoyable—and the church the friendliest—one she had been to for a long time.
The other person said that this was the coldest, most unfriendly church she had been to, and it was the worst Sabbath she’d had in months.
For a few moments I sat in my office, not sure what to think. Then I had a good laugh. Perhaps more than we realize, we create our own realities.
—Pastor Greg Wellman, British Coumbia, Canada
Do Good Feel GoodPerforming five acts of kindness a week can boost your happiness index by 40 percent. Plus, it’s free! Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
- Pick up litter.
- Listen to a friend or colleague.
- Let another car merge ahead of you in traffic.
Prayer & Praise
Please pray for my marriage. My husband and I are struggling to forgive and forget past mistakes and move on.
—Name withheld, United States
I have been sick for some time now. Medical doctors have done their part; now I want Jesus to touch me. He is the Great Physician.
—Jonathan, Nigeria
Please pray for my studies. I finally succeeded! Pray for my family’s financial situation as well.
—Nirina, Madagascar
Please pray for me to secure a job so our family can be financially stable.
—Joan, Kenya
I live in an area that has 14 political districts and only two branch Sabbath schools and three organized churches. I love to preach. Please pray for our FM radio station.
—Obuli, Uganda
I need help registering my company. Because of rampant corruption, I need God’s help.
—Name Withheld, Zambia
50 WORDS OR LESS
My Favorite...Bible Character
♦ Hosea knew what would happen after he married Gomer, yet he was obedient to God. Even though Gomer was unfaithful, he took her back because of his love for her. From Hosea’s own heartbreak he gained insight into God’s over human faithlessness. In Hosea’s story I see God’s unfathomable love for us.
—Dana, Southampton, Bermuda
♦ I like Jacob’s son Joseph. Although he had a life of ups and downs, he continued to represent his God well. In the end it was clear that God had a plan for him all along. It encourages me to keep faith in God through trials.
—Mirlene Andre, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
♦ The determination and faith of Esther inspire me every day. She is an example for us women. Although she had lovely outward beauty, she was firm in her principles, she made wise decisions, and she was willing to defend her people and testify about her God.
—Lucila, Taquara, Brazil
Next time, tell us in 50 words or less about your favorite hymn. Send your response to: letters@AdventistWorld.org. Put in the subject line “50 Words or Less.” Be sure to include the city and country from which you are writing.
ANSWER: In Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are church members and part of the radio equipment from the Bethlehem Seventh-day Adventist Church. Every Saturday night from 9:00 to 10:00 they broadcast the Sharing Hope program. It can be heard on www.adventistaescobar.com.ar/CompEsp.htm. From left: Gabriela, Jorge Fernando (owner of the radio), Rosita, Marcelo, and Adela.
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